Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Experimental Research on Energy Evolution of Sandstone with Different Moisture Content under Uniaxial Compression
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4636; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114636 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
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In order to investigate the impact of moisture content on energy evolution, three types of rock samples with varying moisture contents were subjected to uniaxial compression tests. The study aimed to analyze the reasons behind the differences in energy during the deformation process
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In order to investigate the impact of moisture content on energy evolution, three types of rock samples with varying moisture contents were subjected to uniaxial compression tests. The study aimed to analyze the reasons behind the differences in energy during the deformation process of rocks with different moisture contents. The findings indicate that with increasing moisture content, the peak strength and elastic modulus of the samples decrease. However, the ratio of crack initiation strength σci to peak strength σf shows little effect, primarily because the characteristic strength ratio σci/σf is determined by external loads. The growth rate of elastic energy reaches its maximum value in the early stage of yield, while the proportion of elastic energy reaches its peak value in the later stage of yield. In the deformation and failure process of rocks with varying moisture contents, the increment in elastic performance is smallest in the initial compaction stage for saturated rocks, whereas it is the largest in the yield stage for dry rocks. Additionally, a damage evolution equation based on energy dissipation was established and validated.
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Open AccessArticle
Applicability of the International Framework for Eco-Industrial Park in China—Survey and Analysis Based on 17 Case Parks in Jiangxi Province
by
Yu Shao, Jingru Liu, Xiuzhi Hua, Chinthaka Kularathne and Lei Shi
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114635 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
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Eco-industrial parks, as complex ecosystems at the regional scale, involve multi-dimensional interactions in terms of management, environment, economy, and society in their development. Given their complexity, it is difficult for a single indicator to comprehensively assess their sustainable development status. To promote sustainability
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Eco-industrial parks, as complex ecosystems at the regional scale, involve multi-dimensional interactions in terms of management, environment, economy, and society in their development. Given their complexity, it is difficult for a single indicator to comprehensively assess their sustainable development status. To promote sustainability and inclusive development of industrial parks, the World Bank Group published “the International Framework for Eco-Industrial Park” as a green evaluation benchmark. This paper examines the applicability of this framework in Chinese industrial parks, focusing on 17 cases in Jiangxi Province supported by the China-Jiangxi Eco-Industrial Parks Project. This study analyzes the indicator composition of the international EIP framework and compares it with the standardization system of eco-industrial parks in China. Through questionnaire surveys and dialogue interviews, this paper analyzed the compliance, practicality, and necessity of implementing the international EIP framework. Quantitative assessment using the analytic hierarchy process and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model revealed that the framework is well suited to Chinese conditions, scoring over 80, reaching the “applicability level”. This research provides a scientific basis for park management, advocating for international concepts in park development. It also underscores the importance of a comprehensive framework for park construction, intelligent management strategies, and enterprise empowerment, collectively contributing to sustainable park development and enhanced international competitiveness.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Calcarenite Degradation by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Analysis inside the Rupestrian Church of San Pietro Barisano (Matera, Southern Italy)
by
Francesco Cardellicchio, Maria Assunta Acquavia, Mariangela Curcio and Anna Maria Salvi
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4634; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114634 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
We report on the XPS analysis of degraded surfaces inside San Pietro Barisano, the rupestrian church carved into the calcarenite rock of ancient Matera, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. As reported in previous works, the “Sassi” district and
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We report on the XPS analysis of degraded surfaces inside San Pietro Barisano, the rupestrian church carved into the calcarenite rock of ancient Matera, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. As reported in previous works, the “Sassi” district and the park of rupestrian churches were available as open laboratories for the National Smart Cities SCN_00520 research project dedicated to the sustainable recovery of this remarkable architectural heritage. In that context, XPS functionality was shown to reside in the possibility of analyzing surfaces by feasible sampling, acquiring spectra without any preliminary sample treatment, and processing data using a well-established curve fitting procedure. The obtained results allowed us to identify the degradation products of the investigated surfaces, thus contributing to defining a diagnostic framework for subsequent actions. Accordingly, the samples here considered, collected from the internal wall surfaces of the church, were all analyzed in comparison with the reference calcarenite, and the XPS results were evaluated as a function of local environmental factors and the historical context of the church itself. The final aim was to provide, for each sample, the most representative indicator(s) of biotic and/or abiotic degradation for reliable use, in a multidisciplinary context, in planning care interventions for building heritage.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Conservation of Urban and Cultural Heritage)
