Sustainability

28 pages, 5612 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Climate Change Risk and Vulnerabilities Analysis in Trieste SECAP

by Marco Manzan, Giovanni Bacaro, Andrea Nardini, Giulia Casagrande, Amedeo Pezzi, Francesco Petruzzellis, Enrico Tordoni and Giorgio Fontolan

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5973; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105973 - 14 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

Climate change is affecting more and more local communities, which are now facing different hazards; in answer to this threat, specific actions at the local level should be taken. The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) is an initiative that tries to involve municipalities and [...] Read more.

Climate change is affecting more and more local communities, which are now facing different hazards; in answer to this threat, specific actions at the local level should be taken. The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) is an initiative that tries to involve municipalities and communities in developing SECAPs, i.e., plans for sustainable energy and climate with the aim to develop adaptation and mitigation measures. In order to identify and evaluate hazards, the CoM developed a template relative to the current risk level and expected changes in the future. This paper develops a methodology to fill the template using a data driven approach instead of a heuristic one. The methodology was applied to the city of Trieste in northeast Italy and uses local weather station data and projections obtained from GCM-RCM models. Data were manipulated using different approaches for current risk levels and the Mann–Kendall test is proposed as a method to identify the future evolution of hazard intensity and frequency. The results showed that the developed approach could help municipalities in developing their SECAPs and in identifying the present and future evolution of hazards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Governance for Sustainable Development)

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19 pages, 2965 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Combined Effect of Ultraviolet Irradiation and Temperature on Hot Mix Asphalt Mixture Aging

by Ahmed Abouelsaad and Greg White

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5942; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105942 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

Reliable accelerated simulation of asphalt aging is of significant interest to asphalt researchers and pavement practitioners alike. However, current laboratory aging protocols are either based on binder aging rather than mixture aging or use dry ovens to heat asphalt mixtures, omitting the important [...] Read more.

Reliable accelerated simulation of asphalt aging is of significant interest to asphalt researchers and pavement practitioners alike. However, current laboratory aging protocols are either based on binder aging rather than mixture aging or use dry ovens to heat asphalt mixtures, omitting the important effects of UV radiation. Binder aging cannot take into account the interactions between the binder and aggregate phases during aging, while the omission of UV radiation ignores an important catalyst in the aging process. In this study, a comparison of the effect of conventional thermal oven aging to the combined effect of heat and ultraviolet irradiation on the resilient modulus and surface texture of dense-graded asphalt field cores and gyratory-compacted samples was undertaken. Significantly higher rates of modulus increase with aging time were measured for the samples aged by both heat and ultraviolet irradiation. The gyratory-compacted samples showed more realistic results in terms of surface texture compared to the field cores, likely due to the extraction of field cores from a small area of pavement that was subjected to concentrated pneumatic tyre rolling, which was not representative of typical asphalt construction. It was concluded that using aging indices, calculated as the ratio of the aged value to the initial value, is recommended for asphalt aging investigations. The findings of this study highlight the significance and importance of developing aging protocols that combine heat, ultraviolet irradiation, and any other environmental factors that may affect the aging behaviour of asphalt mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Roads and Airfields: Pavement Materials and Pavement Engineering)

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19 pages, 2578 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring a Pathway to Sustainable Performance in Manufacturing Firms: The Interplay between Innovation Capabilities, Green Process, Product Innovations and Digital Leadership

by Muddassar Sarfraz, Larisa Ivascu, Muhammad Ibrahim Abdullah, Ilknur Ozturk and Jasim Tariq

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5945; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105945 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 4423

Abstract

In recent years, advancing industrialization and rapid climate change have considerably influenced the global consumption pattern of natural assets. Undoubtedly, this massive utilization of natural resources and hazardous environmental emissions have profoundly curbed the worldwide socio-economic context, substantially causing this ecological burden to [...] Read more.

In recent years, advancing industrialization and rapid climate change have considerably influenced the global consumption pattern of natural assets. Undoubtedly, this massive utilization of natural resources and hazardous environmental emissions have profoundly curbed the worldwide socio-economic context, substantially causing this ecological burden to amplify the harmful effects on countries’ prosperity. This study aims to improve the sustainable performance of manufacturing firms in Pakistan through innovation capabilities and green process innovation. The study has adopted a quantitative approach, and data has been accumulated through a structured questionnaire distributed among 299 employees working in manufacturing firms. A structural equation model using Smart PLS software was used to analyze the collected data from the respondents. The results have identified a significant correlation between innovation capabilities, green process innovation, and sustainable performance. The buffering role of digital leadership enhances the employees’ creative skills and sustainable performance. Additionally, the extent that green product innovation plays a mediating role between innovation capabilities, green process innovation, and sustainable performance has been contemplated. Henceforth, the current study also analyzes the moderating role of digital leadership in sustainable performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Advances in Industry 4.0 Technologies and Theories for Manufacturing Sustainability)

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12 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Achieving Zero Hunger Goal through Minimizing Waste in Food Supply Chain: Evidence from Asian Emerging Region

by Caiyun Liu, Hui Jiang, Daniel Badulescu and Dorin Paul Bac

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5930; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105930 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4252

Abstract

Agricultural products have taken center stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic as countries strive to become self-sufficient and independent. Despite this, Agri-products supply chain management has largely been ignored. Farmers are typically in charge of getting these products to market. The local market [...] Read more.

Agricultural products have taken center stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic as countries strive to become self-sufficient and independent. Despite this, Agri-products supply chain management has largely been ignored. Farmers are typically in charge of getting these products to market. The local market suffers because of the significant quantity of agricultural products wasted along the Agri-Food supply chain (AFSC), and export revenue is at risk. To address the issue of food waste in AFSC, this study identified the sources of food waste and proposed corrective measures for the local farming industry. Stakeholders from the farming community, transportation companies, and retailers were conducting semi-structured interviews and coding them using open-source coding. Lack of cold storage and improper handling and packaging of products have been found to have a negative impact on the distribution process in developing countries. In this regard, a well-designed supply chain strategy, network design, and information system can alleviate these issues. Farmers and transporters must be taught how to minimize damage during transport. Recycled packaging material can also be used, saving money while reducing the likelihood of product damage. This is among the pioneer studies that focus on the causes of food waste in AFSC in Pakistan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Waste Management and Sustainability in the Food System)

17 pages, 4201 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Novel Neural Computing Model Applied to Estimate the Dynamic Modulus (DM) of Asphalt Mixtures by the Improved Beetle Antennae Search

by Jiandong Huang, Mengmeng Zhou, Mohanad Muayad Sabri Sabri and Hongwei Yuan

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105938 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 1602

Abstract

To accurately estimate the dynamic properties of the asphalt mixtures to be used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), a novel neural computing model using the improved beetle antennae search was developed. Asphalt mixtures were designed conventionally by eight types of aggregate [...] Read more.

To accurately estimate the dynamic properties of the asphalt mixtures to be used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), a novel neural computing model using the improved beetle antennae search was developed. Asphalt mixtures were designed conventionally by eight types of aggregate gradations and two types of asphalt binders. The dynamic modulus (DM) tests were conducted under 3 temperatures and 3 loading frequencies to construct 144 datasets for the machine learning process. A novel neural network model was developed by using an improved beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm to adjust the hyperparameters more efficiently. The predictive results of the proposed model were determined by R and RMSE and the importance score of the input parameters was assessed as well. The prediction performance showed that the improved BAS algorithm can effectively adjust the hyperparameters of the neural network calculation model, and built the asphalt mixture DM prediction model has higher reliability and effectiveness than the random hyperparameter selection. The mixture model can accurately evaluate and predict the DM of the asphalt mixture to be used in MEPDG. The dynamic shear modulus of the asphalt binder is the most important parameter that affects the DM of the asphalt mixtures because of its high correlation with the adhesive effect in the composition. The phase angle of the binder showed the highest influence on the DM of the asphalt mixtures in the remaining variables. The importance of these influences can provide a reference for the future design of asphalt mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pavement Design, Analysis and Material Characterization)

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32 pages, 1652 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The COVID-19 Impact on Supply Chain Operations of Automotive Industry: A Case Study of Sustainability 4.0 Based on Sense–Adapt–Transform Framework

by Burak Eldem, Aldona Kluczek and Jan Bagiński

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5855; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105855 - 12 May 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 14439

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of global manufacturing companies to their supply chains and operating activities as one of the significant disruption events of the past two decades. It has demonstrated that major companies underestimate the need for sustainable and resilient [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of global manufacturing companies to their supply chains and operating activities as one of the significant disruption events of the past two decades. It has demonstrated that major companies underestimate the need for sustainable and resilient operations. The pandemic has resulted in significant disruptions especially in the automotive industry. The goal of the study is to determine impact of the COVID-19 on supply chain operations in a Turkish automotive manufacturer and to develop a framework for improving operational activities to survive in the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) environment. The study identifies how the case study company has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and what challenges the company faced during the pandemic. A diagnostic survey and semi-structured interviews were used as data sources with qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results showed that the pandemic led to significant disruptions through various factors explained by shortage of raw materials/spare parts, availability of transportation, availability of labors, demand fluctuations, increase in sick leaves, new health and safety regulations. Findings also show the necessity to re-design resilience supply chain management by providing recovery plans (forecasting, supplier selection, simulation, monitoring) which consider different measures in different stages. In addition, the best practices were recommended for the case study by considering internal, external, and technological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the given targeted guidelines and improvement for the automotive company might be applicable in the industrial practices for other organizations. The article concludes with future research directions and managerial implications for successful applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Sustainable Industry 4.0: Efficiency, Effectiveness, Evaluation, Development Frameworks)

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30 pages, 12499 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sustainable Aviation Electrification: A Comprehensive Review of Electric Propulsion System Architectures, Energy Management, and Control

by Jinning Zhang, Ioannis Roumeliotis and Argyrios Zolotas

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5880; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105880 - 12 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6704

Abstract

The civil aviation sector plays an increasingly significant role in transportation sustainability in the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Driven by the concerns of sustainability in the aviation sector, more electrified aircraft propulsion technologies have emerged and form a very promising approach to [...] Read more.

