Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, cross-disciplinary, scholarly, peer-reviewed and open access journal of environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings. It provides an advanced forum for studies related to sustainability and sustainable development, and is published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) and International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts of the article processing charge.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and many other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Sciences) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 17.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2021).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.251 (2020)
;
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.473 (2020)
Latest Articles
Design of Decentralized Hybrid Microgrid Integrating Multiple Renewable Energy Sources with Power Quality Improvement
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137777 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Due to the energy crisis and exhaustion in the amount of fossil fuels left, there is an urge to increase the penetration of renewables in the grid. This paper deals with the design and control of a hybrid microgrid (HMG) in the presence
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Due to the energy crisis and exhaustion in the amount of fossil fuels left, there is an urge to increase the penetration of renewables in the grid. This paper deals with the design and control of a hybrid microgrid (HMG) in the presence of variable renewable energy sources. The DC sub-grid consists of a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind turbine, solar PV array with a perturb-and-observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm, boost converter, and battery energy storage system (BESS) with DC loads. The AC sub-grid consists of a PMSG wind turbine and a fuel cell with an inverter circuit synchronized to the grid to meet its load demand. A bidirectional interlinking converter (IC) connects the AC sub-grid and DC sub-grid, which facilitates power exchange between them. The decentralized control of converters allows all the renewables to operate in coordination independently without communication between them. The proposed control algorithm of the IC enables it to act as an active power filter in addition to the power exchange operation. The active power filtering feature of the IC helps to retain the power quality of the microgrid as per IEEE 519 standards by providing reactive power support and reducing the harmonic levels to less than 5%. The HMG with the proposed algorithm can operate in both grid-connected and islanded modes. While operating in grid-connected mode, power exchange between DC and AC sub-grids takes place and all the load demands are met. If it is in islanded mode, a diesel generator supports the AC sub-grid to meet the critical load demands and the BESS supports the DC microgrid. The proposed model is designed and simulated using MATLAB-SIMULINK and its results are analyzed. The efficacy of the proposed control is highlighted by comparing it with the existing controls and testing the HMG for load variations.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Energy Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
How Does Context Contribute to and Constrain the Emergence of Responsible Innovation in Food Systems? Results from a Multiple Case Study
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137776 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Organizations and practices that contribute to the resolution of major societal challenges are key to achieving a transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems. Previous research identified contextual elements that affect the emergence of organizations and practices with responsibility characteristics, but how this
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Organizations and practices that contribute to the resolution of major societal challenges are key to achieving a transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems. Previous research identified contextual elements that affect the emergence of organizations and practices with responsibility characteristics, but how this process unfolds remains poorly articulated. Our study thus focuses on how contextual dimensions may contribute to or constrain the emergence of responsibility in food systems. We applied a multiple case study design and conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with 30 organizations in the province of Québec (Canada) and in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Our across-case analyses clarify how multiple contextual dimensions both contribute to and constrain the emergence of responsibility. More specifically, our findings show that while contextual dimensions shaped by the dominant food system constrain the emergence of responsibility, the same dimensions also contribute to it when they embed responsibility principles. One key contribution of our study is to show that interpersonal relations are an important mediation mechanism that helps to modify contextual elements, so they can contribute to the emergence of responsibility. This study’s findings can inform research and policy aiming to design institutional environments that promote a transition towards more responsible food systems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food System Transition)
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Open AccessArticle
Continuance Usage Intention toward E-Payment during the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Financial Sustainable Development Perspective Using Perceived Usefulness and Electronic Word of Mouth as Mediators
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7775; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137775 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Digital transformation is essential to financial sustainable development. Since the beginning of 2020, the whole world has been under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the pace of financial digitization. According to the perceived usefulness of the technology acceptance model