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Treatment of Swine Wastewater: Optimizing the Culture Conditions of Tetradesmus cf. obliquus to Improve Treatment Efficiency
by
Kailong Bai, Wenying Qu, Duo Song, Junfeng Li and Shih-Hsin Ho
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4633; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114633 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
To enhance the sustainability of microalgae-based swine wastewater treatment, this study aims to address the challenges of low efficiency in treating raw swine wastewater, collection difficulties, and high energy consumption treatment processes. The microalgae with strong environmental tolerance were first screened from swine
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To enhance the sustainability of microalgae-based swine wastewater treatment, this study aims to address the challenges of low efficiency in treating raw swine wastewater, collection difficulties, and high energy consumption treatment processes. The microalgae with strong environmental tolerance were first screened from swine wastewater, and its cultivation conditions were optimized to examine the effect of microalgae treatment on swine wastewater under optimal cultivation conditions. Additionally, the flocculation efficiency and mechanism of microalgae were analyzed. The results showed that Tetradesmus cf. obliquus ZYY1 exhibited the most robust heterotrophic growth. In the BG11 medium supplemented with glucose, the growth rate of T. cf. obliquus ZYY1 under chemoheterotrophic conditions was superior to its growth under photoheterotrophic conditions, reaching its peak with an optimal glucose concentration of 15 g/L. The biomass concentration of T. cf. obliquus ZYY1 in raw wastewater was significantly higher than that in sterilized wastewater, which reached 1.65 ± 0.01 g/L on the 10th day of treatment, with removal efficiencies of -N, -P, and the chemical oxygen demand reached 71.36%, 96.09%, and 93.13%, respectively. After raw wastewater treatment, the flocculation efficiency of T. cf. obliquus ZYY1 reached 97.71 ± 5.81%. This was attributed to the bacteria present in the raw wastewater, which induced T. cf. obliquus ZYY1 to secrete aromatic proteins. This study emphasizes the potential of microalgae as a green technology for sustainable wastewater treatment, offering a practical pathway for environmental protection and resource conservation.
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Open AccessReview
Glass Fibre-Reinforced Composite Materials Used in the Aeronautical Transport Sector: A Critical Circular Economy Point of View
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George-Vаlentin Săftoiu, Cаrolinа Constantin , Аdriаn-Ionuț Nicoаră, George Pelin, Denisа Ficаi and Аnton Ficаi
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4632; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114632 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Progress in composite materials has led to their use in applications where improved mechanical and resistance characteristics are required. Most composites are obtained in such a way that they present specific mechanical properties and/or have the role of both a thermal conductor and
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Progress in composite materials has led to their use in applications where improved mechanical and resistance characteristics are required. Most composites are obtained in such a way that they present specific mechanical properties and/or have the role of both a thermal conductor and insulator; these properties are important, specific, specialized, and useful. The advantages of these materials compared to the classic ones are as follows: low weight, high resistance to wear and corrosion, and mechanical characteristics consistent with the subsequent use of the product. The slightly high costs of these materials are justified by their precision, the quality of the products obtained, and the fact that their use leads to increased reliability, maintenance, and, in the cases of the automotive and aeronautical industries, reduced energy consumption. This paper aims to bring to readers’ attention the latest research related to glass fibre-reinforced composite materials in transport-related applications, such as automotive and aeronautic applications, including the manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Considering the long period of use, the recycling and reuse of composite materials used in aeronautical transport is a must considering the environmental aspects and the need of achieving a circular economy. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to find new alternatives to improve the performance and durability of materials in the aeronautical transport sector.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Extraction of Geolocations from Site Maps in the Context of Traffic Counting
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Johannes Schering, Pascal Säfken and Jorge Marx Gómez
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4631; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114631 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
The further promotion of cycling is a key component for each city to reach its sustainability goals. To make decisions to improve comfort or safety for cyclists, the amount of motorized traffic should be taken into account. Therefore, traffic data play a crucial
