Sustainability

26 pages, 681 KB

Open AccessReview

Flourishing Circularity: A Resource Assessment Framework for Sustainable Strategic Management

by Jean Garner Stead

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020867 (registering DOI) - 14 Jan 2026

This paper introduces flourishing circularity as a transformative approach to resource assessment that transcends both traditional Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and conventional circular economy concepts. We demonstrate RBV’s fundamental limitations in addressing the polycrisis of breached planetary boundaries and social inequities. Similarly, while [...] Read more.

This paper introduces flourishing circularity as a transformative approach to resource assessment that transcends both traditional Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and conventional circular economy concepts. We demonstrate RBV’s fundamental limitations in addressing the polycrisis of breached planetary boundaries and social inequities. Similarly, while the circular economy focuses on resource reuse and recycling, it often merely delays environmental degradation rather than reversing it. Flourishing circularity addresses these shortcomings by reconceptualizing natural and social capital not as externalities but as foundational sources of all value creation. We develop a comprehensive framework for assessing resources within an open systems perspective, where competitive advantage increasingly derives from a firm’s ability to regenerate the systems upon which all business depends. The paper introduces novel assessment tools that capture the dynamic interplay between organizational activities and coevolving social and ecological systems. We outline the core competencies required for flourishing circularity: regenerative approaches to social and natural capital, and systems thinking with cross-boundary collaboration capabilities. These competencies translate into competitive advantage as stakeholders increasingly favor organizations that enhance system health. The framework provides practical guidance for transforming resource assessment from extraction to regeneration, enabling business models that create value through system enhancement rather than depletion. Full article

22 pages, 777 KB

Open AccessArticle

Elevating Morals, Elevating Actions: The Interplay of CSR, Transparency, and Guest Pro-Social and Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Hotels

by Kutay Arda Yildirim, Hasan Kilic and Hamed Rezapouraghdam

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020866 (registering DOI) - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

In the hospitality industry, corporate social responsibility practices are getting more recognition as a strategic driver of stakeholders’ sustainable behaviors. This study creates and tests a moderated serial mediation model that connects hotel CSR activities to guests’ pro-environmental behavior (PROE). In addition, moral [...] Read more.

In the hospitality industry, corporate social responsibility practices are getting more recognition as a strategic driver of stakeholders’ sustainable behaviors. This study creates and tests a moderated serial mediation model that connects hotel CSR activities to guests’ pro-environmental behavior (PROE). In addition, moral elevation (ME) and pro-social behaviors of guests (PSO) are posited as affective and behavioral mediating mechanisms, whereas the perceived transparency (TRA) of hotel actions is investigated as a moderator. The survey data were collected from 426 hotel guests who had stayed in hotels in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze it. The findings reveal that CSR does have a positive effect on ME, which sequentially makes ME affect PSO and PROE behavior positively. The research shows that the moderator TRA also amplifies the relationship strength between CSR and ME, which suggests that transparent actions of hotels do have a positive emotional impact on guests. The research contributes to hospitality literature and also sustainability literature by identifying ME as an emotional mechanism and TRA as a moderating condition that alter guests’ behaviors. As managerial implications, the research underlines the value of creating CSR practices that are both transparent and authentic to guests and stakeholders to ultimately maximize the engagement of guests in the context of sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism Marketing: Towards Transparent Communication to Empower Informed Decisions)

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44 pages, 5086 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Floor-Sitting as Adaptive Behavior in Tropical Apartment Residents: Regional and Indoor Climatic Influences in Indonesia

by Collinthia Erwindi, Kyohei Kondo, Takashi Asawa, Sri Nastiti N. Ekasiwi and Tetsu Kubota

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020865 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

In the tropical climates of Southeast Asia, the growing reliance on air conditioning (AC) for space cooling not only increases household energy consumption but may also diminish the role of culturally rooted adaptive behaviors such as floor-sitting. This study aims to explore the [...] Read more.

