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1 – 10 of 12
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2009

Zhang Feifei, Cai Jianming and Liu Gang

In Beijing, urban agriculture (UA) experienced a corkscrew development with its role changing in decades: It has evolved from the purely production mode to multi-functional urban…

Abstract

In Beijing, urban agriculture (UA) experienced a corkscrew development with its role changing in decades: It has evolved from the purely production mode to multi-functional urban agriculture, fulfilling both social and ecological demands. At present, the practice of UA as well as the number of rural to urban migrants is growing rapidly in peri-urban Beijing. Through Multi-stakeholder Process for Action planning and Policy Design (MPAP) methodology and four in-depth case studies, we can see that UA activities are playing very important roles in reshaping peri-urban Beijing. Socially, UA induces the emergence of new migrant communities. While migrants rebuild their social network, they are changed by the city as well, which has also changed the local community. The new comers are on their way to creating a new balance. Physically, urban and peri-urban farmland limits urban sprawl, supplies agricultural products for everyday life, and reserves urban green spaces for recreation and leisure for citizens in Beijing, which has changed the landscape and land use and land cover (LUCC) pattern greatly. Under Beijing's land policy, the concentric configuration spatial allocation through multi-functional UA is formed, which at the same time due to migrants' UA activities are creating harmful and low efficient land use pattern which should be of concern.

Details

Open House International, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2020

Zhe Cheng, Yongjian Ke, Zhenshan Yang, Jianming Cai and Huanming Wang

As an innovation model for infrastructure and public service delivery, public–private partnership (PPP) has been widely adopted around the world. The knowledge spillover effect…

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Abstract

Purpose

As an innovation model for infrastructure and public service delivery, public–private partnership (PPP) has been widely adopted around the world. The knowledge spillover effect and policy diffusion mechanism have played an important role in promoting the development of PPP in the context of globalization. A comparative evaluation of the policy and management of PPP in different countries will help to understand the development of PPP, provide decision-making reference for PPP policy embedded with specific national conditions of each country, and also contribute to the global PPP knowledge body.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the principle of comparability and representativeness, this study selected three countries, namely, China, India, and the United Kingdom for comparative analysis. This study first introduced the policy process and key institutions of PPP in three countries. Secondly, a comparative analysis of the development characteristics and application of PPP was conducted based on the official database of three countries. Finally, the differences, influencing factors and development trends of international PPP development were analyzed based on the comparative research results, and suggestions for PPP policy and management were put forward.

Findings

The research results indicate the development fluctuation and unbalanced spatial distribution of PPPs are a common phenomenon in the three countries. The UK has a significant impact on the policy and development of PPP in other countries. However, under the combined influence of factors such as economic, urbanization, political regime and social culture, there are significant differences in the PPP institution, application, and project characteristics in various countries. Due to international exchanges and knowledge spillovers, as well as the promotion of intermediaries, the development of PPP worldwide tends to converge.

Practical implications

Through conducting an international comparison of PPPs based on project data, this study provides a detailed and visualized overview of PPPs and a better understanding of PPP policy and management in different countries. The findings will be of interest to PPP investors, officers, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and analysts. It enriches the portrait of global PPP market research, helps governments to improve the design of PPP institutions and policies, and provides references for decision-making of international investors when stepping into a new market.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to systematically compare and analyze the global PPP difference and development trend based on PPP project databases of different countries. Different from previous PPP comparative research based on perception data, the project data-based comparative analysis in this study is helpful to understand the characteristics, interrelations, and trends of global PPP development and enrich the existing PPP knowledge body. This study also proposes that it is possible to establish a global PPP knowledge community in the context of globalization and global production network.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2018

Lin Gaorui, Wang Fei and Mi Qingzhi

The Qingcheng County, where the ancient city wall is located, has rich regional cultural heritage. This ancient city wall is an important symbol for exhibiting the regional…

Abstract

The Qingcheng County, where the ancient city wall is located, has rich regional cultural heritage. This ancient city wall is an important symbol for exhibiting the regional historical culture of Qingcheng. However, urban expansionary construction activities, environment chaos, and other issues have led to the destruction of the main part of the Qingcheng Ancient City Wall. Previous strategies for historical and cultural heritage Preservation planning emphasize rigidity and disregard resilience in protecting cultural heritage and the environment. On the basis of an analysis of the built environment of the Qingcheng Ancient City Wall, this study gains insights into the three aspects, namely, land use, road traffic, and municipal and disaster prevention in frastructure of the old city proper where the ancient city wall is located. A planning strategy that integrates an ordered control of land development, highly efficient and compound road traffic, synergetic municipal administration, and sound disaster-preventing infrastructure is formed according to cognitive results.

