Sustainability

15 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Presumption of Green Electronic Appliances Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Personal Moral Norms

by Jianwen Zhang, Jacob Cherian, Yawar Abbas Sandhu, Jawad Abbas, Laura Mariana Cismas, Constantin Viorel Negrut and Lucia Negrut

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4572; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084572 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6449

Abstract

This study focused on social and cognitive psychological factors that drive personal norms and consequent buying intentions towards green electric appliances. The study differentiates itself from other similar studies by examining the mediating role of consumer personal moral norms from the developing nation [...] Read more.

This study focused on social and cognitive psychological factors that drive personal norms and consequent buying intentions towards green electric appliances. The study differentiates itself from other similar studies by examining the mediating role of consumer personal moral norms from the developing nation perspective. Following a cross-sectional study design, data were collected from 360 consumers in shopping malls using the purposive sampling technique and analyzed through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. It was found that personal moral norms are a significant positive predictor of consumer buying intentions. Moreover, injunctive norms, consideration of future consequences, and self-efficacy influenced directly and predicted personal consumer norms. We identified that these factors triggered the moral sentiments and individuals. Furthermore, these results support the mediating role of personal moral norms between injunctive social norms, consideration of future consequences, self-efficacy, and buying intentions, validating the concept that instigation of moral feeling among consumers supports the actualization of intentions to buy green electric products. This study’s results offer insights for green electric appliance researchers, marketers, and policymakers. Marketers can guide effective marketing strategies by focusing on moral, social, future consequences-oriented, and self-efficacy-related marketing communications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Technologies towards Cleaner Production and Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 4156 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Can Digital Technologies Increase Consumer Acceptance of Circular Business Models? The Case of Second Hand Fashion

by Fiona Charnley, Fabienne Knecht, Helge Muenkel, Diana Pletosu, Victoria Rickard, Chiara Sambonet, Martina Schneider and Chunli Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4589; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084589 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 14831

Abstract

Experimentation with, and the implementation of, circular business models (CBMs) has gained rapid traction within the textiles and fashion industry over the last five years. Substitution of virgin materials with bioderived alternatives, extending the lifecycle of garments through resale, and rental services and [...] Read more.

Experimentation with, and the implementation of, circular business models (CBMs) has gained rapid traction within the textiles and fashion industry over the last five years. Substitution of virgin materials with bioderived alternatives, extending the lifecycle of garments through resale, and rental services and the recycling or upcycling of garments are some of the strategies being used to reduce the 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 92 million tonnes of waste associated with the sector in 2017. However, whilst CBMs demonstrate environmental and economic benefits, low consumer acceptance is considered by business professionals and policymakers to be one of the main barriers to the transition towards a circular economy. Digitisation is widely acknowledged as a catalyst for innovation in many sectors and digital technologies are driving new ways to exchange and share goods and services, enabling companies to match the supply, and demand for, otherwise underused assets and products. Online platforms, in particular, have played a crucial role in driving the growth of used goods and resale in other consumer goods markets, such as consumer technology. A mixed methods approach, including a review of 40 organisations operating second hand fashion models, a consumer survey of over 1200 respondents and in-depth interviews with 10 organisations operating second hand fashion models, is adopted to reveal (a) the barriers to consumer acceptance of reuse models in the fashion industry, and (b) how digital technologies can overcome these barriers. Findings highlight the significant progress that organisations have made in using digitalisation, including data analytics, algorithms, digital platforms, advanced product imagery and data informed customer communications, to address barriers associated with convenience, hygiene, trust and security. Furthermore, the study identifies opportunities for the development of more sophisticated digital technologies to support increased transparency and address concerns associated with the quality, authenticity and sourcing of materials. Positioned at the interface of digitisation and consumer acceptance of circular business models, this study makes an important contribution to understanding consumer barriers and how to address them and concludes with a set of recommendations for practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Intelligent Manufacturing for Circular Economy and Sustainability)

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25 pages, 3577 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Creating Actionable and Insightful Knowledge Applying Graph-Centrality Metrics to Measure Project Collaborative Performance

by Marco Nunes, Jelena Bagnjuk, António Abreu, Edgar Cardoso, Joana Smith and Célia Saraiva

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084592 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

Tools and techniques supported by math and statistics are often used by organizations to measure performance. These usually measure an employees’ traits and states performance. However, the third type of data usually neglected by organizations, known as relational data, can provide unique and [...] Read more.

Tools and techniques supported by math and statistics are often used by organizations to measure performance. These usually measure an employees’ traits and states performance. However, the third type of data usually neglected by organizations, known as relational data, can provide unique and actionable insights regarding the root causes of individual and collective performance. Relational data are best captured through the application of graph-based theory due to its ability to be easily understood and quantitatively measured, while mirroring how employees interact between them as they perform work-related tasks or activities. In this work, we propose a set of graph-based centrality metrics to measure relational data in projects by analyzing the five most voted relational dimensions ((1) communication, (2) internal and external collaboration, (3) know-how exchange and informal power, (4) team-set variability, and (5) teamwork performance), in a survey conducted to 700 international project stakeholders in eight business sectors. The aim of this research is to tackle two issues in projects: First, to understand in a quantitative way how the project’s relational data may correlate with project outputs and outcomes, and second, to create unique and actionable knowledge to help mitigate the increasing project failure rates. A case study illustrates the step-by-step application of the developed graph-based metrics as well as its benefits and limitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Project Risk Assessment and Corporate Behavior: Creating Knowledge for Sustainable Business)

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20 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Does Proactive Green Technology Innovation Improve Financial Performance? Evidence from Listed Companies with Semiconductor Concepts Stock in China

by Lingli Qing, Dongphil Chun, Abd Alwahed Dagestani and Peng Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4600; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084600 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 6385

Abstract

Academia and business alike are paying increasing attention to innovation in green technology due to the potential environmental and financial performance benefits. However, a limited amount of research has been carried out on the effect of proactive green technology innovation on corporate financial [...] Read more.

Academia and business alike are paying increasing attention to innovation in green technology due to the potential environmental and financial performance benefits. However, a limited amount of research has been carried out on the effect of proactive green technology innovation on corporate financial performance. This study examines the effects of two dimensions of proactive green technology innovation, namely, proactive green process innovation and proactive green product innovation, on corporate financial performance. Moreover, the moderating role of absorptive capacity on these relationships is introduced. The proposed hypotheses were tested empirically using a dynamic panel dataset of 126 Chinese listed semiconductor concept stocks from 2010 to 2020 and a difference-GMM approach. It was found that proactive green process innovation has a significant positive effect on both short-term and long-term corporate financial performance. Moreover, proactive green product innovation has a significant positive effect on long-term corporate financial performance. However, it does not improve short-term corporate financial performance. In addition, absorptive capacity has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between proactive green process innovation and both short-term and long-term corporate financial performance, and shows a positive moderating effect on the relationship between proactive green product innovation and long-term financial performance. However, it has a significant negative moderating effect on short-term corporate financial performance. Thus, we suggest that firms adopt more supportive proactive green technology innovation practices in order to improve their financial performance. Full article

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22 pages, 1418 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of Health Crisis on Economic Growth, Health and Movement of Population

by Constantin Anghelache, Mădălina-Gabriela Anghel, Ștefan Virgil Iacob, Mirela Panait, Irina Gabriela Rădulescu, Alina Gabriela Brezoi and Adrian Miron

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4613; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084613 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4407

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which was triggered in 2019 with oscillating evolution in 2020 and 2021, was a factor that has had dramatic effects on the economic growth of countries worldwide. In the context of the pandemic crisis, population health has deteriorated; education [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which was triggered in 2019 with oscillating evolution in 2020 and 2021, was a factor that has had dramatic effects on the economic growth of countries worldwide. In the context of the pandemic crisis, population health has deteriorated; education and economic activity in all the countries around the world have been affected. The main purpose of this paper is to highlight the special situations that humanity is experiencing as a result of the unprecedented effects that the COVID-19 crisis is having on the socioeconomic evolution. Specific statistical econometric methods (such as analysis of linear correlations, multiple linear regression, analysis based on dynamics indicators, and spectral analysis, comparability based on indices) were applied to highlight the evolution and future prospects of the COVID-19 virus worldwide. The COVID-19 crisis has generated another major issue for mankind, along with global warming and the energy transition, namely, population health. For this reason, in this study, we focused on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on population health in a broader context; the sustained growth of populations in developing countries and aging populations in developed economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Covid-19 Impacts and Recovery: Ethical, Economic, Legal, Societal and Eco-system Issues)

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19 pages, 3210 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Development of Soil Substitutes for the Sustainable Land Reclamation of Coal Mine-Affected Areas

by Arkadiusz Bauerek, Jean Diatta, Łukasz Pierzchała, Angelika Więckol-Ryk and Alicja Krzemień

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4604; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084604 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2694

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper was to outline a novel approach for the use of industrial by-products generated in coal mines and coal-fired power plants as the components for artificial soils. Several coal combustion by-products, coal mine waste and organic waste materials [...] Read more.

