Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
High-Speed Rail in the US—Mode Choice Decision and Impact of COVID-19
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4041; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104041 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
While high-speed rail (HSR) has achieved success in major cities in Europe and Asia, it is a new phenomenon in the US, and few studies on HSR in the US are available, especially from the users’ perspective. This study aims to fill the
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While high-speed rail (HSR) has achieved success in major cities in Europe and Asia, it is a new phenomenon in the US, and few studies on HSR in the US are available, especially from the users’ perspective. This study aims to fill the research gap by investigating the mode choice behavior in the Los Angeles and San Francisco corridor where HSR may soon become a feasible option. The impact of COVID-19 was also examined with regard to how people view modes of domestic travel and how their view may change. The geographic locations of travelers and the possible HSR characteristics in the US were also explored. Survey data of US travelers was collected on MTurk, which was analyzed using logistics regression and Two-Way MANOVA. The results indicated that convenience in transport, travel frequency, gender, mobility issues, and total travel time were determinants in the choice between HSR and air service, while travel frequency and total travel time were important in the choice between HSR and car transport. Most US travelers changed their views following COVID-19 in terms of domestic travel and exhibited a higher intention to travel by train and HSR. Geographic patterns were identified, such as people in the southern US were the most knowledgeable of HSR and had the greatest intention to use HSR, while people in the northeast exhibited the lowest intention. The findings indicate potential interest in HSR among US travelers, and offer much-needed empirical evidence for the potential success of HSR in the US.
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Open AccessArticle
A Cloud- and Game Model-Based Approach to Project Evaluations of Sustainable Power Supply Investments
by
Kuoyi Lin and Bin Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4040; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104040 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
In light of electrical energy’s increasing role in economic systems worldwide, prioritizing investments in sustainable power supplies has become paramount. This study proposes a model based on cloud theory and game theory to evaluate sustainable power supply investment projects. It establishes a foundation
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In light of electrical energy’s increasing role in economic systems worldwide, prioritizing investments in sustainable power supplies has become paramount. This study proposes a model based on cloud theory and game theory to evaluate sustainable power supply investment projects. It establishes a foundation for assessing the merits of power supply investments, which are crucial for continuous electricity provision and economic advancement. By integrating an enhanced analytic hierarchy process and the entropy method, the study develops a dual-weighted evaluative index system. This hybrid approach addresses ambiguities and enhances the weight determination accuracy, which, when applied to the Liaojiawan Transformer Substation, verifies the project’s high benefit level, corroborated by empirical data. This innovative methodology offers a strategic framework for future power supply investments.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning and Data Mining Techniques: Towards a Sustainable Industry)
Open AccessReview
Effect of Treated/Untreated Recycled Aggregate Concrete: Structural Behavior of RC Beams
by
Ayman Abdo, Ayman El-Zohairy, Yasser Alashker, Mohamed Abd El-Aziz Badran and Sayed Ahmed
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104039 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Using recycled concrete aggregates from construction and demolition wastes on structural concrete is a sustainable solution to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the detrimental effects of concrete production on the environment. This paper has collected much data from the literature to
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Using recycled concrete aggregates from construction and demolition wastes on structural concrete is a sustainable solution to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the detrimental effects of concrete production on the environment. This paper has collected much data from the literature to study fresh, mechanical properties and durability of concrete made of treated/untreated recycled aggregate (RA). Furthermore, the flexural and shear behavior of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) beams was studied. This study discussed the distinctions and similarities between reinforced RAC beams and reinforced natural aggregate concrete (NAC) beams. The results of this review’s analysis clearly show that reinforced RAC beams with different RAC ratios perform structurally on par with or slightly worse than reinforced NAC beams, demonstrating the viability of RAC for structural applications. Emphasis is placed on carefully choosing and adjusting material models for recycled aggregate concrete. Ultimately, guidelines for future inquiries in this field are delineated and deliberated upon. The review will be advantageous for academics and professionals who aim to acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the behavior of RAC beams. It addresses several practical concerns connected to the numerical modeling of these components, which have not been adequately covered in existing literature.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Sustainable Composite Materials: From Innovative Technologies to Eco-Friendly Design)
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Open AccessReview
Review on Dust Control Technologies in Coal Mines of China
by
