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Sustainability, Volume 14, Issue 9 (May-1 2022) – 876 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): It has often been argued that local perceptions should be integrated with scientific knowledge of climate change for adaptation planning. However, the extent to which the two knowledge sources can be integrated in urban areas will depend on their synergy. This is especially important for cities with persistent informal settlements, where residents are often excluded from city planning. This study shows that informal dwellers' perceptions are congruent with scientific and institutional knowledge of climate change-related phenomena. Integration of their perceptions will enhance adaptation planning for marginalised urban populations. View this paper.
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28 pages, 13417 KiB  
Article
Analysing Key Steps of the Photogrammetric Pipeline for Museum Artefacts 3D Digitisation
by Elisa Mariarosaria Farella, Luca Morelli, Simone Rigon, Eleonora Grilli and Fabio Remondino
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095740 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3292
Abstract
In recent years, massive digitisation of cultural heritage (CH) assets has become a focus of European programmes and initiatives. Among CH settings, attention is reserved to the immense and precious museum collections, whose digital 3D reproduction can support broader non-invasive analyses and stimulate [...] Read more.
In recent years, massive digitisation of cultural heritage (CH) assets has become a focus of European programmes and initiatives. Among CH settings, attention is reserved to the immense and precious museum collections, whose digital 3D reproduction can support broader non-invasive analyses and stimulate the realisation of more attractive and interactive exhibitions. The reconstruction pipeline typically includes numerous processing steps when passive techniques are selected to deal with object digitisation. This article presents some insights on critical operations, which, based on our experience, can rule the quality of the final models and the reconstruction times for delivering 3D heritage results, while boosting the sustainability of digital cultural contents. The depth of field (DoF) problem is explored in the acquisition phase when surveying medium and small-sized objects. Techniques for deblurring images and masking object backgrounds are examined relative to the pre-processing stage. Some point cloud denoising and mesh simplification procedures are analysed in data post-processing. Hints on physically-based rendering (PBR) materials are also presented as closing operations of the reconstruction pipeline. This paper explores these processes mainly through experiments, providing a practical guide, tricks, and suggestions when tackling museum digitisation projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Heritage as Sustainable Resource for Culture and Tourism)
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13 pages, 4211 KiB  
Article
Multi-Session Surface Electromyogram Signal Database for Personal Identification
by Jin-Su Kim, Cheol-Ho Song, EunSang Bak and Sung-Bum Pan
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5739; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095739 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1560
Abstract
Surface electromyogram (sEMG) refers to a biosignal acquired from the skin surface during the contraction of skeletal muscles, and a different signal waveform is generated, depending on the motion performed. Therefore, in contrast to generic personal identification, which uses only a piece of [...] Read more.
Surface electromyogram (sEMG) refers to a biosignal acquired from the skin surface during the contraction of skeletal muscles, and a different signal waveform is generated, depending on the motion performed. Therefore, in contrast to generic personal identification, which uses only a piece of registered information, the sEMG changes the registered information in a personal identification method. The sEMG database (DB) for conventional personal identification has shortcomings, such as a few subjects and the inability to verify sEMG signal variability. In order to solve the problems of DBs, this paper describes a method for constructing a multi-session sEMG DB for many subjects. Data were obtained in two channels when each of the 200 subjects performed 12 motions. There were three sessions, and each motion was repeated 10 times in time intervals of a day or longer between each session. Furthermore, to verify the effectiveness of the constructed sEMG DB, we conducted a personal identification experiment. According to the experimental results, the accuracy for five subjects was 74.19%, demonstrating the applicability of the constructed multi-session sEMG DB. Full article
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21 pages, 1600 KiB  
Article
Driving Sustainable Innovation in New Ventures: A Study Based on the fsQCA Approach
by Yu Liu and Hao Zhang
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5738; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095738 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
With the external environment becoming increasingly complex and changeable, how we can effectively enhance the innovation of companies in sustainability has become the focus of research. For startups, due to their lack of resources and poor independent innovation capabilities, they need to search [...] Read more.
With the external environment becoming increasingly complex and changeable, how we can effectively enhance the innovation of companies in sustainability has become the focus of research. For startups, due to their lack of resources and poor independent innovation capabilities, they need to search for external knowledge from outside to meet their own needs. Therefore, obtaining external knowledge sources and adopting appropriate methods for knowledge search is the key to affecting innovation in sustainability. Moreover, enterprise capability is also an important factor restricting sustainable innovation. In this paper, we construct an integrated framework of resources and capabilities based on theoretical learning and practice between 2018 and 2021, containing technical knowledge, market knowledge, a formal search, an informal search, organizational learning, and strategic flexibility. Taking 450 new ventures in China as the research sample, we adopt the fsQCA method and derive the path driving the sustainable innovation of new ventures. The results show that resources and enterprise capabilities combine to influence sustainable innovation, and there are two configuration paths driving the sustainable innovation of new ventures. In the first pathway, a technical knowledge search, a market knowledge search, organizational learning and strategic flexibility are the core conditions; in the second pathway, a formal search, an informal search, organizational learning, and strategic flexibility are the core conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation for Sustainable Business)
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13 pages, 4081 KiB  
Article
Expansion of the Invasive Plant Species Reynoutria japonica Houtt in the Upper Bistrița Mountain River Basin with a Calculus on the Productive Potential of a Mountain Meadow
by Bogdan-Mihai Negrea, Valeriu Stoilov-Linu, Cristian-Emilian Pop, György Deák, Nicolae Crăciun and Marius Mirodon Făgăraș
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095737 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3629
Abstract
Many invasive plant species use interactions with their anthropic environment as a propagation factor and benefit from climate changes, which have become accentuated in the last decade. The way such species interact with climate changes, as well as their high specific ecological plasticity, [...] Read more.
