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
Organic Agriculture in Focus: Exploring Serbian Producers’ Views on the Common Agricultural Policy and the National Agrarian Policy
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4559; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114559 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Organic agriculture represents an alternative system of agricultural production that is included in the so-called sustainable agricultural practices. Development strategies in almost all countries today highlight the problem of environmental degradation, which is partly caused by the application of agrotechnical measures used in
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Organic agriculture represents an alternative system of agricultural production that is included in the so-called sustainable agricultural practices. Development strategies in almost all countries today highlight the problem of environmental degradation, which is partly caused by the application of agrotechnical measures used in conventional agriculture. Consequently, organic production is gaining more and more importance, affecting the trend of its development. Considering the status of the Republic of Serbia as a candidate country for the European Union, it is of particular importance to understand the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the EU and the position that organic producers and production have. The aim of this research was to analyze the attitudes of organic producers towards the CAP and the agrarian policy of the Republic of Serbia and their expectations following the Republic of Serbia’s entry into the EU. Statistical data processing involved descriptive statistical analysis followed by binary logistic regression. The results of the research showed that organic producers are not sufficiently familiar with the CAP, they believe that the agricultural policy of the Republic of Serbia is not favorable for organic producers and that their situation will not change significantly with entry into the EU, but that the position of organic production in the EU is better in comparison to that of the Republic of Serbia. In conclusion, the authors state that such attitudes and thoughts of organic producers are a limiting factor in the further development of organic agriculture and that it is necessary to work on them through continuous measures developed by competent ministries, local self-governments and advisory services.
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Open AccessArticle
Capital Structure Dynamics: Evidence from the Korean Listing Market
by
Byung-Chul Ju
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4558; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114558 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
This study analyzes how the trade-off theory, capital financing priority theory, and market timing hypothesis impact corporate capital structure for sustainable growth. Using a panel regression and system generalized method for moment analyses with balanced panel data for 1636 listed firms in the
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This study analyzes how the trade-off theory, capital financing priority theory, and market timing hypothesis impact corporate capital structure for sustainable growth. Using a panel regression and system generalized method for moment analyses with balanced panel data for 1636 listed firms in the Korean stock market and KOSDAQ from 2011 to 2021, we discovered that the level of and change in capital structure are determined through a complex mechanism in which the target debt ratio adjustment speed, previous year’s debt ratio, target debt ratio divergence, funding shortage situation, and market timing hypothesis interact complementarily. This indicates that the capital structure decisions of Korean listed firms are characterized by a complex mechanism that is difficult to explain with a single theory. The findings of this study have practical implications for understanding the capital structure decisions of Korean firms and for designing efficient capital-raising strategies. Additionally, by revealing the complementary relationship between the two theories, this study provides directions for future research on corporate capital structure.
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Current Research in the Field of Sustainable Employment Based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation
by
Yanan Mo, Kuoti Liao and Junqi Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4557; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114557 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
In the current context of sluggish global economic recovery, widening regional disparities, and little room for policy error, the global employment situation is unprecedentedly severe. Therefore, research on sustainable employment is critical. In this study, we utilized a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic
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In the current context of sluggish global economic recovery, widening regional disparities, and little room for policy error, the global employment situation is unprecedentedly severe. Therefore, research on sustainable employment is critical. In this study, we utilized a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling approach to identify four central topics within the realm of sustainable employment: “Career Sustainability and Employee Development”, “Socio-Economic Dynamics and Strategies for Sustainable Employment”, “Study on Age, Health, and Sustainable Workforce in the Labor Market”, and “Research on the Impact of Workplace Interventions and Psychological Health Support”. The findings revealed the multidimensional, complex nature of sustainable employment issues. This study expands the theoretical horizon of sustainable employment and proposes multidimensional strategic suggestions for practical applications, including regularly assessing and updating organizations’ leadership styles and employee development strategies, offering customized career development programs and skill training, and formulating inclusive employment policies and supportive workplace environments in order to enhance employee job satisfaction and overall well-being, thereby effectively improving the practical outcomes of sustainable employment and bringing about long-term stability and positive impacts on the labor market. These results provide essential theoretical and practical contributions for policymakers, organizational leaders, and anyone seeking sustainable employment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustaining Work and Careers for Human Well-Being in the New Normal)
