Sustainability

Intelligent transformation plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development in manufacturing while also enhancing the information environment. This study examines the role of intelligent transformation in China’s manufacturing sector, spanning theoretical and empirical dimensions and being anchored in the context of capital market information efficiency. The theoretical framework highlights how intelligent transformation mitigates information asymmetry, aligning a firm’s valuation with its intrinsic value, thereby elevating the information efficiency of capital markets. Leveraging annual reports from China’s A-share manufacturing firms, this study employs textual analysis to construct indicators assessing the extent of intelligent transformation across these entities. The empirical findings of this study harmonize with the theoretical constructs. Notably, intelligent transformation emerges as a pivotal driver in enhancing information efficiency in capital markets, substantiated by a negative correlation between intelligent transformation and stock price synchronicity within the manufacturing domain. This correlation withstands a battery of robustness tests and endogeneity treatment. The mechanism driving this transformative impact lies in intelligent transformation’s ability to enhance productivity and magnify market attention, thereby positively influencing capital market information efficiency. The insights not only provide empirical support but also offer practical guidance for improving real-world company operations and developing high-quality capital markets. Full article

Do geographical indication products help facilitate the development of the agricultural economy? This problem is a point of controversy in the field of global agricultural intellectual property. For a long time, there have been different viewpoints on this problem; that is, there is a positive correlation, negative correlation, U-shape correlation, or no correlation between the geographical indication products and the development of the agricultural economy in the context of different studies. To clarify the influence mechanism between the two and explain why there are these disputes, this study used the meta-analysis method to statistically reanalyze 405 observation values provided in 64 independent research samples from the context of different regions around the world. The study results show that geographical indications not only generate more economic benefits than ordinary products but also contribute to the growth of the agricultural economy by effectively promoting the development of agricultural product trade and the enhancement of agricultural product price. There exists a low positive correlation between the geographical indication products and the agricultural economy (r = 0.176, 95% CI = [0.126, 0.225]). In addition, the promotion effect of geographical indication products on the agricultural economy is regulated by the country of origin of the samples, sample level, publication journal, data type, data acquisition approach, and research method. Our research findings further revealed the internal relationship mechanism between the geographical indication products and the agricultural economy and lay a foundation for better protecting and developing geographical indication products. Full article

Compensation Admittance Load Flow (CALF) is a power flow analysis method that was developed to enhance the sustainability of the power grid. This method has been widely used in power system planning and operation, as it provides an accurate representation of the power system and its behavior under different operating conditions. By providing a more accurate representation of the power system, it can help identify potential problems and improve the overall performance of the grid. This paper proposes a new approach to the load flow (LF) problem by introducing a linear and iterative method of solving LF equations. The aim is to obtain fast results for calculating nodal voltages while maintaining high accuracy. The proposed CALF method is fast and accurate and is suitable for the iterative calculations required by large energy utilities to solve the problem of quantifying the maximum grid acceptance capacity of new energy from renewable sources and new loads, known as hosting capacity (HC) and load capacity (LC), respectively. Speed and accuracy are achieved through a properly designed linearization of the optimization problem, which introduces the concept of compensation admittance at the node. The proposed method was validated by comparing the results obtained with those coming from state-of-the-art methods. Full article

Despite subsequent strengthening measures, pavements constructed in Algeria suffer rapid deterioration soon after completion, with continued decline in some cases. Various factors contribute to this problem, including cost and availability of materials, build quality, and environmental conditions. The entire Algerian road network is based on flexible and semi-rigid pavements. This study explores pavement structures using numerical predictive models to advance our understanding of road construction and maintenance. Using Abaqus 2022 finite element analysis software, we consider three scenarios: a simple pavement, a pavement reinforced with geosynthetics, and a rigid pavement. We compare the results concerning the vertical stresses, interface stresses, and vertical displacements at the level of the critical pavement sections. The aim of this research was to achieve behavior in flexible pavement similar to that of rigid pavement through the study of the reinforcement effect of flexible pavements with geogrids. The layers were treated as elastic, and a finite element analysis was conducted for various geogrid stiffness values (geogrid/soil stiffness ratios ranging from 1 to 50). The model enabled us to select the geogrid with the appropriate stiffness for each soil stiffness. The main conclusions are presented and discussed in depth, with the results confirming that rigid pavements offer greater strength and better durability. We then provide convincing evidence that the performance characteristics of rigid pavements can be obtained for flexible pavements by integrating a geogrid reinforcement system. This system is based on the choice of the stiffness ratio of the supporting soil and the rigidity of the geogrid. This option allows the state of the supporting soil to be accepted as it is and for intervention to target in the composite soil–geogrid rigidity. Full article

