Sustainability

21 pages, 3700 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Stated Preferences for Plant-Based and Cultured Meat: A Choice Experiment Study of Spanish Consumers

by Alfredo J. Escribano, Maria Belen Peña, Carlos Díaz-Caro, Ahmed Elghannam, Eva Crespo-Cebada and Francisco J. Mesías

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8235; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158235 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6658

Abstract

Meat production and consumption have been claimed to have negative impacts on the environment, and even on the consumer’s health. In this sense, alternative sources of protein, mainly meat substitutes and cultured meat, have emerged due to those perceived negative effects. Our paper [...] Read more.

Meat production and consumption have been claimed to have negative impacts on the environment, and even on the consumer’s health. In this sense, alternative sources of protein, mainly meat substitutes and cultured meat, have emerged due to those perceived negative effects. Our paper carries out a choice experiment to analyze the preferences of 444 Spanish consumers and their willingness to pay for plant-based and cultured meats, as compared to conventional meat. Spain was considered of interest for this study due to its significant gastronomic culture, with high-quality meat products that make a great contribution to the economy, meaning that this could be a suitable and also challenging market in which to test alternative sources of protein. The findings show that consumers’ motivations and their interactions with these products are complex. Additionally, a cluster analysis allowed us to identify three types of consumers in terms of preference for these products: price-sensitive millennials, conscious/concerned consumers, and indifferent consumers. Only one group showed some level of acceptance of these alternative products meats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Information about the Agri-Food Chain: Sustainability Perception and Consumer’s Behavior towards Food of Animal Origin)

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12 pages, 3303 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Superhydrophobicity and Durability in Recyclable Polymers Coating

by Francesca Cirisano and Michele Ferrari

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8244; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158244 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3071

Abstract

Highly hydrophobic and superhydrophobic materials obtained from recycled polymers represent an interesting challenge to recycle and reuse advanced performance materials after their first life. In this article, we present a simple and low-cost method to fabricate a superhydrophobic surface by employing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) [...] Read more.

Highly hydrophobic and superhydrophobic materials obtained from recycled polymers represent an interesting challenge to recycle and reuse advanced performance materials after their first life. In this article, we present a simple and low-cost method to fabricate a superhydrophobic surface by employing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder in polystyrene (PS) dispersion. With respect to the literature, the superhydrophobic surface (SHS) was prepared by utilizing a spray- coating technique at room temperature, a glass substrate without any further modification or thermal treatment, and which can be applied onto a large area and on to any type of material with some degree of fine control over the wettability properties. The prepared surface showed superhydrophobic behavior with a water contact angle (CA) of 170°; furthermore, the coating was characterized with different techniques, such as a 3D confocal profilometer, to measure the average roughness of the coating, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the surface morphology. In addition, the durability of SH coating was investigated by a long-water impact test (raining test), thermal treatment at high temperature, an abrasion test, and in acidic and alkaline environments. The present study may suggest an easy and scalable method to produce SHS PS/PTFE films that may find implementation in various fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainable Multifunctional Coatings)

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13 pages, 769 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cost of Extending the Farm Accountancy Data Network to the Farm Sustainability Data Network: Empirical Evidence

by Hans Vrolijk and Krijn Poppe

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158181 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3559

Abstract

The European Green Deal, its Farm to Fork strategy and Biodiversity strategy will set the scene for the future revisions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP will address an increasing set of objectives, including contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and [...] Read more.

The European Green Deal, its Farm to Fork strategy and Biodiversity strategy will set the scene for the future revisions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP will address an increasing set of objectives, including contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris climate agreement. To enable evidence-based policy making and monitoring, the Farm to Fork strategy proposes to extend the current monitoring system to include a broader range of sustainability issues. The current monitoring system called Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) has a strong focus on financial and economic data. The FADN is an instrument for monitoring and evaluation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy and collects bookkeeping results from 80,000 farms. The extension to a Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) should include a broader set of indicators on the sustainability performance of farms. This paper estimates the costs of collecting this broader set of sustainability indicators in the FSDN based on the experiences of a pilot in 9 member states and a survey among all member states. The results show that collecting the sustainability data from all farms included in FADN would increase the costs by about 40%. The results show large differences between countries depending on the current costs of data collection and the expected additional work to include sustainability indicators. Given the pressing need for these data, a scenario was developed where sustainability data are collected from a subsample of 15,000 farms. This can be achieved within current budget limits if the current FADN sample would be reduced from 85,000 to 75,000 farms. The discussion section addresses some concerns raised on the extension of FADN to FSDN such as: willingness of farmers, administrative burden, economic background of FADN and the quality of the data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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21 pages, 3049 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Toward the Sustainable Metropolis: The Challenge of Planning Regulation

by Nurit Alfasi and Talia Margalit

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8189; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158189 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4756

Abstract

Promoting urban sustainability and resilience is a demanding and challenging task. This paper focuses on the obstacles related to planning and regulation that stem from the structure of urban planning apparatuses and the substantial incompatibilities between them and common urban dynamics. Based on [...] Read more.

Promoting urban sustainability and resilience is a demanding and challenging task. This paper focuses on the obstacles related to planning and regulation that stem from the structure of urban planning apparatuses and the substantial incompatibilities between them and common urban dynamics. Based on case studies from Tel Aviv-Jaffa, whose urban structure and municipal management appear to support the vision of urban sustainability and resilience, this paper presents three types of obstacles and concludes with four major challenges. The first obstacle relates to keeping urban infrastructure updated according to new technologies and knowledge. The second involves acknowledging the unintended consequences of planning actions, particularly those engaged with “green” policies. The third refers to confronting entrenched urban structures and processes. The practical obstacles include awareness of the widening social and spatial gaps that may result from uneven sustainability and resilience adaptation; the importance of keeping “open minds” about the required adaptation of plans and facilities to new knowledge and technologies; awareness of the fact that big plans require prolonged processes, which likely means timely adaptation of programs and means; and the need to facilitate communication between urban and governmental bodies and prepare for frequent coordination and consultation in various combinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural, Legal and Political Dimensions of Public Norms in Sustainable Metropolitan Spaces)

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12 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Historical Ecology: A Robust Bridge between Archaeology and Ecology

by Carole L. Crumley

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8210; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158210 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7193

Abstract

How can the disintegration of ecosystems, the foundation of life on Earth, be halted and these critical systems be rehabilitated? For scholars, the action list is long: increase the pool of expertise by engaging all relevant knowledge communities, collect rapidly disappearing data, analyze [...] Read more.

How can the disintegration of ecosystems, the foundation of life on Earth, be halted and these critical systems be rehabilitated? For scholars, the action list is long: increase the pool of expertise by engaging all relevant knowledge communities, collect rapidly disappearing data, analyze with both familiar and new methods, and apply the results of actionable science to policy and practice. This enormously complex and urgent activity requires an integrated research framework with the flexibility to accommodate the global diversity of places, peoples, and processes and to examine future options. Based on evidence of environmental change and human activity, the framework termed historical ecology assembles tools to construct an evidence-validated, open-ended narrative of the evolution and transformation of specific ecosystems and landscapes. Welcoming knowledge from scholars and communities of both heritage and practice, this comprehensive and systemic understanding offers insights, models, and ideas for the durable future of contemporary landscapes. The article evaluates how practitioners could adjust aspects of practice and improve access to policy makers, and the discussion applies to regions and localities everywhere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Historical Ecology, Archaeology and Biocultural Landscapes: Cross-Disciplinary Approaches to the Long Anthropocene)

12 pages, 1651 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Leveraging the 4th Industrial Revolution Technology for Sustainable Development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR)—The Case Study of Autonomous Vessel

by Sung-Woo Lee, Jisung Jo and Sewon Kim

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158211 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3241

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology has been applied to various industrial areas not only to improve economic efficiency but also to obtain environmental and safety benefits. We paid attention to the unresolved issues of Arctic development to establish a balance between economic [...] Read more.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology has been applied to various industrial areas not only to improve economic efficiency but also to obtain environmental and safety benefits. We paid attention to the unresolved issues of Arctic development to establish a balance between economic feasibility and social values and suggest the 4IR technologies as the solution for this. The master concept of application of the 4IR technology to NSR sailing is presented. Further, we conducted a case study for autonomous vessels. A cost breakdown structure model is specified to compare the total costs of traditional and autonomous vessels. Then, we conducted scenario analysis to investigate the economic and social effects of autonomous vessels by season and route. The results show that autonomous vessels have economic benefits compared to the traditional vessel even in the winter season, and if we realize autonomous vessels in the NSR, there are more cost saving effects than in the Suez Canal Route (SCR) in any season. As for the environmental benefits, autonomous vessels have lower gas emissions and reduced water disposal compared to the traditional vessel. Further, autonomous vessels could be a solution to provide a better crew working environment by minimizing the number of people on board. The contribution of this research is that, first, we utilize real fuel oil consumption measurement data to estimate the voyage expenses, and, second, this is a novel attempt of applying the 4IR technology as a solution for the Arctic development issue. In this respect, this research is expected to serve as a cornerstone for future research, and it will help to establish Arctic development strategies in Arctic or non-Arctic countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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35 pages, 14115 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Circular Economy and Regenerative Sustainability in Emergency Housing: Eco-Efficient Prototype Design for Subaşi Refugee Camp in Turkey

by Pilar Mercader-Moyano, Paula Porras-Pereira and Carlos Levinton

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8100; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148100 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6542

Abstract

According to the most recent data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in 2020, 82.4 million people were forcibly displaced. In addition to this situation, in the developed world, building construction consumes 40% of the world’s material resources and primary energy, [...] Read more.