In the tropical climates of Southeast Asia, the growing reliance on air conditioning (AC) for space cooling not only increases household energy consumption but may also diminish the role of culturally rooted adaptive behaviors such as floor-sitting. This study aims to explore the interaction between climatic factors, including regional and indoor climates, and thermally adaptive behaviors in Indonesian apartments, with a focus on floor-sitting. First, a large-scale questionnaire was conducted to analyze these interactions among different regional climates. Second, in-depth indoor climate measurements and a point-in-time questionnaire were conducted among the residents in the hotter regions. In the hotter regions like Jabodetabek (Jakarta metropolitan area) and Surabaya, floor-sitting was primarily conducted without using AC, often alongside fans in low-rise housing. In the cooler region of Bandung, floor-sitting was a common adaptive behavior with window openings in both high-rise and low-rise buildings. The in-depth measurement showed that low-rise buildings using higher thermal mass materials maintained stable indoor conditions for both air and floor temperatures even in the hotter region. The respondents could obtain coolness and remain thermally comfortable through a floor-sitting posture without using AC, especially when air and floor temperatures were both less than 31 °C. These results demonstrated that floor-sitting is a vital behavior that adapts to regional and indoor climatic conditions in the tropics while achieving thermal comfort and relying less on AC devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

34 pages, 4299 KB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring the Sustained Environmental Performances of Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Environments: The Case Study of the UPPER Project (Latina, Italy)

by Riccardo Gasbarrone, Giuseppe Bonifazi and Silvia Serranti

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020864 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

This follow-up study investigates the long-term environmental sustainability and remediation outcomes of the UPPER (‘Urban Productive Parks for Sustainable Urban Regeneration’-UIA04-252) project in Latina, Italy, focusing on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) applied to urban green infrastructure. By integrating proximal and satellite-based remote sensing methodologies, [...] Read more.

This follow-up study investigates the long-term environmental sustainability and remediation outcomes of the UPPER (‘Urban Productive Parks for Sustainable Urban Regeneration’-UIA04-252) project in Latina, Italy, focusing on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) applied to urban green infrastructure. By integrating proximal and satellite-based remote sensing methodologies, the research evaluates persistent improvements in vegetation health, soil moisture dynamics, and overall environmental quality over multiple years. Building upon the initial monitoring framework, this case study incorporates updated data and refined techniques to quantify temporal changes and assess the ecological performance of NbS interventions. In more detail, ground-based data from meteo-climatic, air quality stations and remote satellite data from the Sentinel-2 mission are adopted. Ground-based measurements such as temperature, humidity, radiation, rainfall intensity, PM10 and PM2.5 are carried out to monitor the overall environmental quality. Updated satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 is analyzed using advanced band ratio indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI). Comparative temporal analysis revealed consistent enhancements in vegetation health, with NDVI values significantly exceeding baseline levels (NDVI 2022–2024: +0.096, p = 0.024), demonstrating successful vegetation establishment with larger gains in green areas (+27.0%) than parking retrofits (+11.4%, p = 0.041). However, concurrent NDWI decline (−0.066, p = 0.063) indicates increased vegetation water stress despite irrigation infrastructure. NDMI improvements (+0.098, p = 0.016) suggest physiological adaptation through stomatal regulation. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of meteo-climatic variables reveals temperature as the dominant environmental driver (PC2 loadings > 0.8), with municipality-wide NDVI-temperature correlations of r = −0.87. These multi-scale findings validate sustained NbS effectiveness in enhancing vegetation density and ecosystem services, yet simultaneously expose critical water-limitation trade-offs in Mediterranean semi-arid contexts, necessitating adaptive irrigation management and continued monitoring for long-term urban climate resilience. The integrated monitoring approach underscores the critical role of continuous, multi-scale assessment in ensuring long-term success and adaptive management of NbS-based interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)

25 pages, 4185 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Correlation Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Dissolved Oxygen Prediction in Water

by Yajie Gu, Yin Zhao, Hao Wang and Fengliang Huang

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020863 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

Surface water is essential for sustaining ecosystems and supporting human socio-economic development, yet pollution from urbanization increasingly threatens its ecological sustainability. The accurate prediction of dissolved oxygen (DO), as an important indicator of water quality, is crucial for water resource protection. To address [...] Read more.

Surface water is essential for sustaining ecosystems and supporting human socio-economic development, yet pollution from urbanization increasingly threatens its ecological sustainability. The accurate prediction of dissolved oxygen (DO), as an important indicator of water quality, is crucial for water resource protection. To address the methodological gaps in current research, we propose a hybrid deep learning model (GCG) that integrates spatiotemporal correlations to enhance DO prediction accuracy through the systematic exploitation of latent data dependencies. This study proposes a three-stage modeling framework: (1) A novel adjacency matrix construction methodology based on Pearson correlation coefficients is developed to quantify spatial correlations between monitoring stations, enabling spatial feature aggregation via graph convolutional networks (GCNs); (2) the spatially enhanced features are subsequently processed through 1D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to capture temporal local patterns; (3) model performance is comprehensively evaluated using four metrics: R², RMSE, MAE, and MAPE. The proposed model was implemented for DO prediction in Lake Taihu, China. Experimental results demonstrate that compared to conventional adjacency matrix construction methods, the Pearson correlation-based adjacency matrix confers advantages, achieving at least a 5% reduction in RMSE and over 10% improvement in MAE and MAPE. Furthermore, the GCG model outperformed the comparison model, with an R² enhancement of 8%, while reducing RMSE and MAE by over 70% and 60%, respectively. These results validate the model’s effectiveness in mining spatiotemporal correlations for regional water quality forecasting, offering a reliable tool toward sustainable water monitoring and ecosystem-based management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Water Management)

