Journal Description
Sustainability
Sustainability
is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE and SSCI (Web of Science), GEOBASE, GeoRef, Inspec, AGRIS, RePEc, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Sustainability.
- Companion journals for Sustainability include: World, Sustainable Chemistry, Conservation, Future Transportation, Architecture, Standards, Merits and Wind.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Study of Photovoltaic Double-Skin Façade Windows in Passenger Ships
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3724; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093724 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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The ship-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system was an approach to solve the problem of pollution caused by excessive energy consumption during navigation. However, PV systems used on ships faced problems such as small installation areas, which prevented PV power generation from being utilized on
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The ship-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system was an approach to solve the problem of pollution caused by excessive energy consumption during navigation. However, PV systems used on ships faced problems such as small installation areas, which prevented PV power generation from being utilized on a large scale. This article proposes a space-saving photovoltaic double-skin façade (PV-DSF) window system, which could be used in conjunction with ships to address the insufficient ship-mounted photovoltaics. In this paper, we propose a space-saving photovoltaic double-skinned façade (PV-DSF) window system that could be used in conjunction with a ship to solve the problem of insufficient space for onboard photovoltaics. According to the working principle of the system, we established a mathematical model corresponding to the actual heat transfer process and, at the same time built up a corresponding experimental test rig for thermoelectric performance measurement, and verified the accuracy of the proposed mathematical model based on the experimental results. Finally, the effect of different parameters on the performance of the system and the energy performance of the system on board the ship was discussed using a mathematical model. The simulation data showed that the increase of solar radiation intensity, wind speed, and PV coverage had a positive effect on the system’s power generation, while the ambient temperature had a negative effect. The system, in combination with a passenger ship, was able to provide 53.2 kWh of annual electricity generation and reduced CO2 emissions by 17 kg.
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Open AccessArticle
Groundwater and Tourism: Analysis of Research Topics and Trends
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Oumaima Lamhour, Imane El Bouazzaoui, Dalia Perkumiené, Larbi Safaa, Marius Aleinikovas and Mindaugas Škėma
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3723; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093723 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of exploring the correlation between groundwater and tourism as a research topic. Although previous studies have touched on certain aspects of this relationship, none has yet plunged to the heart of the matter. This
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Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of exploring the correlation between groundwater and tourism as a research topic. Although previous studies have touched on certain aspects of this relationship, none has yet plunged to the heart of the matter. This Bibliometric study examines the literature on the relationship between tourism and groundwater in the overall context of economic development. The bibliometric tools VOS Viewer version 1.6.19 and R Bibliometrix were employed to analyze 104 publications selected via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses diagram. The results suggest a growing interest in the subject and the need for broader and collaborative research, to fully understand these dynamics. Major contributions come from Spanish, American, Chinese, and Mexican authors, focusing on sustainability, anthropogenic impact, physical characteristics, and groundwater quality. In conclusion, this study provides an overview of the current research landscape, identifies trends and gaps, and encourages international collaboration for a better understanding of groundwater issues in the tourism context. Although our work provides very important knowledge, it should be recognized that the analysis is made only based on the Scopus-indexed literature. This restriction highlights the necessity for future research to do a more comprehensive and integrated bibliometric analysis. The array of research sources will thus definitely enhance the joint academic knowledge on that subject and lead to more inclusive and, therefore, higher-quality academic discourse.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climatic and Anthropogenic Impacts on Groundwater Resources and Adaptation Strategies)
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Electricity Consumption, Renewable Energy Production, and Current Account of Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development Countries: Implications for Sustainability
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Suwastika Naidu, Anand Chand, Atishwar Pandaram and Sunia Vosikata
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3722; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093722 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper uses the bootstrapped Granger Causality Testing approach to investigate the relationship between electricity consumption, renewable energy production, and the current account of the six OECD countries. One of the main advantages of using this approach is that it captures the cross-section
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This paper uses the bootstrapped Granger Causality Testing approach to investigate the relationship between electricity consumption, renewable energy production, and the current account of the six OECD countries. One of the main advantages of using this approach is that it captures the cross-section dependence in our sample and applies the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) to examine the causality relationship between the variables. The empirical findings show the presence of cross-section dependence in our sample as the six Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries share resources, capabilities, and key competencies. Notably, a unidirectional causality exists running from electric power consumption to the current account of the USA. The current account balance causes electric power consumption in the case of France and Switzerland. The tri-variate causality relationship between electricity consumption, renewable energy production, and current account balance could not be established in the case of Germany, Finland, or the UK.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
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Bibliometric Analysis of Research Progress and Trends on Carbon Emission Responsibility Accounting
