Sustainability

58 pages, 22507 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Using Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning: A Comparison of Control Strategies

by Mahmoud Owais, Badr O. Mohammed, Abdulrahman A. Kamal, Abdulrahman Shaban, Ahmed H. Mostafa, Kareem Hatem, John Emad, Salah T. Younis, Samia A. Ali, Alaa E. Abdel-Hakim and Islam M. Alkabbany

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5702; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115702 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

Urban traffic congestion remains a persistent challenge for conventional fixed-time signal control, particularly under fluctuating and asymmetric demand. Although multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has shown promise for adaptive traffic signal control, previous studies have often focused on isolated intersections, simplified synthetic networks, or [...] Read more.

Urban traffic congestion remains a persistent challenge for conventional fixed-time signal control, particularly under fluctuating and asymmetric demand. Although multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has shown promise for adaptive traffic signal control, previous studies have often focused on isolated intersections, simplified synthetic networks, or deep-learning-based controllers without systematically comparing tabular and deep-value-based multi-agent approaches under equivalent operating conditions. This study addresses this gap by comparing three traffic signal control strategies: fixed-time control, Multi-Agent Tabular Q-Learning, and multi-agent Deep Q-Network control (MADQN). The evaluation was conducted in a microscopic traffic simulation environment using two complementary testbeds: a synthetic two-intersection corridor, which enables controlled analysis of multi-agent coordination, and a real-world digital twin of the 25 January Corridor in Assiut, Egypt, which tests controller robustness under asymmetric geometry and realistic turning movements. The controllers are assessed under low-, medium-, and high-demand scenarios using queue length, cumulative delay, and Time-To-Collision as operational and safety-related indicators. The results show that MARL-based controllers generally outperform fixed-time control, but their relative performance depends on demand intensity and network complexity. MADQN provides stronger generalization in low-demand and queue-dissipation conditions, whereas Tabular Q-Learning remains highly competitive and can achieve superior delay reduction in several medium- and high-demand cases. These findings indicate that deeper MARL architectures are not universally superior; rather, adaptive signal control deployment should match the controller architecture to the operational objective, traffic demand regime, and practical complexity of the target corridor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Transportation Systems)

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19 pages, 811 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Food Systems: Food Poverty and Alternative Food Networks in South Tyrol

by Alessandra Piccoli

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5701; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115701 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

This article investigates food poverty in South Tyrol, a generally affluent region, to understand how socio-economic changes—particularly the COVID-19 pandemic—have reshaped patterns of vulnerability within local food systems and challenged social sustainability. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on interviews with institutional [...] Read more.

This article investigates food poverty in South Tyrol, a generally affluent region, to understand how socio-economic changes—particularly the COVID-19 pandemic—have reshaped patterns of vulnerability within local food systems and challenged social sustainability. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on interviews with institutional and third-sector actors, adults involved in local food networks, and focus groups to capture diverse perspectives on access to food. The findings reveal a coexistence of overall economic prosperity with hidden forms of food insecurity and unequal access to healthy and sustainable food. Although official statistics report relatively low levels of childhood overweight and obesity, certain groups—including elderly individuals, migrant families, and low-income households—face increasing challenges due to rising living costs and constrained access to nutritious food. The pandemic functioned as a temporary stressor that exposed pre-existing fragilities while also encouraging adaptive responses within local welfare systems. In particular, alternative food networks such as solidarity purchasing groups and emerging food cooperatives play a complementary role by promoting food autonomy, social support, and dignity-based assistance. These initiatives highlight forms of need not always captured by traditional welfare mechanisms. The study concludes that addressing food poverty in high-income contexts requires integrated, place-based strategies that combine social inclusion, nutritional education, intersectoral governance, and community-driven food practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy, Equitable and Environmentally Sustainable Food Environments)

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25 pages, 476 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Investor Trust Through Sustainable Finance: The Moderating Effects of Regulatory Quality and Economic Policy Uncertainty Among Non-Financial Institutions Listed on the London Stock Exchange

by Jeneba Joy Tucker, Murad Abdurahman Bein, Bright Akwasi Gyamfi and Richard Arhinful

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5700; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115700 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

The regulatory framework in the United Kingdom plays a vital role in promoting investor trust and transparency by mandating that enterprises disclose their social and environmental impacts. This makes the UK an appropriate setting for this study. This research examined how sustainable finance [...] Read more.