The main purpose of this paper was to outline a novel approach for the use of industrial by-products generated in coal mines and coal-fired power plants as the components for artificial soils. Several coal combustion by-products, coal mine waste and organic waste materials were tested at laboratory scale for use in the reclamation of areas degraded by coal mining activity. The role of artificial soils was the land rehabilitation of the high acidic waste heap. The results revealed that the amounts of organic matter (14.87–25.01%) and nutrients in the soil substitutes were sufficient to support plant growth, i.e., N (0.37–0.51%), P (0.23–0.47%), K (1.78–3.17%), Ca (4.93–8.39%) and Mg (1.16–1.71%). A phytotoxicity test using white mustard (Sinapis alba) seeds under laboratory conditions showed good germination results (56–66%) for three soil substitutes that did not contain fly ash from biomass combustion, compared to the reference soil (84%). The relationships established for the aqueous leachate parameters of soil substitutes vs. the Sinapis alba germination revealed negative correlations with electrical conductivity (r = −0.88), SO₄²⁻ (r = −0.91) and Cl⁻ (r = −0.70) ions; the two latter ones were responsible for the salinity which hampered the germination process of the soil substitutes. Moreover, quite similar correlations were obtained between the germination of Sinapis alba and the trace elements of the soil substitutes: Fe (r = −0.69), Cd (r = −0.72), Cu (r = −0.80), Pb (r = −0.78) and Zn (r = −0.74). However, negative and significant correlations in aqueous leachates were shown only with Ni concentration (r = −0.73). The relevance of these results for the effect of salinity on germination and the early growth of S. alba was discussed in detail and was confirmed with the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study proved that the physicochemical characteristic of recycled wastes exhibited their potential usefulness for the reclamation of affected areas such as mine waste heaps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban and Industrial Solid Waste Management)

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18 pages, 3346 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Grazing Land Productivity, Floral Diversity, and Management in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Landscape

by Georgios Psyllos, Ioannis Hadjigeorgiou, Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos and Thanasis Kizos

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4623; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084623 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4104

Abstract

Most grazing lands in Mediterranean ecosystems that support extensive sheep farming systems are characterized by unfavorable edapho-climatic conditions, especially in semi-arid areas. Often, though, their use is far from sustainable, causing erosion and ecosystem degradation impacts. In this paper, we explore the use, [...] Read more.

Most grazing lands in Mediterranean ecosystems that support extensive sheep farming systems are characterized by unfavorable edapho-climatic conditions, especially in semi-arid areas. Often, though, their use is far from sustainable, causing erosion and ecosystem degradation impacts. In this paper, we explore the use, productivity, and flora diversity of typical Mediterranean grazing lands in four farms at the Agra locality in the western part of Lesvos Island, Greece. For a period of two consecutive growing seasons (September to June), we recorded herbage biomass on 16 plots of grazing lands with three measurements per season of land cover and plant productivity (biomass) inside small exclosures (cages) protected from grazing. We recorded the species richness of herbaceous plant communities within and outside the cages at the end of every growing season, the period of maximum growth of herbaceous species. We also chemically analyzed the biomass for crude protein at the end of each season. Results show sizable productivity differences among pasture plots as well as seasons and an overall medium to high degree of productivity and species richness considering the relatively intensive grazing, with little differences over the different cages and the degree of grazing intensity. These results suggest that the “history” of the fields is important, as grazing lands that had been used for arable crops in the past, as well as those leveled and in favorable locations, were the most productive and diverse ones, while shallower soils and inclined grazing lands showed signs of overuse and degradation. Overall, though, these ecosystems showed a high degree of resilience despite their intensive use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

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21 pages, 3472 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Relative Role of Knowledge and Empathy in Predicting Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behavior

by Marina Ienna, Amelia Rofe, Monica Gendi, Heather E. Douglas, Michelle Kelly, Matthew W. Hayward, Alex Callen, Kaya Klop-Toker, Robert J. Scanlon, Lachlan G. Howell and Andrea S. Griffin

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4622; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084622 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8487

Abstract

Planet Earth is undergoing unprecedented levels of environmental degradation and destruction at a global scale. Incentivizing people to adopt behaviors that are compatible with a sustainable future will help address the current ecological crisis. However, it is first necessary to understand the psychological [...] Read more.

Planet Earth is undergoing unprecedented levels of environmental degradation and destruction at a global scale. Incentivizing people to adopt behaviors that are compatible with a sustainable future will help address the current ecological crisis. However, it is first necessary to understand the psychological drivers of pro-environmental behavior. Here, we examined whether greater levels of environmental knowledge and empathy predicted higher levels of pro-environmental behavior in an Australian population sample. We aimed to advance our understanding of the psychological variables that motivate people to act in pro-environmental ways, while also advancing the ongoing debate amongst conservation scientists regarding the relative importance of fostering empathy. Correlational analyses revealed that objective, verifiable knowledge was a strong predictor of pro-environmental attitudes and behavior. Empathy also correlated positively with pro-environmental attitudes and behavior, but with a dissociation with respect to its cognitive and affective components. Multivariate analyses revealed that knowledge was a stronger predictor of both pro-environmental attitudes and behavior after controlling for individual variation in cognitive and affective empathy. This finding casts doubt on the claim by compassionate conservationists that fostering empathy is the key to solving the current environmental conservation crisis. Future research should aim to extend the present findings by testing whether a more exhaustive test of participants’ environmental knowledge and other measures of empathy, including empathic competencies and the recently developed Emotional and Cognitive Scale of the Human–Nature Relationship (ECS-HNR), yield the same dominance of knowledge over empathy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Conservation Biology)

21 pages, 3690 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Risk Identification and Conflict Prediction from Videos Based on TTC-ML of a Multi-Lane Weaving Area

by Yulan Xia, Yaqin Qin, Xiaobing Li and Jiming Xie

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4620; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084620 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3666

Abstract

Crash risk identification and prediction are expected to play an important role in traffic accident prevention. However, most of the existing studies focus only on highways, not on multi-lane weaving areas. In this paper, a potential collision risk identification and conflict prediction model [...] Read more.

Crash risk identification and prediction are expected to play an important role in traffic accident prevention. However, most of the existing studies focus only on highways, not on multi-lane weaving areas. In this paper, a potential collision risk identification and conflict prediction model based on extending Time-to-Collision-Machine Learning (TTC-ML) for multi-lane weaving zone was proposed. The model can accurately learn various features, such as vehicle operation characteristics, risk and conflict distributions, and physical zoning characteristics in the weaving area. Specifically, TTC was used to capture the collision risk severity, and ML extracted vehicle trajectory features. After normalizing and dimensionality reduction of the vehicle trajectory dataset, Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) models were selected for traffic conflict prediction, and the experiments showed that the GBDT model outperforms two remaining models in terms of prediction accuracy, precision, false-positive rate (FPR) and Area Under Curve (AUC). The research findings of this paper help traffic management departments develop and optimize traffic control schemes, which can be applied to Intelligent Vehicle Infrastructure Cooperative Systems (IVICS) dynamic warning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation for the Future: Automated Vehicles and Big Data on Traffic Operations)

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19 pages, 1378 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Influencing Factors and Path Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization: Econometric Evidence from Hubei, China

by Zhi Li, Ming Zhu, Huang Huang, Yu Yi and Jingyi Fu

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4518; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084518 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5213

Abstract

The importance of supporting agricultural mechanization in agri-food supply chains to achieve agricultural and rural development has been comprehensively recognized. There has been a surge in the attention given to Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) in the context of developing countries. However, it is [...] Read more.

The importance of supporting agricultural mechanization in agri-food supply chains to achieve agricultural and rural development has been comprehensively recognized. There has been a surge in the attention given to Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) in the context of developing countries. However, it is important to address the major challenge of studying the important factors and the influencing path of SAM. As a representative province of China’s agricultural development, Hubei has developed significantly in terms of agricultural mechanization in the past 20 years. Therefore, using a literature review, representative field survey data, and statistical analytical approaches, 28 relevant factors related to SAM were extracted, and the main influencing factors of SAM were determined by building an integrative conceptual framework and using the corresponding structural equation model based on partial least squares (PLS-SEM). The relationships and influencing paths between the factors were analyzed, and a confirmatory measurement model and a structural model of the effects on sustainable agricultural mechanization were constructed. The results show that (1) the PLS-SEM model fits the experimental data well and can effectively reflect the relationships among factors in this complex system; (2) within the factors influencing the development level of SAM in Hubei, China, the economic factors have the greatest weight, whereas government policy factors are the core elements promoting development, and environmental factors are the most noteworthy outcome factors; and (3) economic and policy factors play a very obvious role in promoting SAM through the influencing paths of agricultural production and agricultural machinery production and sales. Ultimately, corresponding suggestions have been put forward for decisions regarding the implementation of SAM for similar countries and regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Development Economics and Policy)

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16 pages, 980 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Growth, Nutrient Accumulation, and Drought Tolerance in Crop Plants with Silicon Application: A Review

by Rafea Sultana Rea, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Bibhash Nath and Ken Mix

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4525; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084525 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 6981

Abstract

Plants take up silicon (Si) from the soil which impacts their growth and nutrient accumulation. It increases plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal, diseases, and pest infestation. However, until recently, research of Si application on [...] Read more.

Plants take up silicon (Si) from the soil which impacts their growth and nutrient accumulation. It increases plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal, diseases, and pest infestation. However, until recently, research of Si application on the crop is limited. This article reviews the recent progress of research on Si application on crop growth and yield, nutrient availability in soil and accumulation, and drought tolerance of crop plants. The review’s findings show that Si improves crop development and output under stressful environmental conditions. Silicon increases the availability and accumulation of both macronutrients (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and sulphur) and micronutrients (iron and manganese). It improves drought resistance by increasing plant water usage efficiency and reducing water loss during transportation. Silicon application is a crucial aspect of crop productivity because of all of these favorable attributes. The gaps in current understandings are identified. Based on the outcome of the present research, future scopes of research on this field are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Urbanization on Declining Groundwater Level and Water Quality: Understanding Environmental Sustainability of Emerging Contaminants)

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14 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Technological Revolution and Circular Economy Practices: A Mechanism of Green Economy

by Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Muhammad Umar, Alam Asadov, Muhammad Tanveer and Zhang Yu

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4524; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084524 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 7290

Abstract

Rising environmental concerns, Industry 4.0 technologies, and circular economy (CE) practices are the prevailing business considerations of the current time, and they are transforming business models. Keeping in view the importance of these considerations, this work looks into the role of Industry 4.0 [...] Read more.

