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
Optimized Battery Capacity Allocation Method for Wind Farms with Dual Operating Conditions
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3615; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093615 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In order to solve the problems of wind power output volatility and wind power participation in frequency regulation, a method for optimizing the capacity allocation of wind farm storage batteries based on the dual grouping strategy and considering the simultaneous execution of the
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In order to solve the problems of wind power output volatility and wind power participation in frequency regulation, a method for optimizing the capacity allocation of wind farm storage batteries based on the dual grouping strategy and considering the simultaneous execution of the dual conditions of energy storage in fluctuation smoothing and primary frequency regulation is proposed. Firstly, a two-layer model is established to optimize the capacity allocation under dual operating conditions, i.e., the planning layer takes into account the lifetime, cost, and benefit, and the operation layer considers the wind turbine reserve backup and storage control to participate in the primary frequency regulation in a cooperative manner. Then, the dual battery pack operation strategy is embedded with the variational modal decomposition method to determine the charging and discharging operation strategy of energy storage after considering the grid-optimized reference power. An improved particle swarm algorithm with inverse learning pre-optimization combined with variational crossover post-optimization is embedded in the GUROBI computation to obtain the optimal battery storage capacity allocation scheme. Finally, the superiority of the model proposed in this paper in terms of improving energy storage utilization, service life, and economic efficiency as well as reducing wind power load shedding is verified by comparing it with a single execution working condition scenario and traditional battery control strategy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Operation and Control of Renewable Energy Resources)
Open AccessArticle
The Effects of Local Food on Carbon Emissions: The Case of the Republic of Korea
by
Da-Eun Jung, Sung-Bum Yang and Seung-Ryong Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3614; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093614 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study addresses the urgent environmental issue of climate change, focusing specifically on the role of local food, which is produced and consumed locally, in helping to reduce carbon emissions by eliminating the need for long-distance transportation. Through quantitative analysis, this study elucidates
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This study addresses the urgent environmental issue of climate change, focusing specifically on the role of local food, which is produced and consumed locally, in helping to reduce carbon emissions by eliminating the need for long-distance transportation. Through quantitative analysis, this study elucidates the potential benefits of environmental impact achieved through the consumption of local food, i.e., the significant reduction in carbon emissions. Specifically, the consumption of local food has been found to yield an annual decrease of 2,421,296 emissions, representing 2.5% of the Republic of Korea’s total greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. This reduction further translates into an estimated economic value of USD 54.23 million (KRW 70.5 billion). These findings underscore the potential of local food consumption as a tangible strategy to overcome environmental problems. Moreover, the academic contribution of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of the economic and empirical impacts of local food consumption on the environment. Moving forward, we propose policies such as supporting local food distribution networks, providing public education on local food, fostering local food industries, and implementing incentives to revitalize local food consumption.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Impact of Urban Air Quality on Total Factor Productivity: Empirical Insights from Chinese Listed Companies
by
Xiaowei Ding, Panfeng Wang, Xuyan Jiang, Wenyi Zhang, Boris I. Sokolov and Yali Liu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3613; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093613 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Urban air quality is inextricably linked to the operations of micro-firms. This paper employs the “Qinling-Huaihe” River demarcation as an instrumental variable to construct a regression discontinuity design (RDD) coupled with the two-stage least squares (2SLS) approach. This methodological framework is utilized to
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Urban air quality is inextricably linked to the operations of micro-firms. This paper employs the “Qinling-Huaihe” River demarcation as an instrumental variable to construct a regression discontinuity design (RDD) coupled with the two-stage least squares (2SLS) approach. This methodological framework is utilized to investigate the influence of urban air quality on the corporate total factor productivity (CTFP) of publicly listed manufacturing firms from 2015 to 2020. Drawing on the broken windows theory of urban decay and the general equilibrium theory, this research elucidates a significant adverse effect of urban air pollution on CTFP. We rigorously confirm the validity of the RDD by conducting covariate continuity tests and manipulating distributional variables. Furthermore, the robustness of the baseline regression outcomes is substantiated through a series of sensitivity, robustness, and endogeneity checks, employing alternative instrumental variables. The analysis extends to examining the heterogeneity across environmental attributes, regional features, and green branding. The mechanistic investigation reveals that public environmental concerns, financing constraints, and investments in technological innovation serve as mediators in the nexus between urban air pollution and CTFP. Additionally, it is observed that environmental regulation exerts a positive moderating influence, whereas female leadership has a negative impact in this context. The imperative for timely environmental governance is underscored by these findings, which offer crucial insights for policymakers seeking to refine business environment strategies and for corporations aiming to pursue sustainable growth.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Autonomous Agent-Based Adaptation of Energy-Optimized Production Schedules Using Extensive-Form Games