Rongting Huang, Yichun Tao, Jianglin Chen, Shihang Li and Shiyuan Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4038; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104038 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
China faces a challenge in the sustainable development of the coal industry due to pneumoconiosis problems. Dust control technologies are crucial for safe production and miners’ health, ensuring the industry’s longevity. This article reviews the development process of dust prevention and control in
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China faces a challenge in the sustainable development of the coal industry due to pneumoconiosis problems. Dust control technologies are crucial for safe production and miners’ health, ensuring the industry’s longevity. This article reviews the development process of dust prevention and control in underground coal mines in China, summarizes various technologies, and divides them into dust suppression, open-space dust reduction, and mine dust collectors according to different stages and environments of use. In dust suppression technologies, coal-seam water injection can reduce total dust generation by 60%, wet rock drilling can reduce drilling dust in the presence of stable water sources and high-pressure bearing equipment, and water-seal blasting can reduce blasting dust by 50–70%. In open-space dust reduction technologies, spray dust suppression can remove total dust by 50–95% and the removal efficiencies of foam dedusting for total and respirable dust are reported to reach 95% and 85% under the right conditions, respectively. In dust collector technologies, dry collectors can remove 80–95% of total dust. Wet collectors achieve up to 90% efficiency, dependent on water supply and waste processing. This article also discusses vapor heterogeneous condensation technology as a promising method for improving respirable dust removal in humid mine environments.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Students’ Perceptions of Teacher Training for Inclusive and Sustainable Education: From University Classrooms to School Practices
by
Xènia Garcia-Vallès, Mar Badia Martín, Josep Maria Sanahuja Gavaldà and Antonio Pérez Romero
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4037; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104037 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
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Teachers are the pillar for the development of inclusion. Hence, their initial training becomes a matter of relevance for the success of creating inclusive schools. This work contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 4: ensure inclusive and equitable quality education
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Teachers are the pillar for the development of inclusion. Hence, their initial training becomes a matter of relevance for the success of creating inclusive schools. This work contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 4: ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The other objectives were to delimit the competences in inclusive education for teachers and analyse the perception of future teachers in the acquisition of IE competences in the context of university classrooms and internship centres. This research was carried out with 315 students from Catalan public universities through a questionnaire to assess their perception of these competencies. The results show that competences related to leadership in educational environments, inclusive values, or the identification of the students’ abilities are being developed in internship centres. However, the university classroom context lead to the development of competences related to cooperative learning and assessment. In addition, there are significant differences between students who follow specialised teacher training in special needs and those who do not follow it. In conclusion, there is a need to extend specific training to all students and for a greater interrelationship between the training for developing competences in both contexts.
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Open AccessArticle
Recycled-Textile-Waste-Based Sustainable Bricks: A Mechanical, Thermal, and Qualitative Life Cycle Overview
by
Hafsa Jamshaid, Ambar Shah, Muhammad Shoaib and Rajesh Kumar Mishra
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4036; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104036 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
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The textile industry, renowned for its comfort-providing role, is undergoing a significant transformation to address its environmental impact. The escalating environmental impact of the textile industry, characterised by substantial contributions to global carbon emissions, wastewater, and the burgeoning issue of textile waste, demands
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The textile industry, renowned for its comfort-providing role, is undergoing a significant transformation to address its environmental impact. The escalating environmental impact of the textile industry, characterised by substantial contributions to global carbon emissions, wastewater, and the burgeoning issue of textile waste, demands urgent attention. This study aims at identifying the feasibility of the future use of textile scraps in the construction and architecture industry by analysing the effect of different binders. In this study, synthetic knitted post-consumer-waste fabrics were taken from a waste market for use as a reinforcement, and different binders were used as the matrix. In the experiment phase, the waste fabrics were mixed with synthetic binders and hydraulic binders to form brick samples. The mechanical and thermal properties of these samples were tested and compared with those of clay bricks. In terms of mechanical properties, unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) samples showed the highest mechanical strength, while acrylic glue (GL) samples had the lowest mechanical strength. White cement (WC) samples showed moderate mechanical properties. Through several tests, it was observed that UPR samples showed the highest values of tensile, bending, and compressive strengths, i.e., 0.111 MPa, 0.134 MPa, and 3.114 MPa, respectively. For WC, the tensile, bending, and compressive strengths