19 pages, 3315 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Deep Ploughing Combined with Subsurface Drainage on Soil Water–Salt Dynamics and Physical Properties in Arid Regions

by Miao Wu, Yingjie Ma, Pengrui Ai, Zhenghu Ma and Changjiang Liu

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020862 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

A two-year (2024–2025) field experiment was conducted in southern Xinjiang to alleviate soil compaction and severe salinization in saline–alkali soils and to evaluate the combined effects of tillage depth and subsurface drain spacing on soil improvement. Six treatments were established with three deep [...] Read more.

A two-year (2024–2025) field experiment was conducted in southern Xinjiang to alleviate soil compaction and severe salinization in saline–alkali soils and to evaluate the combined effects of tillage depth and subsurface drain spacing on soil improvement. Six treatments were established with three deep tillage depths, 70 cm (W1), 50 cm (W2), and 30 cm (W3), and two subsurface drain spacings, 20 m (S1) and 40 m (S2). Treatment effects on soil water–salt dynamics, soil physical properties and structure, ionic composition, and subsurface drainage and salt removal were analyzed. This study provides mechanistic and practical evidence that coupling deep tillage with subsurface drainage creates a more effective leaching–drainage pathway than either measure alone and enables robust optimization of design parameters (drain spacing × tillage depth) for saline–alkali land improvement in arid regions. Deep tillage in combination with subsurface drainage significantly increased soil profile water content, total porosity, and cumulative subsurface drainage and salt export, all of which reached their maxima under S1W1; it also significantly reduced bulk density, total salinity, and the concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻, which reached their minima under S1W1. After two spring irrigation–leaching events (in 2024 and 2025), surface salt accumulation in the soil profile was markedly alleviated, and the mean salinity in the 0–20 cm layer decreased by 45.68% across treatments. The S1W1 treatment achieved the best desalinization performance in both leaching events, with reductions of 41.36% and 44.68%, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the desalinization effect was significantly negatively correlated with porosity and significantly positively correlated with bulk density and ionic concentrations. Overall, coupling deep tillage with subsurface drainage effectively reduced soil salinity and harmful ions, improved soil structure, and enhanced drainage-mediated salt removal, with the 70 cm tillage depth combined with a 20 cm drain spacing delivering the best performance. Full article

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27 pages, 6463 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework for Sustainable Safety Culture Development Driven by Accident Causation Models: Evidence from the 24Model

by Jinkun Zhao, Gui Fu, Zhirong Wu, Chenhui Yuan, Yuxuan Lu and Xuecai Xie

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020861 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

A strong safety culture is essential for managing human factors in complex systems and constitutes a strategic resource for supporting the sustainable operation of organizations. However, conventional approaches remain limited by unclear conceptual boundaries and a lack of mechanisms linking safety culture with [...] Read more.

A strong safety culture is essential for managing human factors in complex systems and constitutes a strategic resource for supporting the sustainable operation of organizations. However, conventional approaches remain limited by unclear conceptual boundaries and a lack of mechanisms linking safety culture with other organizational safety elements. To address these gaps, this study develops a sustainable safety culture construction method grounded in accident causation theory. Using the 24Model, we establish a concise “culture–system–ability–acts” framework that operationalizes the pathways through which safety culture shapes organizational safety performance. The method integrates four components: conceptual clarification of safety culture, quantitative assessment, factor identification based on the 24Model, and Bayesian network analysis to quantify interdependencies among culture, systems, ability, and acts. Empirical evidence from coal mining enterprises shows that safety culture influences safety performance indirectly by shaping system implementation quality, workers’ safety ability, and safety-related actions. Enhancing “demand of safety training” substantially mitigated system deficiencies related to ineffective implementation of procedures, failure in enforcing procedures, lack of qualifications, and insufficient supervision. Improved training also strengthened workers’ knowledge of accident cases, consequences of violations, and technical standards, thereby reducing competence-related gaps and promoting more consistent safety supervision behaviors. Sensitivity analysis highlights the importance of reinforcing “safety responsibilities of line departments” and improving the dissemination of safety knowledge, particularly accident case knowledge. Overall, the findings empirically validate the dynamic “culture–system–ability–acts” transmission mechanism of the 24Model and provide a structured, quantitative pathway for advancing sustainable safety culture development. Full article