by
William Motsch, Achim Wagner and Martin Ruskowski
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3612; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093612 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Modular cyber-physical production systems are an important paradigm of Industry 4.0 to react flexibly to changes. The flexibility of those systems is further increased with skill-based engineering and can be used to adapt to customer requirements or to adapt manufacturing to disturbances in
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Modular cyber-physical production systems are an important paradigm of Industry 4.0 to react flexibly to changes. The flexibility of those systems is further increased with skill-based engineering and can be used to adapt to customer requirements or to adapt manufacturing to disturbances in supply chains. Further potential for application of these systems can be found in the topic of electrical energy supply, which is also characterized by fluctuations. The relevance of energy-optimized production schedules for manufacturing systems in general becomes more important with the increased use of renewable energies. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to adapt when short-term energy price updates or unforeseen events occur. To address these challenges with an autonomous approach, this contribution focuses on extensive-form games to adapt energy-optimized production schedules in an agent-based manner. The paper presents agent-based modeling to transform and monitor energy-optimized production schedules into game trees to respond to changing energy prices and disturbances in production. The game is setup with a scheduler agent and energy agents who are considered players. The implementation of the mechanism is presented in two use cases, realizing decision making for an energy price update in a simulation example and for unforeseen events in a real-world demonstrator.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industry 4.0: Smart Green Applications)
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of the Digital Economy on Urban Ecological Resilience: Empirical Evidence from China’s Comprehensive Big Data Pilot Zone Policy
by
Youzhi Zhang, Jingyi Wang, Yinke Liu and Jing Zhao
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3611; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093611 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The present study examines the effects of China’s comprehensive big data pilot zone policy on urban ecological resilience. This is achieved through the utilization of a quasi-natural experiment, employing panel data from 217 prefecture-level cities in China spanning the years 2010 to 2021.
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The present study examines the effects of China’s comprehensive big data pilot zone policy on urban ecological resilience. This is achieved through the utilization of a quasi-natural experiment, employing panel data from 217 prefecture-level cities in China spanning the years 2010 to 2021. The research revealed that China’s extensive policy on big data pilot zones has a notable and favorable influence on the ecological resilience of urban areas. This impact is both constant and subject to variation across different regions. The aforementioned impact is attained by means of progressions in industrial structure and the introduction of innovative green technologies. Furthermore, the strategy exerts a beneficial impact on the ecological resilience of urban areas in adjacent regions by means of spatial spillover effects.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Economics in Sustainable Social Policy Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Preferences of Adults for Synanthropic Flora in the Sustainable Development of Polish Cities’ Green Areas
by
Beata Fornal-Pieniak, Dagmara Stangierska-Mazurkiewicz, Filip Kamionowski, Katarzyna Widera, Barbara Żarska and Piotr Latocha
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3610; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093610 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Synanthropic flora (weeds, i.e., spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management
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Synanthropic flora (weeds, i.e., spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management in cities. This study aimed to determine the preferences and attitudes of adults towards synanthropic flora in settlement units. This article presents survey results from 447 city residents. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using the k-means clustering method to identify segments of respondents with similar attitudes and preferences toward synanthropic flora. Mann–Whitney U tests were employed to determine statistical differences in the demographic variables among the analyzed clusters of respondents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the opinions and attitudes towards synanthropic flora that may influence their greater acceptance in the vicinity of residential areas. The results obtained in the multiple regression analysis indicate that the respondent’s evaluation of the level of support for the introduction of more synanthropic vegetation into urban greenery (Yw) grows with the increase in the acceptance of synanthropic plants’ occurrence in the surroundings. Residents’ acceptance of synanthropic flora in green areas is at a relatively high level.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Forest Wellness Tourism Development Strategies Using SWOT, QSPM, and AHP: A Case Study of Chongqing Tea Mountain and Bamboo Forest in China
by
Li Wang, Myagmarsuren Damdinsuren, Yuanhao Qin, Ganzorig Gonchigsumlaa, Yadmaa Zandan and Zilin Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3609; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093609 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Forests drive tourism growth in China, offering ecologic and economic benefits over urbanization trends. Wellness tourism, aligned with UN goals, thrives in forest settings, though challenges remain, particularly in the underinvested forest regions of Western China. This study aims to identify and rank