were 0.064 MPa, 0.106 MPa, and 2.670 MPa, respectively. For GL, the least favourable mechanical behaviour was observed, i.e., 0.0162 MPa, 0.0492 MPa, and 1.542 MPa, respectively. In terms of thermal conductivity, WC samples showed exceptional resistance to heat transfer. They showed a minimum temperature rise of 54.3 °C after 15 min, as compared to 57.3 °C for GL-based samples and 58.1 °C for UPR. When it comes to polymeric binders, UPR showed better thermal insulation properties, whereas GL allowed for faster heat transfer for up to 10 min of heating. This study explores a circular textile system by assessing the potential of using textile waste as a building material, contributing to greener interior design. This study demonstrated the usefulness of adding short, recycled PET fibres as a reinforcement in UPR composites. The use of the PET fibre avoids the need to use a surface treatment to improve interfacial adhesion to the UPR matrix because of the chemical affinity between the two polyesters, i.e., the PET fibre and the unsaturated polyester resin. This can find application in the construction field, such as in the reinforcement of wooden structural elements, infill walls, and partition walls, or in furniture or for decorative purposes.
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Technological Innovation on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity: The Mediating Role of Environmental Regulation in China
by
Lihuan Huang and Ying Ping
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4035; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104035 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
This study delves into the effects of agricultural technological innovation on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) and the intermediating role of environmental regulation (ER) in 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2021. Employing mediation analysis methods such as the three-step approach, Sobel–Goodman
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This study delves into the effects of agricultural technological innovation on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) and the intermediating role of environmental regulation (ER) in 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2021. Employing mediation analysis methods such as the three-step approach, Sobel–Goodman test, and Bootstrap methods, the findings are robust: technological innovation significantly enhances AGTFP, as evidenced by a 1% level significant coefficient of 0.030. Additionally, ER acts as a potent mediator, where its inclusion as an independent variable alongside agricultural technological innovation (AST) boosts the coefficient to 0.031, further confirming its synergistic effect on AGTFP. These data points underline the importance of innovation in agricultural sustainability and the reinforcing role of environmental regulation. Consequently, this study advocates for intensified agricultural innovation support, tailored environmental regulation policies, augmented environmental education, and a meticulous evaluation system for environmental legislation to foster sustainable agricultural practices.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Policies for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity and Efficiency)
Open AccessArticle
Does Digital Inclusive Finance Help County Level Governance in the Five Provinces of Northwest China, from the Perspective of Economic Resilience?
by
Xinshu Gong and Liyu Zhao
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4034; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104034 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
The sustainable development of a country requires stable funds to reshape and restore its economy, something which cannot be separated from the support of financial services. Digital financial inclusion, with its inclusive and extensive features, has provided a new impetus for economic development
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The sustainable development of a country requires stable funds to reshape and restore its economy, something which cannot be separated from the support of financial services. Digital financial inclusion, with its inclusive and extensive features, has provided a new impetus for economic development and governance. Based on the panel data of 193 counties in 5 provinces of northwest China from 2014 to 2021, this paper uses a bi-directional fixed effect model, an intermediary effect model and a threshold effect model in order to test digital inclusive finance and county-level economic resilience, and to explore the internal correlation details. The results show that digital inclusive finance will significantly enhance the economic resilience of the five northwestern provinces by improving capital allocation efficiency, enhancing entrepreneurship and employment vitality, and reducing pollution emissions. In addition, there is a double threshold effect between capital allocation efficiency and employment vitality, in which the threshold effect of capital allocation efficiency presents a progressively increasing state, and in which the threshold effect of entrepreneurship and employment vitality presents a state of fluctuating increase. Therefore, China needs to further improve the digital inclusive financial environment in its northwest; continue and deepen the significant functions of digital inclusive finance in resource allocation efficiency, entrepreneurship and employment vitality, and environmental protection; and provide guidance for solving regional imbalances and promoting national sustainable development.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
Open AccessReview
Microplastics in Water: A Review of Characterization and Removal Methods
by
Yun Li, Ping Chen, Yalan Tang, Yanjing Yang, Chengyun Zhou, Jiaqi Bu and Shian Zhong
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104033 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging persistent pollutant, exist and accumulate in the environment, which has garnered them considerable global attention. While the origin, dispersion, distribution, and impact of MPs have been extensively documented, the characterization and removal strategies for MPs present ongoing challenges.