Open AccessArticle
Drivers of Rural Households’ Choices and Intensity of Sustainable Energy Sources for Cooking and Lighting in Ondo State, Nigeria
by
Temitope Samuel Oluwole, Adewumi Titus Adesiyan, Temitope Oluwaseun Ojo and Khalid Mohammed Elhindi
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4556; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114556 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable human development are fundamentally dependent on having access to modern energy services. Energy supplies that are dependable, reasonably priced, and sustainable are vital to modern societies. In achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG7) and access to
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Poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable human development are fundamentally dependent on having access to modern energy services. Energy supplies that are dependable, reasonably priced, and sustainable are vital to modern societies. In achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG7) and access to clean energy supplies, this study, using cross-sectional data from 180 randomly sampled rural households, analyzed the key factors determining the choice and intensity of energy sources used for lighting and cooking in rural Nigeria. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (multivariate probit (MVP) and zero-truncated Poisson (ZTP models)) were employed for the analyses. The result showed that there is evidence of fuel stacking in their choice of cooking and lighting energy, and it increases with rising income levels but is more pronounced for lighting than cooking. The result also revealed that reliable access to clean energy (9% of sampled households for LPG and 23% of the households for grid electricity) is very low, as these households still rely on fuelwood (70%) for cooking, but the predominant usage of kerosene (39%) for lighting, as reported in the literature, has drastically changed to dry cell battery (51%). The results using a multivariate probit model to capture the multiple fuel usage phenomenon among rural households show that access to clean energy, improvement in rural poverty, usage of indoor kitchens, household size, and an increase in the education of household heads’ spouses significantly influence the use of clean energy in the rural areas. In the same vein, the result of the ZTP model showed that income, access to energy sources, and occupation of the household head were the drivers of the intensity of cooking and lighting energy sources. Thus, it is recommended that any policy interventions that are targeted at encouraging rural households to use clean energy should start by improving rural access to these clean energy sources, improving their poverty status while also increasing the level of education and awareness of rural women concerning the risks of using dirty energy sources.
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Open AccessArticle
Research on the Redesign of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on Sustainable Livelihood—The Case of Luanzhou Shadow Play Empowering Its Rural Development
by
Li Sun, Jiangnan Li, Zeyi Wang, Weishang Liu, Shuo Zhang and Jiantao Wu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114555 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The majority of China’s intangible cultural heritage is rooted in rural areas, and the integration of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) with rural resources has potential for sustainable development. This study develops a theory of sustainable livelihoods for ICH rural areas, employing design intervention
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The majority of China’s intangible cultural heritage is rooted in rural areas, and the integration of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) with rural resources has potential for sustainable development. This study develops a theory of sustainable livelihoods for ICH rural areas, employing design intervention strategies to strengthen core capital, thereby promoting the protection of ICH and the sustainable development of rural areas. Through a case study of China’s ICH, specifically Luanzhou shadow play, this study focuses on core livelihoods capital: design capital and cultural capital. The key elements of the two were analyzed through the use of interviews and questionnaires. The Luanzhou shadow play was redesigned for cultural and creative products and digital application innovation. This approach effectively meets the needs of the target groups and meets the requirements of rural revitalization and ICH, thereby enhancing the adaptability and resilience of rural areas. This study offers a new development path for the heritage of Luanzhou shadow play and local rural areas while also providing a reference for the differentiated development of other non-legacy rural areas.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Solid Biofuel Production: Transforming Sewage Sludge and Pinus sp. Sawdust into Resources for the Circular Economy
by
Alex Borges Pereira, Antonio José Vinha Zanuncio, Amélia Guimarães Carvalho, Angélica de Cassia Oliveira Carneiro, Vinícius Resende de Castro, Ana Marcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho, Olivia Pereira Lopes, Monique Branco-Vieira, Marcos Vinícius Ferreira, Rosana Maria Nascimento de Assunção and Solange de Oliveira Araujo
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4554; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114554 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The lack of adequate sanitation in Brazil overloads the health system and causes deaths. The utilization of sewage sludge hinders advancements in water treatment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of producing briquettes by blending sewage sludge with Pinus sp. sawdust. The
