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Article
Publication date: 3 July 2023

Vishal Ashok Wankhede, Rohit Agrawal, Anil Kumar, Sunil Luthra, Dragan Pamucar and Željko Stević

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are gaining significant importance in the current environment. Many businesses are keen to adopt SDGs to get a competitive edge. There are…

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are gaining significant importance in the current environment. Many businesses are keen to adopt SDGs to get a competitive edge. There are certain challenges in realigning the present working scenario for sustainable development, which is a primary concern for society. Various firms are adopting sustainable engineering (SE) practices to tackle such issues. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that can help the ineffective adoption of sustainable practices in an uncertain environment. In this regard, there is a need to review the current research practices in the field of SE in AI. The purpose of the present study is to comprehensive review the research trend in the field of SE in AI.

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents a review of AI applications in SE for decision-making in an uncertain environment. SCOPUS database was considered for shortlisting the articles. Specific keywords on AI, SE and decision-making were given, and a total of 127 articles were shortlisted after implying inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Findings

Bibliometric study and network analyses were performed to analyse the current research trends and to see the research collaboration between researchers and countries. Emerging research themes were identified by using structural topic modelling (STM) and were discussed further.

Research limitations/implications

Research propositions corresponding to each research theme were presented for future research directions. Finally, the implications of the study were discussed.

Originality/value

This work presents a systematic review of articles in the field of AI applications in SE with the help of bibliometric study, network analyses and STM.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 March 2022

Huimin Li, Chenchen Xu, Yongchao Cao and Chengyi Zhang

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it explores the influencing factors of the government’s trust decision-making in the private sector; second, it explores how these…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it explores the influencing factors of the government’s trust decision-making in the private sector; second, it explores how these influencing factors affect the government’s trust decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was established, and a questionnaire survey was conducted among 152 professionals. The collected datas were analyzed by the structural equation modeling (SEM) method.

Findings

The study identified four critical factors that influence the government’s decision to trust the private sector in public-private-partnership (PPP) projects. All the four factors have a positively correlated impact on the government’s trust decision-making. The structural equation path analysis shows that the most important factor affecting the government’s trust decision-making is the trustee’s (private sector) trustworthy characteristics, and the path coefficient is 0.92. The path coefficients of risk perception and the trustor’s trust tendency are 0.83 and 0.74, respectively. The influence of the legal system environment on government trust decision-making is moderate, with a path coefficient of 0.68.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in two aspects. First, the factors influencing decision-making to government trust in the private sector in PPP projects have been identified. Second, a comprehensive view of the mechanism of government trust in the private sector in PPP projects has been theorized by the SEM method.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Bahareh Nikmehr, Bidur Kafle and Riyadh Al-Ameri

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in concrete. It is vital as the old paste attached to the RCA weakens its structure. It is due to the porous structure of the RCA with cracks, weakening the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the RCA and binding material, negatively impacting the concrete's properties. To this end, various methods for reinforcement of the RCA, cleaning the RCA's old paste and enhancing the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification are studied in terms of environmental effects, cost and technical matters. Furthermore, this research sought to identify gaps in knowledge and future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of the relevant journal papers revealed that various methods exist for improving the properties of RCAs and RCA-based concrete. A decision matrix was developed and implemented for ranking these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Findings

The identified methods for reinforcement of the RCA include accelerated carbonation, bio deposition, soaking in polymer emulsions, soaking in waterproofing admixture, soaking in sodium silicate, soaking in nanoparticles and coating with geopolymer slurry. Moreover, cleaning the RCA's old paste is possible using acid, water, heating, thermal and mechanical treatment, thermo-mechanical and electro-dynamic treatment. Added to these treatment techniques, using RCA in saturated surface dry (SSD) mixing approaches and adding fibres or pozzolana enhance the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification. The study ranked these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria. Ultimately, adding fibres, pozzolana and coating RCA with geopolymer slurry were introduced as the best techniques based on the nominated criteria.

