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Global exports draining local water resources: land concentration, food exports and water grabbing in the Ica Valley (Peru)
No full textThe agro-export boom is threatening the sustainability of water resources in many regions around the world. This is the case of the Ica valley in Peru, where in the last decades traditional agriculture has been replaced by big agricultural businesses to meet the growing international food demand. This has led to increasing land concentration by large exporting farms jointly with an increase in groundwater exploitation for irrigation. In this paper, we analyze the effect of land concentration, exporting crop specialization and irrigation intensity on groundwater sustainability using an econometric approach. Our findings highlighted an inverse relation between groundwater sustainability in terms of water withdrawal in the Ica Valley and the intensity of irrigation (drip technology), commodity specialization and concentration of large farms. More research is needed to fully understand the impacts of this very important economic activity on Peru’s natural resources, to ensure its sustainability in the long term.This research was funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) through the NEXT-AG project (Nexus thinking for sustainable agricultural development in Andean countries) (NE/R015759/1).World Developmen
Techno-economic assessment of bioleaching for metallurgical by-products
Get PDFThis study focused on the economic feasibility of two potential industrial-scale bioleaching technologies for metal recovery from specific metallurgical by-products, mainly basic oxygen steelmaking dust (BOS-D) and goethite. The investigation compared two bioleaching scaling technology configurations, including an aerated bioreactor and an aerated and stirred bioreactor across different scenarios. Results indicated that bioleaching using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans proved financially viable for copper extraction from goethite, particularly when 5% and 10% pulp densities were used in the aerated bioreactor, and when 10% pulp density was used in the aerated and stirred bioreactor. Notably, a net present value (NPV) of 119,816,550 and an operational expenditure (OPEX) of $5,896,580/year. It is expected that plant will start to make profit after one year of operation. Aerated and stirred bioreactor plant appeared more reliable alternative compared to the aerated bioreactor plant as the plant consists of 12 reactors which can allow better management and operation in small volume with multiple reactors. Despite the limitations, this techno-economic assessment emphasized the significance of selective metal recovery and plant design, and underscored the major expenses associated with the process.This research was funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Interreg Northwest Europe project “Regeneration of past metallurgical sites and deposits through innovative circularity for raw materials” (REGENERATIS) (NWE918).Journal of Environmental Managemen
A review of digital twin technologies for enhanced sustainability in the construction industry
Get PDFCarbon emissions present a pressing challenge to the traditional construction industry, urging a fundamental shift towards more sustainable practices and materials. Recent advances in sensors, data fusion techniques, and artificial intelligence have enabled integrated digital technologies (e.g., digital twins) as a promising trend to achieve emission reduction and net-zero. While digital twins in the construction sector have shown rapid growth in recent years, most applications focus on the improvement of productivity, safety and management. There is a lack of critical review and discussion of state-of-the-art digital twins to improve sustainability in this sector, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. This paper reviews the existing research where digital twins have been directly used to enhance sustainability throughout the entire life cycle of a building (including design, construction, operation and maintenance, renovation, and demolition). Additionally, we introduce a conceptual framework for this industry, which involves the elements of the entire digital twin implementation process, and discuss the challenges faced during deployment, along with potential research opportunities. A proof-of-concept example is also presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed conceptual framework and potential of digital twins for enhanced sustainability. This study aims to inspire more forward-thinking research and innovation to fully exploit digital twin technologies and transform the traditional construction industry into a more sustainable sector.This work was supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship [grant IF2223B-110]Building
From exploitation and exploration to exaptation? A logistics service provider's (LSP) perspective on building supply chain resilience capabilities during disruptions
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During the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, logistics service providers (LSPs) have invested heavily in innovations to enhance their supply chain resilience capabilities. However, only little attention has been given so far to the nature of these innovative capabilities, in particular to what extent LSPs were able to repurpose capabilities to build supply chain resilience. In response, using the concept of exaptation, this study identifies to what extent LSPs have discovered and utilized latent functions to build supply chain resilience capabilities during a disruptive event of high impact and low probability.
Design/methodology/approach:
This conceptual paper uses a theory building approach to advance the literature on supply chain resilience by delineating the relationship between exaptation and supply chain resilience capabilities in the context of COVID-19. To do so, we propose two frameworks: (1) to clarify the role of exaptation for supply chain resilience capabilities and (2) to depict four different exaptation dimensions for the supply chain resilience capabilities of LSPs.
Findings:
We illustrate how LSPs have repurposed original functions into new products or services to build their supply chain resilience capabilities and combine the two critical concepts of exploitation and exploration capabilities to identify four exaptation dimensions in the context of LSPs, namely impeded exaptation, configurative exaptation, transformative exaptation and ambidextrous exaptation.