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The further promotion of cycling is a key component for each city to reach its sustainability goals. To make decisions to improve comfort or safety for cyclists, the amount of motorized traffic should be taken into account. Therefore, traffic data play a crucial role not only in the construction of roads but also in cycling planning. This data source provides insights essential for road infrastructure development and optimizing various modes of transportation, such as bike paths. However, processing municipal traffic data becomes a challenge when stationary traffic-counting stations lack geo-referencing in relational databases. In this case, the locations of traffic counters are solely displayed on a PDF-based site map without inherent geo-referencing, and the geo-coordinates are not stored in any relational database. The absence of geo-references poses a significant hurdle for traffic-planning experts in decision-making processes. Hence, this study aims to address this issue by finding a suitable approach to extract the geo-coordinates from the site maps. Several potential solutions are discussed and compared in terms of time dimension, usability, extensibility, error treatment and the accuracy of results. Leveraging the open-source tool QGIS, geo-coordinates may be successfully extracted from the PDF-based site maps, resulting in the creation of a GeoTIFF file incorporating coordinates and the rotated site map. Geo-coordinates can then be derived from the GeoTIFF files using x and y coordinates, computed through the rotation matrix formula. Over 1400 measurement locations may be extracted based on the preferred approach, facilitating more informed decision-making in traffic planning.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities: IoT and Sustainability as Drivers for Future Developments)
Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Pathways: ESG Disclosure Performance and Optimization in China
by
Xuemei Zhou and Sifeng Nian
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4630; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114630 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
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Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures are pivotal in steering listed companies toward a balanced trajectory of economic efficiency and environmental/social accountability. Disclosure of ESG information can enhance consumer confidence, create shareholder value, and promote sustainable corporate development. Based on the ESG information
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Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures are pivotal in steering listed companies toward a balanced trajectory of economic efficiency and environmental/social accountability. Disclosure of ESG information can enhance consumer confidence, create shareholder value, and promote sustainable corporate development. Based on the ESG information disclosure data of Chinese listed companies, this study investigates and empirically analyzes the frequency, content, and quality of ESG information disclosure by Chinese listed companies using a mixed-methodological research approach combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings indicate a low and unreliable frequency of ESG disclosure among Chinese listed companies, with a predominant focus on descriptive content primarily in the “E” and “G” dimensions, while neglecting information disclosure in the “S” dimension. The results of subgroup analyses show that industry classification and the regional economic development level do not increase the disclosure rate. Although the nature of ownership, industry classification, and the level of regional economic development can contribute to improving the overall quality of disclosure, there are differences in the “E”, “S”, and “G” dimensions. In addition, mandatory disclosure requirements can improve disclosure quality, but some differences in the “G” dimension are not significant. The findings provide empirical support for improving the ESG disclosure performance of Chinese listed companies to achieve the “dual-carbon” goal.
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Open AccessCommunication
Evaluating an Innovative ICT System for Monitoring Small-Scale Forest Operations: Preliminary Tests in Mediterranean Oak Coppices
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Rodolfo Picchio, Rachele Venanzi, Aurora Bonaudo, Lorenzo Travisani, Vincenzo Civitarese and Francesco Latterini
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4629; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114629 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
The application of modern technologies to increase the overall sustainability of forest operations is known as precision forest harvesting. Precision forest harvesting can be a very powerful tool; however, it requires modern forest machinery, which is expensive. Given that most of the forest
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The application of modern technologies to increase the overall sustainability of forest operations is known as precision forest harvesting. Precision forest harvesting can be a very powerful tool; however, it requires modern forest machinery, which is expensive. Given that most of the forest operators in the Mediterranean area are small-scale businesses, they do not have the resources to purchase costly equipment; thus, the application of precision forest harvesting is affected. Bearing this in mind, in this study, we aimed to test the accuracy of the GNSS receiver on which an innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system developed to monitor small-scale forest operations is based. We tested the GNSS’s accuracy by comparing the extraction routes recorded during coppicing interventions in two forest sites located in Central Italy with those obtained with a more high-performing GNSS receiver. We also used linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) to