Practical implications

The study supported the need for better knowledge regarding the existing treatment techniques for RCA improvement. The outcomes of this research offer an understanding of each RCA enrichment technique's importance in environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Originality/value

The practicality of the RCA treatment techniques is based on economic, environmental and technical specifications for rating the existing treatment techniques.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2023

Claudia Susana Gómez López and Karla Susana Barrón Arreola

This study aims to examine the relationship between the environment and tourism flows, as well as the economic variables of the 32 states of Mexico for the period 1999–2019 based…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the environment and tourism flows, as well as the economic variables of the 32 states of Mexico for the period 1999–2019 based on data availability. The related literature studying tourism and environmental impacts is scarce at a national level, with most of them being local case studies. Some international studies find that if the relationship exists, it is weak or nonexistent, using CO2 as a proxy in most cases.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses panel data and cointegration panel methodologies, while also using geographic information systems to observe the distribution of variables at a state level between tourism and environmental variables.

Findings

The findings of the study are as follows: state gross domestic product, the inertia of environmental variables (i.e. volume of water treatment and solid waste), occupied rooms (proxy variable for tourism activity) and average temperature have an impact on the contemporary evolution of environmental variables; national and international tourist variables have no impact on the environment; the panels are integrated in such a way that there is a long-term equilibrium between states and some environmental care variables; and no conclusive evidence is found regarding the impact of tourism activity on the considered environmental variables.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations and areas of opportunity of the work refer to the amount of data available over time and the precision of the measurement of the variables. The availability, temporality and frequency of the data are also limitations of the research. An example of this is the nonexistence of CO2 emissions at the state level. Additionally, studying other countries and regions for which there are limitations of data and applied studies is also a challenge.

Practical implications

The results are important for economies (in growth) and societies whose economic growth depends on tourism flows and have done little to reverse the damage that tourism has on the environment.

Social implications

The models can contribute to study the relation between tourism and environmental variables and could be extended to regions, states and provinces for decision-making on actions to be taken for the present and future.

Originality/value

The originality of the research is innovative for the region: Mexico, Central and Latin America. There are no works that have studied these problems with this methodology and these variables. In terms of originality, the classic models of panel data and cointegration of panel data are useful and easily replicable for others to use for different countries. The results are relevant because there is apparently no relationship between tourism and some environmental variables in the short run, but there exists a weak and strong long-run relation between some of them.

设计/方法/方法

本研究采用面板数据和协整面板模型方法, 同时利用地理信息系统(gis)观察州一级层面旅游和环境方面的变量分布。

目的

本研究根据数据可用性, 研究了墨西哥32个州1999–2019年期间环境与旅游流量及经济变量之间的关系。在国家层面上研究旅游与环境影响的相关文献很少, 而且大多是地方的个案研究。一些国际研究发现, 即使有这种关系, 大多数案例中使用二氧化碳作为替代变量, 这种关系也是很弱或不存在。

调查结果

i)国家国内生产总值, 环境变量的惯性(即水处理量和固体废物量), 占用的房间(旅游活动的代理变量)和平均温度对环境变量的现有演化有影响。ii)国内和国际旅游变量对环境没有影响。iii)面板数据以这样一种方式集成, 即国家和一些环境变量之间存在一种长期平衡。iv)关于旅游活动对所考虑的环境变量的影响没有确凿的证据。

研究局限/启示

这项工作的主要局限和机会领域是指随着时间的推移可获得的数据量和变量测量的精度。数据的可用性、时效性和频率也是本研究的局限性。这方面的一个例子是在州一级不存在二氧化碳排放。此外, 由于数据和应用研究的局限, 研究其他国家和地区也是一个挑战。

实际意义

研究结果对经济增长依赖旅游业流量的经济体和社会具有重要意义, 这些经济体和社会对扭转旅游业对环境的破坏方面做得还不够。

社会影响

这些模型有助于研究旅游业与环境变量之间的关系, 并可推广到地区、州和省, 以制定当前和未来的行动决策。

创意/价值

这项研究的原创性对该地区(墨西哥、中美洲和拉丁美洲)来说是具有创新性的。没有人用这种方法和这些变量研究过这些问题。就原创性而言, 面板数据和面板数据协整的经典模型是有用的且易于复制, 可供其他国家使用。 研究结果具有一定的相关性, 因为旅游业与部分环境变量在短期内不存在明显的相关性, 但在它们中的一些变量在长期内存在着或强或弱的相关性。