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Microplastics (MPs), as an emerging persistent pollutant, exist and accumulate in the environment, which has garnered them considerable global attention. While the origin, dispersion, distribution, and impact of MPs have been extensively documented, the characterization and removal strategies for MPs present ongoing challenges. In this literature review, we introduce in detail the advantages and disadvantages of seven characterization methods, from macroscopic to microscopic, from visual observation to microscopic characterization, and discuss their scope of application. In addition, 12 treatment schemes were summarized from the three treatment directions of physics, chemistry, and biology, including filtration, adsorption, extraction, magnetic separation, oil film separation, Fenton oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, persulfate advanced oxidation, photocatalytic oxidation, coagulation, electrocoagulation, foam flotation, anaerobic–anoxic–aerobic activated sludge, enzymatic degradation, bacterial degradation, and fungal degradation. Additionally, we present a critical assessment of the advantages and drawbacks associated with these removal strategies. Building upon the findings of our research team, we propose a novel approach to degrade MPs, which combines three-dimensional electrocatalytic oxidation technology with persulfate advanced oxidation technology. This advanced oxidation technology achieves 100% degradation of antibiotics in water, can degrade large molecules into environmentally harmless small molecules, and should also be a very good strategy for the degradation of MPs. Compared with two-dimensional electrocatalytic technology, the degradation efficiency is higher and the degradation cost is lower This review intends to propel further advancements for addressing the issue of MP pollution.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater: Innovative Approaches for Remediation)
Open AccessArticle
Fiber-Reinforced Coal Gangue-Based Alumina Aerogel Composites with Highly Thermal Stability by Ambient Pressure Drying
by
Kai Bo, Hongwei Liu, Yanlan Zhang and Yongzhen Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4032; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104032 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
An aluminum silicate fiber/alumina aerogel (ASF/AA) composite was prepared via the sol-gel method and atmospheric drying (APD) method using coal gangue (CG) solid waste from Xingxian county, Shanxi Province, as the aluminum source. Utilizing N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared
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An aluminum silicate fiber/alumina aerogel (ASF/AA) composite was prepared via the sol-gel method and atmospheric drying (APD) method using coal gangue (CG) solid waste from Xingxian county, Shanxi Province, as the aluminum source. Utilizing N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal conductivity meters, researchers examined the microstructure, composition, pore structure, and thermal insulation performance of ASF/AA composites. The thermal conductivity mechanism of the composite was analyzed. The experimental results show that most of the aluminum in CG is used. More importantly, in the process of aerogel synthesis, the atmospheric pressure drying method is used to obtain similar properties to supercritical drying. The composite material exhibits a low thermal conductivity of 0.047 W/(m·K), a high specific surface area of 416 m2/g, and a low density of 0.26 g/cm3 at room temperature. After heating at 1200 °C for 2 h, the thermal conductivity was as low as 0.071 W/(m·K). This strategy can not only effectively achieve a reduction in the harmfulness of solid waste coal gangue, but also alleviate the shortage of related energy and resources in our country.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Sustainable Materials and Products)
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Open AccessArticle
Integrated Adaptation Strategies for Human–Leopard Cat Coexistence Management in Taiwan
by
Linh Bao Nguyen, Hsing-Chih Chen, Timothy Bernd Wallace Seekings, Nabin Dhungana, Chi-Cheng Chen and Chun-Hung Lee
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4031; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104031 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
In Taiwan, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) remains the only extant native wild cat species. Previous studies have suggested anthropogenic factors as a cause of their decline, mainly due to conflicts with local farmers. Adaptation strategies that generate co-benefits are key to
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In Taiwan, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) remains the only extant native wild cat species. Previous studies have suggested anthropogenic factors as a cause of their decline, mainly due to conflicts with local farmers. Adaptation strategies that generate co-benefits are key to achieving human–wildlife coexistence. However, an understanding of the local views on such strategies is currently lacking. In this study, we performed the first regional assessment of 10 adaptation strategies for human–leopard cat coexistence and examined the impact of the socio-demographic factors affecting farmers’ willingness to participate in these strategies based on quantitative interviews with 418 farmers in Miaoli County, employing an importance–performance analysis. We also present an integrated conceptual framework capturing five adaptation strategy domains and their resulting benefits, which lay the structural foundation for facilitating resilient coexistence. Our findings suggest that (1) respondents’ perceived importance and performance of adaptation strategies were significantly different; (2) respondents most agreed with improvements in the incorporation of local knowledge/skills into science and policy and the establishment of adaptive co-management with local associations/non-governmental organisations; and (3) respondents aged below 49 years, supportive of coexistence, who did not own poultry, and preferred local farmer organisations to facilitate coexistence, were more likely to participate in the proposed adaptation strategies. Our findings provide guidelines for the future direction of the conservation and management of leopard cats that help achieve harmonious coexistence in shared landscapes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–Animal Interactions and Sustainable Local Governance)