14 pages, 2186 KB

Open AccessArticle

An LMDI-Based Analysis of Carbon Emission Changes in China’s Fishery and Aquatic Processing Sector: Implications for Sustainable Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation

by Tong Li, Sikai Xie, N.A.K. Nandasena, Junming Chen and Cheng Chen

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020860 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

To align with disaster monitoring and sustainable risk assessment, the low-carbon transition of fisheries necessitates comprehensive carbon emission management throughout the supply chain. As China advances supply-side structural reform, transitioning from traditional to low-carbon fisheries is vital for the green development of the [...] Read more.

To align with disaster monitoring and sustainable risk assessment, the low-carbon transition of fisheries necessitates comprehensive carbon emission management throughout the supply chain. As China advances supply-side structural reform, transitioning from traditional to low-carbon fisheries is vital for the green development of the industry and its associated sectors. This study employs input–output models and LMDI decomposition to examine the trends and drivers of embodied carbon emissions within China’s fishery production system from 2010 to 2019. By constructing a cross-sectoral full-emission accounting system, the research calculates total direct and indirect emissions, exploring how accounting scopes influence regional responsibility and reduction strategies. Empirical results indicate that while China’s aquatic trade and processing have steadily developed, the sector remains dominated by low-value-added primary products. This structure highlights vast potential for deep processing development amidst shifting global dietary habits. Factor decomposition reveals that economic and technological development are the primary drivers of carbon emissions. Notably, technological progress within fisheries emerges as the most significant factor, playing a pivotal role in both driving and potentially mitigating emissions. Consequently, to effectively lower carbon intensity, the study concludes that restructuring the fishery industry is crucial. Promoting low-carbon development and enhancing the R&D of green technologies are essential strategies to navigate the dual challenges of industrial upgrading and environmental protection. Full article

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29 pages, 5985 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Interaction of Transit Accessibility, Housing Affordability, and Low-Income Household Displacement: A Statistical and Spatial Analysis of Tennessee Counties

by Jing Guo, Candace Brakewood, Abubakr Ziedan and Wei Hao

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020859 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

Urban sustainability depends on balancing transportation accessibility, housing affordability, and social equity. Displacement—defined in this study as the population-level loss of low-income households from a census block over time—poses a growing challenge to inclusive urban development. This study examines statistical relationships and spatial [...] Read more.

Urban sustainability depends on balancing transportation accessibility, housing affordability, and social equity. Displacement—defined in this study as the population-level loss of low-income households from a census block over time—poses a growing challenge to inclusive urban development. This study examines statistical relationships and spatial patterns linking transit accessibility, housing affordability, and low-income household displacement across the four largest counties in Tennessee. Negative binomial regression models are used to quantify relationships between transit accessibility, housing affordability, and displacement, revealing that housing affordability is consistently linked to displacement, while the effects of transit accessibility vary substantially across counties. Bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) identify localized clusters where displacement coincides with transit or housing constraints, and Multivariate Cluster Typology Analysis classifies census blocks into distinct typologies, highlighting region-specific trade-offs between accessibility and affordability. Together, the results demonstrate that displacement dynamics are highly context dependent, underscoring the need for place-based and sustainability-oriented policy responses. The findings provide an empirical basis for integrating transportation and housing strategies to reduce displacement risks and support equitable and sustainable urban development in diverse metropolitan contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Data-Driven Transportation Systems: Emerging Trends, Challenges, and Applications)

20 pages, 643 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seizing New Opportunities Amid Crisis: Industrial Structure Upgrading and Resilience of Artificial Intelligence Industry Chain

by Ligang Wang and Ruimin Lin

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020858 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

As a key strategic sector underpinning China’s future development, the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is essential to enhancing national competitiveness and advancing sustainable economic and social development. Based on Chinese provincial panel data from 2012 to 2022, we explore how industrial structure upgrading [...] Read more.