The civil aviation sector plays an increasingly significant role in transportation sustainability in the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Driven by the concerns of sustainability in the aviation sector, more electrified aircraft propulsion technologies have emerged and form a very promising approach to future sustainable and decarbonized aviation. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive and broad-scope survey of the recent progress and development trends in sustainable aviation electrification. Firstly, the architectures of electrified aircraft propulsion are presented with a detailed analysis of the benefits, challenges, and studies/applications to date. Then, the challenges and technical barriers of electrified aircraft propulsion control system design are discussed, followed by a summary of the control methods frequently used in aircraft propulsion systems. Next, the mainstream energy management strategies are investigated and further utilized to minimize the block fuel burn, emissions, and economic cost. Finally, an overview of the development trends of aviation electrification is provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emission Control in Sustainable Transportation System for Better Environment)

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17 pages, 2460 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Approaching Sustainable Bike-Sharing Development: A Systematic Review of the Influence of Built Environment Features on Bike-Sharing Ridership

by Lidong Zhu, Mujahid Ali, Elżbieta Macioszek, Mahdi Aghaabbasi and Amin Jan

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5795; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105795 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3226

Abstract

Bike-sharing is known as a sustainable form of transportation. This travel mode is able to tackle the “last mile” transit issue and deliver financial, well-being, and low-carbon lifestyle advantages to users. To date, many studies have analysed the influence of various factors, including [...] Read more.

Bike-sharing is known as a sustainable form of transportation. This travel mode is able to tackle the “last mile” transit issue and deliver financial, well-being, and low-carbon lifestyle advantages to users. To date, many studies have analysed the influence of various factors, including built environments, on bike-sharing ridership. However, no study has exclusively synthesised these findings regarding the association between built-environment attributes and bike-sharing ridership. Thus, in this study, a systematic literature review was conducted on 39 eligible studies. These studies were assessed with respect to (1) bike-sharing usage, (2) studies’ geographical distribution, (3) data collection and analysis method, and (4) built environment factor type. Most studies were carried out in the US and Chinese cities. Variables associated with diversity, density, and distance to public transport stations and public transport infrastructure were frequently employed by the studies reviewed. It was found that BS stations with an average capacity of 24.63 docks and street network systems with an average length of 12.57 km of cycling lanes had a significant impact on the bike-sharing ridership. The findings of these studies were combined, and a series of recommendations were proposed based on them for bike-sharing service providers and researchers in academia. The findings of this evaluation can help practitioners and scholars understand the important built environment elements that influence bike-sharing ridership. Knowledge in this field will enable bike-sharing service providers to direct their resources sufficiently to enhance the more essential aspects of bike-sharing users’ satisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Design, Urban Planning and Traffic Safety)

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19 pages, 2326 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Drying of Food Waste for Potential Use as Animal Feed

by Abdul Wasim Noori, Mohammad Jafar Royen, Alžbeta Medveďová and Juma Haydary

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5849; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105849 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3743

Abstract

A considerable part of food is wasted, causing investment capital loss as well as environmental pollution and health problems in humans. Indirect solar drying was applied to test the potential of drying and reusing this waste as a component of animal feed. The [...] Read more.

A considerable part of food is wasted, causing investment capital loss as well as environmental pollution and health problems in humans. Indirect solar drying was applied to test the potential of drying and reusing this waste as a component of animal feed. The effect of weather changes on drying kinetics and the effective diffusion coefficient, dried feed nutritional composition, and microbiological analysis of the dried product were investigated. A convective laboratory dryer was used as a reference method. Weather conditions have a crucial effect on the use of solar drying; one sunny day with appropriate conditions can reduce the water activity of food waste to below 0.3 and moisture content to below 6%. Much better fitting of experimental and model drying curves was achieved considering sample shrinkage, applying a more complex solution of Fick’s second law combined with an optimization procedure. The studied food waste had a good combination of nutrients, such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates; however, the amount of protein in the dried food waste was found to be lower than that in regular feed, and therefore, adding a protein source is recommended. Autoclaving of fresh samples reduced the total microbial counts of dried samples by more than 50%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biowaste Valorization for a Circular Bioeconomy and Sustainable Society)

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25 pages, 1722 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Regenerative Agriculture and Its Potential to Improve Farmscape Function

by Tom O’Donoghue, Budiman Minasny and Alex McBratney

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5815; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105815 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 16804

Abstract

Recent reviews have identified major themes within regenerative agriculture—soil health, biodiversity, and socioeconomic disparities—but have so far been unable to clarify a definition based on practice and/or outcomes. In recent years, the concept has seen a rapid increase in farming, popular, and corporate [...] Read more.

Recent reviews have identified major themes within regenerative agriculture—soil health, biodiversity, and socioeconomic disparities—but have so far been unable to clarify a definition based on practice and/or outcomes. In recent years, the concept has seen a rapid increase in farming, popular, and corporate interest, the scope of which now sees regenerative agriculture best viewed as a movement. To define and guide further practical and academic work in this respect, the authors have returned to the literature to explore the movement’s origins, intentions, and potential through three phases of work: early academic, current popular, and current academic. A consistent intention from early to current supporters sees the regeneration, or rebuilding, of agricultural resources, soil, water, biota, human, and energy as necessary to achieve a sustainable agriculture. This intention aligns well with international impetus to improve ecosystem function. The yet to be confirmed definition, an intention for iterative design, and emerging consumer and ecosystem service markets present several potential avenues to deliver these intentions. To assist, the authors propose the Farmscape Function framework, to monitor the impact of change in our agricultural resources over time, and a mechanism to support further data-based innovation. These tools and the movement’s intentions position regenerative agriculture as a state for rather than type of agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainability in Agricultural Systems and Ecosystem Services)

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28 pages, 2421 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Energy Transition in France

by Badr Eddine Lebrouhi, Eric Schall, Bilal Lamrani, Yassine Chaibi and Tarik Kousksou

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105818 - 11 May 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6866

Abstract

To address the climate emergency, France is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It plans to significantly increase the contribution of renewable energy in its energy mix. The share of renewable energy in its electricity production, which amounts to 25.5% in 2020, [...] Read more.

To address the climate emergency, France is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It plans to significantly increase the contribution of renewable energy in its energy mix. The share of renewable energy in its electricity production, which amounts to 25.5% in 2020, should reach at least 40% in 2030. This growth poses several new challenges that require policy makers and regulators to act on the technological changes and expanding need for flexibility in power systems. This document presents the main strategies and projects developed in France as well as various recommendations to accompany and support its energy transition policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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22 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction by Building a Robust Social-Emotional Preparedness Program

by Shira Daskal, Adar Ben-Eliyahu, Gal Levy, Yakov Ben-Haim and Ronnen Avny

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5763; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105763 - 10 May 2022

Viewed by 2484

Abstract

Despite the progress made in understanding the characteristics of earthquakes, the predictions of earthquake activity are still inevitably very uncertain, mainly because of the highly complex nature of the earthquake process. The population′s mental strength is of high importance not only to cope [...] Read more.

Despite the progress made in understanding the characteristics of earthquakes, the predictions of earthquake activity are still inevitably very uncertain, mainly because of the highly complex nature of the earthquake process. The population′s mental strength is of high importance not only to cope with an earthquake, but also to return quickly to functioning. Social-emotional preparedness for extreme adverse events and crises is a critical factor in the population’s quick recovery and return to full functioning. In the present study, we apply a multi-disciplinary lens to extend the scope of earthquake preparedness to include social-emotional programs. The goal of this study is to develop a robust “no-regret” social-emotional preparedness program (SEPP) along with methodological tools for evaluating the SEPP robustness against uncertainty in different earthquake scenarios. The research methodology is twofold. First, we develop the SEPP based on social-emotional proxies-for-robustness, and second, we apply the info-gap decision theory (IGDT) methods to assess the robustness of the SEPP in the face of uncertainty in different earthquake scenarios. The findings indicate gaps between the level of robustness of the SEPP in different scenarios. A key conclusion that emerges from this study is the need for a robust SEPP to make a significant contribution to the population’s ability to return to functioning. Such SEPP should be formulated to maximize the robustness against uncertainty in different scenarios, rather than the traditional planning based on a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Formulating a robust SEPP by analyzing the robustness of the SEPP against uncertainty will enable to make decisions immune to surprises. Ways to create or improve earthquake preparedness are suggested for policy and in-school application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment and Sustainable Disaster Management)

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25 pages, 2280 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developing a Building Stock Model to Enable Clustered Renovation—The City of Leuven as Case Study

by Evelien Verellen and Karen Allacker

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105769 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1694

Abstract

The existing building patrimony is responsible for 36% of the global energy use and 37% of the greenhouse gas emissions. It is hence a major challenge to improve its energy performance. According to the Renovation Wave, the average annual renovation rate should be [...] Read more.

The existing building patrimony is responsible for 36% of the global energy use and 37% of the greenhouse gas emissions. It is hence a major challenge to improve its energy performance. According to the Renovation Wave, the average annual renovation rate should be doubled by 2030 up to 3% and deep energy renovations should be encouraged. The Belgian city of Leuven works towards this target and is even more ambitious, setting their goal on becoming climate neutral by 2050. The strategy investigated in this study is to increase the renovation rate by clustering renovations, which is challenging since the Belgian building stock is highly privatised. Based on a thorough literature study, this paper examines various methodologies for building stock modelling. The main focus is comparing the required input data with the data availability, handling the data gaps, and defining their influence on the model’s accuracy. The findings are applied to Leuven by analysing the main drivers to cluster renovation measures. However, many data gaps appeared, leading to the selection of a GIS-enhanced archetype model enriched by energy data as the most suitable approach. To avoid misinterpretation due to differences in data quality, transparent reporting in stock modelling is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Green Building)

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15 pages, 1054 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Conventional vs. Innovative Protocols for the Extraction of Polysaccharides from Macroalgae

by Damiano Spagnuolo, Antonio Di Martino, Vincenzo Zammuto, Simona Armeli Minicante, Antonio Spanò, Antonio Manghisi, Concetta Gugliandolo, Marina Morabito and Giuseppa Genovese

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5750; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105750 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2107

Abstract

Macroalgae are one of the most environmentally friendly resources, and their industrial by-products should also be sustainable. Algal polysaccharides represent valuable products, and the definition of new eco-sustainable extraction processes, ensuring a safe and high-quality product, is a new goal in the context [...] Read more.