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Digital transformation is essential to financial sustainable development. Since the beginning of 2020, the whole world has been under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the pace of financial digitization. According to the perceived usefulness of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the perceived seriousness of the health belief model (HBM), this study developed and explored the theoretical framework of consumers’ continuance usage intention toward e-payment. A questionnaire survey was conducted to explore this continuance usage intention among consumers who have used e-payment in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total of 387 valid samples. The overall model was analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM). The empirical results showed that the security, perceived seriousness, and perceived usefulness of e-payment significantly affect electronic word of mouth (eWOM), while the security and perceived seriousness of e-payment have a significant effect on continuance usage intention through perceived usefulness and eWOM. During the COVID-19 pandemic, e-payment providers should encourage consumers to use e-payment via eWOM, perceived usefulness, and consumers’ perceived health seriousness and should improve the use efficiency of e-payment through e-payment financial services, thus encouraging consumers’ continuance usage intention toward e-payment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Finance Management and Social Responsibility for Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Novel Axial Flux-Switching Permanent Magnet Machine for High-Speed Applications
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7774; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137774 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Conventional high-speed flux-switching machines have either a high fundamental frequency or more even harmonics. This paper proposes a novel six-slot four-pole axial flux-switching permanent magnet machine for high-speed applications. The machine, consisting of two radially distributed stators and one rotor, can effectively eliminate
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Conventional high-speed flux-switching machines have either a high fundamental frequency or more even harmonics. This paper proposes a novel six-slot four-pole axial flux-switching permanent magnet machine for high-speed applications. The machine, consisting of two radially distributed stators and one rotor, can effectively eliminate even harmonics in the flux linkage. First, the structural parameters that affect the performance of the motor are determined by the equivalent magnetic circuit method, and the optimal structural parameters of the motor are obtained by simulation optimization. Then, through finite element analysis, the three-dimensional model of the proposed machine is built, and the static electromagnetic characteristics are analyzed, including magnetic field distribution, flux linkage, back-electromotive force, cogging torque, and efficiency. The simulation results show that the total harmonic distortion of the flux linkage and back-electromotive force waveforms of the proposed novel machine is 2.2% and 9.8% respectively. The cogging torque of the optimal model is only 9 N.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligence and Sustainability in Electrical Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
A Numerical Model for the Optimization of Concentrated Suspensions for Sustainable Concrete Proportioning
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7773; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137773 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Concrete has a large environmental impact due to CO2 emissions related to cement manufacturing and the consumption of natural aggregates. More sustainable concretes can be developed, replacing part of the cement with mineral admixtures or natural aggregates with recycled ones. However, recycled
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Concrete has a large environmental impact due to CO2 emissions related to cement manufacturing and the consumption of natural aggregates. More sustainable concretes can be developed, replacing part of the cement with mineral admixtures or natural aggregates with recycled ones. However, recycled materials are less regular than natural ones, and using new deposit changes concrete properties, which necessitates the re-optimization of mixture proportions. For small/medium-size waste deposits, the expensive experimental work needed to adapt concrete formulation containing these particular wastes is not profitable, which prevents from their valorization. The aim of this study is to develop a numerical model to optimize the mixture proportions of concentrated suspensions based on very limited entry data. In the model, spheres of small radii are seeded in the porosity and allowed to swell until reaching a target radius/density. On monosized suspensions, it is shown that the ratio between the number of random displacements to the number of particles varies with density, following a classical viscosity–density relationship, which allows identification of the packing fraction. The model is extended to bidisperse systems, with the viscosity of the whole suspension calculated by combining the viscosities of each granular class. The model is applied to bidisperse systems of size ratios 4:1 and 2:1 with varying proportions of large particles. The optimum proportions identified numerically are compared successfully to experimental results from the literature.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies on Sustainable Rehabilitation of the Built Environment)
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Open AccessArticle
Defining Priority Areas for the Sustainable Development of the Desalination Industry in Chile: A GIS Multi-Criteria Analysis Approach
by
, , , , , , and
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7772; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137772 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
The climate crisis is rapidly provoking water scarcity in several areas of the planet, where an exponential growth of the seawater desalination industry is expected. In this context, multiple efforts are currently under development to reduce potential impacts and promote the sustainability of