Propósito

Se examina la relación entre medio ambiente y flujos turísticos, así como variables económicas de los 32 estados de México para el período 1999-2019 basado en la disponibilidad de datos. La literatura relacionada que estudia el turismo y los impactos ambientales es escasa a nivel nacional, siendo la mayoría de ellos estudios de casos locales. Estudios internacionales encuentran que, si la relación existe, es débil o inexistente, utilizando el CO2 como un indicador en la mayoría de los casos.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se utilizaron metodologías de datos de panel y cointegración de panel, además sistemas de información geográfica para observar la distribución de variables a nivel estatal.

Resultados

i) El Producto Interno Bruto Estatal, la inercia de las variables ambientales (es decir, volumen de tratamiento de agua y residuos sólidos), habitaciones ocupadas (proxy de la actividad turística) y temperatura promedio tienen un impacto en la evolución contemporánea de las variables ambientales, ii) las variables turísticas nacionales e internacionales no tienen un impacto en el medio ambiente, iii) los paneles están integrados de tal manera que existe un equilibrio a largo plazo entre turismo, crecimiento económico y algunas variables ambientales, y iv) no se encuentra evidencia concluyente con respecto al impacto de la actividad turística en las variables ambientales consideradas.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

Las principales limitaciones y áreas de oportunidad del trabajo se refieren a la cantidad de datos disponibles en el tiempo y a la precisión de la medición de las variables. La disponibilidad, temporalidad y frecuencia de los datos también son limitaciones de la investigación. Un ejemplo de ello es la inexistencia de emisiones de CO2 a nivel estatal. Además, el estudio de otros países y regiones para los que existen limitaciones de datos y estudios aplicados también es un reto.

Implicaciones prácticas

Los resultados son importantes para las economías (en crecimiento) y las sociedades cuyo crecimiento económico depende de los flujos turísticos y que han hecho poco por invertir los daños que el turismo produce en el medio ambiente.

Implicaciones sociales

Los modelos pueden contribuir a estudiar la relación entre el turismo y las variables medioambientales y podrían extenderse a regiones, estados y provincias para la toma de decisiones sobre las acciones a emprender para el presente y el futuro.

Originalidad/valor

El artículo proporciona un análisis innovador y exploratorio hacia una perspectiva futura que agrega valor al turismo y la planificación para la sostenibilidad. La relación entre turismo y medio ambiente se ha estudiado durante varios años. La UNTWO ha abordado las consecuencias del turismo en el medio ambiente, particularmente, más basura, mayor consumo de agua, emisiones de CO2 y otros aspectos. Pocos trabajos estudian la relación entre estas variables.

La originalidad de la investigación es innovadora para la región: México, América Central y América Latina. No existen trabajos que hayan estudiado estos problemas con esta metodología y estas variables.

En términos de originalidad, los modelos clásicos de datos de panel y cointegración de datos de panel son útiles y fácilmente replicables para que otros los utilicen en diferentes países.

Los resultados son relevantes porque aparentemente no hay una relación entre el turismo y algunas variables ambientales a corto plazo, existe una relación débil y fuerte a largo plazo entre algunas de ellas.

Expert briefing
Publication date: 22 April 2024

The capital obtains almost all of its water from rainfall, rather than from subterranean aquifers. Concerns are mounting over water security as increasing temperatures and longer…

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB286560

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 17 October 2022

Maryam Gholami, Amir Hossein Mahvi, Fahimeh Teimouri, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Abbasali Jafari Nodoushan, Sara Jambarsang and Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian

This paper aims to study the application of high-tolerance and flexible indigenous bacteria and fungi, along with the co-metabolism in recycled paper and cardboard mill (RPCM…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the application of high-tolerance and flexible indigenous bacteria and fungi, along with the co-metabolism in recycled paper and cardboard mill (RPCM) wastewater treatment (WWT).

Design/methodology/approach

The molecular characterization of isolated indigenous bacteria and fungi was performed by 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively. Glucose was used as a cometabolic substrate to enhance the bioremediation process.