The regulatory framework in the United Kingdom plays a vital role in promoting investor trust and transparency by mandating that enterprises disclose their social and environmental impacts. This makes the UK an appropriate setting for this study. This research examined how sustainable finance influences investor trust in the London Stock Exchange. The study employed purposive sampling along with specified inclusion and exclusion criteria to assess 17 years of data (2007–2023) from 334 non-financial institutions obtained from Thomson Reuters Eikon DataStream. To mitigate cross-sectional dependence and endogeneity concerns in the data, several estimation methods were used, including the Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG), fixed effects with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The findings revealed that corporate emission reduction policies, environmental expenditures, and green bond issuances had a positive and significant impact on investor trust. Additionally, the moderating effect of regulatory quality on emission reduction policies further enhanced investor trust. Based on these findings, companies are encouraged to strengthen their environmental practices by implementing robust emission reduction policies, increasing environmental investments, and issuing green bonds to support sustainable projects. These efforts should be clearly communicated to investors to highlight the company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable and Green Finance)

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34 pages, 368 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Park Users’ Expectations for Smart Park Applications: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study

by Türkan Nihan Sabirli, Yeldanur Urlu, Sena Öngen and Arif Yüce

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5699; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115699 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

As smart city approaches increasingly extend to public open spaces, understanding what urban park users expect from digital park applications has become a critical issue for sustainable urban management. This study examines park users’ expectations of smart park applications through an exploratory sequential [...] Read more.

As smart city approaches increasingly extend to public open spaces, understanding what urban park users expect from digital park applications has become a critical issue for sustainable urban management. This study examines park users’ expectations of smart park applications through an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. In the first phase (Study I), semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 purposively selected participants representing four user groups—parents with children, sport-oriented users, older adults, and general adults—in urban parks in Eskişehir, Türkiye. Thematic analysis identified eight user expectation themes, which were subsequently operationalized into a seven-factor quantitative structure. In the second phase (Study II), a seven-factor scale derived from the qualitative findings was administered to 374 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good overall model fit, and the scale exhibited strong reliability and convergent validity. One-way ANOVA revealed significant between-group differences in six of the seven dimensions, with sport-oriented users consistently reporting higher expectations than older adults. Safety and Activity Diversity was the only dimension showing no significant group differences, indicating a universal expectation across all user profiles. Multiple regression analysis showed that Independent Functionality was the strongest predictor of use intention, followed by Centrality and Communal Function and Safety. Integration of both phases through a joint display revealed that expectations are both universal and user profile-specific, underscoring the need for user-sensitive smart park design. By linking digital park services to user expectations, well-being-oriented park design, and the sustainable use of urban green spaces, these findings contribute to the literatures on smart cities, urban green spaces, and well-being, providing an empirically informed and user-centred framework for digital park applications that may inform efforts toward healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable urban public spaces in line with SDGs 3 and 11. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Well-Being and Urban Green Spaces: Advantages for Sustainable Cities)

15 pages, 2852 KB

Open AccessArticle

Potential for Water and Energy Savings from the Reuse of Washings in a Swimming Pool

by Edyta Dudkiewicz and Renata Biela

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5698; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115698 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

Indoor swimming pools are energy- and water-intensive facilities. Advanced technologies enable water recovery and eliminate heat consumption by recirculating water used for filter backwashing. The aim of this article is to assess the water and energy savings resulting from the use of backwash [...] Read more.