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The climate crisis is rapidly provoking water scarcity in several areas of the planet, where an exponential growth of the seawater desalination industry is expected. In this context, multiple efforts are currently under development to reduce potential impacts and promote the sustainability of this industry. The selection of a suitable site for a desalination plant is critical to ensure operational continuity and the environmental sustainability of its processes, optimizing the plant’s productive performance and thus safeguarding water security for final users. In this study, we apply a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analysis (GIS-MCA) approach to explore and assess potential areas suitable for the construction and operation of desalination plants in Chile. Different environmental, social, and technical criteria were evaluated and weighted by expert criteria using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. From a total of 114,450 km2 analyzed, only 4.54% of the territory was classified as highly suitable, demonstrating the scarcity of space available to meet the growth expectations for the industry. These results suggest that GIS-based analysis provides a practical solution to determine suitable areas for developing desalination plants, highlighting the need to define priority areas for the sustainable development of the desalination industry in Chile with the required capacity to reach the national water security goals for the following decades.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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The Circular Economy Concept in the Outdoor Sporting Goods Industry: Challenges and Enablers of Current Practices among Brands and Retailers
by
and
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7771; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137771 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Based on an analysis of challenges and enablers of circular economy (CE) practices for outdoor brands and retailers, we aim to identify which of these CE practices are best suited for the outdoor sporting goods industry. To develop the study, we used a
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Based on an analysis of challenges and enablers of circular economy (CE) practices for outdoor brands and retailers, we aim to identify which of these CE practices are best suited for the outdoor sporting goods industry. To develop the study, we used a qualitative methodology through a content analysis of 21 expert interviews. From these interviews, we derived challenges and enablers for different CE elements in the categories reduce, circulate products, circulate materials, and shift towards renewable resources. Our findings indicate trade-offs related to the high complexity and functionality of many products, the juxtaposition of extremely technical and less technical products, and the low product return rate as challenges, while design for durability, design for repairability, and linking the degree of circularity to product types were identified as enablers. Based on our data, we argue that among circular practices reduce should form a basis upon which other aspects can build, with durability and repairability best suited for technical outdoor gear. As our study adds an industry-specific perspective, it contributes new knowledge to the CE literature. It also helps managers with the practical implications, as we argue they should be aware of potential downsides of CE elements and thus consider carefully which of those elements can help support their overall business and sustainability strategies.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Soil Properties and Tree Species on Root–Soil Anchorage Characteristics
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7770; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137770 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Root anchoring provides nonnegligible assistance to prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes. The anchoring ability of plants suffers a tremendous impact from the soil conditions and the root characteristics. To reveal the root reinforcement effect, a group of pullout tests was conducted on
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Root anchoring provides nonnegligible assistance to prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes. The anchoring ability of plants suffers a tremendous impact from the soil conditions and the root characteristics. To reveal the root reinforcement effect, a group of pullout tests was conducted on five different tree root systems (Pinus tabulaeformis, Betula platyphylla, Larix gmelinii, Quercus mongolica, and Ulmus pumila) with different soil moisture contents and soil dry weights. The results indicate that the root property (species, diameter, and tensile strength) and soil condition (water content 9.72%, 12.72%, 15.72%, 18.72%, and dry weight 1.32 g/cm3, 1.42 g/cm3, 1.52 g/cm3) had a significant effect on the anchoring effect of the soil. The anchoring effect is more obvious for the roots with a larger diameter and higher tensile strength. With the increase in the soil water content and the dry weight, the root system is more prone to failure but the root anchoring effect of soil with an optimum soil water content performs the best. Among the five different tree species, Pinus tabulaeformis roots were the least effective in anchoring the soil and Betula platyphylla roots performed the best.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Slope Stability Analysis and Landslide Disaster Prevention)
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Consumers’ Motives in Purchasing and Consuming Quality Greek Wine
by
, , , and
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137769 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
In the rising post COVID-19 period the world is different not only from the economic point of view but also from the social and cultural point, including the selection of goods, and foods by the “new” customers. Wine is a major daily drink