Open AccessArticle
A Study on a Health Impact Assessment and Healthcare Cost Calculation of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Residents under PM2.5 and O3 Pollution
by
Yanyong Hu, Kun Chao, Zhujun Zhu, Jiaqi Yue, Xiaotong Qie and Meijia Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4030; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104030 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Excessive fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) are invisible killers affecting our wellbeing and safety, which cause great harm to people’s health, cause serious healthcare and economic losses, and affect the sustainable development of the social economy. The
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Excessive fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) are invisible killers affecting our wellbeing and safety, which cause great harm to people’s health, cause serious healthcare and economic losses, and affect the sustainable development of the social economy. The effective evaluation of the impact of pollutants on the human body, the associated costs, and the reduction of regional compound air pollution is an important research direction. Taking Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) as the research area, this study constructs a comprehensive model for measuring the healthcare costs of PM2.5 and O3 using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) as its basis. First, this study establishes a health impact assessment model and calculates the number of people affected by PM2.5 and O3 exposure using the health impact function in the BTH region. Then, the willingness to pay (WTP) and cost of illness (COI) methods are used to estimate the healthcare costs inflicted by the two pollutants upon residents from 2018 to 2021. The calculation results show that the total healthcare costs caused by PM2.5 and O3 pollution in BTH accounted for 1%, 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.3% of the regional GDP in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Based on the research results, to further reduce these high healthcare costs, we propose policy suggestions for PM2.5 and O3 control in the BTH region.
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Open AccessArticle
Wholesale Price Contract or Mixed Wholesale-Option-Contract? Procurement Strategy for a Contract Farming Supply Chain under Flexible Supply
by
Shengqiang Hu, Lou Liu and Xing Liu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4029; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104029 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the uncertainty of world economic development, market demands are stochastic and the supply quantities of suppliers in the supply chain are always flexible, so a mixed wholesale-option-contract (abbreviated as a mixed contract) is one of the good ways for commodity distributors
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Due to the uncertainty of world economic development, market demands are stochastic and the supply quantities of suppliers in the supply chain are always flexible, so a mixed wholesale-option-contract (abbreviated as a mixed contract) is one of the good ways for commodity distributors to cope with flexible supply. For a contract farming supply chain composed of a distributor and two suppliers under random demand and yield, we propose the new mixed contracts with flexible supply for the players to make better procurement and inventory decisions. Therefore, with decentralized decision making with a wholesale price contract and centralized decision making as benchmarks for comparison, the advantages of mixed contracts were demonstrated in this paper. The expected profit function under each transaction mode was proved to be concave and the optimal orders or production quantities were obtained and compared. Theoretical derivation and numerical examples were carried out and the main conclusions are as follows. First, the distributor’s total order quantities are the largest under centralized decision making, then the second largest under mixed contracts, then the least under wholesale price contracts. Second, for the dealer under mixed contracts, within the feasible range, the smaller the option price (or option exercise price) is, the greater the dealer’s profit is. Third, with increasing initial order quantity, the gap between the dealer’s profits under different option prices (or option exercise prices) narrows, and eventually tends to the same point. For both the suppliers as a whole, a mixed contract is better than the wholesale price one. Fourth, when the prices of the option contract change within a reasonable range (they may not be too small or too large), the profits of both the dealer and suppliers under a mixed contract are not only higher than those under the wholesale price contract, but also higher than those under centralized decision making. Finally, policies and suggestions (such as full investigation, explicitly defining the process of contracts, establishing real-time supervision and information sharing mechanisms, and so on) were put forward to improve the accuracy of supply and demand forecasting, better implement mixed contracts under flexible supply, and strengthen reforms about agricultural supply side.