This study investigates using lightweight concrete in 3D printing to reduce transportation costs and maintain structural strength. Normal-weight river (RS) sand was replaced with pumice and expanded glass at 50% and 100% volumes to decrease the material density. This substitution reduced the weight of various mixes up to 25.1%, with apparent porosity ranging from 11.37% to 27.9%. This study found that aggregate characteristics, including the shape, size, and absorption capacity, influenced printability. Rounded aggregates like expanded glass flowed better and required less water than irregular pumice. Lightweight aggregates had finer textures and higher porosity, needing more water. According to the extrudability results, the best print quality was achieved using 100% expanded glass, incorporating methylcellulose (MC) and polyethylene (PE) fibers. Moreover, the buildability outcomes highlighted a reliance on the printing speed and the water-to-binder (W/B) ratio. Comparing cast and 3D printed specimens, cast concrete reached a maximum compressive strength of 65.6 MPa, while 3D printed concrete achieved a maximum strength of 43.4 MPa. RS had the highest strength (65.6 MPa), while expanded glass showed the lowest (17.5 MPa) in both cast and 3D printed specimens. Adding PE and MC enhanced the print quality and increased the compressive strength due to the fibers’ bridging capacity. Full article

The surge in CO₂ emissions affects global climate change and the development of society. The logistics industry, being a swiftly advancing industry, demonstrates an escalating trend in CO₂ emissions. Therefore, this paper selects the more developed coastal provinces (districts) in China’s logistics industry and takes 2011–2020 as the research period. Using the Super-SBM model and the Malmquist index model, the article analyzes the changes in the carbon emission efficiency of the logistics industry from the static and dynamic perspectives and then explores the factors affecting it using the panel model and the mediating effect model. Findings from research indicate that: (1) The CO₂ emission efficiency of the logistics industry is generally moderate when viewed from a static perspective. (2) Taking a dynamic viewpoint, there is a slight declining trend in the overall CO₂ emission efficiency. (3) As environmental regulations become more stringent, the CO₂ emission efficiency follows the “U”-shaped pattern, initially declining and then rising. Environmental regulations can influence CO₂ emission efficiency by affecting technological innovation. Additionally, energy efficiency plays a positive role in promoting CO₂ emission efficiency. Recommendations: Implement differentiated environmental regulations tailored to local conditions. Emphasize technological innovations. Enhance the energy efficiency. Full article

Foundation industries, encompassing metals, ceramics, cement, paper, chemicals, and glass, play a vital role in driving industrial economies. Despite their pivotal role, a comprehensive understanding of shared processes and their impact on resource utilisation remains elusive. This study employs a novel approach, leveraging an adapted Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM), to unveil the core processes commonly utilised among these industries. These processes are then evaluated based on their influence on energy consumption and CO₂ emission. The investigation revealed 18 common processes categorised by their processing principles, their expected outcomes, and the equipment used. Remarkably, these processes emerge as significant contributors to both energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Notably, pyroprocessing emerged as a prevalent practice in five out of the six sectors, while the production of dried products and crushers and mills were the most frequently encountered outcomes and equipment used, respectively. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for foundation industries, emphasising potential areas for enhancing manufacturing operations to reduce environmental damage and facilitate knowledge transfer among the various sectors. Furthermore, the study identifies shared abatement options that can be collectively implemented across industries to achieve more substantial reductions in environmental footprint. By identifying and prioritising the most impactful processes in foundation industries, this study provides a strategic footing for advancing sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices within these critical sectors. Full article