As a key strategic sector underpinning China’s future development, the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is essential to enhancing national competitiveness and advancing sustainable economic and social development. Based on Chinese provincial panel data from 2012 to 2022, we explore how industrial structure upgrading (ISU) affects the resilience of China’s AI industry chain (RAIIC) and empirically test the underlying transmission mechanism using a mediation effect model. The results indicate that (1) ISU significantly enhances the RAIIC, thereby providing a solid structural foundation for its long-term stability and sustainable evolution; (2) the impact of ISU on the RAIIC can be realized by enhancing regional financial agglomeration and human capital levels; (3) the positive impact of ISU on the RAIIC is significantly stronger in regions with larger population sizes, higher levels of economic development, higher technological sophistication, and more advanced digital inclusive finance. These findings imply that policy design should emphasize regional coordination and dynamic adaptability so as to support the balanced and sustainable nationwide development of the AI industry. According to these findings, we propose corresponding policy recommendations aimed at providing theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable and high-quality development of China’s AI industry. Full article

19 pages, 349 KB

Open AccessArticle

Implementing 3D Printing in Civil Protection and Crisis Management

by Jozef Kubás, Ivan Buday, Katarína Petrlová and Alexandra Trličíková

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020857 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

The article examines the implementation of 3D printing in civil protection and crisis management with a focus on the educational process, while 3D printing technology enables the creation of various teaching aids that streamline teaching and enrich theoretical knowledge. The empirical part of [...] Read more.

The article examines the implementation of 3D printing in civil protection and crisis management with a focus on the educational process, while 3D printing technology enables the creation of various teaching aids that streamline teaching and enrich theoretical knowledge. The empirical part of the study is based on a quantitative questionnaire survey among students of the Faculty of Safety Engineering of the University of Žilina in Žilina, with hypotheses set in advance and forming the basis for the construction of the questionnaire. The questionnaire collected data on the subjective evaluation of 3D printing through continuous, nominal, and ordinal responses and was completed by 277 students. Statistical methods of simple and group classification, as well as t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data. Statistical significance was used to determine whether observed differences and relationships were unlikely to have arisen by chance. In addition, effect size measures were used in correlation and regression analyses to assess the strength and practical relevance of statistically significant relationships. The results of the study show that 3D printing significantly contributes to improving education and preparedness in civil protection, as it allows for more material-efficient and flexible production of educational aids compared to traditional custom production. Thus, it supports the development of more resilient communities and contributes to long-term sustainability. The findings confirmed that 3D printing is a suitable tool for improving public preparedness for emergencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Techniques and Technologies in Crisis Management and Civil Protection)

19 pages, 1474 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trends of CEO Messages in Corporate Sustainability Reports: Text Mining and CONCOR Analysis

by Yoojin Shin and Hyejin Lee

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020856 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

Sustainability has become a central concern globally, and efforts to enhance it are being made across various fields. In line with this trend, corporate sustainability reports have become more widely published. These reports provide both financial and non-financial information on a company’s sustainability. [...] Read more.

Sustainability has become a central concern globally, and efforts to enhance it are being made across various fields. In line with this trend, corporate sustainability reports have become more widely published. These reports provide both financial and non-financial information on a company’s sustainability. In this context, this study aims to, first, analyze the key keywords contained in CEO messages. Second, it examines whether the keywords emphasized by CEOs change in response to shifts in corporate risk under economic uncertainty. Finally, it identifies how the categories of words included in these messages are classified. To address these research questions, text analysis was selected as the methodology. Specifically, a qualitative research approach using text mining and CONCOR analysis was conducted on the text from sustainability report. According to the Term Frequency and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency analyses, the most frequently occurring keywords were ESG, Sustainable, Society, Stakeholders, Growth, Environment, Effort, and Future. Centrality analysis identified the following keywords as having high centrality: Sustainable, ESG, Society, Environment, Growth, Effort, and Stakeholders. Finally, CONCOR analysis revealed four clusters: Eco-friendly Energy, ESG Management, Global Crisis, and Technological Competitiveness. This study is significant in that it analyzes the major keywords and their changes within unstructured text data using text mining and CONCOR analysis, and it suggests the possibility of future quantitative analysis of non-financial information using these keywords. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Organization Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership)

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16 pages, 1343 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Based Modeling of Tractor Fuel and Energy Efficiency During Chisel Plough Tillage

by Ergün Çıtıl, Kazım Çarman, Muhammet Furkan Atalay, Nicoleta Ungureanu and Nicolae-Valentin Vlăduț

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020855 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

Improving fuel and energy efficiency in agricultural tillage is critical for sustainable farming and reducing environmental impacts. In this study, the effects of forward speed and tillage depth on the fuel efficiency parameters of a tractor–chisel plough combination were investigated under controlled field [...] Read more.

