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Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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20 pages, 568 KiB  
Article
Valuing Intangible Cultural Heritage in Developing Countries
by Godwin Kofi Vondolia, Albert Mensah Kusi, Sylvana Rudith King and Ståle Navrud
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4484; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084484 - 9 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
The disappearance of intangible cultural heritages (ICHs) together with associated symbols and meanings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) undermines 2003 UN Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. To contribute to reversing this trend, the present study estimates the economic value of preserving [...] Read more.
The disappearance of intangible cultural heritages (ICHs) together with associated symbols and meanings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) undermines 2003 UN Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. To contribute to reversing this trend, the present study estimates the economic value of preserving traditional kente weaving and interpretation of kente symbols by establishing national demonstration centers in Ghana. Contingent valuation (CV) surveys of both the public and kente weavers are used to elicit their preferences for these national centers. As CV surveys of cultural heritage have often been criticized for lacking both policy and payment consequentiality, we have used a specific preservation measure and a non-voluntary payment vehicle to make the decision context realistic and consequential. Households show significant, positive mean willingness-to-pay (WTP) for establishing national centers to preserve both the kente weaving technique and the interpretation of kente symbols. Furthermore, we find no distance decay in WTP for preservation of this ICH; indicating that people have strong preferences for preserving this ICH independent of how far they live from the center of kente weaving activities. This leads to larger aggregated benefits of preservation compared to built cultural heritage and local environmental goods, for example, where strong distance decay occurs in many cases. This makes the net present value of centers for demonstration of kente weaving and interpretation of kente symbols positive and an economically worthwhile investment. The policy implication of these results is that higher investments in preserving ICHs can be justified not only from a cultural heritage perspective, but also from an economic point of view. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valuing Cultural Capital in the Smart Cities Era)
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21 pages, 3060 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Management Strategy for Solidification/Stabilization of Zinc Plant Residues (ZPR) by Fly Ash/Clay-Based Geopolymers
by Juan Dacuba, Tamara Llano, Eva Cifrian and Ana Andrés
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4438; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084438 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2644
Abstract
Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of acid waste using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is widely implemented, but, due to the impact on climate change, alternative methods are being investigated. In this work, first, the feasibility of using coal fly-ash/clay-based geopolymers for the S/S of Zn plant [...] Read more.
Solidification/stabilization (S/S) of acid waste using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is widely implemented, but, due to the impact on climate change, alternative methods are being investigated. In this work, first, the feasibility of using coal fly-ash/clay-based geopolymers for the S/S of Zn plant residues (ZPR), Cadmium Sponge (CS), and Anode Mud (AM) is proposed as a treatment prior to disposal in landfills. Different variables, such as the type of processing, molding (as-received waste), and pressing (dried waste), and activators, a commercial and an alternative residual sodium carbonate, have been studied. The technical and environmental assessments of the S/S process by means of compressive strength and the leaching of critical pollutants have been monitored. Immobilization efficiencies of Cd and Zn higher than 99% have been obtained by dosing 50% of the acid waste, 6 M NaOH solution (20 min contact time), cured at 75 °C (48 h) and at room temperature (28 days), achieving in the leachates pH values of 7 to 10 and [Cd] and [Zn] < 1 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. However, alkaline activation increases As leaching, mainly associated with the clay. Secondly, removing clay from the geopolymer formulation, the optimization of geopolymer parameters, acid waste/geopolymer ratio, liquid/solid ratio, and NaOH molar concentration enables obtaining a significant reduction in the release of As and Cd, and Zn is kept at acceptable values that meet the non-hazardous waste landfill disposal limits for the S/S of both acid wastes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Environmental Management of Hazardous Wastes)
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24 pages, 2457 KiB  
Review
Global Mangrove Deforestation and Its Interacting Social-Ecological Drivers: A Systematic Review and Synthesis
by Avit K. Bhowmik, Rajchandar Padmanaban, Pedro Cabral and Maria M. Romeiras
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4433; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084433 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 9552
Abstract
Globally, mangrove forests are substantially declining, and a globally synthesized database containing the drivers of deforestation and drivers’ interactions is scarce. Here, we synthesized the key social-ecological drivers of global mangrove deforestation by reviewing about two hundred published scientific studies over the last [...] Read more.
Globally, mangrove forests are substantially declining, and a globally synthesized database containing the drivers of deforestation and drivers’ interactions is scarce. Here, we synthesized the key social-ecological drivers of global mangrove deforestation by reviewing about two hundred published scientific studies over the last four decades (from 1980 to 2021). Our focus was on both natural and anthropogenic drivers with their gradual and abrupt impacts and on their geographic coverage of effects, and how these drivers interact. We also summarized the patterns of global mangrove coverage decline between 1990 and 2020 and identified the threatened mangrove species. Our consolidated studies reported an 8600 km2 decline in the global mangrove coverage between 1990 and 2020, with the highest decline occurring in South and Southeast Asia (3870 km2). We could identify 11 threatened mangrove species, two of which are critically endangered (Sonneratia griffithii and Bruguiera hainseii). Our reviewed studies pointed to aquaculture and agriculture as the predominant driver of global mangrove deforestation though their impacts varied across global regions. Gradual climate variations, i.e., sea-level rise, long-term precipitation, and temperature changes and driven coastline erosion, salinity intrusion and acidity at coasts, constitute the second major group of drivers. Our findings underline a strong interaction across natural and anthropogenic drivers, with the strongest interaction between the driver groups aquaculture and agriculture and industrialization and pollution. Our results suggest prioritizing globally coordinated empirical studies linking drivers and mangrove deforestation and global development of policies for mangrove conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mangrove Ecosystem Ecology, Conservation and Sustainability)
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17 pages, 642 KiB  
Article
Measuring the Impact of Greece as a Safe Branding Tourist Destination: Evidence from Spain and Greece
by Theodore Metaxas, Laura Juárez and Meletios Andrinos
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4440; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084440 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3035
Abstract
After the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, many tourist destinations promoted a safe, COVID-free image to attract tourists. The main purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the effect that the image of a place as a safe tourist destination [...] Read more.
After the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, many tourist destinations promoted a safe, COVID-free image to attract tourists. The main purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the effect that the image of a place as a safe tourist destination (STD)—in our case, Greece—can have on the decision-making processes of tourists who were willing to take summer holidays in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the relationships between destination safety perceptions, trust, attractive attributes of destinations, travel intentions, and health-protective behavior for domestic and inbound tourists from Spain. This study confirms differences in destination safety perceptions among domestic and inbound tourists from countries that have suffered significant negative impacts due to the novel coronavirus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Tourism under COVID-19 and Future Implications)
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21 pages, 9301 KiB  
Article
The Large-Scale Effect of Forest Cover on Long-Term Streamflow Variations in Mediterranean Catchments of Central Chile
by Roberto Pizarro, Rodrigo Valdés-Pineda, Pablo A. Garcia-Chevesich, Alfredo Ibáñez, Juan Pino, David F. Scott, Daniel G. Neary, John E. McCray, Miguel Castillo and Patricio Ubilla
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4443; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084443 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5435
Abstract
Forest ecosystems play an important role in hydrological processes as surface and subsurface runoff, as well as the storage of water at the catchment scale. Therefore, it is important to have a greater understanding of the effects of forests in the long-term water [...] Read more.
Forest ecosystems play an important role in hydrological processes as surface and subsurface runoff, as well as the storage of water at the catchment scale. Therefore, it is important to have a greater understanding of the effects of forests in the long-term water balance of Mediterranean catchments. In this sense, this study evaluates the effect of native forests, forest plantations, and the combination of both, on long-term streamflow variations in central Chile, an unusual area of Mediterranean climate characterized by a well-marked annual cycle with dry summers and wet winters. Thus, the temporal pattern of monthly streamflow was evaluated for mean flow (Qmean), maximum flow (Qmax), and minimum flow (Qmin) in 42 large-scale (>200 km2) Mediterranean catchments. Each series of monthly streamflow data was QA/QC, and then evaluated using the Mann–Kendall’s non-parametric statistical test to detect temporal variations between 1994 and 2015. In addition to the previous analysis, the monthly series were grouped into wet seasons (April–September) and dry seasons (October–April), to determine if there were any significant differences within the annual hydrological cycle. The areas covered with native and forest plantations and their relative changes were evaluated for each catchment through streamflow variations and forest cover indicators. Results revealed that streamflow variations are positive and significant when more forest cover exists. The intra-catchment relationships assessed for both species revealed the significant role of native forests and mixed masses as key ecosystems for the long-term conservation of summer streamflow in Mediterranean catchments of central Chile. These findings encourage an urgent need to create highland afforestation programs on degraded areas of central Chile, to maximize water storage in a region that is quickly drying out due to unsustainable water and land use management practices and the effects of global warming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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49 pages, 48986 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Based Causal-Loop Diagram for Understanding Policy Design Challenges for a Sustainable Transition Pathway: The Case of Tees Valley Region, UK
by Bjarnhedinn Gudlaugsson, Dana Abi Ghanem, Huda Dawood, Gobind Pillai and Michael Short
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4462; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084462 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7956
Abstract
The energy transition is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and structured approach to policymaking. Such an approach is needed to ensure that transition pathways and policies enable greener energy alternatives whilst ensuring prosperity for people living in the region and limiting [...] Read more.