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Open AccessArticle
The Basic Process of Lighting as Key Factor in the Transition towards More Sustainable Urban Environments
by
Antonio Peña-García, Agustín Castillo-Martínez and Sebastian Ernst
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4028; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104028 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
The design of lighting installations on roads and urban infrastructure has strictly followed the regulatory requirements of each country for a long time. Based on the traffic intensity, the presence of pedestrians and the nature of activities within the area, these regulations have
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The design of lighting installations on roads and urban infrastructure has strictly followed the regulatory requirements of each country for a long time. Based on the traffic intensity, the presence of pedestrians and the nature of activities within the area, these regulations have been used to establish the luminance or illuminance levels from or on the pavement, the minimum average uniformity, the maximum glare and the minimum energy efficiency. Accurate values of these static parameters are supposed to ensure safety, security, and efficacy, and have traditionally been considered as the main targets of lighting installations. Therefore, compliance with these regulations indicates whether an installation is legal or not. Although this philosophy is operative, the reality is different due to two main issues. First, the progressive ageing of populations, mainly in North America and Europe, the changing circumstances of traffic flow and modalities and the presence of groves or socioeconomic factors, might have a strong impact on the safety, security and sustainability of cities. Secondly, the current regulations leave out perceived safety and security issues, as well as the well-being of people; that is, how people feel about the city independently of real danger. In this research, the Basic Process of Lighting (BPL) is formulated including, for the first time, the human factors involved when people develop their activities under public lighting. Using this framework, the potential factors influencing human wellbeing and feelings are summarized after being rated by people in a survey distributed among 133 participants. The results highlight a higher perceived impact of social factors compared to physical and visual ones.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Tackling Arsenic and Mercury Contamination: Implications for Sustainable Mining and Occupational Health Risks
by
Rafael Rodríguez, Hector Garcia-Gonzalez, Zenaida Hernández and Lluís Sanmiquel
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4027; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104027 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the environmental and occupational health risks associated with arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination in a specific industrial site: a mercury mine site that contains a metallurgical plant within its premises. Utilising a comprehensive sampling and analysis approach, As and
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This study investigates the environmental and occupational health risks associated with arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination in a specific industrial site: a mercury mine site that contains a metallurgical plant within its premises. Utilising a comprehensive sampling and analysis approach, As and Hg concentrations in the soil and air across various zones within the site were assessed. The results revealed elevated levels of both contaminants, particularly in areas proximal to industrial processes such as metal smelting and waste disposal. Risk assessment using the Cancer Risk (CR) and Hazard Index (HI) indices demonstrated significant health hazards that exceed regulatory thresholds, indicating potential carcinogenic effects from As exposure and risks of non-cancerous occupational diseases. Three distinct risk areas were identified based on the CR and HI indices, guiding the formulation of tailored risk management strategies. While some zones may permit limited industrial activities under specific conditions, others require stringent safety measures and specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) due to exceptionally high contaminant concentrations. Overall, the findings underscore the critical need for robust safety protocols and regulatory compliance to mitigate the health risks associated with As and Hg exposure in industrial settings, ensuring the protection of worker health, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of sustainable mining practices.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health, Well-Being and Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Low-Carbon Economic Dispatch of Virtual Power Plants Considering the Combined Operation of Oxygen-Enriched Combustion and Power-to-Ammonia
by
Jun He, Zimu Mao, Wentao Huang, Bohan Zhang, Jianbo Xiao, Zuoming Zhang and Xinyu Liu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4026; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104026 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
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In order to achieve sustainable development, China has proposed to “strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060”. Virtual power plants (VPPs) are an effective means to achieve carbon neutrality goals. In order to improve
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In order to achieve sustainable development, China has proposed to “strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060”. Virtual power plants (VPPs) are an effective means to achieve carbon neutrality goals. In order to improve the economy and low-carbon performance of virtual power plants, this paper proposes a low-carbon economic optimization dispatching model considering the combined operation of oxygen-enriched combustion (OEC) and electricity-to-ammonia (P2A). Firstly, the mechanism of the combined operation of OEC and P2A is proposed. The oxygen-enriched combustion technology can reduce the carbon emissions of the system and enhance the flexibility of the system operation; P2A can effectively consume renewable energy and improve the energy utilization rate. The by-product of the P2A process, oxygen, is the raw material needed for oxygen-enriched combustion, which reflects the complementary nature of the OEC and P2A.Then, an optimal dispatching model is established with the objective function of minimizing the total cost. Finally, the validity of the proposed model is verified by comparing and analyzing the simulation results of five different models. After the introduction of the combined operation of OEC and P2A, the total cost of the system decreases by 10.95%, and the carbon emission decreases by 34.79%.