According to the most recent data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in 2020, 82.4 million people were forcibly displaced. In addition to this situation, in the developed world, building construction consumes 40% of the world’s material resources and primary energy, while the construction industry generates 35% of industrial waste and 40% of total global emissions. Therefore, the objective of the research is to propose an eco-efficient prototype for emergency housing, from the point of view of circular economy and regenerative sustainability, that can respond to situations of natural or humanitarian disasters. To achieve this, it will be necessary to identify the problem that must be answered and develop a theoretical model that will serve as a guide for future interventions of these characteristics. Finally, to verify the applicability of the developed protocol, a field work is executed in an unorganized settlement, Subaşi camp, located in Turkey. This research presents a novel prototype that could be used as an alternative to current emergency housing, not only responding adequately to the minimum standards of habitability, but also doing so in an eco-efficient, environmentally correct way and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals and circular economy established in the 2030 Agenda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Waste Materials in Construction)

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21 pages, 3002 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

From Sustainable Development Goals to Sustainable Cities: A Social Media Analysis for Policy-Making Decision

by Amal Marzouki, Arbi Chouikh, Sehl Mellouli and Rim Haddad

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8136; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158136 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6307

Abstract

The United Nations (UN) adopted the seventeen “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) in early September 2015. One of these goals is SDG 11, which refers to the sustainable cities and communities. In this context, local governments face the challenge of aligning with this objective. [...] Read more.

The United Nations (UN) adopted the seventeen “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) in early September 2015. One of these goals is SDG 11, which refers to the sustainable cities and communities. In this context, local governments face the challenge of aligning with this objective. As a result, they are increasing outreach to their organizational boundaries to involve citizens in policy making and strategy development, continually listening to citizens’ voices. One of the methods citizens use to express themselves is social media. This paper will emphasize social media platforms and specially Twitter to explore the public discourse about cities in the context of SDG 11. We applied descriptive quantitative and qualitative analysis to analyze the tweets that include terms and hashtags referring to the SDG 11. The data analysis process is composed of three major procedures: 1-Engagement analysis, 2-Trends based analysis and 3-Data Insights. Our results show that: 1-the COVID’19 pandemic negatively impacted users engagement towards SDG 11, 2-new technologies such AI and IoT are gaining more importance to help cities reach SDG 11, and 3-the SDGs are related and one SDG can impact other SDGs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Smart and Sustainable Cities: Emerging Technologies and Innovation for Digital-Era Governance and Long-Term Impacts)

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24 pages, 7386 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Meteorological and Hydrological Drought Analysis and Its Impact on Water Quality and Stream Integrity

by Subhasis Giri, Ashok Mishra, Zhen Zhang, Richard G. Lathrop and Ali O. Alnahit

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8175; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158175 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5953

Abstract

Rising temperature and shifting precipitation patterns due to climate change are likely to intensify droughts throughout the world. Understanding the drought characteristics of possible future scenarios under climate change requires verification of past drought events using appropriate drought indices. Consequently, this study investigates [...] Read more.

Rising temperature and shifting precipitation patterns due to climate change are likely to intensify droughts throughout the world. Understanding the drought characteristics of possible future scenarios under climate change requires verification of past drought events using appropriate drought indices. Consequently, this study investigates the application of two widely used drought indices, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and standardized streamflow index (SSI), to characterize historical droughts, drought trends, and their impact on water quality and stream integrity for a selected study basin in New Jersey. Results indicated that both SPI and SSI were able to identify historical drought events, including three drought emergency periods and the most recent drought-watch periods. A significant positive meteorological drought was observed at the western side of the basin, whilst a significant positive hydrological drought was found in the eastern side. The average pollutant concentration of drought periods were lesser than non-drought periods due to reduction of different processes, such as erosion and transport of sediment and nutrients into rivers and streams, during drought periods as opposed to non-drought periods. The findings from this study will serve to bolster the ongoing efforts to formulate better drought management strategies for future climate change in the Raritan Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Quality Management in the Changing Environment)

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7 pages, 193 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceEssay

What Does the Arctic’s Unstable Past Say about a Sustainable Future?

by Henry P. Huntington

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148067 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2188

Abstract

Visions for tomorrow’s Arctic include complementary and conflicting ideas such as sustainability, security, prosperity, biodiversity, Indigenous rights, and more. Implicit in many of these views is the assumption that the right combination of policy and action will create a stable configuration producing the [...] Read more.

Visions for tomorrow’s Arctic include complementary and conflicting ideas such as sustainability, security, prosperity, biodiversity, Indigenous rights, and more. Implicit in many of these views is the assumption that the right combination of policy and action will create a stable configuration producing the intended outcome for the foreseeable future. Even a cursory review of Arctic history, however, shows that economic, political, cultural, ecological, climatic, and other forms of stability are unlikely. Instead, the lessons of the past suggest that local and global factors will continue to interact to create high variability. Individual policies and institutions may help promote effective responses to that variability, but a commitment to enduring equity is necessary to foster long-term well-being for the Arctic and its peoples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Tomorrow’s Arctic)

20 pages, 5562 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Reusing Geopolymer Waste from Matrices Based on Metakaolin or Fly Ash for the Manufacture of New Binder Geopolymeric Matrices

by Rabii Hattaf, Abdelilah Aboulayt, Azzedine Samdi, Nouha Lahlou, Mohamed Ouazzani Touhami, Moussa Gomina and Redouane Moussa

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8070; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148070 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3831

Abstract

The increasing use of geopolymer materials in the construction and civil engineering sectors generates a large amount of non-biodegradable waste that will end up in landfills. It is therefore necessary to anticipate solutions for the proper management of this waste. In this work, [...] Read more.

The increasing use of geopolymer materials in the construction and civil engineering sectors generates a large amount of non-biodegradable waste that will end up in landfills. It is therefore necessary to anticipate solutions for the proper management of this waste. In this work, new geopolymer materials were fabricated by partially replacing the reactive raw minerals (fly ash, FA, or metakaolin, MK) with used geopolymers (fully fly ash-based, FAref, or metakaolin-based, MKref), in order to develop a strategy to reuse geopolymer waste. Their workability and setting behavior were studied in the fresh state, and the geopolymerization process was investigated by calorimetry and by electrochemistry. Mechanical properties and the ability for coating mineral aggregates were assessed, and the resulting adhesion properties were analyzed using matrix/sand mortars. It appears that the new geopolymer materials as well as the mortars are endowed with good performances. The compressive strengths are above 50 MPa and therefore meet the requirements of different construction materials. This demonstrates the recyclability of geopolymer materials. Moreover, an analysis of the influence of the substitution of recycled geopolymers on the setting and on the mechanical performances of mortars makes it possible to propose a binder-recycled geopolymer interaction model for the formation of new binding matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Construction Materials for Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 3881 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Recycled Asphalt Pavement Materials in Transport Pavement Infrastructure: Sustainability Analysis & Metrics

by Yunpeng Zhao, Dimitrios Goulias and Dominique Peterson

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8071; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148071 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 9275

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure is one of the largest consumers of natural materials. To improve the environmental quality and sustainable development of transportation infrastructure, it is important to implement sustainable strategies in pavement construction and rehabilitation. The use of recycled materials is a key element [...] Read more.

Transportation infrastructure is one of the largest consumers of natural materials. To improve the environmental quality and sustainable development of transportation infrastructure, it is important to implement sustainable strategies in pavement construction and rehabilitation. The use of recycled materials is a key element in generating sustainable pavement designs to save natural resources, reduce energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and costs. The objective of this study was to propose a methodology for assessing the environmental and economic life-cycle benefits when using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) materials in highway projects. Previous studies on life cycle analysis (LCA) using RAP focused on the economics and/or environmental impacts during the material production process. Thus, there is a need to consider sustainability analysis at all stages of construction and rehabilitation during the performance period of pavement structures. This study addresses this need with the proposed methodology. The suggested approach could be potentially implemented in a pavement management system (PMS) so as to introduce sustainability principles in optimizing alternative rehabilitation strategies. The methodology includes various steps for the analysis, starting with condition assessment of the existing highway, identifying alternative structural pavement designs, predicting service life, setting up alternative rehabilitation strategies, and conducting life cycle environmental and economic analysis. To demonstrate the value of the methodology, a comparative parametric study was conducted on two real case study projects representing actual field conditions for primary roads in Maryland. These case studies were used in order to quantify the economic savings and environmental benefits of using different levels of RAP in highway rehabilitation. The results of the analysis indicate that incorporating RAP in pavement rehabilitation can contribute substantially to cost savings and environmental impact reduction (e.g., greenhouse gas emission, energy, water, and hazardous waste). The benefits illustrated in this study are expected to encourage wide adoption of the proposed methodology and the use of recycled materials in highway construction and rehabilitation. The methodology is transferable where similar materials and highway construction techniques are used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycled Materials and Infrastructure Sustainability)

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17 pages, 574 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Preparing an Organization for Sustainability Transitions—The Making of Boundary Spanners through Design Training

by Anna Yström, Marine Agogué and Romain Rampa

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8073; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148073 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3373

Abstract

Organizations today need to adapt their operations for a more sustainable future, and the transition management literature has highlighted the need for individuals who can collaborate with others to find new paths forward. Essentially, these individuals are boundary spanners with specific skills and [...] Read more.

Organizations today need to adapt their operations for a more sustainable future, and the transition management literature has highlighted the need for individuals who can collaborate with others to find new paths forward. Essentially, these individuals are boundary spanners with specific skills and competences to bridge diverging perspectives and facilitate knowledge dissemination and integration. Such individuals become critical change agents in organizations and essential in preparing the organization for sustainability transitions. The purpose of this study is to explore how organizations can enable and encourage individuals to take on this role and develop the skills and competences needed to become boundary spanners. Based on a case study set in a large Canadian energy corporation striving to shift towards more sustainable operations, our paper explores the emergence of boundary spanners, focusing on the effects of a design training program in supporting such roles in the organization. Our findings outline essential characteristics of boundary spanners; through illustrative career trajectories of four individuals participating in the training program, we show how the training program contributed to the emergence of boundary spanners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)

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18 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Risk Handling Responsibilities in Tanzanian Project-Based Organisations

by Nyamagere Gladys Sospeter and Nicholas Chileshe

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8078; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148078 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3819

Abstract

Risk handling is one of the elements and essential parts of risk management when properly incorporated into a project. However, there is inadequate knowledge amongst the contractual parties on risk handling responsibilities in road projects, particularly in Sub-Saharan African developing countries. This study [...] Read more.