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The lack of adequate sanitation in Brazil overloads the health system and causes deaths. The utilization of sewage sludge hinders advancements in water treatment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of producing briquettes by blending sewage sludge with Pinus sp. sawdust. The sewage sludge was sourced from a water treatment facility, while the Pinus sp. sawdust was obtained from a sawmill. Elemental analysis, proximate analysis, and calorific value were evaluated for both biomasses. Briquettes were manufactured using a hydraulic press, varying the proportion of sewage sludge from 0% to 95%, followed by thermogravimetric analysis. Pinus sp. sawdust exhibited higher carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen content, whereas sewage sludge contained more nitrogen and sulfur. The sawdust had greater fixed carbon content, volatile matter, and calorific value, while the sewage sludge had higher ash content. Samples with higher sewage sludge content showed better thermal resistance, with 100% sewage sludge retaining 63.3% mass after exposure to 950 °C. Briquettes with higher sewage sludge content had increased energy density. Considering the elevated nitrogen, sulfur, and ash content, sewage sludge should be limited to 5% in briquette production with Pinus sp. sawdust. This research underscores a significant avenue for sewage sludge utilization and sustainable bioenergy production.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment of Agri-Food Industries and Agri-Food Waste Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Chronosequence Changes of Soil Organic Carbon in Salt Marshes under Artificial Intervention: A Case Study of Hengsha Island in the Yangtze Estuary
by
Jing Zhang, Chenyan Sha, Songshuo Li, Min Wang, Qiang Wang, Qing Wang, Jinghua Su, Cheng Shen and Shenfa Huang
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4553; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114553 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Land formation seriously disturbs coastal salt marsh wetland ecosystems, while its influences on soil organic carbon (SOC) under chronosequences remain unclear. In this study, the impacts of the land formation time (from one to fourteen years) and soil properties on the chronosequences changes
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Land formation seriously disturbs coastal salt marsh wetland ecosystems, while its influences on soil organic carbon (SOC) under chronosequences remain unclear. In this study, the impacts of the land formation time (from one to fourteen years) and soil properties on the chronosequences changes of SOC in the nascent wetland of Hengsha Island were investigated. The study results showed the following. (1) As the land-formation time extended, the SOC experienced a significant increase, tripling after a period of 14 years. The changes in SOC occurred mainly in the surface layer but not in the deep soil layer. Specifically, the surface layer’s average SOC reached 5.52 g·kg−1, markedly higher than 3.17 g·kg−1 in the deeper layer. (2) Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the ammonium nitrogen ( -N), aboveground biomass (AGB), and soil water content (SWC) were positively correlated with the SOC. Methane emissions (CH4) and SOC exhibited a negative correlation. (3) The structural equation model (SEM) illustrated that the duration of soil deformation directly impacted the vegetation growth and affected the distribution characteristics of the SOC by modifying the soil environmental conditions. Changes in SOC following land formation influenced the rapid succession of soil properties and vegetation, with the modification of carbon sinks in the ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Urban Tourism Appeal: The Effectiveness of Communication Channels and Multimedia Formats in Creating Tourists’ Expectations
by
Ivana Skočajić, Vladimir Pavković, Jelena Krstić, Milica Kostić-Stanković, Tamara Vlastelica and Tamara Rajić
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4552; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114552 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Tourists’ expectations related to urban tourist destinations, which often derive from wider concept of destinations’ images, encompass a wide range of needs, desires and anticipations that tourists develop prior to visiting a particular destination. They are formed under the influence of different factors,
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Tourists’ expectations related to urban tourist destinations, which often derive from wider concept of destinations’ images, encompass a wide range of needs, desires and anticipations that tourists develop prior to visiting a particular destination. They are formed under the influence of different factors, one of which is traditional and digital communication channels. The objective of this research is to determine whether different communication channels and multimedia formats, used by tourists in the pre-travelling phase, could shape their expectations related to tangible and intangible characteristics of urban tourist destinations. The data gathering was conducted by applying Computer-Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI) on a representative sample of 312 adult citizens residing in Belgrade, the capital of the Republic of Serbia. The findings indicate that both traditional and digital communication channels, alongside personal recommendations used prior to the trip, significantly contribute to shaping respondents’ expectations concerning tangible characteristics of urban tourist destinations. Digital communication channels and personal recommendations appeared to be more important in shaping expectations related to the intangible characteristics of urban tourist destinations. Also, different formats of online media content exhibited positive associations with expectations concerning the tangible and intangible characteristics of urban tourist destinations. The obtained results provide recommendations for tourist organizations and local government entities, valuable for developing effective communication strategies for targeting potential tourists.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Patterns in Consumer Behavior and Sustainable Marketing Strategies)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Modifiers on the Disintegration Characteristics of Red Clay
