Sustainability

15 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential Barrier Factors of AI Chatbot Usage Among Teacher Trainees: From the Perspective of Innovation Resistance Theory

by Liu Yonggang, Hapini Awang and Nur Suhaili Mansor

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4081; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094081 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

With the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, more and more AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT and DeepSeek) are beginning to affect work and lifestyles. Although AI chatbots have brought many opportunities to education and teacher trainees, they have also caused many problems and [...] Read more.

With the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, more and more AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT and DeepSeek) are beginning to affect work and lifestyles. Although AI chatbots have brought many opportunities to education and teacher trainees, they have also caused many problems and resistance among some teacher trainees. However, previous studies have focused more on the influence of positive acceptance factors induced by AI chatbots and less on the negative barrier model induced by AI chatbots. Therefore, this study starts from the negative barrier factors induced by AI chatbots and builds an influencing barrier model of AI chatbot resistance guided by Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT) and appropriately draws on Cultural Dimension Theory (CDT), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and practical characteristics. The questionnaires mainly adopt convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods, and the data are empirically analyzed. The results show that Uncertainty Avoidance, the Social Influence Barrier, and Technology Anxiety have a significant and direct influence on teacher trainees’ resistance to AI chatbots. Meanwhile, Uncertainty Avoidance, the Social Influence Barrier, and Technology Anxiety play significant mediating roles in the impact of the Usage Barrier (UB), Image Barrier (IB), Value Barrier (VB), Risk Barrier (RB), and Tradition Barrier (TB) on resistance behaviors, revealing the complex path through which cognition-emotion-society factors jointly shape technology resistance behaviors. Therefore, this study not only contributes to enriching the theoretical results of combining Innovation Resistance Theory with AI chatbots and adding new research paths (e.g., the mediating role of Uncertainty Avoidance) but also provides a practical guide for the dissemination of AI chatbots among teacher trainees and future technological talents in a sustainable future. Full article

21 pages, 3353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Field Evaluation of Rice Husk Biochar and Pine Tree Woodchips for Removal of Tire Wear Particles from Urban Stormwater Runoff in Oxford, Mississippi (USA)

by Boluwatife S. Olubusoye, James V. Cizdziel, Kendall Wontor, Ruojia Li, Rachel Hambuchen, Voke Tonia Aminone, Matthew T. Moore and Erin R. Bennett

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4080; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094080 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Tire wear particles (TWPs), a form of microplastics (MPs) pollution, are transported into waterbodies through stormwater runoff, leading to environmental pollution and impacts on associated biota. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of stormwater filter socks filled with rice husk biochar or pine tree [...] Read more.

Tire wear particles (TWPs), a form of microplastics (MPs) pollution, are transported into waterbodies through stormwater runoff, leading to environmental pollution and impacts on associated biota. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of stormwater filter socks filled with rice husk biochar or pine tree woodchips in reducing TWP pollution in urban runoff in Oxford, Mississippi. Triplicate runoff samples were collected upstream and downstream of the biofilters at two sites during two storm events at peak flow within minutes of the start of the storm and after 30 min. Samples were analyzed for TWPs using a combination of stereomicroscopy, micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Concentrations (TWPs/L) upstream of the biofilter were variable but highest at the start of the runoff, dropping from an average of 2811 ± 1700 to 476 ± 63 after 30 min at site 1 and from 2702 ± 353 to 2356 ± 884 at site 2. Biochar was more effective than woodchips (p < 0.05) at removing TWPs, reducing concentrations by an average of 97.6% (first use) and 85.3% (second use) compared to 66.2% and 54.2% for woodchips, respectively. Biochar was particularly effective at removing smaller TWPs (<100 µm). Both materials became less effective with use, suggesting fewer available trapping sites and the need for removal and replacement of the material with time. Overall, this study suggests that biochar and woodchips, alone or in combination, deserve further scrutiny as a potential cost-effective and sustainable method to mitigate the transfer of TWPs to aquatic ecosystems and associated biota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Solutions for Nano and Microplastic Pollution: Challenges and Innovations)