Findings

The highest removal efficiency was achieved for both chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color [78% COD and 45% color removal by Pseudomonas aeruginosa RW-2 (MZ603673), as well as approximately 70% COD and 48% color removal by Geotrichum candidum RW-4 (ON024394)]. The corresponding percentages were higher in comparison with the efficiency obtained from the oxidation ditch unit in the full-scale RPCM WWT plant.

Originality/value

Indigenous P. aeruginosa RW-2 and G. candidum RW-4 demonstrated effective capability in RPCM WWT despite the highly toxic and low biodegradable nature, especially with the assistance of glucose.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 April 2023

Salim Ahmed, Khushboo Kumari and Durgeshwer Singh

Petroleum hydrocarbons are naturally occurring flammable fossil fuels used as conventional energy sources. It has carcinogenic, mutagenic properties and is considered a hazardous…

1972

Abstract

Purpose

Petroleum hydrocarbons are naturally occurring flammable fossil fuels used as conventional energy sources. It has carcinogenic, mutagenic properties and is considered a hazardous pollutant. Soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons adversely affects the properties of soil. This paper aim to remove pollutants from the environment is an urgent need of the hour to maintain the proper functioning of soil ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The ability of micro-organisms to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons makes it possible to use these microorganisms to clean the environment from petroleum pollution. For preparing this review, research papers and review articles related to petroleum hydrocarbons degradation by micro-organisms were collected from journals and various search engines.

Findings

Various physical and chemical methods are used for remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons contaminants. However, these methods have several disadvantages. This paper will discuss a novel understanding of petroleum hydrocarbons degradation and how micro-organisms help in petroleum-contaminated soil restoration. Bioremediation is recognized as the most environment-friendly technique for remediation. The research studies demonstrated that bacterial consortium have high biodegradation rate of petroleum hydrocarbons ranging from 83% to 89%.

Social implications

Proper management of petroleum hydrocarbons pollutants from the environment is necessary because of their toxicity effects on human and environmental health.

Originality/value

This paper discussed novel mechanisms adopted by bacteria for biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation pathways, genes and enzymes involved in petroleum hydrocarbons biodegradation.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2024

Carmelita Wenceslao Amistad and Daryl Ace Cornell

This study aims to determine the effects of lodging infrastructure development (LID) on Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) environmental quality and natural resource…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effects of lodging infrastructure development (LID) on Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) environmental quality and natural resource management and its implication to globally responsible leadership. Specifically, this study sought to determine the contribution of LID to environmental deterioration and natural resource degradation in the CAR. As a result, a mathematical model is developed, which supports sustainability practices to maintain the environmental quality and natural resource management in CAR, Philippines.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a descriptive research design using a mixed-methods approach. Self-structured interview and survey were used to gather the data. The population of this study involved three groups. There were 6.28% (34) experts in the field for the qualitative data, 70.24% (380) respondents for the quantitative data and 23.47% (127) from the lodging establishments. 120 respondents from the Department of Tourism – CAR (DOT-CAR) accredited hotels. Nonparametric and nonlinear regression analysis was used to process the data.

Findings

The effects of LID on the environmental quality and natural resource management in CAR as measured through carbon emission from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity and water consumption in the occupied guest rooms revealed a direct correlation between the LID. Findings conclude that the increase in tourist arrival is a trigger factor in the increase in LID in the CAR. The increase in LID implies a rise in carbon emission in the lodging infrastructure. Any increase in tourist arrivals increases lodging room occupancy; the increased lodging room occupancy contributes to carbon emissions. Thus, tourism trends contribute to the deterioration of the environmental quality and degradation of the natural resources in the CAR. A log-log model shows the percentage change in the average growth of tourist arrival and the percentage increase in carbon emissions. Establishments should observe standard room capacity to maintain the carbon emission of occupied lodging rooms at a minimum. Responsible leadership is a factor in the implementation of policy on standard room capacity.

