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
Evaluation of Ergonomic Risks for Construction Workers based on Multicriteria Decision Framework with the Integration of Spherical Fuzzy Set and Alternative Queuing Method
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3950; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103950 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Ergonomic risks critically impact workers’ occupational health, safety, and productivity, and thereby the sustainability of a workforce. In the construction industry, the physical demands and dynamic environment exposes workers to various ergonomic hazards. While previous research has mainly focused on postural risks, there
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Ergonomic risks critically impact workers’ occupational health, safety, and productivity, and thereby the sustainability of a workforce. In the construction industry, the physical demands and dynamic environment exposes workers to various ergonomic hazards. While previous research has mainly focused on postural risks, there is a need to broaden the scope to include more relevant factors and assess them systematically. This study introduces a multi-criteria decision framework integrating the Spherical Fuzzy Sets (SFSs) and Alternative Queuing Method (AQM) to evaluate and prioritize ergonomic hazards. First, SFSs are employed to quantify the linguistic expressions of experts, addressing the inherent vagueness and uncertainty. Then, an entropy-based objective weighting method is adopted to determine the criteria weights. Finally, AQM is utilized to generate the risk priority. The proposed method has been implemented in a real-life construction project, where “overexertion due to unreasonable task organization”, “hypertension and heart diseases”, and “existing WMSD record” are identified as the top three ergonomic hazards. Then, a thorough discussion of intervention strategies regarding different risk categories is presented to facilitate ergonomic interventions. This proposed decision support system can promote effective ergonomic risk management, benefiting workers’ health and well-being and contributing to the sustainable workforce development of the construction industry.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health, Well-Being and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Tight or Loose: Analysis of the Organization Cognition Process of Epidemic Risk and Policy Selection
by
Chao Fan, Yue Zhuang and Yangyang Qian
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3949; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103949 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
In the context of Disease X risks, how governments and public health authorities make policy choices in response to potential epidemics has become a topic of increasing concern. The tightness of epidemic prevention policies is related to the effectiveness of the implementation of
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In the context of Disease X risks, how governments and public health authorities make policy choices in response to potential epidemics has become a topic of increasing concern. The tightness of epidemic prevention policies is related to the effectiveness of the implementation of measures, while the organizational cognition of epidemic risks is related to the rationality of policy choices. During the three years of COVID-19, the Chinese government constantly adjusted the tightness of its prevention policies as awareness of the epidemic risk improved. Therefore, based on the epidemic risk organizational cognition model, the key nodes that affect the tightness of epidemic prevention policies can be explored to find the organizational behavior rules behind the selection of prevention policies. Firstly, through observing the adjustments made to the Chinese government’s prevention strategies during the epidemic, a time-series cross-case comparative analysis reveals how policy tightness shifted from stringent to lenient. This shift coincided with the organizational cognition of epidemic risk evolving from vague to clear. Secondly, by building the “knowledge-cognition” coordinate system to draw the organizational cognition spiral of epidemic risk, it is clear that the changes in the tightness of the prevention policies mainly came from the internalization and externalization of knowledge such as epidemic risk characteristics to promote the level of organizational cognition, which is manifested as expansion and deepening. Thirdly, the node changes in the interaction between organizational cognition development and policy choice proved that different stages of the epidemic had diverse environmental parameters. Moreover, as the epidemic nears its end, the focus of policy tightness is shifting from policy objectives to policy implementation around governance tools. The results indicate that organizational cognition of epidemic risk exhibits significant stages and periodicity. Additionally, epidemic risk characteristics, environmental coupling, and governance tools are crucial factors in determining the tightness of epidemic prevention policies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hazards and Sustainability)
Open AccessArticle
Environmental Restoration and Changes of Sediment and Hydrodynamic Parameters in a Section of a Renaturalised Lowland Watercourse
by
Stanisław Zaborowski, Tomasz Kałuża, Szymon Jusik, Tomasz Dysarz and Mateusz Hämmerling
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3948; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103948 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
In Europe, the routes of most watercourses were straightened and shortened, leading to the destruction and degradation of many natural environments. Currently, in places where it is possible, as part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, efforts are made to improve