Green roofs are low-impact development (LID) that assist in regulating stormwater runoff by reducing the peak flow rate and total runoff volume, among other benefits. In this study, the hydraulic performance of green roofs was modeled using the SWMM 5.2 software, taking field data into account for calibration purposes. A Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was built using field data from pilot green roofs installed at the Instituto Superior Técnico Campus, University of Lisbon, Portugal. The simulated results with and without calibration were compared, as well as the results obtained in the field studies. The results from the uncalibrated model were unsatisfactory. After calibration, the average Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSE) was 0.72, and the volume error was 5.9%, with most of the results classified as very good and good. This study shows relevant insights on the use of the SWMM to model green roofs, demonstrating the crucial importance of the calibration process for the correct prediction of hydraulic performance and indicating the porosity parameter as one of the most sensitive to the results. In addition, it provides estimates of LID parameters that can help in the development of projects carried out in the Mediterranean climate. Full article

A human being comes into contact with the environment through the senses. That is why in the space of cities, where various intense stimuli negatively affect the living of people, there is important greenery that has a positive impact. Significant types of gardens within urban green areas are sensory gardens. In our article, we intended to answer the question of what specifically affects the formation of deeper human–garden relations in urban, publicly accessible gardens designed to have a sensory impact. Our research was conducted mainly in Poland. We used a method of assessing the behavior of garden visitors, using a five-point scale. We found that the existence of specific interiors in gardens that have been designed in such a way as to stimulate two to three selected senses, which we call the leading senses, can create an environment that allows for deeper relationships with the garden. We also concluded that when designing a public sensory garden, adaptation to specific user groups is one of the most important guidelines. A deeper contact with the sensory garden for people visiting a city, e.g., tourists, may occur especially when there is a positive surprise or when an additional need of this group is met in the garden. Sensory gardens, although they are a relatively new type of urban greenery, can become a permanent element of cities if they are carefully designed and meet the expectations of their recipients. Full article

This study aims to investigate the effects of the determinants of management accounting application use in the telecommunications industry whilst considering the moderating role of organisational culture. The determinants examined in this study were company size, business strategy, accountants’ qualifications, market competition and managers’ awareness. Survey questionnaires were distributed to telecommunications companies in Vietnam, which resulted in a dataset of 146 respondents from 164 Vietnamese telecommunications companies and a response rate of 89%. The target respondents were directors, vice directors, managers and chief accountants. The questionnaires were distributed to each company, and the collected data were processed using Microsoft Excel and analysed for conformity using SPSS and Smart-PLS. Path analysis, specifically, structural equation modelling with partial least squares structural equation modelling, was conducted. The findings indicated that all the determinants except company size positively impacted management accounting application use. However, in the presence of organisational culture, company size did positively influence management accounting application use. Moreover, organisational culture enhanced the influence of managers’ awareness on management accounting application use in the Vietnamese telecommunications companies. This research can deepen our understanding of the determinants of management accounting application use and moderating role of organisational culture in the context of the telecommunications industry. The findings can provide empirical evidence to managers of Vietnamese telecommunications companies seeking to enhance the performance of their organisation. Full article

The Mohr–Coulomb (M-C) and Hoek–Brown (H-B) strength criteria are widely used in various engineering fields, such as mining engineering, tunnel engineering and so on. To investigate the M-C and H-B strength criteria considering the unloading effect and anisotropy, series of triaxial loading (unloading) tests on layered sandstone were conducted. The results revealed that the peak strength was significantly affected by the unloading effect. Moreover, the cohesion and internal friction angle had a significant nonlinear relationship with the bedding angle. Additionally, the M-C and modified H-B strength criteria were established considering the unloading effect and anisotropy. Then, according to the strength criteria established, the peak strength could be estimated theoretically. Furthermore, compared to the M-C strength criteria, the modified H-B strength criteria were more appropriate for accurately estimating the triaxial compressive strength of layered sandstones. The conclusions obtained could provide certain references for the stability control of deep excavation engineering. Full article