by
Baochen Liu, Haofeng Zhou, Xiaobo Wang, Guan Lian and Bai Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4551; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114551 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the high degree of weathering, the red clay slope has low anti-disintegration performance, and the clay easily becomes wet and disintegrates after soaking in water. It causes geological problems such as slope collapse caused by soil softening. To study the disintegration
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Due to the high degree of weathering, the red clay slope has low anti-disintegration performance, and the clay easily becomes wet and disintegrates after soaking in water. It causes geological problems such as slope collapse caused by soil softening. To study the disintegration characteristics of modified red clay, the disintegration test of red clay modified by using lignin fiber, clay particles and lime was carried out, analyzing the disintegration characteristics of improved red clay from physical and chemical perspectives and analyzing the improvement mechanism of three modifiers with the scanning electron microscopy test. The analysis results show that the water-holding capacity and disintegration resistance of soil mixed with lignin fiber decrease; the disintegration time of reshaped red clay increases with the increase in clay content; and the average disintegration rate of the soil decreases with the increase in clay content. With the increase in lime content, the soil cement increases. The integrity of the soil is enhanced, and its anti-disintegration ability is improved; the saturated moisture content of reshaped red clay increases with the increase in lignin fiber and clay content, while the saturated moisture content of soil decreases with the increase in lime content. The damage analysis shows that the larger the damage factor of soil, the worse its anti-disintegration ability, and the easier the soil disintegrates. The purpose of this paper is to explore the essence of the soil disintegration phenomenon, and on this basis, using high-quality improved materials, to improve the soil, which easily disintegrates. This move aims to significantly enhance the anti-disintegration ability of the soil, thereby improving its resistance to softening and disintegration, thereby effectively improving and maintaining the ecological environment. At the same time, the improved soil will help to improve the utilization rate of the slope and foundation soil, thereby reducing the economic cost of maintenance engineering. Against the current background of sustainable economic, social, and ecological development, it is of great strategic significance to ensure the sustainable availability of land resources in specific areas and maintain their productivity and ecological stability for a long time. The research into this subject not only helps to deepen the understanding of soil disintegration, but also provides strong technical support for the rational utilization of land resources and the protection of the ecological environment.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Geotechnical Engineering and Civil Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of the Replacement of Wheat Straw by Spent Mushroom Substrate in the Diet of Dairy Ewes during Late Lactation on Milk Production, Composition, Oxidation Stability and Udder Health
by
Agori Karageorgou, Ariadne-Loukia Hager-Theodorides, Michael Goliomytis, Ioannis Politis, Dimitrios Konstantas, Theofilos Massouras, Seraphim Papanikolaou, Panagiota Diamantopoulou and Panagiotis Simitzis
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4550; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114550 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) at the expense of wheat straw (WS) on milk characteristics in dairy sheep. Thirty ewes at their final stage of lactation (145 ±
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The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) at the expense of wheat straw (WS) on milk characteristics in dairy sheep. Thirty ewes at their final stage of lactation (145 ± 5 days after parturition) were randomly assigned into three groups; control (C), provided with a diet consisting of concentrates, alfalfa hay and WS, and SMS1 and SMS2, where WS was replaced by SMS at 50 or 100%, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days, and milk yield, composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and oxidative stability were monitored weekly, while milk fatty acid and immune cell profile were also determined on day 28. No significant differences were found in produced milk quantity, fat, protein, lactose, total solids non-fat, SCC and fatty acid profile between the experimental groups. However, milk oxidative stability was significantly improved as an effect of SMS (p < 0.001). At the same time, milk polymorphonuclear leukocyte percentage was decreased in SMS2 group (p < 0.05). As indicated, SMS seems to be a promising agro-industrial by-product for ewes’ diet that could improve milk oxidative stability, without negatively affecting milk yield, composition and ewe health status, contributing in the context of sustainability, circular economy and protection of natural resources.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Ruminant Nutrition for Sustainable Agriculture: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
A Systematic Review of the Different Methods Assessing Sustainability Integration in Engineering Curricula
by
Mantoura Nakad, Linda Gardelle and Rami J. Abboud
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4549; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114549 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Over the last two decades, numerous studies have highlighted the significance of integrating sustainability into higher education. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in the literature on engineering education for sustainable development, emphasizing the inclusion of this concept within engineering curricula and