22 pages, 2588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loofah-Derived Adsorbent Column for Sustainable Purification of Oily Fumes: Synergistic Effect of Filtration and Adsorption

by Jiayi Zhong, Bonian Zhou, Lei Liao, Aimiao Qin, Shengpeng Mo, Xiaobin Zhou, Jianwen Wei, Hongqiang Wang, Yinming Fan and Huan Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4079; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094079 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Abstract: Loofah is deemed a promising candidate for the purification of oily fumes. Our research utilized H₃PO₄ for initial activation of loofah (TCS), producing loofahderived carbon (TGSC-0). Subsequently, Fenton’s reagent was utilized for further modification to yield loofah-derived carbon (TGSC-1). [...] Read more.

Abstract: Loofah is deemed a promising candidate for the purification of oily fumes. Our research utilized H₃PO₄ for initial activation of loofah (TCS), producing loofahderived carbon (TGSC-0). Subsequently, Fenton’s reagent was utilized for further modification to yield loofah-derived carbon (TGSC-1). TGSC-1 was used in the form of an adsorption column to simultaneously treat multiple pollutants from oily fumes, with surface Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, and H₂O₂catalyzing ·OH and ·OOH generation to enhance adsorption of the oils and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC). Characterization showed that the specific surface area of TGSC-1 was 427.97 m²/g and pore sizes ranged from 0.50 to 3.50 nm. The rich mesoporous and macroporous structures of TGSC-1 enhanced the capability of carbon layer adsorption. Langmuir adsorption kinetics suggested that adsorption proceeded via monolayer adsorption pathways, while L-τ lines revealed shorter protective effect times for adsorbing PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 than for oils and NMHC. The results indicated that TGSC-1 exhibited maximum saturated adsorption capacities of 25.79, 13.02, 9.82, and 15.99 mg/g for oils, NMHC, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀, respectively. Increasing resistance of the adsorption column exhibited a notable synergistic effect of filtration and adsorption in treating oily fumes. It combines renewable materials with low-energy processing, delivering eco-economic benefits for sustainable development and application. Full article

30 pages, 3873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Source Data-Driven Personalized Recommendation and Decision-Making for Automobile Products Based on Basic Uncertain Information Order Weighted Average Operator

by Yi Yang, Mengqi Jie and Jiajie Pan

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4078; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094078 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

The extensive electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) data generated by consumers encapsulates authentic product experience information. By leveraging advanced data analysis technologies, enterprises can extract sustainable consumer behavior preference knowledge, thereby supporting the optimization of their marketing and management strategies. However, existing data-driven product ranking [...] Read more.

The extensive electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) data generated by consumers encapsulates authentic product experience information. By leveraging advanced data analysis technologies, enterprises can extract sustainable consumer behavior preference knowledge, thereby supporting the optimization of their marketing and management strategies. However, existing data-driven product ranking processes predominantly focus on single-source eWOM data and rarely mine product insights from a multi-source perspective. Moreover, the quality of eWOM data cannot be overlooked. Consequently, this study uses automobile products as a case example and integrates rating eWOM data, complaint eWOM data, and safety test data to construct a multi-source data-driven personalized product ranking recommendation algorithm. Specifically, an evaluation index system is established for each of the three data types. To model information quality, these data are transformed into basic uncertain information (BUI), which incorporates scoring information and credibility metrics. The XLNet model is employed to convert complaint text data into scoring data, and three targeted credibility evaluation models are developed to assess the reliability of the three data types. Subsequently, BUI is aggregated using the BUI ordered weighted average (BUIOWA) aggregation operator. Based on this, a personalized product ranking method aligned with user preferences is proposed, offering consumers recommendation results that match their preferences. Finally, using automobile products as an illustrative example, this study elucidates the multi-source data-driven personalized product recommendation process and provides managerial implications for enterprises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Marketing: Consumer Behavior in the Age of Data Analytics)

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16 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Urban, Architectural, and Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to the Concentration of Potential Arbovirus Vectors and Arbovirosis in Urban Environments from a One Health Perspective: A Systematic Review

by Luigi Cofone, Marise Sabato, Carolina Di Paolo, Stefano Di Giovanni, Maria Assunta Donato and Lorenzo Paglione

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4077; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094077 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Today, urbanisation and environmental changes are increasingly influencing the social and biological landscape of our planet. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between urban–architectural and socioeconomic factors and vector concentrations in the urban environment. Following the Preferred Reporting Methodology for Systematic [...] Read more.

