20 pages, 1149 KiB  
Article
Impact of Universities’ Partnerships on Students’ Sustainable Entrepreneurship Intentions: A Comparative Study
by Shehnaz Tehseen * and Syed Arslan Haider
Department of Management, Sunway University Business School (SUBS), Sunway University, No 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5025; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095025 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 5654
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurial attitude, perceived desirability, and perceived feasibility on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions under the moderating impact of entrepreneurial passion among undergraduate students of Malaysia. It was a quantitative study that compared two groups of students, i.e., Group A, [...] Read more.
This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurial attitude, perceived desirability, and perceived feasibility on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions under the moderating impact of entrepreneurial passion among undergraduate students of Malaysia. It was a quantitative study that compared two groups of students, i.e., Group A, comprised of students who have studied entrepreneurship modules and whose programmes did not offer any dual/triple award degrees and Group B, made up of students who have studied entrepreneurship modules and whose programmes offered dual/triple award degrees. Data were collected from 542 undergraduate students of universities located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor through survey questionnaire. WarpPLS Software version 7.0 was used to analyse the data. The findings of this study revealed that Group B students’ entrepreneurial attitude, perceived desirability, and perceived feasibility positively and significantly impacted the sustainable entrepreneurship intentions under the moderating impact of entrepreneurial passion. However, the impact of entrepreneurial attitude was found positive and significant on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions among students of Group A and entrepreneurial passion was found to be significant moderator to improve the impact of only entrepreneurial attitude and perceived desirability on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions but not for the impact of perceived feasibility on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions among these students. Moreover, the direct impacts of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility were also found non-significant on sustainable entrepreneurship intentions among Group A students. The findings reveal that universities having partnership with other overseas’ universities may offer high quality entrepreneurship modules due to which their students have high entrepreneurial passion and develop more entrepreneurial attitudes, and are more willing and capable to start their own businesses as compared to students of other local universities who have no partnership with overseas’ universities. Full article
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14 pages, 10088 KiB  
Article
Study on the Influence of Mounting Dimensions of PV Array on Module Temperature in Open-Joint Photovoltaic Ventilated Double-Skin Façades
by Wenjie Zhang *, Tongdan Gong, Shengbing Ma, Jianwei Zhou and Yingbo Zhao
School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5027; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095027 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2300
Abstract
In building integrated photovoltaics (PV), it is important to solve the heat dissipation problem of PV modules. In this paper, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is used to simulate the flow field around the open-joint photovoltaic ventilated double-skin façades (OJ-PV-DSF) to study [...] Read more.
In building integrated photovoltaics (PV), it is important to solve the heat dissipation problem of PV modules. In this paper, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is used to simulate the flow field around the open-joint photovoltaic ventilated double-skin façades (OJ-PV-DSF) to study the influence of the mounting dimensions (MD) of a PV array on the module temperature. The typical summer afternoon meteorological parameters, such as the total radiation (715.4 W/m2), the outdoor temperature (33.1 °C), and the wind speed (2.0 m/s), etc., are taken as input parameters. With the DO (discrete ordinates) model and the RNG (renormalization-group) kε model, a steady state calculation is carried out to simulate the flow of air in and around the cavity under the coupling of hot pressure and wind pressure, thereby obtaining the temperature distribution of the PV array and the wall. In addition, the simulation results are compared with the onsite experimental data and thermal imaging to verify the accuracy of the CFD model. Then three MD of the open joints are discussed. The results show that when the a value (represents the distance between PV modules and wall) changes from 0.05 to 0.15, the temperature drop of the PV module is the most obvious, reaching 2.0 K. When the b value (representing the distance between two adjacent PV modules in the vertical direction) changes from 0 to 0.1, the temperature drop of the PV module is most obvious, reaching 1 K. When the c value (represents the distance between two adjacent PV modules in the horizontal direction) changes from 0 to 0.1, the temperature of the PV module is lowered by 0.8 K. Thus, a = 0.1–0.15, b = 0.1 and c = 0.1 are recommended for engineering applications to effectively reduce the module temperature. Full article
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14 pages, 1648 KiB  
Article
Shades between Black and Green Investment: Balance or Imbalance?
by Vítor Manuel de Sousa Gabriel 1,*, María Mar Miralles-Quirós 2 and José Luis Miralles-Quirós 2
1 Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics (CEFAGE), Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
2 Department of Financial Economics, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5024; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095024 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2098
Abstract
This paper analyses the links established between environmental indices and the oil price adopting a double perspective, long-term and short-term relationships. For that purpose, we employ the Bounds Test and bivariate conditional heteroscedasticity models. In the long run, the pattern of behaviour of [...] Read more.