Rising environmental concerns, Industry 4.0 technologies, and circular economy (CE) practices are the prevailing business considerations of the current time, and they are transforming business models. Keeping in view the importance of these considerations, this work looks into the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in adoption of CE practices and the impact of CE practices on firms’ performance. The current study collected data from 213 automotive firms located in Eastern European countries including Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. Using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM), the current study provides some important findings. Firstly, Industry 4.0 technologies significantly enhance circular economy practices. Secondly, circular economy practices are found to be positively related with environmental and operational performance. Lastly, higher economic and operational performance boost organizational performance. Hence, the current study provides deeper understanding regarding performance implications of Industry 4.0 technologies and offers insights about ways of promoting sustainable performance in the current age of digitization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Analytics and Big Data for Business Sustainability II)

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19 pages, 5455 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of Le Corbusier’s Dwellings: The Cité Frugès, an Opportunity to Reuse Garden Cities Designed for Healthy and Working Life

by Ángel Benigno González-Avilés, Carlos Pérez-Carramiñana, Antonio Galiano-Garrigós, Fernando Ibarra-Coves and Claudia Lozano-Romero

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4537; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084537 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5489

Abstract

This paper looks at the energy efficiency of the Cité Frugès in Pessac, designed in 1924 by Le Corbusier. Many of the innovations introduced by the Modern movement, such as flat roofs, large windows and solar protection elements, are still evident in the [...] Read more.

This paper looks at the energy efficiency of the Cité Frugès in Pessac, designed in 1924 by Le Corbusier. Many of the innovations introduced by the Modern movement, such as flat roofs, large windows and solar protection elements, are still evident in the way architecture is carried out today. Most of these contributions were implemented in the Cité Frugès. The aim is to evaluate the architectural design criteria that most influenced the energy performance of Le Corbusier’s works, and to analyse the improvement that could be achieved by energy rehabilitation. The methodology used consisted of a systematised study of the five dwellings designed by Le Corbusier. For the modelling and calculation of their energy performance the “Líder–Calener unified tool” was used for evaluation, under the standards of compliance with European regulations for nearly zero energy consumption buildings. Energy parameters, such as thermal transmittance, solar gains and overall annual energy demand, were tested. The results obtained provide information on energy performance and allow for the analysis of possible energy refurbishment alternatives. The analysis of the results makes it possible to identify and qualitatively and quantitatively assess the limitations of the most relevant architectural and construction aspects in relation to energy efficiency and to draw up an energy map of the Cité Frugès in Pessac. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Assessment of Occupied Buildings Facing Future Challenges)

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17 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Economic Growth in Six ASEAN Countries: Are Energy, Human Capital and Financial Development Playing Major Roles?

by Mohammad Mafizur Rahman, Xuan-Binh (Benjamin) Vu and Son Nghiem

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084540 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5440

Abstract

This study aims to investigate whether energy consumption, human capital and financial development played an important role in economic growth using a panel dataset of six ASEAN countries over the period 1995–2017. Various econometric techniques—the cross-sectional dependence, panel unit root, panel cointegration, long-run [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate whether energy consumption, human capital and financial development played an important role in economic growth using a panel dataset of six ASEAN countries over the period 1995–2017. Various econometric techniques—the cross-sectional dependence, panel unit root, panel cointegration, long-run panel estimates, and panel Granger causality tests—are applied. The results of panel data analyses show that all the selected variables positively contribute to the economic growth of the countries. However, all the six ASEAN countries still rely primarily on physical capital and labour for their economic growth. The findings of country-wise tests indicate that there exists a positive relationship between economic growth and financial development in Cambodia, while human capital positively contributes to the economic growth of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The causality test exhibits unidirectional causality from energy consumption to economic growth and from economic growth to financial development in both the short and long run. The findings suggest that inclusive development strategies that provide the opportunity for all sectors to grow will result in the desirable three e’s of sustainable economic development: equitable, effective and efficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development, Environment, and Health)

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20 pages, 1139 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Features and Challenges of Agritourism: Evidence from Iran and Poland

by Maryam Mahmoodi, Michał Roman and Piotr Prus

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084555 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9895

Abstract

In recent decades, agritourism has been suggested as one of the strategies for sustainable development of rural areas and diversification of the rural economy. The main purpose of this research was to review the situation, opportunities and challenges of agritourism in Iran and [...] Read more.

In recent decades, agritourism has been suggested as one of the strategies for sustainable development of rural areas and diversification of the rural economy. The main purpose of this research was to review the situation, opportunities and challenges of agritourism in Iran and Poland to create an understanding of the agritourism situation in both countries. The systematic literature review (SLR) was used as the instrument in this study to access the number of possible papers and to understand the literature regarding the history, current states, support policies, developments and challenges of agritourism in Iran and Poland. Published research studies on entrepreneurship and agritourism in Iran and Poland between 2000 and 2022 were assessed. The results of this study showed that the development of agritourism in Poland has a longer history and is more developed compared to Iran and the Iranian authorities should take more measures in managing and developing agritourism. This study provides a major contribution to knowledge by being among the very first studies that examines and compares the situation of agritourism development in Iran and Poland. Practically, this research provides useful understanding of agritourism services and the areas need to be developed in the two countries for the development of agritourism. The article presents the index of positioning a competitive farm and gaining an advantage on the market of agritourism services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourist Satisfaction, Sustainability, and Sustainable Tourism Development)

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22 pages, 4211 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A SUDS Planning Decision Support Tool to Maximize Ecosystem Services

by Juliana Uribe-Aguado, Sara L. Jiménez-Ariza, María N. Torres, Natalia A. Bernal, Mónica M. Giraldo-González and Juan P. Rodríguez

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4560; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084560 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5169

Abstract

In the past years, alternative drainage approaches have emerged, such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), to prevent run-off and flooding impacts on the most vulnerable zones of the cities. These systems not only provide the benefit of water regulation but also promote [...] Read more.

In the past years, alternative drainage approaches have emerged, such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), to prevent run-off and flooding impacts on the most vulnerable zones of the cities. These systems not only provide the benefit of water regulation but also promote other types of ecosystem services. Several studies have developed optimization tools to assist SUDS selection, location, and design. However, they do not consider a comprehensive set of ecosystem services (e.g., provision, regulation, cultural, and support services). This research proposes a flexible and adaptable methodology to incorporate SUDS in different stages of urban projects using a multi-objective optimization technique to minimize run-off, maximize ecosystem services and minimize cost. The methodology comprises four phases: (1) the preliminary analysis of ecosystem services potentially generated by each SUDS type, (2) the priority and opportunity index quantification, (3) the physical feasibility analysis, and (4) the multi-objective optimization tool implementation. The methodology was successfully applied to three different urban areas of Bogotá city (Colombia). Results evidence that the interaction of the budget constraints and the available area restrict the potential benefits of SUDS implementation. These results are helpful to support different urban planning stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomatic Techniques Applied to Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems to help Urban and Land-Use Planning)

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14 pages, 396 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Emotional Regulation in Parental Optimism—The Influence of Parenting Style

by Andreea Șițoiu and Georgeta Pânișoară

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084509 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6192

Abstract

This study contributes to determining the relationship between parental emotional regulation, optimism, and parenting style. The responses collected from respondents with parental status were used in the research. The majority of respondents were female; in terms of the age of participants, they were [...] Read more.

This study contributes to determining the relationship between parental emotional regulation, optimism, and parenting style. The responses collected from respondents with parental status were used in the research. The majority of respondents were female; in terms of the age of participants, they were predominantly in the category of 31–40 years, followed by those in the category 41–50 years. The data were analyzed statistically through operations such as correlations, regression, and analysis of variance. The results indicate that the authoritative parenting style is associated with the emotional regulation of parents (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), but also with their level of optimism (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). It has been demonstrated both through correlations and through confirmatory factor analysis that optimism and emotional regulation are two factors that contribute to the adoption of the authoritative parenting style. The analysis of variance indicated that the emotional regulation of the parents does not vary according to their age. Based on multiple linear regression, it was established that 5% of parents’ level of optimism is predicted by their level of emotional regulation. These new results reveal the contribution of emotional regulation and parental optimism in the process of raising and educating a child. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Sustainability under Uncertainty: The Reinvention of Families)

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21 pages, 5329 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Studying the Physiological Reactions of C₄ Grasses in Order to Select Them for Cultivation on Marginal Lands

by Aleksandra Steinhoff-Wrześniewska, Piotr Dąbrowski, Anna Paszkiewicz-Jasińska, Barbara Wróbel, Maria Strzelczyk, Marek Helis and Mohamed Hazem Kalaji

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4512; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084512 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2241

Abstract

One of the problems of sustainable agricultural land management (SALM) is the competition between food production and biomass production. For this reason, marginal lands with unfavorable agrotechnical conditions have been proposed for non-food crops in recent years. To this end, a better understanding [...] Read more.

One of the problems of sustainable agricultural land management (SALM) is the competition between food production and biomass production. For this reason, marginal lands with unfavorable agrotechnical conditions have been proposed for non-food crops in recent years. To this end, a better understanding of the impact of environmental factors on crop development and yield is needed. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of soil water availability on selected morphological, physiological and growth characteristics of four C₄ grass species (Miscanthus × giganteus, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Miscanthus sinensis and Spartina pectinate) growing under different water and fertilizer conditions. A pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions with four grass species, three different water rates (100, 85 and 70%) and three fertilizer rates (270, 180 and 90 kg NPK ha⁻¹). The study showed that water stress, regardless of plant species, increased the chlorophyll content index without affecting the photosynthetic efficiency of the plants. Water stress significantly decreased plant fresh and dry mass, shoot number and length, and shoot/leaf ratio. The response to water deficit depended on the plant species. Miscanthus sinensis was the most sensitive to water deficit and Spartina pectinate the most tolerant (reduction in dry mass of 41.5% and 18%, respectively). Water stress (85% and 70%) reduced the number and the length of shoots without affecting the average diameter of shoots of the tested grasses, resulting in a significant reduction in biomass production of plants grown under optimal conditions with mineral NPK fertilization (180 kg NPK ha⁻¹). Miscanthus sacchariflorus showed the highest dry matter under the worst growing conditions (70% and 90 NPK) and therefore could be recommended for cultivation on marginal lands with unfavorable agrotechnical conditions. It should be emphasized that the high yield of this species was not due to the photosynthetic efficiency, but better growth stem parameters (length and number). It appears that, for long-term agricultural land management, it is preferable to determine fertilizer rates for each crop species based on soil water availability. It should also be emphasized that increasing the yield of potential lignocellulosic crops for energy purposes while reducing environmental impact appears to be one of the viable answers to the difficulties of conventional energy production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agricultural Land Management: Co-benefits and Challenges in 21st Century)

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29 pages, 873 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Perspective towards Multi-Hazard Resilient Systems: Natural Hazards and Pandemics

by Mohammad Amin Hariri-Ardebili, Siamak Sattar, Katherine Johnson, Christopher Clavin, Juan Fung and Luis Ceferino

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084508 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4557

Abstract

The concept of resilience has been used extensively across the sciences in engineering and the humanities. It is applied to ecology, medicine, economics, and psychology. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed an extraordinary challenge to the resilience of healthcare systems, communities, and [...] Read more.