Improving fuel and energy efficiency in agricultural tillage is critical for sustainable farming and reducing environmental impacts. In this study, the effects of forward speed and tillage depth on the fuel efficiency parameters of a tractor–chisel plough combination were investigated under controlled field conditions on clay soil. Specific fuel consumption (SFC), fuel consumption per unit area (FCPA), and overall energy efficiency (OEE) were evaluated at four forward speeds (0.6, 0.95, 1.2 and 1.4 m·s⁻¹) and four tillage depths (15, 19.5, 23 and 26.5 cm). SFC ranged from 0.519 to 1.237 L·kW⁻¹·h⁻¹, while OEE varied between 7.918 and 18.854%. Higher forward speeds significantly reduced fuel consumption and improved energy efficiency, whereas deeper tillage increased fuel use and reduced efficiency. Optimal operation occurred at speeds of 1.2–1.4 m·s⁻¹ and shallow to medium depths. Five machine learning algorithms: Polynomial Regression (PL), Random Forest Regressor (RFR), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Decision Tree Regressor (DTR), were applied to model fuel efficiency parameters. RFR achieved the highest accuracy for predicting SFC, while PL performed best for FCPA and OEE, with the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) below 2%. Models such as PL and RFR excel in data structures dominated by nonlinear relationships. These results highlight the potential of machine learning to guide data-driven decisions for fuel and energy optimization in tillage, promoting more sustainable mechanization strategies and resource-efficient agricultural production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Agriculture Techniques for Sustainable Water and Soil Management)

27 pages, 3024 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Filling Rate and Support Beam Optimization on Surface Subsidence in Sustainable Ultra-High-Water Backfill Mining: A Case Study

by Xuyang Chen, Xufeng Wang, Chenlong Qian, Dongdong Qin, Zechao Chang, Zhiwei Feng and Zhijun Niu

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020854 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

As a key sustainable green-mining technology, ultra-high-water backfill mining is widely used to control surface subsidence and sustain extraction of constrained coal seams. Focusing on the Hengjian coal mine in the Handan mining area, this study uses physical modeling and industrial tests to [...] Read more.

As a key sustainable green-mining technology, ultra-high-water backfill mining is widely used to control surface subsidence and sustain extraction of constrained coal seams. Focusing on the Hengjian coal mine in the Handan mining area, this study uses physical modeling and industrial tests to clarify surface subsidence under different filling rates and identify the rock layers that hydraulic supports must control at various equivalent mining heights. A method is proposed to improve the filling rate by optimizing the thickness of the hydraulic support canopy through topological analysis. Results show that, compared with a filling rate of 85%, a 90% filling rate reduces subsidence of the basic roof, key layer, and surface by 51%, 57%, and 63%, respectively, while the industrial practice results have verified that the filling rate can significantly control surface subsidence. The equivalent mining height thresholds for instability of the immediate roof and high basic roof at the 2515 working face are 0.44 m and 1.26 m. Reducing the trailing beam thickness by 10 cm can theoretically raise the filling rate of the 2515 working face by about 2%, offering guidance for similar mines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Innovative Techniques for Green and Safe Mining)

27 pages, 1425 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Pathways to High-Quality Development of Agricultural Enterprises from an Institutional Logic Perspective: A Systemic Configurational Analysis

by Xianyun Wu, Xihao Chang and Shihui Yu

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020853 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

High-quality development of agricultural enterprises is essential for China’s rural revitalization, yet the institutional conditions that support it remain poorly understood. Drawing on institutional logics and configuration theory, this study adopts a holistic systems perspective to examine how government, market, and social institutions [...] Read more.

High-quality development of agricultural enterprises is essential for China’s rural revitalization, yet the institutional conditions that support it remain poorly understood. Drawing on institutional logics and configuration theory, this study adopts a holistic systems perspective to examine how government, market, and social institutions interact to shape enterprise performance. Using provincial data (2013–2023) matched with firm-level data for 119 listed agricultural enterprises, we estimate total factor productivity as the core outcome and apply dynamic fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (dynamic fsQCA) to identify equifinal institutional pathways. The results reveal that high-quality development is an emergent property of complex institutional systems; instead, high-quality development emerges from several distinct configurations combining policy support, marketization, financial development, Agricultural Infrastructure Index, market stability, and urban–rural integration. Two contrasting configurations are associated with non-high-quality development, characterized by financial scarcity and infrastructure deficits or by fragmented policy support under weak regulation. Dynamic analysis further reveals clear temporal and spatial heterogeneity: some market–finance driven paths lose robustness over time, while policy–urbanization and regulation–infrastructure based configurations become increasingly stable. These findings extend institutional configuration research to the agricultural sector, demonstrate the value of dynamic fsQCA for capturing temporal effects, and offer differentiated policy implications for optimizing institutional environments to foster the high-quality development of agricultural enterprises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