Risk handling is one of the elements and essential parts of risk management when properly incorporated into a project. However, there is inadequate knowledge amongst the contractual parties on risk handling responsibilities in road projects, particularly in Sub-Saharan African developing countries. This study is aimed at bridging that knowledge gap by investigating the perceptions of contractors and consultants on the risk handling responsibilities in road projects in Tanzania. The primary data were collected from 80 registered foreign and local civil contractors and engineering consultants based in Dar es Salaam. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for the data analysis. The results show that both contractors and consultants ranked safety project provision and ensuring quality provision in terms of construction as shared risk responsibilities among contractual parties. The findings further show that consultant-related risk responsibilities are: safety provision, the use of historical cost deviation, ensuring quality provision, and review of knowledge on budgeting. On the other hand, contractor-related risk responsibilities include: safety provision and ensuring quality provision. The findings of this study can be used by the practitioners and stakeholders as important lessons useful for controlling risks and making decisions when they intend to participate in such projects during the construction stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Management Trends in Project-Based Organizations)

19 pages, 1510 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Partnership of Citizen Science and Machine Learning: Benefits, Risks, and Future Challenges for Engagement, Data Collection, and Data Quality

by Maryam Lotfian, Jens Ingensand and Maria Antonia Brovelli

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8087; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148087 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 9512

Abstract

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the extension of citizen science to various scientific areas, as well as the generation of big citizen science data, are resulting in AI and citizen science being good partners, and their combination benefits both fields. The integration [...] Read more.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the extension of citizen science to various scientific areas, as well as the generation of big citizen science data, are resulting in AI and citizen science being good partners, and their combination benefits both fields. The integration of AI and citizen science has mostly been used in biodiversity projects, with the primary focus on using citizen science data to train machine learning (ML) algorithms for automatic species identification. In this article, we will look at how ML techniques can be used in citizen science and how they can influence volunteer engagement, data collection, and data validation. We reviewed several use cases from various domains and categorized them according to the ML technique used and the impact of ML on citizen science in each project. Furthermore, the benefits and risks of integrating ML in citizen science are explored, and some recommendations are provided on how to enhance the benefits while mitigating the risks of this integration. Finally, because this integration is still in its early phases, we have proposed some potential ideas and challenges that can be implemented in the future to leverage the power of the combination of citizen science and AI, with the key emphasis being on citizen science in this article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Citizen Science in Environmentally Oriented Social Science Research: Trends, Projects, and Innovative Technologies)

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19 pages, 1509 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Links between Climate Change Knowledge, Perception and Action: Impacts on Personal Carbon Footprint

by Emilio Chuvieco, Mario Burgui-Burgui, Anabel Orellano, Gonzalo Otón and Paloma Ruíz-Benito

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8088; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148088 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 8450

Abstract

The current understanding of determinants of climate action and mitigation behaviour is largely based on measures of climate change including concerns, attitudes and beliefs. However, few studies have shown the actual effects of external and internal drivers on citizens’ lifestyles related to climate [...] Read more.

The current understanding of determinants of climate action and mitigation behaviour is largely based on measures of climate change including concerns, attitudes and beliefs. However, few studies have shown the actual effects of external and internal drivers on citizens’ lifestyles related to climate change, particularly in terms of their carbon footprint (CF). A questionnaire (N = 845) assessing the impact of potential explanation factors for personal CF was carried out in Spain. The study showed the importance of better understanding the factors affecting citizen’s consumption and climate change mitigation policies. Internal factors were not very explicative. Knowledge was linked to clothing and perceived commitment to food, with both sectors being more directly linked to personal choices than other CF sections. Both accounted for 40% of personal emissions. Frequency of action was not shown to be significantly related to any CF section. External factors, such as income, level of studies, age and type of work, were found to be more important than internal drivers in explaining personal CF, particularly type of work, age and income, which were linked to all CF sectors but household energy. Sex was highly associated to clothing, but also significant for transport. Political orientation was not found to be linked to any section of personal CF. Full article

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

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21 pages, 2840 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainability Opportunities for Mediterranean Food Products through New Formulations Based on Carob Flour (Ceratonia siliqua L.)

by Manel Issaoui, Guido Flamini and Amélia Delgado

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8026; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148026 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5344

Abstract

Carob flour is increasingly popular in innovative functional foods. Its main producers are Mediterranean countries, facing health and nutrition challenges, and difficulties in tackling climate change. This study aims at formulating innovative sustainable bakery products of high nutritional value while pleasing the consumer [...] Read more.

Carob flour is increasingly popular in innovative functional foods. Its main producers are Mediterranean countries, facing health and nutrition challenges, and difficulties in tackling climate change. This study aims at formulating innovative sustainable bakery products of high nutritional value while pleasing the consumer and addressing regional challenges. Hence, carob flour was obtained by grinding sun-dried carob pods, thus reducing the environmental impact, and preserving carob’s high nutraceutical value. Different bread formulations resulted from the blend of wheat flour with carob pulp (5, 10, 20, and 30%) and/or seed powder (5 and 10%), with no added fats, additives, or processing aids. New products were evaluated for their textural, chromatic, nutritional, aromatic, and hedonic properties. Carob is rich in aroma, antioxidants, and prebiotic fibers, and does not contain gluten, so when combined with wheat, the proportion of gluten in bread is reduced. Carob is also rich in minerals (4.16% and 2.00% ash, respectively in seed and pulp), and breadmaking seems to generate lesser furane derivatives than in white bread. In short, carob is typically Mediterranean and is a valuable local resource in the formulation of sustainable foods with high nutritional value, low carbon footprint, safe, healthy, tasty, and affordable, all at once. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food Systems and Circular Bioeconomy)

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23 pages, 3386 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impact of Information Sources on Promoting Tourism in a Rural Region: The Case of the Roman Villa of Noheda

by Nuria Huete-Alcocer and Miguel Ángel Valero-Tévar

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8038; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148038 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the tools provided by the internet (social networks, websites, etc.) and traditional media (television, newspapers, word of mouth, etc.) in terms of their impact on the promotion of a tourism resource in a rural area: the [...] Read more.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the tools provided by the internet (social networks, websites, etc.) and traditional media (television, newspapers, word of mouth, etc.) in terms of their impact on the promotion of a tourism resource in a rural area: the Roman villa of Noheda (Cuenca). Both of the aforementioned sources of information play a relevant role in promoting such archaeological destinations and influencing tourists’ decision-making when planning their visit. The literature suggests that social networks as well as other electronic channels can attract large numbers of tourists; however, this has not happened in the case of the archaeological site under study. It has become known through coverage in more traditional media such as television and the national and international press. Knowledge of the use of internet tools to promote these heritage sites is still very limited; thus, this study collected information through a questionnaire on the different sources of information (traditional and online) that tourists used when deciding to visit this site. An ANOVA analysis has been used to determine the relationship between the different sources of information and the place of residence and between said information sources and the overnight stays near Noheda. The results point to strategies that can be developed to promote these cultural resources in order to achieve the economic development of rural regions such as the Alcarria of Cuenca. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)

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18 pages, 20620 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A BERT-Based Multi-Criteria Recommender System for Hotel Promotion Management

by Yuanyuan Zhuang and Jaekyeong Kim

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148039 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6307

Abstract

Numerous reviews are posted every day on travel information sharing platforms and sites. Hotels want to develop a customer recommender system to quickly and effectively identify potential target customers. TripAdvisor, the travel website that provided the data used in this study, allows customers [...] Read more.

Numerous reviews are posted every day on travel information sharing platforms and sites. Hotels want to develop a customer recommender system to quickly and effectively identify potential target customers. TripAdvisor, the travel website that provided the data used in this study, allows customers to rate the hotel based on six criteria: Value, Service, Location, Room, Cleanliness, and Sleep Quality. Existing studies classify reviews into positive, negative, and neutral by extracting sentiment terms through simple sentimental analysis. However, this method has limitations in that it does not consider various aspects of hotels well. Therefore, this study performs fine-tuning the BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) model using review data with rating labels on the TripAdvisor site. This study suggests a multi-criteria recommender system to recommend a suitable target customers for the hotel. As the rating values of six criteria of TripAdvisor are insufficient, the proposed recommender system uses fine-tuned BERT to predict six criteria ratings. Based on this predicted ratings, a multi-criteria recommender system recommends personalized Top-N customers for each hotel. The performance of the multi-criteria recommender system suggested in this study is better than that of the benchmark system, a single-criteria recommender system using overall ratings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of New Technologies in Tourism Activities)

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19 pages, 2451 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Building Cohesive Teams—The Role of Leaders’ Bottom-Line Mentality and Behavior

by Katrin Riisla, Hein Wendt, Mayowa T. Babalola and Martin Euwema

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8047; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148047 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 23487

Abstract

Team cohesiveness plays a crucial role in effective teamwork, innovation, and improved performance, and as such, its development among team members is an essential part of team management. However, it may be disregarded by leaders with a high bottom-line mentality (BLM; a single-minded [...] Read more.

