Display omitted
The Cenozoic Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA) is considered as one of the major Cu-bearing regions of the world, with high potential for the occurrence of porphyry Cu ± Mo ± Au ...systems. This study conducts a comprehensive synthesis of geological, geochronological, and geochemical data of intrusive igneous rocks in selected productive, sub-productive, and barren intrusions in the UDMA as a means to identify efficient criteria of geochemical discrimination. U-Pb dating of zircon grains provides emplacement ages of 19.3 ± 0.4 to 21.1 ± 0.2 Ma for the Ghahan diorite, and tightly clustered ages of 14.5 ± 0.2 Ma (Kahang tonalite), 14.9 ± 0.1 Ma (Kahang quartz diorite), 12.2 ± 0.1 Ma (Meiduk granodiorite), and 27.3 ± 0.4 to 29.2 ± 0.3 Ma (Zaftak granite to quartz diorite) porphyry copper deposit systems (PCDs). According to geochemical characteristics, the Zaftak and Ghahan samples display sub-productive signatures, whereas the productive Kahang and Meiduk samples are characterized by adakitic signatures. The lowest average Sr/Y ratios are observed in the Zaftak and Ghahan barren and sub-productive intrusive rocks (Eocene: 15.9, Oligocene: 13.5 and Miocene: 20.2), in contrast to productive Kahang and Meiduk (Sr/Y = 70.7 and 63.9).
This study suggests two major mineralization episodes for UDMA porphyry copper deposits: 1) Oligocene to Early Miocene non-adakitic deposits, and 2) Early Miocene to Late Miocene deposits having adakite-like geochemical signatures. Type 1) deposits developed mostly during final closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean before plate subduction had initiated; Type 2) developed in a post-collisional setting. In contrast to barren and sub-productive intrusions, productive PCDs (especially of Middle to Late Miocene age) are characterized by the enrichment of LREEs relative to HREEs. This transition was associated with compressional stress and tectonic shortening during an Eocene-Oligocene (~30–35 km crustal thickness) to mid-late Miocene (~45–55 km thick or 12–15 kbar). Our data support a more nuanced interpretation of a previously accepted progressive decrease of PCD mineralization in the UDMA. For example, ca. 19 to 21 Ma mineralization ages in the central UDMA (Ghahan region) can no longer be considered to be a single stage of Early Miocene mineralization. According to adakite evidence, the formation of high-grade high-tonnage porphyry deposits in the UDMA remains limited to the time interval after collision. Before the collision, other ore deposits such as Zaftak and Ghahan had formed with sub-productive signatures. In a progression through the Eocene- Oligocene, and especially into the Miocene, the magma arc had matured, with increasing probability of productive mineralization.
Returnable packaging systems (RPS) related to consumer products help to reduce problematic plastic and glass waste in supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to investigate distribution and ...return processes and the related cost drivers and benefits of returnable packaging with a deposit refund system in retail stores. Through the lens of the actor–network theory and based on 30 interviews with store managers, including on‐site observations, we develop a research model that structures key processes of RPS and their input and output factors. By subsequently applying system dynamics modeling, we find that: (1) customers’ process satisfaction, (2) price elasticity of demand, and (3) time between repeat purchases are key variables that impact RPS’ attractiveness and performance. This research contributes to an in‐depth understanding of processes within RPS as well as interdependencies between cost drivers and benefits for retailers. From a managerial perspective, these insights can enable retailers to take action based on the influencing factors for efficient operations related to RPS. Finally, this research has policy implications as it provides argumentation for the commercial benefits of RPS for retailers aside from the overemphasized cost perspectives.
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) are products that have a short useful lifetime and are typically designed for single or limited uses followed by disposal. The disposable nature of FMCGs combined ...with ineffective waste recovery systems is causing global environmental problems. Various reusable packaging business models have emerged to tackle these problems; however, their influence is still low in practice. Testing the feasibility, desirability, and viability of innovative circular business models enables their implementation and scaling. In this context, this study explores the success factors, drivers, and barriers of an FMCGs reuse business model. The case company is an internationally scaling company pursuing a potentially disruptive circular business model. A mixed methods approach is used, involving semi-structured interviews with innovators on two variations of the FMCG reuse business model (in-store and e-commerce) followed by a consumer survey in the city of Berlin to test perceptions of these business models. Five success factors were identified: brand and retailer partnerships, consumer participation, operations efficiency, business model profitability, and the establishment of an ecosystem. The main driver for consumers to participate in the circular business model is the potential positive environmental impact, although there were concerns about added environmental impact related to logistics in the e-commerce model. In addition, convenience and accessibility of the reuse model are important for consumers. Costs are identified as a predominant barrier for companies to engage in reusability. Based on the research findings, recommendations for expanding FMCG reuse business models are developed.