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In Europe, the routes of most watercourses were straightened and shortened, leading to the destruction and degradation of many natural environments. Currently, in places where it is possible, as part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, efforts are made to improve environmental sustainability, including improving the ecological condition of rivers. This paper presents the impact of three in-stream deflectors on changes in the section of a small lowland river—the Flinta (Poland)—where (from 2018 to 2023) detailed, systematic geodetic, and hydrometric research and an assessment of the ecological conditions were carried out. The presented results show the influence of deflectors on the initiation of fluvial processes in the transverse and longitudinal layouts of the channel. The river channel was narrowed from 6 to 5 m, and the current line shifted by almost 3 m. Changes were observed in the distribution of velocities and shear stresses, varying along the surveyed section of the river. In the first year after their application, an increase in velocity at the deflectors can be observed (from 0.2 m∙s−1 to 0.6 m∙s−1 in the deflector cross-section). In the following years, on the other hand, a clear decrease in velocity was observed in the sections between the deflectors (to 0.3 m∙s−1). The introduction of deflectors resulted in a significant increase in the values of shear stresses (from an average value of 0.0241 N∙m−2 in 2018 to 0.2761 N∙m−2 in 2023) and local roughness coefficients (from 0.045 s∙m−1/3 before the introduction of the deflectors to 0.070 s∙m−1/3 in 2023). Based on analyses of sediment samples, erosion and accumulation of bottom material were initially observed, followed by a subsequent stabilisation of particle size. Differences in grain size were observed, especially in the cross-section of the deflectors (increase in granularity d50% downstream of the deflector from 0.31 mm to 3.9 mm already 2 years after the introduction of deflectors). This study confirmed the positive impact of using deflectors on hydromorphological processes as deflectors facilitate the achievement of a good ecological status, as required by the WFD. The innovation of this paper lies in demonstrating the possibility of using small, simple structures to initiate and intensify fluvial processes, which may contribute to improving the ecological conditions of watercourses.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Dynamic Changes in Ecosystem Service Value and Ecological Compensation in Original Continuous Poverty-Stricken Areas of China
by
Zhe Yu, Chunwei Song and Huishi Du
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3947; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103947 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The original contiguous poverty-stricken areas of China (OCPSAC) are a regional complex with natural and human attributes. Their ecosystem services are highly complex in their contribution to human well-being. The region’s ecosystem is unstable and socio-economic development is unbalanced, making it a key
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The original contiguous poverty-stricken areas of China (OCPSAC) are a regional complex with natural and human attributes. Their ecosystem services are highly complex in their contribution to human well-being. The region’s ecosystem is unstable and socio-economic development is unbalanced, making it a key area for research and the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, it has become the focus of social attention. This study obtained satellite remote sensing images of the Landsat8 based on the Google Earth Engine. The dynamic characteristics of the spatial and temporal distribution of the OCPSAC’s land use changes in 2015 and 2022 were analyzed. The characteristics of the changes in ecosystem service value (ESV) were quantitatively evaluated through the revised ESV equivalent scale, and the ecological compensation (EC) standards and EC priority level suitable for the region were explored. The research results showed that: (1) the OCPSAC land use types were mainly grassland, forests, and deserts, accounting for more than 80% of the research area; (2) the OCPSAC’s ESV reached CNY 115.578 billion, and the Tibet Region (TR) and Tibetan Region of Four Provinces (TRFP) had the highest ESVs, accounting for 32.28% and 19.64%, respectively. Among individual ESVs, hydrological regulation (HR) and climate regulation (CR) had the highest values, accounting for 55.23% of the research area; (3) the ESV of the research area presented the characteristics of being high in the middle and low at both ends. From the terrain perspective, the areas with a higher ESV per unit area were distributed in the second altitude gradient, followed by China’s third altitude gradient, and the first altitude gradient was the lowest; (4) in the period of 2015–2022, the ESV increased by CNY 21.39 billion, of which TR’s ESV increased by CNY 17.44 billion. From the perspective of a single ESV, the value of waste treatment (WT), HR, nutrient cycle (NC), and provide aesthetic landscape (PAL) increased by CNY 24.38 billion; and (5) in 2022, the EC standard of the OCPSAC was CNY 917.14 billion. High-EC-value areas were mainly distributed in TR and TRFP, accounting for 72.79% of the total compensation amount, of which only TR’s EC amount exceeded a GDP of 2022, accounting for 4.77% of the total compensation. The purpose of this study was to provide a reference for ecosystem sustainability and EC.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Urban Morphology Influencing the Urban Heat Island in the High-Density City of Xi’an Based on the Local Climate Zone
by
Chongqing Wang, He Zhang, Zhongxu Ma, Huan Yang and Wenxiao Jia
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3946; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103946 - 8 May 2024
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Urban form plays a critical role in enhancing urban climate resilience amidst the challenges of escalating global climate change and recurrent high-temperature heatwaves. Therefore, it is crucial to study the correlation between urban spatial form factors and land surface temperature (LST). This study