The energy transition is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and structured approach to policymaking. Such an approach is needed to ensure that transition pathways and policies enable greener energy alternatives whilst ensuring prosperity for people living in the region and limiting environmental degradation to the local ecosystem. This paper applies a qualitative approach based on systematic literature research and review analysis to identify and analyse previous work within this interdisciplinary field in order to understand the complexity of energy transitions and identify key variables and sub-sectors that need to be addressed by policymaking. The paper then looks at the problem from a regional level and uses the Tees Valley region in North East England as a reference case for the energy system and potential proposed policies for the energy transition. A system dynamics methodology was employed to help visualise and emphasise the major complexity of the energy transition and the challenges that policymaking needs to tackle for the successfully enable implementation and application of the energy transition policies. The results of this study identified that in relation to the Tees Valley energy system, its development and transition towards decarbonisation, the major challenge for the policymakers is to ensure that proposed policies foster growth in job creation without leading to job losses within the local employment market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Energy Transition)
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34 pages, 7866 KiB  
Review
Plastic Waste Management in India: Challenges, Opportunities, and Roadmap for Circular Economy
by Rumana Hossain, Md Tasbirul Islam, Riya Shanker, Debishree Khan, Katherine Elizabeth Sarah Locock, Anirban Ghose, Heinz Schandl, Rita Dhodapkar and Veena Sahajwalla
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4425; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084425 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 28648
Abstract
Plastic waste (PW) is one of the most rapid-growing waste streams in municipal solid waste all over the world. India has become a global player in the plastic value chain. Despite low consumption, domestic generation and imports create a significant burden on the [...] Read more.
Plastic waste (PW) is one of the most rapid-growing waste streams in municipal solid waste all over the world. India has become a global player in the plastic value chain. Despite low consumption, domestic generation and imports create a significant burden on the overall waste management system, which requires in-depth understanding of the scenario and pathways that can mitigate the crisis. Although Indian researchers have widely researched technology-related issues in academic papers, a substantial knowledge gap exists in understanding the problem’s depth and possible solutions. This review article focuses on current plastic production, consumption, and waste generation in India. This review article mainly analyzes data and information regarding Indian PW management and highlights some critical issues such as reverse supply chain, effective PW management, source-specific recovery, and PW rules in India. Comprehensively, this review will help to identify implementable strategies for policymakers and research opportunities for future researchers in holistic PW management and recycling in India, focusing on the circular economy and sustainable development goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Solid Waste Management)
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17 pages, 12140 KiB  
Article
RSEI-Based Modeling of Ecological Security and Its Spatial Impacts on Soil Quality: A Case Study of Dayu, China
by Xiaoxia Su, Jing Wu, Pengshuo Li, Renjie Li and Penggen Cheng
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4428; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084428 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2533
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have brought serious threats to urban ecological security, which refers to the health and integrity of urban ecosystems. By collecting multi-source data in the modeling of the ecological security pattern, we used the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) to [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have brought serious threats to urban ecological security, which refers to the health and integrity of urban ecosystems. By collecting multi-source data in the modeling of the ecological security pattern, we used the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) to identify the ecological sources (ESOs), and applied five indicators to construct the resistance surface, including land-use type, normalized vegetation index (NDVI), normalized building index (NDBI), slope, and digital elevation model (DEM). Based on the ESOs and ecological resistance surface, we calculated the cost distance of each pixel to the nearest ESO using the minimum cumulative resistance model. With the natural breakpoint method, we classified the cost distance into five levels, and constructed the ecological security pattern of Dayu. In Dayu, there were areas of at least 40% with stable ecological security. We identified 39, 31, and 43 ESOs of Dayu in 2012, 2016, and 2020, respectively. During 2012 to 2016, the number of medium ESOs decreased from 16 to 5, and the number of small ESOs increased from 13 to 26. From 2016 to 2020, the number of medium-sized ESOs increased from 5 to 18, and the number of small-sized ESOs decreased from 26 to 20. The percentage of the Level-5 (the worst) ecological security was 5.84% in 2012, 6.80% in 2016, and 4.42% in 2020. The ecological security was negatively correlated with the intensity of the human activities and varied significantly in different towns. The soil quality was positively consistent with the ecological security, and the urbanization caused damage to the soil security. A few suggestions were finally provided for decision-makers to improve the ecological environments and the soil quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Expansion and Its Effect on Soil Sustainability)
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15 pages, 3609 KiB  
Article
Science and Citizen Collaboration as Good Example of Geoethics for Recovering a Natural Site in the Urban Area of Rome (Italy)
by Monia Procesi, Giuseppe Di Capua, Silvia Peppoloni, Marco Corirossi and Alessandra Valentinelli
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4429; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084429 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3476
Abstract
Natural sites in urban spaces can have a key role in citizen well-being, providing fundamental ecosystem services to the population and assuring a multitude of benefits. Therefore, cities should guarantee a number of green areas and their conservation in time as an essential [...] Read more.
Natural sites in urban spaces can have a key role in citizen well-being, providing fundamental ecosystem services to the population and assuring a multitude of benefits. Therefore, cities should guarantee a number of green areas and their conservation in time as an essential part of urban architecture. In this framework, cooperation between scientists, decision makers and citizens is critical to ensure the enhancement of green public spaces. Social and scientific communities are called to work in a tuned way to combine scientific knowledge and methods to local socio-economic contexts, driven by the values of geoethics. The Bullicante Lake case study, discussed in this work, represents an example of application of geoethical values, such as inclusiveness, sharing, sustainability and conservation of bio- and geodiversity. This urban lake in Rome appeared following illegal excavation works in 1992 and remained closed until 2016 favouring re-naturalization processes. Over time, this site was often threatened by pending actions for building. The aim of this study was to highlight how fruitful cooperation between science and citizens is able to transform a degraded urban area into a place of knowledge, recreation, enjoyment and eco-systemic preservation. Moreover, on the basis of this experience, the authors proposed a generalised approach/strategy to be developed and applied in other contexts. The active involvement of citizens and the cooperation among scientists, artists and institutions were able to redress opportunistic behaviours well by preventing site degradation and its improper use, favouring environmental safeguarding and making possible the site’s recognition as a natural monument. The results of these actions led to the improved quality of citizen life, showing an excellent example of virtuous cooperation between science and society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances on Geoethics and Sustainable Development)
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22 pages, 6036 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Potential Impacts of Urban Expansion on Hydrological Ecosystem Services in a Rapidly Urbanizing Lake Basin in China
by Hongwei Guo, Ji Han, Lili Qian, Xinxin Long and Xiaoyin Sun
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084424 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2627
Abstract
Hydrological ecosystem services (HESs) such as water purification and water supply are important for providing other ecosystem services such as drinking water, recreation, and human health. Land use change caused by urbanization is a direct driver affecting the provision of HESs. The quantification [...] Read more.
Hydrological ecosystem services (HESs) such as water purification and water supply are important for providing other ecosystem services such as drinking water, recreation, and human health. Land use change caused by urbanization is a direct driver affecting the provision of HESs. The quantification and integration of HES into watershed management and urban planning have become increasingly important. In this study, we highlighted an integration of the InVEST and CLUE-S models to simulate and predict future changes of HES in a rapidly urbanizing lake basin, namely the Nansihu Lake basin of China. The spatiotemporal patterns of HESs including water yield, water purification, and sediment export in the past five decades (from 1980 to 2015) have been revealed through our integrated modeling approach. Furthermore, urbanization and land use change scenarios till 2030 were developed using land use, topography, climate, and soil data. It is found that due to the rapid expansion of urban land, water yield, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) export has increased by 5.5%, 7.38%, and 7.02%, respectively, while the sediment export has decreased by 4%. As a result, the risks of flooding and water quality degradation increased. Under a hybrid ecological and farmland redline policy (EFRP) scenario, the HESs have all been significantly improved compared to the level in 2015. This research can help to predict the future changes in HESs for land use management and ecological and environmental protection in the Nansihu Lake basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linking Climate, Environment, and Society for Sustainable Urban Development)
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13 pages, 384 KiB  
Article
From an Ethics of Carefulness to an Ethics of Desirability: Going Beyond Current Ethics Approaches to Sustainable AI
by Larissa Bolte, Tijs Vandemeulebroucke and Aimee van Wynsberghe
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4472; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084472 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3704
Abstract
‘Sustainable AI’ sets itself apart from other AI ethics frameworks by its inherent regard for the ecological costs of AI, a concern that has so far been woefully overlooked in the policy space. Recently, two German-based research and advocacy institutions have published a [...] Read more.
‘Sustainable AI’ sets itself apart from other AI ethics frameworks by its inherent regard for the ecological costs of AI, a concern that has so far been woefully overlooked in the policy space. Recently, two German-based research and advocacy institutions have published a joint report on Sustainability Criteria for Artificial Intelligence. This is, to our knowledge, the first AI ethics document in the policy space that puts sustainability at the center of its considerations. We take this as an opportunity to highlight the foundational problems we see in current debates about AI ethics guidelines. Although we do believe the concept of sustainability has the potential to introduce a paradigm shift, we question whether the suggestions and conceptual grounding found in this report have the strength to usher it in. We show this by presenting this new report as an example of current approaches to AI ethics and identify the problems of this approach, which we will describe as ‘checklist ethics’ and ‘ethics of carefulness’. We argue to opt for an ‘ethics of desirability’ approach. This can be completed, we suggest, by reconceptualizing sustainability as a property of complex systems. Finally, we offer a set of indications for further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards the Sustainability of AI; Multi-Disciplinary Approaches to Investigate the Hidden Costs of AI)
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13 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Framework to Assess Greenwashing
by Noémi Nemes, Stephen J. Scanlan, Pete Smith, Tone Smith, Melissa Aronczyk, Stephanie Hill, Simon L. Lewis, A. Wren Montgomery, Francesco N. Tubiello and Doreen Stabinsky
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4431; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084431 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 33303
Abstract
In this paper we examine definitions of ‘greenwashing’ and its different forms, developing a tool for assessing diverse ‘green’ claims made by various actors. Research shows that significant deception and misleading claims exist both in the regulated commercial sphere, as well as in [...] Read more.