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Forests drive tourism growth in China, offering ecologic and economic benefits over urbanization trends. Wellness tourism, aligned with UN goals, thrives in forest settings, though challenges remain, particularly in the underinvested forest regions of Western China. This study aims to identify and rank the forest wellness tourism industry development strategies for Chongqing Tea Mountain and Bamboo Forest National Park in China. The SWOT method was used to construct the strategy, while the AHP method and QSPM matrix were used to rank the selected strategies. The data used in the analysis were the survey questionnaire data of 356 individuals to construct the model to identify the strategies, and the interview data of 23 experts to rate the strategies using the Delphi method. The effectiveness of eight internal and seven external factors for forest wellness tourism was evaluated. The survey results highlight the most significant advantages of the Chongqing Tea Mountains and Bamboo Forest as being its “beautiful natural and unique scenery”, and its most significant shortcomings as its “insufficient supporting facilities and weak infrastructure”. The QSPM matrix analysis reveals that the ‘offensive strategy’ is the best. The results also emphasize the importance of “Protecting the diverse tourism resources to keep the market prospect and promote wellness industry development” in the study areas. Therefore, the potential of developing forest wellness tourism in this area should be considered and included in the agenda of policy makers to strengthen the development of forest wellness tourism, improve the economic status of the tourism of the jurisdiction, and create employment opportunities in tourism-related businesses.
Full article
Open AccessReview
A Literature Review on the Paradoxes of Public Interest in Spatial Planning within Urban Settings with Diverse Stakeholders
by
Danai Machakaire and Masilonyane Mokhele
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3608; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093608 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The concept of public interest legitimises the planning profession, provides a foundational principle, and serves as an ethical norm for planners. However, critical discourses highlight the problems of the assumptions underlying the notion of public interest in spatial planning. Using an explorative literature
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The concept of public interest legitimises the planning profession, provides a foundational principle, and serves as an ethical norm for planners. However, critical discourses highlight the problems of the assumptions underlying the notion of public interest in spatial planning. Using an explorative literature review approach, the article aims to analyse various interpretations and applications of public interest in spatial planning. The literature search process, conducted between August and November 2023, targeted journal articles and books published in English and focused on the online databases of Academic Search Premier, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The final selected literature comprised 71 sources. The literature showed that diverse conceptualisations of public interest complicate the ways spatial planners and authorities incorporate it in planning tools, processes, and products. This article concludes by arguing that the prospects of achieving a single definition of the public interest concept are slim and may not be necessary given the heterogeneous conceptualisation and the multiple operational contexts of public interest. The article recommends the development of context-based analytical frameworks to establish linkages that would lead towards the equitable inclusion of public interest in spatial planning.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Behavior Selection Models of Fire Evacuations with the Consideration of Adaptive Evacuation Psychologies
by
Lixiao Wang, Zhenya Zhang, Shijun Lu and Jianhu Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3607; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093607 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
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With the acceleration of urbanization, the increasing frequency of building fires has caused a large number of deaths and economic losses. In order to delve into the evacuation route selection behaviors seen in library fires and analyze the impacts of individual evacuation psychologies
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With the acceleration of urbanization, the increasing frequency of building fires has caused a large number of deaths and economic losses. In order to delve into the evacuation route selection behaviors seen in library fires and analyze the impacts of individual evacuation psychologies on route decisions during escaping, based on practical survey data from the library on the Boda campus of Xinjiang University, this study built a mixed Logit (ML) model irrespective of latent psychological variables and a hybrid choice model (HCM) considering the latent variables of adaptive evacuation psychologies to investigate the internal formation mechanism of evacuees’ route decisions. The results indicate that evacuees’ non-adaptive conformity psychology, adaptive altruism psychology, and environmental familiarity have significant impacts on their route decisions. The stronger the evacuees’ non-adaptive inertia psychology, the more they lean towards the shortest route. Meanwhile, altruistic adaptive evacuation psychology has a significant negative impact on the probability of choosing the longest route. The stronger the evacuees’ environmental familiarity, the more they tend to choose the evacuation route with good emergency lighting. Personal socio-economic attributes have varying impacts on peoples’ evacuation route decisions. The findings of our study provide theoretical support for sustainable planning, preparedness, and the design of fire evacuations. This contribution aids in advancing sustainable practices for emergency responses.