investigate the effects on the GNSS positioning error of topographic features, such as the slope, elevation, aspect and Topographic Position Index (TPI). We found that the average positioning error was about 2 m, with a maximum error of about 5 m. The LMMs showed that the investigated topographic features did not significantly affect the positioning error and that the GNSS accuracy was strongly related to the specific study area that we used as a random effect in the model (marginal coefficient of determination was about 0.13 and conditional coefficient of determination grew to about 0.59). As a consequence of the negligible canopy cover after coppicing, the tested GNSS receiver achieved satisfactory results. It could therefore be used as a visualising tool for a pre-planned extraction route network, allowing the operator to follow it on the GNSS receiver screen. However, these results are preliminary and should be further tested in more experimental sites and various operational conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Operations and Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
The Minimum Dietary Level and Mix Ratio of Krill Meal and Fish Meal to Elicit Feed Intake and Growth Performance in Juvenile Penaeus vannamei
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Alberto J. P. Nunes, Jordana Sampaio Leite, Caio Gabriel Dantas Gomes, Ragnhild Dragøy and Lena Burri
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4628; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114628 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Shrimp feeds depend on high levels of digestible protein and essential amino acids, which can be sourced from various commercially available feed ingredients. Marine proteins can be used to partially fulfill the requirements of these and other important nutrients. Their utilization is further
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Shrimp feeds depend on high levels of digestible protein and essential amino acids, which can be sourced from various commercially available feed ingredients. Marine proteins can be used to partially fulfill the requirements of these and other important nutrients. Their utilization is further influenced by their palatability and growth-promoting effect. However, marine ingredients can significantly drive costs in feed formulation depending on the type and dietary inclusion level. This study aimed to determine the minimum dietary level of fish meal (FML) and krill meal (KRM) and their mix ratio to elicit feed intake and growth performance in juvenile Penaeus vannamei. Ten diets were formulated with graded FML (90, 60, 30 g kg−1) in combination with 15, 30, and 45 g kg−1 KRM and a control diet with 120 g kg−1 FML. Shrimp (1.28 ± 0.08 g body weight, BW) were stocked in seventy 1-m3 tanks (135 animals m−2), and after 88 days, their growth performance was determined. Feed preference was assessed through two-by-two comparisons in twenty 0.5 m3 tanks over four weeks. No significant differences in survival (93.9 ± 4.5%), gained yield (1235 ± 92 g m−2), and feed conversion ratio (1.47 ± 0.09) were observed. Diets with 60 g kg−1 FML led to faster growth and higher feed intake than 30, 90, and 120 g kg−1 FML. Shrimp on 30 g kg−1 FML diets had the lowest BW, especially with 30–15 (FML-KRM) and 30–30 diets. Diets with 90 g kg−1 FML outperformed 30 g kg−1 FML. The control diet delivered a higher shrimp BW than diets 30-15 and 30-30, showing similar results to other diets except 60–15. Feed preference was influenced by KRM inclusion, with 15 g kg−1 KRM resulting in higher apparent feed intake than 30 and 45 g kg−1. The findings indicate that FML can be effectively reduced by up to 75% when combined with lower levels of KRM. This corresponds with the industry’s ongoing trend to achieve greater sustainability and cost efficiency through the reduced utilization of critical resources.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Biotechnology for Sustainability of Ecologically Significant Resources)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring Energy Poverty among Off-Grid Households in the Upper Blinkwater Community, South Africa
by
Mahali Elizabeth Lesala, Ngwarai Shambira, Golden Makaka and Patrick Mukumba
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4627; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114627 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
This paper explores energy poverty and its distribution among households in the Upper Blinkwater community, a typical remote South African community. Its selection was based on being the first identified to benefit from the pilot project implementing a decentralized hybrid mini-grid. We utilize
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This paper explores energy poverty and its distribution among households in the Upper Blinkwater community, a typical remote South African community. Its selection was based on being the first identified to benefit from the pilot project implementing a decentralized hybrid mini-grid. We utilize the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke technique, which identifies households below the energy poverty line, measures the depth, and identifies those most vulnerable to energy poverty. A total of 53 households were interviewed by means of a questionnaire. The findings indicate a reliance on diverse energy sources such as wood for heating and LPG for cooking, which has enhanced community resilience and control over energy consumption, with greater proportions not affected by energy poverty. However, about 38% still experience energy poverty. The findings show that energy poverty is unevenly distributed within the community. Older individuals tend to have greater energy security, likely due to the stability provided by social grants. In contrast, female-headed households and lower-income families face the most significant challenges. The study concludes that there are substantial gender disparities and that lower-income households are particularly vulnerable to energy poverty. Therefore, we recommend gender-sensitive interventions to reduce the financial burdens on these vulnerable households, thereby improving their energy security.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Poverty, Inequality and Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Determination of Ship Collision Avoidance Timing Using Machine Learning Method