In this paper we examine definitions of ‘greenwashing’ and its different forms, developing a tool for assessing diverse ‘green’ claims made by various actors. Research shows that significant deception and misleading claims exist both in the regulated commercial sphere, as well as in the unregulated non-commercial sphere (e.g., governments, NGO partnerships, international pledges, etc.). Recently, serious concerns have been raised over rampant greenwashing, in particular with regard to rapidly emerging net zero commitments. The proposed framework we developed is the first actionable tool for analysing the quality and truthfulness of such claims. The framework has widespread and unique potential for highlighting efforts that seek to delay or distract real solutions that are urgently needed today to tackle multiple climate and environmental crises. In addition, we note how the framework may also assist in the development of practices and communication strategies that ultimately avoid greenwashing. Full article
11 pages, 424 KiB  
Article
Purpose in Corporate Governance: The Path towards a More Sustainable World
by Joan Enric Ricart and Carlos Rey
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4384; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084384 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3158
Abstract
In order to give a more realistic view of how ESG and sustainability are developed in organisations, this paper explores the development of purpose in corporate governance and the challenges faced. The theme is analysed at the intersection between stakeholder theory and business [...] Read more.
In order to give a more realistic view of how ESG and sustainability are developed in organisations, this paper explores the development of purpose in corporate governance and the challenges faced. The theme is analysed at the intersection between stakeholder theory and business models in two dimensions: the capability of the market to align stakeholders’ interests (invisible hand) and the trade-offs between purpose and profit. The analysis conducted gave rise to four scenarios with a range of theoretical and practical implications focused on corporate governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Sustainability through Organizational Purpose)
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23 pages, 943 KiB  
Article
Improving Entrepreneurs’ Digital Skills and Firms’ Digital Competencies through Business Apps Training: A Study of Small Firms
by Nick Drydakis
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084417 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7174
Abstract
The lack of awareness of digital services and outcomes is a concern in business environments since small firms need to improve their digital competencies. The present exploratory study investigated whether business apps training was associated with entrepreneurs’ and firms’ digital advancements. The business [...] Read more.
The lack of awareness of digital services and outcomes is a concern in business environments since small firms need to improve their digital competencies. The present exploratory study investigated whether business apps training was associated with entrepreneurs’ and firms’ digital advancements. The business apps training was offered to migrant entrepreneurs running small firms in Athens (Greece) over three months, with data collected before and after the training. The analysis revealed that business apps training was positively associated with entrepreneurs’ attitudes toward technology, willingness to change (relating to technology/skills/operations), and internet/digital skills, as well as an increased use of business apps. Moreover, the training was positively associated with firms’ digital competencies related to communication, networking, social media, customer relationship management, payments, accounting and finance, and project management operations. Furthermore, business apps training was positively associated with migrant entrepreneurs’ integration into Greek society. Given the increased number of migrants in Europe, factors that positively impact their entrepreneurship and integration merit consideration. The study provides researchers with a systematic method for evaluating the association between business app training and entrepreneurs’ and firms’ digital advancements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration-Refugee Policies and Socioeconomics, Well-Being and Sustainable Outcomes)
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16 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Valorization of ‘Rossa di Tropea’ Onion Waste through Green Recovery Techniques of Antioxidant Compounds
by Valeria Imeneo, Alessandra De Bruno, Amalia Piscopo, Rosa Romeo and Marco Poiana
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4387; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084387 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2661
Abstract
The aim of this work was to maximize the recovery of the bioactive components from an important solid waste derivate from Tropea onion processing. To achieve this, three different extractive procedures (conventional for maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted) were employed, using only food-grade extraction [...] Read more.
The aim of this work was to maximize the recovery of the bioactive components from an important solid waste derivate from Tropea onion processing. To achieve this, three different extractive procedures (conventional for maceration, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted) were employed, using only food-grade extraction solvents such as water and ethanol:water (50:50). Solvent, temperature, microwave power, time, and their interaction were studied as the principal factors that might affect the extractability rates. The obtained data suggest that the hydroalcoholic mixture proved to be the best for each of the techniques developed and at each time and temperature considered. In particular, the best results were achieved by conventional extraction for 60 min at 40 °C (total flavonoids content: 25.64 ± 1.40 mg QE g−1 d.w.; total anthocyanins content: 0.78 ± 0.01 mg C-3-GLUC g−1 d.w.). The UHPLC analysis of the optimally obtained extract revealed that the principal phytochemicals recovered were quercetin (5322.61 ± 0.32 mg kg−1) and quercetin 3-4′-diglucoside (1023.80 ± 0.34 mg kg−1) after conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction, respectively. In this perspective, the implementation of sustainable, food-grade extraction processes to recover value-added substances from solid onion waste could play a crucial role both in reducing the waste load and in formulating natural food additives with functional properties, with a potential direct industrial impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Towards the Full Inclusion of Waste Management into Circular Economy)
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24 pages, 8010 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Criteria Framework to Evaluate the Sustainability of Renewable Energy: A 2-Tuple Linguistic Grey Relation Model from the Perspective of the Prospect Theory
by Songrui Li and Yitang Hu
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4419; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084419 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2203
Abstract
The unique resources and environmental advantages of renewable energy make it an essential component of energy strategies and a meaningful way to achieve “carbon neutrality”. However, due to limitations relating to ecological factors and geographical locations, renewable energy power generation faces many problems, [...] Read more.
The unique resources and environmental advantages of renewable energy make it an essential component of energy strategies and a meaningful way to achieve “carbon neutrality”. However, due to limitations relating to ecological factors and geographical locations, renewable energy power generation faces many problems, including instability, resulting in unsustainable development. Few studies have been conducted on the sustainability of renewable energy. Therefore, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for evaluating renewable energy sustainability is put forward. Based on a 2-tuple linguistic grey relation model and the prospect theory, the MCDM framework can comprehensively analyze the factors that may influence renewable energy sustainability in terms of resources, the environment, society, technology, and the economy. The combination of the 2-tuple linguistic model and the prospect theory can improve the objectivity of decision making. Taking China as the research object, this study finds that the profit–loss ratios for the four alternatives considered are {0.969,0.432,0.395,0.369} for solar photovoltaic power, wind power, hydropower, and biomass power, respectively, ranked from best to worst. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the MCDM framework can change its parameters based on the relevant psychological characteristics and then establish a suitable system for decision making. The MCDM framework proposed in this study can provide investors with decision-making references and help governmental agencies formulate renewable energy policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
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13 pages, 2184 KiB  
Article
The Role of Plant Functional Diversity in Regulating Soil Organic Carbon Stocks under Different Grazing Intensities in Temperate Grassland, China
by Zhilu Sheng, Jiaqiang Du, Bingqing Sun, Jialin Mao, Yangchengsi Zhang, Jing Zhang and Zhaoyan Diao
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084376 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2474
Abstract
Grazing is very common in the grassland ecosystem, and it has a significant impact on the C stocks and cycle. One of the most important drivers of soil C stocks is functional diversity. However, limited studies have attempted to explore the effects of [...] Read more.
Grazing is very common in the grassland ecosystem, and it has a significant impact on the C stocks and cycle. One of the most important drivers of soil C stocks is functional diversity. However, limited studies have attempted to explore the effects of functional diversity on soil C stocks associated with grazing disturbance. This study was carried out in Hulunbeier grassland, Inner Mongolia, and four grazing intensities (no grazing (NG), light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG), and heavy grazing (HG)) were identified. The plant functional traits and important soil properties under different grazing intensities were measured. Functional identity and diversity were calculated based on the measured functional traits. The impacts of functional identity and diversity on soil organic carbon stocks (SOCstocks) were analyzed using a multi-model inference (MMI) approach. Our study showed that the functional diversity effect on soil C stocks varies depending on grazing intensity. We identified that functional richness has a significant impact on SOCstocks in NG. The community weighted mean of leaf area became the best predictor of SOCstocks in LG. As grazing intensified, functional divergence best explained SOCstocks in moderate and heavy grazing sites, and their relationship was positive. The major outcomes of this research could shed light on the mechanics of soil carbon storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Management of Bioculturally Important Rangeland Resources)
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14 pages, 504 KiB  
Article
Innovative Sustainable Tourism Development and Entrepreneurship through Sports Events
by Georgios Tsekouropoulos, Ourania Gkouna, Dimitrios Theocharis and Athanasios Gounas
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084379 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4838
Abstract
Innovation and the development of new services are important strategic features to ensure the growth and sustainable wealth for industries where customers have many choices, as is the case in tourism sector. In this context, the present research comes to connect the local [...] Read more.
Innovation and the development of new services are important strategic features to ensure the growth and sustainable wealth for industries where customers have many choices, as is the case in tourism sector. In this context, the present research comes to connect the local sustainable tourism development with the sporting events, and to come up with relevant proposals for the reference area, but also for their generalization in the whole tourist areas. Based on the research purpose, a quantitative research was conducted on a sample of 448 residents, randomly selected from a sampling frame. Several scales from previous studies were used to collect primary data, and they were adapted according to the research purpose. Research findings indicate that the acceptance of sustainable tourism development through sports can be predicted by several variables, such as the economic impact (b = 0.343), residents’ attitude towards sports events (b = 0.287), and citizens’ tendency to entrepreneurship (b = 0.113). Additionally, sports events affect the tendency of citizens towards entrepreneurship (r = 0.519, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the impact of sports events is multiple, and it affects many aspects of a tourism destination, and the effect of sports events on the destination is connected with the tendency of citizens towards entrepreneurship related to sports events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism Development and Innovation: Recent Advances and Challenges)
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14 pages, 1605 KiB  
Article
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Dynamics of Price Adjustment in the U.S. Beef Sector
by Erdal Erol and Sayed H. Saghaian
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4391; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084391 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2397
Abstract
This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of vertical price transmission in the U.S. beef industry using monthly farm, wholesale, and retail prices for the period 1970–2021. Contemporary time-series techniques and historical decomposition graphs were used to test [...] Read more.