This paper analyses the links established between environmental indices and the oil price adopting a double perspective, long-term and short-term relationships. For that purpose, we employ the Bounds Test and bivariate conditional heteroscedasticity models. In the long run, the pattern of behaviour of environmental indices clearly differed from that of the oil prices, and it was not possible to identify cointegrating vectors. In the short-term, it was possible to conclude that, in contemporaneous terms, the variables studied tended to follow similar paths. When the lag of the oil price variable was considered, the impacts produced on the stock market sectors were partially of a negative nature, which allows us to suppose that this variable plays the role of a risk factor for environmental investment. Full article
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20 pages, 3682 KiB  
Article
The Gig Economy: Current Issues, the Debate, and the New Avenues of Research
by Radosław Malik 1,*, Anna Visvizi 1,2 and Małgorzata Skrzek-Lubasińska 1
1 SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warsaw, Poland
2 Effat College of Business, Effat University, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5023; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095023 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 27679
Abstract
In the context of the debate on platform economy, on the one hand, and the gig economy, on the other, this paper delineates the conceptual boundaries of both concepts to query the gig economy research included in the Web of Science database. The [...] Read more.
In the context of the debate on platform economy, on the one hand, and the gig economy, on the other, this paper delineates the conceptual boundaries of both concepts to query the gig economy research included in the Web of Science database. The initial search, cutoff date February 2020, targeting “gig economy” returned a sample of 378 papers dealing with the topic. The subsequent analysis, employing the science mapping method and relating software (SciMAT), allowed to query the body of research dealing with gig economy in detail. The value added by this paper is fourfold. First, the broad literature on gig economy is mapped and the nascent synergies relating both to research opportunities and economic implications are identified and highlighted. Second, the findings reveal that while research on gig economy proliferates, the distinction between “platform” and “gig” economy frequently remains blurred in the analysis. This paper elaborates on this issue. Third, it is highlighted that the discussion on gig economy is largely dispersed and a clearer research agenda is needed to streamline the discussion to improve its exploratory and explanatory potential. This paper suggests ways of navigating this issue. Fourth, by mapping the existing research on gig economy and highlighting its caveats, the way toward a comprehensive research agenda in the field is highlighted. Full article
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18 pages, 3489 KiB  
Article
Optimal Operation of a Hybrid Power System as an Island Microgrid in South-Korea
by Yeon-Ju Choi 1, Byeong-Chan Oh 2, Moses Amoasi Acquah 3, Dong-Min Kim 4,* and Sung-Yul Kim 3,*
1 Gyeongbuk Institute of IT Convergence Industry Technology, 1 Gongdan 1-ro 12 gil, Jillyang-eup, Gyengsan-si 38463, Korea
2 Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Daegu 42601, Korea
3 Department of Electrical Energy Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Daegu 42601, Korea
4 Department of Electrical Engineering, Dongshin University, 67, Dongsindae-gil, Naju-si 58245, Korea
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5022; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095022 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3145
Abstract
The microgrid is a power distribution system that supplies power from distributed generation to end-users. Demonstration projects and R&D regarding microgrids are currently in development in several advanced countries. In South Korea, renewable energy-based microgrid demonstration projects are carried out mainly as island [...] Read more.