Many invasive plant species use interactions with their anthropic environment as a propagation factor and benefit from climate changes, which have become accentuated in the last decade. The way such species interact with climate changes, as well as their high specific ecological plasticity, gives them a consistent advantage over native plant species. This work aims to demonstrate through a simple calculation the quantification of the productive potential of a wet meadow on which populations of an invasive plant species grew. The loss of productive potential induced by Reynoutria japonica Houtt on a mountain meadow in Ciocănești village, Romania, was the main objective. In the case of the productive potential of the meadows, a method for the general calculation of such losses was shown. The degree of anthropization of the studied area was also evaluated, correlating the degree of anthropization with the invasive species’ potential for spreading and affecting the mountain area. Full article
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18 pages, 5289 KiB  
Article
Balancing Street Functionality and Restorative Benefit: Developing an Expectation–Current Approach to Street Design
by Yuting Yin, Kevin Thwaites and Yuhan Shao
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095736 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3681
Abstract
The importance of creating a better living environment that is conducive to public health has become increasingly prominent in the post-epidemic era. The restorative potential of urban streets has been emphasized recently, as these spaces of our everyday lives may provide people with [...] Read more.
The importance of creating a better living environment that is conducive to public health has become increasingly prominent in the post-epidemic era. The restorative potential of urban streets has been emphasized recently, as these spaces of our everyday lives may provide people with restorative experiences. However, there is still no efficient way of delivering restorative street design, because no specific standard has been set to indicate the form such streets should take. A street has limited spaces but multiple uses; hence, the delivery of restorativeness is largely restricted by street contexts. This research proposes that this standard should be determined by the balance between street functions and restorative benefits. An expectation-current approach that involves street functions, street typologies, restorative evaluations and users’ expectations was developed in conjunction with its application to four pairs of streets. Each pair included one typical street type determined by its inherent function, and one corresponding case-study street. The restorative expectations and the streets’ current levels of restorativeness were evaluated, and their differences were used to indicate how and to what degree street-related restorative benefits should be optimized. Restorative design implications of the four case-study streets were then summarized accordingly. The expectation–current approach not only serves as a rigorous and sustainable method by stressing the balance between street functions and restorativeness, but also has the potential for application in broader assessment studies, especially when multiple environmental qualities need to be considered, with the advantage of the extensive involvement of people. Full article
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15 pages, 385 KiB  
Article
Corporate Sustainability and Risk Management—The U-Shaped Relationships of Disaggregated ESG Rating Scores and Risk in the German Capital Market
by Fabio Korinth and Rainer Lueg
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5735; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095735 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5149
Abstract
This study addresses the relationship between the (dis)aggregated ESG rating and different types of risk (i.e., market risk, idiosyncratic risk, total risk) in the German stock market. We investigate not only the overall ESG rating and the E, S, and G pillar scores [...] Read more.
This study addresses the relationship between the (dis)aggregated ESG rating and different types of risk (i.e., market risk, idiosyncratic risk, total risk) in the German stock market. We investigate not only the overall ESG rating and the E, S, and G pillar scores but also all the underlying category scores. Thereby, we provide in-depth insight into diverse CS operations. We cover 454 firm years (2012–2019) using ordinary least squares regression with firm and year fixed effects. Our main insights are the U-shaped relationships between CS and risk: Ecological investments first decrease systematic risk (beta), while overinvestment increases systematic risk again. Likewise, social investments initially decrease idiosyncratic risk, while overinvestment increases idiosyncratic risk again. Further findings suggest only one linkage between systematic risk and the social pillar score. In the category scores, a few more relevant linkages were identified, which indicates that disaggregation of the ESG ratings increases the explanatory power of models. In respect to findings from other capital markets, it appears that the effects of the ESG ratings on risk may depend on the existing level of sustainability in the capital market. Last, our study provides insights into the nonlinearity of the CS–risk relationships. Full article
23 pages, 1719 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economic Life Cycle-Based Framework for Safe and Sustainable Design of Engineered Nanomaterials and Nano-Enabled Products
by Stella Stoycheva, Alex Zabeo, Lisa Pizzol and Danail Hristozov
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095734 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2427
Abstract
This manuscript describes an innovative approach to socio-economic assessment of (advanced) engineered nanomaterials and nano-enabled products (NEPs) to support safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) decision making by industries in the early stages of product development. This semi-quantitative methodology is based on a sound conceptual framework grounded [...] Read more.
This manuscript describes an innovative approach to socio-economic assessment of (advanced) engineered nanomaterials and nano-enabled products (NEPs) to support safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) decision making by industries in the early stages of product development. This semi-quantitative methodology is based on a sound conceptual framework grounded in the combination of social life cycle analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis methods and supports decision making based upon socio-economic impacts assessed over the full life cycle of a product. To facilitate its application by industries, the methodology was implemented as an Excel-based self-assessment tool. This easy-to-use, cost- and time-efficient tool can guide users through their SSbD decision making regarding newly developed nanomaterials and NEPs and can also be applied to re-evaluate existing materials and NEPs in order to improve their sustainability from a socio-economic perspective. The relatively low requirements of this tool regarding the level of efforts and expert knowledge needed for its application make it a good starting point for initial assessment to highlight socio-economic issues in the value chain. The results of this initial screening can be further used for more detailed analysis in the later stages of product development by performing a full social life cycle assessment (S-LCA). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Innovation and Risk Governance for Emerging Technologies)
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13 pages, 1700 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Ground Risk Assessment for Urban Logistical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Based on Bayesian Network
by Peng Han, Xinyue Yang, Yifei Zhao, Xiangmin Guan and Shengjie Wang
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5733; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095733 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been used for the delivery of medical supplies in urban logistical distribution, due to its ability to reduce human contact during the global fight against COVID-19. However, due to the reliability of the UAV system and the [...] Read more.
