With modern society and the ever-increasing consumption of polymeric materials, the way we look at products has changed, and one of the main questions we have is about the negative impacts caused to the environment in the most diverse stages of the life cycle of these materials, whether in the acquisition of raw materials, in manufacturing, distribution, use or even in their final disposal. The main methodology currently used to assess the environmental impacts of products from their origin to their final disposal is known as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Thus, the objective of this work is to evaluate how much the biodegradable polymer contributes to the environment in relation to the conventional polymer considering the application of LCA in the production mode. This analysis is configured through the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. In this review, 28 studies were selected for evaluation, whose approaches encompass knowledge on LCA, green biopolymer (from a renewable but non-biodegradable source), conventional polymer (from a non-renewable source) and, mainly, the benefits of using biodegradable polymers produced from renewable sources, such as: corn, sugarcane, cellulose, chitin and others. Based on the surveys, a comparative analysis of LCA applications was made, whose studies considered evaluating quantitative results in the application of LCA, in biodegradable and conventional polymers. The results, based on comparisons between extraction and production of biodegradable polymers in relation to conventional polymers, indicate greater environmental benefits related to the use of biodegradable polymers.
This research looks into the differences in technological practices across Gen-X, Gen-Y, and Gen-Z employees in the workplace, with an emphasis on motivation, communication, collaboration, and productivity gaps. The study uses a systematic literature review to identify factors that contribute to these variations, taking into account each generation’s distinct experiences, communication methods, working attitudes, and cultural backgrounds. Bridging generational gaps, providing ongoing training, and incorporating cross-generational and technology-enhanced practices are all required in today’s workplace. This study compares the dominating workplace generations, Gen-X and Gen-Y, with the emerging Gen-Z. A review of the literature from 2010 to 2023, which was narrowed down from 1307 to 20 significant studies, emphasizes the importance of organizational management adapting to generational changes in order to increase productivity and maintain a healthy workplace. The study emphasizes the need of creating effective solutions for handling generational variations in workplace.
With society’s continuous development and progress, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is increasingly utilized in higher education, garnering increased attention. The current application of AI in higher education impacts teachers’ instructional methods and students’ learning processes. While acknowledging that AI advancements offers numerous advantages and contribute significantly to societal progress, excessive reliance on AI within education may give rise to various issues, students’ over-dependence on AI can have particularly severe consequences. Although many scholars have recently conducted research on artificial intelligence, there is insufficient analysis of the positive and negative effects on higher education. In this paper, researchers examine the existing literature on AI’s impact on higher education to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by this super technology for teaching and learning in higher educational institutions. To address our research questions, we conducted literature searches using two major databases—Scopus and Web of Science—and we selected articles using the PRISMA method. Findings indicate that AI plays a significant role in enhancing student efficiency in academic tasks and homework; However, when considering this issue from an ethical standpoint, it becomes apparent that excessive use of AI hinders the development of learners’ knowledge systems while also impairing their cognitive abilities due to an over-reliance on artificial technology. Therefore, our research provides essential guidance for stakeholders on the wise use of artificial intelligence technology.
In recent years, the construction of Jiafeng (家风)has become an important research topic in the field of street-level governance. A systematic literature review method is used to review 504 journal articles sourced from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The research overview is presented from the perspectives of overall research characteristics, highly cited literature, theoretical foundations, and research methods. The research systematically elaborates on the results of literature analysis from the perspective of the connotation and extension of Jiafeng, the practical mechanisms and related suggestions for Jiafeng construction. The research has found that the practical mechanisms of Jiafeng construction includes institutional support mechanism, theoretical consolidation mechanism, collaborative mechanism, social education mechanism, application innovation mechanism, and efficiency evaluation mechanism. On the basis of constructing a framework for the study of Jiafeng, this article provides prospects for future research: consolidating the theoretical foundation of Jiafeng construction, defining the connotation and extension of Jiafeng, refining the practical mechanism of Jiafeng construction, enriching the research methods of Jiafeng and measuring tools for governance effectiveness.
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