This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of vertical price transmission in the U.S. beef industry using monthly farm, wholesale, and retail prices for the period 1970–2021. Contemporary time-series techniques and historical decomposition graphs were used to test for possible asymmetries and structural breaks in the price transmission across the beef supply chain. The results show that the impact of COVID-19 has been uneven across the beef marketing channel, with consumers and farmers sharing the burden of the shock. Historical decomposition graphs demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic caused consumers paying higher prices, but farmers receiving lower prices than their predicted values. Hence, both consumers and farmers in the U.S. beef supply chain were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the results detected asymmetric price adjustments along the U.S. beef supply chain, both in speeds and magnitudes, with the wholesale prices being more flexible, adjusting quicker than farm and retail prices. The results indicated that the U.S. beef markets were resilient enough to absorb the shock and return to their pre-shock patterns in 4 to 6 months. These results have welfare and policy implications for the U.S. beef industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Social Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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21 pages, 4224 KiB  
Article
Estimation of the Urban Heat Island Effect in a Reformed Urban District: A Scenario-Based Study in Hong Kong
by Rui Zhu, Xijia Dong and Man Sing Wong
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4409; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084409 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2955
Abstract
Urban heat island (UHI), a phenomenon in which land surface temperatures (LSTs) in an urban area are notably higher than that in the surrounding rural area, has made the living environment thermally uncomfortable, endangered public health, and increased the energy consumption on indoor [...] Read more.
Urban heat island (UHI), a phenomenon in which land surface temperatures (LSTs) in an urban area are notably higher than that in the surrounding rural area, has made the living environment thermally uncomfortable, endangered public health, and increased the energy consumption on indoor air cooling. To develop a liveable and sustainable city, it is crucial to provide an accurate estimation of the UHI effect for urban planners when an area is transformed from bare lands to a high density of buildings. With this objective, the study develops multivariate spatial regression models based on LSTs retrieved from Landsat-8 thermal images to estimate the distribution of urban heat magnitudes (i.e., UHMs, relative temperatures referenced to rural temperature), by considering four types of causative factors that include land use and land cover, urban morphology, heat source, and local climate zones. Partial correlation analysis is performed to determine explainable variables and R2 is used to evaluate the models. Based on the constructed models and a master plan of buildings in Kowloon East, Hong Kong, the future UHM distributions are forecasted on four representative days in different seasons. Results show that the UHI effect will be mitigated significantly when the new buildings are built, suggesting appropriate urban planning regarding the urban thermal environment. We found that the considered factors can largely explain the daytime UHIs in both the built-up areas and land-cover areas. The proposed method can also be used to optimize the urban design for creating a more thermo-friendly urban environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Challenges in Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies)
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13 pages, 2037 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation Study on the Effects of Co-Injection of Pulverized Coal and Hydrochar into the Blast Furnace
by Tao Li, Guangwei Wang, Heng Zhou, Xiaojun Ning and Cuiliu Zhang
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4407; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084407 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2051
Abstract
To solve the energy crisis and slow down the greenhouse effect, it is urgent to find alternative energy sources for the iron and steel production process. Hydrochar is an auxiliary fuel and the only renewable carbon source that could reduce the injection of [...] Read more.
To solve the energy crisis and slow down the greenhouse effect, it is urgent to find alternative energy sources for the iron and steel production process. Hydrochar is an auxiliary fuel and the only renewable carbon source that could reduce the injection of bituminous coal into the blast furnace. Numerical simulation is an effective method of understanding the combustion performance in the lower part of the blast furnace. A 3D blowpipe-tuyere-raceway model was established using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to study the effects on combustion performance between pulverized coal and hydrochar. The results showed that co-injection of anthracite and hydrochar has a better combustion performance than co-injection of anthracite and bituminous coal, with a more appropriate distribution of temperature, velocity, and gas phase. With the co-injection of hydrochar, the total burnout rate and anthracite burnout rate increased, respectively, by 6% and 2.1%, which is caused by the interaction mechanism between anthracite and hydrochar. As a result, hydrochar as an auxiliary fuel for blast furnace injection not only can achieve low-carbon production and cut down carbon emission but also benefit the combustion process of anthracite coal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilization of Biomass towards a Climate-Neutral and Sustainable Steel Sector)
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31 pages, 11426 KiB  
Review
Promoting Sustainability through Next-Generation Biologics Drug Development
by Katharina Paulick, Simon Seidel, Christoph Lange, Annina Kemmer, Mariano Nicolas Cruz-Bournazou, André Baier and Daniel Haehn
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084401 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4354
Abstract
The fourth industrial revolution in 2011 aimed to transform the traditional manufacturing processes. As part of this revolution, disruptive innovations in drug development and data science approaches have the potential to optimize CMC (chemistry, manufacture, and control). The real-time simulation of processes using [...] Read more.
The fourth industrial revolution in 2011 aimed to transform the traditional manufacturing processes. As part of this revolution, disruptive innovations in drug development and data science approaches have the potential to optimize CMC (chemistry, manufacture, and control). The real-time simulation of processes using “digital twins” can maximize efficiency while improving sustainability. As part of this review, we investigate how the World Health Organization’s 17 sustainability goals can apply toward next-generation drug development. We analyze the state-of-the-art laboratory leadership, inclusive personnel recruiting, the latest therapy approaches, and intelligent process automation. We also outline how modern data science techniques and machine tools for CMC help to shorten drug development time, reduce failure rates, and minimize resource usage. Finally, we systematically analyze and compare existing approaches to our experiences with the high-throughput laboratory KIWI-biolab at the TU Berlin. We describe a sustainable business model that accelerates scientific innovations and supports global action toward a sustainable future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning and AI Technology for Sustainability)
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16 pages, 3331 KiB  
Perspective
Using Forest Compensation Funds to Reverse Biodiversity Loss: A Case Study of Turin–Lyon High-Speed Railway Line
by Irene Piccini, Marco Pittarello, Fabrizio Gili, Alberto Dotta, Riccardo Lorizzo, Cristina Magnani, Pia Grieco, Michele Lonati, Sandro Bertolino and Simona Bonelli
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4411; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084411 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2240
Abstract
Megaprojects radically change the landscape due to their large-scale and high investments. Forests are often one of the most affected habitats, as they are frequently included in megaproject construction sites. These habitats support rich animal communities that the new settlement may threaten. Among [...] Read more.
Megaprojects radically change the landscape due to their large-scale and high investments. Forests are often one of the most affected habitats, as they are frequently included in megaproject construction sites. These habitats support rich animal communities that the new settlement may threaten. Among all species present in any construction site, those listed in the Habitats Directive (92/43/CEE) deserve particular attention as they are protected throughout Europe. Here, we present a case study related to the expansion of an industrial site, part of the megaproject Turin–Lyon high-speed railway, where forest compensations were used to reverse biodiversity loss. The site expansion scheduled for 2020 included mature forests and clearings that used to host a butterfly species and at least 15 bat species protected by the Habitats Directive and other taxa of conservation concern. Forest compensations are usually used to finance tree plantations and forest improvements. In this case study, for the first time, we used them to maintain local biodiversity, which otherwise would have been severely compromised by the site expansion. Indeed, our approach has made it possible to allocate forest compensation funding to restore or improve habitats to favor biodiversity. This approach may be exported to other megaprojects to support local biodiversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Monitoring and the Reporting of Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts of Megaprojects)
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17 pages, 2971 KiB  
Article
Multilinear Regression Model for Biogas Production Prediction from Dry Anaerobic Digestion of OFMSW
by Elena Rossi, Isabella Pecorini and Renato Iannelli
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4393; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084393 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3688
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a multiple linear regression (MLR) model to predict the specific methane production (SMP) from dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). A data set from an experimental test on [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop a multiple linear regression (MLR) model to predict the specific methane production (SMP) from dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). A data set from an experimental test on a pilot-scale plug-flow reactor (PFR) including 332 observations was used to build the model. Pearson′s correlation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA) examined the relationships between variables. Six parameters, namely total volatile solid (TVSin), organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT), C/N ratio, lignin content and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), had a significant correlation with SMP. Based on these outcomes, a simple and three multiple linear regression models (MLRs) were developed and validated. The simple linear regression model did not properly describe the data (R2 = 0.3). In turn, the MLR including all factors showed the optimal fitting ability (R2 = 0.91). Finally, the MLR including four uncorrelated explanatory variables of feedstock characteristics and operating parameters (e.g., TVSin, OLR, C/N ratio, and lignin content), resulted in the best compromise in terms of number of explanatory variables, model fitting and predictive ability (R2 = 0.87). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solid-Waste and Waste-Water Treatment Processes)
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12 pages, 624 KiB  
Article
Water Sport Tourists’ Hesitation in Decision-Making during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effect of Destination Image
by Jeongmyeong Song, Myungkyu Jung, Kwangho Park and Ho Yeol Yu
Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4414; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084414 - 7 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2396
Abstract
Understanding the effect of risk factors on tourists’ hesitation in choosing a destination is vital for successful management in tourism, especially in the pandemic era. Based on protection motivation theory, this study investigated the impact of sport tourists’ perceived risk associated with COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Understanding the effect of risk factors on tourists’ hesitation in choosing a destination is vital for successful management in tourism, especially in the pandemic era. Based on protection motivation theory, this study investigated the impact of sport tourists’ perceived risk associated with COVID-19 on their hesitation to choose a tourist destination in the context of water sport tourism. Further, we examined whether the relationship changes according to the levels of tourists’ destination image. Data from a survey of water sport tourists (n = 312) were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Hayes PROCESS macro with bootstrapping procedures. Findings of this research empirically demonstrated that risk factors influence hesitation in choosing a destination. Furthermore, the moderating effect of destination image on the influences of perceived risks on hesitation was identified. The study’s theoretical and practical contributions to the sport tourism literature are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Sport Management in the Post-COVID19 Era)
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18 pages, 3434 KiB  
Article
The Legacy of Mercury Contamination from a Past Leather Manufacturer and Health Risk Assessment in an Urban Area (Pisa Municipality, Italy)
by Lisa Ghezzi, Simone Arrighi, Roberto Giannecchini, Monica Bini, Marta Valerio and Riccardo Petrini
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4367; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074367 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2797
Abstract
An abandoned open green space in the urban setting of the Municipality of Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) has been designed for renewal to foster the development of recreational activities and improve the lives of the surrounding communities. However, the geochemical site characterization revealed Pb, [...] Read more.