Road pricing (RP) is currently under development as a way to mitigate the acute traffic congestion in Jakarta. The RP has been recognized as a powerful tool in delivering efficient road use. Despite ...of a well-established rationale that tackled congestion, RP policy faces lack of public support and is seen rather controversial due to charge required to enter charging zone. To encounter shortcomings of RP, we introduce a parking deposit system (PDS) as an alternative. The PDS is based on refunds to car users. Refunds are offered only on parking fees or as discounts on purchases within the charging zone. Thus, this paper explores the key influences and the extent to which RP and PDS schemes are acceptable to the public. Taking into account citizen's consciousness based on a fictitious voting conducted in Jakarta, we estimated recursive simultaneous bivariate voting models to link perceived acceptability among RP and PDS bundles. We found that there is a complementary relationship between acceptance and consciousness, with PDS offers better approval and there is a substantially strong link between voting intentions and perceived acceptability.
In the current European context, member states have increasingly effective and efficient concerns in the field of sustainable waste management. To this effect, the European Commission has adopted a ...package of measures in order to stimulate Europe's transition to a circular economy, which first involves efficient waste management and the consolidation of good practices in the field. Thus, Romania will have to comply with the new European rigors and improve its own waste management system.This paper aims to identify and analyse a set of good practices in the field of packaging waste in order to design one that is suitable for Romania. These examples are national models for organizing the management of packaging waste through deposit or storage systems. The main objective of these systems is to increase the recycling rates of packaging waste in accordance with European requirements, as well as the sustainable development of the waste sector, without causing economic losses to any of the stakeholders, namely business, population, environment and public authorities.The paper intends to conceptualize a specific model for the Romanian economy, respectively a model of organization and operation of the deposit system in the field of packaging waste that could be used by the competent authorities and the business environment.
In light of the circular economy gaining momentum, plastics recycling is regarded as a key solution to keep materials in the loop. Continuous efforts are needed to achieve the packaging waste ...recycling targets set by the European Union. Hence, this work evaluates the potential of the Icelandic plastics value chain for enhanced recycling rates. In addition to identifying the main challenges and opportunities, a feasibility study was conducted on the expansion of the deposit-return system to Skyr cups, allowing for closed-loop solutions. Based on the status quo, proposals for the improvement of the current waste and recycling system are made. Insights were acquired by semi-structured interviews with nine key stakeholders in Iceland, representing vital groups that influence the plastics value chain. The obtained answers followed the same trend, pointing out that a circular economy within the boundaries of Iceland is currently not feasible. This is mainly due to the strong dependence on international partners in all parts of the value chain except waste collection. However, major improvements are required to enhance the current waste collection rate of 28%. No conclusive evidence was found to justify the suitability of Skyr cups for the deposit-return system, as the disadvantages outweigh theoretically higher collection and recycling rates. Moreover, the extended producer responsibility scheme implemented with the Icelandic Recycling Fund is a valuable tool to enforce a design for recycling of products, enabling higher recycling rates. Despite one recycler operating in Iceland, Icelandic stakeholders consider sorting and treatment of mixed plastic waste as economically more efficient by collaborating with experts throughout Europe. Therefore, they expect that the current practice of exporting the majority of the domestic waste will prevail. On the contrary, the authors propose a comprehensive waste treatment and recycling scheme within Iceland, which requires a sorting step prior to three possible pathways, being (1) mechanical recycling, (2) alternative fuel, and (3) waste-to-energy. The aim of the proposed scheme is a reduction in greenhouse gas impact of plastics entering the waste stage by an efficient and flexible design of the relevant technologies within Iceland.
In 2003, a deposit system for one-way packaging was introduced in Germany. Since that time, polyethylene terephthalate beverage packaging is collected through various collection systems, a deposit ...system, a reusable packaging system and the ‘Green Dot’ (the dual system) with the yellow bag. The manner of collection had a decisive influence on the quality of the generated recycled materials. The research at hand shows for the first time how the quality of polyethylene terephthalate flakes depends on the type of collection system. The results are based on a 14-year time frame, during which the quality of the polyethylene terephthalate flakes was examined using the different collection systems. The criterion used was the amount of contamination of polyethylene terephthalate flakes with various polymers, metals and other substances. Grain size and bulk density were also compared. The outcome shows that material from the deposit systems resulted in a better quality of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes.
To enhance social acceptance of road pricing policy, a parking deposit system (PDS) has been proposed in Japan to replace conventional congestion charging scheme. In the PDS, a full or partial of ...entry toll to the charging area is refunded to drivers who use parking facilities and/or have a business within the charged area. This paper investigates how the PDS affects travel mode choice behavior in Hanoi, which has been suffering from road congestion for years. Since the PDS has not been implemented in practice, a stated preference survey was conducted in 2013 and 932 SP cards from 233 persons were collected. To reflect the influence of heterogeneous responses of different persons, a latent-class travel mode choice model was estimated. Model estimation results confirm that the PDS only has a significant influence on motorcycle drivers.
PDF