Indoor swimming pools are energy- and water-intensive facilities. Advanced technologies enable water recovery and eliminate heat consumption by recirculating water used for filter backwashing. The aim of this article is to assess the water and energy savings resulting from the use of backwash water from swimming pool filters through the implementation of a modern technological system. The results of the analyses allow for an assessment of the benefits depending on the assumptions adopted in the national regulations regarding swimming pools in two neighboring countries: Poland and the Czech Republic. The temperature of the water supply to the swimming pool system has a significant impact on heat consumption, as a 7 °C difference between water temperatures in Poland and the Czech Republic causes a 50% increase in heat consumption. The high efficiency of the recycling systems allows for water savings of up to 30 m³ per day. In the case of pools with a water temperature of 26 °C, the energy savings range from 645 to 967 GJ per year, depending on the fresh water temperature. Implementing the system has enormous benefits in the decarbonization process, reducing CO₂ emissions by 80%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Solutions and RES Integration in Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB))

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18 pages, 774 KB

Open AccessArticle

Road-Geometry Severity Index for Prioritizing High-Severity Crash Contexts in Turkey: A Composite-Index and Unsupervised Learning Approach

by Hümeyra Bolakar Tosun and Fatih Yavuz

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5697; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115697 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

Road geometry is a modifiable determinant of crash occurrence and severity; addressing it is critical for achieving sustainable transport systems. Yet, policy action requires clear prioritization across road types and years to ensure sustainable resource allocation. This study analyzes fatal and injury outcomes [...] Read more.

Road geometry is a modifiable determinant of crash occurrence and severity; addressing it is critical for achieving sustainable transport systems. Yet, policy action requires clear prioritization across road types and years to ensure sustainable resource allocation. This study analyzes fatal and injury outcomes by roadway geometric context in Türkiye (2015–2024) and proposes a cell-level prioritization framework integrating crash burden, severity, and short-term deviations to support long-term sustainable road safety management. Annual data were structured as Year × Road type × Geometry × Category, with severity measured as deaths and injuries per 100 crashes (Kmin = 30). A Road Geometry Severity Index (RGSI; 0–100) combined standardized severity, log crash burden, and deviation from a three-year baseline. Isolation Forest and a MAD-based rule identified anomalies, while K-means clustering (K = 4) revealed burden–severity profiles. Results show deaths per 100 crashes declined from 7.91 (2015) to 3.29 (2022), then rose to 6.22 (2024). Severity was highest on provincial (8.82) and state roads (7.23), compared to motorways (4.66). High-severity cells were dominated by provincial-road contexts, especially dangerous curves and junction-related categories. The highest-priority cell was 2018–Provincial Road–Junction–No Junction (RGSI = 100). Under the predefined contamination specification (γ = 0.05), the Isolation Forest model flagged 35 anomalous cells, all of which also satisfied the MAD-based anomaly criterion. Findings highlight persistent high-priority roadway geometric contexts and demonstrate the potential of RGSI as a transparent infrastructure-prioritization tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation Systems Design and Management)

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19 pages, 3762 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vulnerability Assessment of Rural Emergency Response Capacity from a Risk–Capacity Matching Perspective: A Pathway to Sustainable Development

by Shanwei Long, Haigang Li, Jia Li, Yaning Jiao and Kui Zhao

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5696; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115696 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

As the “last mile” of emergency management, rural emergency response capability vulnerability assessment is crucial for strengthening emergency systems. A three-dimensional vulnerability assessment framework was developed from a risk–capacity matching perspective, comprising exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Taking four typical rural areas as [...] Read more.

As the “last mile” of emergency management, rural emergency response capability vulnerability assessment is crucial for strengthening emergency systems. A three-dimensional vulnerability assessment framework was developed from a risk–capacity matching perspective, comprising exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Taking four typical rural areas as case studies, we applied the comprehensive vulnerability index, the coupling coordination degree model, and the obstacle degree model to quantify vulnerability, analyze risk–capability matching, and identify obstacle factor patterns. The results show that (1) the quality of risk–capability matching determines the level of vulnerability; (2) high coupling produces a dual amplification effect, whose direction depends on matching quality; and (3) economic foundations set the upper resource limit for capacity building, while topographical conditions shape baseline risk pressure. The interaction of these two factors drives the spatial distribution of obstacle factors across villages. This study positions rural emergency response capacity as a core safety dimension for sustainable development, thereby providing a robust foundation for rural sustainability. Full article

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

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20 pages, 9660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Inclusive Mountain Landscapes for Social Sustainability: A Flow-Chain Framework and Toolkit for Alpine Ski Areas

by Alberto Arenghi, Mariachiara Bonetti, Fausto Cesena, Valentina Di Floriano, Claudia Rossati and Elena Zordan

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5695; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115695 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

Ensuring accessibility in alpine ski areas remains a critical challenge for social sustainability and inclusive tourism because physical, seasonal and organisational constraints interact across the visitor experience. This paper reframes accessibility as a dynamic and relational landscape attribute and proposes a flow-chain framework [...] Read more.