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Over the last two decades, numerous studies have highlighted the significance of integrating sustainability into higher education. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in the literature on engineering education for sustainable development, emphasizing the inclusion of this concept within engineering curricula and recognizing the pivotal role that engineers play in achieving the sustainable development goals. Therefore, sporadic engineering faculties worldwide have begun acknowledging and assessing issues related to sustainability in their curricula. As several methods have been employed to assess its inclusion, the aim of this paper is to review the various methods used to gauge how sustainability is incorporated in their respective engineering curricula. We carried out a systematic review of the literature regarding sustainability as assessed specifically in engineering curricula using the Scopus and ERIC databases. We applied PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology and, as a result, 30 papers were included. The results produced 14 methods with the articles highlighting existing limitations. Therefore, the authors recommend the combination of at least two of the methods to efficiently evaluate sustainability in engineering curricula.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Higher Education: Curriculum Design and Materials Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Driving Factors of Ecosystem Regulation Services Value at the Plot Scale
by
Yawen He and Qingcheng Long
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4548; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114548 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The value of ecosystem regulation services (ERSV) is a crucial aspect of gross ecosystem product (GEP). Understanding and mastering the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of ERSV is essential for the efficient management of regional ecosystems. This study proposes an ERSV accounting
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The value of ecosystem regulation services (ERSV) is a crucial aspect of gross ecosystem product (GEP). Understanding and mastering the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and driving factors of ERSV is essential for the efficient management of regional ecosystems. This study proposes an ERSV accounting model at the plot scale and uses the barycentric analysis method, the optimal parameters-based geographical detector model (OPGD), and the constraint line extraction method to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, main driving factors, and constraint rules of ERSV in Yunyang District, Hubei Province in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021. The results show that (1) In the temporal dimension, the overall ERSV of the district increased by CNY 1.664 billion from 2016 to 2021, with an increase rate of 3.68%. The contribution values of climate regulation function and water retention function to ERSV was significant. (2) In the spatial dimension, the ERSV was high in the north and south and low in the middle, with high-value areas mainly located in woodland and wetland areas. The center of gravity of the ERSV increase shifted to the southwest by 12,455.42 m, while the center of gravity of the reduction shifted to the southwest by 3582.79 m from 2016 to 2021. (3) The interaction of any two driving factors had greater explanatory power for the spatial differentiation of ERSV than that of a single driving factor, and all of them showed nonlinear or double factor enhancement characteristics. The human active index (HAI) and construction land proportion (CLP) were the leading anthropogenic factors, while the land surface temperature (LST) and NDVI were the leading natural factors. (4) The ERSV could maintain a high and stable value output when the HAI was less than 0.3, CLP was less than 15%, LST was between 18 and 22 °C, and NDVI was greater than 0.5. These results can guide the practices of ecology, production, and life in Yunyang District and contribute to the high quality and sustainable development of the regional ecology and economy.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Earth Observation-Based Ecosystem Services in Support of Planet SDGs)
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Open AccessArticle
A Knowledge-Guided Approach for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using Convolutional Neural Network and Graph Contrastive Learning
by
Huimin Liu, Qixuan Ding, Xuexi Yang, Qinghao Liu, Min Deng and Rong Gui
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4547; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114547 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) constitutes a valuable analytical instrument for estimating the likelihood of landslide occurrence, thereby furnishing a scientific foundation for the prevention of natural hazards, land-use planning, and economic development in landslide-prone areas. Existing LSM methods are predominantly data-driven, allowing for
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Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) constitutes a valuable analytical instrument for estimating the likelihood of landslide occurrence, thereby furnishing a scientific foundation for the prevention of natural hazards, land-use planning, and economic development in landslide-prone areas. Existing LSM methods are predominantly data-driven, allowing for significantly enhanced monitoring accuracy. However, these methods often overlook the consideration of landslide mechanisms and uncertainties associated with non-landslide samples, resulting in lower model reliability. To effectively address this issue, a knowledge-guided landslide susceptibility assessment framework is proposed in this study to enhance the interpretability and monitoring accuracy of LSM. First, a landslide knowledge graph is constructed to model the relationships between landslide entities and summarize landslide susceptibility rules. Next, combining the obtained landslide rules with geographic similarity principles, high-confidence non-landslide samples are selected to optimize the quality of the samples. Subsequently, a Landslide Knowledge Fusion Cell (LKF-Cell) is utilized to couple landslide data with landslide knowledge, resulting in the acquisition of informative and semantically rich landslide event features. Finally, a precise and credible landslide susceptibility assessment model is built based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), and landslide susceptibility spatial distribution levels are mapped. The research findings indicate that the CNN-based model outperforms traditional machine learning algorithms in predicting landslide probability; in particular, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the model was improved by 3–6% after sample optimization, and the AUC value of the LKF-Cell method was 6–11% higher than the baseline method.