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Open AccessArticle
The Basics of Home Office (Re)institutionalisation from the Perspective of Experiences from the COVID-19 Era
by
Janusz Rymaniak, Vida Davidavičienė and Katarzyna Lis
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3606; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093606 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
After COVID-19, the dynamics of home office development slowed down. According to the experiences of major companies, the problem is “fluctuating”. Research from the pandemic era covers various aspects and fails to present the concept of synthetic developmental conditions. Therefore, the issue of
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After COVID-19, the dynamics of home office development slowed down. According to the experiences of major companies, the problem is “fluctuating”. Research from the pandemic era covers various aspects and fails to present the concept of synthetic developmental conditions. Therefore, the issue of extending the organisation to home spaces was undertaken, identifying the determinants of the sustainable development of workplaces and organisations. The key is to create sustainable work systems, i.e., adapted to the environment, while being creative, critical, and productive. This study aims to establish the cultural determinants of home office development based on empirical research from the perspective of neo-institutionalism. For this purpose, the institutional logics were subject to operationalisation and the co-dependencies of metalogics with the types of organisational cultures assumed in the Cameron–Quinn OCAI model were established. The information was collected in a CAWI survey. The presented research procedure constitutes a methodical innovation. The results demonstrate a trend of changes in the dominating types of organisational culture from market control to cooperation and creation with a stimulating role of professional logics (occupation, organisation) from the perspective of working from home which brings sustainable management and business models. There is a subtle role of home logic and low employee readiness level. The adapted cultural approach demonstrates that increasing effectiveness of home office solutions requires development of integrated practices, which consider this type of work as separate and specialised. The past corporate failures and spontaneous methods cannot serve as grounds for strategies (long-term solutions). However, the research demonstrates a low level and limited range of employee impact on the organisational culture. It also indicates the need for additional analyses to determine the concept of designing workplaces in the Sustainability–Harmonisation trajectory.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technology-Driven Entrepreneurship for a Sustainable Future)
Open AccessArticle
Temporal–Spatial Characteristics and Trade-Off–Synergy Relationships of Water-Related Ecosystem Services in the Yangtze River Basin from 2001 to 2021
by
Hongbo Du, Jianping Wu, Wenjie Li, Yu Wan, Ming Yang and Peng Feng
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3605; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093605 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Yangtze River Basin serves as an essential ecological shelter in China, yet it has encountered escalating aquatic ecological challenges. Exploring the spatial–temporal changes and the trade-off–synergy relationships of water-related ecosystem services (WESs) is necessary for formulating management and planning policies targeting the
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The Yangtze River Basin serves as an essential ecological shelter in China, yet it has encountered escalating aquatic ecological challenges. Exploring the spatial–temporal changes and the trade-off–synergy relationships of water-related ecosystem services (WESs) is necessary for formulating management and planning policies targeting the sustainable development of watersheds. In this study, the InVEST model is utilized to evaluate the spatial–temporal variations in water yield (WY), water purification (WP), and soil conservation (SC) in the Yangtze River Basin using remote-sensed data from 2001 to 2021. The spatial overlay method and a correlation analysis were adopted to reveal the trade-off–synergy relationship among the three WESs. Additionally, we performed a comparative analysis across the grid and sub-basin scales. The results showed that the multi-year average WY, WP, and SC were 536.10 mm, 1.32 kg/ha, and 250.08 t/ha, representing increasing rates of 4.74 mm/a, −0.001 kg/ha/a, and 1.88 t/ha/a, respectively. Moreover, the trade-off–synergy relationships of WESs exhibited spatial variability; specifically, the WY-WP, WP-SC, and WY-SC pairs demonstrated reduced synergy magnitude over time. The WES interactions were stable across the scales of interest, while synergy strength showed noticeable variability. The findings may contribute to the sustainable development of the Yangtze River Basin and enhance the comprehensive management of WESs.