Ensuring accessibility in alpine ski areas remains a critical challenge for social sustainability and inclusive tourism because physical, seasonal and organisational constraints interact across the visitor experience. This paper reframes accessibility as a dynamic and relational landscape attribute and proposes a flow-chain framework for assessing accessibility as a sequence of interdependent phases, from pre-trip information to arrival, lift access, slope use, rest and return. Developed within the Ski-Ability project in the ArgeAlp working community, the study draws on exploratory field observations, stakeholder engagement and co-design activities conducted across seven Alpine pilot resorts. The pilot resorts are not treated as a statistically representative sample, but as field cases used to understand current operational conditions in a context where academic literature, technical standards and regulatory guidance specific to accessible ski areas remain limited. The framework is operationalised through a qualitative toolkit based on Basic, Comfort and Plus levels, priority categories and non-compensatory decision rules. The results provide methodological validation and practical guidance rather than quantitative benchmarking. They show that accessibility in alpine ski areas depends on the continuity of routes, services, information and assistance, and on coordination among multiple actors. The paper contributes to social sustainability research by linking Universal Design, accessible tourism and mountain governance within a transferable, process-oriented assessment model. Full article

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19 pages, 1166 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Motivations and Km 0 Food Systems: Comparative Perspectives from Farmers, Restaurants, and Policymakers in Spain

by Alejandro Martínez-Vérez, Cristina Lucini Baquero and Antonio Montero-Seoane

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5694; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115694 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

The commercialization of Km 0 products has emerged as a strategic approach to strengthening rural economies, promoting sustainability, and countering depopulation in European territories. This study examines the motivations and perceptions of three key stakeholder groups—farmers, restaurant businesses, and public officials—regarding rural permanence [...] Read more.

The commercialization of Km 0 products has emerged as a strategic approach to strengthening rural economies, promoting sustainability, and countering depopulation in European territories. This study examines the motivations and perceptions of three key stakeholder groups—farmers, restaurant businesses, and public officials—regarding rural permanence and the role of Km 0 commercialization. Based on original survey data collected in Spain (2024), the research adopts a comparative perspective to identify convergences and divergences across these actors. Results show that farmers perceive Km 0 as vital for the survival of family farms and the preservation of territorial identity, while restaurants view it as a competitive advantage to ensure freshness and authenticity in gastronomy. Public officials frame Km 0 as a governance tool for rural revitalization and demographic stabilization. Despite these different orientations, all groups converge on valuing quality of life, contact with nature, and sustainability. Structural constraints such as inadequate infrastructure, limited digital connectivity, and generational renewal remain significant barriers across contexts. Situating these findings within the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the agroecological transition framework, this article suggests that Km 0 commercialization holds potential as an instrument for sustainability, territorial resilience, and food sovereignty in contemporary rural Europe, while acknowledging that the exploratory nature of this study calls for caution in extrapolating these findings beyond the specific contexts examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)

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36 pages, 18172 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unraveling the Spatial Network Topology and Clustering Patterns of Green Transportation Development

by Wenbin Yao, Muhan Huang, Nan Lin, Hui Wu, Chunqin Zhang, Martin Skitmore and Xiaoli Song

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5693; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115693 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial association network structure of Green Transportation Development (GTD) in China to support coordinated regional development. Based on panel data from 30 major Chinese cities over the period 2011–2020, an entropy weighting method is used to evaluate urban GTD [...] Read more.

