No abstract

No abstract

Studies have found that low water-soluble zinc (Zn) sources are not as effective in supplying Zn for plant use as highly water soluble ZnSO 4 ·2H 2 O. However, there is a question as to the residual effects of Zn from low water-soluble fertilizers on subsequent crops. The objective of this greenhouse study was to determine the relationship between water solubility of Zn fertilizers and Zn availability over four cropping periods. Three Zn fertilizers with 99.7, 56.0, and 6.0% water solubility were evaluated at rates equivalent to 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kg Zn ha −1 . Four consecutive corn (Zea mays, L.) crops were grown in pots to the V-10 growth stage to determine Zn residual effects. Zinc fertilizer was only applied to the first crop, requiring subsequent corn crops to use residual Zn for nutrient needs. Results show that Zn sources with medium and low water solubility did not become more available over time, nor did they supply enough Zn to meet the crop's needs. The highly water-soluble source was effective in supplying Zn for two crops, after which plants showed Zn deficiencies. Zinc fertilizers of low solubility do not increase plant-available Zn over time. These results complement our previous research, and support the conclusion that Zn fertilizers of low water solubility are ineffective Zn sources for corn.

Sustainable development is not just possible with regard to the environmental and economic dimensions, and social issues are also important in achieving sustainable development. Social sustainability, as one of the dimensions of sustainable development, has been considered by policy makers and managers. Social sustainability and business ethics in the organization are affected by social and behavioral interactions of individuals. Blockchain technology, as a disruptive technology, leads to a peer-to-peer and decentralized network management using distributed architecture. Blockchain technology can affect the way information is exchanged and creates transparency in the organization. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of blockchain technology on business ethics and social sustainability in the organization. In the first part of the research, a conceptual model is extracted using previous studies. In the second part, the relationship between model variables among 411 managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) active in the Middle East region is evaluated according to the importance of sustainability in this region. Structural equation model and SmartPLS software have been used for data analysis. The research findings show that the use of blockchain technology has a direct impact on business ethics, corporate governance and social sustainability due to the creation of a decentralized system, information transparency and traceability. Also, business ethics and corporate governance have an impact on achieving social sustainability.

No abstract