Originality/value:
As one of the first studies linking exaptation and supply chain resilience, the framework and subsequent categorization advance the understanding of how LSPs can build exapt-driven supply chain resilience capabilities and synthesize the current literature to offer conceptual clarity regarding the varied implications and outcomes linked to the repurposing of capabilities
Experimental investigation of wave induced flapping foil for marine propulsion: heave and pitch stiffness effect
Get PDFThe submerged hydrofoil has the capability to harness wave energy and convert it into thrust to work with the ship's power system. The current series of experiments investigated the interaction of a passive submerged hydrofoil with regular waves through a comparison of the generated horizontal forces. Springs provide the restoring force for the hydrofoil's heave/pitch motion, corresponding to heave spring and pitch spring. Maintaining a constant heave spring stiffness (490 N/m), subsequent statistical analysis summarized the force trends at different pitch stiffnesses (16–300 N/m) and suggested an optimal pitch spring stiffness in regular waves. A pulse-shaped force signal was observed and explained as a result of low pitch stiffness. Experiments with different spring setups revealed that the heave spring contributes to the harmonic force generated by the fully passive foil. Additionally, by varying wave conditions with limited wave amplitudes and frequencies, tests reproduced the variation of force signals over time and assessed their dependence on wave parameters.L. Yang acknowledgement the support from the UK – Saudi Challenge Fund ‘Feasibility study of hybrid propulsion for unmanned surface vehicle for environmental monitoring’ and
TRIG2022 grant from Department for Transport (DfT): ‘G[1]TRANSPORT: Greening Transportation of Cargo Ships via Hybrid Wave Propulsion’.Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energ
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Exploring knowledge dynamics and change management in diverse corporate entrepreneurship ecosystems
Get PDFThis article was retracted on 24 December 2025, details can be found on the publishers site at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-025-03101-0This study investigates change management in the context of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and presents an innovative conceptual model to improve commitment to change. Utilizing Lewin’s model and Bandura’s social learning theory, the research identifies six essential success factors (CSFs) that are vital for achieving effective change management in CE initiatives. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, this study examines the relationship between the preparedness of organizations, facilitating factors, and the level of commitment individuals have toward change in 38 entrepreneurial corporations in China. The study suggests a new conceptual framework called the people-centered implementation (PCI) model as a strategy for implementing CE change. This model prioritizes the establishment of synergy between the efforts of an organization and its individuals, resulting in increased commitment and successful execution of entrepreneurial projects. The PCI model provides valuable knowledge for practitioners managing change within CE initiatives and contributing to broader economic transition and institutional changes. The uniqueness of this study is its concentration on change management challenges specific to CE and its creation of a pragmatic model to tackle these challenges, ultimately leading to enhanced project success and wider economic influence.The project was supported by Zhejiang Shuren University Basic Scientific Research Special Funds (2023XZ020).Journal of the Knowledge Econom
Little layer. Big result?
Get PDF3MT contribution to the Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium 2023 EPSR
Understanding and communicating deathwatch beetle activity on HMS Victory
Get PDF3MT contribution to the Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium 2023 Cranfield Universit
A lifecycle analysis of complex public procurement: an agency-institutional theory perspective
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The study sets out to demonstrate how a lifecycle perspective on complex, public-sector procurement projects can be used for making qualitative assessments of procurement policy and practice and reveal those procurement capabilities that are most impactful for operating effectively.
Design/methodology/approach
Agency theory, institutional theory and the lifecycle analysis technique are combined to abductively develop a framework to identify, analyse and compare complex procurement policies and practices in public sector organisations. Defence is the focal case and is compared with cases in the Nuclear, Local Government and Health sectors.
Findings
The study provides a framework for undertaking a lifecycle analysis to understand the challenges and capabilities of complex, public-sector buyers. Eighteen hierarchically-arranged themes are identified and used in conjunction with agency theory and institutional theory to explain complex procurement policy and practice variation in some of the UK’s highest-profile public buyers. The study findings provide a classification of complex buyers and offer valuable guidance for practitioners and researchers navigating complex procurement contexts.
Originality/value
The lifecycle approach proposed is a new research tool providing a bespoke application of theory by considering each lifecycle phase as an individual but related element that is governed by unique institutional pressures and principal-agent relationships.This work was funded by Qinetiq (UK): Management and Measurement of Service Delivery Arrangements, 2014–2017.International Journal of Operations and Production Managemen
Controlled atmosphere as cold chain support for extending postharvest life in cabbage
Get PDFPostharvest management of cabbage relies on high-intensity cooling to control postharvest physiology, minimising quality loss despite incurring significant energy and environmental costs. As an alternative, we hypothesised that controlled atmosphere (CA) could allow increased storage temperature by supporting physiological regulation, while maintaining quality and reducing energy demand. This study examined the effect CA (1.5 kPa CO2 and 6 kPa O2) at 5 or 10 °C on cabbage quality, with the aim of proposing a more sustainable and resilient supply chain. CA treatment was effective at reducing head respiration at higher temperature, with CA/10 °C treatment achieving lower respiration rates than Control/5 °C. Improved head colour retention and maintenance of stump quality were observed in cabbage under CA conditions. CA effects were seen also at a regulatory level; CA promoted an average of 25.4% reduction in abscisic acid accumulation potentially as part of a wider hypoxia stress response and was successful in decreasing expression of the senescence-coordinating transcription factor BoORE15. This finding was linked with a lower in downstream expression of pheophytinase and subtilisin protease. These results demonstrated that CA treatment fundamentally modified postharvest physiology in cabbage, which can be exploited to enable storage at warmer temperatures, contributing to supply chains with lower energy demand and its associated environmental benefits.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilThe authors thank Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council for financial support through project EP/V042548/1.Plant Physiology and Biochemistr