This study investigates the spatial association network structure of Green Transportation Development (GTD) in China to support coordinated regional development. Based on panel data from 30 major Chinese cities over the period 2011–2020, an entropy weighting method is used to evaluate urban GTD levels, while social network analysis (SNA) and the Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP) are employed to identify the spatial network topology, clustering patterns, and driving factors of GTD. The results show that GTD exhibits significant intercity spatial associations. The overall network structure is relatively stable and exhibits a loose hierarchical pattern, with network density fluctuating between 0.232 and 0.277. Shanghai, Yinchuan, and Nanjing play prominent roles in the core–periphery structure. Block modelling further classifies the network into four functional groups: “net spillover,” “bilateral spillover,” “net benefit,” and “broker” blocks. In 2020, the network contained 214 association ties, of which 176 were inter-block ties, indicating evident cross-block spillover effects but relatively weak intra-block communication. The QAP regression results further reveal that geographical distance inhibits network formation, whereas differences in economic development and transport-related employment promote intercity GTD associations; differences in technological innovation exert a negative effect. These findings suggest that policymakers should reduce administrative barriers, formulate differentiated GTD policies, strengthen regional linkages, and promote intercity cooperation based on complementary advantages to improve the overall performance of GTD. Full article

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24 pages, 556 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does Patient Capital Promote Corporate Green Innovation Persistence? Evidence from the Mediating Role of Information Disclosure Quality

by Xianyun Wu, Xihao Chang and Shihui Yu

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5692; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115692 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines whether patient capital promotes the persistence of corporate green innovation and, if so, through what mechanism. Drawing on a panel of 21,811 firm-year observations for 3495 Chinese A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2022, we construct a patent-based measure of [...] Read more.

This study examines whether patient capital promotes the persistence of corporate green innovation and, if so, through what mechanism. Drawing on a panel of 21,811 firm-year observations for 3495 Chinese A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2022, we construct a patent-based measure of green innovation persistence and examine the role of strategic equity ownership as a form of long-horizon patient capital. The baseline results show that patient capital is positively associated with green innovation persistence after controlling for firm characteristics, industry fixed effects, and year fixed effects. Mechanism tests indicate that information disclosure quality is a significant partial mediator: patient capital improves disclosure quality, and higher-quality disclosure is associated with more continuous green innovation. The indirect effect is supported by both the Sobel test and a firm-level cluster bootstrap. Robustness checks using alternative green innovation outcomes, an alternative patient-capital measure, and alternative winsorization thresholds yield consistent results. Supplementary endogeneity analyses using lagged instrumental-variable estimation and propensity-score-matched-sample regressions support the baseline association, while temporal tests are interpreted cautiously because ownership and innovation exhibit strong serial persistence. Heterogeneity analyses show that the patient-capital effect is stronger among large firms and firms in heavily polluting industries, whereas evidence for information–environment and ownership heterogeneity is suggestive or statistically inconclusive. The findings contribute to research on investor horizons, green innovation persistence, and the real effects of corporate disclosure. Full article

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

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29 pages, 30778 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Geospatial Assessment of a Human-Induced Winter Landslide in Almaty: The February 2024 Tau-Samal Event

by Elmira Orynbassarova, Fatima Iliuf, Daniel Hölbling, Medetkhan Zapparov, Ainur Yerzhankyzy, Zhanat Omirzhanova, Tolkynai Sadykova and Aigul Kenesbayeva

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5691; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115691 - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a landslide that occurred in February 2024 in the Tau-Samal district of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Characterized by rapid onset and anthropogenic influence, this event resulted from a complex interaction of environmental and anthropogenic factors. Specifically, the landslide [...] Read more.