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Open AccessArticle
Biodiversity-Centric Habitat Networks for Green Infrastructure Planning: A Case Study in Northern Italy
by
Francesco Lami, Francesco Boscutti, Elisabetta Peccol, Lucia Piani, Matteo De Luca, Pietro Zandigiacomo and Maurizia Sigura
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3604; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093604 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Green infrastructure (GI) networks comprising multiple natural and artificial habitats are important tools for the management of ecosystem services. However, even though ecosystem services are deeply linked with the state of biodiversity, many approaches to GI network planning do not explicitly consider the
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Green infrastructure (GI) networks comprising multiple natural and artificial habitats are important tools for the management of ecosystem services. However, even though ecosystem services are deeply linked with the state of biodiversity, many approaches to GI network planning do not explicitly consider the ecological needs of biotic communities, which are often threatened by anthropic activities even in presence of protected areas. Here, to contribute in fill this gap, we describe an easy-to-apply, biodiversity-centric approach to model an ecological network as a backbone for a GI network, based on the ecological needs of a range of representative species. For each species, ideal habitats (nodes) were identified, and crossing costs were assigned to other habitat types depending on their compatibility with the species ecology. Corridors linking the nodes were then mapped, minimizing overall habitat crossing costs. We applied the method to the Isonzo–Vipacco river area in Northern Italy, highlighting a potential ecological network where nodes and corridors occupied 27% and 11.8% of the study area, respectively. The prospective of its conflicts with anthropic activities and possible solutions for its implementation was also discussed. Our method could be applied to a variety of situations and geographic contexts, being equally useful for supporting the protection of entire biocenoses or of specific sensitive species, as well as enhancing the ecosystem services they provide.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Management in Sustainable Landscapes)
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Healthcare Quality and Job Satisfaction through Organizational Culture: Approaches and Outcomes
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Greta Hoxha, Ioanna Simeli, Dimitrios Theocharis, Anastasia Vasileiou and Georgios Tsekouropoulos
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3603; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093603 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper explores innovative strategies to enhance sustainable healthcare quality, emphasizing the pivotal role of organizational culture and placing a special focus on employee job satisfaction. Recognizing the indispensable nature of contented employees in delivering superior patient care, our discussion explores how an
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This paper explores innovative strategies to enhance sustainable healthcare quality, emphasizing the pivotal role of organizational culture and placing a special focus on employee job satisfaction. Recognizing the indispensable nature of contented employees in delivering superior patient care, our discussion explores how an organizational culture that prioritizes optimized work processes, and a supportive work environment can significantly boost employee well-being. By mitigating workplace stress through the refinement of operations and the minimization of waste, healthcare organizations can foster a setting that greatly enhances job satisfaction. This enhancement, in turn, catalyzes superior patient care and underscores the healthcare system’s dedication to sustainability and the well-being of its employees. Our analysis indicates that concentrating on employee satisfaction, deeply rooted in the organizational culture, is not merely advantageous but essential for nurturing a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system. The insights offered aim to guide healthcare organizations toward embracing strategies such as Green Lean Six Sigma, with a heightened focus on improving workforce well-being through the lens of organizational culture. This approach is expected to produce a synergistic improvement in healthcare quality by promoting operational efficiency and advancing environmental sustainability in tandem.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interconnected Realms of Health, Well-Being, and Sustainability: Navigating Interdisciplinary Dialogues and Future Directions in the 21st Century)
Open AccessArticle
Using Deep Learning Approaches to Quantify Landscape Preference of the Chinese Grand Canal: An Empirical Case Study of the Yangzhou Ancient Canal
by