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In the rising post COVID-19 period the world is different not only from the economic point of view but also from the social and cultural point, including the selection of goods, and foods by the “new” customers. Wine is a major daily drink worldwide, affecting the lives of consumers worldwide. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on consumers’ motives for quality wine, namely the Greek wine and the local Samos’ Greek wine, assessing possible changes in their wine habits effecting current and future wine production, consumption, and sustainable regional development. Consumers’ motives were tested using variables of wine purchase and consumption (such as place of purchase, money spent, amount consumed, accompaniment meals), and preference for quality wine (such as traditional, appearance, organoleptic, sustainable, general characteristics). A self-response questionnaire survey was carried out in January and February 2022 on a sample of 1493 participants through the Google platform. Basic statistical tools, combined with cross and Chi-square tests were used in order to analyze the collected data. The results show interesting changes in consumers’ motives in the new rising global era. The participants buy less from supermarket (−4.2%), more via online (+1.8%) and equally from other places, the majority one bottle per month spending 10 to 20 euros today. They consume less wine (−5.1%), the majority one bottle per month, preferable at home (+6%), with friends (+1.6%), rather than at the restaurant (−8.2%), the club/bar (−8.9%), the night club (−5.8%), or during celebration (−3.2%). They continue to prefer the “red with red, white to white” accompaniments with meals. They select quality wines based on the conventional variables with emphasis to the taste (94.5%), aroma (83.9%), value for money (72.8%). The participants expressed similar motives for the quality Samos’ wines. However, even though they are aware of its high quality (92.9%), only 53% of them have tasted them, and fewer are consuming then occasionally (32.3%). Our findings indicate that the sustainability, and growth of the quality wine in the new socioeconomic era, should focus on the easy access (including on line), the consumption at home, with friends and family, keeping the same preferences between different kinds of wine with the different meals for the consumers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)
Open AccessArticle
Impacts of Harvesting Age and Pricing Schemes on Economic Sustainability of Cassava Farmers in Thailand under Market Uncertainty
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7768; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137768 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
This paper involves an analysis to determine appropriate cassava harvest practices and choose a pricing scheme between farmers and factories, cassava yards, and collectors in Thailand. Harvest practices represent all activities from land preparation to harvest. A key decision that governs the amount
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This paper involves an analysis to determine appropriate cassava harvest practices and choose a pricing scheme between farmers and factories, cassava yards, and collectors in Thailand. Harvest practices represent all activities from land preparation to harvest. A key decision that governs the amount of resources required during cassava life cycle is the cassava’s harvesting age. The harvesting age can be from eight to 18 months in two patterns: fixed age, e.g., harvest every 12 months, and variable age, e.g., harvest at an age between 10 and 14 months. After harvesting, there are two common pricing schemes to consider, which are weight-based and starch-content-based. Factors that affect the two decisions made by Thai farmers at a given time are the market price, which highly varies within a season and between seasons, and yields in terms of weight and starch content, both of which change with cassava’s age and/or harvest month. Economic sustainability measure for Thai farmers is the average monthly profit that the farmers gain over cassava harvest cycle under uncertain market price. To handle uncertainties, a simulation model is constructed to imitate cassava planting activities from cultivation to harvest. The purpose is to evaluate various harvesting ages and two pricing schemes under uncertain cassava market prices. Market prices in 15 seasons (2006–2021) are grouped using the k-mean clustering into four price scenarios. As cassava grows in the simulation, the required resources are consumed until the decisions on harvesting time and pricing scheme are made with estimated selling probability under different price scenarios and uncertainty in cassava yield. Through simulation, harvesting age and pricing scheme that are most profitable and robust-to-system-variation are determined. Finally, a guideline for Thai farmers to choose a pricing scheme is developed based on the sensitivity analysis of the simulation model.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Practices and Policies for More Resilient and Sustainable Agricultural and Agri-Food Systems)
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Day-Ahead Spot Market Price Forecast Based on a Hybrid Extreme Learning Machine Technique: A Case Study in China
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7767; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137767 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
With the deepening of China’s electricity spot market construction, spot market price prediction is the basis for making reasonable quotation strategies. This paper proposes a day-ahead spot market price forecast based on a hybrid extreme learning machine technology. Firstly, the trading center’s information