The concept of resilience has been used extensively across the sciences in engineering and the humanities. It is applied to ecology, medicine, economics, and psychology. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed an extraordinary challenge to the resilience of healthcare systems, communities, and nations and has profoundly altered our previous day-to-day operations. This paper presents a discussion of the definitions and characteristics of resilient systems. Scenarios are utilized to qualitatively explore key relationships, responses, and paths for recovery across different system types. The purpose is to develop an integrated approach that can accommodate simultaneous threats to system resilience, in particular, impacts from a natural hazard in conjunction with COVID-19. This manuscript is the first to advocate for more in-depth and quantitative research utilizing transdisciplinary approaches that can accommodate considerations across our built environment and healthcare system infrastructures in pursuit of designing systems that are resilient to both natural hazards and pandemic impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hazards and Sustainability)

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24 pages, 8540 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysis and Design of Series-LC-Switch Capacitor Multistage High Gain DC-DC Boost Converter for Electric Vehicle Applications

by Hassan Khalid, Saad Mekhilef, Marizan Binti Mubin, Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, Alex Stojcevski, Muhyaddin Rawa and Ben Horan

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4495; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084495 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3228

Abstract

Research into modern transportation systems is currently in progress in order to fully replace the traditional inter-combustible engine with a noiseless, fast, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly electric vehicle. Electric vehicles depend on an electric motor and require highly efficient converter drive circuits. Among [...] Read more.

Research into modern transportation systems is currently in progress in order to fully replace the traditional inter-combustible engine with a noiseless, fast, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly electric vehicle. Electric vehicles depend on an electric motor and require highly efficient converter drive circuits. Among these converters, DC-DC boost converters play a major role in charging not only the battery banks but also in providing the DC-link excitation voltage in transformerless applications. However, the development of these converters, which have higher voltage and current gain with minimum components, minimum voltage, and current stress, is quite challenging. Therefore, this research work aims to address these issues and also to improve overall system performance. These aims are achieved by developing a series LC-based single-stage boost converter, and extending its gain through a multi-stage boost converter using switch capacitor phenomena. This article also presents a complete operating model in continuous conduction mode. The proposed converter is tested under various testing conditions, such as output loading, input voltage levels, and duty cycle ratio for a 50 W resistive load. The results are compared with existing models. The proposed converter is stated to have achieved the highest efficiency, i.e.,

96.5 %

, along with extendable voltage gain with reduced voltage and current stresses, which is a major contribution to this research field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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20 pages, 3298 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Landscape Design for Flood Adaptation from 20 Years of Constructed Ecologies in China

by Elisa Palazzo and Sisi Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4511; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084511 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 8168

Abstract

In highly urbanized floodplains, it is becoming widely accepted that a change is needed to move away from flood control towards flood adaptation paradigms. To address riverine and flash flooding in urban areas, urban and landscape designers have developed design solutions that are [...] Read more.

In highly urbanized floodplains, it is becoming widely accepted that a change is needed to move away from flood control towards flood adaptation paradigms. To address riverine and flash flooding in urban areas, urban and landscape designers have developed design solutions that are able to increase urban ecological resilience by allocating space to fluctuating water levels. With the purpose of operationalizing flood resilience, this study explores how constructed ecology principles are applied to the design of multifunctional landscapes to restore floodplain functions in urban areas and prevent downstream flooding. The study adopts a design-by-research approach to examine 30 case studies from the Sponge Cities initiative realized in China in the last twenty years and develops a toolbox of Flood Adaptation Types for stormwater management. The results are aimed at informing operations in the planning and design professions by proposing a schematic design framework for flood adaptation in different geographic conditions, scales, and climates. The study sets up the bases for a systematic assessment of flood adaptation responses also by facilitating communication between disciplines, designers, and non-experts. This will enable evidence-based decisions in landscape architecture and urban design, as well as fulfill pedagogic purposes in higher education and research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to Climate Emergency: Design, Planning and Assessment of the Built Environment)

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20 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Valuing Intangible Cultural Heritage in Developing Countries

by Godwin Kofi Vondolia, Albert Mensah Kusi, Sylvana Rudith King and Ståle Navrud

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4484; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084484 - 9 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4516

Abstract

The disappearance of intangible cultural heritages (ICHs) together with associated symbols and meanings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) undermines 2003 UN Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. To contribute to reversing this trend, the present study estimates the economic value of preserving [...] Read more.

The disappearance of intangible cultural heritages (ICHs) together with associated symbols and meanings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) undermines 2003 UN Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. To contribute to reversing this trend, the present study estimates the economic value of preserving traditional kente weaving and interpretation of kente symbols by establishing national demonstration centers in Ghana. Contingent valuation (CV) surveys of both the public and kente weavers are used to elicit their preferences for these national centers. As CV surveys of cultural heritage have often been criticized for lacking both policy and payment consequentiality, we have used a specific preservation measure and a non-voluntary payment vehicle to make the decision context realistic and consequential. Households show significant, positive mean willingness-to-pay (WTP) for establishing national centers to preserve both the kente weaving technique and the interpretation of kente symbols. Furthermore, we find no distance decay in WTP for preservation of this ICH; indicating that people have strong preferences for preserving this ICH independent of how far they live from the center of kente weaving activities. This leads to larger aggregated benefits of preservation compared to built cultural heritage and local environmental goods, for example, where strong distance decay occurs in many cases. This makes the net present value of centers for demonstration of kente weaving and interpretation of kente symbols positive and an economically worthwhile investment. The policy implication of these results is that higher investments in preserving ICHs can be justified not only from a cultural heritage perspective, but also from an economic point of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valuing Cultural Capital in the Smart Cities Era)

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17 pages, 12140 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

RSEI-Based Modeling of Ecological Security and Its Spatial Impacts on Soil Quality: A Case Study of Dayu, China

by Xiaoxia Su, Jing Wu, Pengshuo Li, Renjie Li and Penggen Cheng

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4428; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084428 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3206

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have brought serious threats to urban ecological security, which refers to the health and integrity of urban ecosystems. By collecting multi-source data in the modeling of the ecological security pattern, we used the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) to [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have brought serious threats to urban ecological security, which refers to the health and integrity of urban ecosystems. By collecting multi-source data in the modeling of the ecological security pattern, we used the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) to identify the ecological sources (ESOs), and applied five indicators to construct the resistance surface, including land-use type, normalized vegetation index (NDVI), normalized building index (NDBI), slope, and digital elevation model (DEM). Based on the ESOs and ecological resistance surface, we calculated the cost distance of each pixel to the nearest ESO using the minimum cumulative resistance model. With the natural breakpoint method, we classified the cost distance into five levels, and constructed the ecological security pattern of Dayu. In Dayu, there were areas of at least 40% with stable ecological security. We identified 39, 31, and 43 ESOs of Dayu in 2012, 2016, and 2020, respectively. During 2012 to 2016, the number of medium ESOs decreased from 16 to 5, and the number of small ESOs increased from 13 to 26. From 2016 to 2020, the number of medium-sized ESOs increased from 5 to 18, and the number of small-sized ESOs decreased from 26 to 20. The percentage of the Level-5 (the worst) ecological security was 5.84% in 2012, 6.80% in 2016, and 4.42% in 2020. The ecological security was negatively correlated with the intensity of the human activities and varied significantly in different towns. The soil quality was positively consistent with the ecological security, and the urbanization caused damage to the soil security. A few suggestions were finally provided for decision-makers to improve the ecological environments and the soil quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Expansion and Its Effect on Soil Sustainability)

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34 pages, 7866 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Plastic Waste Management in India: Challenges, Opportunities, and Roadmap for Circular Economy

by Rumana Hossain, Md Tasbirul Islam, Riya Shanker, Debishree Khan, Katherine Elizabeth Sarah Locock, Anirban Ghose, Heinz Schandl, Rita Dhodapkar and Veena Sahajwalla

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4425; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084425 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 47471

Abstract

Plastic waste (PW) is one of the most rapid-growing waste streams in municipal solid waste all over the world. India has become a global player in the plastic value chain. Despite low consumption, domestic generation and imports create a significant burden on the [...] Read more.

Plastic waste (PW) is one of the most rapid-growing waste streams in municipal solid waste all over the world. India has become a global player in the plastic value chain. Despite low consumption, domestic generation and imports create a significant burden on the overall waste management system, which requires in-depth understanding of the scenario and pathways that can mitigate the crisis. Although Indian researchers have widely researched technology-related issues in academic papers, a substantial knowledge gap exists in understanding the problem’s depth and possible solutions. This review article focuses on current plastic production, consumption, and waste generation in India. This review article mainly analyzes data and information regarding Indian PW management and highlights some critical issues such as reverse supply chain, effective PW management, source-specific recovery, and PW rules in India. Comprehensively, this review will help to identify implementable strategies for policymakers and research opportunities for future researchers in holistic PW management and recycling in India, focusing on the circular economy and sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Solid Waste Management)

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24 pages, 2457 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Global Mangrove Deforestation and Its Interacting Social-Ecological Drivers: A Systematic Review and Synthesis

by Avit K. Bhowmik, Rajchandar Padmanaban, Pedro Cabral and Maria M. Romeiras

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4433; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084433 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 16319

Abstract

Globally, mangrove forests are substantially declining, and a globally synthesized database containing the drivers of deforestation and drivers’ interactions is scarce. Here, we synthesized the key social-ecological drivers of global mangrove deforestation by reviewing about two hundred published scientific studies over the last [...] Read more.