Details

Open House International, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2010

Jianming Guo and Liang Liu

The purpose of this paper is to improve the D* algorithm which has been used usually in robotics for mobile robot navigation in unknown or dynamic environments.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the D* algorithm which has been used usually in robotics for mobile robot navigation in unknown or dynamic environments.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the model of 2D workspace with some obstacles is expressed in regularity grids. The optimal path is planned by using the improved D* algorithm by searching in the neighbor grid cells in 16 directions. It makes the robot that the smallest turning angle drops to π/8. The robot moving angle discrete precision is raised and the unnecessary cost of path planning is reduced so the robot motion path is smoother. Then, the improved D* algorithm is simulated in MOBOTSIM software environment and is tested by the WiRobotX80 mobile robot.

Findings

To search in the neighbor grid cells in 16 directions instead of eight directions by using D* algorithms for path planning.

Research limitations/implications

The map should be expressed in regularity grids.

Originality/value

The improved D* algorithm is effective and it can result in a higher quality path than the conventional D* algorithm at the same map environment.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 20 January 2021

Yao Lixia

Abstract

Details

Energy Security in Times of Economic Transition: Lessons from China
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-465-4

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2020

Jiahong He

With the analysis of the causes of corruption, this study aims to investigate specific anti-corruption measures that can be implemented to reform the political system and the…

Abstract

Purpose

With the analysis of the causes of corruption, this study aims to investigate specific anti-corruption measures that can be implemented to reform the political system and the social climate of China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 97 severe corruption cases of high-ranking officials in China, which occurred between 2012 and 2015. As this insinuates that both institutional and social corruption are major problems in China, the analysis delves into multiple facts of corruption, including different types, four primary underlying causes, and suggestions regarding the implementation of three significant governmental shifts that focus on investigation, prevention tactics and legal regulations.

Findings

China’s corruption is not only individual-based but also it has developed into institutional corruption and social corruption. Besides human nature and instinct, the causes of corruption can be organised into four categories, namely, social customs, social transitions, institutional designs and institutional operations. For the removed high-ranking officials, the formation of interest chains was an important underlying cause behind their corruption.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because this study provides a well-rounded approach to a complex issue by highlighting the significance of democracy and the rule of law as ways to regulate human behaviour to combat future corruption.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 January 2025

Yanhua Xie, Yimin Yang and Lulu Yang

By exploring the impact of digital knowledge resources (DKR) on the carbon emission intensity of the pig industry (PCEI), this study aims to reveal the role of DKR in reducing…

Abstract

Purpose

By exploring the impact of digital knowledge resources (DKR) on the carbon emission intensity of the pig industry (PCEI), this study aims to reveal the role of DKR in reducing PCEI.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on provincial panel data in China from 2011 to 2021, this study uses the entropy and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change coefficient methods to calculate the evaluation index system of DKR and PCEI, respectively. Empirical analysis using a panel fixed-effects model examines the influence of DKR on PCEI and its underlying mechanisms.

Findings

DKR can significantly reduce PCEI. This conclusion still holds even after undergoing endogeneity treatment and a series of robustness tests. Mechanism test results indicate that DKR can operate indirectly through the mediation mechanism of rural human capital (RHC) and pig breeding technology innovation (PTI), while environmental regulation intensity (ERI) plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between DKR and PCEI. The magnitude of the impact of DKR on PCEI depends on ERI. Further studies found that the impact of DKR on PCEI has obvious heterogeneity characteristics, and the promotion effect is more obvious in regions with good integration degrees and high development potential.

Practical implications

This paper divides DKR into three dimensions: digital technology knowledge (DTK), digital management knowledge (DMK) and digital application knowledge (DAK), providing a new framework for research and enriching the understanding of the relationship between DKR and PCEI. Furthermore, the research results reveal the application potential of DKR in the pig industry, particularly in terms of resource allocation efficiency. This is of great significance for promoting low-carbon development in the pig industry and provides insights for the low-carbon transformation of other industries. In addition, the study emphasizes the moderating effect of ERI on the mechanism of carbon reduction in the pig industry through DKR. This offers a new perspective for understanding the relationship between knowledge management and environmental governance, providing a reference basis for policy formulation in related fields.

Originality/value

This paper further enriches the role of DKR in the livestock industry. Integrating DKR with traditional industries promotes knowledge innovation, information distribution and utilization and scientific decision-making. This has significant value in promoting the development and application of carbon reduction technologies, enhancing industrial competitive advantages, and other aspects.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 February 2020