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With the deepening of China’s electricity spot market construction, spot market price prediction is the basis for making reasonable quotation strategies. This paper proposes a day-ahead spot market price forecast based on a hybrid extreme learning machine technology. Firstly, the trading center’s information is examined using the Spearman correlation coefficient to eliminate characteristics that have a weak link with the price of power. Secondly, a similar day-screening model with weighted grey correlation degree is constructed based on the grey correlation theory (GRA) to exclude superfluous samples. Thirdly, the regularized limit learning machine (RELM) is tuned using the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) to increase RELM parameter accuracy. Finally, the proposed forecasting model is applied to the Shanxi spot market, and other forecasting models and error computation methodologies are compared. The results demonstrate that the model suggested in this paper has a specific forecasting effect for power price forecasting technology.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Frontier Research in Energy Forecasting)
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The Extreme Heat Wave of Summer 2021 in Athens (Greece): Cumulative Heat and Exposure to Heat Stress
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7766; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137766 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
The Mediterranean has been identified as a ‘climate change hot spot’, already experiencing faster warming rates than the global average, along with an increased occurrence of heat waves (HWs), prolonged droughts, and forest fires. During summer 2021, the Mediterranean faced prolonged and severe
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The Mediterranean has been identified as a ‘climate change hot spot’, already experiencing faster warming rates than the global average, along with an increased occurrence of heat waves (HWs), prolonged droughts, and forest fires. During summer 2021, the Mediterranean faced prolonged and severe HWs, triggering hundreds of wildfires across the region. Greece, in particular, was hit by one of the most intense HWs in its modern history, with national all-time record temperatures being observed from 28 July to 6 August 2021. The HW was associated with extreme wildfires in many parts of the country, with catastrophic environmental and societal consequences. The study accentuated the rarity and special characteristics of this HW (HW2021) through the analysis of the historical climate record of the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) on a centennial time scale and comparison with previous HWs. The findings showed that HW2021 was ranked first in terms of persistence (with a total duration of 10 days) and highest observed nighttime temperatures, as well as ‘cumulative heat’, accounting for both the duration and intensity of the event. Exceptionally hot conditions during nighttime were intensified by the urban heat island effect in the city of Athens. Human exposure to heat-related stress during the event was further assessed by the use of bioclimatic indices such as the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). The study points to the interconnected climate risks in the area and especially to the increased exposure of urban populations to conditions of heat stress, due to the additive urban effect.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping with Social-Natural Disasters: Multi-Disciplinary Scientific Contributions)
Open AccessArticle
Design Thinking for Public R&D: Focus on R&D Performance at Public Research Institutes
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7765; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137765 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Korean public research institutes (PRIs) have shown noteworthy technological innovation over the past years, but they have been lagging in the commercialization of technological results. To ensure sustainable technology commercialization, not only technological innovation but also a shift towards a market-oriented approach is
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Korean public research institutes (PRIs) have shown noteworthy technological innovation over the past years, but they have been lagging in the commercialization of technological results. To ensure sustainable technology commercialization, not only technological innovation but also a shift towards a market-oriented approach is required. As such, it has become even more important for the public sector to have a demand-oriented approach for responding to market failures or demand issues in the private sector. Yet the public sector has been geared to a supply-oriented approach, while adopting a demand-oriented perspective, in its inception. In an ever-increasingly complex society, the process of Design Thinking is necessary in the both the public and private sectors. However, Design Thinking-related studies have concentrated on the latter. Studying the impacts of Design Thinking as a demand-based innovation methodology of public institutions, this research aims to expand the traditional scope of the study of Design Thinking to include PRIs—owing to relevant key research experts, PRIs will prompt changes in the overall public sector going forward. With the Design Thinking process requiring empathy, integrative thinking, and experimentalism, this study examines the impacts of Design Thinking on PRIs. This research also aims to demonstrate that Design Thinking boosts innovation, specifically through PRIs, promoting higher discourse on Design Thinking. Concluding that Design Thinking improves technology performance in public research institutes, the study evaluates that Design Thinking leads to research innovation in a demand-driven R&D environment, producing innovations in the overall public sector.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gap in the Technology Commercialization Process and Sustainability)
Open AccessCase Report
Developing a Multilevel Decision Support Tool for Urban Mobility
by
, , , , , , , , and
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7764; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137764 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Decisions on transport policy measures have long-term and important impacts on the economy, environment and society. Transport policy measures can lock up capital for decades and cause manifold external effects. In order to allow policymakers to evaluate transport policies, the developed decision support