Globally, mangrove forests are substantially declining, and a globally synthesized database containing the drivers of deforestation and drivers’ interactions is scarce. Here, we synthesized the key social-ecological drivers of global mangrove deforestation by reviewing about two hundred published scientific studies over the last four decades (from 1980 to 2021). Our focus was on both natural and anthropogenic drivers with their gradual and abrupt impacts and on their geographic coverage of effects, and how these drivers interact. We also summarized the patterns of global mangrove coverage decline between 1990 and 2020 and identified the threatened mangrove species. Our consolidated studies reported an 8600 km² decline in the global mangrove coverage between 1990 and 2020, with the highest decline occurring in South and Southeast Asia (3870 km²). We could identify 11 threatened mangrove species, two of which are critically endangered (Sonneratia griffithii and Bruguiera hainseii). Our reviewed studies pointed to aquaculture and agriculture as the predominant driver of global mangrove deforestation though their impacts varied across global regions. Gradual climate variations, i.e., sea-level rise, long-term precipitation, and temperature changes and driven coastline erosion, salinity intrusion and acidity at coasts, constitute the second major group of drivers. Our findings underline a strong interaction across natural and anthropogenic drivers, with the strongest interaction between the driver groups aquaculture and agriculture and industrialization and pollution. Our results suggest prioritizing globally coordinated empirical studies linking drivers and mangrove deforestation and global development of policies for mangrove conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mangrove Ecosystem Ecology, Conservation and Sustainability)

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21 pages, 3060 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Management Strategy for Solidification/Stabilization of Zinc Plant Residues (ZPR) by Fly Ash/Clay-Based Geopolymers

by Juan Dacuba, Tamara Llano, Eva Cifrian and Ana Andrés

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4438; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084438 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3538

Abstract

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of acid waste using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is widely implemented, but, due to the impact on climate change, alternative methods are being investigated. In this work, first, the feasibility of using coal fly-ash/clay-based geopolymers for the S/S of Zn plant [...] Read more.

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of acid waste using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is widely implemented, but, due to the impact on climate change, alternative methods are being investigated. In this work, first, the feasibility of using coal fly-ash/clay-based geopolymers for the S/S of Zn plant residues (ZPR), Cadmium Sponge (CS), and Anode Mud (AM) is proposed as a treatment prior to disposal in landfills. Different variables, such as the type of processing, molding (as-received waste), and pressing (dried waste), and activators, a commercial and an alternative residual sodium carbonate, have been studied. The technical and environmental assessments of the S/S process by means of compressive strength and the leaching of critical pollutants have been monitored. Immobilization efficiencies of Cd and Zn higher than 99% have been obtained by dosing 50% of the acid waste, 6 M NaOH solution (20 min contact time), cured at 75 °C (48 h) and at room temperature (28 days), achieving in the leachates pH values of 7 to 10 and [Cd] and [Zn] < 1 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. However, alkaline activation increases As leaching, mainly associated with the clay. Secondly, removing clay from the geopolymer formulation, the optimization of geopolymer parameters, acid waste/geopolymer ratio, liquid/solid ratio, and NaOH molar concentration enables obtaining a significant reduction in the release of As and Cd, and Zn is kept at acceptable values that meet the non-hazardous waste landfill disposal limits for the S/S of both acid wastes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)

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22 pages, 6036 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Potential Impacts of Urban Expansion on Hydrological Ecosystem Services in a Rapidly Urbanizing Lake Basin in China

by Hongwei Guo, Ji Han, Lili Qian, Xinxin Long and Xiaoyin Sun

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084424 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3274

Abstract

Hydrological ecosystem services (HESs) such as water purification and water supply are important for providing other ecosystem services such as drinking water, recreation, and human health. Land use change caused by urbanization is a direct driver affecting the provision of HESs. The quantification [...] Read more.

Hydrological ecosystem services (HESs) such as water purification and water supply are important for providing other ecosystem services such as drinking water, recreation, and human health. Land use change caused by urbanization is a direct driver affecting the provision of HESs. The quantification and integration of HES into watershed management and urban planning have become increasingly important. In this study, we highlighted an integration of the InVEST and CLUE-S models to simulate and predict future changes of HES in a rapidly urbanizing lake basin, namely the Nansihu Lake basin of China. The spatiotemporal patterns of HESs including water yield, water purification, and sediment export in the past five decades (from 1980 to 2015) have been revealed through our integrated modeling approach. Furthermore, urbanization and land use change scenarios till 2030 were developed using land use, topography, climate, and soil data. It is found that due to the rapid expansion of urban land, water yield, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) export has increased by 5.5%, 7.38%, and 7.02%, respectively, while the sediment export has decreased by 4%. As a result, the risks of flooding and water quality degradation increased. Under a hybrid ecological and farmland redline policy (EFRP) scenario, the HESs have all been significantly improved compared to the level in 2015. This research can help to predict the future changes in HESs for land use management and ecological and environmental protection in the Nansihu Lake basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linking Climate, Environment, and Society for Sustainable Urban Development)

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13 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Integrated Framework to Assess Greenwashing

by Noémi Nemes, Stephen J. Scanlan, Pete Smith, Tone Smith, Melissa Aronczyk, Stephanie Hill, Simon L. Lewis, A. Wren Montgomery, Francesco N. Tubiello and Doreen Stabinsky

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4431; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084431 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 107 | Viewed by 52649

Abstract

In this paper we examine definitions of ‘greenwashing’ and its different forms, developing a tool for assessing diverse ‘green’ claims made by various actors. Research shows that significant deception and misleading claims exist both in the regulated commercial sphere, as well as in [...] Read more.

In this paper we examine definitions of ‘greenwashing’ and its different forms, developing a tool for assessing diverse ‘green’ claims made by various actors. Research shows that significant deception and misleading claims exist both in the regulated commercial sphere, as well as in the unregulated non-commercial sphere (e.g., governments, NGO partnerships, international pledges, etc.). Recently, serious concerns have been raised over rampant greenwashing, in particular with regard to rapidly emerging net zero commitments. The proposed framework we developed is the first actionable tool for analysing the quality and truthfulness of such claims. The framework has widespread and unique potential for highlighting efforts that seek to delay or distract real solutions that are urgently needed today to tackle multiple climate and environmental crises. In addition, we note how the framework may also assist in the development of practices and communication strategies that ultimately avoid greenwashing. Full article

21 pages, 9301 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Large-Scale Effect of Forest Cover on Long-Term Streamflow Variations in Mediterranean Catchments of Central Chile

by Roberto Pizarro, Rodrigo Valdés-Pineda, Pablo A. Garcia-Chevesich, Alfredo Ibáñez, Juan Pino, David F. Scott, Daniel G. Neary, John E. McCray, Miguel Castillo and Patricio Ubilla

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4443; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084443 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6420

Abstract

Forest ecosystems play an important role in hydrological processes as surface and subsurface runoff, as well as the storage of water at the catchment scale. Therefore, it is important to have a greater understanding of the effects of forests in the long-term water [...] Read more.

Forest ecosystems play an important role in hydrological processes as surface and subsurface runoff, as well as the storage of water at the catchment scale. Therefore, it is important to have a greater understanding of the effects of forests in the long-term water balance of Mediterranean catchments. In this sense, this study evaluates the effect of native forests, forest plantations, and the combination of both, on long-term streamflow variations in central Chile, an unusual area of Mediterranean climate characterized by a well-marked annual cycle with dry summers and wet winters. Thus, the temporal pattern of monthly streamflow was evaluated for mean flow (Qmean), maximum flow (Qmax), and minimum flow (Qmin) in 42 large-scale (>200 km²) Mediterranean catchments. Each series of monthly streamflow data was QA/QC, and then evaluated using the Mann–Kendall’s non-parametric statistical test to detect temporal variations between 1994 and 2015. In addition to the previous analysis, the monthly series were grouped into wet seasons (April–September) and dry seasons (October–April), to determine if there were any significant differences within the annual hydrological cycle. The areas covered with native and forest plantations and their relative changes were evaluated for each catchment through streamflow variations and forest cover indicators. Results revealed that streamflow variations are positive and significant when more forest cover exists. The intra-catchment relationships assessed for both species revealed the significant role of native forests and mixed masses as key ecosystems for the long-term conservation of summer streamflow in Mediterranean catchments of central Chile. These findings encourage an urgent need to create highland afforestation programs on degraded areas of central Chile, to maximize water storage in a region that is quickly drying out due to unsustainable water and land use management practices and the effects of global warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

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15 pages, 3609 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Science and Citizen Collaboration as Good Example of Geoethics for Recovering a Natural Site in the Urban Area of Rome (Italy)

by Monia Procesi, Giuseppe Di Capua, Silvia Peppoloni, Marco Corirossi and Alessandra Valentinelli

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4429; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084429 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4299

Abstract

Natural sites in urban spaces can have a key role in citizen well-being, providing fundamental ecosystem services to the population and assuring a multitude of benefits. Therefore, cities should guarantee a number of green areas and their conservation in time as an essential [...] Read more.

Natural sites in urban spaces can have a key role in citizen well-being, providing fundamental ecosystem services to the population and assuring a multitude of benefits. Therefore, cities should guarantee a number of green areas and their conservation in time as an essential part of urban architecture. In this framework, cooperation between scientists, decision makers and citizens is critical to ensure the enhancement of green public spaces. Social and scientific communities are called to work in a tuned way to combine scientific knowledge and methods to local socio-economic contexts, driven by the values of geoethics. The Bullicante Lake case study, discussed in this work, represents an example of application of geoethical values, such as inclusiveness, sharing, sustainability and conservation of bio- and geodiversity. This urban lake in Rome appeared following illegal excavation works in 1992 and remained closed until 2016 favouring re-naturalization processes. Over time, this site was often threatened by pending actions for building. The aim of this study was to highlight how fruitful cooperation between science and citizens is able to transform a degraded urban area into a place of knowledge, recreation, enjoyment and eco-systemic preservation. Moreover, on the basis of this experience, the authors proposed a generalised approach/strategy to be developed and applied in other contexts. The active involvement of citizens and the cooperation among scientists, artists and institutions were able to redress opportunistic behaviours well by preventing site degradation and its improper use, favouring environmental safeguarding and making possible the site’s recognition as a natural monument. The results of these actions led to the improved quality of citizen life, showing an excellent example of virtuous cooperation between science and society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances on Geoethics and Sustainable Development)

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17 pages, 642 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Measuring the Impact of Greece as a Safe Branding Tourist Destination: Evidence from Spain and Greece

by Theodore Metaxas, Laura Juárez and Meletios Andrinos

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4440; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084440 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4064

Abstract

After the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, many tourist destinations promoted a safe, COVID-free image to attract tourists. The main purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the effect that the image of a place as a safe tourist destination [...] Read more.