Macroalgae are one of the most environmentally friendly resources, and their industrial by-products should also be sustainable. Algal polysaccharides represent valuable products, and the definition of new eco-sustainable extraction processes, ensuring a safe and high-quality product, is a new goal in the context of reducing the carbon footprint. The aim of the present work was to determine the influence of the extraction methodology on the properties and structure of the polysaccharides, comparing conventional and innovative microwave-assisted methods. We focused on extraction times, yield, chemical composition and, finally, biological activities of raw polymers from three macroalgal species of Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta and Phaeophyceae. The main objective was to design a sustainable process in terms of energy and time savings, with the aim of developing subsequent application at the industrial level. Extraction efficacy was likely dependent on the physico-chemical polysaccharide properties, while the use of the microwave did not affect their chemical structure. Obtained results indicate that the innovative method could be used as an alternative to the conventional one to achieve emulsifiers and bacterial antiadhesives for several applications. Natural populations of invasive algae were used rather than cultivated species in order to propose the valorization of unwanted biomasses, which are commonly treated as waste, converting them into a prized resource. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Environmental Research on Protists in the Bioeconomy Innovations)

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36 pages, 781 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Nurses’ Work Environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Person-Centred Practice—A Systematic Review

by Cicilia Nagel, Albert Westergren, Sophie Schön Persson, Petra Nilsson Lindström, Åsa Bringsén and Kerstin Nilsson

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105785 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4198

Abstract

The work environment and especially the psychosocial work environment influence the mental and physical well-being of employees. The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the state of knowledge regarding nurses’ work situation, health, and person-centred work during the COVID-19 pandemic [...] Read more.

The work environment and especially the psychosocial work environment influence the mental and physical well-being of employees. The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the state of knowledge regarding nurses’ work situation, health, and person-centred work during the COVID-19 pandemic through a systematic review. Methods: Systematic Review, nine included articles. The theoretical swAge model was used as the framework in a deductive content analysis. Results: The result was presented in the nine determinate areas from the swAge model and showed that all nine determinate areas of the swAge model were of importance to both the nurses’ sustainable work situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and to person-centred care. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on nurses’ health, both physically but especially psychologically, with high levels of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Nurses experienced a lack of control and support from organizations. They had to work with limited resources and sometimes care for patients beyond their expertise. Conclusion: There is a further need for more studies that address person-centredness from an organisational perspective with the intention to develop strategies and measure activities on how to make the nurses’ work situation more sustainable, and to increase their ability to give more person-centred care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Healthy Working Life for All Ages—Work Environment, Age Management and Employability)

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15 pages, 3560 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Study of a Composite Biofilm Reactor for the Treatment of Mariculture Wastewater: Performance and Microbial Communities

by Kai Li, Pan Xu, Xiaoxiao Chen, Peijun Li and Yuewu Pu

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5743; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105743 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1843

Abstract

Mariculture wastewater is one of the main sources of saline wastewater. This study used a waterfall aeration biofilm reactor combined with a sequencing batch reactor (WABR-SBR) to treat simulated mariculture sewage. Despite the high inhibition by salinity, the reactor maintained a high removal [...] Read more.

Mariculture wastewater is one of the main sources of saline wastewater. This study used a waterfall aeration biofilm reactor combined with a sequencing batch reactor (WABR-SBR) to treat simulated mariculture sewage. Despite the high inhibition by salinity, the reactor maintained a high removal efficiency for organic matter and ammonium nitrogen. The ammonia nitrogen removal rate was greater than 99%, while that for nitrite, which is extremely toxic to farmed animals, was greater than 80%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that salinity affected the surface structure and composition of biofilms, which became compact and secreted more solute to resist the impact of salinity. High throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the main phyla in the biofilms were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Metagenomic annotation of genes further indicated nitrogen metabolism pathways under high salinity. The conclusions of this study can provide a theoretical foundation for the biological treatment of high-salt wastewater and provide a technical reference for further application of the WABR-SBR composite system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability)

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21 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Blockchain Technology: Potential Applications for Public Sector E-Procurement and Project Management

by Malik Khalfan, Neda Azizi, Omid Haass, Tayyab Maqsood and Istiaq Ahmed

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5791; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105791 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5113

Abstract

Project implementations normally fail due to sustainable development problems that inhibit the usage levels required to facilitate successful implementations. This paper explores the successful implementation from a Bangladesh perspective. In particular, it identifies the possible applications of Blockchain in project procurement and management, [...] Read more.

Project implementations normally fail due to sustainable development problems that inhibit the usage levels required to facilitate successful implementations. This paper explores the successful implementation from a Bangladesh perspective. In particular, it identifies the possible applications of Blockchain in project procurement and management, and it develops a guideline for incorporating Blockchain into project management to improve the existing project and the procurement management practices in developing countries. This is a qualitative study with an interpretivist research methodology. By adopting an interpretive approach, this study construes knowledge as that only gained through social constructions, such as language, shared meanings, documents, industry reports, reviews of academic papers, and tools; it is a changing and relative phenomenon. This study reveals that developing countries are suffering in terms of the development of projects, including poor project management, a lack of transparency, poor procurement management, etc. A total of 38 issues were identified through this study, which are the main barriers to the successful implementation of public sector projects. One of the main reasons is due to the practice of awarding the lowest bidder during the procurement process due to the current regulatory requirements. This paper found that the Oracle platform, built on Blockchain technology as a cloud-computing platform, is one of the prominent E-procurement platforms that provides both the Blockchain platform and the cloud-based applications. Therefore, after observing and analysing the platform, it is found that Blockchain technology has the capability to resolve 25 issues out of 38 identified issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industry 4.0 for Sustainable Construction Project Management)

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11 pages, 2729 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Durability Analysis of Building Exterior Thermal Insulation System in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Area Based on ANSYS

by Zhijia Huang, Yadong Sun, Lin Gan, Guo Liu, Yang Zhang and Tao Zhou

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5702; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095702 - 9 May 2022

Viewed by 1995

Abstract

External thermal insulation systems often have durability problems, including cracking, hollowing, and falling off, which seriously affect safety and energy-saving effects. Based on finite element theory and using ANSYS software, this paper studies the distribution law of the temperature field and temperature stress [...] Read more.

External thermal insulation systems often have durability problems, including cracking, hollowing, and falling off, which seriously affect safety and energy-saving effects. Based on finite element theory and using ANSYS software, this paper studies the distribution law of the temperature field and temperature stress of the external thermal insulation system. It was found that, compared with an uninsulated wall, the temperature stress of the substrate in summer was reduced by 52.9%, and the temperature stress of the substrate in winter was reduced by 50.9%. The temperature stress is mainly concentrated in the middle position of the external wall insulation system, and the middle of the wall can appear as a hollow drum and fall off. When the temperature of the external wall surface is 60 °C, the maximum temperature stress of the insulation system is 2.46 MPa, compared with the external wall surface of 70 °C—a decrease of 22.2%; the maximum temperature stress on the substrate is 0.46 MPa—a decrease of 20.7%. When the temperature of the outer wall surface is 50 °C, the maximum temperature stress suffered by the insulation system is 1.75 MPa, compared with the outer wall surface of 70 °C—a decrease of 44.4%. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature stress suffered by the substrate is 0.34 MPa—a decrease of 41.4%. This paper investigates and numerically simulates the durability of external wall insulation systems for buildings in hot summer and cold winter regions, and studies the durability of EPS insulation, which can provide guidance for other insulation material design and durability studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Smart and Interactive Built Environment)

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15 pages, 7322 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mechanical and Durability Assessment of Recycled Waste Plastic (Resin8 & PET) Eco-Aggregate Concrete

by Adewumi John Babafemi, Nina Sirba, Suvash Chandra Paul and Md Jihad Miah

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5725; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095725 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3697

Abstract

The massive amount of plastic waste in our natural environment is a global concern. In this study, recycling plastic waste to partially replace natural sand in concrete is investigated. The performance of Resin8, a unique combination of all types of plastics and Polyethylene [...] Read more.

The massive amount of plastic waste in our natural environment is a global concern. In this study, recycling plastic waste to partially replace natural sand in concrete is investigated. The performance of Resin8, a unique combination of all types of plastics and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in concrete, has also been investigated. Replacement contents of 5%, 10%, and 15% for sand by volume were performed. The concrete mixes incorporating recycled plastic waste were tested against a reference concrete mix without plastic. The workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, oxygen permeability index (OPI), and effect of temperature were assessed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was conducted on the plastics and plastic concretes, pre- and post-temperature exposure. PET at a replacement content of 10% slightly increased the compressive strength by 2.4%. Regarding the OPI test, all the mixes incorporating recycled plastic waste are classified as “good”. When exposed to a temperature of 250 °C, no significant change in compressive strength was observed for the concrete mixes incorporating Resin8 at a replacement content of 15%, and the mixes incorporating PET at a replacement content of 5%, 10%, and 15%. It was clear from the results that both Resin8 and PET are suitable as a partial replacement for sand in concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling and Utilization of Waste Polymer)

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13 pages, 4081 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Expansion of the Invasive Plant Species Reynoutria japonica Houtt in the Upper Bistrița Mountain River Basin with a Calculus on the Productive Potential of a Mountain Meadow

by Bogdan-Mihai Negrea, Valeriu Stoilov-Linu, Cristian-Emilian Pop, György Deák, Nicolae Crăciun and Marius Mirodon Făgăraș

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095737 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3977

Abstract

Many invasive plant species use interactions with their anthropic environment as a propagation factor and benefit from climate changes, which have become accentuated in the last decade. The way such species interact with climate changes, as well as their high specific ecological plasticity, [...] Read more.