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been used for the delivery of medical supplies in urban logistical distribution, due to its ability to reduce human contact during the global fight against COVID-19. However, due to the reliability of the UAV system and the complex and changeable operation scene and population distribution in the urban environment, a few ground-impact accidents have occurred and generated enormous risks to ground personnel. In order to reduce the risk of UAV ground-impact accidents in the urban logistical scene, failure causal factors, and failure modes were classified and summarized in the process of UAV operation based on the accumulated operation data of more than 20,000 flight hours. The risk assessment model based on the Bayesian network was built. According to the established network and the probability of failure causal factors, the probabilities of ground impact accidents and intermediate events under different working conditions were calculated, respectively. The posterior probability was carried out based on the network topology to deduce the main failure inducement of the accidents. Mitigation measures were established to achieve the equivalent safety level of manned aviation, aiming at the main causes of accidents. The results show that the safety risk of the UAV was reduced to 3.84 × 10−8 under the action of risk-mitigation measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airspace System Planning and Management)
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19 pages, 3415 KiB  
Article
Estimating the Long-Term Effects of National and International Sustainable Transport Policies on Energy Consumption and Emissions of Road Transport Sector of Pakistan
by Muhammad Asim, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Salman Abbasi, Saad Ahmad, M. A. Mujtaba, Manzoore Elahi M. Soudagar and Abdullah Mohamed
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5732; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095732 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3408
Abstract
Energy/fuel consumption and associated emissions are major concerns of transport sector. During the fiscal year (FY) of 2018, Pakistan’s transport sector consumed 22 million tons of oil equivalent (TOE) energy from burning of fossil fuels and emitted 52.8 million metric tons (MMT) of [...] Read more.
Energy/fuel consumption and associated emissions are major concerns of transport sector. During the fiscal year (FY) of 2018, Pakistan’s transport sector consumed 22 million tons of oil equivalent (TOE) energy from burning of fossil fuels and emitted 52.8 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2, which accounted for 30% of country’s overall carbon emissions. Different scenarios, such as business as usual (BAU), International Energy Agency Vision 2030 (IEA V30), International Energy Agency Vision 2050 (IEA V50), China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and newly developed Pakistan National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP), are analyzed for Pakistan’s transport sector and results are forecasted for the next 17 years. The results show that effective electric vehicle (EV) adoption can cause significant reductions in energy/fuel consumption as well as atmospheric emissions. The distinctive outputs are important parameters in analyzing future energy demands, emissions and introducing effective sustainable energy policies for the transport sector of developing countries. Full article
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22 pages, 825 KiB  
Article
The Path of Housing Prices in Promoting the Upgrading of Industrial Structure: Bank Credit Funds, Land Finance, and Consumer Demand
by Bibo Yin, Yining Pang and Xiaocang Xu
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5731; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095731 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
The impact path of housing prices on the upgrading of the industrial structure is an important part of realizing the high-quality operation of the national economy in China. In order to discuss the mechanism of different influencing paths to upgrading industrial structure, this [...] Read more.
The impact path of housing prices on the upgrading of the industrial structure is an important part of realizing the high-quality operation of the national economy in China. In order to discuss the mechanism of different influencing paths to upgrading industrial structure, this paper introduces three different intermediary variables from the levels of supply, demand, and government, and further subdivides and compares them to empirically test the specific impact path of housing prices on industrial structure upgrading by constructing multi-dimensional industrial structure upgrading indicators. It obtains some meaningful results. Firstly, there is a significant U-shaped relationship between housing prices and industrial structure upgrading; secondly, rising house prices will exacerbate the real estate industry’s occupation of bank credit funds, hindering the upgrading of the whole industrial structure; thirdly, the negative impact of the land’s financial dependence on the upgrading of the industrial structure was underestimated; and, finally, the rise in housing prices can improve the consumption level and promote the upgrading of regional industrial structures. By studying the impact path of house prices on the upgrading of different industrial structures, it will help local governments regulate house prices and give full play to the role of house prices in promoting the upgrading of industrial structure through multiple channels. Full article
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21 pages, 8256 KiB  
Article
A Machine Learning and Computer Vision Study of the Environmental Characteristics of Streetscapes That Affect Pedestrian Satisfaction
by Jiyun Lee, Donghyun Kim and Jina Park
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5730; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095730 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3918
Abstract
Pedestrian-friendly cities are a recent global trend due to the various urbanization problems. Since humans are greatly influenced by sight while walking, this study identified the physical and visual characteristics of the street environment that affect pedestrian satisfaction. In this study, vast amounts [...] Read more.
Pedestrian-friendly cities are a recent global trend due to the various urbanization problems. Since humans are greatly influenced by sight while walking, this study identified the physical and visual characteristics of the street environment that affect pedestrian satisfaction. In this study, vast amounts of visual data were collected and analyzed using computer vision techniques. Furthermore, these data were analyzed through a machine learning prediction model and SHAP algorithm. As a result, every visual feature of the streetscape, for example, the visible area and urban design quality, had a greater effect on pedestrian satisfaction than any physical features. Therefore, to build a street with high pedestrian satisfaction, the perspective of pedestrians must be considered, and wide sidewalks, fewer lanes, and the proper arrangement of street furniture are required. In conclusion, visually, low enclosure, adequate complexity, and large green areas combine to create a highly satisfying pedestrian walkway. Through this study, we could suggest an approach from a visual perspective for the pedestrian environment of the street and see the possibility of using computer vision techniques. Full article
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13 pages, 1507 KiB  
Article
Indicators of Sustainable Employability among Older Finnish Postal Service Employees: A Longitudinal Study of Age and Time Effects
by Subas Neupane, Saila Kyrönlahti, Prakash K.C., Anna Siukola, Hanna Kosonen, Kirsi Lumme-Sandt, Pirjo Nikander and Clas-Håkan Nygård
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095729 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1948
Abstract
We first clarify the definition of sustainable employability, and then we study how the indicators of sustainable employability among older Finnish postal service employees have changed over time. Finally, we estimate the effect of age on these indicators in a two-year follow up. [...] Read more.