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Yu Zhou, Weijie Du, Jiao Liu, Haoqing Li, Manel Grifoll, Weijun Song and Pengjun Zheng
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4626; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114626 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
The accurate timing for collision avoidance actions is crucial for preventing maritime collisions. Traditional methods often rely on collision risk assessments, using quantitative indicators like the Distance to the Closest Point of Approach (DCPA) and the Time to the Closest Point of Approach
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The accurate timing for collision avoidance actions is crucial for preventing maritime collisions. Traditional methods often rely on collision risk assessments, using quantitative indicators like the Distance to the Closest Point of Approach (DCPA) and the Time to the Closest Point of Approach (TCPA). Ship Officers on Watch (OOWs) are required to execute avoidance maneuvers once these indicators reach or exceed preset safety thresholds. However, the effectiveness of these indicators is limited by uncertainties in the maritime environment and the human behaviors of OOWs. To address these limitations, this study introduces a machine learning method to learn collision avoidance behavior from empirical data of ship collision avoidance, particularly in cross-encounter situations. The research utilizes Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from the open waters around Ningbo Zhoushan Port. After data preprocessing and applying spatio-temporal constraints, this study identifies ship trajectory pairs in crossing scenarios and calculates their relative motion parameters. The Douglas–Peucker algorithm is used to identify the timing of ship collision avoidance actions and a collision avoidance decision dataset is constructed. The Random Forest algorithm was then used to analyze the factors affecting the timing of collision avoidance, and six key factors were identified: the distance, relative speed, relative bearing, DCPA, TCPA, and the ratio of the lengths of the giving-way and stand-on ships. These factors serve as inputs for the XGBoost algorithm model, which is enhanced with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and thus constructing a ship collision avoidance decision model. In addition, considering the inherent errors in any model and the dynamic nature of the ship collision avoidance process, an action time window for collision avoidance is introduced, which provides a more flexible time range for ships to make timely collision avoidance responses based on actual conditions and the specific encounter environment. This model provides OOWs with accurate timing for taking collision avoidance decisions. Case studies have validated the practicality and effectiveness of this model, offering new theoretical foundations and practical guidance for maritime collision avoidance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Transportation)
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Analysis of Japanese Soils: Exploring Power Generation Capability in Relation to Bacterial Communities
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Zihan Yue, Kun Yuan, Mayuko Seki, Shin-Ichiro Agake, Keisuke Matsumura, Naohisa Okita, Wako Naoi, Katsuhiko Naoi, Koki Toyota, Haruo Tanaka, Soh Sugihara, Michiko Yasuda and Naoko Ohkama-Ohtsu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4625; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114625 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the complex relationship between soil electricity generating capacity, bacterial community dynamics, and soil chemical and physical properties across diverse regions of Japan. First, soil samples were systematically collected and analyzed. Subsequent investigations evaluated soil microbial biomass carbon, dissolved organic carbon
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This study explores the complex relationship between soil electricity generating capacity, bacterial community dynamics, and soil chemical and physical properties across diverse regions of Japan. First, soil samples were systematically collected and analyzed. Subsequent investigations evaluated soil microbial biomass carbon, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total dissolvable iron (DFeT) concentrations. In the experiments, soil samples underwent a rigorous 60-day microbial fuel cell trial, wherein power density and total energy output were measured. Significant variations in power density were observed among different soil samples; specifically, a sugarcane field designated as Okinawa-3 and a peach orchard soil as Nagano-2 demonstrated relatively high total energy output. Analysis of soil bacterial community structures identified some families which showed positive correlations with increased electricity generation capabilities. Correlation analyses revealed associations between these bacterial communities and key soil parameters, particularly with DOC and DFeT concentrations. Redundancy analysis revealed intricate connections between soil properties and electricity generation capacities. Particularly noteworthy was the positive correlation between Acidobacteriaceae and DOC, as well that between Sphingomonadaceae and electricity generation, highlighting the crucial roles of soil microbial communities and chemical compositions in driving electricity generation processes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Are Higher-Educated Employees More Responsible? A Study about Employee Quality and Corporate Environmental Sustainability