23 pages, 4818 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Stabilization Systems for Soybean Wax Emulsions to Produce Sustainable Water-Resistant Paper Based Packaging: Surfactant vs. Pickering

by Mahbuba Daizy, Yu Zhang, Douglas W. Bousfield, Ling Li, Jinwu Wang and David J. Neivandt

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020852 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

Soybean wax is a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymeric coatings in packaging due to its renewable, environmentally benign, and hydrophobic properties. In order to be effectively applied, however, soybean wax must be emulsified in water. The present work compares two stabilization approaches for [...] Read more.

Soybean wax is a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymeric coatings in packaging due to its renewable, environmentally benign, and hydrophobic properties. In order to be effectively applied, however, soybean wax must be emulsified in water. The present work compares two stabilization approaches for soybean wax emulsions: a conventional surfactant-based emulsion (SE) using a mixture of nonionic surfactants (Span-80 and Tween-80), and a Pickering emulsion (PE) using cellulose nanocrystals combined with sodium alginate (CNC-SA) as an anionic stabilizer. The SE produced stable emulsions at 6 wt% Span-80/Tween-80 (at a HLB_mix value of 10) with a mean droplet size of 449 nm but limited storage stability (approximately 7 days under ambient conditions), while the PE achieved superior stability (approximately 1 month) at 1 wt% CNC-SA with a mean droplet size of 740 nm. The stabilized SE and PE were subsequently applied as coatings on three different types of paper substrates: northern bleached kraft (NBK) paper, copy paper, and cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-coated NBK paper. When applied to northern bleached kraft (NBK) paper, the SE coatings provided minimal improvements in barrier performance. The Cobb 60 value decreased slightly from 125 g/m² (control-no coating) to 86 g/m², indicating a negligible water barrier with immediate water absorption upon contact. In contrast, the Cobb 60 value of the PE-coated NBK paper decreased markedly from 125 g/m² to 39 g/m², confirming that the PE coating substantially enhances water resistance. The SE coating displayed a significant loss of water contact angle (WCA) from 85° to 0° within 20 s, showing limited water holdout capacity, whereas PE-coated NBK paper demonstrated strong water holdout, with the WCA decreasing only from 94° to 85° over 5 min. The SE coating achieved only a 14% reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), while the PE coating provided a greater reduction of 30%. In terms of oil resistance, both emulsion systems significantly enhanced the kit rating of the papers tested, e.g., from kit number 0 to 6–9 (paper dependent). The SE coating, however, experienced a substantial reduction in barrier integrity after folding, while the PE coating largely retained its oil barrier properties. Furthermore, the SE coating reduced the tensile strength of NBK paper by 41%, whereas the PE coating reduced it by only 7%. Overall, the comparative findings indicate that although the SE generated a smaller mean particle size, it offered minimal improvement in the water and oil barrier performance of paper and had a limited storage life. In contrast, the PE generated a larger mean particle size, but provided substantially greater water and oil resistance, and enhanced mechanical strength retention. In addition, the PE displayed an effective storage life of at least one month. The Pickering emulsion, formulated with all biologically derived components, therefore represents a viable, sustainable, bio-based alternative to synthetic polymeric coatings for packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development in Functional Biomaterials: Coating Methods and Optimization)

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19 pages, 3398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Carlin-Type Gold Deposit Forecasting Using Remote Sensing Technologies: A Case Study of the Sakynja Ore District (Yakutia, Russia)

by Sergei Shevyrev and Natalia Boriskina

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020851 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

The economic importance of Carlin-type gold deposits is complicated by the concealed nature of stratiform gold-bearing zones and their occurrence at depths of several tens of meters or more below the present-day surface. This necessitates the use of a wide range of technologies [...] Read more.