The microgrid is a power distribution system that supplies power from distributed generation to end-users. Demonstration projects and R&D regarding microgrids are currently in development in several advanced countries. In South Korea, renewable energy-based microgrid demonstration projects are carried out mainly as island or university campus grids. These R&D efforts aim to popularize microgrid systems in South Korea while considering the limited land availability, which impedes the widespread distribution of photovoltaic systems and the microgrid market’s growth. This study presents a floating photovoltaic system configured as an island microgrid combined with a hybrid power system. The floating photovoltaic system is configured on an idle water body integrated with an existing pumped hydroelectric system. The integration of a current pumped hydroelectric system minimizes a battery energy storage requirement, which compensates for the renewable energy sources’ intermittent power output. We evaluate the optimal power flow of the setup using a reliability index to ensure a stable power supply within the standalone microgrid and maximize the supply power range according to the demand response. Full article
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22 pages, 756 KiB  
Article
Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Planning in the European Environmental Policy Framework: Analysis of the State of the Art and Recommendations for Future Development
by Claudia de Luca 1,*, Sandra Naumann 2, McKenna Davis 2 and Simona Tondelli 1
1 Alma Mater Studiorum, Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
2 Ecologic Institute, 10717 Berlin, Germany
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5021; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095021 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5817
Abstract
Sustainable urban planning (SUP) is crucial in the development of sustainable cities, as also underlined by the New Urban Agenda. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being recognized for their potential to offer multiple benefits that are necessary in order to cope with present [...] Read more.
Sustainable urban planning (SUP) is crucial in the development of sustainable cities, as also underlined by the New Urban Agenda. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being recognized for their potential to offer multiple benefits that are necessary in order to cope with present and future urban challenges. The European policy framework, including the recently released European Green Deal, could strongly boost the role and recognition of NBS and SUP as drivers of sustainable and inclusive urban transition. Through a content analysis of current environmental European policies, strategies and agreements, this paper provides (i) an overview of the state of the art of the environmental European policy framework and the recognized role of NBS and SUP in reaching defined objectives, and (ii) insights on where NBS and SUP could play a larger role within this framework. On this basis, the paper identifies gaps and develops recommendations for a better integration of such concepts into the current framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards a Sustainable Urban Planning for the Green Deal Era)
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15 pages, 471 KiB  
Article
The Relations between Teaching Strategies, Students’ Engagement in Learning, and Teachers’ Self-Concept
by Feifei Han
Office of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law), Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5020; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095020 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 49839
Abstract
Good teaching strategies may not only engage students in learning but may also promote teachers’ self-concept about teaching. The present study empirically investigated the contributions of four popular teaching strategies, namely, feedback, scaffolding, active learning, and collaborating, to students’ engagement in learning and [...] Read more.
Good teaching strategies may not only engage students in learning but may also promote teachers’ self-concept about teaching. The present study empirically investigated the contributions of four popular teaching strategies, namely, feedback, scaffolding, active learning, and collaborating, to students’ engagement in learning and teachers’ self-concept in teaching. The study adopted a quantitative design, which surveyed 208 Australian primary school teachers by using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire. The structure of the questionnaire was first explored by an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and then through a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in order to provide an account for validity. The results of correlations showed that all the four teaching strategies were positively associated with both students’ engagement and teachers’ self-concept. The results of the structural equation modelling found that the strength of these relations varied. While feedback, scaffolding, and active learning strategies all positively contributed to teachers’ self-concept, collaborating neither significantly predicted students’ engagement nor teachers’ self-concept. Only scaffolding had a positive path to students’ engagement, implying that scaffolding may be the best strategy among the four teaching strategies to engage primary students. The study suggested to teachers that they need to consider the age of learners when implementing teaching strategies. Full article
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14 pages, 3604 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Influence on Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) from Substrate Supplementation of Calcium Silicate
by Rossana V. C. Cardoso 1,2, Márcio Carocho 1,*, Ângela Fernandes 1, José Pinela 1, Dejan Stojković 3, Marina Soković 3, Diego Cunha Zied 4, Juan Diego Valenzuela Cobos 5, Ana M. González-Paramás 2, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira 1 and Lillian Barros 1,*
1 Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Campus de Santa Apolónia, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
2 Grupo de Investigación en Polifenoles (GIP), Unidad de Nutrición y Bromatología, Facultad de Farmacia, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
3 Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
4 Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Tecnológicas (FCAT), Campus Dracena, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo 17900-000, Brazil
5 Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Biotecnología (UPIBI), Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 07340, CP, Mexico
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5019; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095019 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4369
Abstract
Supplementation of the substrate of mushrooms with calcium silicate and other minerals is usually used as a preventive measure against pests and other contaminants during the production of oyster mushrooms. Little is known of the effects of this supplementation on the quality of [...] Read more.