by
Fang Fang and Kun Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4624; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114624 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
This paper explores how employee quality affects companies’ actions in terms of environmental protection and sustainable development. We use the proportions of the workforce with three education levels as proxies for employee quality and examine their respective impacts on three dimensions of corporate
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This paper explores how employee quality affects companies’ actions in terms of environmental protection and sustainable development. We use the proportions of the workforce with three education levels as proxies for employee quality and examine their respective impacts on three dimensions of corporate environmental sustainability: (1) reporting, (2) quality and standardization, and (3) attention and initiative. We investigate over 1300 firms listed in Chinese stock markets from 2006, the year when Chinese firms first released environmental issues and the Chinese regulatory divisions first announced a guideline, to 2021. The results indicate the following: (a) employee quality is positively associated with the reporting of corporate environmental sustainability, (b) companies with more educated employees are more likely to provide environmental and sustainable information with high standards and quality, and (c) companies with more educated employees are more likely to release environmental and sustainable information in solo reports as a reflection of the corporate attention on and initiative in environmental sustainability. Moreover, we find that employees at higher education levels have a stronger impact on corporate environmental sustainability. This paper contributes to the literature on human capital and environmental management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ESG Impact Management and Corporate Social Responsibility)
Open AccessArticle
Patterns of Mangrove Resource Uses within the Transboundary Conservation Area of Kenya and Tanzania
by
Anne Wanjiru Kamau, Halimu Shauri, Jean Hugé, Karolien Van Puyvelde, Nico Koedam and James Gitundu Kairo
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4623; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114623 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Mangrove forests provide a wide range of goods and services that sustain communities around the world. This paper explores utilization patterns of extractable mangrove resources by communities within the proposed Kenya–Tanzania transboundary conservation area (TBCA). Some 152 household surveys and 12 nominal group
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Mangrove forests provide a wide range of goods and services that sustain communities around the world. This paper explores utilization patterns of extractable mangrove resources by communities within the proposed Kenya–Tanzania transboundary conservation area (TBCA). Some 152 household surveys and 12 nominal group technique discussions were carried out. At least 16 direct-use products were reported to be extracted from the mangroves, with 90% of households found to use mangrove products. Changing patterns of mangrove use in the areas and accessibility point towards unsustainable utilization and promote illegal activities. Mangrove use patterns also show a high level of mangrove dependence by communities for their livelihood. Overharvesting of mangrove wood products is reported to be the major threat facing the forests. There is a need to address the problems of open access through capacity building and awareness creation, development and implementation of harvest plans, and introduction of alternative livelihood options. The results of this study can be used to inform development of the proposed TBCA as well as the establishment of a conservation policy in order to contribute to sustainable utilization of mangroves. These findings are important within the TBCA as well as similar environments around the world.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Conservation and Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Qualtra Geothermal Power Plant: Life Cycle, Exergo-Economic, and Exergo-Environmental Preliminary Assessment
by
Claudio Zuffi, Pietro Ungar, Daniele Fiaschi, Giampaolo Manfrida and Fausto Batini
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4622; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114622 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Qualtra, an innovative 10 MW geothermal power plant proposal, employs a closed-loop design to mitigate emissions, ensuring no direct release into the atmosphere. A thorough assessment utilizing energy and exergy analysis, life cycle assessment (LCA), exergo-economic analysis, and exergo environmental analysis (EevA) was
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Qualtra, an innovative 10 MW geothermal power plant proposal, employs a closed-loop design to mitigate emissions, ensuring no direct release into the atmosphere. A thorough assessment utilizing energy and exergy analysis, life cycle assessment (LCA), exergo-economic analysis, and exergo environmental analysis (EevA) was conducted. The LCA results, utilizing the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint methodology, encompass all the spectrum of environmental indicators provided. The technology implemented makes it possible to avoid direct atmospheric emissions from the Qualtra plant, so the environmental impact is mainly due to indirect emissions over the life cycle. The result obtained for the global warming potential indicator is about 6.6 g CO2 eq/kWh, notably lower compared to other conventional systems. Contribution analysis reveals that the construction phase dominates, accounting for over 90% of the impact for almost all LCA midpoint categories, excluding stratospheric ozone depletion, which is dominated by the impact from the operation and maintenance phase, at about 87%. Endpoint indicators were assessed to estimate the single score value using normalization and weighting at the component level. The resulting single score is then used in an Exergo-Environmental Analysis (EEvA), highlighting the well system as the most impactful contributor, constituting approximately 45% of the total impact. Other substantial contributions to the environmental impact include the condenser (21%), the turbine (17%), and the HEGeo (14%). The exergo-economic analysis assesses cost distribution across major plant components, projecting an electricity cost of about 9.4 c€/kWh.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Strategic Resource Utilization for Enhancing Corporate Value: Dynamics of Exploration and Exploitation in Korea