The economic importance of Carlin-type gold deposits is complicated by the concealed nature of stratiform gold-bearing zones and their occurrence at depths of several tens of meters or more below the present-day surface. This necessitates the use of a wide range of technologies and unconventional, including cost-effective and environmentally friendly, exploration methods to delineate potentially prospective areas. This study explores the possibilities of applying remote sensing methods to organize prospecting and exploration activities for targeting Carlin-type deposits in a more efficient and cost-effective way. The location of Carlin-type gold deposits within areas of orogenic and post-orogenic magmatism, mantle plumes, and linear crustal structures—as demonstrated by previous research in the Nevada and South China metallogenic provinces—may serve as a basis for developing a conceptual model of their distribution. To this end, we developed the GeoNEM (Geodynamic Numeric Environmental Modeling) software in Python, which enables the analysis of the formation of fold and fault structures, melt emplacement and contamination, as well as the duration and rate of geodynamic processes. GeoNEM is based on the computational geodynamics “marker-in-cell” (MIC) method, which treats geological media as extremely high-viscosity fluids. Locations of the brittle deformations of the crust, the formation of which was simulated numerically, can be detected through lineament analysis of remote sensing images. The spatial distribution of such structures—lineaments—serves as a predictive criterion for assessing the prospectivity of territories for Carlin-type gold deposits. It has been demonstrated that remote sensing provides a modern level of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensiveness in approaching the exploration and assessment of new Carlin-type gold deposits. This is particularly important in the context of rational resource utilization and cost reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainability in Geographic Science)

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27 pages, 3678 KB

Open AccessArticle

The “New” Materiality of Reconstruction: On-Site Automated Recycling of Rubble Aggregates for Rebuilding Earthquake-Stricken Villages

by Roberto Ruggiero, Pio Lorenzo Cocco and Roberto Cognoli

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020850 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

Post-disaster reconstruction remains largely excluded from circular-economy approaches. This gap is particularly evident in earthquake-affected inner territories, where reconstruction is constrained by severe logistical challenges—especially in relation to rubble management—and where debris is often composed of materials closely tied to local building cultures [...] Read more.

Post-disaster reconstruction remains largely excluded from circular-economy approaches. This gap is particularly evident in earthquake-affected inner territories, where reconstruction is constrained by severe logistical challenges—especially in relation to rubble management—and where debris is often composed of materials closely tied to local building cultures and community identities. In these contexts, rebuilding still predominantly follows linear, emergency-driven models that treat rubble primarily as waste. This study introduces Rubble as a Material Bank (RMB), a digital–material framework that reconceptualises earthquake rubble as a traceable and programmable resource for circular reconstruction. RMB defines a rubble-to-component chain that integrates material characterisation, data-driven management, robotic fabrication, and reversible architectural design. Selected downstream segments of this chain are experimentally validated through the TRAP project, developed within the European TARGET-X programme. The experimentation focuses on extrusion-based fabrication of dry-assembled wall components using rubble-derived aggregates. The results indicate that digitally governed workflows can enable material reuse, while also revealing technical and regulatory constraints that currently limit large-scale implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study and Research Between Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development Goals for the Built Environment in Transition)

29 pages, 1071 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable and Inclusive AI Governance in Municipal Self-Service Systems: Ethical, Smart-Government, and Generative AI Perspectives

by Muath Alyileili and Alex Opoku

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020849 - 14 Jan 2026

Abstract

As municipalities increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) to automate self-service technologies (SSTs), concerns related to fairness, transparency, accountability, and citizen trust have become central to sustainable public-sector governance. While existing studies emphasize either AI adoption or high-level ethical principles, [...] Read more.

As municipalities increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) to automate self-service technologies (SSTs), concerns related to fairness, transparency, accountability, and citizen trust have become central to sustainable public-sector governance. While existing studies emphasize either AI adoption or high-level ethical principles, limited empirical research explains how governance mechanisms translate into user-level outcomes in municipal services, particularly in the context of emerging GenAI capabilities. This study addresses this gap by examining how governance antecedents and system design attributes shape user satisfaction, trust, and perceived fairness in AI-enabled municipal SSTs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining a comparative analysis of international and UAE AI governance frameworks with semi-structured interviews (n = 16) and a survey of municipal employees and service users (n = 272). Qualitative findings reveal persistent concerns regarding data privacy, fairness, explainability, and the absence of standardized municipal-level accountability instruments. Quantitative analysis shows that perceived helpfulness significantly increases user satisfaction, while perceived fairness strongly predicts continued usage intentions. In contrast, system responsiveness exhibits a negative association with satisfaction, highlighting an expectation–performance gap in automated service delivery. Based on these findings, the study proposes a governance–implementation–outcomes model that operationalizes ethical AI principles into measurable governance and service-design mechanisms. Unlike prior adoption-focused or purely normative frameworks, this model empirically links governance instrumentation to citizen-centered outcomes, offering practical guidance for inclusive and sustainable AI and GenAI deployment in municipal self-service systems. The findings contribute to debates on sustainable digital governance by demonstrating how ethically governed AI systems can reinforce public trust, service equity, and long-term institutional resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Digital Transformation and Sustainability)

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