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Urban form plays a critical role in enhancing urban climate resilience amidst the challenges of escalating global climate change and recurrent high-temperature heatwaves. Therefore, it is crucial to study the correlation between urban spatial form factors and land surface temperature (LST). This study utilized Landsat 8 remote sensing data to estimate LST. Random forest nonlinear analysis was employed to investigate the interaction between the urban heat island (UHI) and six urban morphological factors: building density (BD), floor area ratio (FAR), building height (BH), fractional vegetation coverage (FVC), sky view factor (SVF), and impervious surface fraction (ISF), within the framework of local climate zones (LCZs). Key findings revealed that Xi’an exhibited a significant urban heat island effect, with over 10% of the study area experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 °C. Notably, the average LST of building-class LCZs (1-6) was 3.5 °C higher than that of land cover-class LCZs (A-C). Specifically, compact LCZs (1-3) had an average LST 3.02 °C higher than open LCZs (4-6). FVC contributed the most to the variation in LST, while FAR contributed the least. ISF and BD were found to have a positive impact on LST, while FVC and BH had a negative influence. Moreover, SVF was observed to positively influence LST in the compact classes (LCZ2-3) and open low-rise class (LCZ6). In the open mid-rise class (LCZ5), SVF and LST showed a U-shaped relationship. There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between FAR and LST, with the inflection point occurring at 1.5. The results of nonlinear analysis were beneficial in illustrating the complex relationships between LST and its driving factors. The study’s results highlight the effectiveness of utilizing LCZ as a detailed approach to explore the relationship between urban morphology and urban heat islands. Recommendations for enhancing urban climate resilience include strategies such as increasing vegetation coverage, regulating building heights, organizing buildings in compact LCZs in an “L” or “I” shape, and adopting an “O” or “C” configuration for buildings in open LCZs to aid planners in developing sustainable urban environments.
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Open AccessArticle
Research on the Activation Path of Employees’ Openness to Digital Transformation: A New Impetus to Realize Enterprises’ Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development
by
Yanhua Zhou and Zilong Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3945; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103945 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Digital transformation is an important strategic decision for the sustainable development of enterprises, which helps enterprises achieve sustainable performance, sustainable management, and even sustainable business models. While there have been a number of useful studies discussing the impetus of digital transformation, most of
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Digital transformation is an important strategic decision for the sustainable development of enterprises, which helps enterprises achieve sustainable performance, sustainable management, and even sustainable business models. While there have been a number of useful studies discussing the impetus of digital transformation, most of them have neglected the role from employees, especially their attitudes and perceptions towards transformation. Focusing on employees’ openness to digital transformation, we selected six antecedents to construct a configuration model, using fsQCA and NCA methods to explore the complex causal relationship between each antecedent and openness to digital transformation. This aims to derive the activation paths for employees’ openness to digital transformation, so as to help the enterprises’ digital transformation and further achieve sustainable development. Through the data analysis of 462 employees of Chinese enterprises, the following conclusions are drawn: firstly, single antecedents are not necessary conditions for high/non-high digital transformation openness activation; secondly, there are three configurations associated with the high openness activation of digital transformation: a comprehensive collaboration type under internal environment dominance (S1a + S1b), the consideration of both an internal and external environment type under mindfulness characteristics’ dominance (S2), and a mindful substitution type under internal environment dominance (S3); and finally, there are four configurations associated with non-high digital transformation openness activation and an asymmetric relationship exists with the high digital transformation openness activation path.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability Efforts and Importance of Change Management)
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Open AccessArticle
How Does Low-Carbon Financial Policy Affect Corporate Green Innovation?—Re-Examination of Institutional Characteristics, Influence Mechanisms, and Local Government Behavior
by
Hailin Yao, Zeyi Wan, Huixiang Zeng and Qingfang Wu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3944; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103944 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
This paper employs a propensity score matching approach to construct a control group and estimate the impact of the CETS pilot policy, a low-carbon financial policy, on corporate green innovation and its impact mechanism in a difference-in-difference manner. The results show that the
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This paper employs a propensity score matching approach to construct a control group and estimate the impact of the CETS pilot policy, a low-carbon financial policy, on corporate green innovation and its impact mechanism in a difference-in-difference manner. The results show that the CETS pilot policy has a significantly positive effect on corporate green innovation. The higher the penalty degree and the carbon price, the more obvious the promotion of the green innovation of pilot enterprises. The mechanism test shows that the improvement of corporate green innovation is mainly due to the incentive effect rather than the anti-driving effect of the CETS pilot policy, that is, the policy promotes corporate green innovation by providing innovation resources and enhancing the willingness to innovate. Further analysis shows that only in regions where local governments have less competitive pressure can the CETS pilot policy effectively promote enterprise innovation resources and that a close and clean government–business relationship can help strengthen the promotion effect of the CETS pilot policy on the willingness of enterprises to innovate. Furthermore, this paper introduces its theoretical framework as a strategic tripod to explore the friction in the process of the CETS pilot policy affecting corporate green innovation from the perspective of the industry environment and corporate resources. This research shows that a lack of industry green technology and corporate human capital may hinder the positive impact of the CETS pilot policy on corporate green innovation. Finally, this study found that the CETS pilot policy has no significant impact on the quality of corporate green innovation, and the lack of industry green technology and corporate human capital may hinder the CETS pilot policy from improving the quality of corporate green innovation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Resource Governance, 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Do Natural Disasters Reduce Loans to the More CO2-Emitting Sectors?
