Articles-EnPress Publisher LLC.

Jul 26, 2024

Environmental challenges in recreation and hospitality services of SPA centers

As it is revealed in the literature, there is an intense energy consumption in “Selus Per Aqua” (SPA) centers. Especially electricity and natural gas used for heating, cooling and lighting have very serious negative environmental effects. In particular, meeting these energy sources from fossil fuels and supplying water consumption from clean water sources pose a threat to sustainable environmental targets. In this context, the aim of the research is to calculate the carbon footprint based on energy consumption in 20 SPA centers located in different cities in Turkey and Lithuania. Electricity, natural gas and water consumption amounts consumed during 2022 in 20 SPA centers located in different cities in Turkey and Lithuania were used as a data set. Using the calculation methodology (Tier 1 method) put forward by The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the carbon dioxide emission amount (carbon footprint) of the SPA facilities was calculated. While the annual total carbon footprint of 20 SPA centers in Turkey and Lithuania is calculated as 6.092805 kgCO₂eq, the carbon footprint calculated for Turkey is 2.947006 kgCO₂eq. The carbon footprint calculated for Lithuania is 3.145079 kgCO₂eq. SPA centers, where health, tourism and recreation services are offered together, are centers where human mobility and energy use are inevitable due to their year-round use potential. Research findings suggest that SPA centers cause negative environmental consequences due to energy and water consumption. It is very important to prefer clean energy sources for sustainable environment, health, tourism and recreation and to avoid using clean water resources.

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Oct 31, 2024

Multilevel governance concept on migration: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Research on migration governance at the local level in European countries often refers to the perspective of multilevel governance (MLG) by examining the roles of different levels of government, non-governmental actors, and various negotiations between actors at various scales. This study aims to synthesize qualitative evidence from primary studies to understand systematically better and explore themes that intersect with multilevel governance studies in migration. This meta-synthesis process is done by thematic synthesis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The study results show that multilevel governance and migration strengthen on themes such as actors, governance, implementation, integration, and interaction. Based on the analysis of word similarity in the 500-word cloud, it was also found to be the top dominant, such as policy, local, cities, urban, governance, migration, level, integration, government, and social. The study recommends research directions for non-European countries by examining the adaptation of the MLG concept, analyzing the impact of decentralization on the effectiveness of MLG, looking at public-private sector partnerships in developing countries, as well as comparative studies between non-European countries to contribute to the theory of multilevel governance. This study implies that there still needs to be research on multilevel governance in the field of migration that specifically conducts qualitative meta-synthesis.

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Sept 9, 2024

Gamma irradiation pilot project: Enhancing food safety and export quality in Indonesia

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a gamma irradiator pilot project in Indonesia to reduce food loss and food waste, as well as to enhance the value of export commodities. Gamma irradiators have the potential to extend shelf life, improve food safety, and reduce losses during distribution and storage. The research methodology involves weighting to assess the feasibility of location selection, incorporating secondary data analysis and economic value-added analysis. The results indicate that the PUSPIPTEK Serpong location meets all mandatory criteria and nearly all non-mandatory criteria, making it a suitable site for this pilot project. The operation of the gamma irradiator in Serpong has successfully increased the volume of irradiation services, though its utilization is predominantly for export purposes. The main challenges include a negative public perception of irradiated food and a lack of education on its benefits. This study concludes that gamma irradiators are effective in reducing food loss and food waste, as well as increasing the value-added of export commodities. Strong government support and continuous education programs are necessary to improve public acceptance. Future research could focus on long-term evaluations of the impact of gamma irradiators and the development of more effective educational programs.

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Aug 27, 2024

Board diversity and earnings’ quality of the listed insurance companies in Nigeria

This study examines the relationship between board diversity (in term of percentage of female board members, educational qualification, independent directors, interlocking directorship, and financial literacy) and earnings quality of listed insurance companies in Nigeria. The study used secondary data from the stock exchange fact books and audited financial statements of the selected companies. We adopted a quantitative research design in which data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Three variants of regression model, namely pooled ordinary least square, fixed effects and random effects models were estimated. Results revealed that significant differences exist in board diversity and earnings quality across the listed insurance companies in Nigeria. Also, the impact of board diversity on earnings quality is positive and strong. That is, the higher the company’s board diversity the better the ability to generate quality earnings. The results suggest than insurance companies with large number of women on the board are more likely to generate higher quality earning than those dominated by men. The paper draws the attention of management of listed insurance companies to the need to comply with the code of corporate governance on board diversity to increase the number of women on the board and ensure that the board consists of educationally qualified members, and financial literate members. The study also draws the attention of Nigeria Stock Exchange Group (NSGG) and other regulatory authorities to the need for regulation that will make disclosure of directors’ personal information a regulatory disclosure.

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May 13, 2022

The role of private finance in infrastructure development in South Africa—A critical assessment

This paper assesses South Africa’s massive infrastructure drive to revive growth and increase employment. After years of stagnant growth, this is now facing a deep economic crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This drive also comes after years of weak infrastructure investment, widening the infrastructure deficit. The plan outlines a R1 trillion investment drive, primarily from the private sector through the Infrastructure Fund over the next 10 years (Government of South Africa, 2020). This paper argues that while infrastructure development in South Africa is much-needed, the emphasis on de-risking for private sector buy-in overshadows the key role the state must play in leading on structurally transforming the economy.

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May 20, 2024

The influence of monosodium glutamate dosage on the yield of long beans (Vigna sinensis L.) Peleton variety

This study aims to determine the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) dosage on the yield of long beans (Vigna sinensis L.) of the Peleton variety. The use of MSG as a food ingredient has been a topic of debate, but research on its impact on plant growth is still limited, especially regarding long beans. Therefore, this research is important for providing further understanding of the influence of MSG on long beans plants. The study was conducted from July to October 2023 in Mata Air Village, Central Kupang District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The research method used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments included: No MSG, MSG at doses of 2.5 g/plant, 5 g/plant, 7.5 g/plant, 10 g/plant, 12.5 g/plant, 15 g/plant, 17.5 g/plant, and 20 g/plant. Parameters observed included flowering age (days), number of pods (pieces), pod length (cm), and pod weight (g). Based on the results and discussion, it can be concluded that MSG application had a significant effect on the number, length, and weight of pods, but had a non-significant effect on flowering age. The treatment of 15 g/plant was identified as the optimal MSG dosage for the plants, resulting in the highest number of pods (16.2), longest pod length (60.4 cm), and highest pod weight (256.4 g/plant). This research is innovative in exploring the potential use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on long beans plants, particularly the Peleton variety. The focus on MSG application as a growth stimulant is an innovative step that has been less studied previously. The discovery of the optimal MSG dosage (15 g/plant) for achieving the best results provides valuable information for farmers to enhance productivity efficiently, sustainably, and environmentally friendly. Information about MSG’s potential as a plant stimulant can serve as a starting point for more sustainable agricultural strategies aimed at optimizing available resources.

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