Supplementation of the substrate of mushrooms with calcium silicate and other minerals is usually used as a preventive measure against pests and other contaminants during the production of oyster mushrooms. Little is known of the effects of this supplementation on the quality of the mushrooms produced. In the work described herein, the supplementation of oyster mushrooms was performed with 5 supplementation levels (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 4%) on mushrooms from two different locations in Brazil, the two flushes of mushrooms produced were analysed in terms of phenolic compounds, organic acids, and the antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and finally the data was subjected to a linear discriminant analysis to understand the discrimination of the supplementation percentages. Overall, intermediate supplementation until 1% seemed to have a positive effect on the mushrooms from Mogi-das-Cruzes region, while high supplementation favoured the mushrooms from the region of Presidente Prudente. Supplementation showed positive effects on the mushrooms by increasing the production of some secondary metabolites while not showing any negative cytotoxic effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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13 pages, 6660 KiB  
Review
Integration of Technology to Learning-Teaching Processes and Google Workspace Tools: A Literature Review
by Umut Akcil 1, Huseyin Uzunboylu 2 and Elanur Kinik 1,*
1 Faculty of Education, Near East University, Near East University Blvd, Mersin 10, TR-99138 Nicosia, Turkey
2 Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation & Coordination, Mersin 10, TR-99138 Nicosia, Turkey
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095018 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 21655
Abstract
During the pandemic, educators around the world were unexpectedly encouraged to switch to online and distance learning. They tried to integrate face-to-face learning–teaching processes in the classrooms into the technological environment and to sustain this process in the best way. In this research, [...] Read more.
During the pandemic, educators around the world were unexpectedly encouraged to switch to online and distance learning. They tried to integrate face-to-face learning–teaching processes in the classrooms into the technological environment and to sustain this process in the best way. In this research, it is aimed to examine the current results in the current studies on technology integration into the teaching–learning processes in the literature. In order to collect data, a descriptive compilation pattern was used within the frame of the Literature Search method based on the qualitative method. The data obtained by examining the current articles obtained with the keyword “Technology Integration” were used in the research. As a result of the study, it was seen that technology integration is a complex and multidimensional process with several dynamics, and full integration cannot be achieved. As a result, recommendations were made in the context of various models and Google Workspace tools to help ensure technology integration in line with the obstacles specified in the studies. Full article
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18 pages, 2956 KiB  
Article
The Current Status and Challenges of China Railway Express (CRE) as a Key Sustainability Policy Component of the Belt and Road Initiative
by Kyoung-Suk Choi
Department of International Trade, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5017; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095017 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 11911
Abstract
Under the auspices of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been expanding the operation of its CRE (China Railway Express) system that links China and Europe. The CRE is today regarded as an important measure of progress by which BRI-related goals [...] Read more.
Under the auspices of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been expanding the operation of its CRE (China Railway Express) system that links China and Europe. The CRE is today regarded as an important measure of progress by which BRI-related goals are achieved, and it has the potential to become the most sustainable mode of long-range transport. The system has been growing rapidly thanks to the active support of the Chinese government. As the Eurasian trade and logistics environment changes, CRE will become increasingly important as a third option that complements air and sea transport, with the demand continuing to accelerate among shippers for CRE service. Despite the expanding role and potential importance of the CRE system, few academic studies have been undertaken on the relevant CRE policies and status, especially in international academic journals. Thus, this study comprehensively reviewed the specific operation status of CRE system by route and region, and identified specific challenges that need to be addressed in order to continue its sustainable development. Full article
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16 pages, 459 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Endurance Involvement and Travel Behavior in Camping and the Moderating Effect of Place Attachment
by Jehn-Yih Wong 1, Ming-Lee Hsiung 1, Shu-Ju Lee 2 and Chia-Ying ChouHuang 1,*
1 Department of Business Administration, Ming Chuan University, Taipei 111, Taiwan
2 Department of Tourism & Recreation Management, Hsiuping University of Science and Technology, Taichung 41280, Taiwan
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5016; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095016 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5053
Abstract
Camping tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry. Global trends in camping show that this type of recreational activity has begun to emerge in Asia. Meeting the expectations of potential and current tourists in a camping destination will [...] Read more.