Team cohesiveness plays a crucial role in effective teamwork, innovation, and improved performance, and as such, its development among team members is an essential part of team management. However, it may be disregarded by leaders with a high bottom-line mentality (BLM; a single-minded focus on the bottom line at the expense of other values or priorities). These leaders may show little interest in other priorities, such as ethical, social, or environmental considerations, and may be tempted to push their followers to go above and beyond what is expected, even if it means bending the rules, cutting corners, or engaging in other ethically problematic behaviors. We argue that although a team leader’s BLM may motivate followers to come together around the pursuit of a common goal, it may come at the expense of nurturing healthy interpersonal relationships, trust, and other important social resources within the team. Specifically, we argue that the way leaders with a high BLM approach their goals may affect team cohesiveness, and that it is particularly negative for female leaders. Using a large multi-national study, we found that this happens through increased directive and lowered participative leader behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Employee Management)

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12 pages, 5988 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Nature: Does Green Infrastructure Relate to the Cultural and Creative Vitality of European Cities?

by Vishal Kumar and Aude Vuilliomenet

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8052; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148052 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4969

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic severely upended cultural and creative production, consumption, and interactions in cities. Open green spaces, parks, forests, and gardens—green infrastructure—were instead utilized by citizens as a substitute for stimulating social interactions, sustainable tourism, and green growth. (1) The purpose of this [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely upended cultural and creative production, consumption, and interactions in cities. Open green spaces, parks, forests, and gardens—green infrastructure—were instead utilized by citizens as a substitute for stimulating social interactions, sustainable tourism, and green growth. (1) The purpose of this research is to understand whether the availability of green infrastructure relates to the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor (CCCM) benchmarking project developed by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission performance. Does new evidence suggest revising the CCCM conceptual framework and related urban policies, especially in relation to the EU Green Deal? (2) Data from OpenStreetMap was used to count the amount of green infrastructure in 184 European Cities covered by the CCM and was then correlated with the sub-indices of the CCCM. (3) We found a moderately positive correlation of green infrastructure with the cultural vibrancy of a city and a weak positive correlation with the enabling environment of a city. (4) In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU Green Deal and several other policy initiatives aimed at urban greening, we recommend that the CCCM include an Urban Nature sub-index as one of the performance indicators of the CCCM. An Urban Nature sub-index will broaden the goal of the CCCM by providing policymakers with a better understanding of actions and strategies to allow culture to contribute to social inclusion and green growth strategies in cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural, Creative and Sustainable Cities)

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28 pages, 3686 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Contributions of Smart City Solutions and Technologies to Resilience against the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

by Ayyoob Sharifi, Amir Reza Khavarian-Garmsir and Rama Krishna Reddy Kummitha

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148018 - 18 Jul 2021

Cited by 162 | Viewed by 15888

Abstract

Since its emergence in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has swept through many cities around the world, claiming millions of lives and causing major socio-economic impacts. The pandemic occurred at an important historical juncture when smart solutions and technologies have become ubiquitous in [...] Read more.

Since its emergence in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has swept through many cities around the world, claiming millions of lives and causing major socio-economic impacts. The pandemic occurred at an important historical juncture when smart solutions and technologies have become ubiquitous in many cities. Against this background, in this review, we examine how smart city solutions and technologies have contributed to resilience by enhancing planning, absorption, recovery, and adaptation abilities. For this purpose, we reviewed 147 studies that have discussed issues related to the use of smart solutions and technologies during the pandemic. The results were synthesized under four themes, namely, planning and preparation, absorption, recovery, and adaptation. This review shows that investment in smart city initiatives can enhance the planning and preparation ability. In addition, the adoption of smart solutions and technologies can, among other things, enhance the capacity of cities to predict pandemic patterns, facilitate an integrated and timely response, minimize or postpone transmission of the virus, provide support to overstretched sectors, minimize supply chain disruption, ensure continuity of basic services, and offer solutions for optimizing city operations. These are promising results that demonstrate the utility of smart solutions for enhancing resilience. However, it should be noted that realizing this potential hinges on careful attention to important issues and challenges related to privacy and security, access to open-source data, technological affordance, legal barriers, technological feasibility, and citizen engagement. Despite this, this review shows that further development of smart city initiatives can provide unprecedented opportunities for enhancing resilience to the pandemic and similar future events. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2675 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Adoption of Satellite Offices in Response to a Pandemic: Sustainability and Infection Control

by Seungbeom Kim, Yooneun Lee and Byungchul Choi

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8008; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148008 - 17 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4917

Abstract

The office environment has changed rapidly due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Companies consider various types of remote work environments to contain the spread of the virus. Among them, a satellite office is a type of remote work environment where a number of [...] Read more.

The office environment has changed rapidly due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Companies consider various types of remote work environments to contain the spread of the virus. Among them, a satellite office is a type of remote work environment where a number of employees are allocated to their nearest office. The benefits from satellite offices are twofold: The significant reduction of travel distance also reduces the amount of carbon emission and fuel consumption. In addition, dividing employees into smaller groups significantly reduces the potential risks of infection in the office. This paper addresses a satellite office allocation problem that considers social and environmental sustainability and infection control at work. In order to evaluate the effect of different satellite office allocation, quantitative measures are developed for the following three criteria: carbon emission, fuel consumption, and the probability of infection occurrence at work. Simulation experiments are conducted to investigate different scenarios of regional infection rate and modes of transportation. The results show that adopting satellite offices not only reduces carbon emission and fuel consumption, but also mitigates business disruption in the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Facilities Management and Sustainable Development)

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15 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of Tunnel Technology on Crop Productivity and Livelihood of Smallholder Farmers in Nepal

by Diwakar KC, Dinesh Jamarkattel, Tek Maraseni, Dilip Nandwani and Pratibha Karki

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7935; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147935 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6675

Abstract

Technologies-based production practices are critical for agricultural growth and sustainable development in low-income countries like Nepal. In the last few years, tunnel house has been increasingly promoted as tools to enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihood and tackle climate adversaries. However, little is known about [...] Read more.

Technologies-based production practices are critical for agricultural growth and sustainable development in low-income countries like Nepal. In the last few years, tunnel house has been increasingly promoted as tools to enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihood and tackle climate adversaries. However, little is known about what factor determines its adoption and whether it helps smallholders adapt to climate change and experience better livelihood. We address these gaps using the cross-sectional survey data collected from 62 adopters and 92 non-adopters in three municipalities of Bagmati Province. We employed descriptive analysis and probit model and found out that age, farm size, and ethnicity strongly influence the technology adoption amongst smallholder farmers. Additionally, treatment model and ordinary least square (OLS) regression were utilized to examine tunnel technology’s effect. Our study shows that tunnel significantly increases production by 32 tons/year/hectare and protects crops from climate change effects such as heavy rainfall and temperature change. Likewise, tunnel technology increases the net crop income by $1700/year/hectare. However, the economic benefit is not substantial compared to technology’s adoption cost as adopters incur enormous costs of $12,000/year/hectare on equipment, labor and resources. These results suggest policymakers should concentrate on reducing the technology’s cost, which could be achieved through subsidies, financial support, or price control mechanisms. Ensuring technology’s affordability can contribute to smallholder farmers’ sustainable livelihood in Nepal and countries with similar contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Agricultural Economics and Sustainable Food Consumption)

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21 pages, 3090 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis: Two Under-Utilized Tools for Informing E-Waste Management

by Sohani Vihanga Withanage and Komal Habib

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147939 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 10257

Abstract

The unprecedented technological development and economic growth over the past two decades has resulted in streams of rapidly growing electronic waste (e-waste) around the world. As the potential source of secondary raw materials including precious and critical materials, e-waste has recently gained significant [...] Read more.

The unprecedented technological development and economic growth over the past two decades has resulted in streams of rapidly growing electronic waste (e-waste) around the world. As the potential source of secondary raw materials including precious and critical materials, e-waste has recently gained significant attention across the board, ranging from governments and industry, to academia and civil society organizations. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the last decade of e-waste literature followed by an in-depth analysis of the application of material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), i.e., two less commonly used strategic tools to guide the relevant stakeholders in efficient management of e-waste. Through a keyword search on two main online search databases, Scopus and Web of Science, 1835 peer-reviewed publications were selected and subjected to a bibliographic network analysis to identify and visualize major research themes across the selected literature. The selected 1835 studies were classified into ten different categories based on research area, such as environmental and human health impacts, recycling and recovery technologies, associated social aspects, etc. With this selected literature in mind, the review process revealed the two least explored research areas over the past decade: MFA and LCA with 33 and 31 studies, respectively. A further in-depth analysis was conducted for these two areas regarding their application to various systems with numerous scopes and different stages of e-waste life cycle. The study provides a detailed discussion regarding their applicability, and highlights challenges and opportunities for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste Management)

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25 pages, 5844 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Development of an Integrated Design Strategy for Blue-Green Architecture

by Friederike Well and Ferdinand Ludwig

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7944; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147944 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6429

Abstract

Blue-green architecture entails buildings that contribute to improving the urban climate through the synergetic combination of water management and vegetation. They are part of an urban blue-green infrastructure network that combines ecosystem services in a multifunctional way. Projects implemented in an interdisciplinary manner [...] Read more.

Blue-green architecture entails buildings that contribute to improving the urban climate through the synergetic combination of water management and vegetation. They are part of an urban blue-green infrastructure network that combines ecosystem services in a multifunctional way. Projects implemented in an interdisciplinary manner create synergies with regard to the combination of water-related and vegetation-related objectives. However, applicable design strategies for this approach are currently lacking in practice. This paper investigates the approach of a blue-green architectural project in Stuttgart (the so called “Impulse Project”) and derives insights for an integrated design strategy. The analysis and transfer of the research is carried out by using the research by design methodology. For this purpose, the interdisciplinary design process is divided into three phases (pre-design, design, post-design) and described in detail. Reflection on the documented design reveals the knowledge gained and enables the transfer of the findings to future projects by means of the integrated design strategy for blue-green architecture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI): Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being)

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16 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainable Tourism Product Development: An Application of Product Design Concepts

by Marco Haid and Julia N. Albrecht

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147957 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 14278

Abstract

This study examines sustainable tourism products in tourism destinations. Based on concepts of sustainable product design, our study proposes a framework for sustainable tourism products by adapting an existing Design for Sustainability Framework to consider and analyze the characteristics and themes of sustainable [...] Read more.