An abandoned open green space in the urban setting of the Municipality of Pisa (Tuscany, Italy) has been designed for renewal to foster the development of recreational activities and improve the lives of the surrounding communities. However, the geochemical site characterization revealed Pb, Cu, Zn and Hg concentrations in the soil exceeding the thresholds imposed by Italian regulations for residential use. Pb, Cu and Zn contents likely reflect the effects of urban vehicle traffic, while Hg contamination represents the legacy of a past artisanal tannery that used Hg(II)-chloride in leather processing in the mid-1900s. Mercury is widely distributed in the area, with the highest concentration in the uppermost soil layer, and reaching about 170 mg/kg in the common dandelion rhizosphere. Chemical extractions and thermal desorption experiments have indicated that most Hg is in the elemental free and matrix-bound fraction, with a possible minor amount (less than 4 wt%) of HgS and negligible methylated forms (0.1 wt%). The data suggest that soil processes could reduce Hg2+ to volatile Hg0. Mercury in groundwater, hosted in a shallow aquitard in the area, was below 0.2 µg/L. However, the presence of chloride in groundwater might result in the formation of Hg stable aqueous complexes, increasing Hg release from solids. Future water quality monitoring is hence recommended. The risk assessment highlighted that mercury in soil carries a risk of non-cancerous effects, in particular for children, posing the basis for management planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution in Urban Water and Soils)
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27 pages, 3946 KiB  
Review
Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles by Mushrooms: A Crucial Dimension for Sustainable Soil Management
by Tamer Elsakhawy, Alaa El-Dein Omara, Mohamed Abowaly, Hassan El-Ramady, Khandsuren Badgar, Xhensila Llanaj, Gréta Törős, Peter Hajdú and József Prokisch
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4328; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074328 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7371
Abstract
Soil is the main component in the agroecosystem besides water, microbial communities, and cultivated plants. Several problems face soil, including soil pollution, erosion, salinization, and degradation on a global level. Many approaches have been applied to overcome these issues, such as phyto-, bio-, [...] Read more.
Soil is the main component in the agroecosystem besides water, microbial communities, and cultivated plants. Several problems face soil, including soil pollution, erosion, salinization, and degradation on a global level. Many approaches have been applied to overcome these issues, such as phyto-, bio-, and nanoremediation through different soil management tools. Mushrooms can play a vital role in the soil through bio-nanoremediation, especially under the biological synthesis of nanoparticles, which could be used in the bioremediation process. This review focuses on the green synthesis of nanoparticles using mushrooms and the potential of bio-nanoremediation for polluted soils. The distinguished roles of mushrooms of soil improvement are considered a crucial dimension for sustainable soil management, which may include controlling soil erosion, improving soil aggregates, increasing soil organic matter content, enhancing the bioavailability of soil nutrients, and resorting to damaged and/or polluted soils. The field of bio-nanoremediation using mushrooms still requires further investigation, particularly regarding the sustainable management of soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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13 pages, 514 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Second Home and Visiting Friends and Relatives Tourism on Migration: A Conceptual Framework
by Sonia Ferrari
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074352 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3998
Abstract
What is the thread that unites tourism and migration? A review of existing literature suggests two forms of tourism linked to migration: visiting friends and relatives and second home tourism. Tourism related to visiting friends and relatives can be stimulated by migratory movements, [...] Read more.
What is the thread that unites tourism and migration? A review of existing literature suggests two forms of tourism linked to migration: visiting friends and relatives and second home tourism. Tourism related to visiting friends and relatives can be stimulated by migratory movements, and, in turn, gives rise to new migrations. Second home ownership, however, serves as the main connection between tourism and migration, promoting tourism that generates from or relates to current and past migrations. This exploratory study is based on a qualitative systematic literature review and focuses on the characteristics of second home and visiting friends and relatives-related tourism, and migration, in order to clarify little studied linkages among them that can affect tourism-related development. The study shows that many of the migration-led tourism segments reflect factors that may promote sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roots Tourism: A Sustainable Development Path?)
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27 pages, 5009 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Urban Environment from Satellite Images with New Classification Method—Focusing on Formality and Informality
by Qianwei Cheng, Moinul Zaber, AKM Mahbubur Rahman, Haoran Zhang, Zhiling Guo, Akiko Okabe and Ryosuke Shibasaki
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4336; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074336 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4791
Abstract
Urbanization plays a critical role in changing the urban environment. Most developed countries have almost completed urbanization. However, with more and more people moving to cities, the urban environment in developing countries is undergoing significant changes. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significant [...] Read more.
Urbanization plays a critical role in changing the urban environment. Most developed countries have almost completed urbanization. However, with more and more people moving to cities, the urban environment in developing countries is undergoing significant changes. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significant changes in building, managing, and responding to changes in the urban environment. The classified measurement and analysis of the urban environment in developing countries and the real-time understanding of the evolution and characteristics of the urban environment are of great significance for decision-makers to manage and plan cities more effectively and maintain the sustainability of the urban environment. Hence, a method readily applicable for the state-of-the-art computational analysis can help conceive the rapidly changing urban socio-environmental dynamics that can make the policy-making process even more informative and help monitor the changes almost in real-time. Based on easily accessible data from Google Earth, this work develops and proposes a new urban environment classification method focusing on formality and informality. Firstly, the method gives a new model to scrutinize the urban environment based on the buildings and their surroundings. Secondly, the method is suited for the state-of-the-art machine learning processes that make it applicable and scalable for forecasting, analytics, or computational modeling. The paper first demonstrates the model and its applicability based on the urban environment in the developing world. The method divides the urban environment into 16 categories under four classes. Then it is used to draw the urban environment classes maps of the following emerging cities: Nairobi in Kenya, Mumbai in India, Guangzhou in China, Jakarta in Indonesia, Cairo in Egypt, and Lima in Chile. Then, we discuss the characteristics of different urban environments and the differences between the same class in different cities. We also demonstrate the agility of the proposed method by showing how this classification method can be easily augmented with other data such as population per square kilometer to aid the decision-making process. This mapping should help urban designers who are working on analyzing formality and informality in the developing world. Moreover, from the application point of view, this will provide training data sets for future deep learning algorithms and automate them, help establish databases, and significantly reduce the cost of acquiring data for urban environments that change over time. The method can become a necessary tool for decision-makers to plan sustainable urban spaces in the future to design and manage cities more effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big Data, Information and AI for Smart Urban)
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21 pages, 1356 KiB  
Article
Information Technology Ambidexterity-Driven Patient Agility, Patient Service- and Market Performance: A Variance and fsQCA Approach
by Rogier van de Wetering, Rachelle Bosua, Cornelis Boersma and Daan Dohmen
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4371; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074371 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2581
Abstract
Modern hospitals are on the brink of a monumental change. They are currently exploring their options to digitally transform their clinical procedures and overall patient engagement. This work thoroughly investigates how hospital departments in the Netherlands can simultaneously leverage their strategic exploration of [...] Read more.
Modern hospitals are on the brink of a monumental change. They are currently exploring their options to digitally transform their clinical procedures and overall patient engagement. This work thoroughly investigates how hospital departments in the Netherlands can simultaneously leverage their strategic exploration of new IT resources and practices and exploit their current IT practices, i.e., IT ambidexterity, to drive digital transformation. Specifically, we investigate IT ambidexterity’s role in shaping patient agility at the departmental level, i.e., the ability to sense patients’ needs and respond accordingly. In this study, we use the dynamic capability view as our theoretical lens to develop a theoretical model with associated hypotheses and test it using cross-sectional survey data from 90 clinical hospital departments in the Netherlands. We use partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM) and a Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach for our analyses. This study shows that IT ambidexterity positively influences patient agility, providing a foundation for the achievement of high patient service and market performance. Furthermore, this study’s outcomes show that IT ambidexterity is present in each configuration following the fsQCA analyses, showcasing the vital role of a dual strategic approach to IT practices. The study outcomes support the theorized model and the subsequently developed IT-driven patient agility framework and illuminate how to transform clinical practice and drive patient agility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Innovation and Transformation in Healthcare)
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16 pages, 1626 KiB  
Article
Digital Atlas of Tactics to Designing Sustainable Factories
by Lia Marchi and Ernesto Antonini
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4321; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074321 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2038
Abstract
For a long time, the design of factories has been profit-driven only, while their detrimental effects on the environment, perceptual-aesthetic interferences with the surroundings, and social disturbances on local communities have been largely neglected. Despite a growing attention towards these topics, literature shows [...] Read more.
For a long time, the design of factories has been profit-driven only, while their detrimental effects on the environment, perceptual-aesthetic interferences with the surroundings, and social disturbances on local communities have been largely neglected. Despite a growing attention towards these topics, literature shows that there is a fundamental knowledge and tool gap on design practices for holistically sustainable factories, and companies are often unaware of both negative and positive effects related to the impact of their sites on the landscape. This paper presents a toolkit that has been developed to support entrepreneurs and designers in devising more sustainable factories through an integrated perspective, which is the great novelty of the approach. The article focuses on one of its tools: a digital atlas of design tactics. These have been mapped in sustainable factories around the world and labelled with an ad hoc faceted classification. Each tactic is then described in an info-sheet, which feeds a web portal. There, the user is assisted in searching for the most suitable tactics and mutual links with other useful strategies. The main potentiality of the atlas is to encourage a holistic design approach by highlighting positive synergies among tactics from different fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Sustainability in Building Design)
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16 pages, 5358 KiB  
Article
Description of a Fe/Al Electrocoagulation Method Powered by a Photovoltaic System, for the (Pre-)Treatment of Municipal Wastewater of a Small Community in Northern Greece
by D. Marmanis, C. Emmanouil, J. G. Fantidis, A. Thysiadou and K. Marmani
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4323; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074323 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2671
Abstract
Small and insular communities are sometimes not served by an efficient Wastewater Treatment Plant, and this is a hazard for both the environment and public health. A wastewater treatment apparatus based on the electrocoagulation process (EC) was tested with municipal wastewater from a [...] Read more.