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a landslide that occurred in February 2024 in the Tau-Samal district of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Characterized by rapid onset and anthropogenic influence, this event resulted from a complex interaction of environmental and anthropogenic factors. Specifically, the landslide was triggered by seasonal temperature fluctuations leading to multiple freeze–thaw cycles, localized microseismicity (magnitude 3.5 on 4 February 2024), and a major water main break resulting in localized flooding of loess soils. The study utilizes an integrated landslide susceptibility index (LSI) model, which combines the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for factor weighting. Validation was conducted by comparing the spatial distribution of high-susceptibility zones derived from the LSI model with the actual location of the landslide. Geotechnical studies highlight the susceptibility of Almaty loess, focusing on parameters such as cohesion, internal friction angle, and liquefaction potential. The findings highlight the need for climate-adapted urban policies and improved geotechnical monitoring in high-risk loess areas. This study contributes to a regional understanding of Tien Shan geohazards by placing the Tau-Samal event within the broader context of seismically and hydrologically driven slope processes. Full article

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26 pages, 1659 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Agrarian Technology Adoption for Climate Change Adaptation in Semi-Arid Region of Chicualacuala, Mozambique

by Cléusia Cardina, Arsénio Jorge, Gerivásia Mosse, Luís Artur, Jaime Macuácua, Délcio Munissa and Almeida A. Sitoe

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5690; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115690 - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

Adaptation to climate change is crucial for the resilience of rural communities, especially in semi-arid regions like Chicualacuala district, Mozambique. This study assesses the factors influencing the adoption of climate change adaptation technologies in the semi-arid region of Chicualacuala, Mozambique. Data collection involved [...] Read more.

Adaptation to climate change is crucial for the resilience of rural communities, especially in semi-arid regions like Chicualacuala district, Mozambique. This study assesses the factors influencing the adoption of climate change adaptation technologies in the semi-arid region of Chicualacuala, Mozambique. Data collection involved direct observation, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and questionnaires administered to 191 households selected by simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were used for analysis. The findings indicate that the agriculture sector is the primary beneficiary of the implemented adaptation technologies, with impacts perceived as predominantly positive. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as cultivated land size, full-time engagement in farming, household income, and membership in producer groups significantly influence the adoption of agricultural technologies. Two key factors driving this uptake are the performance of extension services and whether the household head is employed. This suggests that technology adoption could be further strengthened if government policies expand and diversify the educational content of extension services, with a stronger focus on climate change adaptation practices. Such improvements are particularly important in sectors where perceived climate impacts remain limited, as better information may increase awareness and adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 1362 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adoption of IoT and Wearable Devices as a Socio-Technical System: Insights from Construction Safety

by Ibrahim Mosly

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5689; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115689 - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

The use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable devices to enhance construction safety has recently attracted growing attention from the construction research community. In this paper, a system-level Structural Equation Model (SEM) is proposed to examine the relationships among perceived Safety [...] Read more.

The use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable devices to enhance construction safety has recently attracted growing attention from the construction research community. In this paper, a system-level Structural Equation Model (SEM) is proposed to examine the relationships among perceived Safety System Value (SSV), Organizational Readiness (OR), and Adoption Barriers (AB). A survey of 567 construction professionals in Saudi Arabia was used to collect the data, which was analyzed using covariance-based SEM with Robust Maximum Likelihood (MLR) estimation. SSV was found to act as a perceptual antecedent of OR (β = 0.719). OR, in turn, was found to strongly affect AB (β = 0.712). The direct effect of SSV on AB was statistically significant (β = 0.191). Furthermore, the mediation analysis showed that approximately 73% of the total effect of SSV on AB is transmitted through OR (indirect β = 0.512, total β = 0.703). The model explained 51.6% of the variance in OR and 73.9% of the variance in AB. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey of 567 construction professionals in Saudi Arabia. This research contributes to the broader field of systems research by presenting a framework for the adoption of safety-related construction technologies as a systems phenomenon. The research has practical implications for building readiness-driven approaches for the effective integration of safety technologies in safety-critical construction environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantitative Methods for Sustainable Socio-Technical Systems: From Spatio-Temporal Data to Decision Support)

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29 pages, 26825 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Assisted Urban Renewal Scheme Design Method Based on Urban Memory: A Case Study of Hanzheng Street, Wuhan, China

by Han Zou, Yufei Long, Ali Cheshmehzangi, Cong Sun, Junchao Duan, Jiayi Tian and Qizhi Dong

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5688; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115688 - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

With the expanding application of digital technologies in urban renewal, more effective ways of incorporating dispersed public experience and needs into the renewal process still require further exploration. To address this issue, this research innovatively proposes an AI-assisted renewal method for historic districts [...] Read more.