by
Antonio Forte, Selay Sahan and Damiano B. Silipo
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103943 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
We studied the impact of major floods occurring in Turkey between 2005 and 2020 on lending and the allocation of loans between sectors that differ in their CO2 emissions. Our evidence shows that the floods are not significant determinants of lending or
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We studied the impact of major floods occurring in Turkey between 2005 and 2020 on lending and the allocation of loans between sectors that differ in their CO2 emissions. Our evidence shows that the floods are not significant determinants of lending or the allocation of loans between sectors, even though CO2 emissions contribute to the reallocation of loans from the more polluting to the less polluting sectors. Indeed, risks and returns of the sector remain the main determinants of lending and of the allocation of loans among sectors. The results are robust to alternative estimation methods and specifications of the econometric models. Since in the period of investigation no environmental regulations were implemented in Turkey, and the Paris Agreement was ratified only at end-2021, the evidence suggests that more stringent regulations and green policies are required to accelerate the green transition in Turkey.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Barriers to Green Investments and Circular Economy Businesses Models in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises)
Open AccessArticle
The Carbon Emission Reduction Effects of the Quality and Quantity of R&D Activities: Evidence from Chinese Provinces
by
Aimin Li and Qiang Hu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3942; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103942 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Research and Development (R&D) have significant impacts on carbon emissions, yet the specific data on R&D capital stock and carbon emissions have not been released by Chinese officials, hindering in-depth analysis. In light of this, this study calculates the R&D capital stock of
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Research and Development (R&D) have significant impacts on carbon emissions, yet the specific data on R&D capital stock and carbon emissions have not been released by Chinese officials, hindering in-depth analysis. In light of this, this study calculates the R&D capital stock of Chinese provinces based on the SNA2008 framework and the BEA method, and estimates the carbon emissions from energy consumption and cement production using the carbon emission factor method. It then examines the carbon emission reduction effects of the quality and quantity of R&D activities at the provincial level. We find that the quality of R&D activities has a significant carbon emission reduction effect, which is stronger in regions with high levels of economic growth and marketization, and this effect strengthens over time. Moreover, mechanism analysis shows that both the quality and quantity of R&D activities reduce carbon emissions by promoting industrial structure upgrading. This paper expands the analytical approach and framework for the carbon reduction effects of R&D activities and offers significant policy and practical implications.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Effects of Food on the Uptake and Excretion of Nano-Plastics by Daphnia magna
by
Xiao-Jing Liu, Yu-Hang Zhang, Rong-Yao Gao, Hua-Bing Jia, Qian-Qian Shao, Ya-Wen Hu, Li-Min Fu and Jian-Ping Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3941; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103941 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The effects of nano-plastics (NPs) on aquatic organisms have drawn significant attention. Understanding the uptake and excretion of NPs by aquatic organisms can provide clearer insights into their behavior within organisms. And the effect of different food on the processes is unclear. Daphnia
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The effects of nano-plastics (NPs) on aquatic organisms have drawn significant attention. Understanding the uptake and excretion of NPs by aquatic organisms can provide clearer insights into their behavior within organisms. And the effect of different food on the processes is unclear. Daphnia magna (D. magna) is considered as a model organism for assessing the ecological risks of NPs. This work observed the uptake and excretion of NPs by D. magna under different food supply conditions. The effects of three different types of foods (Chlorella sp., Euglena gracilis, and yeast powder) on the uptake and excretion of two concentrations of NPs (1 mg/L and 3 mg/L) by the D. magna were compared. A Time-Gated Imaging technique was used to quantify the NPs uptake mass by D. magna. The study results showed the inhibitory effect presented by food on the uptake of NPs by D. magna. The inhibitory ability of different foods varies, with similar levels observed in Chlorella sp. and E. gracilis, while the inhibitory effect of yeast powder was slightly weaker. The facilitating effect was presented by food on the excretion of NPs. The time constant of excretion of NPs by feeding yeast powder was about 4–5 min longer than that of two types of algae. These effects can be attributed to food occupying the intestine tract of D. magna and supplying energy. This work emphasizes the important role of food in evaluating the ecological effects of NPs and provides support for future research on the long-term risks of pollutants to aquatic organisms and environmental sustainability.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of the Environmental Risk and Challenges of Micro(nano)plastics)