Today, urbanisation and environmental changes are increasingly influencing the social and biological landscape of our planet. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between urban–architectural and socioeconomic factors and vector concentrations in the urban environment. Following the Preferred Reporting Methodology for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries were screened for studies conducted in urban contexts and those involving only arboviruses and potential exposure to arboviral vectors in urban environments, published from the beginning to 22 April 2025. Out of a total of 171 identified studies, 132 were selected for further analysis. Of these, 14 studies were eligible. The included studies reported different ways of measuring vector density and different considerations of the urban–architectural or socio-demographic factors related to it. The studies were set in different urban contexts: Asia, Central and South America, Africa and Oceania. Among the vector species, Aedes aegypti was the most analysed, often with Aedes albopictus. Socioeconomic status emerges as a determining factor. Low-income areas experience higher mosquito densities due to overcrowding, sub-optimal infrastructure, and environmental neglect. This review highlights the importance of implementing a standardised and effective global approach in urban health planning. Full article

22 pages, 1047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Hydropower Storage Dams: Are They Cost-Effective in Providing Reliability for Solar PV?

by Joy N. A. Ashitey, Mehrshad Radmehr, Glenn P. Jenkins and Mikhail Miklyaev

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094076 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

For a country to be able to sustain a policy of increasing the use of renewable energy sources to supply electricity, it must be able to continue to provide a reliable electricity supply service to its customers. Typically, electricity reliability is maintained by [...] Read more.

For a country to be able to sustain a policy of increasing the use of renewable energy sources to supply electricity, it must be able to continue to provide a reliable electricity supply service to its customers. Typically, electricity reliability is maintained by thermal electricity generation. To substitute solar PV for thermal electricity generation to a significant degree, it is imperative to determine the least-cost complementary technologies that will provide system reliability. In many parts of Africa and Asia, potential sites for seasonal storage dams are available or have been built. In the case studied here, maintaining service reliability by expanding the capacity of the generation plant of a seasonal storage dam in all scenarios is less costly than providing service reliability by a thermal alternative. However, maintaining service reliability while expanding generation by solar PV is in all cases costly. The levelized financial cost of the incremental energy supplied when a reliable service is maintained is between 30% and 89% greater than the levelized cost of a standalone solar PV plant. For the same set of scenarios, the range of the economic levelized cost is 28% to 85% greater with reliability than the standalone solar PV field without reliability. Given the circumstances of the electricity market, the least-cost technology to maintain a reliable service may be specific to the market. The analysis also shows that when the economic opportunity cost of funds increases from 2% to 11.5%, the levelized cost of renewable electricity generation systems doubles. Hence, if the developed countries of the world want low-income countries to maintain policies to reduce the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, capital subsidies to low-income countries that are facing high economic opportunity costs of funds are likely to be necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics: The Trade-Offs Between Economics, Energy, and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Typologies of Transformation—Visualizing Different Understandings of Change for Sustainability

by Tegan Evans, Stephen Fletcher, Pierre Failler and Jonathan Potts

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094075 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Transformation as a concept is positioned as a solution to diverse societal and planetary crises; however, increasing diversity in the demands for transformation have led to different interpretations of how transformation should be achieved in practice. This article explores the results of a [...] Read more.