After the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, many tourist destinations promoted a safe, COVID-free image to attract tourists. The main purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the effect that the image of a place as a safe tourist destination (STD)—in our case, Greece—can have on the decision-making processes of tourists who were willing to take summer holidays in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the relationships between destination safety perceptions, trust, attractive attributes of destinations, travel intentions, and health-protective behavior for domestic and inbound tourists from Spain. This study confirms differences in destination safety perceptions among domestic and inbound tourists from countries that have suffered significant negative impacts due to the novel coronavirus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Tourism under COVID-19 and Future Implications)

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49 pages, 48986 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Qualitative Based Causal-Loop Diagram for Understanding Policy Design Challenges for a Sustainable Transition Pathway: The Case of Tees Valley Region, UK

by Bjarnhedinn Gudlaugsson, Dana Abi Ghanem, Huda Dawood, Gobind Pillai and Michael Short

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4462; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084462 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 10560

Abstract

The energy transition is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and structured approach to policymaking. Such an approach is needed to ensure that transition pathways and policies enable greener energy alternatives whilst ensuring prosperity for people living in the region and limiting [...] Read more.

The energy transition is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and structured approach to policymaking. Such an approach is needed to ensure that transition pathways and policies enable greener energy alternatives whilst ensuring prosperity for people living in the region and limiting environmental degradation to the local ecosystem. This paper applies a qualitative approach based on systematic literature research and review analysis to identify and analyse previous work within this interdisciplinary field in order to understand the complexity of energy transitions and identify key variables and sub-sectors that need to be addressed by policymaking. The paper then looks at the problem from a regional level and uses the Tees Valley region in North East England as a reference case for the energy system and potential proposed policies for the energy transition. A system dynamics methodology was employed to help visualise and emphasise the major complexity of the energy transition and the challenges that policymaking needs to tackle for the successfully enable implementation and application of the energy transition policies. The results of this study identified that in relation to the Tees Valley energy system, its development and transition towards decarbonisation, the major challenge for the policymakers is to ensure that proposed policies foster growth in job creation without leading to job losses within the local employment market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Energy Transition)

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13 pages, 384 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

From an Ethics of Carefulness to an Ethics of Desirability: Going Beyond Current Ethics Approaches to Sustainable AI

by Larissa Bolte, Tijs Vandemeulebroucke and Aimee van Wynsberghe

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4472; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084472 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5575

Abstract

‘Sustainable AI’ sets itself apart from other AI ethics frameworks by its inherent regard for the ecological costs of AI, a concern that has so far been woefully overlooked in the policy space. Recently, two German-based research and advocacy institutions have published a [...] Read more.

‘Sustainable AI’ sets itself apart from other AI ethics frameworks by its inherent regard for the ecological costs of AI, a concern that has so far been woefully overlooked in the policy space. Recently, two German-based research and advocacy institutions have published a joint report on Sustainability Criteria for Artificial Intelligence. This is, to our knowledge, the first AI ethics document in the policy space that puts sustainability at the center of its considerations. We take this as an opportunity to highlight the foundational problems we see in current debates about AI ethics guidelines. Although we do believe the concept of sustainability has the potential to introduce a paradigm shift, we question whether the suggestions and conceptual grounding found in this report have the strength to usher it in. We show this by presenting this new report as an example of current approaches to AI ethics and identify the problems of this approach, which we will describe as ‘checklist ethics’ and ‘ethics of carefulness’. We argue to opt for an ‘ethics of desirability’ approach. This can be completed, we suggest, by reconceptualizing sustainability as a property of complex systems. Finally, we offer a set of indications for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Sustainability of AI; Multi-Disciplinary Approaches to Investigate the Hidden Costs of AI)

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13 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Role of Plant Functional Diversity in Regulating Soil Organic Carbon Stocks under Different Grazing Intensities in Temperate Grassland, China

by Zhilu Sheng, Jiaqiang Du, Bingqing Sun, Jialin Mao, Yangchengsi Zhang, Jing Zhang and Zhaoyan Diao

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084376 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3211

Abstract

Grazing is very common in the grassland ecosystem, and it has a significant impact on the C stocks and cycle. One of the most important drivers of soil C stocks is functional diversity. However, limited studies have attempted to explore the effects of [...] Read more.

Grazing is very common in the grassland ecosystem, and it has a significant impact on the C stocks and cycle. One of the most important drivers of soil C stocks is functional diversity. However, limited studies have attempted to explore the effects of functional diversity on soil C stocks associated with grazing disturbance. This study was carried out in Hulunbeier grassland, Inner Mongolia, and four grazing intensities (no grazing (NG), light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG), and heavy grazing (HG)) were identified. The plant functional traits and important soil properties under different grazing intensities were measured. Functional identity and diversity were calculated based on the measured functional traits. The impacts of functional identity and diversity on soil organic carbon stocks (SOC_stocks) were analyzed using a multi-model inference (MMI) approach. Our study showed that the functional diversity effect on soil C stocks varies depending on grazing intensity. We identified that functional richness has a significant impact on SOC_stocks in NG. The community weighted mean of leaf area became the best predictor of SOC_stocks in LG. As grazing intensified, functional divergence best explained SOC_stocks in moderate and heavy grazing sites, and their relationship was positive. The major outcomes of this research could shed light on the mechanics of soil carbon storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Management of Bioculturally Important Rangeland Resources)

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14 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Innovative Sustainable Tourism Development and Entrepreneurship through Sports Events

by Georgios Tsekouropoulos, Ourania Gkouna, Dimitrios Theocharis and Athanasios Gounas

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084379 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6563

Abstract

Innovation and the development of new services are important strategic features to ensure the growth and sustainable wealth for industries where customers have many choices, as is the case in tourism sector. In this context, the present research comes to connect the local [...] Read more.

Innovation and the development of new services are important strategic features to ensure the growth and sustainable wealth for industries where customers have many choices, as is the case in tourism sector. In this context, the present research comes to connect the local sustainable tourism development with the sporting events, and to come up with relevant proposals for the reference area, but also for their generalization in the whole tourist areas. Based on the research purpose, a quantitative research was conducted on a sample of 448 residents, randomly selected from a sampling frame. Several scales from previous studies were used to collect primary data, and they were adapted according to the research purpose. Research findings indicate that the acceptance of sustainable tourism development through sports can be predicted by several variables, such as the economic impact (b = 0.343), residents’ attitude towards sports events (b = 0.287), and citizens’ tendency to entrepreneurship (b = 0.113). Additionally, sports events affect the tendency of citizens towards entrepreneurship (r = 0.519, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the impact of sports events is multiple, and it affects many aspects of a tourism destination, and the effect of sports events on the destination is connected with the tendency of citizens towards entrepreneurship related to sports events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism Development and Innovation: Recent Advances and Challenges)

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11 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Purpose in Corporate Governance: The Path towards a More Sustainable World

by Joan Enric Ricart and Carlos Rey

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4384; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084384 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4427

Abstract

In order to give a more realistic view of how ESG and sustainability are developed in organisations, this paper explores the development of purpose in corporate governance and the challenges faced. The theme is analysed at the intersection between stakeholder theory and business [...] Read more.

In order to give a more realistic view of how ESG and sustainability are developed in organisations, this paper explores the development of purpose in corporate governance and the challenges faced. The theme is analysed at the intersection between stakeholder theory and business models in two dimensions: the capability of the market to align stakeholders’ interests (invisible hand) and the trade-offs between purpose and profit. The analysis conducted gave rise to four scenarios with a range of theoretical and practical implications focused on corporate governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Sustainability through Organizational Purpose)

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21 pages, 4224 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Estimation of the Urban Heat Island Effect in a Reformed Urban District: A Scenario-Based Study in Hong Kong

by Rui Zhu, Xijia Dong and Man Sing Wong

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4409; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084409 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4226

Abstract

Urban heat island (UHI), a phenomenon in which land surface temperatures (LSTs) in an urban area are notably higher than that in the surrounding rural area, has made the living environment thermally uncomfortable, endangered public health, and increased the energy consumption on indoor [...] Read more.

Urban heat island (UHI), a phenomenon in which land surface temperatures (LSTs) in an urban area are notably higher than that in the surrounding rural area, has made the living environment thermally uncomfortable, endangered public health, and increased the energy consumption on indoor air cooling. To develop a liveable and sustainable city, it is crucial to provide an accurate estimation of the UHI effect for urban planners when an area is transformed from bare lands to a high density of buildings. With this objective, the study develops multivariate spatial regression models based on LSTs retrieved from Landsat-8 thermal images to estimate the distribution of urban heat magnitudes (i.e., UHMs, relative temperatures referenced to rural temperature), by considering four types of causative factors that include land use and land cover, urban morphology, heat source, and local climate zones. Partial correlation analysis is performed to determine explainable variables and R² is used to evaluate the models. Based on the constructed models and a master plan of buildings in Kowloon East, Hong Kong, the future UHM distributions are forecasted on four representative days in different seasons. Results show that the UHI effect will be mitigated significantly when the new buildings are built, suggesting appropriate urban planning regarding the urban thermal environment. We found that the considered factors can largely explain the daytime UHIs in both the built-up areas and land-cover areas. The proposed method can also be used to optimize the urban design for creating a more thermo-friendly urban environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Challenges in Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies)

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16 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Valorization of ‘Rossa di Tropea’ Onion Waste through Green Recovery Techniques of Antioxidant Compounds

by Valeria Imeneo, Alessandra De Bruno, Amalia Piscopo, Rosa Romeo and Marco Poiana

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084387 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3446

Abstract

The aim of this work was to maximize the recovery of the bioactive components from an important solid waste derivate from Tropea onion processing. To achieve this, three different extractive procedures (conventional for maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted) were employed, using only food-grade extraction [...] Read more.

