Search Results (6,616)

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the B Impact Assessment (BIA) as a catalyst for integrating sustainability into industrial firms through a qualitative case study of LC Paper, the first B Corp-certified tissue manufacturer globally and a pioneer in applying BIA in the pulp and paper sector. Based on semi-structured interviews, organizational documents, and direct observation, this study examines how BIA influences corporate governance, environmental practices, and stakeholder engagement. The findings show that BIA fosters structured goal setting and the implementation of measurable actions aligned with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience. Tangible outcomes include improved stakeholder trust, internal transparency, and employee development, while implementation challenges such as resource allocation and procedural complexity are also reported. Although the single-case design limits generalizability, this study identifies mechanisms transferable to other firms, particularly those in environmentally intensive sectors. The case studied also illustrates how leadership commitment, participatory governance, and data-driven tools facilitate the operationalization of sustainability. By integrating stakeholder and institutional theory, this study contributes conceptually to understanding certification frameworks as tools for embedding sustainability. This research offers both theoretical and practical insights into how firms can align strategy and impact, expanding the application of BIA beyond early adopters and into traditional industrial contexts. Full article

The proliferation of social media has paradoxically facilitated the widespread dissemination of fake news, impacting individuals, politics, economics, and society as a whole. Despite the increasing scholarly research on this phenomenon, a significant gap exists regarding its dynamics in developing countries, particularly how predictors of fake news sharing interact, rather than merely their net effects. To acquire a more nuanced understanding of fake news sharing behavior, we propose identifying the direct and complex interplay among key variables by utilizing a dual analytical framework, leveraging Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for linear relationships and Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to uncover asymmetric patterns. Specifically, we investigate the influence of news-find-me orientation, social media trust, information-sharing tendencies, and status-seeking motivation on the propensity of fake news sharing behavior. Additionally, we delve into the moderating influence of social media literacy on these observed effects. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 1028 Haitian social media users, the SEM analysis revealed that news-find-me perception had a negative but statistically insignificant influence on fake news sharing behavior. In contrast, information sharing exhibited a significant negative association. Trust in social media was positively and significantly linked to fake news sharing behavior. Meanwhile, status-seeking motivation was positively associated with fake news sharing behavior, although the association did not reach statistical significance. Crucially, social media literacy moderated the effects of trust and information sharing. Interestingly, fsQCA identified three core configurations for fake news sharing: (1) low status seeking, (2) low information-sharing tendencies, and (3) a unique interaction of low “news-find-me” orientation and high social media trust. Furthermore, low social media literacy emerged as a direct core configuration. These findings support the urgent need to prioritize social media literacy as a key intervention in combating the dissemination of fake news. Full article

Common prosperity serves as a pivotal condition for achieving sustainable development by fostering social equity, bolstering economic resilience, and promoting environmental stewardship. Differential land revenue, as a crucial form of property based on spatial resource occupation, significantly contributes to the achievement of common prosperity, though empirical evidence of its impact is limited. This study explores the potential influence of land utilization revenue disparity on common prosperity from the perspective of urban macro differential rent (UMDR). Utilizing panel data from 280 Chinese cities spanning 2007 to 2020, we discover that UMDR and common prosperity levels exhibit strikingly similar spatiotemporal evolution. Further empirical analysis shows that UMDR significantly raises urban common prosperity levels, with a 0.217 standard unit increase in common prosperity for every 1 standard unit rise in UMDR. This boost stems from enhanced urban prosperity and the sharing of development achievements, encompassing economic growth, improved public services, enhanced ecological civilization, and more equitable distribution of development gains between urban and rural areas and among individuals. Additionally, we observe that UMDR has a more pronounced effect on common prosperity in eastern cities and those with a predominant service industry. This study enhances the comprehension of the relationship between urban land revenue disparities, prosperity, and equitable sharing, presenting a new perspective for the administration to contemplate the utilization of land-based policy tools in pursuit of the common prosperity goal and ultimately achieve sustainable development. Full article

Sustainable investments in construction are essential for the development of communities and for reducing environmental impacts. This study analyzes two scenarios: rehabilitation of an existing building and construction of a new NZEB-compliant building, based on a life cycle cost–benefit analysis. The results show that both scenarios generate negative Net Present Values (NPVs) due to the social nature of the project, but the new NZEB building presents superior performance (NPV: USD –2.61 million vs. USD –3.05 million for rehabilitation) and lower operational costs (USD 1.49 million vs. USD 1.92 million over 30 years). Key financial indicators (IRR, CBR), sensitivity analysis, and discount rate variation support the conclusion that the NZEB scenario ensures greater economic resilience. This study highlights the relevance of extended LCCBA in guiding sustainable investment decisions in social infrastructure. Full article