Open AccessArticle
Spatial Characteristics of Aeolian Sand Transport Affected by Surface Vegetation along the Oshang Railway
by
Ning Huang, Yanhong Song, Xuanmin Li, Bin Han, Lihang Xu and Jie Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3940; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103940 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Blown sand transport plays a pivotal role in determining the optimal placement of sand protection facilities along railways in sandy areas. Surface vegetation cover significantly influences blowing sand activities along the Oshang Railway (from Otog Front Banner to Shanghai-Temple Town). In this study,
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Blown sand transport plays a pivotal role in determining the optimal placement of sand protection facilities along railways in sandy areas. Surface vegetation cover significantly influences blowing sand activities along the Oshang Railway (from Otog Front Banner to Shanghai-Temple Town). In this study, the spatial characteristics of aeolian sand transport along the railway were derived from field observations conducted at five different locations, each with varying fractional vegetation cover (FVC). The results indicate that sand-transport intensity does not fully correlate with the wind energy environment, primarily due to differences in surface vegetation cover among the observation sites. We utilize the dimensionless ratio Q·g·f/(0.136 × DP·ρa) to represent the sand transport rate (Q), the sand-moving wind frequency (f) and drift potential (DP), exhibiting a negative exponential trend with FVC. Sand transport is effectively restrained when FVC is greater than or equal to 20%. Conversely, when FVC is less than 20%, sand transport intensity exponentially increases with decreasing fractional vegetation cover. After careful analysis, we propose a simple empirical expression that incorporates the influence of both the wind field and fractional vegetation cover to assess sand transport on a flat surface. The study offers valuable insights for designing wind-blown sand protection measures along railways and evaluating wind-blown sand movement on a flat surface affected by vegetation.
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Open AccessArticle
Synergistic Integration of EVs and Renewable DGs in Distribution Micro-Grids
by
Mahmoud Ghofrani
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103939 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization framework for safe, reliable, and economic integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable distributed generators (DGs) in distribution micro-grids. EV and DG coordination optimization with the use of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology along with system reconfiguration optimization is
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This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization framework for safe, reliable, and economic integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable distributed generators (DGs) in distribution micro-grids. EV and DG coordination optimization with the use of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology along with system reconfiguration optimization is developed to provide collective revenues and address integrational complications that may occur by additional system loading due to EV charging and EV-DG energy exchanges. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimizes the EV charging/discharging in synergies with renewable DGs to maximize benefits that can be captured by their collaborative participation in electricity market and through renewable energy arbitrage. The developed EV charging/discharging optimization is implemented in a real 134-bus distribution network and is evaluated for its potential operational implications, namely, increased system losses. A system reconfiguration is then proposed to reduce the system losses by optimizing the flow of power through switching on/off the connections within the micro-grid and/or with other distribution systems. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method in not only providing collective revenues, but also in enhancing the system operation by reducing the losses of the distribution grid. The collective benefits proposed by the developed optimization and validated by the simulation results facilitate transitioning to clean and eco-friendly sources of energy for generation and transportation, which in turn leads to more sustainable development of societies and communities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Technological Advancements Driving Sustainable Development in Flexible and Resilient Power and Energy Systems)
Open AccessArticle
A Comparative Study of the Tourism Carrying Capacity of the State of Baja California between 2019 and 2022
by
Blanca Bernal, Nancy Montero and Sergio Vázquez
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103938 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to conduct a comparative study of variations in the indicators of the tourism carrying capacity in the state of Baja California. It is crucial to consider that the state had to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, during which
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The purpose of this work is to conduct a comparative study of variations in the indicators of the tourism carrying capacity in the state of Baja California. It is crucial to consider that the state had to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, during which tourism was not deemed an essential activity. This circumstance generated numerous social, psychological, and economic effects, primarily. In this regard, the aim is to identify the consequences of organizing events that promote tourism, particularly concerning the opinions of business professionals in the region. This is a qualitative and longitudinal study; the initial phase took place in May 2019, while the second survey occurred in the summer of 2022. The statistical sample is non-probabilistic and based on convenience, comprising 320 tourism businesses. The findings indicate that the tourist destinations remained appealing, experiencing inflows just above the average and approaching their capacity limits. Significantly, there are areas for improvement in terms of their tourist load capacities across each of the dimensions studied, despite the global health crisis.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism Planning and Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Comprehensive Evaluation of Resilience for Qinling Tunnel Group Operation Safety System Based on Combined Weighting and Cloud Model