Transformation as a concept is positioned as a solution to diverse societal and planetary crises; however, increasing diversity in the demands for transformation have led to different interpretations of how transformation should be achieved in practice. This article explores the results of a three-year mixed-methods study, which included a literature review, semi-structured expert and practitioner interviews, and two case studies of transformation in motion. Using inductive analytical processes, two distinct and often conflicting interpretations of transformation emerged, which this article positions as a typology of transformation to visually understand and delineate between interpretations of transformation. Bridging these polarised interpretations is challenging, although a significant portion of the interviewees identified the need for both understandings to be used in practice. It is argued that the lack of visibility regarding these different interpretations of transformation is a major barrier to implementing change in practice; without being clear of what personal definitions of transformation are at play, it is challenging to chart a path forward to create change. Being explicit regarding which interpretations of transformation are at play in varying demands for change will enable more efficient and effective communication, although significant research is needed to bridge these understandings. Full article

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29 pages, 934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Lake Water Quality in Central Serbia—Using Serbian and Canadian Water Quality Indices on the Example of the Garaši Reservoir

by Dejana Jakovljević, Dragana Milijašević Joksimović and Ana M. Petrović

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4074; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094074 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

The water quality in lakes and reservoirs is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring public health. This research focuses on the water quality evaluation of Garaši Reservoir in Serbia, a vital source of drinking water for surrounding communities. We systematically analyzed three [...] Read more.

The water quality in lakes and reservoirs is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring public health. This research focuses on the water quality evaluation of Garaši Reservoir in Serbia, a vital source of drinking water for surrounding communities. We systematically analyzed three profiles (A1, B1, and C1) at various depths ranging from 50 cm to 1500 cm between 2021 and 2023. The study employed the Serbian Water Quality Index (SWQI) and the Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI) to evaluate the water quality. The findings revealed significant spatial and depth-dependent differences. Higher concentrations of Aluminum (Al), Mercury (Hg) and Manganese (Mn), influenced by the inflow from the Velika Bukulja River, resulted in reduced overall water quality and suitability for drinking water. Dissolved Oxygen levels decreased with depth, indicating thermal stratification and nearly anoxic conditions, which are harmful to aquatic life. Some shallow areas exhibited poor water quality for recreational use due to high pH and metal concentrations. The study underscores the necessity of continuous and comprehensive monitoring to identify pollution sources and implement mitigation measures. Such efforts are essential to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in lakes and reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lakes and Rivers Ecological Protection and Water Quality)

37 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Impact of Digitalization on Resource Use, Energy Use, and Waste Reduction Towards Sustainability: Considering Environmental Awareness as a Moderator

by Ghadeer Alsanie

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4073; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094073 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Today’s world is characterized by rapid technological advancements and escalating ecological concerns including soil and water contamination, acidification, biodiversity loss, excessive waste, etc.; a need is continuously increasing to mitigate these issues and promote sustainability. This study investigated the impact of digitalization on [...] Read more.

Today’s world is characterized by rapid technological advancements and escalating ecological concerns including soil and water contamination, acidification, biodiversity loss, excessive waste, etc.; a need is continuously increasing to mitigate these issues and promote sustainability. This study investigated the impact of digitalization on resource use, energy use, waste reduction, and the moderating role of environmental awareness towards sustainability in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. A quantitative-based approach was used and primary data were collected from the 650 managerial-level manufacturing sector employees from Pakistan by using a closed-ended questionnaire and purposive sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS-4 was employed to analyze the data. Digitalization showed positive and significant effects on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and optimal resource utilization—all of which were significantly associated with sustainability. In addition, the results also showed that environmental awareness functions as a moderator, influencing the impact of digital technologies on resource use, energy use, and waste reduction. The study highlights the potential of digitalization for promoting sustainability by enhancing resource consumption efficiency in the manufacturing industry. It also underscores the importance and need for environmental awareness in adopting digital transformation. The study has major implications for governments, engineers, policymakers, and researchers to promote digital transformation in the manufacturing sector and provide support in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals, i.e., SGD-7, SDG-9, SDG-11, and SDG-12. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Resources and Sustainable Utilization)

20 pages, 1412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Human Health Risks Associated with Consuming Vegetables Grown in Industrially Polluted Soil in Sasar Area, NW Romania, in the Context of Sustainable Development

by Irina Smical, Adriana Muntean, Valer Micle, Ioana Monica Sur and Aurelian Cosmin Moldovan

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4072; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094072 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study analyzed the health risks associated with the consumption of certain vegetables (carrot, onion, tomato, and pepper) grown in soils potentially polluted with metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and metalloids (As) from 15 vegetable gardens in the Sasar locality. The [...] Read more.