While existing studies document physical and economic impacts of new-build gentrification, the temporally protracted trauma of indirect displacement in communities adjacent to redeveloped areas remains understudied. Employing constructivist grounded theory, this study asks the following question: how do residents experience place attachment erosion during prolonged policy suspension in Shanghai’s new-build gentrification? Through iterative analysis of 25 interviews, we reveal a temporal vicious cycle of waiting triggered by uneven redevelopment and policy inertia. This cycle systematically dismantles belonging through several mechanisms: (1) chronic place-identity deterioration; (2) progressive social network fragmentation; (3) the collapse of imagined futures; and (4) the ambiguous loss of place attachment—where physical presence coexists with psychological disengagement. Crucially, we redefine indirect displacement as a temporal erosion of place identity and attachment, revealing a paradoxical state of physical presence coexisting with psychological disengagement. This paper provides a new perspective for better understanding the different dimensions of indirect displacement in new-build gentrification, which will help inform equitable development efforts that are more inclusive and just. Full article

Monitoring water quality is crucial for achieving clean water and sanitation goals, particularly in remote areas. The project “Morbidity vs. Water Quality for Human Consumption in Tonosí: A Pilot Study” aimed to enhance water quality assessments in Panama using advanced analytical techniques to assess volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and microbiological pathogens. To support this, the Technical Unit for Water Quality (UTECH) was established, featuring a novel mobile laboratory with cutting-edge technology for accurate testing, minimal chemical reagent use, reduced waste generation, and equipped with a solar-powered battery system. The aim of this paper is to explore the design, deployment, and impact of the UTECH. Furthermore, this study presents results from three sampling points in Tonosí, where several parameters exceeded regulatory limits, demonstrating the capabilities of the UTECH and highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention. The study also assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the UTECH in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and national initiatives. Finally, a SWOT analysis illustrates the UTECH’s potential to improve water quality assessments in Panama while identifying areas for sustainable growth. The study showcases the successful integration of advanced mobile laboratory technologies into water quality monitoring, contributing to sustainable development in Panama and offering a replicable model for similar initiatives in other regions. Full article

Physics concepts are considered an essential component of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and fundamental for economic and technological development in the world. However, there can be student academic underperformance, such as the school environment, learning media and infrastructure, student interest and emotions, as well as social and economic development factors in communities. These problems are even more acute in rural areas of developing countries, where poverty is high and teachers often lack the necessary technological skills. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a low-cost STEM tool focused on motivation in learning, in terms of five variables of interest in physics in rural areas, as well as the durability of the tools used to learn 12 physics concepts. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with the participation of 78 high school students, with an average age of 15.82 years, in a rural area of Guerrero, Mexico. The results showed that using the STEM tool significantly increased students’ interest in learning methodology, active participation, and attitude towards physics, facilitating the teacher’s work. In addition, the 3D construction kit used in the experimentation, besides being low-cost, proved to be affordable and durable, making it ideal for use in rural areas. Full article

In comparative analyses, specific features of the Spanish welfare and housing systems have often been emphasized. The case of Barcelona illustrates the extent to which these features are the result of a long-standing historical trajectory and the decisive impact of the challenges and policy responses adopted during Franco’s lengthy, dark, and gloomy regime. This period marked a significant shift, not only due to the persistent shortage of social rental housing, but also because of the early consolidation of a homeownership culture and its dominance in working-class suburban areas—a legacy that is completely different from that of the welfare states of Western Europe. Through a review of the literature and the analysis of primary sources, ongoing research on Barcelona seeks to clarify the factors and processes that led to this transformation, as well as its evolution during the democratic period, within an international context of economic liberalization and the dismantling of the welfare state. Full article

Natural fiber-based biocomposites are rapidly gaining traction in sustainable manufacturing. However, their supply chain (SC) designs at the feedstock pre-processing stage often lack robust multicriteria decision-making evaluations, which can impact downstream processes and final product quality. This case study proposes a sustainability-driven multicriteria decision-making framework for selecting pre-processing equipment configurations within a hemp-based biocomposite SC. Using a cradle-to-gate system boundary, four alternative configurations combining balers (square vs. round) and hammer mills (full-screen vs. half-screen) are evaluated. The analytical network process (ANP) model is used to evaluate alternative SC configurations while capturing the interdependencies among environmental, economic, social, and technical sustainability criteria. These criteria are further refined with the inclusion of sub-criteria, resulting in a list of 11 key performance indicators (KPIs). To evaluate ranking robustness, a non-linear programming (NLP)-based sensitivity model is developed, which minimizes the weight perturbations required to trigger rank reversals, using an IPOPT solver. The results indicated that the Half-Round setup provides the most balanced sustainability performance, while Full-Square performs best in economic and environmental terms but ranks lower socially and technically. Also, the ranking was most sensitive to the weight of the system reliability and product quality criteria, with up to a 100% shift being required to change the top choice under the ANP model, indicating strong robustness. Overall, the proposed framework enables decision-makers to incorporate uncertainty, interdependencies, and sustainability-related KPIs into the early-stage SC design of bio-based composite materials. Full article