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Open AccessArticle
Smart Experience and Green Health Tourism: The Moderating Role of Content Marketing
by
Zohreh Amiri Sardari, Tayebeh Abdoli Mohamadabadi, Javad Nazarian-Jashnabadi, Giovanni Tesoriere and Tiziana Campisi
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114546 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to evaluate smart experience in green health tourism with the mediating role of content marketing by using the two models of technology acceptance and hedonism. This study utilizes quantitative and causal research methods. A total of 332
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The purpose of this research is to evaluate smart experience in green health tourism with the mediating role of content marketing by using the two models of technology acceptance and hedonism. This study utilizes quantitative and causal research methods. A total of 332 respondents completed a survey conducted at two Iranian tourism hubs. Also, purposeful sampling was used for data collection. Respondents rated their perceptions of each item on a five-point Likert scale. Using the partial least squares path modeling technique, the results reveal the direct effects of smart experience on green health tourism. The findings suggest that content marketing interacts with smart experience to influence green health tourism, such that the use of smart experience in health tourism can reduce the annual costs of developing environmental protection methods. This paper thus contributes to the hospitality management theory, green tourism, and wellness literature.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability, Strategic Management, Smart Governance and Smart Cities)
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Open AccessArticle
Incremental versus Radical Innovation and Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Moderated Mediation Model
by
Xiaoping Chen, Hongming Xie and Huanhuai Zhou
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4545; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114545 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Innovation is critical for organizations seeking to build and maintain a sustainable advantage in the competitive market. This study aims to construct a moderated mediation model to examine the effects of incremental and radical innovations on competitive advantage, which considers the mediating role
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Innovation is critical for organizations seeking to build and maintain a sustainable advantage in the competitive market. This study aims to construct a moderated mediation model to examine the effects of incremental and radical innovations on competitive advantage, which considers the mediating role of innovation speed and the moderating role of a supportive culture. Data from 201 Chinese firms were collected through questionnaires and the research hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis and bootstrapping techniques. The empirical results show that incremental and radical innovations have a significant positive effect on competitive advantage. Radical innovation has a greater impact on competitive advantage compared to incremental innovation. Innovation speed mediates the relationship between incremental and radical innovations and competitive advantage. Supportive culture positively moderates the relationship between incremental and radical innovations and innovation speed. Moreover, supportive culture positively moderates the conditional indirect effect of incremental and radical innovation on competitive advantage through innovation speed. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability Efforts and Importance of Change Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Low-Carbon Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
by
Yimin Tang, Lihong Shen and Shuguang Han
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114544 - 27 May 2024
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As the focus on environmental sustainability sharpens, the significance of low-carbon manufacturing and energy conservation continues to rise. While traditional flexible job shop scheduling strategies are primarily concerned with minimizing completion times, they often overlook the energy consumption of machines. To address this
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As the focus on environmental sustainability sharpens, the significance of low-carbon manufacturing and energy conservation continues to rise. While traditional flexible job shop scheduling strategies are primarily concerned with minimizing completion times, they often overlook the energy consumption of machines. To address this gap, this paper introduces a novel solution utilizing deep reinforcement learning. The study begins by defining the Low-carbon Flexible Job Shop Scheduling problem (LC-FJSP) and constructing a disjunctive graph model. A sophisticated representation, based on the Markov Decision Process (MDP), incorporates a low-carbon graph attention network featuring multi-head attention modules and graph pooling techniques, aimed at boosting the model’s generalization capabilities. Additionally, Bayesian optimization is employed to enhance the solution refinement process, and the method is benchmarked against conventional models. The empirical results indicate that our algorithm markedly enhances scheduling efficiency by 5% to 12% and reduces carbon emissions by 3% to 8%. This work not only contributes new insights and methods to the realm of low-carbon manufacturing and green production but also underscores its considerable theoretical and practical implications.