This study analyzed the health risks associated with the consumption of certain vegetables (carrot, onion, tomato, and pepper) grown in soils potentially polluted with metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and metalloids (As) from 15 vegetable gardens in the Sasar locality. The research includes measurement of soil and plant metal concentrations, assessment of global pollution of soils with metals using Nemerow pollution index (PI_N), calculation of the metal transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetable, daily intake of metal dose (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) for both children and adults. The results (mean of 3 replicas ± standard deviation) show that the soil is moderately polluted with lead (28.39 ± 8.623 mg kg⁻¹), nickel (23.17 ± 4.043 mg kg⁻¹), and zinc (123.20 ± 26.918 mg kg⁻¹), strongly polluted with copper (71.68 ± 22.463 mg kg⁻¹), and cadmium (2.63 ± 0.881 mg kg⁻¹). Copper exhibited the highest transfer factors (>0.08), followed by cadmium (~0.06), while zinc and nickel showed moderate values (0.02–0.03). Arsenic and manganese had relatively stable and lower levels, whereas lead displayed the lowest transfer rates (<0.01) across all vegetables. Although the calculated health risk index (HRI < 1) remains below the critical threshold, the findings emphasize the importance of moderate consumption and continuous monitoring of crops in polluted areas. The results can contribute to the integration of sustainable development principles into community policy, protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainable health of consumers. Full article

24 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Can Technology Orientation Promote Green Process Innovation? The Mediating Effect of Digital Capability and the Moderating Role of Innovation-Oriented Leadership

by Qihang Xi, Zhiyuan Li, Jia Zhao and Jiaqi Ding

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4071; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094071 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

In the context of the global carbon neutrality process intertwined with the digital technology revolution, firms are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges in green process innovation (GPI). Therefore, achieving GPI has become a critical issue for academics and industry practitioners. To deepen the [...] Read more.

In the context of the global carbon neutrality process intertwined with the digital technology revolution, firms are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges in green process innovation (GPI). Therefore, achieving GPI has become a critical issue for academics and industry practitioners. To deepen the understanding of the driving factors of GPI, this study explores how technology orientation can effectively promote GPI, considering the mediating role of digital capability and the moderating effect of innovation-oriented leadership. Utilizing a two-stage lagged data collection approach, we gathered information from a sample of 291 manufacturing firms in China. The findings reveal that technology orientation has a direct positive effect on GPI and also exerts an indirect influence through digital capability. Furthermore, innovation-oriented leadership significantly strengthens the positive impact of technology orientation on digital capability. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive theoretical framework that integrates technology orientation, digital capability, and leadership dynamics while focusing on the specific context of Chinese manufacturing. It offers practical insights for firms in China seeking to bridge the gap between technological advantages and environmental benefits in the pursuit of carbon neutrality, ultimately guiding them in effectively leveraging technology for sustainable development. Full article

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24 pages, 4011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Sustainable Agricultural Practices on Early Potato Yield Components

by Zorana Srećkov, Vesna Vasić, Anđelko Mišković, Vuk Vujasinović, Maja Radišić, Mladen Radišić and Gordana Racić

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4070; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094070 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Soil and plant covering methods offer sustainable agricultural benefits by improving soil health, water use efficiency, and reducing chemical inputs. A three-year split-plot experiment (2019–2021) evaluated the impact of various covering techniques on early potato production using two varieties (Cleopatra and Riviera). Treatments [...] Read more.