With the expanding application of digital technologies in urban renewal, more effective ways of incorporating dispersed public experience and needs into the renewal process still require further exploration. To address this issue, this research innovatively proposes an AI-assisted renewal method for historic districts driven by urban memory, constructing a continuous methodological chain from the identification of public evaluations to problem translation, to scheme generation and feedback validation. This research integrates the concept of interessement devices from Actor-Network Theory (ANT) with generative AI technologies for case application and validation. Taking Hanzheng Street as a case study, this research extracts the public’s urban memory of the historic district from online comments and identifies renewal demands. These demands were further associated with urban image elements to clarify their spatial carriers and support the subsequent generation of scene-based renewal schemes. On this basis, AI-generated images are further used to present renewed scenarios, and public evaluations of the renewal effects are collected. The results show that urban memory of Hanzheng Street can be summarized into five themes, which were further translated into five obligatory passage points (OPPs), one core issue, and corresponding renewal demands for scene units. The renewal schemes generated through this method achieved a relatively high level of public recognition overall, with mean evaluation scores ranging from 4.10 to 4.27, an overall satisfaction mean of 4.19, and a Top-2 proportion of 82.8%. By incorporating public experience into the formation of renewal schemes, this research provides a people-oriented and effective pathway for participation and feedback in the renewal of historic districts, while also offering methodological reference for the renewal of similar historic districts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and Interdisciplinary Urbanism)

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22 pages, 293 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the Digital Economy on Urban High-Quality Development: Evidence from China’s Cities

by Yan Wang and Zhengyin Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5687; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115687 - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the digital economy and high-quality economic development across 285 prefecture-level and higher cities in China from 2012 to 2022, with the objective of exploring both the overall and mediating effects of the digital economy on urban economic development. The findings [...] Read more.

This study examines the digital economy and high-quality economic development across 285 prefecture-level and higher cities in China from 2012 to 2022, with the objective of exploring both the overall and mediating effects of the digital economy on urban economic development. The findings are intended to inform policy recommendations aimed at supporting the promotion of the digital economy and the advancement of high-quality urban development in China. The primary conclusions derived from the analysis are as follows. (1) The digital economy exerts a significant positive effect on the high-quality development of urban economies, whereas the level of urbanization exerts a negative influence. Factors such as fiscal decentralization, the quality of the ecological environment, financial development, and foreign direct investment are found to positively contribute to high-quality development, and these findings are validated through robustness tests. (2) Technological innovation is identified as a mediating variable in the relationship between the digital economy and urban high-quality development, suggesting that the benefits of the digital economy are predominantly realized through technological innovation. The empirical results are also demonstrated to be robust across multiple analytical approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Cities in the Digital Age: Harnessing Smart Technologies for Urban Innovation)

22 pages, 512 KB

Open AccessArticle

Methodological Openness and Social Sustainability in Secondary Education: Sociometric and Perceptual Evidence from Project-Based Learning

by Francisco Luis Naranjo-Correa, Guadalupe Martínez-Borreguero, Rosa Corral de la Torre and Milagros Mateos-Núñez

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5686; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115686 - 4 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines how methodological openness is associated with the social sustainability of learning in secondary education. A comparative, non-experimental, exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted with two secondary school classroom groups that completed the same technological task—the construction of a functional drawbridge—through two [...] Read more.

This study examines how methodological openness is associated with the social sustainability of learning in secondary education. A comparative, non-experimental, exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted with two secondary school classroom groups that completed the same technological task—the construction of a functional drawbridge—through two project-based learning configurations: a highly structured Guided Project and a more open STEM-PBL configuration. Data were collected through a sociometric questionnaire, a perceived group functioning scale, and open-ended student responses, yielding structural, perceptual, and qualitative evidence on classroom interaction. The results indicate that the open STEM-PBL configuration appeared to be associated with a more cohesive and integrated relational structure, reflected in higher reciprocity, lower isolation, and more distributed peer connections. Conversely, the more structured approach appeared to be associated with more positive and stable student perceptions of cooperative work, particularly in relation to responsibility, participation, peer support, and organizational stability. The central finding is a dissociation between the structural pattern of peer choices and students’ perceived experience of cooperative group functioning. These exploratory findings suggest that socially sustainable learning environments depend not simply on expanding student autonomy, but on balancing openness, structure, and teacher mediation in ways that support relational inclusion, equitable participation, and group cohesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)