Small and insular communities are sometimes not served by an efficient Wastewater Treatment Plant, and this is a hazard for both the environment and public health. A wastewater treatment apparatus based on the electrocoagulation process (EC) was tested with municipal wastewater from a small community in Northern Greece with a maximum of 6500 population equivalents. COD decrease was assessed under various parameters: current intensity, time duration, pH and use of Fe or Al electrodes. A simulation of meeting the community’s electricity needs with this apparatus was tested through RETScreen software. The results showed a satisfactory COD decrease through electrocoagulation which was affected by all the parameters mentioned; Fe electrodes could efficiently be used at 300 mA for 60 min for 55% COD removal. It was also shown that a photovoltaic panel system covers the electricity needs of the apparatus, thus no external electricity source is needed for its use. This apparatus could be used effectively by this community, so that the running costs are minimal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Resources and Sustainable Utilization)
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18 pages, 7621 KiB  
Article
Analytical Model for the Development Strategy of a Low-Density Territory: The Montesinho Natural Park
by Fátima Matos Silva, Cristina Sousa and Helena Albuquerque
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4373; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074373 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3310
Abstract
Montesinho Natural Park is one of the largest Portuguese natural protected areas, presenting good biodiversity and a cultural heritage with a strong connection to the territory and its people. It constitutes a low-density territory, characterized by a human and social landscape based on [...] Read more.
Montesinho Natural Park is one of the largest Portuguese natural protected areas, presenting good biodiversity and a cultural heritage with a strong connection to the territory and its people. It constitutes a low-density territory, characterized by a human and social landscape based on community practices, such as joint aid and the community use of goods and means of agricultural production, which have contributed to the construction of the “transmontana” identity and to the richness of the habitats. The promotion of the sustainable development of this low-density rural region demands the understanding of its specificities and an appropriate approach to grasp its challenges and develop effective management tools, allowing to preserve and exploit the region’s potential from various perspectives. The purpose of this article is to develop an analytical model using a literature review and a survey of the region’s specificities. This analytical model intends to provide the basis for designing and assessing sustainable development solutions, increasing local entrepreneurship and community empowerment through regional dynamism, with a focus on environment and heritage preservation, universal tourism accessibility, collective memory and endogenous product development. The suggested model adopts an interdisciplinary perspective and stresses that, in order to ensure that the new initiatives will contribute to the territory’s sustainable development, they should be scrutinized by asking four main questions: Is the initiative promoting the rural development of the territory through the creation of synergies between agroforestry and tourism activities? Is the initiative promoting an inclusive and sustainable tourism that is based on the territory’s resources? Are heritage and collective memory being preserved and valued through the initiative? Is the initiative promoting the empowerment of local communities? Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development through Entrepreneurship and Innovation)
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18 pages, 2953 KiB  
Article
Road Asset Value Calculation Based on Asset Performance, Community Benefits and Technical Condition
by Ján Mikolaj, Ľuboš Remek and Matúš Kozel
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4375; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074375 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3484
Abstract
The article presents a comprehensive asset management method. Here presented method aims to bridge the economic approach to asset management with the technical approach to road infrastructure life cycle, namely its resilience and performance. The presented asset value calculation methods are based both [...] Read more.
The article presents a comprehensive asset management method. Here presented method aims to bridge the economic approach to asset management with the technical approach to road infrastructure life cycle, namely its resilience and performance. The presented asset value calculation methods are based both on socio-economic viewpoints on community benefits of an asset, as well as the technical aspect of the technical condition and residual life calculations of a road infrastructure. In contrast to common road asset management methods, asset value is not arbitrarily annually depreciated, instead, it is exactly calculated based on pavement performance models, pavement construction fatigue and paving material properties. Road asset value calculation is based on the asset performance and the technical condition of a pavement structure and other objects. Road asset performance is defined in terms of society and road user demands put on road category and its qualitative standard. Road asset technical condition is evaluated by the procurement cost calculation and condition deterioration. Value of condition deterioration is defined by residual life expectancy based on fatigue and construction reliability of the road infrastructure. The cross-asset allocation method is used for the creation of programs for claim and allocation of funding. The aim was to increase the credibility of the road administrators with the public as they present their decisions based on road asset management, and to increase the level of acceptance for practitioners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pavement Maintenance Management)
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13 pages, 436 KiB  
Article
The Role of Live-Streaming E-Commerce on Consumers’ Purchasing Intention regarding Green Agricultural Products
by Xiaoxu Dong, Huawei Zhao and Tiancai Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4374; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074374 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 12987
Abstract
Live-streaming e-commerce has boosted the marketing vitality and possibilities of green agricultural products. However, academic research on this emerging marketing method remains insufficient. To fill this literature gap, this paper examines whether live-streaming e-commerce has gained consumers’ trust and strengthened their intention to [...] Read more.
Live-streaming e-commerce has boosted the marketing vitality and possibilities of green agricultural products. However, academic research on this emerging marketing method remains insufficient. To fill this literature gap, this paper examines whether live-streaming e-commerce has gained consumers’ trust and strengthened their intention to purchase green agricultural products. On the basis of a literature review, in this paper, we establish an evaluation system for live-streaming e-commerce which includes information quality, system quality, service quality, telepresence, and social presence and assumes that high-quality live-streaming e-commerce will increase consumers’ green trust and, thus, strengthen green purchase intention. Altogether, 726 valid questionnaires were collected, and structural equation modeling (SEM) and stepwise regression were used to analyze the data. The results demonstrate that the five aforementioned dimensions of live-streaming e-commerce quality that were used as criteria positively impact green trust. The findings provide suggestions for green-product companies on how to improve their live-streaming quality to enhance consumers’ purchase intention to realize economic and social value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Food Insecurity)
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21 pages, 1078 KiB  
Review
The Application of Industry 4.0 Technological Constituents for Sustainable Manufacturing: A Content-Centric Review
by Tan Ching Ng, Sie Yee Lau, Morteza Ghobakhloo, Masood Fathi and Meng Suan Liang
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4327; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074327 - 6 Apr 2022
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 9979
Abstract
Industry 4.0 has been associated with the rise of disruptive intelligence and information technologies. These cutting-edge technologies have the potential to increase productivity while simultaneously having a significant impact on social and environmental sustainability. As a result, manufacturers must evaluate the role of [...] Read more.
Industry 4.0 has been associated with the rise of disruptive intelligence and information technologies. These cutting-edge technologies have the potential to increase productivity while simultaneously having a significant impact on social and environmental sustainability. As a result, manufacturers must evaluate the role of these innovative technologies in sustainable development, as these technologies have the potential to address prevalent sustainability issues. A content-centric study of the implementation of these Industry 4.0 cutting-edge technologies in sustainable manufacturing is currently absent. A systematic literature study was conducted to explain the potential contribution of these novel technologies to the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of manufacturing industries. This study describes how these cutting-edge technologies are used in sustainable manufacturing. The findings of this study are particularly beneficial to practitioners who seek to apply one or more digital technologies to sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Agile Manufacturing in the Era of Industry 4.0: Application of Simulation, Optimization, Lean, and Emerging Digital Technologies)
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13 pages, 804 KiB  
Article
A Multicriteria Methodology to Evaluate Climate Neutrality Claims—A Case Study with Spanish Firms
by Iker Larrea, Jose Manuel Correa, Rafaella López, Lidia Giménez and Kepa Solaun
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4310; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074310 - 5 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4181
Abstract
Net-zero pledges have become a paradigm of ambitious climate change action for companies, governments, and other organisations. However, there is no international standard or criteria to assess whether those commitments are feasible or truly represent a landmark in low carbon performance. In this [...] Read more.
Net-zero pledges have become a paradigm of ambitious climate change action for companies, governments, and other organisations. However, there is no international standard or criteria to assess whether those commitments are feasible or truly represent a landmark in low carbon performance. In this paper, a methodology is proposed against which those statements can be quantified and assessed. The methodology was applied to Spanish companies that report to the Carbon Disclosure Project and showed that the biggest areas for improvement are the design of action plans, calculation, and offsetting. From a sectoral perspective, the energy sector, finance, and other services stood out as those with the highest scores. The food, beverages and tobacco, industry, and the entertainment industry obtained the lowest results. From a technical standpoint, strategy and commitment, calculation and scope, and communication are the areas where companies had the highest average scores. On the contrary, offsetting and action plans are the areas with the greatest room for improvement. Still, actual commitments are not enough to meet international climate neutrality objectives in the long-term and companies should continue to work in this direction. An enabling regulatory framework would be very useful to align private and public action in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)
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19 pages, 7024 KiB  
Article
Flexible Goal Programming for Supporting Lake Karla’s (Greece) Sustainable Operation
by Mike Spiliotis, Dionissis Latinopoulos, Lampros Vasiliades, Kyriakos Rafailidis, Eleni Koutsokera and Ifigenia Kagalou
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4311; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074311 - 5 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2010
Abstract
Sustainable management is a prerequisite for a lake to provide a range of ecosystem services. The prioritization of needs is a difficult task, especially when the needs are in conflict and threaten water security. Lake Karla, situated in the Thessaly plain, Greece, was [...] Read more.