by
Haiyang Liu and Yiyang He
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3937; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103937 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
An extensive network of tunnels has recently been constructed in the Qinling Mountains. Characterized by high and steep terrain, this network has led to frequent traffic accidents. To address this issue, this paper introduces the theory of resilience into the evaluation system of
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An extensive network of tunnels has recently been constructed in the Qinling Mountains. Characterized by high and steep terrain, this network has led to frequent traffic accidents. To address this issue, this paper introduces the theory of resilience into the evaluation system of safety systems during the operation period of highway tunnel groups. Based on this, this paper establishes a resilience evaluation index system for the operation safety system of highway tunnel groups, including a human system, vehicle system, and road system. To address both qualitative and quantitative issues concerning the indicators, this paper employs the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method to combine and assign weights to the resilience evaluation indicators. Subsequently, the cloud model method is utilized to quantify the level of resilience of the highway tunnel group safety system during the operation period. The study results unveiled the patterns of traffic accidents within the Qinling Tunnel Group from the perspectives of vehicle, road, and human factors. The final weight allocation reveals that the road system has the highest proportion, exerting the greatest influence as a primary level index. Moreover, by taking the Qinling Tunnel Group on the Xihan Expressway as an engineering example, the resilience level of the case project was analyzed and obtained. Proposals for enhancing resilience were put forth, taking into account the project’s unique attributes, encompassing adaptability, resistance, and recovery. Overall, this study validates the feasibility and reliability of the proposed method for assessing the resilience of highway networks, offering empirical support for transportation administrators in the implementation of resilience-enhancing strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Underground Engineering and Tunnel Construction Technology)
Open AccessArticle
Employing Plant Parasitic Nematodes as an Indicator for Assessing Advancements in Landfill Remediation
by
Anita Zapałowska, Andrzej Skwiercz, Dawid Kozacki and Czesław Puchalski
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3936; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103936 - 8 May 2024
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This research concentrated on the soil nematode communities inhabiting a reclaimed municipal waste landfill situated in Giedlarowa, southeastern Poland. The landfill, which was layered with natural soil in 2008 and cultivated with grass, served as the primary focus of the study. Samples for
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This research concentrated on the soil nematode communities inhabiting a reclaimed municipal waste landfill situated in Giedlarowa, southeastern Poland. The landfill, which was layered with natural soil in 2008 and cultivated with grass, served as the primary focus of the study. Samples for analysis were taken four times (October 2020 (Pf1), March 2021 (Pf2), October 2021 (Pf3), and March 2022 (Pf4)), with each time comprising three repetitions. The analysis was conducted employing microscopic examination, which enabled the identification of up to five trophic groups and species of plant-parasitic nematodes. During the assessment of nematode activity in the initial and subsequent growing seasons, it was found that Pratylenchus crenatus emerged as the predominant species among herbivorous nematodes in the plant-parasitic nematode (PPNs) community. Criconemoides informis, another nematode species, held a significant rank as well; their population during the third growing season formed the most substantial group among the PPN organisms dwelling in the soil. Nevertheless, interesting results were also obtained by populations of nematodes of the genus Hemicyclophora and Loofia, which were characterized by high densities. The analyzed soil environment showcased a C:N ratio spanning from 0.69 to 3.13. Furthermore, the soil samples exhibited variations in phosphorus content (P2O5), ranging from 4.02 mg/100 g to 10.09 mg/100 g. Criconemoides informis, Longidorus attenuates, Mesocriconema spp., and Bitylenchus maximus exhibited a positive correlation with soil mineral levels of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of the Industrial Internet on the Innovation and Development Level of China’s Manufacturing Industry: Under the Perspective of Government Incentives
by
Liang Ma, Weiqiang Hu and Ru Liang
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3935; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103935 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
In the era of the digital economy, it has become an inevitable trend for manufacturing enterprises to establish industrial Internet platforms toward achieving transformation and innovative development. However, the current development model of industrial Internet platforms is still imperfect, wherein the application scenario