Many invasive plant species use interactions with their anthropic environment as a propagation factor and benefit from climate changes, which have become accentuated in the last decade. The way such species interact with climate changes, as well as their high specific ecological plasticity, gives them a consistent advantage over native plant species. This work aims to demonstrate through a simple calculation the quantification of the productive potential of a wet meadow on which populations of an invasive plant species grew. The loss of productive potential induced by Reynoutria japonica Houtt on a mountain meadow in Ciocănești village, Romania, was the main objective. In the case of the productive potential of the meadows, a method for the general calculation of such losses was shown. The degree of anthropization of the studied area was also evaluated, correlating the degree of anthropization with the invasive species’ potential for spreading and affecting the mountain area. Full article

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13 pages, 1507 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Indicators of Sustainable Employability among Older Finnish Postal Service Employees: A Longitudinal Study of Age and Time Effects

by Subas Neupane, Saila Kyrönlahti, Prakash K.C., Anna Siukola, Hanna Kosonen, Kirsi Lumme-Sandt, Pirjo Nikander and Clas-Håkan Nygård

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5729; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095729 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2176

Abstract

We first clarify the definition of sustainable employability, and then we study how the indicators of sustainable employability among older Finnish postal service employees have changed over time. Finally, we estimate the effect of age on these indicators in a two-year follow up. [...] Read more.

We first clarify the definition of sustainable employability, and then we study how the indicators of sustainable employability among older Finnish postal service employees have changed over time. Finally, we estimate the effect of age on these indicators in a two-year follow up. A questionnaire survey among the Finnish postal service employees was conducted in 2016, and a follow-up was conducted in 2018. We analyze data from 1262 subjects who replied to both the baseline and the follow-up surveys. Sustainable employability is defined as a multidimensional construct using nine indicators and covering three domains (health, well-being and employability) based on Fleuren and colleagues’ model. Measurement time (repeated measure) is used as a within-subjects factor, and age is used as a between-subjects factor. The estimated marginal means of the indicators of sustainable employability at the baseline and the follow-up by age in years are calculated. No significant change is found in eight indicators (work ability, time and resources, recovery after work, job satisfaction, motivation, perceived employment, enough training on the job and relevance of work) of sustainable employability after the two-year follow-up. We find a statistically significant effect of time on self-rated health (F = 6.56, p = 0.011). Six out of nine indicators (self-rated health, work ability, time and resources, recovery after work, job satisfaction, and perceived employment) have a statistically significant effect of age between subjects. Partial Eta Squared (ŋ²_p) shows a very small difference in the indicators of sustainable employability during the follow-up, indicating that the employability of the workers was sustained throughout. We used the Fleuren model as the basis for our definition of sustainable employability. Although they are based on single items, these indicators of sustainable employability remain stable after the two-year follow-up. Significant effects of age between subjects are found for six out of nine indicators. The results suggest that age may be an important determinant of sustainable employability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Healthy Working Life for All Ages—Work Environment, Age Management and Employability)

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17 pages, 3137 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Influence of Different Types of Environmental Enrichment on the Performance and Welfare of Broiler Chickens and the Possibilities of Real-Time Monitoring via a Farmer-Assistant System

by Fabian Spieß, Bernd Reckels, Amr Abd-El Wahab, Marwa Fawzy Elmetwaly Ahmed, Christian Sürie, Monika Auerbach, Silke Rautenschlein, Ottmar Distl, Joerg Hartung and Christian Visscher

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095727 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3072

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of environmental enrichment on the growth performance, litter and/or air quality as well as animal welfare indicators of broilers. Control groups (CG) and trial groups (TG) were housed under identical conditions during six [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of environmental enrichment on the growth performance, litter and/or air quality as well as animal welfare indicators of broilers. Control groups (CG) and trial groups (TG) were housed under identical conditions during six fattening runs, with the TG having three types of environmental enrichment and a Farmer-Assistant System (FAS). A representative number of 50 birds were weighed and litter samples were taken at d 14, 21 and 28. Additionally, the same broilers were examined for foot pad dermatitis (FPD) on those days. The average bodyweight of the birds in the CG was significantly lower (1671 g) only at d 28 compared to TG (1704 g); at d 14, d 21 and d 33 at the slaughterhouse, no significant differences were observed. The dry matter content in the litter did not significantly differ between CG and TG. Birds housed in CG had significantly higher FPD scores at d 14 (1.24) and d 21 (2.19) compared to those housed in TG (0.73 and 1.52, respectively). No effects on air quality parameters, such as CO₂ and NH₃, were seen between the groups. Overall, our study shows no negative influences of environmental enrichment on growth performance, litter and air quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Management)

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20 pages, 8801 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Human Critical Area (HCA) in the “Three Water Lines” Region of Northwest China and the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors between 2000 and 2020

by Zhiting Chen, Qing Ren, Tian Zhang, Zhewen Kang, Xiaoyan Huang, Peng Li, Xiaohu Dang, Xiaoshu Cao and Mingjiang Deng

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5728; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095728 - 9 May 2022

Viewed by 3074

Abstract

The Human Critical Area (HCA) is an area that characterizes the surface landscape created by human beings in the Anthropocene. Based on the signatures left by major human activities over the Earth′s surface, this research demarcates an arid inland region of Northwest China, [...] Read more.

The Human Critical Area (HCA) is an area that characterizes the surface landscape created by human beings in the Anthropocene. Based on the signatures left by major human activities over the Earth′s surface, this research demarcates an arid inland region of Northwest China, the “Three Water Lines”, into four HCA types: Agricultural Area, Built-up Area, Ecological Area, and Bare Area. This paper explores the HCA′s distribution and changes in the “Three Water Lines” region between 2000 and 2020 with land use/cover data, as well as the impact of socioeconomic factors on the HCA dynamics with statistics sourcing from authoritative yearbooks. To achieve this, the Land Use Transition Matrix is used to investigate the changes in area and distribution, while binary linear regression and stepwise multiple linear regression are applied to examine the single and joint effects of the socioeconomic factors. The main findings are as follows: (i) The four HCA types are distinguished quantitatively and by their distribution patterns. Ecological Area and Bare Area cover most (more than 90% in total) of the territory with extensive and continuous distribution. Agricultural Area is mainly found on the eastern and western parts of the region, with flat terrain, abundant water resources, and moderate temperatures. Built-up Area is the most concentrated but has an unbalanced distribution and the lowest quantity. (ii) Despite some discernible spatial and quantity changes at regional and county levels between 2000 and 2020, the general characteristics in HCA’s structure and distribution pattern have mainly remained consistent. (iii) Transitions between HCA types occur constantly, and the primary source type of the transitions differs from one another. Ecological Area and Bare Area form the sources of the most evident transitions. (iv) Agricultural Area and Built-up Area are more prone influence from some socioeconomic dynamics. By contrast, there is no evidence that socioeconomic factors directly affect Bare Area. As the first empirical study of the newly conceived concept, Human Critical Area, this paper sheds light on the renovation of geographic traditions of studying the evolution of the human-environment system through the lens of human activities-driven landscape changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods in Vulnerable and Degraded Regions)

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28 pages, 13417 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analysing Key Steps of the Photogrammetric Pipeline for Museum Artefacts 3D Digitisation

by Elisa Mariarosaria Farella, Luca Morelli, Simone Rigon, Eleonora Grilli and Fabio Remondino

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095740 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3718

Abstract

In recent years, massive digitisation of cultural heritage (CH) assets has become a focus of European programmes and initiatives. Among CH settings, attention is reserved to the immense and precious museum collections, whose digital 3D reproduction can support broader non-invasive analyses and stimulate [...] Read more.

In recent years, massive digitisation of cultural heritage (CH) assets has become a focus of European programmes and initiatives. Among CH settings, attention is reserved to the immense and precious museum collections, whose digital 3D reproduction can support broader non-invasive analyses and stimulate the realisation of more attractive and interactive exhibitions. The reconstruction pipeline typically includes numerous processing steps when passive techniques are selected to deal with object digitisation. This article presents some insights on critical operations, which, based on our experience, can rule the quality of the final models and the reconstruction times for delivering 3D heritage results, while boosting the sustainability of digital cultural contents. The depth of field (DoF) problem is explored in the acquisition phase when surveying medium and small-sized objects. Techniques for deblurring images and masking object backgrounds are examined relative to the pre-processing stage. Some point cloud denoising and mesh simplification procedures are analysed in data post-processing. Hints on physically-based rendering (PBR) materials are also presented as closing operations of the reconstruction pipeline. This paper explores these processes mainly through experiments, providing a practical guide, tricks, and suggestions when tackling museum digitisation projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Heritage as Sustainable Resource for Culture and Tourism)

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21 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Entrepreneurs’ Life Satisfaction Built on Satisfaction with Job and Work–Family Balance: Embedded in Society in China, Finland, and Sweden

by Junguang Gao, Tao Chen, Thomas Schøtt and Fuzhen Gu

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095721 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3971

Abstract

Entrepreneurs are known to be more satisfied than employees, with their life satisfaction being built on their satisfaction with their job and work–family balance. We argue that effects differ among societies, drawing on theories about self-determination and culture. Representative samples of 1276 entrepreneurs [...] Read more.

Entrepreneurs are known to be more satisfied than employees, with their life satisfaction being built on their satisfaction with their job and work–family balance. We argue that effects differ among societies, drawing on theories about self-determination and culture. Representative samples of 1276 entrepreneurs and 3821 employees in traditional China and modern Finland and Sweden were surveyed by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which is amenable to multivariate analyses. The effects of occupation upon satisfaction were found to differ among the societies, consistent with their cultural differences. These findings contribute to contextualizing theories about satisfaction being embedded in society and culture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship)

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13 pages, 1700 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Quantitative Ground Risk Assessment for Urban Logistical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Based on Bayesian Network

by Peng Han, Xinyue Yang, Yifei Zhao, Xiangmin Guan and Shengjie Wang

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5733; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095733 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2574

Abstract

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been used for the delivery of medical supplies in urban logistical distribution, due to its ability to reduce human contact during the global fight against COVID-19. However, due to the reliability of the UAV system and the [...] Read more.