The aim of this work was to maximize the recovery of the bioactive components from an important solid waste derivate from Tropea onion processing. To achieve this, three different extractive procedures (conventional for maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted) were employed, using only food-grade extraction solvents such as water and ethanol:water (50:50). Solvent, temperature, microwave power, time, and their interaction were studied as the principal factors that might affect the extractability rates. The obtained data suggest that the hydroalcoholic mixture proved to be the best for each of the techniques developed and at each time and temperature considered. In particular, the best results were achieved by conventional extraction for 60 min at 40 °C (total flavonoids content: 25.64 ± 1.40 mg QE g⁻¹ d.w.; total anthocyanins content: 0.78 ± 0.01 mg C-3-GLUC g⁻¹ d.w.). The UHPLC analysis of the optimally obtained extract revealed that the principal phytochemicals recovered were quercetin (5322.61 ± 0.32 mg kg⁻¹) and quercetin 3-4′-diglucoside (1023.80 ± 0.34 mg kg⁻¹) after conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction, respectively. In this perspective, the implementation of sustainable, food-grade extraction processes to recover value-added substances from solid onion waste could play a crucial role both in reducing the waste load and in formulating natural food additives with functional properties, with a potential direct industrial impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Towards the Full Inclusion of Waste Management into Circular Economy)

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17 pages, 2971 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multilinear Regression Model for Biogas Production Prediction from Dry Anaerobic Digestion of OFMSW

by Elena Rossi, Isabella Pecorini and Renato Iannelli

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4393; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084393 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5297

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a multiple linear regression (MLR) model to predict the specific methane production (SMP) from dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). A data set from an experimental test on [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to develop a multiple linear regression (MLR) model to predict the specific methane production (SMP) from dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). A data set from an experimental test on a pilot-scale plug-flow reactor (PFR) including 332 observations was used to build the model. Pearson′s correlation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA) examined the relationships between variables. Six parameters, namely total volatile solid (TVSin), organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT), C/N ratio, lignin content and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), had a significant correlation with SMP. Based on these outcomes, a simple and three multiple linear regression models (MLRs) were developed and validated. The simple linear regression model did not properly describe the data (R² = 0.3). In turn, the MLR including all factors showed the optimal fitting ability (R² = 0.91). Finally, the MLR including four uncorrelated explanatory variables of feedstock characteristics and operating parameters (e.g., TVSin, OLR, C/N ratio, and lignin content), resulted in the best compromise in terms of number of explanatory variables, model fitting and predictive ability (R² = 0.87). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid-Waste and Waste-Water Treatment Processes)

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14 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Dynamics of Price Adjustment in the U.S. Beef Sector

by Erdal Erol and Sayed H. Saghaian

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4391; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084391 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3103

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of vertical price transmission in the U.S. beef industry using monthly farm, wholesale, and retail prices for the period 1970–2021. Contemporary time-series techniques and historical decomposition graphs were used to test [...] Read more.

This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of vertical price transmission in the U.S. beef industry using monthly farm, wholesale, and retail prices for the period 1970–2021. Contemporary time-series techniques and historical decomposition graphs were used to test for possible asymmetries and structural breaks in the price transmission across the beef supply chain. The results show that the impact of COVID-19 has been uneven across the beef marketing channel, with consumers and farmers sharing the burden of the shock. Historical decomposition graphs demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic caused consumers paying higher prices, but farmers receiving lower prices than their predicted values. Hence, both consumers and farmers in the U.S. beef supply chain were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the results detected asymmetric price adjustments along the U.S. beef supply chain, both in speeds and magnitudes, with the wholesale prices being more flexible, adjusting quicker than farm and retail prices. The results indicated that the U.S. beef markets were resilient enough to absorb the shock and return to their pre-shock patterns in 4 to 6 months. These results have welfare and policy implications for the U.S. beef industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Social Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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16 pages, 3331 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoicePerspective

Using Forest Compensation Funds to Reverse Biodiversity Loss: A Case Study of Turin–Lyon High-Speed Railway Line

by Irene Piccini, Marco Pittarello, Fabrizio Gili, Alberto Dotta, Riccardo Lorizzo, Cristina Magnani, Pia Grieco, Michele Lonati, Sandro Bertolino and Simona Bonelli

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084411 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2953

Abstract

Megaprojects radically change the landscape due to their large-scale and high investments. Forests are often one of the most affected habitats, as they are frequently included in megaproject construction sites. These habitats support rich animal communities that the new settlement may threaten. Among [...] Read more.

Megaprojects radically change the landscape due to their large-scale and high investments. Forests are often one of the most affected habitats, as they are frequently included in megaproject construction sites. These habitats support rich animal communities that the new settlement may threaten. Among all species present in any construction site, those listed in the Habitats Directive (92/43/CEE) deserve particular attention as they are protected throughout Europe. Here, we present a case study related to the expansion of an industrial site, part of the megaproject Turin–Lyon high-speed railway, where forest compensations were used to reverse biodiversity loss. The site expansion scheduled for 2020 included mature forests and clearings that used to host a butterfly species and at least 15 bat species protected by the Habitats Directive and other taxa of conservation concern. Forest compensations are usually used to finance tree plantations and forest improvements. In this case study, for the first time, we used them to maintain local biodiversity, which otherwise would have been severely compromised by the site expansion. Indeed, our approach has made it possible to allocate forest compensation funding to restore or improve habitats to favor biodiversity. This approach may be exported to other megaprojects to support local biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Monitoring and the Reporting of Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts of Megaprojects)

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31 pages, 11426 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Promoting Sustainability through Next-Generation Biologics Drug Development

by Katharina Paulick, Simon Seidel, Christoph Lange, Annina Kemmer, Mariano Nicolas Cruz-Bournazou, André Baier and Daniel Haehn

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084401 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5790

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution in 2011 aimed to transform the traditional manufacturing processes. As part of this revolution, disruptive innovations in drug development and data science approaches have the potential to optimize CMC (chemistry, manufacture, and control). The real-time simulation of processes using [...] Read more.

The fourth industrial revolution in 2011 aimed to transform the traditional manufacturing processes. As part of this revolution, disruptive innovations in drug development and data science approaches have the potential to optimize CMC (chemistry, manufacture, and control). The real-time simulation of processes using “digital twins” can maximize efficiency while improving sustainability. As part of this review, we investigate how the World Health Organization’s 17 sustainability goals can apply toward next-generation drug development. We analyze the state-of-the-art laboratory leadership, inclusive personnel recruiting, the latest therapy approaches, and intelligent process automation. We also outline how modern data science techniques and machine tools for CMC help to shorten drug development time, reduce failure rates, and minimize resource usage. Finally, we systematically analyze and compare existing approaches to our experiences with the high-throughput laboratory KIWI-biolab at the TU Berlin. We describe a sustainable business model that accelerates scientific innovations and supports global action toward a sustainable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning and AI Technology for Sustainability)

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13 pages, 2037 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Numerical Simulation Study on the Effects of Co-Injection of Pulverized Coal and Hydrochar into the Blast Furnace

by Tao Li, Guangwei Wang, Heng Zhou, Xiaojun Ning and Cuiliu Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084407 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2735

Abstract

To solve the energy crisis and slow down the greenhouse effect, it is urgent to find alternative energy sources for the iron and steel production process. Hydrochar is an auxiliary fuel and the only renewable carbon source that could reduce the injection of [...] Read more.

To solve the energy crisis and slow down the greenhouse effect, it is urgent to find alternative energy sources for the iron and steel production process. Hydrochar is an auxiliary fuel and the only renewable carbon source that could reduce the injection of bituminous coal into the blast furnace. Numerical simulation is an effective method of understanding the combustion performance in the lower part of the blast furnace. A 3D blowpipe-tuyere-raceway model was established using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to study the effects on combustion performance between pulverized coal and hydrochar. The results showed that co-injection of anthracite and hydrochar has a better combustion performance than co-injection of anthracite and bituminous coal, with a more appropriate distribution of temperature, velocity, and gas phase. With the co-injection of hydrochar, the total burnout rate and anthracite burnout rate increased, respectively, by 6% and 2.1%, which is caused by the interaction mechanism between anthracite and hydrochar. As a result, hydrochar as an auxiliary fuel for blast furnace injection not only can achieve low-carbon production and cut down carbon emission but also benefit the combustion process of anthracite coal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilization of Biomass towards a Climate-Neutral and Sustainable Steel Sector)

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12 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Water Sport Tourists’ Hesitation in Decision-Making during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effect of Destination Image

by Jeongmyeong Song, Myungkyu Jung, Kwangho Park and Ho Yeol Yu

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4414; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084414 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3103

Abstract

Understanding the effect of risk factors on tourists’ hesitation in choosing a destination is vital for successful management in tourism, especially in the pandemic era. Based on protection motivation theory, this study investigated the impact of sport tourists’ perceived risk associated with COVID-19 [...] Read more.

Understanding the effect of risk factors on tourists’ hesitation in choosing a destination is vital for successful management in tourism, especially in the pandemic era. Based on protection motivation theory, this study investigated the impact of sport tourists’ perceived risk associated with COVID-19 on their hesitation to choose a tourist destination in the context of water sport tourism. Further, we examined whether the relationship changes according to the levels of tourists’ destination image. Data from a survey of water sport tourists (n = 312) were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Hayes PROCESS macro with bootstrapping procedures. Findings of this research empirically demonstrated that risk factors influence hesitation in choosing a destination. Furthermore, the moderating effect of destination image on the influences of perceived risks on hesitation was identified. The study’s theoretical and practical contributions to the sport tourism literature are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Sport Management in the Post-COVID19 Era)

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23 pages, 943 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improving Entrepreneurs’ Digital Skills and Firms’ Digital Competencies through Business Apps Training: A Study of Small Firms

by Nick Drydakis

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084417 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 9184

Abstract

The lack of awareness of digital services and outcomes is a concern in business environments since small firms need to improve their digital competencies. The present exploratory study investigated whether business apps training was associated with entrepreneurs’ and firms’ digital advancements. The business [...] Read more.