This study examines sustainable tourism products in tourism destinations. Based on concepts of sustainable product design, our study proposes a framework for sustainable tourism products by adapting an existing Design for Sustainability Framework to consider and analyze the characteristics and themes of sustainable (tourism) products as well as their impact and scope. Using a pragmatic qualitative approach, 15 semi-structured interviews with destination managers from the German-speaking Alpine region formed the empirical basis of the study. The results emphasize key themes and multiple characteristics associated with sustainable tourism products in tourist destinations, addressing all sustainability components and design innovation levels. This study is the first to apply existing sustainable product design concepts to destination contexts and discuss their applicability for sustainable tourism products. For practitioners, this study provides support for the development of sustainable tourism products and contributes to a better understanding of the effects and levels of these products as well as sustainability marketing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product Development for Sustainable Tourism)

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21 pages, 783 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Socially Responsible HRM on Organizational Citizenship Behavior for the Environment: A Proactive Motivation Model

by Junqian He and Hyosun Kim

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7958; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147958 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6549

Abstract

Many organizations face the important challenges of motivating employees effectively to participate in corporate social responsibility initiatives and maintaining socially responsible human resource management practices. We examine whether socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) practices can affect employees’ social responsibility-related behaviors, such as [...] Read more.

Many organizations face the important challenges of motivating employees effectively to participate in corporate social responsibility initiatives and maintaining socially responsible human resource management practices. We examine whether socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) practices can affect employees’ social responsibility-related behaviors, such as organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE). Based on proactive motivation theory, we propose a multiple-mediation model, selecting moral efficacy, felt obligation, and empathy as the mediators. We analyzed data from a sample of 535 employees from 23 manufacturing companies in China. The results show that SRHRM practices have a significant positive effect on OCBE. We also found that moral efficacy, felt obligation, and empathy significantly mediate the effect of SRHRM practices on OCBE and that there is no significant difference among the three mediation paths. Our study suggests that organizational pursuit of the socially responsible human resource management practices is an effective pathway to make employees feel more responsible toward global sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Human Resources Management)

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32 pages, 7950 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Infrastructure Elements for Smart Campuses: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Temitope Omotayo, Alireza Moghayedi, Bankole Awuzie and Saheed Ajayi

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7960; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147960 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5293

Abstract

Sustainable development can be attained at a microlevel and having smart campuses around the world presents an opportunity to achieve city-wide smartness. In the process of attaining smartness on campuses, the elements requiring attention must be investigated. There are many publications on smart [...] Read more.

Sustainable development can be attained at a microlevel and having smart campuses around the world presents an opportunity to achieve city-wide smartness. In the process of attaining smartness on campuses, the elements requiring attention must be investigated. There are many publications on smart campuses, and this investigation used the bibliometric analysis method to identify such publications produced over the last decade. A matrix of 578 nodes and 3217 edges was developed from 285 publications on smart campus construction and procurement. Fifteen cluster themes were produced from the bibliometric analysis. The findings revealed that China contributed 48.4% of all published articles on the smart campus. The findings presented a framework from the cluster themes under the four broad infrastructure areas of building construction or repurposing, technology and IT network, continuous improvement, and smart learning and teaching management. The implications of the findings identified that IT project management, traditional procurement strategy, and standard forms of contracts such as the New Engineering Contract (NEC) and the Joint Contract Tribunal (JCT) are applicable in the procurement of smart cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart City Development and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 4733 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Changes in Passengers’ Travel Behavior Due to COVID-19

by Dong-Gyun Ku, Jung-Sik Um, Young-Ji Byon, Joo-Young Kim and Seung-Jae Lee

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147974 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5610

Abstract

The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 has changed the way people travel due to its highly contagious nature. In this study, changes in the travel behavior of passengers due to COVID-19 in the first half of 2020 were examined. To determine whether COVID-19 has [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 has changed the way people travel due to its highly contagious nature. In this study, changes in the travel behavior of passengers due to COVID-19 in the first half of 2020 were examined. To determine whether COVID-19 has affected the use of transportation by passengers, paired t-tests were conducted between the passenger volume of private vehicles in Seoul prior to and after the pandemic. Additionally, the passenger occupancy rate of different modes of transportation during the similar time periods were compared and analyzed to identify the changes in monthly usage rate for each mode. In the case of private vehicles and public bicycles, the usage rates have recovered or increased when compared to those of before the pandemic. Conversely, bus and rail passenger service rates have decreased from the previous year before the pandemic. Furthermore, it is found that existing bus and rail users have switched to the private auto mode due to COVID-19. Based on the results, traffic patterns of travelers after the outbreak and implications responding to the pandemic are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Behavior Research and Sustainable Urban and Transportation Planning)

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23 pages, 10794 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Lattice Boltzmann Method in Modeling Biofilm Formation, Growth and Detachment

by Mojtaba Aghajani Delavar and Junye Wang

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7968; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147968 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4608

Abstract

Biofilms are a complex and heterogeneous aggregation of multiple populations of microorganisms linked together by their excretion of extracellular polymer substances (EPS). Biofilms can cause many serious problems, such as chronic infections, food contamination and equipment corrosion, although they can be useful for [...] Read more.

Biofilms are a complex and heterogeneous aggregation of multiple populations of microorganisms linked together by their excretion of extracellular polymer substances (EPS). Biofilms can cause many serious problems, such as chronic infections, food contamination and equipment corrosion, although they can be useful for constructive purposes, such as in wastewater treatment, heavy metal removal from hazardous waste sites, biofuel production, power generation through microbial fuel cells and microbially enhanced oil recovery; however, biofilm formation and growth are complex due to interactions among physicochemical and biological processes under operational and environmental conditions. Advanced numerical modeling techniques using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) are enabling the prediction of biofilm formation and growth and microbial community structures. This study is the first attempt to perform a general review on major contributions to LBM-based biofilm models, ranging from pioneering efforts to more recent progress. We present our understanding of the modeling of biofilm formation, growth and detachment using LBM-based models and present the fundamental aspects of various LBM-based biofilm models. We describe how the LBM couples with cellular automata (CA) and individual-based model (IbM) approaches and discuss their applications in assessing the spatiotemporal distribution of biofilms and their associated parameters and evaluating bioconversion efficiency. Finally, we discuss the main features and drawbacks of LBM-based biofilm models from ecological and biotechnological perspectives and identify current knowledge gaps and future research priorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater Based Microbial Biorefinery for Bioenergy Production)

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18 pages, 1449 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Economic Viability and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Budget of the Biomethane Retrofit of Manure-Operated Biogas Plants: A Case Study from Piedmont, Italy

by Alessandro Casasso, Marta Puleo, Deborah Panepinto and Mariachiara Zanetti

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7979; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147979 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3836

Abstract

The management of livestock manures and slurries noticeably improved since the massive introduction of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in Italy and other European Union (EU) countries. However, these plants heavily rely on incentives, and the recent switch of European biogas policies from electricity [...] Read more.

The management of livestock manures and slurries noticeably improved since the massive introduction of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in Italy and other European Union (EU) countries. However, these plants heavily rely on incentives, and the recent switch of European biogas policies from electricity to biomethane potentially threatens the economic viability of manure AD. In this study, three retrofit options are analyzed for an installation in Piedmont (NW Italy) that is currently producing 999 kW_el through combined heat and power (CHP). The techno-economic feasibility and the greenhouse gas (GHG) budget is analyzed for each solution. Results show that exploiting current incentives on electricity is vital to fund the retrofit of CHP plants to biomethane. Energy crop and electricity prices, the sale price of biomethane certificates after the end of incentives, and biogas productivity are the critical parameters for the economic profitability of manure AD plants, along with the possibility to deliver biomethane directly to the pipeline grid. This study provides insight to the reconversion of manure AD plants, addressing issues that affect hundreds of installations in Italy and other EU countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Biogas, Potential Benefits and Challenges)

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22 pages, 10567 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Role of Embodied Carbon Databases in the Accuracy of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Calculations for the Embodied Carbon of Buildings

by Golnaz Mohebbi, Ali Bahadori-Jahromi, Marco Ferri and Anastasia Mylona

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7988; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147988 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6950

Abstract

Studies conducted by major national and international scientific bodies have indisputably concluded that the increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) since the mid-20th century has led to irreversible changes in the climate. Data has shown that the contribution of the building sector [...] Read more.

Studies conducted by major national and international scientific bodies have indisputably concluded that the increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) since the mid-20th century has led to irreversible changes in the climate. Data has shown that the contribution of the building sector accounts for 39% of these emissions. Reducing GHG emissions associated with the construction phase of buildings, or embodied carbon (EC), will prevent GHG emissions from entering the atmosphere earlier, reducing the negative impacts. However, to achieve any meaningful reduction, there is a need for consistency and accuracy in the calculations. The accuracy of these calculations is primarily tied to the accuracy of embodied carbon factors (ECF) used in the calculations, values determining the environmental impact of a product or procedure per unit weight. The emissions of any product can be calculated by performing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). While the requirements for carrying out an LCA have been standardised in ISO14044, the lack of a definitive national ECF database in the UK means that EC calculations can vary drastically based on the chosen database. An LCA has been carried out on a standard Lidl supermarket design within the A1–A3 boundary. For the calculation, the ECFs were sourced from two different databases, using the GHG conversion factor data published in 2020 by the UK Department of Energy & Climate Change and data published in 2019 by the Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE). The latter is currently accepted as the most consistent database for carbon factors in the UK. This study showed that using a more detailed database compared to using a more general database could result in a 35.2% reduction of embodied carbon, while using more detailed data from a single database can reduce it by a further 5.5%. It is necessary to establish the most accurate baseline for embodied carbon so that any carbon reduction attempts can be as effective as possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Carbon Emissions and Their Impact on the Climate Change)

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15 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Date Labels and Freshness Indicators on Food Waste Patterns in the United States and the United Kingdom

by Carter Weis, Anjali Narang, Bradley Rickard and Diogo M. Souza-Monteiro

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7897; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147897 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7732

Abstract

To meet the target for Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, household food waste will need to be reduced by at least 284 million tonnes globally by 2030. American and British households waste a significant amount of food, and date labels are considered to be [...] Read more.