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been used for the delivery of medical supplies in urban logistical distribution, due to its ability to reduce human contact during the global fight against COVID-19. However, due to the reliability of the UAV system and the complex and changeable operation scene and population distribution in the urban environment, a few ground-impact accidents have occurred and generated enormous risks to ground personnel. In order to reduce the risk of UAV ground-impact accidents in the urban logistical scene, failure causal factors, and failure modes were classified and summarized in the process of UAV operation based on the accumulated operation data of more than 20,000 flight hours. The risk assessment model based on the Bayesian network was built. According to the established network and the probability of failure causal factors, the probabilities of ground impact accidents and intermediate events under different working conditions were calculated, respectively. The posterior probability was carried out based on the network topology to deduce the main failure inducement of the accidents. Mitigation measures were established to achieve the equivalent safety level of manned aviation, aiming at the main causes of accidents. The results show that the safety risk of the UAV was reduced to 3.84 × 10⁻⁸ under the action of risk-mitigation measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airspace System Planning and Management)

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15 pages, 385 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Corporate Sustainability and Risk Management—The U-Shaped Relationships of Disaggregated ESG Rating Scores and Risk in the German Capital Market

by Fabio Korinth and Rainer Lueg

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5735; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095735 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5704

Abstract

This study addresses the relationship between the (dis)aggregated ESG rating and different types of risk (i.e., market risk, idiosyncratic risk, total risk) in the German stock market. We investigate not only the overall ESG rating and the E, S, and G pillar scores [...] Read more.

This study addresses the relationship between the (dis)aggregated ESG rating and different types of risk (i.e., market risk, idiosyncratic risk, total risk) in the German stock market. We investigate not only the overall ESG rating and the E, S, and G pillar scores but also all the underlying category scores. Thereby, we provide in-depth insight into diverse CS operations. We cover 454 firm years (2012–2019) using ordinary least squares regression with firm and year fixed effects. Our main insights are the U-shaped relationships between CS and risk: Ecological investments first decrease systematic risk (beta), while overinvestment increases systematic risk again. Likewise, social investments initially decrease idiosyncratic risk, while overinvestment increases idiosyncratic risk again. Further findings suggest only one linkage between systematic risk and the social pillar score. In the category scores, a few more relevant linkages were identified, which indicates that disaggregation of the ESG ratings increases the explanatory power of models. In respect to findings from other capital markets, it appears that the effects of the ESG ratings on risk may depend on the existing level of sustainability in the capital market. Last, our study provides insights into the nonlinearity of the CS–risk relationships. Full article

10 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Does Health Insurance Reduce the Alcohol Consumption? Evidence from China Health and Nutrition Survey

by Chenhao Yu, Huigang Liang and Zhiruo Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5693; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095693 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1742

Abstract

Whether health insurance reduces alcohol consumption has been debated. To identify it, the authors used three-wave balance panel data from China Health and Nutrition Survey and applied a two-way fixed-effect model. The authors found that (1) health insurance reduces alcohol consumption, (2) the [...] Read more.

Whether health insurance reduces alcohol consumption has been debated. To identify it, the authors used three-wave balance panel data from China Health and Nutrition Survey and applied a two-way fixed-effect model. The authors found that (1) health insurance reduces alcohol consumption, (2) the effect would be deducted when they have been diagnosed with diabetes, (3) the heterogeneity existed between old and young individuals as well as rural and urban areas, those old individuals would behave more cautious, and urban individuals would consume more alcohol. This study identified the effects of health insurance and the moderating effect of diabetes, which were helpful for policymakers to optimize health insurance policy to ensure the sustainability of health insurance and suggested that primary medical staff should assist patients to establish healthy living habits and reduce their risky behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Health and Sustainable Health Management)

14 pages, 11066 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimization of Plane and Space of New Dwellings in Southern Anhui Province Based on Indoor Thermal Environment

by Mengyuan Bian, Zhijia Huang, Qing Chen, Guo Liu, Yang Zhang and Shanshan Ding

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5694; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095694 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1567

Abstract

Considering the problems of poor plane and space design, poor indoor thermal environment, and high energy consumption of dwellings in southern Anhui province, and combining with the requirements of modern residential environment, the characteristics and changing laws of the plane and space organization [...] Read more.

Considering the problems of poor plane and space design, poor indoor thermal environment, and high energy consumption of dwellings in southern Anhui province, and combining with the requirements of modern residential environment, the characteristics and changing laws of the plane and space organization of Huizhou traditional dwellings from the traditional period to the New Rural period and the inheritance requirements of Huizhou traditional dwellings, seven types of new dwellings in southern Anhui province were designed based on the survey and mapping of Huizhou traditional dwellings. DesignBuilder software is used for the new dwelling plan to simulate and optimize the indoor thermal environment as well as energy consumption of seven building plans. The results show that: High indoor thermal comfort and low energy consumption are observed in a large aspect ratio and fully enclosed room, and better indoor thermal comfort is observed in summer than in winter in rooms with courtyards, and better indoor thermal comfort and low energy consumption is observed when the rooms are located in the northeast, southwest, and south directions. The results have guiding significance for the construction of new dwellings that are comfortable and energy-saving, and distinctive in southern Anhui province. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Smart and Interactive Built Environment)

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12 pages, 5458 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Life Cycle Risk Assessment Applied to Gaseous Emissions from Crumb Rubber Asphalt Pavement Construction

by Maria Chiara Zanetti and Angela Farina

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5716; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095716 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2168

Abstract

Asphalt mixtures for road pavements are produced and laid at high temperatures, producing gaseous emissions that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds that paving workers are exposed to. This paper aims to combine the effects of gaseous emissions on human health [...] Read more.

Asphalt mixtures for road pavements are produced and laid at high temperatures, producing gaseous emissions that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds that paving workers are exposed to. This paper aims to combine the effects of gaseous emissions on human health with the life cycle impacts of wearing courses. The results of sanitary-environmental risk analysis and life cycle assessment were combined in an integrated approach, the life cycle risk analysis, to evaluate the environmental performance of road pavements and local cancer and toxicological effects on workers. Two asphalt mixtures modified with crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires (gap and dense graded) were compared to standard, unmodified asphalt mix. Air samples were collected at the screed and the driver’s seat of a paver during the construction of a full-scale trial section in Turin, Italy. The CR wearing course with a higher asphalt binder content (gap-graded) had a cancer effect on workers 3.5 and 2.9 times higher than the CR mixture with a lower asphalt binder percentage (dense-graded) and the standard mixture, respectively. Instead, the toxicological effects were 1.3 and 1.2 times higher for the gap-graded mixture than the dense-graded and the standard mix, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management and Remediation of Contaminated Sites)

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18 pages, 5289 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Balancing Street Functionality and Restorative Benefit: Developing an Expectation–Current Approach to Street Design

by Yuting Yin, Kevin Thwaites and Yuhan Shao

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095736 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4105

Abstract

The importance of creating a better living environment that is conducive to public health has become increasingly prominent in the post-epidemic era. The restorative potential of urban streets has been emphasized recently, as these spaces of our everyday lives may provide people with [...] Read more.

The importance of creating a better living environment that is conducive to public health has become increasingly prominent in the post-epidemic era. The restorative potential of urban streets has been emphasized recently, as these spaces of our everyday lives may provide people with restorative experiences. However, there is still no efficient way of delivering restorative street design, because no specific standard has been set to indicate the form such streets should take. A street has limited spaces but multiple uses; hence, the delivery of restorativeness is largely restricted by street contexts. This research proposes that this standard should be determined by the balance between street functions and restorative benefits. An expectation-current approach that involves street functions, street typologies, restorative evaluations and users’ expectations was developed in conjunction with its application to four pairs of streets. Each pair included one typical street type determined by its inherent function, and one corresponding case-study street. The restorative expectations and the streets’ current levels of restorativeness were evaluated, and their differences were used to indicate how and to what degree street-related restorative benefits should be optimized. Restorative design implications of the four case-study streets were then summarized accordingly. The expectation–current approach not only serves as a rigorous and sustainable method by stressing the balance between street functions and restorativeness, but also has the potential for application in broader assessment studies, especially when multiple environmental qualities need to be considered, with the advantage of the extensive involvement of people. Full article

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15 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Digital Onboarding: Facilitators and Barriers to Improve Worker Experience

by Sara Petrilli, Laura Galuppo and Silvio Carlo Ripamonti

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5684; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095684 - 8 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9529

Abstract

The pandemic has forced organizations to find new ways of working. In fact, we are seeing an increase in remote working and this has inevitably impacted onboarding processes. In this respect, the aim of this study was to understand how young graduates under [...] Read more.

The pandemic has forced organizations to find new ways of working. In fact, we are seeing an increase in remote working and this has inevitably impacted onboarding processes. In this respect, the aim of this study was to understand how young graduates under 30 experienced digital onboarding (in terms of emotions and cognitions) when joining organizations with structured Human Resources processes. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in which participants were asked to fill in ethnographic sheets in order to understand the barriers and facilitators that organizations can implement to improve the digital onboarding experience. We used thematic analysis. What emerged from our study is that newcomers struggled, in digital contexts, to find the right information, to be proactive and to receive immediate feedback in order to understand the context and to understand their fit with the company: it is important not to lose sight of the importance of socialization, but rather to find effective and structured practices that facilitate it and make it last over time. In our study, we argue that a structured digital onboarding program could be a relevant step in order to implement an effective transition towards remote working cultures and an attention to socialization processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Careers and Flourishing Organizations)

28 pages, 2375 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Importance of Sustainability Aspects When Purchasing Online: Comparing Generation X and Generation Z

by Benedikt M. Brand, Theresa Maria Rausch and Jannika Brandel

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5689; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095689 - 8 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 13060

Abstract

As research on sustainability orientation across generations is still sparse, we contribute to literature by enriching this research field, focusing on Generation Z (‘Zers’) and X (‘Xers’). Moreover, no other study has analyzed cross-generational differences in the sustainability context by making use of [...] Read more.