We first clarify the definition of sustainable employability, and then we study how the indicators of sustainable employability among older Finnish postal service employees have changed over time. Finally, we estimate the effect of age on these indicators in a two-year follow up. A questionnaire survey among the Finnish postal service employees was conducted in 2016, and a follow-up was conducted in 2018. We analyze data from 1262 subjects who replied to both the baseline and the follow-up surveys. Sustainable employability is defined as a multidimensional construct using nine indicators and covering three domains (health, well-being and employability) based on Fleuren and colleagues’ model. Measurement time (repeated measure) is used as a within-subjects factor, and age is used as a between-subjects factor. The estimated marginal means of the indicators of sustainable employability at the baseline and the follow-up by age in years are calculated. No significant change is found in eight indicators (work ability, time and resources, recovery after work, job satisfaction, motivation, perceived employment, enough training on the job and relevance of work) of sustainable employability after the two-year follow-up. We find a statistically significant effect of time on self-rated health (F = 6.56, p = 0.011). Six out of nine indicators (self-rated health, work ability, time and resources, recovery after work, job satisfaction, and perceived employment) have a statistically significant effect of age between subjects. Partial Eta Squared (ŋ2p) shows a very small difference in the indicators of sustainable employability during the follow-up, indicating that the employability of the workers was sustained throughout. We used the Fleuren model as the basis for our definition of sustainable employability. Although they are based on single items, these indicators of sustainable employability remain stable after the two-year follow-up. Significant effects of age between subjects are found for six out of nine indicators. The results suggest that age may be an important determinant of sustainable employability. Full article
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20 pages, 8801 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Human Critical Area (HCA) in the “Three Water Lines” Region of Northwest China and the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors between 2000 and 2020
by Zhiting Chen, Qing Ren, Tian Zhang, Zhewen Kang, Xiaoyan Huang, Peng Li, Xiaohu Dang, Xiaoshu Cao and Mingjiang Deng
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5728; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095728 - 09 May 2022
Viewed by 2898
Abstract
The Human Critical Area (HCA) is an area that characterizes the surface landscape created by human beings in the Anthropocene. Based on the signatures left by major human activities over the Earth′s surface, this research demarcates an arid inland region of Northwest China, [...] Read more.
The Human Critical Area (HCA) is an area that characterizes the surface landscape created by human beings in the Anthropocene. Based on the signatures left by major human activities over the Earth′s surface, this research demarcates an arid inland region of Northwest China, the “Three Water Lines”, into four HCA types: Agricultural Area, Built-up Area, Ecological Area, and Bare Area. This paper explores the HCA′s distribution and changes in the “Three Water Lines” region between 2000 and 2020 with land use/cover data, as well as the impact of socioeconomic factors on the HCA dynamics with statistics sourcing from authoritative yearbooks. To achieve this, the Land Use Transition Matrix is used to investigate the changes in area and distribution, while binary linear regression and stepwise multiple linear regression are applied to examine the single and joint effects of the socioeconomic factors. The main findings are as follows: (i) The four HCA types are distinguished quantitatively and by their distribution patterns. Ecological Area and Bare Area cover most (more than 90% in total) of the territory with extensive and continuous distribution. Agricultural Area is mainly found on the eastern and western parts of the region, with flat terrain, abundant water resources, and moderate temperatures. Built-up Area is the most concentrated but has an unbalanced distribution and the lowest quantity. (ii) Despite some discernible spatial and quantity changes at regional and county levels between 2000 and 2020, the general characteristics in HCA’s structure and distribution pattern have mainly remained consistent. (iii) Transitions between HCA types occur constantly, and the primary source type of the transitions differs from one another. Ecological Area and Bare Area form the sources of the most evident transitions. (iv) Agricultural Area and Built-up Area are more prone influence from some socioeconomic dynamics. By contrast, there is no evidence that socioeconomic factors directly affect Bare Area. As the first empirical study of the newly conceived concept, Human Critical Area, this paper sheds light on the renovation of geographic traditions of studying the evolution of the human-environment system through the lens of human activities-driven landscape changes. Full article
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17 pages, 3137 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Different Types of Environmental Enrichment on the Performance and Welfare of Broiler Chickens and the Possibilities of Real-Time Monitoring via a Farmer-Assistant System
by Fabian Spieß, Bernd Reckels, Amr Abd-El Wahab, Marwa Fawzy Elmetwaly Ahmed, Christian Sürie, Monika Auerbach, Silke Rautenschlein, Ottmar Distl, Joerg Hartung and Christian Visscher
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095727 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2654
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of environmental enrichment on the growth performance, litter and/or air quality as well as animal welfare indicators of broilers. Control groups (CG) and trial groups (TG) were housed under identical conditions during six [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of environmental enrichment on the growth performance, litter and/or air quality as well as animal welfare indicators of broilers. Control groups (CG) and trial groups (TG) were housed under identical conditions during six fattening runs, with the TG having three types of environmental enrichment and a Farmer-Assistant System (FAS). A representative number of 50 birds were weighed and litter samples were taken at d 14, 21 and 28. Additionally, the same broilers were examined for foot pad dermatitis (FPD) on those days. The average bodyweight of the birds in the CG was significantly lower (1671 g) only at d 28 compared to TG (1704 g); at d 14, d 21 and d 33 at the slaughterhouse, no significant differences were observed. The dry matter content in the litter did not significantly differ between CG and TG. Birds housed in CG had significantly higher FPD scores at d 14 (1.24) and d 21 (2.19) compared to those housed in TG (0.73 and 1.52, respectively). No effects on air quality parameters, such as CO2 and NH3, were seen between the groups. Overall, our study shows no negative influences of environmental enrichment on growth performance, litter and air quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Management)
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16 pages, 2796 KiB  
Article
Investigating Sources of Marine Litter and Developing Coping Strategies in Scuba Diving Spots in Taiwan
by Ping-I Lin, Gordon Chih-Ming Ku, Hsiao-Hsien Lin, Chin-Hsien Hsu, Hung-Chih Chi and Yi-Ching Chen
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095726 - 09 May 2022
Viewed by 1568
Abstract
Marine debris and floating marine debris issues have recently become a matter of great concern. The present study selected Kenting National Park and Northeast Cape and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area as the survey areas, where most of the popular scuba diving spots [...] Read more.