To meet the target for Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, household food waste will need to be reduced by at least 284 million tonnes globally by 2030. American and British households waste a significant amount of food, and date labels are considered to be a contributor to this situation. Using a split-plot experimental design implemented on a survey administered to a convenience sample of UK and US consumers, we aimed to determine how different types of date labels and freshness indicators affect the stated likelihoods of discarding 15 foods. We find that not all date labels would lead to reductions in waste, and that semantics matter. Overall, the likelihood to waste across products was similar between the US and the UK; however, American consumers showed a larger response to the additional information provided by the freshness indicators. Our results shed new light on the ongoing policy debate related to national strategies for simplifying and harmonizing the use of date labels for packaged foods, as well as the potential effects from the use of freshness indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue National Food Loss and Waste Prevention Strategies and Monitoring Approaches—an Interdisciplinary Challenge for Decision Makers, Researchers and Practice)

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23 pages, 3492 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mobility Trends before and after the Pandemic Outbreak: Analyzing the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona through the Lens of Equality and Sustainability

by Lucía Mejía-Dorantes, Lídia Montero and Jaume Barceló

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7908; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147908 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5539

Abstract

The spatial arrangement of a metropolis is of utmost importance to carry out daily activities, which are constrained by space and time. Accessibility is not only shaped by the spatial and temporal dimension, but it is also defined by individual characteristics, such as [...] Read more.

The spatial arrangement of a metropolis is of utmost importance to carry out daily activities, which are constrained by space and time. Accessibility is not only shaped by the spatial and temporal dimension, but it is also defined by individual characteristics, such as gender, impairments, or socioeconomic characteristics of the citizens living or commuting in this area. This study analyzes mobility trends and patterns in the metropolitan area of Barcelona before and after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, with special emphasis on gender and equality. The study draws on multiple sources of information; however, two main datasets are analyzed: two traditional travel surveys from the transport metropolitan area of Barcelona and two coming from smartphone data. The results show that gender plays a relevant role when analyzing mobility patterns, as already highlighted in other studies, but, after the pandemic outbreak, some population groups were more likely to change their mobility patterns, for example, highly educated population groups and those with higher income. This study also highlights that e-activities may shape new mobility patterns and living conditions for some population segments, but some activities cannot be replaced by IT technologies. For all these reasons, city and transport planning should foster sustainable development policies, which will provide the maximum benefit for society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ensuring Sustainable Development at the Light of New Mobility Trends and Challenges)

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21 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Canada as a Case Study for Balanced Presentation to Address Controversy on Emission Reduction Policies

by Robert V. Parsons

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7909; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147909 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3228

Abstract

Controversy is common on environmental issues, with carbon taxation in Canada a current example. This paper uses Canada as a case study for analysis based around balanced presentation, a technique developed some time ago, yet largely forgotten. Using the method, analysis is shifted [...] Read more.

Controversy is common on environmental issues, with carbon taxation in Canada a current example. This paper uses Canada as a case study for analysis based around balanced presentation, a technique developed some time ago, yet largely forgotten. Using the method, analysis is shifted away from the point of controversy to a broader quantitative question, with comparative data employed from official government sources. Simple quantitative analysis is applied to evaluate emission trends of individual Canadian provinces, with quantitative metrics to identify and confirm the application of relevant emission reduction policies by individual jurisdictions. From 2005 through 2019, three provinces show consistent downward emission trends, two show consistent upward trends, and the remaining five have no trends, showing relatively “flat” profiles. The results clarify, in terms of diverse emission reduction policies, where successes have occurred, and where deficiencies or ambiguities have existed. Neither carbon taxation nor related cap-and-trade show any association with long-term reductions in overall emissions. One policy does stand out as being associated with long-term reductions, namely grid decarbonization. The results suggest a possible need within Canada to rethink emission reduction policies. The method may be relevant as a model for other countries to consider as well. Full article

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

13 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exergames to Prevent the Secondary Functional Deterioration of Older Adults during Hospitalization and Isolation Periods during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ana Isabel Corregidor-Sánchez, Begoña Polonio-López, José Luis Martin-Conty, Marta Rodríguez-Hernández, Laura Mordillo-Mateos, Santiago Schez-Sobrino and Juan José Criado-Álvarez

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147932 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4273

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an intense impact on the functional capacity of older adults, making them more vulnerable to frailty and dependency. The development of preventive and rehabilitative measures which counteract the consequences of confinement or hospitalization is an urgent need. Exergaming [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an intense impact on the functional capacity of older adults, making them more vulnerable to frailty and dependency. The development of preventive and rehabilitative measures which counteract the consequences of confinement or hospitalization is an urgent need. Exergaming can promote physical activity, prevent falls, and maintain functional and cognitive capacity. However, although the use of exergames in health programs for the elderly is promising, their widespread use should not be considered without the supervision of a social health professional. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate and analyze three video game consoles (Nintendo Wii^®, Xbox-Kinect^® and Play Station 4^®) and 26 commercial exergames with the aim of identifying their usefulness for the prevention of functional deterioration. Three occupational therapists analyzed the data independently, and subsequently agreed on the results. The examination of the commercial consoles met three criteria: components, interaction channels and the type of the exergame. Each exergame was analyzed taking into account its ability to train postural control, balance, upper limb functionality and cognitive function. The results of the evaluation showed that exergames contain game activities that can be part of the rehabilitative treatment aimed at the prevention of the functional impairment of older people affected by COVID. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Technology and Elderly Life)

36 pages, 14013 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

An Overview of Bioplastic Research on Its Relation to National Policies

by Ricard Garrido, Luisa F. Cabeza and Victor Falguera

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7848; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147848 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 10012

Abstract

There is an increasing concern about fossil energy and products derived from it. The plastic industry depends on oil, and produced plastics cannot degrade naturally. An alternative to plastics from oil is the use of bioplastics, which can be degradable. The bibliometric study [...] Read more.

There is an increasing concern about fossil energy and products derived from it. The plastic industry depends on oil, and produced plastics cannot degrade naturally. An alternative to plastics from oil is the use of bioplastics, which can be degradable. The bibliometric study of the publications related to bioplastics carried out in this paper shows that research on this topic is growing both in developed (USA, European Union, and Canada) and in developing countries (China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia), mostly following the implementation of bioeconomy standards and labels by their governments. The main authors and the collaborations they have worldwide are also presented here. The research carried out in this paper is not only devoted to technological aspects but also to economic aspects and inhabitant ratios. Trends in publications, by country and authors, are analyzed. Finally, this paper also studies the countries governmental policies and how they impact the bioplastic field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Resource Utilization in Global Economics Background: Outlook and Challenges)

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26 pages, 512 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Socioeconomic Welfare of Urban Green Areas and Parks; A Literature Review of Available Evidence

by Antonios Kolimenakis, Alexandra D. Solomou, Nikolaos Proutsos, Evangelia V. Avramidou, Evangelia Korakaki, Georgios Karetsos, Georgios Maroulis, Eleftherios Papagiannis and Konstantinia Tsagkari

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7863; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147863 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8722

Abstract

Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and natural environments best illustrated by their interdependence and interconnection in urban spaces. Urban green areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of citizens. The present study aimed [...] Read more.

Urban green areas present a lucid example for the harmonious co-existence of the artificial and natural environments best illustrated by their interdependence and interconnection in urban spaces. Urban green areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of citizens. The present study aimed to investigate those multiple benefits for citizens that arise through the existence of urban green areas, as well as important policy dimensions that should be considered when designing the expansion of urban green spaces in urban development. The study was based on a literature review to examine for available evidence on the benefit levels derived by the existence of urban green areas. An extended literature review was followed by a structured review, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, which partly followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was conducted in two databases, and a total of 1674 articles and abstracts were identified through the database searches. After removing 114 duplicates, 1560 records were initially screened based on title and abstract. Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were incorporated in the structured review and a total of 47 in the extended review. The extended literature review identified 33 additional articles examining aspects of benefits that did not fall under the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria used in the structured review, such as health benefits and other social parameters associated with urban green spaces. The selected studies were allocated in five principal groups according to study types: three of the them consisted of studies employing “willingness to pay” (WTP) methods, five were based on property values, two studies assigned monetary values, while another two assigned CO₂ values, and, finally, two studies were based on qualitative criteria. The results indicated benefits to citizens and increased welfare levels gained by the existence of urban green areas. The conducted review revealed a number of findings and recommendations that could direct future research and urban policy. Those hints could assist local authorities as well as stakeholders in order to measure and assess the benefits of green spaces and urban parks and promote measures and programs to assist their further deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Urban Green Infrastructure for Climate-Proof and Healthy Cities)

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42 pages, 21829 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multi-Objective Energy Management and Charging Strategy for Electric Bus Fleets in Cities Using Various ECO Strategies

by Mohammed Mahedi Hasan, Nikos Avramis, Mikaela Ranta, Andoni Saez-de-Ibarra, Mohamed El Baghdadi and Omar Hegazy

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147865 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3866

Abstract

The paper presents use case simulations of fleets of electric buses in two cities in Europe, one with a warm Mediterranean climate and the other with a Northern European (cool temperate) climate, to compare the different climatic effects of the thermal management strategy [...] Read more.