In an era where digitalization shapes economic and social landscapes, the intersection of digital skills, ethics, and integrity plays a crucial role in understanding the vulnerability of youth classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This study explores how risky internet use and digital skill gaps contribute to socio-economic exclusion, integrating a multivariate and spatial approach to assess regional disparities in Europe. This study adopts a systems thinking perspective to explore digital exclusion as an emergent outcome of multiple interrelated subsystems. The research employs logistic regression, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Promax rotation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the impact of digital behaviors on NEET status. Using Eurostat data aggregated at the country level for the period (2000–2023) across 28 European countries, this study evaluates 24 digital indicators covering social media usage, instant messaging, daily internet access, data protection awareness, and digital literacy levels. The findings reveal that low digital skills significantly increase the likelihood of being NEET, while excessive social media and internet use show mixed effects depending on socio-economic context. A strong negative correlation between digital security practices and NEET status suggests that youths with a higher awareness of online risks are less prone to socio-economic exclusion. The GIS analysis highlights regional disparities, where countries with limited digital access and lower literacy levels exhibit higher NEET rates. Digital exclusion is not merely a technological issue but a multidimensional socio-economic challenge. To reduce the NEET rate, policies must focus on enhancing digital skills, fostering online security awareness, and addressing regional disparities. Integrating GIS methods allows for the identification of territorial clusters with heightened digital vulnerabilities, guiding targeted interventions for improving youth employability in the digital economy. Full article

Landslides are among the most hazardous natural phenomena affecting Greater Abidjan, causing significant economic and social damage. Strategic planning supported by geographic information systems (GIS) can help mitigate potential losses and enhance disaster resilience. This study evaluates landslide susceptibility using logistic regression and frequency ratio models. The analysis is based on a dataset comprising 54 mapped landslide scarps collected from June 2015 to July 2023, along with 16 thematic predictor variables, including altitude, slope, aspect, profile curvature, plan curvature, drainage area, distance to the drainage network, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and an urban-related layer. A high-resolution (5-m) digital elevation model (DEM), derived from multiple data sources, supports the spatial analysis. The landslide inventory was randomly divided into two subsets: 80% for model calibration and 20% for validation. After optimization and statistical testing, the selected thematic layers were integrated to produce a susceptibility map. The results indicate that 6.3% (0.7 km²) of the study area is classified as very highly susceptible. The proportion of the sample (61.2%) in this class had a frequency ratio estimated to be 20.2. Among the predictive indicators, altitude, slope, SE, S, NW, and NDVI were found to have a positive impact on landslide occurrence. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), demonstrating strong predictive capability. These findings can support informed land-use planning and risk reduction strategies in urban areas. Furthermore, the prediction model should be communicated to and understood by local authorities to facilitate disaster management. The cost function was adopted as a novel approach to delineate hazardous zones. Considering the landslide inventory period, the increasing hazard due to climate change, and the intensification of human activities, a reasoned choice of sample size was made. This informed decision enabled the production of an updated prediction map. Optimal thresholds were then derived to classify areas into high- and low-susceptibility categories. The prediction map will be useful to planners in helping them make decisions and implement protective measures. Full article