Marine debris and floating marine debris issues have recently become a matter of great concern. The present study selected Kenting National Park and Northeast Cape and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area as the survey areas, where most of the popular scuba diving spots in Taiwan are located, to identify the volume, types, and sources of marine litter. The findings could be regarded as the foundation for future study and the suggestions for managerial strategies. The visual and line transect methods were used to conduct fourteen investigations of marine litter in four scuba diving spots from June 2020 to November 2020. Descriptive analysis and the chi-square test were used to analyze the volume, types, and sources of marine litter, as well as the different distributions under diverse locations, terrains, season, and tides. The results indicate that 2841 pieces of marine litter are identified, including 1786 (63%) plastic containers, 312 (11%) plastic bags, 254 (9%) disposable tableware for take-out beverages, 285 (10%) other materials, 72 (2%) cigarette butts, and 30 (1%) fishery and recreational fishing pieces. Different seasons, locations, and tides cause a significantly different marine litter distribution among these areas. The findings are expected to promote source reduction, develop shore and underwater cleaning proposals, and enhance marine protection education. Full article
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15 pages, 7322 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Durability Assessment of Recycled Waste Plastic (Resin8 & PET) Eco-Aggregate Concrete
by Adewumi John Babafemi, Nina Sirba, Suvash Chandra Paul and Md Jihad Miah
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5725; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095725 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3201
Abstract
The massive amount of plastic waste in our natural environment is a global concern. In this study, recycling plastic waste to partially replace natural sand in concrete is investigated. The performance of Resin8, a unique combination of all types of plastics and Polyethylene [...] Read more.
The massive amount of plastic waste in our natural environment is a global concern. In this study, recycling plastic waste to partially replace natural sand in concrete is investigated. The performance of Resin8, a unique combination of all types of plastics and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in concrete, has also been investigated. Replacement contents of 5%, 10%, and 15% for sand by volume were performed. The concrete mixes incorporating recycled plastic waste were tested against a reference concrete mix without plastic. The workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, oxygen permeability index (OPI), and effect of temperature were assessed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was conducted on the plastics and plastic concretes, pre- and post-temperature exposure. PET at a replacement content of 10% slightly increased the compressive strength by 2.4%. Regarding the OPI test, all the mixes incorporating recycled plastic waste are classified as “good”. When exposed to a temperature of 250 °C, no significant change in compressive strength was observed for the concrete mixes incorporating Resin8 at a replacement content of 15%, and the mixes incorporating PET at a replacement content of 5%, 10%, and 15%. It was clear from the results that both Resin8 and PET are suitable as a partial replacement for sand in concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling and Utilization of Waste Polymer)
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22 pages, 3690 KiB  
Article
Coordination of Prefabricated Construction Supply Chain under Cap-and-Trade Policy Considering Consumer Environmental Awareness
by Wen Jiang and Meng Yuan
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5724; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095724 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2148
Abstract
The construction industry accounts for over one third of excessive CO2 volume, so it is essential that this amount be curbed. Prefabricated construction has superior strengths in terms of both the environment and economy, but low carbon is not one such strength. [...] Read more.
The construction industry accounts for over one third of excessive CO2 volume, so it is essential that this amount be curbed. Prefabricated construction has superior strengths in terms of both the environment and economy, but low carbon is not one such strength. Meanwhile, the increasing number of consumers with environmental awareness makes it necessary to investigate consumer preferences and behaviors. Therefore, we firstly built a prefabricated construction supply chain consisting of a prefabricated company (leader) and a manufacturer, using the Stackelberg model. To regulate and mitigate carbon emissions, this study investigated the implementation of a cap-and-trade policy. Consumer environmental consciousness was considered from preferences on improving the prefabricated rate and carbon reduction. This study provides decision-making suggestions, not only from a pricing point of view but also for green production, i.e., the prefabricated rate and carbon reduction. We find that consumer environmental consciousness and the cap-and-trade policy improve decision making. To effectively limit the manufacturer’s emissions, we suggest governments set a cap below a certain threshold. However, under the policy, the prefabricated company has free-rider behaviors and gains greater profits as the leader, which results in an unfair profit distribution. Hence, for the sake of optimizing the supply chain’s profits, the cost-sharing contract and the two-part tariff were discussed. Both contracts achieved Pareto improvement, while the two-part tariff contract realizes coordination and reaches the desired level under a centralized system. Numerical analysis also verified the theoretical feasibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Construction and Project Management)
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20 pages, 2139 KiB  
Article
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Energy-Saving Renovations of Existing Rural Residential Buildings from the Perspective of Stakeholders
by Ming-Qiang Huang and Rui-Juan Lin
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5723; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095723 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1733
Abstract
To promote the orderly development of energy-saving renovations of existing rural residential buildings, it is necessary to coordinate the interests of various stakeholders. This study selects three key stakeholders—the government, energy-saving service enterprises and rural residents—as the research subjects and analyzes their interests [...] Read more.
To promote the orderly development of energy-saving renovations of existing rural residential buildings, it is necessary to coordinate the interests of various stakeholders. This study selects three key stakeholders—the government, energy-saving service enterprises and rural residents—as the research subjects and analyzes their interests and rights. In the meantime, a tripartite evolutionary game model is constructed to analyze the evolutionary rules and evolutionary stable strategies of tripartite behaviors, on the basis of which the influencing factors are analyzed. The research results show that: (1) as the supervisor and advocate of energy-saving renovations in existing rural residential buildings, the government, by adopting subsidies and fines, effectively fosters enthusiasm about energy-saving service enterprises among rural residents, encouraging them to participate in energy-saving renovations of existing rural residential buildings; (2) when the income of energy-saving renovations exceeds their cost, changes in the initial willingness ratio of the stakeholders, the government subsidies and fines only affect the evolution of the system so that it reaches a balanced and stable state, without changing the three parties’ behavioral strategy choices in the game; (3) when the income from energy-saving renovations is lower than the cost, the behavioral strategies of the three parties in the game are all uncooperative; (4) key factors affecting tripartite cooperation in the game are as follows: government subsidies and fines, the overall interests of society, government supervision costs, loss of corporate image, standardization of the skills and services provided by enterprises, and willingness of rural residents to participate in the transformation. Full article
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18 pages, 1530 KiB  
Article
From Theory to Practice: The Student Experience Evaluating Development Projects Focused on Nature-Based Solutions
by Rosina Bierbaum and Marissa Lazaroff
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5722; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095722 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1778
Abstract
Graduate students often seek hands-on experiences in the international development field. Given that Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) provide hundreds of billions of dollars in aid each year, we expected that reviewing the design, implementation, and outcomes of their environmental projects would provide valuable [...] Read more.