Yiwen Li and Bing Qiu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3602; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093602 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Landscape preference emerges from the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment and plays a pivotal role in the preservation and enhancement of the Chinese Grand Canal’s scenery. As a vast linear heritage, employing conventional methods for analyzing landscape preferences can be resource-intensive
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Landscape preference emerges from the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment and plays a pivotal role in the preservation and enhancement of the Chinese Grand Canal’s scenery. As a vast linear heritage, employing conventional methods for analyzing landscape preferences can be resource-intensive in terms of both time and labor. Amid the rapid advancement of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), a cognitive framework for understanding the Chinese Grand Canal’s landscape preferences has been developed, encompassing two primary aspects: the characteristic features of landscape preference and its spatial organization. Geotagged photographs from tourism media platforms focused on the Yangzhou Ancient Canal were utilized, and the EasyDL deep learning platform was employed to devise a model. This model assesses current landscape preferences through an analysis of photographic content, element composition patterns, and geospatial distribution, integrating social network and point density analyses. Our findings reveal that the fusion of Yangzhou Ancient Canal and classical gardens creates a sought-after ‘Canal and Watercraft Remains’ landscape. Tourists’ preferences for different landscape types are reflected in the way the elements are combined in the photographs. Overall, landscape preferences are dense in the north and sparse in the south. Differences in tourists’ perceptions of the value of and preferences for heritage sites lead to significant variations in tourist arrivals at different sites. This approach demonstrates efficiency and scalability in evaluating the Chinese Grand Canal landscape, offering valuable insights for its strategic planning and conservation efforts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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Open AccessArticle
Robust Enhancement of Direct Air Capture of CO2 Efficiency Using Micro-Sized Anion Exchange Resin Particles
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Shuohan Liu, Junqiang Hu, Fan Zhang, Jianzhong Zhu, Xiaoyang Shi and Lei Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3601; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093601 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
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In the quest to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, it becomes essential to address the existing atmospheric CO2. Effective and economical methodologies, particularly those without additional energy consumption, are crucial. Currently, a leading method is the direct capture of CO2 using
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In the quest to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, it becomes essential to address the existing atmospheric CO2. Effective and economical methodologies, particularly those without additional energy consumption, are crucial. Currently, a leading method is the direct capture of CO2 using ion exchange resins, which achieve the adsorption and desorption of carbon dioxide simply by using the humidity variations. This technology, though minimizing additional energy cost, still needs improvement in its efficiency in CO2 capture capacity and compared to other methods. In this work, we develop low-cost techniques to reduce the AmberLite™ IRA900 Cl (IRA-900) anion exchange resin to micro size, and observe significant performance enhancement on CO2 capture efficiency contingent on reducing the particle diameters. This performance disparity is attributed to the differential water adsorption capacities inherent in particles of diverse diameters. Our results reveal that smaller resin particles outperform their larger counterparts, exhibiting accelerated adsorption rates and expedited transitions from wet to dry states. Notably, these smaller particles display a quintupled enhancement in adsorption efficacy relative to non-treated particles and a marked increase in relative adsorption capacity. Upon treatment, IRA-900 demonstrates robust CO2 processing efficiency, achieving a peak adsorption rate of 1.28 g/mol·h and a maximum desorption rate of 1.18 g/mol·h. Also, the material is subjected to almost 100 cycles of testing, and even after 100 cycles, the resin particles maintain a capacity of 100%. Moreover, our material can be fully regenerated to 100% efficiency by simply immersing it in water. Simultaneously, storing it in water allows for the long-term maintenance of its performance without other treatment methods. A key observation is the resin’s sustained performance stability post extended exposure to humid conditions. These outcomes offer substantial practical implications, emphasizing the relevance of our study in practical environmental applications.