Camping tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry. Global trends in camping show that this type of recreational activity has begun to emerge in Asia. Meeting the expectations of potential and current tourists in a camping destination will lead to the accomplishment of competitive advantage. The endurance involvement and place attachment play important roles in understanding camping behaviors. However, limited research identified place attachment as a moderator of the influence of endurance involvement on camping travel behavior. To fill this gap, based on place attachment theory, our study developed a conceptual model that postulates endurance involvement and place attachment as predictors of camping tourism. 216 self-administered questionnaires were retuned. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the psychometric properties of the measures, while regression analysis was employed to assess the research hypotheses. The study results show that endurance involvement in camping affects camping travel behavior, whereas camping place dependence, camping place identity, and camping affective attachment moderate the effect of camping endurance involvement on camping travel behavior. Camping place attachment strengthens the relationship between camping endurance involvement and camping travel behavior. To maintain the sustainable development of camping tourism, campsite authorities should attach more importance to strengthening campers’ emotional bonds and concentrate on how to encourage them to participate in tourism activities. The findings have several theoretical and managerial implications for camping tourism marketing and the development of campground. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marketing Management in Hospitality and Tourism Industries)
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17 pages, 434 KiB  
Article
Risk Management in Corporate Governance Framework
by Hania Rehman 1, Muhammad Ramzan 1, Muhammad Zia Ul Haq 1, Jinsoo Hwang 2 and Kyoung-Bae Kim 3,*
1 Multan Campus, Air University Islamabad, Multan 66000, Pakistan
2 The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Korea
3 Department of Tourism Management, Dong-A University, Busan 49236, Korea
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5015; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095015 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8776
Abstract
There is a scarcity of literature involving studies about the effect of risk management on the relationship between corporate governance and a firm’s financial performance, especially in emerging markets. The study fills this gap and adds to the existing literature by investigating whether [...] Read more.
There is a scarcity of literature involving studies about the effect of risk management on the relationship between corporate governance and a firm’s financial performance, especially in emerging markets. The study fills this gap and adds to the existing literature by investigating whether risk management acts as a mediator between corporate governance and the firm’s financial performance. This study found that risk management partially mediates the relationship between board size and financial performance. Our results further indicate that risk management acts as a partial mediator between foreign ownership and financial performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Governance and Sustainability Performance)
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13 pages, 699 KiB  
Article
Corporate Governance vs. Financial Performance for Intensity of Innovation Investments
by Raminta Benetyte 1,*, Halit Gonenc 2 and Rytis Krusinskas 1
1 Kaunas University of Technology, School of Economics and Business, 44249 Kaunas, Lithuania
2 University of Groningen, Faculty of Economics and Business, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5014; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095014 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4006
Abstract
In a rapidly changing technology world, companies need to conform to their customers’ expectations if they wish to remain competitive in the marketplace. New products, services, processes, marketing, management, and organizational innovation can all be tools to keep companies competitive. Research and development [...] Read more.
In a rapidly changing technology world, companies need to conform to their customers’ expectations if they wish to remain competitive in the marketplace. New products, services, processes, marketing, management, and organizational innovation can all be tools to keep companies competitive. Research and development (R&D) expenditure is a critical component in the development of a design process. According to the scientific literature, corporate governance and financial performance can be essential variables with a significant impact on the innovation process. By acting transparently and honestly with all stakeholders (employees, suppliers, customers, creditors, government, community), companies can ensure and enhance the economic sustainability of the whole country through efficient management of financial resources and work toward high value-added innovation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to analyze whether corporate governance and financial performance affect the development of corporate innovation investments and, at the same time, the sustainability of the country’s economy. Additionally, this research proposes a methodology for integrated assessment of corporate innovation investments in the context of economic sustainability, aimed at companies and countries for more efficient investment in innovation and sustainable development outcomes. The object of the research was corporate innovation investment intensity as the driver for economic sustainability. An evaluation methodology for integrated assessment of corporate innovation investment can be used as an instrument for the stimulation of business innovation and strategic development of a country’s economy. The evaluation methodology of integrated assessment of corporate innovation investments can be utilized to evaluate different companies and governments. Evidence-based empirical calculations show that synchronized corporate governance and financial performance influence the intensity of corporate innovation investments in the context of economic sustainability. Full article
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14 pages, 3819 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Ecological Policy Compromises Human Well-Being and Giant Panda Habitat Conservation in Giant Panda National Park
by Dan Zhu 1,2,3 and Degang Yang 1,*
1 Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
2 Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
3 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5013; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095013 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
Identifying how policy, socioeconomic factors, and environmental factors influence changes in human well-being (HWB) and conservation efficiency is important for ecological management and sustainable development, especially in the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). In this study, we systematically analyzed the differences in the [...] Read more.