Practical implications

The result of the study has some implications for the lodging businesses, the local government unit (LGU), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the CAR. The study highlights the contribution of the lodging establishments to CO2 emission, which can degrade the quality of the environment, and the implication of responsible leadership in managing natural resources in the CAR. The direct inverse relationship between energy use and CO2 emission in hotels indicates that increased energy consumption leads to environmental degradation (Ahmad et al., 2018). Therefore, responsible leadership among policymakers in the lodging and government sectors – LGU, DOT and DENR – should abound in the CAR. Benchmarking on the model embarked from this study can help in designing and/or enhancing the policy on room capacity standardization, considering the total area with its maximum capacity to keep the carbon emission at a lower rate. Furthermore, as a responsible leader in the community, one should create programs that regulate the number of tourists visiting the place to decrease the number of overnight stays. Besides, having the political will to implement reduced room occupancy throughout the lodging establishments in CAR can help reduce the carbon emissions from the lodging businesses. After all, one of the aims of the International Environment Protection Organization is to reduce CO2 emissions in the tourism industry. Hence, responsible leadership in environmental quality preservation and sustainable natural resource management must help prevent and avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Originality/value

Most studies about carbon emission in the environment tackle about carbon dioxide emitted by transportation and factories. This study adds to the insights on the existing information about the carbon emission in the environment from the lodging establishments through the use of LPG, electricity and water consumption in the occupied guest rooms. The findings of the study open an avenue for globally responsible leadership in sustaining environmental quality and preservation of natural resources by revisiting and amending the policies on the number of room occupancy, guidelines and standardization, considering the total lodging area with its maximum capacity to keep the carbon emission at a minimum, thus contributing to the lowering of GHG emissions from the lodging industry.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2023

Ngatindriatun Ngatindriatun, Muhammad Alfarizi and Rafialdo Arifian

This study aims to explore the empirical correlation between patient flow issues, quality of green health services and patient satisfaction in specialist medical department…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the empirical correlation between patient flow issues, quality of green health services and patient satisfaction in specialist medical department factors from patients’ perspectives as service consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a type of nonintervention empirical research that uses an open survey to explore the views and experiences of users of specialist medical department services. The targeted population is hospital patients included in the top five national PERSI (Indonesian Hospital Association) Award 2022 Green Hospital Category, with a total number of respondents of 572 people. This study uses the partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis method with the SmartPLS application.

Findings

Patient flow problems generally affect the quality of eco-friendly health services, except for the waiting time problem, which affects service quality. It should be understood as a top priority for patients to receive services from medical specialists without risking time as a core service aspect from the patient’s perspective. In addition, all variables in eco-friendly hospital services affect patient satisfaction, except in the case of visits to specialist medical departments, which do not affect medical support services and hospital practices that are responsive to the delivery of care services resulting from medical support services that are inseparable in integrated services as well as health care following medical ethics.

Originality/value

This study has a novelty in understanding the implications of green practice in determining patient satisfaction in medical specialist department as the epicenter of hospital services and the main object of assessment for the quality of hospital services.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2022

Mariana Alvarenga, Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra, Felipe Fernandez, Ricardo Lemos Thomé, Ivone Junges, Nei Nunes and José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra

This study aims to propose an integrated model involving concepts of sustainability and social innovation (SI) in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose an integrated model involving concepts of sustainability and social innovation (SI) in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, the authors were able to systematize sustainability and SI knowledge, in an integrated manner. Hence, the authors sought to develop a theoretical model that would integrate categories, indicators and sub-indicators, to review initiatives in HEIs in the sustainability and SI domains. The results indicated four major categories: mission, vision and values; curriculum; campus; and healthy environment. The integrated model was applied and validated in a Brazilian educational group, using the main corporate reports as data sources.

Findings

For the educational group analyzed in this study, the themes of sustainability and SI are explicitly and implicitly expressed in the mission, vision and values category. In the curriculum category, these themes are presented through the contents of cross-disciplines in all undergraduate courses, and also through outreach activities, integrating sustainability and SI in a theoretical and/or practical way. Regarding the campus category, the mention is explicit and the HEI works with initiatives aimed at achieving a “green” campus. In the healthy environment category, the educational group studied gives priority to the establishment of a safe and healthy work environment, focusing on labor rights and relations with society.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the advancement of research on the promotion of sustainability and SI in HEIs, proposing an innovative integrated model of analysis for the topics covered.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

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