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Decisions on transport policy measures have long-term and important impacts on the economy, environment and society. Transport policy measures can lock up capital for decades and cause manifold external effects. In order to allow policymakers to evaluate transport policies, the developed decision support tool facilitates the evaluation of the multidimensional impacts of the implementation of transport policies. The objective of the decision support toolset presented in this paper is to support transportation planning and design practices based on an integrated transportation analysis of the area of examination to determine the most applicable combination of mobility services. This paper provides a comprehensive description of the interactive decision support tool implemented to help cities and decision makers design their strategies and shape the urban mobility of the future.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Mobility and Resilient Transport: Transition to Innovation)
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Stakeholder or Legitimacy Theory? The Rationale behind a Company’s Materiality Analysis: Evidence from Indonesia
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7763; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137763 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Recently, more and more research has examined sustainability reports, including how to process materiality analysis in sustainability reports. However, the motivation for why and how companies prepare materiality analysis has not received much attention from researchers. This study fills a gap in the
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Recently, more and more research has examined sustainability reports, including how to process materiality analysis in sustainability reports. However, the motivation for why and how companies prepare materiality analysis has not received much attention from researchers. This study fills a gap in the sustainability literature related to materiality analysis by identifying the theoretical motivations of companies in conducting materiality analysis. The literature review on materiality analysis also showed that the existing measurements have not used the GRI 102-46 and 102-47, which are guidelines for companies in conducting materiality analysis based on the GRI. Therefore, this study developed a measurement of materiality analysis based on GRI 102-46 and 102-47. This study aimed to assess materiality analysis in sustainability reports based on the perspectives of legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory. The research sample was 150 sustainability reports of company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2020. The researcher developed an index using the GRI approach to measure the quality of materiality analysis. This study proves that the legitimacy theory perspective is mainly the basis for the company in conducting materiality analysis. This study also found no significant improvement in the quality of materiality topic analysis from 2018 to 2020. Of the four financial characteristics, only DER has a significant relationship with materiality analysis, which indicates that the disclosure of materiality analysis tends to be related to the company’s debt condition. The study fills a gap in the literature by contributing to research on sustainability reporting quality, specifically on materiality analysis.
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(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Forecasting the Volume of Tourism Services in Uzbekistan
by
, , , , , , , and
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7762; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137762 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
The aim of the present research is to assess the impact of factors such as welfare, infrastructure, security, and the environment on inbound tourism as well as to develop its forecast. Six proxy indicators of the above-mentioned factors were selected as variables, namely,
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The aim of the present research is to assess the impact of factors such as welfare, infrastructure, security, and the environment on inbound tourism as well as to develop its forecast. Six proxy indicators of the above-mentioned factors were selected as variables, namely, welfare (real GDP per capita, life expectancy, consumer price index), infrastructure (passenger transportation volume), security (total recorded crimes), and the environment (CO2 emissions). We used a time series-univariate ARIMA model to forecast the inbound tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan, and applied the ARDL model to assess the impact of lagged real GDP per capita on inbound tourism in both the short and long terms. The results of our research show that security and welfare significantly affect the inflow of foreign tourists in the country, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the effects of which are expected to persist beyond 2026.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism Research and Regional Sciences)
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Open AccessReview
The Application of Advanced Information Technologies in Civil Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7761; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137761 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
Information technologies have widely been used in the construction and maintenance of civil infrastructure. The advantages of information technologies provided a broader range of methods for infrastructure and enhanced its level of maintenance. However, a systematic summary of the research development of information
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Information technologies have widely been used in the construction and maintenance of civil infrastructure. The advantages of information technologies provided a broader range of methods for infrastructure and enhanced its level of maintenance. However, a systematic summary of the research development of information technologies used in civil infrastructure is limited. This study aims to supplement this field by providing an objective, systematic summary of relevant literature in mainstream journals employing bibliometric retrieval and quantitative analysis from 2010 to 2020. The following results are obtained: (1) This study discusses the application of advanced information technologies in different phases and provides a critical analysis of the application of these existing information technologies, which includes wireless sensor networks (WSN), fiber optic sensing (FOS), building information modelling (BIM), radio frequency identification (RFID) and other advanced information technologies. (2) The digital twins can be used as tools for the planning and management of next-generation smart infrastructure, making the future of civil infrastructure smarter and more sustainable.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Construction and Smart Building Operation and Maintenance)