Soil and plant covering methods offer sustainable agricultural benefits by improving soil health, water use efficiency, and reducing chemical inputs. A three-year split-plot experiment (2019–2021) evaluated the impact of various covering techniques on early potato production using two varieties (Cleopatra and Riviera). Treatments included control, plastic mulch, agrotextile, low tunnels, and their combinations. The study assessed stem number, number of tubers per plant (including per stem), average tuber mass, tuber mass per plant, and tuber yield. Results demonstrate the significant positive impact of covering methods on early potato yield. The combination of agrotextile and low tunnels resulted in the highest increases, improving key yield components like tuber number and mass per plant. While varietal differences existed, the covering methods’ influence was paramount. These findings offer a basis for optimizing early potato production for higher yields and quality. Future research should investigate the economic viability of these methods and explore organic alternatives to plastic coverings for sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture, Aquaculture and Livestock Practices: Enhancing Food Supply Chains for a Resilient Future)

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30 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

‘I Feel Like the Most Important Thing Is to Ensure That Women Feel Included…’: Immigrant Women’s Experiences of Integration and Gender Equality in Iceland During Times of Crisis

by Marya Rozanova-Smith, Embla Eir Oddsdóttir and Andrey N. Petrov

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094069 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Enabling gender equality by empowering women to fully engage in modern society is fundamental for building resilient and sustainable communities. While Iceland is recognized as a global leader in gender equality, the experiences of various immigrant groups can differ considerably, especially during crises [...] Read more.

Enabling gender equality by empowering women to fully engage in modern society is fundamental for building resilient and sustainable communities. While Iceland is recognized as a global leader in gender equality, the experiences of various immigrant groups can differ considerably, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. Given the rapid increase in the immigrant population in Iceland, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the processes surrounding immigrant women’s integration strategies, with an emphasis on gender equality through the lens of intersectionality. The main objective of this qualitative study is to explore the gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on female immigrants by examining how intersecting identities—including gender, ethnicity, religion, motherhood, and immigration status—shape their integration experiences in Iceland. Focusing on small, remote urban and rural communities in the Northeastern Region of Iceland (Norðurland eystra), this study draws on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with immigrant women conducted in 2022 and 2023, using both strength-based and deficit analyses. The study reveals key constraints and strengths in the integration of immigrant women, examined through the lens of underlying and pandemic-driven factors influencing immigrant women’s experiences in personal and social domains of integration. The findings indicate that, despite government gender equality standards and support programs, as well as the considerable resilience demonstrated by immigrant women during the pandemic, they continue to encounter significant barriers to achieving full integration. The findings suggest that acknowledging immigrant women as important constituents in policy development is a crucial step toward formulating and implementing more comprehensive, gender-responsive, and locally adaptive decentralized integration policies. Such policies are vital for securing Iceland’s long-term social sustainability and reinforcing its stature as a global leader in gender equality. Full article

55 pages, 18301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Superconductivity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Challenge for Researchers in Superconductivity

by Michael Rudolf Koblischka, Diana Michaela Koblischka, Anjela Koblischka-Veneva, Edimar Aparecido dos Santos Duran, Rodolfo Izquierdo and Rafael Zadorosny

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4068; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094068 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (abbreviated: SDGs) for the period 2015–2030 have now just passed the midterm, and thus the efforts of scientists in this direction should be clearly visible. A bibliometric analysis of the papers enlisted in the Clarivate Web of Science [...] Read more.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (abbreviated: SDGs) for the period 2015–2030 have now just passed the midterm, and thus the efforts of scientists in this direction should be clearly visible. A bibliometric analysis of the papers enlisted in the Clarivate Web of Science (WoS) may enlighten the efforts by researchers in the field of superconductivity. To conduct such an analysis, there are new filters added to the WoS, which classify a given paper via the microcitation topics for the various SDGs. In this contribution, we present a thorough analysis of the field of superconductivity and its applications as well as the performance of selected authors. The results obtained point directly to a big problem that the research on superconductivity is facing: The list of keywords to qualify for SDGs does not represent the field in a way it deserves as most of the papers in the field of superconductivity carry the mico citation topic “critical current density”, which is not recognized for the SDGs. This is especially visible when analyzing individual authors, especially those working at companies in the field. Thus, in view of securing the necessary recoginition and research funding, it is obvious that there must be a change to give superconductivity the role within the SDGs it deserves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Development Goals towards Sustainability)

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23 pages, 9132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Driving Safety Evaluation Through Correlation Analysis of Driver Behavior

by Majun Fei, Weiqi Zhou, Hai Zhao, Chaofeng Pan, Dehua Shi and Xinke An

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094067 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a method for evaluating driving behavior safety based on real-world urban driving data collected from on-road experiments. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive and interpretable evaluation framework to improve the identification and correction of unsafe driving [...] Read more.