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Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Corporate Sustainability through Just-In-Time (JIT) Practices: A Meta-Analytic Examination of Financial Performance Outcomes
by
Javier García-Cutrín and Carlos Rodríguez-García
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4025; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104025 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
This paper utilizes a meta-analytic approach to examine the correlation between Just-In-Time (JIT) practices and financial performance. The investigation assesses JIT’s influence on key financial metrics, including Return on Investment (ROI), Return on Sales (ROS), Asset Turnover, and Profit Margins. Results indicate a
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This paper utilizes a meta-analytic approach to examine the correlation between Just-In-Time (JIT) practices and financial performance. The investigation assesses JIT’s influence on key financial metrics, including Return on Investment (ROI), Return on Sales (ROS), Asset Turnover, and Profit Margins. Results indicate a robust positive correlation between JIT implementation and enhanced financial outcomes, demonstrating that JIT significantly contributes to both operational efficiency and financial health. The findings illustrate that JIT’s effectiveness varies by organizational scale and economic context, with larger firms and stable economic conditions seeing the most pronounced benefits. Conversely, smaller firms might face challenges in harnessing JIT’s full financial potential, underscoring the importance of tailored implementation strategies. This study confirms the strategic value of JIT for boosting profitability and efficiency, providing managers with actionable insights to optimize JIT deployment. It also suggests areas for future research to refine understanding of JIT’s variable effects across different operational contexts and explore potential contributions to sustainability initiatives. This contribution enriches the discourse on JIT’s role in enhancing corporate financial performance and opens the door to examining its broader impacts on sustainable business practices.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Innovation in Organizations for Improving Decisions)
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Open AccessArticle
Taking Charge of One’s Own Safety While Collaborating with Robots: Enhancing Situational Awareness for a Safe Environment
by
Ane San Martin, Johan Kildal and Elena Lazkano
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4024; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104024 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Collaborative robots, designed to work alongside humans in industrial manufacturing, are becoming increasingly prevalent. These robots typically monitor their distance from workers and slow down or stop when safety thresholds are breached. However, this results in reduced task execution performance and safety-related uncertainty
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Collaborative robots, designed to work alongside humans in industrial manufacturing, are becoming increasingly prevalent. These robots typically monitor their distance from workers and slow down or stop when safety thresholds are breached. However, this results in reduced task execution performance and safety-related uncertainty for the worker. To address these issues, we propose an alternative safety strategy, where the worker is responsible for their own safety and the robot executes its task without modifying its speed except in the case of imminent contact with the worker. The robot provides precise situation-awareness information to the worker using a mixed-reality display, presenting information about relative distance and movement intentions. The worker is then responsible for placing themselves with respect to the robot. A user study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of task execution, worker safety, and user experience. Results suggest a good user experience and safety perception while maintaining worker safety, which would support social sustainability of human activities in industrial production contexts that require collaboration with robots.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Production and Manufacturing in the Age of Industry 4.0)
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Open AccessArticle
A Two-Stage Data Envelopment Analysis Approach Incorporating the Global Bounded Adjustment Measure to Evaluate the Efficiency of Medical Waste Recycling Systems with Undesirable Inputs and Outputs
by
Wen-Jing Song, Jian-Wei Ren, Chun-Hua Chen, Chen-Xi Feng, Lin-Qiang Li and Chong-Yu Ma
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4023; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104023 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
With the ever-increasing focus on sustainable development, recycling waste and renewable use of waste products has earned immense consideration from academics and policy makers. The serious pollution, complex types, and strong infectivity of medical waste have brought serious challenges to management. Although several