Nove E. Variant Anna and Endang Fitriyah Mannan

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the publication of big data in the library from Scopus database by looking at the writing time period of the papers, author's country, the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the publication of big data in the library from Scopus database by looking at the writing time period of the papers, author's country, the most frequently occurring keywords, the article theme, the journal publisher and the group of keywords in the big data article. The methodology used in this study is a quantitative approach by extracting data from Scopus database publications with the keywords “big data” and “library” in May 2019. The collected data was analysed using Voxviewer software to show the keywords or terms. The results of the study stated that articles on big data have appeared since 2012 and are increasing in number every year. The big data authors are mostly from China and America. Keywords that often appear are based on the results of terminology visualization are including, “big data”, “libraries”, “library”, “data handling”, “data mining”, “university libraries”, “digital libraries”, “academic libraries”, “big data applications” and “data management”. It can be concluded that the number of publications related to big data in the library is still small; there are still many gaps that need to be researched on the topic. The results of the research can be used by libraries in using big data for the development of library innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The Scopus database was accessed on 24 May 2019 by using the keyword “big data” and “library” in the search box. The authors only include papers, which title contain of big data in library. There were 74 papers, however, 1 article was dropped because of it not meeting the criteria (affiliation and abstract were not available). The papers consist of journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, editorial and review. Then the data were extracted into excel and analysed as follows (by the year, by the author/s’s country, by the theme and by the publisher). Following that the collected data were analysed using VOX viewer software to see the relationship between big data terminology and library, terminology clustering, keywords that often appear, countries that publish big data, number of big data authors, year of publication and name of journals that publish big data and library articles (Alagu and Thanuskodi, 2019).

Findings

It can be concluded that the implementation of big data in libraries is still in an early stage, it is shown from the limited number of practical implementation of big data analytics in library. Not many libraries that use big data to support innovation and services since there were lack of librarian skills of big data analytics. The library manager’s view of big data is still not necessary to do. It is suggested for academic libraries to start their adoption of big data analytics to support library services especially research data. To do so, librarians can enhance their skills and knowledge by following some training in big data analytics or research data management. The information technology infrastructure also needs to be upgraded since big data need big IT capacity. Finally, the big data management policy should be made to ensure the implementation goes well.

Originality/value

This paper discovers the adoption and implementation of big data in library, many papers talk big data in business and technology context. This is offering new idea for many libraries especially academic library about the adoption of big data to support their services. They can adopt the big data analytics technology and technique that suitable for their library.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2018

Manhal Gobara Hamid and Abdel Azim Ahmed Mohamed Nour

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of different drying methods on quality attributes of beetroot slices.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of different drying methods on quality attributes of beetroot slices.

Design/methodology/approach

Three drying methods (sun, oven and freeze-drying) were applied to dry fresh slices of beetroot cultivar (Beta vulgaris). The chemical composition, minerals, nitrate, betalains, total phenolic, total flavonoid and color were measured for fresh and dried slices.

Findings

The chemical composition, minerals, nitrate, bioactive compounds and color were measured for fresh and dried slices. Regardless of the drying method, the results showed that the chemical composition, total energy, minerals and nitrate of the dried slices were significantly (p=0.05) increased compared to that of fresh slices. Sun and oven drying of the slices significantly (p=0.05) reduced total betalain and betacynin. However, betaxanthin was significantly (p=0.05) increased. Total phenolics content of fresh beetroot was significantly (p=0.05) increased after sun and oven drying but total flavonoids were decreased. The 2,2,-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) of fresh beetroot was increased significantly (p=0.05) after sun and oven drying. The measurement of the color of the powder showed that there is a decrease in lightness (L) depending on the drying method applied. A maximum reduction in lightness was observed in powder of sun-dried slices. The color of the powder obtained from freeze-dried slices was stable compared to other drying methods.

Practical implications

Beetroot is a rich source of nutrients but with short shelf life. Dried beetroot has more keeping quality than the fresh one.

Originality/value

The study uses beetroot as a rich source of nutrients as well as natural antioxidant source. Betalain compounds are preserved in beetroot and a high source of phenolics and flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of phenolic products of plant metabolism with high antioxidant properties to protect against diseases without side effects.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5945

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2024

Urvashi P. Mall and V. H. Patel

This paper aims to determine the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (IVD) on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds derived from tomato pomace flour (TPF) and amla…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (IVD) on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds derived from tomato pomace flour (TPF) and amla pomace flour (APF), and to evaluate their potential health benefits as prebiotics on gut microbiota.

Design/methodology/approach

The nutritional and functional properties and the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds obtained from APF and TPF were measured using IVD model and the potential prebiotic effects were assessed during in vitro fermentation.

Findings

APF and TPF contained significant amounts of total dietary fibre (55.83% and 48.29%, respectively) and protein (2.1% and 14.37%, respectively). After IVD, a considerable amount of polyphenols from APF and TPF were released. In the intestinal phase, APF and TPF showed significant (p = 0.05) release of total phenolics (81% and 57%, respectively) and flavonoids (84% and 76%, respectively). Additionally, in comparison to the control samples, IVD increased antioxidant capacity. The proliferation of bacteria (L. acidophilus) and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including propionate and butyrate, were both increased during in vitro fermentation of APF and TPF. Both the flours showed a positive prebiotic activity with the value of <1.50.

Social implications

The study supports sustainable agriculture and global pollution reduction. Incorporating these by-products into diets might increase the availability of inexpensive, nutritious food choices, improve digestive health and create economic possibilities for food producers and farmers.

Originality/value

The research provides novel information on the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidants during digestion, and the prebiotic potential APF, which have not been previously documented.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

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