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Open AccessArticle
Creating a Roadmap to Forecast Future Directions in Vertical Green Structures as a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy: A Critical Review of Technology-Driven Applications
by
Ozge Ogut, Julia Nerantzia Tzortzi and Chiara Bertolin
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114543 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Urbanization exacerbates climate change impacts, making it crucial to develop innovative strategies for adaptation and mitigation. In this context, the “smartness” concept must be seen as the technical capability to forecast and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining livability and safety. This paper
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Urbanization exacerbates climate change impacts, making it crucial to develop innovative strategies for adaptation and mitigation. In this context, the “smartness” concept must be seen as the technical capability to forecast and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining livability and safety. This paper investigates the use of Vertical Green Structures (VGSs) as a mitigation strategy. Through a critical review of technology-driven applications, this research identifies key motivations and challenges in VGSs’ technological integration and implementation, governance frameworks, and community engagement. Methodologically, it employs a critical case analysis and categorizes the technologies based on multicriteria; it also explores the potential to implement smart green infrastructure (GI) in cities and the GI urban governance that was developed in previous decades to adopt these systems at an urban scale and increase the community’s awareness of them. The findings reveal diverse motivations driving technology and VGS integration, ranging from economic incentives to environmental sustainability. Additionally, this contribution explores possible future directions for VGSs and highlights three scenarios derived after the multidimensional impacts of climate change with their pros and cons in future cities. Multidisciplinary collaboration emerges as a crucial factor in optimizing technology implementations in VGSs and fostering a transition from nature-based solutions to technology-based solutions in urban sustainability initiatives.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Green Infrastructures on Air Quality in Urban Spaces)
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainability Assessment of Urban Public Transport for SDG Using Geospatial Big Data
by
Qinghua Zhang, Chuansheng Liu, Linlin Lu, Jangling Hu and Yu Chen
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4542; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114542 - 27 May 2024
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Rapid urbanization has resulted in various challenges, including a decline in environmental quality, traffic congestion, housing tensions, and employment difficulties. To address these issues, the United Nations introduced the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. One of the specific targets, 11.2.1, aims to tackle
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Rapid urbanization has resulted in various challenges, including a decline in environmental quality, traffic congestion, housing tensions, and employment difficulties. To address these issues, the United Nations introduced the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. One of the specific targets, 11.2.1, aims to tackle transportation problems. This study focuses on Guilin City, which is designated as an innovation demonstration zone for the national sustainable development agenda. The research conducted in this study examines the state of public transportation in six urban areas of Guilin City from 2015 to 2021, utilizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicator system, evaluation method, geospatial analysis, and entropy value method. The findings reveal that the coverage area of public transportation in the six urban areas of Guilin City expanded from 147.98 km2 in 2015 to 259.18 km2 in 2021. The percentage of the population with access to public transportation increased from 69.06% in 2015 to 71.63% in 2018 and further to 75.60% in 2021. While the accessibility of public transportation in the other four districts exceeds 90%, Lingui District and Yanshan District have lower accessibility, but it is gradually improving. The center of gravity for public transportation is also shifting towards the southwest, with Lingui District and Yanshan District experiencing gradual development. The evaluation score for sustainable development increased from 64.30 to 74.48, indicating a transition from a low sustainable development level to medium sustainable development level. Significant progress has been made in the indicators of the share of new energy buses, the rate of bus sharing, the coverage rate of bus stops, and the number of public transportation vehicles per 10,000 people. However, the indicators for the average distance between bus stops, the average speed of public transportation, and the density of public transportation routes are growing at a slower pace. The development of urban public transportation continues to improve, and the overall trend is positive. The sustainable development evaluation framework and positioning method proposed in this study serve as a reference for the sustainable development of Guilin City. Additionally, it provides insights for evaluating the sustainable development goals of public transportation in tourist cities like Guilin in China and worldwide.