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In the era of the digital economy, it has become an inevitable trend for manufacturing enterprises to establish industrial Internet platforms toward achieving transformation and innovative development. However, the current development model of industrial Internet platforms is still imperfect, wherein the application scenario is complex, the investment cost is too high, the return-on-investment cycle is too long, and other factors have hindered the willingness of manufacturing enterprises to employ cloud services and capital investment. For this reason, governments have introduced a series of relevant incentive policies to promote the development of industrial Internet platforms and the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing enterprises. Considering the role of government incentives, this study first constructs an evolutionary game model with local governments, manufacturing enterprises, and industrial Internet platforms as the main players. Then, the dynamic change process of each game player’s strategy choice and the stable state of the system evolution under multiple scenarios are analyzed, and the validity of the conclusions is verified through a numerical simulation analysis. Finally, the statistical data of 28 provinces in China from 2018 to 2020 are used to conduct an empirical test to explore the impact of the industrial Internet on the transformation and innovation development of the manufacturing industry and the role of government incentives. The results show that the development of the industrial Internet has a significant role in promoting the innovation and development of the manufacturing industry; government incentives can promote the innovation and development of the industrial Internet and manufacturing industry, but incentives should not be too generous; and the impact of developing the industrial Internet on the level of innovation input/output of the manufacturing industry shows obvious regional differences. This study takes the local government as an independent game participant into consideration, which enriches the research field of combining evolutionary game theory with the transformation and innovative development of the manufacturing industry. In addition, this study provides theoretical guidance and practical references for the government to formulate incentive policies to promote the development of industrial Internet platforms and for manufacturing enterprises to utilize these platforms to carry out innovation and perform upgrades.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Smart Manufacturing and Enterprise Digital Transformation)
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Open AccessArticle
Assessment of the Susceptibility of Urban Flooding Using GIS with an Analytical Hierarchy Process in Hanoi, Vietnam
by
Hong Ngoc Nguyen, Hiroatsu Fukuda and Minh Nguyet Nguyen
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3934; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103934 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The incidence of floods is rapidly increasing globally, causing significant property damage and human losses. Moreover, Vietnam ranks as one of the top five countries most severely affected by climate change, with 1/3 of residents facing flood risks. This study presents a model
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The incidence of floods is rapidly increasing globally, causing significant property damage and human losses. Moreover, Vietnam ranks as one of the top five countries most severely affected by climate change, with 1/3 of residents facing flood risks. This study presents a model to identify flood susceptibility using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in the GIS environment for Hanoi, Vietnam. Nine flood-conditioning factors were selected and used as initial data. The AHP analysis was utilized to determine the priority levels of these factors concerning flood susceptibility and to assess the consistency of the obtained results to develop a flood-susceptibility map. The performance of the model was found to be significant based on the AUC value for the obtained receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The flood-susceptibility map has five levels of flood susceptibility: the area with a very high susceptibility to flooding accounts for less than 1% of the map, high- susceptibility areas for nearly 11%, moderate-susceptibility areas for more than 65%, low- susceptibility areas for about 22%, and very low-susceptibility areas for 2%. Most of Hanoi has a moderate level of flood susceptibility, which is expected to increase with urban expansion due to the impacts of urbanization. Our findings will be valuable for future research involving urban planners, and disaster management authorities and will enable them to make informed decisions aimed at reducing the impact of urban flooding and enhancing the resilience of urban communities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Assessments)
Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Operational Capability of Disaster and Emergency Management Resources: Using Analytic Hierarchy Process
by
Ke Zhang and Jae Eun Lee
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3933; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103933 - 8 May 2024
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This study aims to assess the operational capability of disaster and emergency management resources (DEMRs), which is not only critical for effective loss reduction and resilience, but also facilitates the sharing and optimal use of resources for the more effective achievement of sustainable
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This study aims to assess the operational capability of disaster and emergency management resources (DEMRs), which is not only critical for effective loss reduction and resilience, but also facilitates the sharing and optimal use of resources for the more effective achievement of sustainable development. This study constructs an evaluation index system of the operational capability of DEMRs, encompassing four key aspects: resource planning, organizational management capability, resource support capability, and information processing capability. It focuses on identifying the factors that influence the operational capability of DEMRs in China and Korea, comparing and analyzing the relative importance and priority of each evaluation domain and indicator within these countries. The results show that the organizational management capability is most significant in China, whereas the resource support capability is prioritized in Korea. A comparative analysis of the local weight of indicators within each domain revealed the largest discrepancy between China and Korea in the information processing capability domain. This study concludes by calculating global weights, identifying the fast response capability and resource allocation capability as the most impactful factors on the operational capability of DEMRs, and highlighting their critical role in disaster and emergency management.