As research on sustainability orientation across generations is still sparse, we contribute to literature by enriching this research field, focusing on Generation Z (‘Zers’) and X (‘Xers’). Moreover, no other study has analyzed cross-generational differences in the sustainability context by making use of choice experiments, which overcome issues related to (Likert) scale item investigations, and allow respondents to evaluate the trade-off between different purchase factors simultaneously. We thus applied one of the most recent advancements in choice experiments, named Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint analysis, which appears to be more realistic than previous alternatives. The results indicate Zers consume more sustainably (inter alia higher importance of social labels; higher purchase likelihood) when shopping online; however, differences within each generation were uncovered, especially among Xers (e.g., gender differences regarding importance of price). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Conscious Capitalism on Business and Consumers)

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20 pages, 10808 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing Soil Erosion by Monitoring Hilly Lakes Silting

by Yamuna Giambastiani, Riccardo Giusti, Lorenzo Gardin, Stefano Cecchi, Maurizio Iannuccilli, Stefano Romanelli, Lorenzo Bottai, Alberto Ortolani and Bernardo Gozzini

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5649; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095649 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1989

Abstract

Soil erosion continues to be a threat to soil quality, impacting crop production and ecosystem services delivery. The quantitative assessment of soil erosion, both by water and by wind, is mostly carried out by modeling the phenomenon via remote sensing approaches. Several empirical [...] Read more.

Soil erosion continues to be a threat to soil quality, impacting crop production and ecosystem services delivery. The quantitative assessment of soil erosion, both by water and by wind, is mostly carried out by modeling the phenomenon via remote sensing approaches. Several empirical and process-based physical models are used for erosion estimation worldwide, including USLE (or RUSLE), MMF, WEPP, PESERA, SWAT, etc. Furthermore, the amount of sediment produced by erosion phenomena is obtained by direct measurements carried out in experimental sites. Data collection for this purpose is very complex and expensive; in fact, we have few cases of measures distributed at the basin scale to monitor this phenomenon. In this work, we propose a methodology based on an expeditious way to monitor the volume of hilly lakes with GPS, sonar sensor and aquatic drone. The volume is obtained by means of an automatic GIS procedure based on the measurements of lake depth and surface area. Hilly lakes can be considered as sediment containers. Time-lapse measurements make it possible to estimate the silting rate of the lake. The volume of 12 hilly lakes in Tuscany was measured in 2010 and 2018, and the results in terms of silting rate were compared with the estimates of soil loss obtained by RUSLE and MMF. The analyses show that all the lakes measured are subject to silting phenomena. The sediment estimated by the measurements corresponds well to the amount of soil loss estimated with the models used. The relationships found are significant and promising for a distributed application of the methodology, which allows rapid estimation of erosion phenomena. Substantial differences in the proposed comparison (mainly found in two cases) can be justified by particular conditions found on site, which are difficult to predict from the models. The proposed approach allows for a monitoring of basin-scale erosion, which can be extended to larger domains which have hilly lakes, such as, for example, the Tuscany region, where there are more than 10,000 lakes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing in Soil Environment Monitoring)

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14 pages, 3540 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigating the Remanufacturing Potential of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

by Fabian Schoden, Joscha Detzmeier, Anna Katharina Schnatmann, Tomasz Blachowicz and Eva Schwenzfeier-Hellkamp

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5670; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095670 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1888

Abstract

Resources are becoming more expensive and less accessible, for instance construction wood or semiconductors. In addition, climate change requires the conversion of the energy system to 100% renewable energy. Therefore, we need resources to prevent the climate crisis from worsening, but at the [...] Read more.

Resources are becoming more expensive and less accessible, for instance construction wood or semiconductors. In addition, climate change requires the conversion of the energy system to 100% renewable energy. Therefore, we need resources to prevent the climate crisis from worsening, but at the same time, we are suffering from a worsening resource crisis. State-of-the-art technologies, such as silicon-based photovoltaic or wind power plants, are harnessing renewable energy but causing problems and resource losses at the end of their useful life. This alarming situation must be addressed with renewable energy technologies that can be used longer, repaired and remanufactured, and properly recycled at the end of their useful life. An emerging technology that can complement the established systems is dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their production is less energy intensive and they can be manufactured without toxic materials. In line with the concept of the circular economy, the service life of all products must be improved in order to reduce resource consumption. Therefore, we investigated the potential for remanufacturing DSSCs by taking apart old DSSCs, cleaning the components, and building new DSSCs from the remanufactured components. The remanufactured DSSCs have the same or higher efficiencies and can be remanufactured multiple times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Solar Photovoltaic Islands’ Decarbonization)

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22 pages, 3222 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bio-Based Products from Mediterranean Seaweeds: Italian Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Blue Economy

by Simona Armeli Minicante, Lucia Bongiorni and Amelia De Lazzari

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5634; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095634 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4900

Abstract

Seaweeds are attracting increasing attention as an alternative healthy food and renewable drugs source and as agents of climate change mitigation that provide essential ecosystem services. In this context, seaweeds represent marine resources capable of supporting and pursuing the objectives of the Sustainable [...] Read more.

Seaweeds are attracting increasing attention as an alternative healthy food and renewable drugs source and as agents of climate change mitigation that provide essential ecosystem services. In this context, seaweeds represent marine resources capable of supporting and pursuing the objectives of the Sustainable Blue Economy and the Bio-Based Circular Economy. In this review, we analyze the state of seaweed bio-based products and research on the Mediterranean Sea from the last 20 years. Results of this analysis show a large number of investigations focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to on biofuels and bioplastics. Attempts at seaweed farming, although generally very limited, are present in Israel and some North African countries. Lastly, we focus on the Italian situation—including research, companies and legislation on seaweed production—and we discuss gaps, perspectives and challenges for the potential development of a sustainable seaweed industry according to the Sustainable Blue Economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Environmental Research on Protists in the Bioeconomy Innovations)

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30 pages, 1415 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Applicability of Industry 4.0 Technologies in the Reverse Logistics: A Circular Economy Approach Based on COmprehensive Distance Based RAnking (COBRA) Method

by Mladen Krstić, Giulio Paolo Agnusdei, Pier Paolo Miglietta, Snežana Tadić and Violeta Roso

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5632; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095632 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5287

Abstract

The logistics sector plays one of the most important roles in the supply chain with the aim of providing a fast, flexible, safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally acceptable performance of freight transport flows. In addition, the popularization of the concept of a circular [...] Read more.

The logistics sector plays one of the most important roles in the supply chain with the aim of providing a fast, flexible, safe, economical, efficient, and environmentally acceptable performance of freight transport flows. In addition, the popularization of the concept of a circular economy (CE) used to retain goods, components, and materials at their highest usability and value at all times, illustrates the importance of the adequate performance of reverse logistics (RL) processes. However, traditional RL is unable to cope with the requirements of modern supply chains and requires the application of Industry 4.0 technologies, which would make it more efficient. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of various Industry 4.0 technologies in the RL sector in order to point out the most applicable ones. To solve the defined problem, a novel multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model was defined by combining the best—worst method (BWM) to obtain the criteria weights, and the newly developed comprehensive distance-based ranking (COBRA) method to rank the technologies. Another aim of the study was to validate the newly established method. The results indicated that the most applicable technologies were the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and electronic—mobile marketplaces. These technologies will have a significant impact on the development of RL and the establishment of CE systems, thus bringing about all the related positive effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Sustainable Supply Chain and Logistics Management)

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27 pages, 5071 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Export Decision and Credit Constraints under Institution Obstacles

by Trang Hoai Phan, Rainer Stachuletz and Hai Thi Hong Nguyen

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095638 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1964

Abstract

The growing demand for goods and technology increases capital requirements, especially in exporting enterprises. However, many firms have difficulty accessing external capital due to institutional obstacles. This study analyzes two main issues: the influence of institutional obstacles on credit constraints and the relationship [...] Read more.

The growing demand for goods and technology increases capital requirements, especially in exporting enterprises. However, many firms have difficulty accessing external capital due to institutional obstacles. This study analyzes two main issues: the influence of institutional obstacles on credit constraints and the relationship between credit constraints and export decisions, adopting firm-level data from 131 countries. The study’s remarkable contribution is to cluster the data into four country groups based on their national income. The typical specification of each group can lead to more precise results, thereby highlighting the role of institutions. More advanced, this study complements the literature’s gap in the relationship between credit constraints and exports by controlling for institutions as interactive variables in the model. This work upgrades assessments to be more accurate, thereby providing more valuable information to policymakers. In addition, credit constraints are measured by both quantitative and qualitative methods. The essential role of firm size is emphasized in further analysis. This study approaches the Probit method. Furthermore, an instrumental variable is used to solve the endogeneity problem. The results found that a weak institution prevents access to finance, especially in middle-income countries. In addition, firms’ access to capital negatively affects exports in all regions. The finding in the group of rich countries is most pronounced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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19 pages, 3672 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Study of Assessment and Prediction of Water Quality Index Using Fuzzy Logic and ANN Models

by Roman Trach, Yuliia Trach, Agnieszka Kiersnowska, Anna Markiewicz, Marzena Lendo-Siwicka and Konstantin Rusakov

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5656; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095656 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3041

Abstract

Various human activities have been the main causes of surface water pollution. The uneven distribution of industrial enterprises in the territories of the main river basins of Ukraine do not always allow the real state of the water quality to be assessed. This [...] Read more.