by
Gee-Jung Kwon and Won-Il Lee
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4621; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114621 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
This study examines the impact of research and development (R&D) expenditures, training expenditures, and entertainment expenditures (business promotion expenditures) on firm value in the Korean electronics and metal industry. Extending the theoretical foundation of James March’s exploration and exploitation theory, this study analyzes
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This study examines the impact of research and development (R&D) expenditures, training expenditures, and entertainment expenditures (business promotion expenditures) on firm value in the Korean electronics and metal industry. Extending the theoretical foundation of James March’s exploration and exploitation theory, this study analyzes the impact of R&D and training investments on firm value to explore new capabilities from a long-term perspective, and the impact of entertainment costs on firm value to achieve short-term organizational goals. Using Tobin’s Q methodology, which uses the ratio of a firm’s market value to its asset replacement cost as a proxy for firm value, this study finds the relationship between these types of expenditures and firm value. The analysis finds that R&D expenditures and training expenditures are significantly correlated with increases in firm value, suggesting that these investments play an important role in enhancing a firm’s competitiveness and performance. On the other hand, while we hypothesize that the balance of exploration and exploitation within an organization will affect firm value, we find that entertainment expenditures, which are business promotion expenditures, do not show a significant relationship with firm value. This suggests that these expenditures by companies in Korea’s electronics and metals industry contribute to the achievement of the organization’s short-term goals but do not have a significant impact on firm value. These findings suggest that resource allocation in the electronics and metal industries where technological innovation is important should be more heavily weighted toward investments in R&D and training for long-term exploration in order to increase firm value. To increase firm value, firms should prioritize investments that drive sustainable growth and enhance competitive advantage. This research allows for a deeper examination of how different types of costs contribute to firm value and underscores the need for strategic clarity in resource allocation decisions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management, Competition Strategies and Corporate Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
The Moderating Effect of the Business Group Affiliation on the Relationship between Debt and Earnings Management: Evidence from Borsa Istanbul
by
Meltem Gürünlü
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4620; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114620 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Earnings quality is crucial to provide investors and lenders with accurate information about the economic health of the firm and to help them make the right decisions. This paper examines whether the pooling of financial resources and internal funds allocation in corporate groups
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Earnings quality is crucial to provide investors and lenders with accurate information about the economic health of the firm and to help them make the right decisions. This paper examines whether the pooling of financial resources and internal funds allocation in corporate groups has a positive effect on earnings quality through reduced earnings management practices in affiliated firms. It is hypothesized that the funding benefits of pooling financial resources in corporate groups allow affiliated firms to reduce solvency problems arising from higher leverage, which in turn reduces incentives for earnings management. The study is based on a balanced panel data set of 95 non-financial firms traded on Borsa Istanbul covering the period between 2015 and 2022 (8 years) with a total of 760 observations. Using management’s discretionary accruals as a proxy variable to measure management’s flexibility to engage in earnings management, this study finds that being affiliated to a business group reduces earnings management incentives in group affiliates when firm’s leverage increases. The business group’s support on the debt-leveraged firm alleviates the motivation for earnings management practices.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Finance and Business Administration in Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
3D Printing with Bamboo: An Early-Stage Exploration Towards Its Use in the Built Environment
by
Jasmine Wong, Serdar Aşut and Stijn Brancart
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4619; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114619 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Along with the circular bioeconomy principles, alternative ways of utilizing biomass waste streams are considered viable approaches to reaching sustainability goals. Accordingly, a growing body of literature is exploring new materials utilizing biomass in 3D-printing applications. This article presents early-stage research that initially