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Synthesis and Characterization of Zero-Valent Fe-Cu and Fe-Ni Bimetals for the Dehalogenation of Trichloroethylene Vapors
by
, , , , , and
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7760; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137760 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
In this study, zero-valent iron-copper (Fe-Cu) and iron-nickel (Fe-Ni) bimetals were prepared by disc milling for the dehalogenation of trichloroethylene vapors. For both Fe-Ni and Fe-Cu, three combinations in terms of percentage of secondary metal added were produced (1%, 5%, 20% by weight)
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In this study, zero-valent iron-copper (Fe-Cu) and iron-nickel (Fe-Ni) bimetals were prepared by disc milling for the dehalogenation of trichloroethylene vapors. For both Fe-Ni and Fe-Cu, three combinations in terms of percentage of secondary metal added were produced (1%, 5%, 20% by weight) and the formation of the bimetallic phase by milling was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The disc milled bimetals were characterized by a homogenous distribution of Ni or Cu in the Fe phase and micrometric size visible from scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis and by a relatively low specific surface area (0.2–0.7 m2/g) quantified by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The reactivity of the produced bimetals was evaluated by batch degradation tests of TCE in the gas phase with 1 day of reaction time. Fe-Ni bimetals have shown better performance in terms of TCE removal (57–75%) than Fe-Cu bimetals (41–55%). The similar specific surface area values found for the produced bimetals indicated that the enhancement in the dehalogenation achieved using bimetals is closely related to the induced catalysis. The obtained results suggest that ZVI-based bimetals produced by disc milling are effective in the dehalogenation of TCE vapors in partially saturated conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management and Remediation of Contaminated Sites)
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Open AccessArticle
Consumption Coupons, Consumption Probability and Inventory Optimization: An Improved Minimum-Cost Maximum-Flow Approach
by
and
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7759; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137759 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
Abstract
The issuance of consumption coupons during the epidemic period to stimulate the economy must take full account of the level of probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization. In this paper, an improved minimum-cost maximum-flow model is constructed to dynamically adjust the inventory capacity of
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The issuance of consumption coupons during the epidemic period to stimulate the economy must take full account of the level of probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization. In this paper, an improved minimum-cost maximum-flow model is constructed to dynamically adjust the inventory capacity of node enterprises with the change of probabilistic consumption level, and three scenarios are simulated by numerical assumptions. The results show that: (1) The model can better solve the problem of consumption coupons, probabilistic consumption and inventory optimization; (2) Consumer welfare remains unchanged, the largest number of government consumption coupons is issued, and the number of enterprise inventories reaches the lowest; (3) Enterprise inventories are minimized with different decisions on consumer probability consumption, and the government’s issuance of consumption coupons and the satisfaction of consumer demand have reached a dynamic balance. Corresponding suggestions are put forward, hoping to better help the government to implement the consumption coupons policy to stimulate the economy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers and Best Practices in Bio, Circular, and Green Growth and Eco-Innovation)
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Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Relationship between the Entrepreneurship Motive and Value Creation in Business Incubators
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137758 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2022
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In this study, we aimed to explore whether, regardless of the reasons why entrepreneurs start their activity, either due to necessity or vocation, they positively value the capacity of business incubators as a mechanism to help create value, contributing to the economic and
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In this study, we aimed to explore whether, regardless of the reasons why entrepreneurs start their activity, either due to necessity or vocation, they positively value the capacity of business incubators as a mechanism to help create value, contributing to the economic and social sustainability and establishing a context that increases the chances of the success and survival of businesses. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a representative sample of entrepreneurs residing in Spain. Structural equation analysis (SEM) was applied. The results confirm that business incubators create value in society regardless of the reasons why entrepreneurs start their activity. This work provides an opinion and a direct vision of how different entrepreneur profiles value the contribution of business incubators to the sustainability of businesses in their first stage.
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