The current study explored bioenergy, particularly biohythane (a combination of biohydrogen (bioH₂) and biomethane (bioCH₄)), production from cow dung and untreated domestic wastewater sludge to valorize the waste into a value-added product. The experimental study consisted of a two-step process: dark fermentation (DF) and anaerobic digestion (AD) with a range of processing conditions varying the temperature and pH (acidic, neutral, and basic). The study maintained thermophilic conditions (55 °C) for bioH₂ production and mesophilic conditions (35 °C) for bioCH₄ production. The highest yields of bioH₂ and bioCH₄ were obtained at a pH of 5.5 (108.04 mL H₂/g VS) and a pH of 7.5 (768.54 mL CH₄/g VS), respectively. Microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus brevis and Clostridium butyricum, in the wastewater sludge accelerated the conversion reaction resulting in the highest bioH₂ yield for an acidic environment, while Clostridium and Bacilli enhanced bioCH₄ yield in basic conditions. The maximum cumulative yield of biohythane was obtained under basic pH conditions (pH 7.5) through DF and AD, resulting in 811.12 mL/g VS and a higher volumetric energy density of 3.316 MJ/L as compared to other reaction conditions. The experimental data were modelled using a modified Gompertz’s model at a 95% confidence interval and showed the best-fitting data from experimental and simulation results for biohythane production. The regression coefficient R² value was highly significant at 0.995 and 0.992 for bioH₂ and bioCH₄ with the change in pH during biohythane production. Thus, this study presented an effective pathway to utilize untreated domestic wastewater sludge as an inoculum, showcasing the potential of biohythane production and the generation of valuable metabolic end-products across a broad range of pH conditions. Full article

Prompted by the severe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Taiwan’s cruise industry, this research aims to explore the potential role of corporate social responsibility (CSR), relationship quality (RQ), and perceived value (PV) in reviving cruise tourism. The central research question focuses on how these constructs motivate Taiwanese passengers’ engagement in cruise tourism and shape their electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM) behavior in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, a comprehensive theoretical model was proposed to evaluate cruise operators’ relationship-building strategies. The research method involved a convenience sampling approach to gather a robust dataset of 566 valid responses from a questionnaire survey. The data were rigorously analyzed using statistical software, SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0, via the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The findings reveal that CSR and RQ substantially impact customers’ E-WOM and identified PV and RQ as salient mediators between CSR and E-WOM. In conclusion, this research enriches our understanding of the recovering cruise industry’s operation model in the post-pandemic phase. It provides academically grounded insights into how enhanced relationship building, CSR, and PV generation can enable cruise operators to influence E-WOM behavior positively. Full article

The practice of landscape architecture in Kenya is growing alongside the country’s construction industry, which is currently experiencing exponential growth in tandem with construction trends globally. With the growth in the industry, there has been significant growth in the economy, high consumption of natural resources, a 50% increased contribution to the world’s landfill waste, and pollution of the adjacent environment. These have given rise to high pressure to adopt environmentally sensitive approaches in the construction industry to achieve competitive advantage. It is therefore crucial to address the need for sustainability measures for landscape architecture projects to increase knowledge and awareness, create incentives geared toward supporting sustainable practices, and leverage legal instruments and policies. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers to the adoption of and improvement in the monitoring and evaluation of sustainable practices in landscape architecture in Kenya that prevent the industry from achieving sustainability. The objective of this research was to critically analyze the many challenges and barriers to the achievement of sustainability in the Kenyan construction industry with a focus on landscape architecture practices. It also examined the overall extent of the adoption, monitoring, and evaluation of sustainability, and possible solutions were proposed for the management of and reduction in said barriers. The study was carried out through extensive research of secondary data sources on the average level of knowledge and technical know-how of sustainable construction, the level of perception of compliance, the average cost of construction vis à vis sustainable construction, and the level of sustainability in the construction sector in Kenya. The collected data were analyzed empirically and, through the use of descriptive statistics and findings, the data were discussed. The preliminary findings from this study indicate that there is an overall poor attitude toward M&E of sustainability in Kenya, indicating the need to further improve processes. Full article