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Open AccessArticle
Trade and Water Pollution: Evidence from China
by
Wenhao Yang, Yuanzhe Huang, Jinsong Ye and Changbiao Zhong
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3600; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093600 - 25 Apr 2024
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China’s economy has achieved significant success by integrating itself into the globalized production system over an extended period. However, it is crucial to address the environmental consequences that accompany rapid economic progress. The correlation between trade and environmental pollution is still controversial in
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China’s economy has achieved significant success by integrating itself into the globalized production system over an extended period. However, it is crucial to address the environmental consequences that accompany rapid economic progress. The correlation between trade and environmental pollution is still controversial in the existing literature, with a lack of research specifically investigating this relationship using detailed data at the firm level. Based on the quasi-natural experiment of China’s accession to the WTO, this study uses the DID method to evaluate the causal relationship between trade and the environment experimentally. It is found that trade liberalization significantly increases firms’ industrial wastewater emissions, and the empirical results remain robust after parallel trend tests, placebo tests, and replacement variables. The mechanism of action suggests that trade expansion enhances corporate pollution emissions through two channels: attracting foreign investment into the country and intensifying energy consumption. A heterogeneity analysis reveals that the pollution-enhancing effect of trade expansion on enterprises is mainly concentrated in export-oriented enterprises, labor-intensive industries, and coastal regions. Additionally, further analysis shows that trade liberalization not only has local impacts but also spatial spillover effects on enterprise pollution. It is found that enhancing environmental governance and reducing corruption can effectively mitigate the adverse environmental consequences caused by trade liberalization.
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Open AccessArticle
Niches Seeking Legitimacy: Notes about Social Innovation and Forms of Social Enterprise in the Italian Renewable Energy Communities
by
Lorenzo De Vidovich
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3599; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093599 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Renewable energy communities (RECs) are increasingly seen as key innovations for the development of decentralized energy systems that leverage on renewable energy co-production, sharing, and consumption. However, they still represent a niche in search of development and consolidation, and the social innovations they
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Renewable energy communities (RECs) are increasingly seen as key innovations for the development of decentralized energy systems that leverage on renewable energy co-production, sharing, and consumption. However, they still represent a niche in search of development and consolidation, and the social innovations they might bring to the energy systems need to be further scrutinized. Innovations related to the capacity to support forms of social entrepreneurship in the energy system are central to this analysis, even if they have been little studied in Italy in relation to the emerging field of renewable energy communities. Through a theoretical discussion aimed at fulfilling descriptive objectives, this paper examines, on the one hand, the social innovations related to community energy projects and, with a focus on Italy, the legal forms required to create an REC in the light of the constantly changing regulatory framework, where new actors, such as the Third Sector, can play a leading role as intermediary actors to develop the social implementation of REC initiatives. The paper navigates through the literature on community energy in the light of the social innovation they can bring to the energy system, discusses the niche condition of RECs, and addresses the Italian case with particular reference to the role of the Third Sector in disseminating REC innovations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Transformative Approaches to Contemporary Territorial Challenges: Between Advocacy, Coproduction and Entrepreneurial Approaches)
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Open AccessArticle
Urban Ecological Quality Assessment Based on Google Earth Engine and Driving Factors Analysis: A Case Study of Wuhan City, China
by
Weiwei Zhang, Wanqian Zhang, Jianwan Ji and Chao Chen
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3598; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093598 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ecological quality is a critical factor affecting the livability of urban areas. Remote sensing technology enables the rapid assessment of ecological quality (EQ), providing scientific theoretical support for the maintenance and management of urban ecology. This paper evaluates and analyzes the EQ and