Sustainable management is a prerequisite for a lake to provide a range of ecosystem services. The prioritization of needs is a difficult task, especially when the needs are in conflict and threaten water security. Lake Karla, situated in the Thessaly plain, Greece, was decimated in 1957–1962; due to environmental impacts, it was later refilled as a multipurpose reservoir with high ecological significance. The research objective is to achieve a compromise with respect to both the economic benefits derived from agricultural water use and environmental protection based on the minimum intersection. For this purpose, first, new managerial practices are introduced. Second, the ideas are quantified based on the hydrological budget, and these are used as input for flexible (fuzzy) programming. Under hypotheses about the acceptable range, the (flexible) fuzzy programming is identical with the MINMAX goal programming model, although the weights are not used directly in the first case. An understandable compromise (the maximum economic benefit from irrigation areas and the minimization of water retention time) is achieved, and the values of the membership functions can be used to verify the solution. The proposed solution leads to a quantitative proposition, incorporating new findings from modeling the recent real operation of the reservoir. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Resource Management)
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15 pages, 934 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Blockchain in Revolutionizing the Agricultural Sector
by Mohannad Alobid, Said Abujudeh and István Szűcs
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4313; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074313 - 5 Apr 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7261
Abstract
Since blockchain technology has proven to be effective in the development of a wide range of industries, its use in other fields is also being expanded. Agriculture is one such sector, where blockchain technology is being used to improve farm business operations. Today, [...] Read more.
Since blockchain technology has proven to be effective in the development of a wide range of industries, its use in other fields is also being expanded. Agriculture is one such sector, where blockchain technology is being used to improve farm business operations. Today, several agribusiness firms are utilizing technology to improve food supply chain tracking. For example, Farmers Edge, the world’s leading company that revolutionized the field of digital agriculture through its work in providing advanced artificial intelligence solutions, as well as new opportunities that give agriculture a globally advanced future for all stakeholders, has taken a significant step forward. The issue of blockchain network technology and its applications in agriculture will be discussed in this study, as well as the key advantages that this technology can provide, when employed to make the lives of both producers and consumers easier. In addition, a total of 79 research papers were evaluated, with a focus on the state of blockchain technology in agriculture, related issues, and its future importance, as well as relevant contributions to this new technology and the distributions of this study by different countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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13 pages, 880 KiB  
Article
The Storm Doesn’t Touch me!—The Role of Perceived Employability of Students and Graduates in the Pandemic Era
by Gerardo Petruzziello, Rita Chiesa and Marco Giovanni Mariani
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4303; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074303 - 5 Apr 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3960
Abstract
Perceived Employability acquires growing relevance as a psychological protective resource now that new entrants in the labour market from higher education are experiencing a deterioration of their occupational prospects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brings worries and jeopardises psychological well-being. This study [...] Read more.
Perceived Employability acquires growing relevance as a psychological protective resource now that new entrants in the labour market from higher education are experiencing a deterioration of their occupational prospects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which brings worries and jeopardises psychological well-being. This study aims to extend research on perceived employability among Italian University students and graduates. Perceived employability is posited to predict flourishing directly and indirectly by reducing material, social, and health worries related to COVID-19. Moreover, this study contends that perceived employability buffers the positive impact of perceived adverse conditions of the labour market on worries, changing the effect on flourishing. In total, 471 university students and graduates completed an online survey. The analyses reveal that perceived employability positively influences flourishing directly and indirectly by reducing COVID-19-related worries. Nevertheless, the results do not support the moderating action of perceived employability. Despite some limitations (e.g., a cross-sectional design), this study significantly advances the exploration of perceived employability as a critical personal resource to deal with the transition to work under pandemic-related crises. This study draws on its results to advise higher education to increase perceived employability, such as through career guidance activities and work-based learning experiences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Employability and Career Success in Times of COVID-19)
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22 pages, 1657 KiB  
Article
Strengthening of Community Tourism Enterprises as a Means of Sustainable Development in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Community Tourism Development in Chimborazo
by Claudia Patricia Maldonado-Erazo, María de la Cruz del Río-Rama, Sandra Patricia Miranda-Salazar and Nancy P. Tierra-Tierra
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4314; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074314 - 5 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3295
Abstract
Community tourism (CT) constitutes a management model for tourism practice within communities, which was consolidated within Ecuador through the Plurinational Federation of Community Tourism of Ecuador (FEPTCE), with the Corporation for the Development of Community Tourism of Chimborazo (CORDTUCH) as the central network [...] Read more.
Community tourism (CT) constitutes a management model for tourism practice within communities, which was consolidated within Ecuador through the Plurinational Federation of Community Tourism of Ecuador (FEPTCE), with the Corporation for the Development of Community Tourism of Chimborazo (CORDTUCH) as the central network in the province of Chimborazo. This network, with 14 years of experience, has been committed to tourism as a mechanism for the diversification of the productive matrix of the peasant and indigenous communities that comprise it, integrating 1772 direct beneficiaries articulated in 10 CT organizations. Thus, they have managed to support actions related to land management, the equitable distribution of benefits, the valuation of natural and cultural heritage, and the organizational strengthening of communities. This support has contributed to the consolidation of “Alli Kawsay,” that is, working to achieve a full life for these human groups, generating an integral sustainability of their spaces, and contributing to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from this other Andean perspective. The methodology employed focused on participatory action research (PAR), which allows for listening and obtaining information directly from key actors, recognizing the existence of knowledge that has not been published that corresponds to peoples’ ancestral knowledge. The aim of this research is to provide an overview of the current reality of CT within CORDTUCH, as well as the strengthening achieved in the community enterprises that comprise it. Among the main results achieved, it is highlighted that CT has become, for these communities, a tool of insurgency against extractive activities and the advance of the agricultural frontier that threatens these spaces, showing that the territories can be exploited under other approaches and through innovative proposals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Rural Development through Entrepreneurship and Innovation)
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15 pages, 612 KiB  
Article
Internet of Things for Sustainable Smart Education: An Overview
by Khaula Zeeshan, Timo Hämäläinen and Pekka Neittaanmäki
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4293; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074293 - 4 Apr 2022
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 8700
Abstract
In the realm of fourth-generation industrialization, there will be great demand for a skilled workforceTo produce a skilled workforce, we need sustainable education with quality and equity. Conventional ways of delivering and managing education would not fulfil the demands of the fourth industrial [...] Read more.
In the realm of fourth-generation industrialization, there will be great demand for a skilled workforceTo produce a skilled workforce, we need sustainable education with quality and equity. Conventional ways of delivering and managing education would not fulfil the demands of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Disruptive technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), have great potential in revolutionizing the current educational setup. Therefore, this research work aims to present an overview of the capabilities of IoT applications in educational settings. Our research article digs into recent research carried out referring to IoT applications in education and provides a detailed insight into the topic from three different perspectives, i.e., from the perspective of school management, teachers, and learners. The present research explains the ways in which IoT has been applied for the benefit of school managers, teachers, and learners, showcased in the recent literature. The paper also sheds light on bottlenecks for IoT applications and explains security, privacy, scalability, reliability, and dehumanization as main constraints in IoT applications in educational settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IoT Applications for Optimal Management in Smart Cities)
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21 pages, 7706 KiB  
Article
Active and Reactive Power Management in the Smart Distribution Network Enriched with Wind Turbines and Photovoltaic Systems
by Abolfazl Mehbodniya, Ali Paeizi, Mehrdad Rezaie, Mahdi Azimian, Hasan Masrur and Tomonobu Senjyu
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4273; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074273 - 4 Apr 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3073
Abstract
The penetration of renewable energy sources has been intensified during the last decade to tackle the climate crisis by providing clean energy. Among various renewable energy technologies, wind turbines and photovoltaic systems have received increasing attention from investors. Generally, electronic power converters are [...] Read more.
The penetration of renewable energy sources has been intensified during the last decade to tackle the climate crisis by providing clean energy. Among various renewable energy technologies, wind turbines and photovoltaic systems have received increasing attention from investors. Generally, electronic power converters are used to control renewable generations. The present study discusses the power management of smart distribution networks enriched with wind and photovoltaic units. The model aims to minimize the expected network operating cost of the system formulated as an objective function regarding AC optimal power flow constraints. In addition, stochastic programming based on unscented transformation is adopted to model the probable behavior of loads, renewable generations, and energy market prices. The model employs a linear approximation model to burden the complexity of the problem and achieve the optimum solution. The problem is tested to a 33-bus system using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). The obtained results confirm the proposed model’s potential in reducing energy costs, power losses, and voltage deviations compared to conventional power flow studies. In the proposed scheme compared to network load distribution studies, the active and reactive power losses, network energy costs, and voltage deviations are improved by about 40.7%, 33%, 36%, and 74.7%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Grid and Control System for Higher Resilience and Reliability)
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20 pages, 9057 KiB  
Article
Climate Change and Silvopasture: The Potential of the Tree and Weather to Modify Soil Carbon Balance
by Nuria Ferreiro-Domínguez, Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Rigueiro, Antonio Rigueiro-Rodríguez, María Pilar González-Hernández and María Rosa Mosquera-Losada
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4270; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074270 - 4 Apr 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2532
Abstract
Silvopastoral systems play an important role in climate change mitigation, considering their effect on soil carbon sequestration. In silvopastoral systems, sewage sludge can be used as fertiliser, which is promoted by the Circular Economy Package of the European Commission. This study evaluates the [...] Read more.