This study explores innovative designs for the cap of a marker pen, aiming to address the issues of cap loss and ink evaporation during marker pen usage. This study applies intrinsic safety, universal design and TRIZ as research methods. TRIZ has great potential to address most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to conflict-oriented problem solving for innovations. The principles of simplification, foolproof design, clarity of states, and tolerance from intrinsic safety were applied to prevent cap loss and minimize the risks associated with ink evaporation. The TRIZ methodology’s contradiction matrix was utilized to identify relevant inventive principles by improving parameters and avoiding worsening parameters, providing a reference basis for product structure design. Lastly, the principles of equitable use, simplicity, intuitiveness, and effortless design from universal design were employed to enhance the marker pen’s usability for the general public. This study creates a SERVQUAL questionnaire to compare the prototype of the designed pen cap with commercially available pen caps. It utilizes the two-dimensional quality model (Kano model) and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) for practical design analysis. Finally, the prototype structure is visualized using graphic software. The innovative design features of this study include the following. (1) Concealable pen tip: the sliding seal hides the pen tip inside the pen body when the pen core is slid upwards, preventing cap loss and ink drying. (2) Quick retractable function: using a pressing mechanism, the pen tip can be quickly retracted with a one-handed press and slide motion. (3) Replaceable pen core: the pen core can be replaced by disassembling the pen body, removing the old pen core, and inserting a new one, thereby extending the pen’s lifespan. (4) Satisfaction evaluation of the innovative pen cap design: through questionnaire surveys and cross-analysis using the IPA and the Kano model, this study assesses the product’s manufacturing and mass production value to reduce actual product development costs and time. Full article

The art of the successful design of high-speed electrical machines comes with many challenges in the mass, size, reliability, and energy efficiency. Material engineering of electrical machines has been identified as a key solution for higher power dense electric drivetrains. One of the main challenges at high speed is the eddy-current losses in the active electromagnetic parts, especially magnetic materials and permanent magnets (PMs). This study is devoted to the selection of PM rotor materials using multidisciplinary design optimization for a high-speed electric drivetrain. Beside AC loss minimization, more disciplines are considered, such as the minimization of weight, and cost. Different laminations are investigated with different magnetic properties as well as cost. Additionally, different PMs are optimized considering low-cost ferrite and high-coercivity permanent magnets (HCPMs). Moreover, the optimal materials are identified which have the best balance between loss, weight, cost, ripples. Finally, different rotor designs are prototyped, assembled, and tested using the same stator configuration. Also, the best rotor design is selected, and the electromagnetic performance is measured and compared with conventional designs. The optimal design results in 8% extra torque with at least 20% weight reduction. Full article

Technological innovations, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning, have facilitated the emergence of autonomous systems, promoting triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability. However, the prevalent triopoly of Android, iOS, and Windows introduces substantial obstacles for smart device manufacturers in pursuit of independent innovation. This research endeavors to elucidate how open-source operating systems can counteract this triopoly and catalyze sustainable digital development. Utilizing evolutionary game theory, we scrutinize the interplay among governments, platforms, and users in championing open-source diffusion. Our analysis unveils two potent evolutionary strategies—incentivized engagement and disengagement—that notably expedite open-source diffusion and attenuate software supply chain risks affiliated with the Android–iOS–Windows triopoly (results). Consequently, this research highlights the critical role of augmenting stakeholder collaboration and bolstering platform reputation in propelling open-source diffusion, thereby providing valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the sustainable advancement of smart digital infrastructure. Full article

Milk thistle is a plant that perfectly meets the needs of sustainable agriculture. Despite their high protein content, the seeds and endosperm of S. marianum have not been considered as raw food material so far. Therefore, the work aimed to characterize milk thistle endosperm in terms of its possible use in producing novel food. The nutritional and energy value of the raw material, profile of amino acids), fatty acids, and health quality indices of lipids were characterized. The main components of milk thistle endosperm (MTE) were protein (>20% dry matter (DM)), fat (>39% DM), and fiber (>31% DM). MTE protein is characterized by a high content of sulfur, aromatic amino acids, and tryptophan, comparing the FAO/WHO patterns. The PDCAA S (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) value for lysine is low but can be higher in combination with other proteins. Milk thistle fat is dominated by unsaturated fatty acids, constituting about 80% of total fatty acids, of which over 56% are polyunsaturated fatty acids. Low values of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices of MTE fat testify to its potentially beneficial properties towards the cardiovascular system. Full article