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Ecological quality is a critical factor affecting the livability of urban areas. Remote sensing technology enables the rapid assessment of ecological quality (EQ), providing scientific theoretical support for the maintenance and management of urban ecology. This paper evaluates and analyzes the EQ and its driving factors in the city of Wuhan using remote sensing data from five periods: 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021, supported by the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. By employing principal component analysis, a Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) was constructed to assess the spatiotemporal differences of EQ in Wuhan City. Furthermore, the study utilized the optimal parameter-based geographical detector model to analyze the influence of factors such as elevation, slope, aspect, population density, greenness, wetness, dryness, and heat on the RSEI value in 2021 and further explored the impact of changes in precipitation and temperature on the EQ in Wuhan. The results indicate that (1) principal component analysis shows that greenness and wetness positively affect Wuhan’s EQ, while dryness and heat have negative impacts; (2) spatiotemporal analysis reveals that from 2001 to 2021, the EQ in Wuhan showed a trend of initial decline followed by improvement, with the classification grades evolving from poor and average to good and better; (3) the analysis of driving factors shows that all nine indicators have a certain impact on the EQ in Wuhan, with the influence ranking as NDVI > NDBSI > LST > WET > elevation > population density > GDP > slope > aspect; (4) the annual average temperature and precipitation in Wuhan have a non-significant impact on the EQ. The EQ in Wuhan has improved in recent years, but comprehensive management still requires enhancement.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for Promoting Sustainable Geoenvironment)
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Open AccessArticle
Response of Sandy Soil–Water Migration to Different Conditions under Unidirectional Freezing
by
Mo Chen, Jiaheng Mei, Kai Shen and Yu Gao
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3597; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093597 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In order to conserve valuable soil and water resources and avoid problems related to frozen soil, it is important to study the migration of frozen soil water. A greater understanding of frozen soil–water migration can assist with sustainable development and utilization of soil
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In order to conserve valuable soil and water resources and avoid problems related to frozen soil, it is important to study the migration of frozen soil water. A greater understanding of frozen soil–water migration can assist with sustainable development and utilization of soil and water resources in frozen areas. This study used an indoor soil column test device to conduct a one-way indoor freezing test of unsaturated soil and the response of soil sample water migration to different freezing temperatures, initial moisture contents, soil densities, freezing times, solute concentrations, and solute types. The experimental and analytical results showed that the temperature field of the soil sample could be divided into three stages: sharp cooling, slow cooling, and stability. After the soil sample had been frozen for 100 h, the temperature field stabilized. The freezing temperature, initial water content, soil density, and freezing time affected water migration in the soil sample. Lower freezing temperatures and greater initial water content resulted in higher levels of water migration. By contrast, greater soil density led to lower water migration levels. In addition, longer freezing times produced smoother soil–water migration curves. The solute concentration and solute type also affected water migration in frozen soil; the higher the solute concentration, the greater the water migration. Compared with CaCl2, NaCl had a stronger effect, causing more water migration and leading to a higher water content. The research findings will aid further studies on soil and water utilization, environmental maintenance, and restoration in areas with seasonally frozen soil, as well as promote the sustainable development of agriculture, water conservancy project development, and the social economy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 13th International Symposium on Cold Region Development Conference (ISCORD 2023))
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Digital Financial Inclusion on Household Commercial Insurance for Sustainable Governance Mechanisms under Regional Group Differences
by
Zaikun Hou, Jing Xu, Yongrok Choi and Yunning Ma
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3596; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093596 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study explores the nexus between digital financial inclusion and household participation in commercial insurance, utilizing data from the Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index and the 2018 CFPS database. Using Probit and Logit models, our research uncovers significant regional and risk -preference
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This study explores the nexus between digital financial inclusion and household participation in commercial insurance, utilizing data from the Peking University Digital Financial Inclusion Index and the 2018 CFPS database. Using Probit and Logit models, our research uncovers significant regional and risk -preference variations, emphasizing the influence of governance mechanisms. The study underscores the pivotal role of digital participation in a sustainable governance mechanism in shaping financial behavior, as well as the importance of advocating for regulatory interventions, enhanced financial literacy, and infrastructure development to foster equitable insurance access. Moreover, positive determinants, such as education level and social insurance participation, are identified, while discretionary spending emerges as a barrier. This study advocates for expedited digital financial inclusion initiatives to increase financial literacy with strengthened regulatory oversight and governance mechanisms which would ensure sustainable regional development and insurance market resilience.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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