Silvopastoral systems play an important role in climate change mitigation, considering their effect on soil carbon sequestration. In silvopastoral systems, sewage sludge can be used as fertiliser, which is promoted by the Circular Economy Package of the European Commission. This study evaluates the soil chemical properties (pH, carbon), tree growth (top height, canopy cover), and their interactions from 1998 to 2012 in a Pinus radiata D. Don silvopastoral system in northwest Spain. Nine fertilisation treatments were applied: three doses of sewage sludge (160, 320, and 480 kg total N ha−1) or no fertilisation, all with or without liming, and mineral fertiliser with no liming. Soil pH decreased over time due to cations extraction by trees and pine needles deposited in the understory. Tree growth increased light interception, decreasing soil carbon incorporation. The interannual variation of carbon also depended on weather conditions. Initially, fertilisation increased soil pH and carbon, but without compensating cations extraction over time. Therefore, it is advisable to apply amendments in the middle years of the plantation. Tree management is also needed to decrease competitiveness and enhance carbon incorporation. Moreover, control plots should be linked to the next CAP 2023–2027 eco-schemes accounting for soil carbon levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wood Pastures: Drivers for Ecological Sustainability and Conservation Management)
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15 pages, 3437 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Particulate Matter Species in an Area Impacted by Aggregate and Limestone Mining North of San Antonio, TX, USA
by Amit U. Raysoni, Esmeralda Mendez, August Luna and Joe Collins
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074288 - 4 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2208
Abstract
Aggregate and limestone mining in San Antonio’s Bexar and Comal counties in Texas, USA, has caused considerable health concerns as of late. Aggregate mining actions can result in localized air quality issues in any neighborhood. Furthermore, heavy truck traffic, hauling, and transportation of [...] Read more.
Aggregate and limestone mining in San Antonio’s Bexar and Comal counties in Texas, USA, has caused considerable health concerns as of late. Aggregate mining actions can result in localized air quality issues in any neighborhood. Furthermore, heavy truck traffic, hauling, and transportation of the mined material contribute to pollution. In this research, PM species were sampled at four locations north of the San Antonio city limits. The data were collected using a TSI Air Quality Sampler that sampled PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and relative humidity. Continuous data with 1 min averages were recorded during the study period from August to September 2019. The instrument was stationed at every location for a period of 7 days each. The four locations were a ranch, an open field, a residential compound, and an elementary school. PM1 and PM2.5 concentration levels were lower compared to PM10 concentrations at all four studied sites. Our results suggest that PM concentrations are primarily impacted by mining activities. PM species were highest at the residential compound due to its proximity to an active mining area, resulting in deleterious health effects for neighbors living in the vicinity of the sampled site. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Air Pollution: Monitoring, Impact, and Mitigation)
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15 pages, 3318 KiB  
Article
Climate Change Impacts and Extinction Risk Assessment of Nepeta Representatives (Lamiaceae) in Greece
by Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis, Alexandros Papanikolaou, Ioannis P. Kokkoris, Arne Strid, Panayotis Dimopoulos and Maria Panitsa
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4269; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074269 - 4 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2318
Abstract
The ongoing climate change has already left its imprint on species distributions, with rare, endemic species being more threatened. These changes are more prominent in regional biodiversity hotspots, such as Greece, which is already facing the short term impacts of human induced climate [...] Read more.
The ongoing climate change has already left its imprint on species distributions, with rare, endemic species being more threatened. These changes are more prominent in regional biodiversity hotspots, such as Greece, which is already facing the short term impacts of human induced climate change. Greek flora hosts numerous endemic medicinal and aromatic plant taxa (MAPs), which are economically important and provide integral ecosystem services. The genus Nepeta is one of the largest Lamiaceae genera, containing several MAPs, yet, despite its taxonomical and economical significance, it remains vastly understudied in Greece. We explore the effects of climate change on the range of the Greek endemic Nepeta MAPs, via a species distribution models (SDMs) approach in an ensemble modeling framework, using soil, topographical and bioclimatic variables as predictors in three different time steps. By doing so, we attempt to estimate the current and future extinction risk of these taxa and to locate their current and future species richness hotspots in Greece. The taxa analyzed are expected to experience severe range retractions, with minor intraspecific variation across all time steps (p > 0.05), driven mainly by soil- and aridity-related variables. The extinction risk status of only one taxon is predicted to worsen in the future, while all other taxa will remain threatened. Current species richness hotspots are mainly located in southern Greece and are projected to shift both altitudinally and latitudinally over time (p < 0.01). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity and Conservation in the Mediterranean)
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31 pages, 11687 KiB  
Article
An Innovative Photovoltaic Luminescent Solar Concentrator Window: Energy and Environmental Aspects
by Vincenzo Muteri, Francesco Guarino, Sonia Longo, Letizia Bua, Maurizio Cellura, Daniele Testa and Marco Bonzi
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4292; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074292 - 4 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2494
Abstract
Over the years, different types of smart windows have been tested and developed. In this study, an innovative prototype of a photovoltaic smart window, that integrates luminescent solar concentrators, was analysed. The device independently regulates the movement of the shading system and allows [...] Read more.
Over the years, different types of smart windows have been tested and developed. In this study, an innovative prototype of a photovoltaic smart window, that integrates luminescent solar concentrators, was analysed. The device independently regulates the movement of the shading system and allows energy surplus, through the electricity generated by modules. Considering the peculiar structure (characterized by the presence of a light shelf) and the thermal characteristics of the device, the analyses focused on optical, thermal, and electrical performances, comparing them with those of a traditional window. The analysis followed an experimental approach that involved lighting and electrical monitoring studies in a real test room, to create validated models for conducting simulations in larger buildings. The results were expressed through the study of illuminance maps, electricity generation obtainable from the integrated photovoltaic technology and in terms of energy savings. Energy generation accounts for around 10 Wh/month, with up to 50% improvement from the perspective of energy use for heating and cooling. The technology proves effective in allowing efficient overall energy performances while generating enough energy to operate the smart window control systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Economic Optimisation of the Building Envelope for Different Climates)
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16 pages, 8547 KiB  
Article
Experimental Survey of the Sound Absorption Performance of Natural Fibres in Comparison with Conventional Insulating Materials
by Veronika Gumanová, Lýdia Sobotová, Tibor Dzuro, Miroslav Badida and Marek Moravec
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4258; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074258 - 3 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4890
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to investigate the acoustic properties of natural fibres and compare them with the values achieved by common insulation materials used in the construction of buildings. Three materials based on biomass were used for testing, namely cork, hemp [...] Read more.
The purpose of this research is to investigate the acoustic properties of natural fibres and compare them with the values achieved by common insulation materials used in the construction of buildings. Three materials based on biomass were used for testing, namely cork, hemp and fibreboard. From the group of conventional materials, mineral wool, propylat and polyurethane foam were selected. For the purpose of determining the values of the sound absorption coefficient (α), the absorber specimens were tested using the impedance tube and two microphones method, according to standard ISO 10534-2. The measurement was performed for thicknesses of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mm. The highest sound absorption of all materials was measured with a hemp sample at a frequency of 2000 Hz (α = 0.99) and a thickness of 20 mm. The lowest performance was achieved by cork at the same thickness and frequency of 100 Hz (α = 0.02). Among biomass materials, hemp dominated in the entire frequency range and at all thicknesses. The lowest values were for cork, from 160 to 500 Hz with a tendency to exceed the values of the fibreboard sample. Among conventional materials, mineral wool achieved the best results, while the lowest values were recorded for propylat with the occasional exception of the highest frequencies from 1600 to 2500 Hz. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Sustainable Material and Technology Solutions in the Construction Industry)
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9 pages, 1897 KiB  
Article
A Case Study on the Fracturing Radius and Time Effects of CO2 Phase Transition Fracturing in Coal Seams
by Hong Yin, Yuan Deng, Chao Liu, Yafei Chen, Ziqiang Chen, Chao Qin and Donglin He
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4260; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074260 - 3 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1577
Abstract
CO2 phase transition fracturing (CPTF) is considered to be a promising way to improve the recovery efficiency of coalbed methane in deep, tight coal seams. In addition, it is significant to the CO2-ECBM and CO2 storage in coal. To [...] Read more.
CO2 phase transition fracturing (CPTF) is considered to be a promising way to improve the recovery efficiency of coalbed methane in deep, tight coal seams. In addition, it is significant to the CO2-ECBM and CO2 storage in coal. To better understand the fracturing radius and time effects of CPTF, a field experimentation was conducted on the Ji-15 coal seam of Pingmei 8th Coal Mine. The results indicate that the fracturing radius and time effects are significantly related; with the increase in fracturing radius, the time for extraction rate to reach the peak value is shorter. The calculated value of effective fracturing radius is 7.56 m via the fitting relationship. According to the CO2 content in different extraction boreholes after fracturing, it can be concluded that the crack zone is 5 m. In addition, the extraction rate of methane firstly increases slowly for a while, and then reaches the peak. This work could provide theoretical directions for the arrangement of fracturing and extraction boreholes in CO2 fracturing works related to CO2-ECBM and gas pre-extraction in coal mining. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Resources Recovery and Clean Energy of Sustainability from Geo Resources)
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19 pages, 2414 KiB  
Article
Degradation Risk Assessment: Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on Geoheritage
by Lidia Selmi, Thais S. Canesin, Ritienne Gauci, Paulo Pereira and Paola Coratza
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4262; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074262 - 3 Apr 2022
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3354
Abstract
Several factors and processes, both natural and anthropogenic, can threaten the integrity of any geosite, leading to their degradation. For this reason, geoheritage degradation risks should be considered a fundamental step in any geoconservation strategy, all the more when the aim is to [...] Read more.
Several factors and processes, both natural and anthropogenic, can threaten the integrity of any geosite, leading to their degradation. For this reason, geoheritage degradation risks should be considered a fundamental step in any geoconservation strategy, all the more when the aim is to tackle the effects of climate change. The present work proposes a quantitative methodology for the degradation risk assessment of geosites by considering the extrinsic factors that can damage the geoheritage. The methodology has been tested on the Maltese Islands, where considerable previous research has been undertaken in order to highlight the international significance of the Maltese landscapes. Three criteria to assess the degradation risk are proposed: natural vulnerability, anthropogenic vulnerability and public use. For each criterion, several parameters have been identified in order to propose a detailed numerical evaluation. The results show that the degradation risk of geosites is mainly related to negligence and lack of knowledge of its inherent geological heritage, and which leads to public misuse and mismanagement of the geosites. The results give an overview of the condition of the geosites and provide information for the design and management of suitable protection measures, especially in the light of future threats related to climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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