Various human activities have been the main causes of surface water pollution. The uneven distribution of industrial enterprises in the territories of the main river basins of Ukraine do not always allow the real state of the water quality to be assessed. This article has three purposes: (1) the modification of the Ukrainian method for assessing the WQI, taking into account the level of negative impact of the most dangerous chemical elements, (2) the modeling of WQI assessment using fuzzy logic and (3) the creation of an artificial neural network model for the prediction of the WQI. The fuzzy logic model used four input variables and calculated one output variable (WQI). In the final stage of the study, six ANN models were analyzed, which differed from each other in various loss function optimizers and activation functions. The optimal results were shown using an ANN with the softmax activation function and Adam’s loss function optimizer (MAPE = 9.6%; R² = 0.964). A comparison of the MAPE and R² indicators of the created ANN model with other models for assessing water quality showed that the level of agreement between the forecast and target data is satisfactory. The novelty of this study is in the proposal to modify the WQI assessment methodology which is used in Ukraine. At the same time, the phased and joint use of mathematical tools such as the fuzzy logic method and the ANN allow one to effectively evaluate and predict WQI values, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Water Resource and Environmental Monitoring)

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21 pages, 1625 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Barley Straw Biochar and Compost Affect Heavy Metal Transport in Soil and Uptake by Potatoes Grown under Wastewater Irrigation

by Ali Mawof, Shiv O. Prasher, Stéphane Bayen, Emma C. Anderson, Christopher Nzediegwu and Ramanbhai Patel

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095665 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2201

Abstract

Wastewater can supplement freshwater in agriculture; however, it contains toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead that are hazardous to humans and the environment. We investigated the effects of barley straw biochar, green and table waste compost, and their mix on [...] Read more.

Wastewater can supplement freshwater in agriculture; however, it contains toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead that are hazardous to humans and the environment. We investigated the effects of barley straw biochar, green and table waste compost, and their mix on heavy metal transport in soil and uptake by potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) irrigated with synthetic wastewater for two years. In both years, amending soil with compost significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) cadmium uptake in potato flesh, skin, roots, and stems; zinc uptake in potato skin and roots; and copper uptake in potato flesh due to increased soil cation-exchange capacity, dissolved organic carbon, and soil pH. Co-amending the soil with compost and 3% biochar significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the bioavailability of cadmium, copper, and zinc in the contaminated soil. Relative to the non-amended soils, soil amendment with biochar, compost, and their mix affected neither the transport of chromium, iron, and lead in the soils nor their uptake by potatoes. It was concluded that amending soil with barley straw biochar and/or compost produced from city green table waste could be used to improve the safety of wastewater irrigated potatoes, depending on the biochar application rate and heavy metal type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Water, Air, and Soil Pollution)

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9 pages, 2655 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommunication

Analysis of the COVID-19 Lockdown’s Impact on Air Quality in the Larger Cities of Spain

by Edgar Lorenzo-Sáez, Eloína Coll-Aliaga, Jose-Vicente Oliver-Villanueva, Fernando Prieto del Campo and Victoria Lerma-Arce

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5613; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095613 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1448

Abstract

During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the air quality reached the best levels to be recorded in large cities in Spain. To analyze and demonstrate this improvement in air quality levels, the evolution of the average nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels [...] Read more.

During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the air quality reached the best levels to be recorded in large cities in Spain. To analyze and demonstrate this improvement in air quality levels, the evolution of the average nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in 78 Spanish cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants during the pre-COVID-19 years (2017–2019), the period of the COVID-19 lockdown, and the post-COVID-19 year (2021) was analyzed. The results show an improvement in the air quality in most of the cities analyzed for 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, in 2021, without the COVID-19 restrictions, the air quality levels of the largest cities in Spain showed important improvements in terms of NO₂ concentration compared to the levels in the pre-COVID-19 years (2017–2019). Nevertheless, in 2021, only 11 cities were below the average annual limit of 10 µg/m³ NO₂ established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, no cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants achieved NO₂ levels below the WHO limit. Finally, a detailed monthly analysis indicated that the pre-COVID-19 levels were reached again during the last months of the monitored period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Change in Association with COVID-19 Pandemic)

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21 pages, 7406 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ecological–Economic Modelling of Traditional Agroforestry to Promote Farmland Biodiversity with Cost-Effective Payments

by Takamasa Nishizawa, Sonja Kay, Johannes Schuler, Noëlle Klein, Felix Herzog, Joachim Aurbacher and Peter Zander

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5615; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095615 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2334

Abstract

Orchard meadows, a traditional agroforestry system in Switzerland combining the dual use fruit and fodder production, are declining, even though the farmland managed under agri-environmental schemes (AES) has been expanding. Despite increasing interest in agroforestry research for developing sustainable agriculture, it is poorly [...] Read more.

Orchard meadows, a traditional agroforestry system in Switzerland combining the dual use fruit and fodder production, are declining, even though the farmland managed under agri-environmental schemes (AES) has been expanding. Despite increasing interest in agroforestry research for developing sustainable agriculture, it is poorly understood how subsidies contribute to the maintenance of trees on agricultural land and the promotion of farmland biodiversity. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to examine the effects of incentive-based AES on both farmers’ decisions regarding trees and biodiversity by developing an ecological–economic assessment model. To explore cost-effective AES, we explicitly consider the heterogeneity of farm types. We apply this integrated model to the farms in Schwarzbubenland, a small hilly region in Northern Switzerland. Results show that the adoption of AES and the compliance costs of participating in AES considerably vary among farm types, and the current AES do not provide farmers with sufficient payments to maintain any type of orchard meadows, despite the ecological benefits of orchard meadows. The integrating modeling developed in this study enables us to better understand the relationship between subsidies and biodiversity through farmers’ decisions on land use and facilitates the design of cost-effective payments for the maintenance of agroforestry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry and Sustainable Agricultural Production)

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20 pages, 2097 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ammonium and Phosphate Recovery from Biogas Slurry: Multivariate Statistical Analysis Approach

by Aftab Ali Kubar, Qing Huang, Kashif Ali Kubar, Muhammad Amjad Khan, Muhammad Sajjad, Sumaira Gul, Chen Yang, Qingqing Wang, Genmao Guo, Ghulam Mustafa Kubar, Muhammad Ibrahim Kubar and Niaz Ahmed Wahocho

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095617 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2479

Abstract

Livestock biogas slurry is an effluent containing nutrients such as ammonium and phosphate that are released by the industries. Therefore, recovery and reuse of ammonium and phosphorus is highly necessary. In recent years, many studies have been devoted to the use of different [...] Read more.

Livestock biogas slurry is an effluent containing nutrients such as ammonium and phosphate that are released by the industries. Therefore, recovery and reuse of ammonium and phosphorus is highly necessary. In recent years, many studies have been devoted to the use of different multivariate statistical analyses to investigate the interrelationship of one factor to another factor. The overall objective of this research study was to understand the significance of phosphate and ammonium recovery from biogas slurry using the multivariate statistical approach. This study was conducted using a range of salts that are commonly found in biogas slurry (ZnCl₂, FeCl₃, FeCl₂, CuCl₂, Na₂CO₃, and NaHCO₃). Experiments with a biogas digester and aqueous solution were conducted at pH 9, with integration with NH₄⁺, Mg²⁺, and PO₄³⁻ molar ratios of 1.0, 1.2, and 1.8, respectively. The removal efficiency of ammonium and phosphate increased from 15.0% to 71.0% and 18.0% to 99.0%, respectively, by increasing the dose of respective ions K⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, and CO₃²⁻. The elements were increased from 58.0 to 71.0 for HCO₃⁻, with the concentration increasing from 30 mg L⁻¹ to 240 mg L⁻¹. Principal component, regression, path analysis, and Pearson correlation analyses were used to investigate the relationships of phosphate and ammonium recovery under different biochar, pyrolysis temperature, element concentration and removal efficiencies. Multivariate statistical analysis was also used to comprehensively evaluate the biochar and struvite effects on recovery of ammonium and phosphate from biogas slurry. The results showed that combined study of multivariate statistics suggested that all the indicators positively or negatively affected each other. Pearson correlation was insignificant in many ionic concentrations, as all were more than the significant 0.05. The study concluded that temperature, biochar type, and varying levels of components, such as K⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, CO₃²⁻, and HCO₃⁻, all had a substantial impact on P and NH₄⁺ recovery. Temperature and varying amounts of metal salts enhanced the efficacy of ammonium and phosphate recovery. This research elucidated the methods by which biochar effectively reuses nitrogen and phosphate from biogas slurry, presenting a long-term agricultural solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agro-Ecosystems: The Role of Innovative Amendments in Crop Production Under Polluted Environments)

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23 pages, 622 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Build Back Better and Long-Term Housing Recovery: Assessing Community Housing Resilience and the Role of Insurance Post Disaster

by Sahar Zavareh Hofmann

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5623; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095623 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2787

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to better understand community housing resilience and the role of insurance using a Build Back Better Long-term Recovery Housing framework to analyze approaches and effects on long-term housing rebuilding and recovery. A comparative case study approach is [...] Read more.

The purpose of this research is to better understand community housing resilience and the role of insurance using a Build Back Better Long-term Recovery Housing framework to analyze approaches and effects on long-term housing rebuilding and recovery. A comparative case study approach is taken to assess insurance policies and outcomes following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Canterbury earthquake sequence in Christchurch, New Zealand, both affluent urban communities with strong insurance markets. Framed within the context of “Build Back Better”, the community housing and insurance resilience assessment is based on five key indicators; governance, community resources, risk reduction, housing rebuilding funding (funding and speed of funding), and time compression (built environment and periods of recovery time). Public and private insurance schemes for both case studies are identified and are considered together with analysis of insurance claims and other sources of financial support. The findings and results show that recovery is the result of highly interdependent Build Back Better processes. The data suggests that insurance and governance systems greatly influences the onset and overall speed of recovery (time compression), thereby performing a major role in long-term recovery. This research provides an original contribution to disaster recovery knowledge by analyzing insurance claims from two well-documented natural disasters. Additionally, the paper proposes for the singular definition of community housing resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Post-disaster Recovery from a Sustainability Perspective)

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23 pages, 3183 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Diet Fermentation Leads to Microbial Adaptation in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens; Linnaeus, 1758) Larvae Reared on Palm Oil Side Streams

by Patrick Klüber, Dorothee Tegtmeier, Sabine Hurka, Janin Pfeiffer, Andreas Vilcinskas, Martin Rühl and Holger Zorn

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5626; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095626 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3605

Abstract

Insects offer a promising alternative source of protein to mitigate the environmental consequences of conventional livestock farming. Larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; Linnaeus, 1758) efficiently convert a variety of organic side streams and residues into valuable proteins, lipids, [...] Read more.