Identifying how policy, socioeconomic factors, and environmental factors influence changes in human well-being (HWB) and conservation efficiency is important for ecological management and sustainable development, especially in the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP). In this study, we systematically analyzed the differences in the conservation status of the giant panda habitat and changes in HWB over 15 years in the GPNP, which includes six mountain sites, Minshan (MS), Qionglai (QLS), Xiaoxiangling (XXL), Liangshan (LS), Qinling (QL), and Daxiangling (DXL). Redundancy analyses were used to determine the factors contributing (policy, socioeconomic factors, and environmental factors) to HWB and giant panda habitat conservation (HC). In addition, using a structural equation model (SEM), we investigated the relationship between the aforementioned three factors and their direct and indirect effects on HWB and HC. The results indicated that there was spatiotemporal heterogeneity of HWB and HC in our study area. There was an increasing number of plant species as well as an increased number of giant panda in GPNP. Generally, HWB in 2015 showed an increasing trend compared with that in 2000. Socioeconomic factors (23.6%) have the biggest influence on HWB and HC, followed by policy (23.2%) and environmental factors (19.4%). Conservation policy had a significantly positive influence on HWB (0.52), while it negatively influenced HC (−0.15). Socioeconomic factors significantly negatively influenced HWB (−0.38). The formulation and implementation of policies to promote economic development will contribute to the protection of giant pandas and their habitat. Our results provide insight on the conservation status of the giant panda habitat, HWB, and factors influencing them in different mountain sites in the GPNP, as well as having implications for the future management of the GPNP. Full article
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26 pages, 2125 KiB  
Article
Construction Sector Contribution to Economic Stability: Malaysian GDP Distribution
by Wesam Salah Alaloul 1, Muhammad Ali Musarat 1,*, Muhammad Babar Ali Rabbani 2, Qaiser Iqbal 2, Ahsen Maqsoom 3 and Waqas Farooq 4
1 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Tronoh 32610, Perak, Malaysia
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
3 Department of Civil Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad Wah Campus, Wah Cantt 47040, Pakistan
4 Department of Electrical Engineering, Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5012; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095012 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 132 | Viewed by 23360
Abstract
The construction sector exerts an exceptional impact on economic development all over the world. Adequate buildings and infrastructures made by the construction sector ensure that a country reaches certain targets like social development, industrialization, freight transportation, sustainable development, and urbanization. This study aims [...] Read more.
The construction sector exerts an exceptional impact on economic development all over the world. Adequate buildings and infrastructures made by the construction sector ensure that a country reaches certain targets like social development, industrialization, freight transportation, sustainable development, and urbanization. This study aims to determine the construction sector’s connectivity with other sectors through complex linkages that contribute immensely to the economy and gross domestic product (GDP). The data were collected from the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the World Bank from the year 1970 to 2019, and the Pearson correlation test, the cointegration test, and the Granger causality test were conducted. The vector error correction model (VECM) was created for short-term and long-term equilibrium analysis and impulse response function (IRF) was performed to study construction industry behavior. Afterwards, the forecasting was done for the year 2020 to 2050 of the Malaysian economy and GDP for the required sectors. It was revealed that some sectors, such as agriculture and services, have forward linkages while other sectors, such as manufacturing and mining, are independent of construction sector causality, which signifies the behavior of the contributing sectors when a recession occurs, hence generating significant revenue. The Malaysian economy is moving towards sustainable production with more emphasis on the construction sector. The outcome can be used as a benchmark by other countries to achieve sustainable development. The significance of this study is its usefulness for experts all over the world in terms of allocating resources to make the construction sector a sustainable sector after receiving a shock. A sustainable conceptual framework has been suggested for global application that shows the factors involved in the growth of the construction industry to ensure its sustainable development with time. Full article
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