Graduate students often seek hands-on experiences in the international development field. Given that Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) provide hundreds of billions of dollars in aid each year, we expected that reviewing the design, implementation, and outcomes of their environmental projects would provide valuable learning outcomes for students. This novel study on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the Global Environment Facility (GEF) gave students the opportunity to engage directly with practitioners in the review of 50 environmental projects across 45 countries. A team of professionals from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the GEF and eight students from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability and the University of Maryland School of Public Policy developed lessons learned from reviewing the GEF portfolio over a twenty-year time span. When screening projects for enabling conditions including theory of change, climate risk screening, multi-stakeholder engagement, and adaptive management, most had stronger explanations of the environmental than the social outcomes sought, and only more recent ones incorporated climate risk screening. The process and findings associated with this educational experience contributed to students’ climate change leadership development; for example, by learning about the tradeoffs and possible co-benefits of improving both environmental conditions and livelihoods in less developed countries. Our research led to practice advice for the design of future GEF projects, as well as ideas for future coursework to further bridge the gap between theory and practice in academia, which we believe to be essential to preparing the next generation of climate leaders. Full article
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21 pages, 493 KiB  
Article
Entrepreneurs’ Life Satisfaction Built on Satisfaction with Job and Work–Family Balance: Embedded in Society in China, Finland, and Sweden
by Junguang Gao, Tao Chen, Thomas Schøtt and Fuzhen Gu
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095721 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3674
Abstract
Entrepreneurs are known to be more satisfied than employees, with their life satisfaction being built on their satisfaction with their job and work–family balance. We argue that effects differ among societies, drawing on theories about self-determination and culture. Representative samples of 1276 entrepreneurs [...] Read more.
Entrepreneurs are known to be more satisfied than employees, with their life satisfaction being built on their satisfaction with their job and work–family balance. We argue that effects differ among societies, drawing on theories about self-determination and culture. Representative samples of 1276 entrepreneurs and 3821 employees in traditional China and modern Finland and Sweden were surveyed by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which is amenable to multivariate analyses. The effects of occupation upon satisfaction were found to differ among the societies, consistent with their cultural differences. These findings contribute to contextualizing theories about satisfaction being embedded in society and culture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
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12 pages, 3141 KiB  
Article
Research on Film Insulation Technology for Artificial, Open Water Delivery Canals Based on Solar Heat Radiation Utilization
by Yi Wang, Chen Zhang, Zhengzhong Wang, Xun Zhu, Zhengyin Cai and Haoyuan Jiang
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095720 - 09 May 2022
Viewed by 1333
Abstract
A measure of insulation film floating on the water surface was put forward to solve the problems of ice damage to water delivery canals during the winter operation period in cold regions. Firstly, a circulating flume test system was designed in an indoor [...] Read more.
A measure of insulation film floating on the water surface was put forward to solve the problems of ice damage to water delivery canals during the winter operation period in cold regions. Firstly, a circulating flume test system was designed in an indoor radiation- and temperature-controlled environment. Secondly, five groups of comparative tests were carried out according to different application scenarios. Lastly, combined with the experimental data, the radiative degree-day method was used to calculate the ice thickness growth under the film. The results show that, in a sufficient radiation condition, a membrane can effectively melt the canal ice and prevent ice formation. In a limited radiation condition, a membrane can delay the ice sealing time and reduce the ice thickness, avoiding ice thrust damage to canal lining. The ice thickness growth formula can predict the development process of water and ice thickness under this technique. The research provides certain theoretical guidance and practical significance for the combination of solar thermal technology and water delivery engineering in cold regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hazards and Sustainability)
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20 pages, 992 KiB  
Article
Staying at Work? The Impact of Social Support on the Perception of the COVID-19 Epidemic and the Mediated Moderating Effect of Career Resilience in Tourism
by Su-Hsin Lee, Hsiao-Ting Kao and Pei-Chen Kung
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5719; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095719 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2332
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused dramatic impacts and changes in the tourism industry, and job insecurity and emotional exhaustion have created psychological stress and negative emotions. Social support for Taiwan tourism workers (travel agency, transportation industry, lodging industry, tourism and leisure industry, etc.) [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused dramatic impacts and changes in the tourism industry, and job insecurity and emotional exhaustion have created psychological stress and negative emotions. Social support for Taiwan tourism workers (travel agency, transportation industry, lodging industry, tourism and leisure industry, etc.) plays an important role in their career resilience. However, not all of the potential social support moderators have a critical impact. This study used PLS-SEM analysis to survey 373 respondents by using an online questionnaire to investigate the critical influence of social support on the spread of COVID-19 using career motivation theory. In addition to the direct relationship between the individual’s psychological resilience and social support, the strategy of social support (family and friends, national relief policies and workplace support) is also pointed out. The results of the study illustrate the effectiveness of workplace support in combating the epidemic. This study provides information on effective resistance to the epidemic, how to prolong career resilience during unexpected shocks and stresses, and how to understand the mechanisms of adaptation or resilience in adversity and complements the study of factors and literature base in resilience research. It is also used as a study of the impact factors and industry strategy planning in future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inclusive Growth for Tourism Competitiveness)
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20 pages, 1721 KiB  
Article
Rescheduling Urban Rail Transit Trains to Serve Passengers from Uncertain Delayed High-Speed Railway Trains
by Wanqi Wang, Yun Bao and Sihui Long
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5718; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095718 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
This paper develops a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model for the problem of robust rescheduling for capacitated urban rail transit (URT) trains to serve passengers from delayed high-speed railway (HSR) trains. The capacity of each extra train is not assumed to be unlimited [...] Read more.