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With the ever-increasing focus on sustainable development, recycling waste and renewable use of waste products has earned immense consideration from academics and policy makers. The serious pollution, complex types, and strong infectivity of medical waste have brought serious challenges to management. Although several researchers have addressed the issue by optimizing medical waste management networks and systems, there is still a significant gap in systematically evaluating the efficiency of medical waste recycling systems. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach that combines the virtual frontier and the global bounded adjustment measure (BAM-VF-G), considering both undesirable inputs and outputs. In the first stage, the BAM-G model is used to evaluate the efficiency of medical waste recycling systems, and the BAM-VF-G model is used to further rank super-efficient medical waste recycling systems. In the second stage, two types of efficiency decomposition models are proposed. The first type of models decompose unified efficiency into production efficiency (PE) and environment efficiency (EE). Depending upon the system structure, the second type of models decompose unified efficiency into the efficiency of the medical waste collection and transport subsystem (MWCS) and the efficiency of the medical waste treatment subsystem (MWTS). The novel approach is used to measure the efficiency of the medical waste recycling systems in China’s new first-tier cities, and we find that (1) Foshan ranks the highest in efficiency, followed by Tianjin and Qingdao, with efficiency values of 0.386, 0.180, and 0.130, respectively; (2) the EE lacks resilience and fluctuated the most from 2017 to 2022; and (3) the efficiency of MWCSs has always been lower than that of MWTSs and is a critical factor inhibiting the overall efficiency of medical waste recycling systems.
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(This article belongs to the Section Waste and Recycling)
Open AccessArticle
Root System Evolution Survey in a Multi-Approach Method for SWBE Monitoring: A Case Study in Tuscany (Italy)
by
Emanuele Giachi, Yamuna Giambastiani, Francesca Giannetti, Andrea Dani and Federico Preti
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4022; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104022 (registering DOI) - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Land degradation and soil erosion, intensified by frequent intense hydro-meteorological events, pose significant threats to ecological processes. In response to the environmental challenges, there is a growing emphasis on employing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as Soil and Water Bioengineering (SWBE) techniques, which promote
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Land degradation and soil erosion, intensified by frequent intense hydro-meteorological events, pose significant threats to ecological processes. In response to the environmental challenges, there is a growing emphasis on employing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as Soil and Water Bioengineering (SWBE) techniques, which promote a sustainable approach and materials for the restoration of natural areas damaged by climate events, unlike traditional “grey” engineering works. However, the effective implementation of SWBE interventions requires a multidisciplinary monitoring approach, considering engineering, geological, ecological, biological, and landscape aspects. The success of these interventions depends on evaluating both short-term stabilities provided by the non-living supporting structure and the long-term development of vegetation introduced during the work. Monitoring should regard structural integrity assessments, vegetation evolution studies, and analyses of root system efficiency (distribution, mechanical characteristics, etc.). This study wants to fill the research gap in SWBE management by proposing a comparison of two study techniques for a root system development evaluation, within a multi-approach methodology for the assessment of these interventions in terms of soil stability and natural evolution. The paper provides insights into geotechnical analysis within a shallow landslide, comparing two different methods for the evaluation of root system evolution. Direct methods (RAR) and indirect methods (ERT) were used for root development monitoring and then compared. Vegetation development was assessed by NDVI parameter by analysing Landsat satellite images. An overall analysis of the data obtained from monitoring the study area shows good plant development, thanks to the SWBE intervention, which in addition to the slope stability effect contributes to better water regulation and initiates a natural ecological succession. The findings contribute to advancing the understanding of the effectiveness of SWBE techniques, offering valuable information for future bioengineering projects and environmental conservation efforts, and promoting them as sustainable techniques for natural recovery.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Its Response to Vegetation Restoration)
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