In today’s dynamic and highly uncertain environment, organizations, particularly in the aviation sector, face increasing challenges that demand resilient, flexible, and data-driven change management decisions. Responding to the growing need for structured approaches to managing complex uncertainties—geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, social shifts, rapid technological advancements, environmental pressures and regulatory changes—this research proposes a theoretical change management model for aviation service providers, such as airports. Integrating three analytical approaches, the model offers a robust, multi-method approach for supporting sustainable transformation under uncertainty. Normative analysis using Bayesian decision theory identifies influential external environmental factors, capturing probabilistic relationships, and revealing causal links under uncertainty. Prescriptive planning through scenario theory explores alternative future pathways and helps to identify possible predictions, offer descriptive evaluation employing fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and assess decision quality under vagueness and complexity. The proposed four-stage model—observation, analysis, evaluation, and response—offers a methodology for continuous external environment monitoring, scenario development, and data-driven, proactive change management decision-making, including the impact assessment of change and development. The proposed model contributes to the theoretical advancement of the change management research area under uncertainty and offers practical guidance for aviation organizations (airports) facing a volatile external environment. This framework strengthens aviation organizations’ ability to anticipate, evaluate, and adapt to multifaceted external changes, supporting operational flexibility and adaptability and contributing to the sustainable development of aviation services. Supporting aviation organizations with tools to proactively manage systemic uncertainty, this research directly supports the integration of sustainability principles, such as resilience and adaptability, for long-term value creation through change management decision-making. Full article

The ongoing advancement of urbanization has significantly amplified its impacts on the water environment. Understanding the coupling relationships between urbanization and the water environment (UAWE) is crucial for Chinese policymakers aiming to promote sustainable urban development. In this study, a comprehensive UAWE evaluation model was developed to examine the development trajectories in Neijiang City from 2012 to 2022. Methodologically, a comprehensive evaluation approach was applied to assess urbanization and water resource trends over this period, followed by the development of a Coupling Coordination Degree Model (CCDM) to quantify their synergistic relationship. The results showed that the coupling between the comprehensive urbanization index and the water environment system evolved over time, as reflected in the following key findings: (1) Neijiang underwent three distinct stages from 2012 to 2022 in terms of coupling and coordination between urbanization and the water environment: Basic Coordination (2012–2015), Good Coordination (2016–2020), and Excellent Coordination (2020–2022). (2) Urbanization exerted varying impacts on subsystems of the water environment, with the pressure-response subsystems exhibiting marked volatility from 2012 to 2022. The impact intensity followed the order spatial urbanization > economic urbanization > social urbanization > population urbanization. These findings offer valuable theoretical and practical insights for aligning urban sustainability goals with effective water environment protection measures. This study provides essential guidance for policymakers in Neijiang and similar regions, enabling the development of tailored strategies for sustainable urbanization and enhanced water management. Full article

Global policy narratives on livestock development increasingly emphasize environmental concerns, often overlooking the social dimensions of the sector. In the case of dairy, the world’s most valuable agricultural commodity, its role in social and economic development remains poorly quantified. Our study contributes to a more balanced vision of the UN SDGs thanks to the inclusion of a socio-economic dimension. Here we present a novel empirical approach to assess the socio-economic impacts of dairy development using a new global dataset and non-parametric modelling techniques (local polynomial regressions), with yield as a proxy for sectoral performance. We find that as dairy systems intensify, the number of farm households engaged in production declines, yet household incomes rise. On-farm labour productivity also increases, accompanied by a reduction in employment but higher wages. In dairy processing, employment initially grows, peaks, and then contracts, again with rising wages. The most substantial impact is observed among consumers: an increased milk supply leads to lower prices and improved affordability, expanding the access to dairy products. Additionally, dairy development is associated with greater agricultural value added, an expanding tax base, and the increased formalization of the economy. These findings suggest that dairy development, beyond its environmental footprint, plays a significant and largely positive role in social transformation, yet is having to adapt sustainably while tackling labour force relocation, and that dairy development’s social impacts mimic the general agricultural sector. These results might be of interest for the assessment of policies regarding dairy development. Full article

As veganism becomes more popular, the number of vegan pregnant women and children is steadily increasing. During vegan pregnancy and early childhood, there is a high risk for nutrient deficiencies that may impair child development. External factors, such as healthcare advice, social networks, and social environments, that affect the diet of vegan pregnant women, parents, and their children, as well as their approach towards dietary supplementation, have not yet been investigated. Various sources of information, combined with a lack of expertise, sparse food and nutritional health literacy, and qualitatively heterogeneous information provision by medical experts, unsettle vegan pregnant women and parents and affect their dietary choices and potentially the health of their children. The VedieS study aims to investigate potential connections between external influences and associated impacts on a vegan diet and the intake of dietary supplements (DS) of pregnant women and children. Two surveys are being conducted within the study: one targeting 1000 vegan pregnant women and parents, and another targeting 60 experts in each of five healthcare groups: gynecologists, pediatricians, general practitioners, pharmacists, and dietitians. This study is the first to examine how socio-economic, social, and further informational factors influence dietary practices during vegan pregnancy and childhood. It highlights the need for reliable, expert-led guidance, as current information sources are often inconsistent and may put these vulnerable groups at risk. Full article