This paper develops a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model for the problem of robust rescheduling for capacitated urban rail transit (URT) trains to serve passengers from delayed high-speed railway (HSR) trains. The capacity of each extra train is not assumed to be unlimited in this paper. Robust passenger assignment constraints are developed to ensure that delayed passengers can board the URT trains under different random delay scenarios of HSR operations. Robust dispatching constraints of URT trains are designed for a stable disrupting number of URT trains across different scenarios. The multi-objective model is used to maximize the number of expected transported passengers and minimize the number of extra trains and operation-ending time of all extra trains. An iterative solution approach based on a revised version of the epsilon-constraint method combined with the weighted-sum method is designed for the computation of the multi-objective model. Computational experiments are performed on the Beijing URT lines and the Beijing-Shanghai HSR line. We evaluate the impact of the robustness constraints of passenger assignment and the number of extra trains to ensure that the number of trains are maintained and the passengers can successfully take the trains during different delayed scenarios. Full article
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16 pages, 2732 KiB  
Article
Remediation and Micro-Ecological Regulation of Cadmium and Arsenic Co-Contaminated Soils by Rotation of High-Biomass Crops and Sedum alfredii Hance: A Field Study
by Xinyi Li, Yelin Zhu, Jian Zhu, Ping Wang, Cheng Tang and Zhiming Liu
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5717; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095717 - 09 May 2022
Viewed by 1361
Abstract
Rotation of high-biomass crops and hyperaccumulators is considered to be an effective, safe and economical method for the remediation of medium-mild heavy metal contaminated soil, but the present studies pay more attention to the removal efficiency rather than changes in soil micro-ecology. In [...] Read more.
Rotation of high-biomass crops and hyperaccumulators is considered to be an effective, safe and economical method for the remediation of medium-mild heavy metal contaminated soil, but the present studies pay more attention to the removal efficiency rather than changes in soil micro-ecology. In order to explore the remediation effect of hyperaccumulators rotated with high-biomass crops on Cd and As co-contaminated soil, Cd hyperaccumulator ecotype (HE) Sedum alfredii Hance and crops were selected to construct a field experiment, five rotation modes including Sedum alfredii Hance-Oryza sativa L. (SP), Sedum alfredii Hance-Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (SS), Sedum alfredii Hance-Zea mays L. (SM), Sedum alfredii Hance-Hibiscus cannabinus L. (SK), Sedum alfredii Hance-Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. (ST), and investigated the effects of these modes on the removal efficiency, soil physiochemical properties and micro-ecological effects (soil nutrients, enzyme activities and microbial diversity) through a field experiment. The results showed that total soil Cd from the five rotation modes (SP, SS, SM, SK and ST) decreased by 25.1%, 20.3%, 34.5%, 6.3% and 74.3%, respectively, and total soil As decreased by 42.9%, 19.8%, 39.7%, 39.7% and 45.7%, respectively. The rotation significantly increased soil organic matter by 47.39–82.28%, effectively regulated soil pH value and cation exchange capacity. The rotation modes also significantly increased soil alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen by 9.09–50.91%, but decreased soil available phosphorus and rapidly available potassium. Except for urease, the soil enzyme activities increased overall. The Alpha diversity increased, and soil microbial structure optimized after rotation. ST mode was the most effective remediation mode, which not only reduces the content of Cd and As in the soil, but also effectively regulates the soil micro-ecology. The results from this study have shown that it is feasible to apply Sedum alfredii Hance and the high-biomass rotation method for the remediation of Cd and As co-contaminated soil. Full article
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12 pages, 5458 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Risk Assessment Applied to Gaseous Emissions from Crumb Rubber Asphalt Pavement Construction
by Maria Chiara Zanetti and Angela Farina
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5716; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095716 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1905
Abstract
Asphalt mixtures for road pavements are produced and laid at high temperatures, producing gaseous emissions that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds that paving workers are exposed to. This paper aims to combine the effects of gaseous emissions on human health [...] Read more.
Asphalt mixtures for road pavements are produced and laid at high temperatures, producing gaseous emissions that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds that paving workers are exposed to. This paper aims to combine the effects of gaseous emissions on human health with the life cycle impacts of wearing courses. The results of sanitary-environmental risk analysis and life cycle assessment were combined in an integrated approach, the life cycle risk analysis, to evaluate the environmental performance of road pavements and local cancer and toxicological effects on workers. Two asphalt mixtures modified with crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires (gap and dense graded) were compared to standard, unmodified asphalt mix. Air samples were collected at the screed and the driver’s seat of a paver during the construction of a full-scale trial section in Turin, Italy. The CR wearing course with a higher asphalt binder content (gap-graded) had a cancer effect on workers 3.5 and 2.9 times higher than the CR mixture with a lower asphalt binder percentage (dense-graded) and the standard mixture, respectively. Instead, the toxicological effects were 1.3 and 1.2 times higher for the gap-graded mixture than the dense-graded and the standard mix, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management and Remediation of Contaminated Sites)
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20 pages, 959 KiB  
Article
The Role of Climatic and Non-Climatic Factors in Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Responses: Insights from Rural Ethiopia
by Rahwa Kidane, Thomas Wanner, Melissa Nursey-Bray, Md. Masud-All-Kamal and Gerald Atampugre
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5715; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095715 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2147
Abstract
This paper discusses how climatic and non-climatic factors, either separately or together, shape the adaptation responses of smallholder farmers in the Raya Azebo district of Ethiopia. Their adaptation responses included adjusting planting periods, crop diversification, changing crop types, adopting improved seeds, using irrigation, [...] Read more.
This paper discusses how climatic and non-climatic factors, either separately or together, shape the adaptation responses of smallholder farmers in the Raya Azebo district of Ethiopia. Their adaptation responses included adjusting planting periods, crop diversification, changing crop types, adopting improved seeds, using irrigation, conducting migration, participation in wage employment, selling local food and drinks, and owning small shops. These adaptation responses were motivated by various climatic (e.g., drought and rainfall variability) as well as non-climatic factors (e.g., market conditions, yield-related factors, land scarcity, labor shortages, soil fertility issues, crop diseases, and limited local employment options). We therefore argue (i) that successful adaptation requires a broader understanding not just of climatic factors but also of the various social-ecological factors that shape smallholder farmers’ adaptations; and (ii) that the successful design and implementation of locally appropriate planned adaptation interventions require the inclusion of both climatic and non-climatic factors. Full article
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11 pages, 1156 KiB  
Article
A Circular Biorefinery-Integrating Wastewater Treatment with the Generation of an Energy Precursor and an Organic Fertilizer
by Tabassum-Abbasi, Pratiksha Patnaik, Ranjan Rahi and Shahid Abbas Abbasi
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5714; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095714 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
A circular (close-loop) biorefinery, which integrates wastewater treatment with the generation of an energy precursor and organic fertilizer, tested at the level of a pilot plant treating 54,000 L per day (LPD) of sewage, is described. In the biorefinery’s first stage, sewage was [...] Read more.