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27 pages, 3712 KB

Open AccessArticle

Heterogeneous Exploration and Double-Critic Transfer Reinforcement Learning for Sustainable Cross-Domain Energy Management in Smart Buildings

by Jiawei Feng, Jie Hu and Qiuye Sun

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5685; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115685 - 3 Jun 2026

Abstract

The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) has enhanced the operational flexibility and complexity of smart building energy management, which is crucial to urban sustainable development. However, the limitations of strategy applicability across different environments and lengthy development cycles pose significant challenges for [...] Read more.

The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) has enhanced the operational flexibility and complexity of smart building energy management, which is crucial to urban sustainable development. However, the limitations of strategy applicability across different environments and lengthy development cycles pose significant challenges for energy management. To address this, this paper proposes a transferred multi-thread deep reinforcement learning (TMDRL) framework for the cross-domain energy management of smart buildings. Firstly, a source-domain heterogeneous exploration architecture based on multi-thread deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed. A transferable source-domain knowledge base is constructed to enhance the generalization ability of pre-trained strategies. Secondly, a decoupled double-critic optimization mechanism is designed to mitigate policy evaluation bias during cross-domain transfer. Finally, simulations using real-world datasets from different times and areas are conducted. The results show that compared to A3C, DDPG, and SAC, the proposed TMDRL framework reduces total costs by 32.77%, 18.14%, and 37.24%, while improving convergence efficiency by 29.55%, 22.89%, and 32.84%, respectively. The reduction in total cost and improvement in convergence efficiency demonstrate that the proposed TMDRL framework effectively saves energy and enhances the utilization of renewable energy, proving the sustainable benefits of smart building energy management across domains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twin-Driven Energy Systems Optimization: From Algorithm Innovation to Low-Carbon Operation)

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25 pages, 2358 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Coupling Coordination and Influencing Factors Between Digital Economy and High-Quality Cultural Tourism Development in Shanxi Province Under the Background of Sustainable Development

by Yuan Tian, Jie Wang and Puhai Sui

Sustainability 2026, 18(11), 5684; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115684 - 3 Jun 2026

Abstract

In the context of the increasingly deepening concept of sustainable development, the coupling coordination between the digital economy (DE) and high-quality cultural tourism development (HQCTD) has become an important pathway for promoting the sustainable growth of Shanxi Province’s digital cultural tourism industry. Based [...] Read more.

In the context of the increasingly deepening concept of sustainable development, the coupling coordination between the digital economy (DE) and high-quality cultural tourism development (HQCTD) has become an important pathway for promoting the sustainable growth of Shanxi Province’s digital cultural tourism industry. Based on an in-depth analysis of the coupling relationship between the DE and HQCTD, and using panel data from 11 prefecture-level cities in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023, the entropy weight method and the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model were employed to investigate the relationship between the two systems, while the obstacle degree model and geographic detector were applied to identify the internal and external obstacle factors. The results indicate that both the DE and HQCTD in Shanxi Province experienced slight fluctuations under the impact of COVID-19, and significant spatial differences were observed in the comprehensive development levels of the two systems. The CCD between the DE and the HQCTD in Shanxi Province remains at a good level, with the spatial distribution having evolved from “a single-center pattern” to a “southward extension of the center”. The core obstacle factor for the DE is public budget expenditure, while the main obstacle factor for HQCTD is the number of students enrolled in higher-education institutions. The primary external driving factors at the single-factor level are industrial structure, opening up, and transportation accessibility, while the dominant interaction factors are Z2∩Z4, Z4∩Z6, Z1∩Z6, and Z1∩Z4, respectively. Based on these findings, development strategies are proposed. Full article

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