This paper presents a method for evaluating driving behavior safety based on real-world urban driving data collected from on-road experiments. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive and interpretable evaluation framework to improve the identification and correction of unsafe driving behaviors, particularly in urban electric vehicle applications. Five driving behavior indicators were selected: average speed, speed fluctuation difference, acceleration range, speeding frequency, and speed change frequency. The Frequent Pattern Growth (FP-growth) algorithm was applied to model and analyze the hidden relationships between these indicators. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the weight of each indicator, resulting in a comprehensive safety evaluation method based on the correlation of driving behaviors. The findings reveal that unsafe driving behaviors often occur in combination, with speeding, rapid acceleration, and speed change frequency frequently coexisting on the same road segment, collectively influencing driving safety. The proposed evaluation method was validated through comparative analysis of driving safety scores across different drivers, providing a useful reference for improving and correcting unsafe driving behaviors. Full article

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28 pages, 10967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Characteristic and Driving Factors of Synergy on Carbon Dioxide Emission and Pollutants Reductions in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, China

by Sinan He, Yanwen Jia, Qiuli Lv, Longyu Shi and Lijie Gao

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4066; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094066 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

As an economically active region, the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) faces dual challenges of carbon and air pollution reduction. Existing studies predominantly focus on single pollutants or engineering pathways, lacking systematic analyses of multi-scale synergistic effects. This study investigates the spatiotemporal [...] Read more.

As an economically active region, the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) faces dual challenges of carbon and air pollution reduction. Existing studies predominantly focus on single pollutants or engineering pathways, lacking systematic analyses of multi-scale synergistic effects. This study investigates the spatiotemporal distributions, driving factors, and synergistic effects of CO₂ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at the multi-scale of urban agglomerations, cities, and industries, using global Moran’s index, standard deviational ellipse, logarithmic mean divisa index decomposition model, and Tapio decoupling model. The results show that the average annual growth rate of CO₂ (7.4%) was significantly higher than that of VOCs (4.5%) from 2000 to 2020, and the industrial sector contributed more than 70% of CO₂ and VOC emissions, with the center of gravity of emissions migrating to Dongguan. Industrial energy intensity improvement emerged as the primary mitigation driver, with Guangzhou and Shenzhen demonstrating the highest contribution rates. Additionally, CO₂ and VOC reduction show two-way positive synergy, and the path of “energy intensity enhancement–carbon and pollution reduction” in the industrial sector is effective. Notably, the number of strong decouplings of the economy from CO₂ (11 times) is much higher than the number of strong decouplings of VOCs (3 times), suggesting that the synergy between VOC management and economic transformation needs to be strengthened. This study provides scientific foundations for phased co-reduction targets and energy–industrial structure optimization, proposing regional joint prevention and control policy frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)

23 pages, 4755 KiB

Open AccessReview

Clear-Air Turbulence and Aviation Operations: A Literature Review

by Vittorio Di Vito, Alessandra Lucia Zollo, Giovanni Cerasuolo, Myriam Montesarchio and Edoardo Bucchignani

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4065; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094065 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Aviation operations are increasingly impacted by clear-air turbulence (CAT) encounters, a growing concern in both media and academic circles. Research into CAT focuses on the generation, prediction, detection, and monitoring of the occurring events (thanks to weather-related methodologies and instruments) along with technologies [...] Read more.