A circular (close-loop) biorefinery, which integrates wastewater treatment with the generation of an energy precursor and organic fertilizer, tested at the level of a pilot plant treating 54,000 L per day (LPD) of sewage, is described. In the biorefinery’s first stage, sewage was treated in a novel SHEFROL® (sheet-flow-root-level) bioreactor at a very rapid rate, indicated by a hydraulic retention time of a mere 6 h, to a level that met the prevailing national standards for the discharge of treated sewage. The main bioagent of the reactor—water hyacinth—was then processed for the generation of energy precursors. For this, volatile fatty acids (VFA) were extracted in a simple batch reactor operating at ambient temperature and pressure. The ‘spent’ weeds were then converted into organic fertilizer, also at ambient temperature and pressure, by the high-rate vermicomposting process earlier reported by the authors. In this manner, wastewater treatment, energy production, and the generation of a fertilizer were achieved rapidly and efficiently, creating a circular close-loop system that required very little energy and materials and generated almost zero net waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Based Microbial Biorefinery for Bioenergy Production)
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16 pages, 2099 KiB  
Article
Typology of Smallholder and Commercial Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) Farms, including Threats and Challenges in Davao Region, Philippines
by Misael B. Clapano, Jenie Mae T. Diuyan, France Guillian B. Rapiz and Edison D. Macusi
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5713; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095713 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2742
Abstract
The shrimp industry in the Philippines plays a vital role in the local and national economy through exports to markets abroad such as South Korea, Japan, the USA, and others. In this study, we aimed to describe the various cultural and operational characteristics [...] Read more.
The shrimp industry in the Philippines plays a vital role in the local and national economy through exports to markets abroad such as South Korea, Japan, the USA, and others. In this study, we aimed to describe the various cultural and operational characteristics of smallholder and commercial shrimp (P. vannamei) farms in the Davao region. We also evaluated the current risks and challenges faced by the shrimp farmers. A semi-structured questionnaire that focused on shrimp farmers and operators in the region was used to collect data from N = 41 farmers and operators. The results showed that respondents who were engaged in smallholder farming activities had an average yield of 10 tons/ha. The commercial farms that operate intensively had an average yield of 24 tons/ha. Most smallholder operators used electric generator machines to conduct aeration in their farms using paddlewheels and blowers. More paddlewheels and blowers were employed per pond in the commercial farms compared to smallholder farms. Generally, the income of a farm was related to their yield or the number of fries rather than social factors or their size. In terms of input costs, feeds were found to have the highest cost, followed by the fry, fuel, labor, and others (fertilizers and water treatment chemicals). Most of the farmers mentioned that their shrimp are affected by diseases such as white spot syndrome (60%), black gills (35%), and red tail (5%). They perceived that the main contamination comes from the water source (31%). The main threats mentioned were declining shrimp prices in the market, source of fry, water disposal, overstocking, and water quality. This study shows that small-holding fish farmers should be supported by the government so that they can make use of the more advanced technology employed by commercial shrimp farmers in order to increase their economic productivity and lower their environmental footprint. Full article
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21 pages, 979 KiB  
Article
Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility Environmental Actions in Comparison of Small, Medium, and Large Enterprises in the Slovak Republic
by Zuzana Jurská Tešovičová and Hana Krchová
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5712; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095712 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2706
Abstract
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been a highly debated topic in recent years. The aim of this approach is to achieve sustainability through three basic pillars: the economic, social, and environmental. Today, corporate environmental responsibility is coming to the fore with the aim [...] Read more.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been a highly debated topic in recent years. The aim of this approach is to achieve sustainability through three basic pillars: the economic, social, and environmental. Today, corporate environmental responsibility is coming to the fore with the aim of solving global and regional environmental issues. An important aspect of the study was to identify the influence of the size of a company on the involvement in CSR. The results of the study suggest the potential impact of the legislative obligation to disclose non-financial information (CSR activities) on involvement in CSR, where only large companies have this obligation. No study has been conducted in the Slovak Republic on the impact of the size parameter of a company on CSR activities in the environmental area comparing small, medium, and large enterprises. The findings also indicate differences between the approach companies take to global and regional environmental issues, showing that companies are more involved with regional environmental issues. This paper adds to the literature on the issues of sustainability, corporate social behaviors, and the environmental access of companies of different sizes. The research showed the highest involvement in CSR activities in the field of ecology in large companies, which creates the need for further research with regard to possible legislative changes, with the possibility of extending the mandatory reports of CSR activities to small- and medium-sized enterprises. Full article
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72 pages, 27163 KiB  
Article
Deep Journalism and DeepJournal V1.0: A Data-Driven Deep Learning Approach to Discover Parameters for Transportation
by Istiak Ahmad, Fahad Alqurashi, Ehab Abozinadah and Rashid Mehmood
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5711; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095711 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4630
Abstract
We live in a complex world characterised by complex people, complex times, and complex social, technological, economic, and ecological environments. The broad aim of our work is to investigate the use of ICT technologies for solving pressing problems in smart cities and societies. [...] Read more.
We live in a complex world characterised by complex people, complex times, and complex social, technological, economic, and ecological environments. The broad aim of our work is to investigate the use of ICT technologies for solving pressing problems in smart cities and societies. Specifically, in this paper, we introduce the concept of deep journalism, a data-driven deep learning-based approach, to discover and analyse cross-sectional multi-perspective information to enable better decision making and develop better instruments for academic, corporate, national, and international governance. We build three datasets (a newspaper, a technology magazine, and a Web of Science dataset) and discover the academic, industrial, public, governance, and political parameters for the transportation sector as a case study to introduce deep journalism and our tool, DeepJournal (Version 1.0), that implements our proposed approach. We elaborate on 89 transportation parameters and hundreds of dimensions, reviewing 400 technical, academic, and news articles. The findings related to the multi-perspective view of transportation reported in this paper show that there are many important problems that industry and academia seem to ignore. In contrast, academia produces much broader and deeper knowledge on subjects such as pollution that are not sufficiently explored in industry. Our deep journalism approach could find the gaps in information and highlight them to the public and other stakeholders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Mobility and Transport)
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