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Open AccessArticle
Assessing the EU Climate and Energy Policy Priorities for Transport and Mobility through the Analysis of User-Generated Social Media Content Based on Text-Mining Techniques
by
Anastasia Nikolaidou, Aristomenis Kopsacheilis, Nikolaos Gavanas and Ioannis Politis
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103932 - 8 May 2024
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For over three decades, the European Union’s (EU) transport policy has aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Since 2015, European policymakers have focused more on three key sustainable development goals: decarbonizing the transport system, promoting low-emission mobility solutions, and transitioning to
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For over three decades, the European Union’s (EU) transport policy has aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Since 2015, European policymakers have focused more on three key sustainable development goals: decarbonizing the transport system, promoting low-emission mobility solutions, and transitioning to renewable and alternative fuels. To effectively communicate priorities and engage stakeholders, EU policymakers regularly use social media platforms like Twitter (now known as X). This active discourse involves policymakers, industrial stakeholders, the media, and the public, offering insights into the role of transport policy in addressing climate change and energy transition challenges. The current research endeavors to track and analyze the evolution of user-generated content related to climate change, energy transition, and smart mobility on Twitter from 2011 to 2021. This research uses text-mining and social network analysis techniques to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the dynamics of relevant EU policies and their effects. The study’s findings can be used to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework at the EU and national levels. This framework will assess the effectiveness of communicating strategic priorities for sustainable transport development. It also holds potential for application in other sectors, broadening its impact.
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Assessment of Mercury Contamination in Water and Soil from Informal Artisanal Gold Mining: Implications for Environmental and Human Health in Darmali Area, Sudan
by
Ahmed Elwaleed, Huiho Jeong, Ali H. Abdelbagi, Nguyen Thi Quynh, Willy Cahya Nugraha, Tetsuro Agusa, Yasuhiro Ishibashi and Koji Arizono
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3931; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103931 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Mercury contamination stemming from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations poses significant environmental and health concerns. This study focuses on the Darmali area in River Nile State, Sudan, where the reprocessing of amalgamation tailings has led to mercury contamination. This study assessed
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Mercury contamination stemming from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations poses significant environmental and health concerns. This study focuses on the Darmali area in River Nile State, Sudan, where the reprocessing of amalgamation tailings has led to mercury contamination. This study assessed the mercury content in soil and tailings samples, as well as in tap and groundwater, to evaluate the human health risks from ASGM activities and assess contamination levels within the study area. Soil and water samples were collected from various locations, including agricultural, residential, and tailings sites, as well as groundwater and tap water from the Nile. Mercury analysis was conducted using MA-3000 (NIC), and geo-accumulation index analysis revealed extreme pollution levels in areas with tailings and moderate pollution levels in agricultural and residential areas. Hazard quotients were applied to assess health risks, with inhalation of mercury vapor identified as the primary exposure route. The results indicated that tailings pose significant health risks, particularly for children, while water samples and soil from agricultural and residential areas did not pose significant risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for authorities and local communities to address mercury contamination by removing and treating tailings from affected areas to mitigate health risks.
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(This article belongs to the Section Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability)
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