Aviation operations are increasingly impacted by clear-air turbulence (CAT) encounters, a growing concern in both media and academic circles. Research into CAT focuses on the generation, prediction, detection, and monitoring of the occurring events (thanks to weather-related methodologies and instruments) along with technologies and operational aspects to mitigate their effects, from the perspective of both the flight segment (aircraft and pilot and related onboard systems) and the ground segment (ATM and ATC and related tools). Climate changes have led to more frequent and severe CAT events, highlighting the need for sustainable aviation solutions, aiming to achieve improved theoretical knowledge and technological and operational management advancements. This paper addresses the CAT topic under two main perspectives: the scientific understanding of the phenomena, and the technological management of such occurrence in aviation operations. With reference to the first addressed domain, the paper provides a comprehensive review of the currently used and perspective proposed methodologies and tools for understanding, detecting, and predicting CAT phenomena. With reference to the second addressed domain, then, this paper aimed to analyze the state of the art and trends in the technological and operational management and mitigation of the CAT occurrences at a tactical level (i.e., while in flight) by the aviation, covering the technologies and procedures implemented onboard and in the ground segment. Overall, therefore, this paper assesses the state of the art and identifies the most promising innovations that promote safer, more sustainable future aviation operations, by bridging weather and climate science with aviation engineering, in the presence of CAT events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainability in Air Transport and Multimodality)

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23 pages, 4624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Regional Differences Matter? Spatiotemporal Evolution and Convergence of Household Carbon Emissions in China

by Zihao Xu, Yue Xu and Jingning Shi

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4064; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094064 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

Understanding how household carbon emissions vary across time and regions is essential for promoting low-carbon lifestyles and advancing sustainability, yet this dimension remains underexplored—especially in large, diverse economies like China. This study addresses that gap by analyzing household carbon emissions across 29 Chinese [...] Read more.

Understanding how household carbon emissions vary across time and regions is essential for promoting low-carbon lifestyles and advancing sustainability, yet this dimension remains underexplored—especially in large, diverse economies like China. This study addresses that gap by analyzing household carbon emissions across 29 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2022, focusing on regional differences and convergence patterns. Using spatial and convergence models, we find persistent clustering—where provinces with high or low emissions group together—though these patterns shift gradually. Emissions have generally risen nationwide, with convergence trends emerging in the east, central, south, and north, while the west and northeast show inconsistent dynamics. Notably, emissions in one province are influenced by those in neighboring provinces, particularly in central China, due to close economic and energy ties. Industrial structure slows convergence at the national level, whereas stronger economic development, better education, and higher industrialization contribute to narrowing regional disparities—especially in southern China. These findings offer new insights for designing region-specific strategies that align household emissions management with China’s broader climate and sustainability goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Business: Business Models Innovation for Circular Economy)

17 pages, 7482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity and Driving Factors of Mariculture Pollution in the Bohai Rim Region, China

by Hui Yuan, Haojie Zhai, Yongren Li, Shaoqiang Han, Ye Tian and Jiahong Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 4063; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094063 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

The rapid expansion of mariculture in the Bohai Rim Region, a key marine economic zone in North China, has led to various environmental challenges. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of emission fluxes and identified the primary influencing factors of mariculture in the [...] Read more.

The rapid expansion of mariculture in the Bohai Rim Region, a key marine economic zone in North China, has led to various environmental challenges. This study evaluated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of emission fluxes and identified the primary influencing factors of mariculture in the Bohai Rim Region during 2014–2023. The findings hold both theoretical and practical significance for promoting the sustainable development of the nearshore environment. On the basis of mariculture data, the pollution coefficient method (PCM) was applied to quantify emission fluxes, whereas the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze influencing factors. The results indicate that (1) the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of mariculture pollution discharge was influenced primarily by mariculture taxa and policy regulations and that (2) the filtration capabilities of shellfish suggest that an integrated mariculture strategy involving shellfish and other taxa could significantly mitigate pollution. The optimization of breeding structures and advancements in technology play crucial roles in reducing mariculture-related pollution emissions. (3) A significant decline in pollutant levels was observed following the implementation of the Action Plan for Comprehensive Management of the Bohai Sea (CMAP-BS). These findings provide a scientific basis for transforming the environmental management of mariculture in coastal regions of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Environmental Control of Pollutants and Environmental Sustainability)

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