Insects offer a promising alternative source of protein to mitigate the environmental consequences of conventional livestock farming. Larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; Linnaeus, 1758) efficiently convert a variety of organic side streams and residues into valuable proteins, lipids, and chitin. Here, we evaluated the suitability of two palm oil industry side streams—empty fruit bunches (EFB) and palm kernel meal (PKM)—as larval feed, and their impact on the larval gut microbiome. Among 69 fungal species we screened, Marasmius palmivorus, Irpex consors, and Bjerkandera adusta achieved the fastest growth and lignin degradation, so these fungi were used for the pretreatment of 7:3 mixtures of EFB and PKM. Larvae reared on the mixture pretreated with B. adusta (BAD) developed significantly more quickly and reached a higher final weight than those reared on the other pretreatments or the non-fermented reference (NFR). Amplicon sequencing of the BAD and NFR groups revealed major differences in the larval gut microbiome. The NFR group was dominated by facultatively anaerobic Enterobacteriaceae (typical of H. illucens larvae) whereas the BAD group favored obligately anaerobic, cellulolytic bacteria (Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae). We hypothesize that fungal lignin degradation led to an accumulation of mycelia and subsequent cellulolytic breakdown of fiber residues, thus improving substrate digestibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Insect Farming: Feed the Future)

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15 pages, 9863 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mining-Related Metal Pollution and Ecological Risk Factors in South-Eastern Georgia

by Marika Avkopashvili, Guranda Avkopashvili, Irakli Avkopashvili, Lasha Asanidze, Lia Matchavariani, Alexander Gongadze and Ramaz Gakhokidze

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5621; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095621 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2011

Abstract

Gold and copper production is important to the Georgian economy, but at the same time, mineral resources are mined in one of the important agricultural areas of the country. This study evaluated water and soil quality in the region. Soil from 18 villages [...] Read more.

Gold and copper production is important to the Georgian economy, but at the same time, mineral resources are mined in one of the important agricultural areas of the country. This study evaluated water and soil quality in the region. Soil from 18 villages was analyzed. Some of these villages have not been investigated before and previous information about soil quality was unknown. Ecological risk factors and potential ecological risk were determined for the study area. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyze heavy metals concentration in soil and water samples taken from the study area. Integrated water and soil data allowed us to see how these important natural resources influence each other. After the comparison of the four-year period of the study, we observed an increase of heavy metals increase in the soil in 2017 compared to 2014. Higher lead concentration was discovered within a two kilometer radius of the mining area whereas the highest cadmium concentration was observed in the village Ratevani, 15 km away from the nearest mine, where there was an extremely high ecological risk of Cd concentration. Further investigations are recommended to be done in Ratevani village as the people living in this village are at risk of Cd poisoning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Pollution and Soil Remediation in Sustainable Agriculture)

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14 pages, 1398 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Economical Productivity of Maize Genotypes under Different Herbicides Application in Two Contrasting Climatic Conditions

by Dragan Božović, Dragana Popović, Vera Popović, Tomislav Živanović, Nataša Ljubičić, Milivoje Ćosić, Anđela Spahić, Divna Simić and Vladimir Filipović

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5629; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095629 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

Maize ranks first among worldwide production and an important source of human and animal feed. Its production can be affected by management practices and climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate stability of yield and hundred grains weight of six [...] Read more.

Maize ranks first among worldwide production and an important source of human and animal feed. Its production can be affected by management practices and climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate stability of yield and hundred grains weight of six maize genotypes during two growing seasons at two locations, subjected to four different treatments: T₁ treatment—without herbicide, Control; T₂ treatment—active substance Nicosulfuron and Motivell commercial preparation; T₃ treatment—active substance Rimsulfuron and Tarot; and, T₄ treatment—active substance Forasulfuron and Equip. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction—AMMI model and genotype × environment interaction—GGE biplot were used to estimate GEI—genotype by environment interaction. The results showed that the influence of genotype (G), year (Y), locality (L), treatment (T) and all interaction on hundred grains weight were significant. The share of genotypes in the total phenotypic variance was 64.70%, while the share in total interaction was 26.88%. The share of IPCA1 in terms of G × T interaction was 50.6%, while share of IPCA2 was 44.74%, which comprised together 94.80% of interaction. The first IPCA1 axis showed high share in the total interaction, which indicates out significance of genotype in total variation and interaction, while high level of IPCA2 indicates a significant treatment effect. Genotype L-6 had the same mass of 100 grains (37.96 g) during both years of testing, while genotype L-1, with 4.46 g, had the largest difference between years. This clearly indicates the influence of genotype but also stress under the influence of sulfonylureas and environmental factors. The maize genotype with the highest values of hundred grains weight, L-5 and L-6, expressed the highest values of grain yield (4665 kg ha⁻¹ and 4445 kg ha⁻¹). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Food and Feed Based on Agriculture 5.0: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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22 pages, 2690 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

What Are the Environmental Benefits and Costs of Reducing Food Waste? Bristol as a Case Study in the WASTE FEW Urban Living Lab Project

by Eleanor Eaton, Alistair Hunt, Anastasia Di Leo, Daniel Black, Gwen Frost and Sarah Hargreaves

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5573; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095573 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3361

Abstract

The city of Bristol currently generates around 48,000 tonnes of household food waste every year. This waste incurs loss of resources and environmental damage throughout the food cycle. In this paper we quantify and value the baseline socio-environmental impacts from household food waste [...] Read more.

The city of Bristol currently generates around 48,000 tonnes of household food waste every year. This waste incurs loss of resources and environmental damage throughout the food cycle. In this paper we quantify and value the baseline socio-environmental impacts from household food waste in Bristol before examining the potential costs and benefits that may result from changes to food waste behaviour. In so doing, we look to better inform the choice of food waste reduction methods in public policy. The environmental impacts of two possible policy targets are explored: (1) a 20% increase in food waste recycling and (2) an overall decrease in food waste of 20%. Environmental impacts are estimated for 13 different hazards, including Global Warming Potential, Particulate Matter, Human Toxicity and Water Depletion. The societal consequences of these environmental changes are monetised using non-market values which allows us to directly compare the relative importance of different environmental impacts and the trade-offs between these impacts in each scenario. For example, we estimate that the Global Warming Potential of Bristol’s annual food waste equates to around 110,000 tonnes CO₂, or 25,000 additional cars on the road every year. We find that a 20% improvement in recycling behaviour would lead to an annual reduction of 113 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, whilst a 20% reduction in food waste would result in an annual reduction of 15,000 tonnes CO₂ equivalent. Findings suggest that the environmental impact of waste management is significantly overshadowed by the impact of resources used in food production and distribution before it becomes waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Food–Energy–Water Nexus: Boundaries, Processes, and the Circular Economy)

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19 pages, 4037 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

B Impact Assessment as a Sustainable Tool: Analysis of the Certification Model

by Vítor Silva, Vanda Lima, José Carlos Sá, Luís Fonseca and Gilberto Santos

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5590; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095590 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4102

Abstract

Currently, certification is an essential tool for a company’s sustainability and a seal of trust for the stakeholders. The B Corporation (B Corp) certification system is in line with the leading indicators of sustainable development and social responsibility published by the general assembly [...] Read more.

Currently, certification is an essential tool for a company’s sustainability and a seal of trust for the stakeholders. The B Corporation (B Corp) certification system is in line with the leading indicators of sustainable development and social responsibility published by the general assembly of the United Nations, namely: environment, community, workers, customers, and governance. Nevertheless, it is essential that academic research should empirically assess the B Corp model’s reliability for its validation and legitimization. In this study, we address the results of the B Impact Assessment of 2262 companies certified by B Corp from the beginning of 2017 to March 2021. The main objective is to analyze the B Impact Assessment, verifying the robustness and consistency of the model to measure and improve the economic, social, and environmental impact of companies. We analyzed the construct’s validity through a confirmatory factorial analysis using AMOS statistical software. The results allowed us to identify some weaknesses and limitations of the B Impact Assessment. This certification system reflects an unadjusted model where the main assessment indicators have problems with regard to the measurement scale. The governance and customer indicators are the most vulnerable. The findings also allow us to state that there are apparently no minimum values established for each of the parameters evaluated, which may cause imbalances in the sustainable development process of B Corp companies. This research contributes to enhancing B Impact Assessment as a sustainability tool, highlighting areas for improvement concerning the indicators’ measurement scales and the assessment process, including the monitoring of evaluators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection New Frontiers in Production Engineering)

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25 pages, 5961 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Philopatry as a Tool to Define Tentative Closed Migration Cycles and Conservation Areas for Large Pelagic Fishes in the Pacific

by Veronica Relano and Daniel Pauly

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5577; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095577 - 6 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5092

Abstract

Migrations of large pelagic fishes across the Pacific are usually inferred from tagging or genetic studies. Even though these techniques have improved over time, they still fail to demonstrate large transoceanic migrations, usually proposing ‘routes’ that do not cycle seasonally. The current study [...] Read more.

Migrations of large pelagic fishes across the Pacific are usually inferred from tagging or genetic studies. Even though these techniques have improved over time, they still fail to demonstrate large transoceanic migrations, usually proposing ‘routes’ that do not cycle seasonally. The current study uses the concept of ‘philopatry’ in 11 large pelagic fish species, i.e., the tendency for animals to return to their natal site to reproduce. Tentative migration routes and maps emerge by applying this concept to the movements extracted through a comprehensive review of the literature on satellite and conventional tagging, and population and subpopulation linkages inferred from genetic and/or genomic studies. Moreover, when comparing these proposed migration routes and the mapped reconstructed catch (1950–2016, Sea Around Us) of each species in the Pacific, similarities emerge, reinforcing the accuracy of these migration cycles informed by philopatry. Finally, by superposing the migration routes of our 11 species, we identified areas of the Pacific that are part of the inferred migration routes of multiple species, leading to a discussion of possible ‘blue corridors’ that would protect the studied species’ key migration routes and stocks, which are important for the fisheries, culture and nutrition of Pacific islanders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life below Water: Marine Biology and Sustainable Ocean)

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