The paper presents use case simulations of fleets of electric buses in two cities in Europe, one with a warm Mediterranean climate and the other with a Northern European (cool temperate) climate, to compare the different climatic effects of the thermal management strategy and charging management strategy. Two bus routes are selected in each city, and the effects of their speed, elevation, and passenger profiles on the energy and thermal management strategy of vehicles are evaluated. A multi-objective optimization technique, the improved Simple Optimization technique, and a “brute-force” Monte Carlo technique were employed to determine the optimal number of chargers and charging power to minimize the total cost of operation of the fleet and the impact on the grid, while ensuring that all the buses in the fleet are able to realize their trips throughout the day and keeping the battery SoC within the constraints designated by the manufacturer. A mix of four different types of buses with different battery capacities and electric motor specifications constitute the bus fleet, and the effects that they have on charging priority are evaluated. Finally, different energy management strategies, including economy (ECO) features, such as ECO-comfort, ECO-driving, and ECO-charging, and their effects on the overall optimization are investigated. The single bus results indicate that 12 m buses have a significant battery capacity, allowing for multiple trips within their designated routes, while 18 m buses only have the battery capacity to allow for one or two trips. The fleet results for Barcelona city indicate an energy requirement of 4.42 GWh per year for a fleet of 36 buses, while for Gothenburg, the energy requirement is 5 GWh per year for a fleet of 20 buses. The higher energy requirement in Gothenburg can be attributed to the higher average velocities of the bus routes in Gothenburg, compared to those of the bus routes in Barcelona city. However, applying ECO-features can reduce the energy consumption by 15% in Barcelona city and by 40% in Gothenburg. The significant reduction in Gothenburg is due to the more effective application of the ECO-driving and ECO-charging strategies. The application of ECO-charging also reduces the average grid load by more than 10%, while shifting the charging towards non-peak hours. Finally, the optimization process results in a reduction of the total fleet energy consumption of up to 30% in Barcelona city, while in Gothenburg, the total cost of ownership of the fleet is reduced by 9%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)

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15 pages, 1830 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Blood, Hair and Feces as an Indicator of Environmental Exposure of Sheep, Cow and Buffalo to Cobalt: A Health Risk Perspectives

by Muhammad Iftikhar Hussain, Zafar Iqbal Khan, Majida Naeem, Kafeel Ahmad, Muhammad Umer Farooq Awan, Mona S. Alwahibi and Mohamed Soliman Elshikh

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7873; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147873 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3773

Abstract

Exposure to toxic metals (TMs) such as cobalt (Co) can cause lifelong carcinogenic disorders and mutagenic outcomes. TMs enter ground water and rivers from human activity, anthropogenic contamination, and the ecological environment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of sewage [...] Read more.

Exposure to toxic metals (TMs) such as cobalt (Co) can cause lifelong carcinogenic disorders and mutagenic outcomes. TMs enter ground water and rivers from human activity, anthropogenic contamination, and the ecological environment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of sewage water irrigation on cobalt (Co) toxicity and bioaccumulation in a soil-plant environment and to assess the health risk of grazing livestock via forage consumption. Cobalt is a very necessary element for the growth of plants and animals; however, higher concentrations have toxic impacts. Measurement of Co in plant, soil and water samples was conducted via wet digestion method using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Co pollution severity was examined in soil, forage crops (Sorghum bicolor Kuntze, Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forssk. and Tribulus terrestris L.) in blood, hair and feces of sheep, cow and buffalo from district Toba-Tek-Singh, Punjab, Pakistan. Three sites were selected for investigation of Co level in soil and forage samples. Highest concentration of Co was 0.65 and 0.35 mg/kg occurring in S. bicolor at site I. The sheep blood, cow hair and sheep feces samples showed highest concentrations of 0.545, 0.549 and 0.548 mg/kg, respectively at site I and site II. Bioconcentration factor, pollution load index, enrichment factor and daily intake were found to be higher (0.667, 0.124, 0.12 and 0.0007 mg/kg) in soil, S. bicolor, S. fruticosa and in buffalo, respectively, at site I. It was concluded that forage species irrigated with wastewater are safe for consumption of livestock. However, though the general values were lower than the permissible maximum limit, it was observed that the bioaccumulation in the forage species was higher. Therefore, soil and food chain components should be avoided from trace metal contamination, and other means of nonconventional water resources should be employed for forages irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation to Climate Change Through Sustainable and Integrated Crop-Soil-Water-Livestock Diversification: A Nexus Approach)

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16 pages, 996 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Microencapsulated Organic Acid and Their Salts on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Disease Resistance of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

by Mohiuddin Amirul Kabir Chowdhury, Hongli Song, Yao Liu, Jean-Daniel Bunod and Xiao-Hui Dong

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7791; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147791 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4169

Abstract

Use of antibiotics and other chemicals to combat disease outbreaks has been a bottleneck for the sustainable growth of shrimp industry. Among various replacements proposed, organic acid (OA) and their salts (OS) are commonly used by farmers and feed millers. However, in free [...] Read more.

Use of antibiotics and other chemicals to combat disease outbreaks has been a bottleneck for the sustainable growth of shrimp industry. Among various replacements proposed, organic acid (OA) and their salts (OS) are commonly used by farmers and feed millers. However, in free forms, their requirement is very high (2–3 kg/MT) as they tend to disassociate before reaching the hindgut. The dosage can be reduced by microencapsulation of the ingredients. In this study, a 63-day trial was conducted to assess the effects of OA and OS (COMP) microencapsulated (ENCAP) with fat (HF), fat + alginate (HA), wax esters (WE) and HA + WE (HAWE) on performance, digestive enzymes, immunity and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A positive control (PC, 200 g/kg fishmeal-FM) and a negative control (NC, 130 g/kg FM) diet were formulated. Eight other diets were formulated, supplementing an NC diet with microencapsulated OA (OAHF, OAHA, OAWE, OAHAWE) and OS (OSHF, OSHA, OSWE, OSHAWE). Among the ENCAPs, significant difference was observed in serum malondialdehyde (p = 0.026), where HF showed the lowest level (6.4 ± 0.3 mmol/L). Significant interactions between COMP and ENCAP were observed in lipid deposition (p = 0.047), serum alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, hepatopancreatic and serum phenol oxidase (p < 0.0001). Despite no differences, 96-h mortality during pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge in all treatment diets (45–56%) was lower compared to the NC diets (63%). In conclusion, use of HF microencapsulated OA diets could provide improved performance and disease resistance that could contribute to the reduction of antibiotic use by the shrimp industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Aquaculture and Environmental Impacts)

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9 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Defects Impact on PV System GHG Mitigation Potential and Climate Change

by Waqas Ahmed, Jamil Ahmed Sheikh, Shahjadi Hisan Farjana and M. A. Parvez Mahmud

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7793; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147793 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2807

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely used to mitigate greenhouse gases (GHG), due to their green renewable nature. However, environmental factors such as bird drops, shade, pollution, etc., accommodation on PV panels surface reduce photons transmission to PV cells, which results in lower [...] Read more.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely used to mitigate greenhouse gases (GHG), due to their green renewable nature. However, environmental factors such as bird drops, shade, pollution, etc., accommodation on PV panels surface reduce photons transmission to PV cells, which results in lower energy yield and GHG mitigation potential of PV system. In this study, the PV system’s energy and GHG mitigation potential loss is investigated under environmental stresses. Defects/hotspots caused by the environment on PV panel surface have unknown occurrence frequency, time duration, and intensity and are highly variable from location to location. Therefore, different concentrations of defects are induced in a healthy 12 kWp PV system. Healthy PV system has the potential to avoid the burning of 3427.65 L of gasoline by 16,157.9 kWh green energy production per annum. However, in 1% and 20% defective systems, green energy potential reduces to 15,974.3 and 12,485.6 kWh per annum, respectively. It is equivalent to lesser evasion burning of 3388.70, and 2648.64 L of gasoline, respectively. A timely solution to defective panels can prevent losses in the PV system to ensure optimal performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Mining Industries through Renewable Energy Utilization)

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20 pages, 27978 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Environmental Particulate Matter (PM) Exposure Assessment of Construction Activities Using Low-Cost PM Sensor and Latin Hypercubic Technique

by Muhammad Khan, Numan Khan, Miroslaw J. Skibniewski and Chansik Park

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7797; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147797 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4077

Abstract

Dust generation is generally considered a natural process in construction sites; ergo, workers are exposed to health issues due to fine dust exposure during construction work. The primary activities in the execution of construction work, such as indoor concrete and mortar mixing, are [...] Read more.

Dust generation is generally considered a natural process in construction sites; ergo, workers are exposed to health issues due to fine dust exposure during construction work. The primary activities in the execution of construction work, such as indoor concrete and mortar mixing, are investigated to interrogate and understand the critical high particulate matter concentrations and thus health threats. Two low-cost dust sensors (Sharp GP2Y1014AU0F and Alphasense OPC N2) without implementing control measures to explicitly evaluate, compare and gauge them for these construction activities were utilized. The mean exposures to PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and PM₁ during both activities were 3522.62, 236.46 and 47.62 µg/m³ and 6762.72, 471.30 and 59.09 µg/m³, respectively. The results show that PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 caused during the concrete mixing activity was approximately double compared to the mortar. The Latin Hypercube Sampling method is used to analyze the measurement results and to predict the exposure concentrations. The high dust emission and exposure from mixing activities fail to meet the World Health Organization and Health and Safety Commission standards for environmental exposure. These findings will leverage the integration of low-cost dust sensors with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to formulate a digital twin for automated dust control techniques in the construction site. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment for Sustainable Management)

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14 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigating Smart City Development Based on Green Buildings, Electrical Vehicles and Feasible Indicators

by Armin Razmjoo, Meysam Majidi Nezhad, Lisa Gakenia Kaigutha, Mousa Marzband, Seyedali Mirjalili, Mehdi Pazhoohesh, Saim Memon, Mehdi A. Ehyaei and Giuseppe Piras

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7808; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147808 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 8085

Abstract

With a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by developing Smart Cities (SCs) and industrial decarbonization, there is a growing desire to decarbonize the renewable energy sector by accelerating green buildings (GBs) construction, electric vehicles (EVs), and ensuring long-term stability, with the expectation that [...] Read more.