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Along with the circular bioeconomy principles, alternative ways of utilizing biomass waste streams are considered viable approaches to reaching sustainability goals. Accordingly, a growing body of literature is exploring new materials utilizing biomass in 3D-printing applications. This article presents early-stage research that initially investigates the usability of bamboo fibers and dust with bio-based binders in 3D printing towards its use in the design and production of the built environments. The research delves into solutions through a material tinkering approach to develop a bio-based composite material that can be used in fused deposition modeling (FDM). It includes mechanical strength analyses of printed specimens to understand the effects of different infill designs on the structural performance of objects printed using bamboo-based composite. Then, it demonstrates a design-to-production workflow that integrates a mechanically informed infill pattern within a self-supporting wall design that can be produced by 3D printing with bamboo. The workflow is presented with a partial demonstrator produced through robotic 3D printing. The article concludes with discussions and recommendations for further research.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on 3D Printing: Technologies, Materials, and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
How Can Financial Innovation Curb Carbon Emissions in China? Exploring the Mediating Role of Industrial Structure Upgrading from a Spatial Perspective
by
Jiaji An and He Di
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4618; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114618 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Within the sustainability framework, technological innovation’s impact is acknowledged. However, the environmental implications of institutional innovation, a crucial component of the innovation system, remain unclear, necessitating further research. This paper focuses on financial innovation as a representative of institutional innovation, exploring its relationship
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Within the sustainability framework, technological innovation’s impact is acknowledged. However, the environmental implications of institutional innovation, a crucial component of the innovation system, remain unclear, necessitating further research. This paper focuses on financial innovation as a representative of institutional innovation, exploring its relationship with carbon emissions. Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2011 to 2022, we establish a spatial Durbin model and a mediating effects model to delve into the intricate relationships among financial innovation, industrial structure upgrading, and carbon emissions. Our findings reveal that: (1) Financial innovation significantly contributes to the upgrading of industrial structures both locally and in neighboring regions; (2) Both financial innovation and industrial structure upgrading effectively mitigate carbon emissions, with the latter playing a mediating role; (3) All three studied factors exhibit spatial clustering effects; (4) The suppressive effect of financial innovation on carbon emissions exhibits a notable spatial spillover. Compared to recent studies, this work innovatively explores the mediating impact mechanism of financial innovation suppressing carbon emissions, particularly demonstrating the spatial spillover characteristics of the mediating effect among the three variables. As China is a major carbon emitter and emerging economy, these insights offer valuable insights for global carbon governance.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Developments in Sustainable Corporate Finance and Financial Innovations)
Open AccessArticle
A Blessing or a Curse? Highway Connection and the Entry of Polluting Firms in China
by
Xuechen Meng, Yaqi Sun and Xiaoshu Xu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4617; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114617 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
We investigate how highway connections influenced the entry of polluting firms based on panel data from 257 Chinese prefectures from 1998 to 2012. We also investigate the heterogeneity and influencing channels. We use the generalized difference-in-difference method as a tool in the empirical
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We investigate how highway connections influenced the entry of polluting firms based on panel data from 257 Chinese prefectures from 1998 to 2012. We also investigate the heterogeneity and influencing channels. We use the generalized difference-in-difference method as a tool in the empirical analysis. We have three main findings. First, highway connections increased the entry of polluting firms by 54.5 percent. Second, the heterogeneity analysis shows that this effect is mainly caused by prefectures on provincial borders, prefectures in central China, and prefectures with more than 1 million residents in urban districts. Third, highway connections reduced the concern about environmental protection by local governments of prefectures on provincial boundaries but increased concern about local governments of prefectures in interior regions. The concern about employment increased regardless of a prefecture’s location in a province. These results indicate that less developed regions, i.e., those on provincial boundaries, valued the benefit of job creation for welfare improvement more than the harm of pollution. Hence, they intentionally reduced environmental regulation to induce polluting firms’ entry. Our results provide new and insightful insights into the transition of economic development to a sustainable path, especially in developing countries.
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