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Open AccessArticle
Microplastic Evaluation in Water and Sediments of a Dam Reservoir–Riverine System in the Eastern Carpathians, Romania
by
Iulian Pojar, Oana Dobre, Constantin Lazăr, Teodora Baboș, Oana Ristea, Alina Constantin and Nicoleta Cristoiu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4541; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114541 - 27 May 2024
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The complex aquatic system of dam reservoirs is known to trap emerging pollutants as microplastics (MPs) in sediments and water column. Considering the knowledge gaps in this type of environment, we investigated the amount and distribution of MPs in the surface water layer,
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The complex aquatic system of dam reservoirs is known to trap emerging pollutants as microplastics (MPs) in sediments and water column. Considering the knowledge gaps in this type of environment, we investigated the amount and distribution of MPs in the surface water layer, as well as in the surface and deep sediments of the Siriu Reservoir in the Buzău River system, which is located in the southern area of the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. There was a discrepancy between MP abundancy in both water and sediment samples collected near the reservoir (5.3 MPs/m3, 315.5 MPs/kg) and at several kilometers downstream of the dam (1.4 MPs/m3, 132.5 MPs/kg). The chronological accumulation of MPs in the lacustrine sediments was determined by analyzing 5 cm intervals of a 50 cm length core extracted from the reservoir bed. By comparing the concentration of MPs identified in each interval with the solid debit volumes registered in the last decade, we found that flood events could be traced easily due to abundant MP accumulation. Morphologically, the particles were observed mainly as fibers and fragments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-iR) investigations identified most of the MPs as polypropylene (28%), polyethylene (26%), and polyethylene terephthalate (19%).
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Sustainable Learning Process: Assessing the Effectiveness of Teaching Methodology by Analyzing Spatial and Temporal Properties of a Student as a Subject
by
Natalya Chernova, Jamila Mustafina, Manoj Jayabalan and Dhiya Al-Jumeily
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114540 - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The article outlines the personality of a student as the single channel through which knowledge flows within the cognitive theory of “learning”. This sustainable process is the means of mediating the thought activity of an individual in a higher school. The study estimates
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The article outlines the personality of a student as the single channel through which knowledge flows within the cognitive theory of “learning”. This sustainable process is the means of mediating the thought activity of an individual in a higher school. The study estimates personal qualities of a student through the capacity for self-organization, self-regulation, self-development, and realization of the self in the process of cognitive development. The aim is to show how the degree of these capabilities’ influences achieving the fourth goal, “Quality Education”, from the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations is determined. Participants were second year students (n = 120) of Naberezhnochelninsky Institute, the branch of Kazan Federal University. They were assigned to Experimental Groups following the “participation” pattern and Control Groups following the standard teaching methodology. The methodological structure presented is an important step towards putting “smart education” into practice. Attempts are made to show that subjective attitude on the part of the students is an indispensable condition for contribution to self-development as a multidimensional system having a complex structure. With respect to it, a multi-level system of estimation, considered in development with stability and variability (statics and dynamics) being joined dialectically (progress line and regression line), is designed. The obtained data provide evidence of the necessity for changing the basis of educational processes towards formation of subject’s capabilities while studying academic disciplines. This methodology provides for developing a selective approach to every student.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)
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