With a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by developing Smart Cities (SCs) and industrial decarbonization, there is a growing desire to decarbonize the renewable energy sector by accelerating green buildings (GBs) construction, electric vehicles (EVs), and ensuring long-term stability, with the expectation that emissions will need to be reduced by at least two thirds by 2035 and by at least 90% by 2050. Implementing GBs in urban areas and encouraging the use of EVs are cornerstones of transition towards SCs, and practical actions that governments can consider to help with improving the environment and develop SCs. This paper investigates different aspects of smart cities development and introduces new feasible indicators related to GBs and EVs in designing SCs, presenting existing barriers to smart cities development, and solutions to overcome them. The results demonstrate that feasible and achievable policies such as the development of the zero-energy, attention to design parameters, implementation of effective indicators for GBs and EVs, implementing strategies to reduce the cost of production of EVs whilst maintaining good quality standards, load management, and integrating EVs successfully into the electricity system, are important in smart cities development. Therefore, strategies to governments should consider the full dynamics and potential of socio-economic and climate change by implementing new energy policies on increasing investment in EVs, and GBs development by considering energy, energy, techno-economic, and environmental benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations towards Greener and Smarter Mobility for Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 10484 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Quantitative Assessment of Environmental Sensitivity to Desertification Using the Modified MEDALUS Model in a Semiarid Area

by Sayed Fakhreddin Afzali, Ali Khanamani, Ehsan Kamali Maskooni and Ronny Berndtsson

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7817; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147817 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4350

Abstract

Iran is mainly located in the arid and semiarid climate zone and seriously affected by desertification. This is a severe environmental problem, which results in a persistent loss of ecosystem services that are fundamental to sustaining life. Process understanding of this phenomenon through [...] Read more.

Iran is mainly located in the arid and semiarid climate zone and seriously affected by desertification. This is a severe environmental problem, which results in a persistent loss of ecosystem services that are fundamental to sustaining life. Process understanding of this phenomenon through the evaluation of important drivers is, however, a challenging work. The main purpose of this study was to perform a quantitative evaluation of the current desertification status in the Segzi Plain, Isfahan Province, Iran, through the modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) model and GIS. In this regard, five main indicators including soil, groundwater, vegetation cover, climate, and erosion were selected for estimating the environmental sensitivity to desertification. Each of these qualitative indicators is driven by human interference and climate. After statistical analysis and a normality test for each indicator data, spatial distribution maps were established. Then, the maps were scored in the MEDALUS approach, and the current desertification status in the study area from the geometric mean of all five quality indicators was created. Based on the results of the modified MEDALUS model, about 23.5% of the total area can be classified as high risk to desertification and 76.5% classified as very high risk to desertification. The results indicate that climate, vegetation, and groundwater quality are the most important drivers for desertification in the study area. Erosion (wind and water) and soil indices have minimal importance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land and Water Degradation in Catchments: The Role of Remote Sensing for Assessment and Management)

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22 pages, 1588 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developing Farm-Level Social Indicators for Agri-Environment Schemes: A Focus on the Agents of Change

by Jane Mills, Hannah Chiswell, Peter Gaskell, Paul Courtney, Beth Brockett, George Cusworth and Matt Lobley

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147820 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5850

Abstract

Most monitoring and evaluation programmes for agri-environment schemes focus on understanding the environmental outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of these schemes. Evaluation of the social dimensions of agri-environment schemes, particularly the socio-cultural factors that might influence the quality of engagement with the schemes and [...] Read more.

Most monitoring and evaluation programmes for agri-environment schemes focus on understanding the environmental outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of these schemes. Evaluation of the social dimensions of agri-environment schemes, particularly the socio-cultural factors that might influence the quality of engagement with the schemes and the social wellbeing impact of scheme engagement, is limited. This is a critical gap in knowledge as there is growing recognition that without more explicit consideration of the farmers involved in land management as agents of change, the required environmental improvements will not be achieved. The aim of this paper was to undertake a systematic literature review to inform the development of a set of social indicators that can be used to measure the level of farmers’ engagement with their scheme agreement and the social sustainability outcomes from participation. Following the literature review and a short-listing ranking exercise with two sets of experts, 20 high-level (composite) social indicators and associated sub-level (component) indicators were identified. A series of scale or ranking questions that can be used to capture the indicator data were also developed and tested. This paper presents the first stage in the development of a robust set of social indicators for agri-environment schemes that will also provide a good indicator of long-term environmental outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally-Friendly Agricultural Practices For Achieving Sustainable Ecosystem Services)

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18 pages, 4615 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Food Connects Washington DC in 2050—A Vision for Urban Food Systems as the Centerpieces of a Circular Economy

by Marian Stuiver and Sabine O’Hara

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7821; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147821 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4971

Abstract

This article presents a vision for an urban food system in Washington DC in 2050 that serves as the centerpiece of a circular economy for the capital region of the United States. Food serves as the connecting link for an inclusive, adaptive, and [...] Read more.

This article presents a vision for an urban food system in Washington DC in 2050 that serves as the centerpiece of a circular economy for the capital region of the United States. Food serves as the connecting link for an inclusive, adaptive, and resilient urban economy embedded in the region. This food economy values natural resources, cultural diversity, and commitment to nature-based innovations. The vision is the result of a three-pronged methodology of: (1) community engagement; (2) a thoughtful, process-focused transformation; and (3) the scaling up of existing urban food initiatives. We argue that small, hyperlocal, neighborhood-based initiatives can become crucial game changers and catalysts of change for entire neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Therefore, we propose a design-based approach to advance our 2050 vision of a circular food system. Our design-based approach consists of three building blocks: (A) systems thinking; (B) the ability to manage wins and tradeoffs; and (C) transitional leadership and cooperation. We explain these building blocks and the way in which they are incorporated in the 2050 vision of Washington DC. We further argue that the food economy is an ideal sector to embark on such a design-based approach due to its systemic nature, its critical position as an indispensable economic sector, and the complex connections it brings to multiple other sectors of the economy. An urban food system can therefore offer the ideal starting point for a transition towards a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Sustainability: Re-envisioning Cities to Lead the Way toward A Circular Economy)

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22 pages, 1018 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sharing Anxiety Is in the Driver’s Seat: Analyzing User Acceptance of Dynamic Ridepooling and Its Implications for Shared Autonomous Mobility

by Sigma Dolins, Helena Strömberg, Yale Z. Wong and MariAnne Karlsson

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7828; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147828 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3956

Abstract

As connected, electric, and autonomous vehicle (AV) services are developed for cities, the research is conclusive that the use of these services must be shared to achieve maximum efficiency. Yet, few agencies have prioritised designing an AV system that focuses on dynamic ridepooling, [...] Read more.

As connected, electric, and autonomous vehicle (AV) services are developed for cities, the research is conclusive that the use of these services must be shared to achieve maximum efficiency. Yet, few agencies have prioritised designing an AV system that focuses on dynamic ridepooling, and there remains a gap in the understanding of what makes people willing to share their rides. However, in 2017, the Australian transport authority Transport for New South Wales launched over a dozen trials for on-demand, shared public transport, including AVs. In this paper, we investigate the user willingness-to-share, based on experiences from one of these trials. Four focus groups (19 participants in total) were held in New South Wales with active users of either the trialled on-demand dynamic ridepooling service (Keoride) or commercial ridepooling (UberPool). Through thematic analysis of the focus group conversations, the cost, comfort, convenience, safety, community culture, and trust in authority emerged as factors that influenced the willingness-to-share. When presented with driverless scenarios, the focus group participants had significant concerns about the unknown behaviour of their co-passengers, revealing sharing anxiety as a significant barrier to the adoption of shared AVs. This paper identifies previously disregarded factors that influence the adoption of AVs and dynamic ridepooling and offers insights on how potential users’ sharing anxiety can be mitigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shared Mobility)

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23 pages, 1009 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Key Elements for a New Spanish Legal and Architectural Design of Adequate Housing for Seniors in a Pandemic Time

by María Luisa Gómez-Jiménez and Vargas-Yáñez Antonio

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147838 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3532

Abstract

The provision of housing for the elderly in Spain has been approached from a public policy perspective to understand social housing and the allocation of specialized social services. The lockdowns in cities and the need to remain at home with social isolation and [...] Read more.

The provision of housing for the elderly in Spain has been approached from a public policy perspective to understand social housing and the allocation of specialized social services. The lockdowns in cities and the need to remain at home with social isolation and social distance has especially affected the most vulnerable groups, creating situations that widen the gap in the provision of adequate housing. Research is being carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Málaga, funded by European FEDER funds awarded by the Andalusian Regional Government (VIDA project), to analyze the main characteristics connected with “ideal” adequate housing for a vulnerable senior person living alone or in social isolation due to the quarantine period. In this study, we draw a line between the need for adequate housing, the chance to remodel, and the opportunity to propose new Spanish legal approaches from an architectural perspective within the scope of alternative typologies of housing. This article deals with the preliminary findings of the research connected to the architectural review, exploring key elements for senior housing design, and highlighting the need to approach the issue by proposing a new regulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban and Buildings Regeneration Strategy to Climatic Change Mitigation, Energy, and Social Poverty after a World Health and Economic Global Crisis)

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