The lack of awareness of digital services and outcomes is a concern in business environments since small firms need to improve their digital competencies. The present exploratory study investigated whether business apps training was associated with entrepreneurs’ and firms’ digital advancements. The business apps training was offered to migrant entrepreneurs running small firms in Athens (Greece) over three months, with data collected before and after the training. The analysis revealed that business apps training was positively associated with entrepreneurs’ attitudes toward technology, willingness to change (relating to technology/skills/operations), and internet/digital skills, as well as an increased use of business apps. Moreover, the training was positively associated with firms’ digital competencies related to communication, networking, social media, customer relationship management, payments, accounting and finance, and project management operations. Furthermore, business apps training was positively associated with migrant entrepreneurs’ integration into Greek society. Given the increased number of migrants in Europe, factors that positively impact their entrepreneurship and integration merit consideration. The study provides researchers with a systematic method for evaluating the association between business app training and entrepreneurs’ and firms’ digital advancements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration-Refugee Policies and Socioeconomics, Well-Being and Sustainable Outcomes)

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24 pages, 8010 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Multi-Criteria Framework to Evaluate the Sustainability of Renewable Energy: A 2-Tuple Linguistic Grey Relation Model from the Perspective of the Prospect Theory

by Songrui Li and Yitang Hu

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4419; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084419 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2938

Abstract

The unique resources and environmental advantages of renewable energy make it an essential component of energy strategies and a meaningful way to achieve “carbon neutrality”. However, due to limitations relating to ecological factors and geographical locations, renewable energy power generation faces many problems, [...] Read more.

The unique resources and environmental advantages of renewable energy make it an essential component of energy strategies and a meaningful way to achieve “carbon neutrality”. However, due to limitations relating to ecological factors and geographical locations, renewable energy power generation faces many problems, including instability, resulting in unsustainable development. Few studies have been conducted on the sustainability of renewable energy. Therefore, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for evaluating renewable energy sustainability is put forward. Based on a 2-tuple linguistic grey relation model and the prospect theory, the MCDM framework can comprehensively analyze the factors that may influence renewable energy sustainability in terms of resources, the environment, society, technology, and the economy. The combination of the 2-tuple linguistic model and the prospect theory can improve the objectivity of decision making. Taking China as the research object, this study finds that the profit–loss ratios for the four alternatives considered are

{\begin{array}{r} 0.969, 0.432, 0.395, 0.369 \end{array}}

for solar photovoltaic power, wind power, hydropower, and biomass power, respectively, ranked from best to worst. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the MCDM framework can change its parameters based on the relevant psychological characteristics and then establish a suitable system for decision making. The MCDM framework proposed in this study can provide investors with decision-making references and help governmental agencies formulate renewable energy policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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27 pages, 3946 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles by Mushrooms: A Crucial Dimension for Sustainable Soil Management

by Tamer Elsakhawy, Alaa El-Dein Omara, Mohamed Abowaly, Hassan El-Ramady, Khandsuren Badgar, Xhensila Llanaj, Gréta Törős, Peter Hajdú and József Prokisch

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4328; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074328 - 6 Apr 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 10330

Abstract

Soil is the main component in the agroecosystem besides water, microbial communities, and cultivated plants. Several problems face soil, including soil pollution, erosion, salinization, and degradation on a global level. Many approaches have been applied to overcome these issues, such as phyto-, bio-, [...] Read more.

Soil is the main component in the agroecosystem besides water, microbial communities, and cultivated plants. Several problems face soil, including soil pollution, erosion, salinization, and degradation on a global level. Many approaches have been applied to overcome these issues, such as phyto-, bio-, and nanoremediation through different soil management tools. Mushrooms can play a vital role in the soil through bio-nanoremediation, especially under the biological synthesis of nanoparticles, which could be used in the bioremediation process. This review focuses on the green synthesis of nanoparticles using mushrooms and the potential of bio-nanoremediation for polluted soils. The distinguished roles of mushrooms of soil improvement are considered a crucial dimension for sustainable soil management, which may include controlling soil erosion, improving soil aggregates, increasing soil organic matter content, enhancing the bioavailability of soil nutrients, and resorting to damaged and/or polluted soils. The field of bio-nanoremediation using mushrooms still requires further investigation, particularly regarding the sustainable management of soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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13 pages, 514 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impacts of Second Home and Visiting Friends and Relatives Tourism on Migration: A Conceptual Framework

by Sonia Ferrari

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074352 - 6 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5283

Abstract

What is the thread that unites tourism and migration? A review of existing literature suggests two forms of tourism linked to migration: visiting friends and relatives and second home tourism. Tourism related to visiting friends and relatives can be stimulated by migratory movements, [...] Read more.

What is the thread that unites tourism and migration? A review of existing literature suggests two forms of tourism linked to migration: visiting friends and relatives and second home tourism. Tourism related to visiting friends and relatives can be stimulated by migratory movements, and, in turn, gives rise to new migrations. Second home ownership, however, serves as the main connection between tourism and migration, promoting tourism that generates from or relates to current and past migrations. This exploratory study is based on a qualitative systematic literature review and focuses on the characteristics of second home and visiting friends and relatives-related tourism, and migration, in order to clarify little studied linkages among them that can affect tourism-related development. The study shows that many of the migration-led tourism segments reflect factors that may promote sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roots Tourism: A Sustainable Development Path?)

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27 pages, 5009 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Understanding the Urban Environment from Satellite Images with New Classification Method—Focusing on Formality and Informality

by Qianwei Cheng, Moinul Zaber, AKM Mahbubur Rahman, Haoran Zhang, Zhiling Guo, Akiko Okabe and Ryosuke Shibasaki

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4336; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074336 - 6 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6945

Abstract

Urbanization plays a critical role in changing the urban environment. Most developed countries have almost completed urbanization. However, with more and more people moving to cities, the urban environment in developing countries is undergoing significant changes. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significant [...] Read more.

Urbanization plays a critical role in changing the urban environment. Most developed countries have almost completed urbanization. However, with more and more people moving to cities, the urban environment in developing countries is undergoing significant changes. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significant changes in building, managing, and responding to changes in the urban environment. The classified measurement and analysis of the urban environment in developing countries and the real-time understanding of the evolution and characteristics of the urban environment are of great significance for decision-makers to manage and plan cities more effectively and maintain the sustainability of the urban environment. Hence, a method readily applicable for the state-of-the-art computational analysis can help conceive the rapidly changing urban socio-environmental dynamics that can make the policy-making process even more informative and help monitor the changes almost in real-time. Based on easily accessible data from Google Earth, this work develops and proposes a new urban environment classification method focusing on formality and informality. Firstly, the method gives a new model to scrutinize the urban environment based on the buildings and their surroundings. Secondly, the method is suited for the state-of-the-art machine learning processes that make it applicable and scalable for forecasting, analytics, or computational modeling. The paper first demonstrates the model and its applicability based on the urban environment in the developing world. The method divides the urban environment into 16 categories under four classes. Then it is used to draw the urban environment classes maps of the following emerging cities: Nairobi in Kenya, Mumbai in India, Guangzhou in China, Jakarta in Indonesia, Cairo in Egypt, and Lima in Chile. Then, we discuss the characteristics of different urban environments and the differences between the same class in different cities. We also demonstrate the agility of the proposed method by showing how this classification method can be easily augmented with other data such as population per square kilometer to aid the decision-making process. This mapping should help urban designers who are working on analyzing formality and informality in the developing world. Moreover, from the application point of view, this will provide training data sets for future deep learning algorithms and automate them, help establish databases, and significantly reduce the cost of acquiring data for urban environments that change over time. The method can become a necessary tool for decision-makers to plan sustainable urban spaces in the future to design and manage cities more effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big Data, Information and AI for Smart Urban)

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18 pages, 3434 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Legacy of Mercury Contamination from a Past Leather Manufacturer and Health Risk Assessment in an Urban Area (Pisa Municipality, Italy)

by Lisa Ghezzi, Simone Arrighi, Roberto Giannecchini, Monica Bini, Marta Valerio and Riccardo Petrini

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4367; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074367 - 6 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3498

Abstract

An abandoned open green space in the urban setting of the Municipality of Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) has been designed for renewal to foster the development of recreational activities and improve the lives of the surrounding communities. However, the geochemical site characterization revealed Pb, [...] Read more.

An abandoned open green space in the urban setting of the Municipality of Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) has been designed for renewal to foster the development of recreational activities and improve the lives of the surrounding communities. However, the geochemical site characterization revealed Pb, Cu, Zn and Hg concentrations in the soil exceeding the thresholds imposed by Italian regulations for residential use. Pb, Cu and Zn contents likely reflect the effects of urban vehicle traffic, while Hg contamination represents the legacy of a past artisanal tannery that used Hg(II)-chloride in leather processing in the mid-1900s. Mercury is widely distributed in the area, with the highest concentration in the uppermost soil layer, and reaching about 170 mg/kg in the common dandelion rhizosphere. Chemical extractions and thermal desorption experiments have indicated that most Hg is in the elemental free and matrix-bound fraction, with a possible minor amount (less than 4 wt%) of HgS and negligible methylated forms (0.1 wt%). The data suggest that soil processes could reduce Hg²⁺ to volatile Hg⁰. Mercury in groundwater, hosted in a shallow aquitard in the area, was below 0.2 µg/L. However, the presence of chloride in groundwater might result in the formation of Hg stable aqueous complexes, increasing Hg release from solids. Future water quality monitoring is hence recommended. The risk assessment highlighted that mercury in soil carries a risk of non-cancerous effects, in particular for children, posing the basis for management planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution in Urban Water and Soils)

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