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Yingying Du, Haibin Liu and Hui Huang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3721; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093721 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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The severity of global climate change is a pressing issue, and carbon emission reduction requires collaboration between producers and consumers. Carbon emission responsibility accounting is critical for distributing the tasks associated with carbon reduction. To examine the current research status and future development
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The severity of global climate change is a pressing issue, and carbon emission reduction requires collaboration between producers and consumers. Carbon emission responsibility accounting is critical for distributing the tasks associated with carbon reduction. To examine the current research status and future development trends of carbon emission responsibility accounting, we used the scientific quantitative knowledge graph method and CiteSpace software. We analyzed the data from 4089 studies retrieved from the Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, focusing on various aspects such as the number of published papers, subjects, research focuses, research content, and future research directions. In 2022, the number of publications was 657. The largest number of published carbon emission responsibility accounting documents was published by scholars from China: there were 708 published articles, 35% of the 2002 articles published in the Web of Science. The reason may be that China, as a developing country, produces more carbon emissions. In order to actively shoulder international responsibilities and slow down global warming, China strengthened its research on carbon emission responsibility, the basic work on carbon emission reduction. This was followed by the United States and England. England showed high levels of research collaboration. “Environmental science” was one of the main subjects in the Web of Science database, representing 43.96% of total publications. Research focuses included input–output analyses and implied carbon export trade. This study summarizes the literature on carbon emission responsibility accounting in terms of research perspectives, accounting principles, and accounting methods. In the future, the accounting of carbon emission responsibility at the city level considering the carbon emission responsibility sharing method including three or more shared parties and accounting for the carbon emission responsibility between the upstream and downstream from the perspective of the industrial chain can be studied. The findings of this study provide guidance to researchers and policymakers for the progression and enhancement of carbon emission responsibility accounting.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of the Knowledge and Awareness of Firefighters in Turkey in Disaster Risk Management
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Ayşe Ütük and Hayri Baraçlı
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3720; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093720 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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Firefighters stand as one of the most effective task forces, striving to minimize losses incurred during disasters. Clarifying the present status of disaster risk management for firefighters can offer insights into the factors influencing response during disasters and how preparedness for such events
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Firefighters stand as one of the most effective task forces, striving to minimize losses incurred during disasters. Clarifying the present status of disaster risk management for firefighters can offer insights into the factors influencing response during disasters and how preparedness for such events can be enhanced. The aim of this study is to assess the current status of fire and rescue services, actively engage in crisis management during disaster risk management, to identify areas for improvement that enhance their involvement in preparatory stages, and to bolster their effectiveness in crisis management. This descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 772 firefighters who had prior experience in disaster response. The findings of this study revealed that firefighters who had undergone first aid training demonstrated the ability to anticipate hazardous situations and behaviors, regularly inspected their equipment, showed awareness of work-related accidents and occupational diseases, and scored statistically higher on the scales. These findings are expected to assist fire departments in establishing a sustainable and comprehensive disaster management cycle.
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Open AccessArticle
Smart City Capacities: Extant Knowledge and Future Research for Sustainable Practical Applications
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David E. Mills, Steven Pudney, Ricardo Correa Gomes and Greici Sarturi
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3719; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093719 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Throughout the smart city literature, there are mentions of capacities, the application of which is claimed to result in the sustainable achievement of objectives. Because of the often desperate need for smart city objectives to be met, we sought to understand which were
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Throughout the smart city literature, there are mentions of capacities, the application of which is claimed to result in the sustainable achievement of objectives. Because of the often desperate need for smart city objectives to be met, we sought to understand which were the capacities and whether the components of these capacities are explained sufficiently for them to be effective in practice. We applied a four-stage methodology commencing with a search of multiple databases for smart city capacity knowledge. We next assembled the evidence from the items identified in that search using a thematic analysis that identified the capacity to exploit technology, innovate, collaborate, and orchestrate. Next, we followed the threads of knowledge, iteratively allocating the knowledge to each of the four capacities to a typology of what, why, and who. The fourth stage was a cross-capacity analysis that generated further refinement and identified important factors. We identified that capacities are not sufficiently explained. In addition to the need for more levels of detail as to practical implementation, we identified significant underdevelopment of the literature as to the impact of institutional complexity and the influence of stakeholders. We propose research directed at increasing the effectiveness of capacities, define the concept of smart city capacities, propose a framework of the components of capacities, and draw on established stakeholder theory to create a stakeholder influence research framework.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
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Sustainability Assessment of Machinery Safety in a Manufacturing Organization Using AHP and CART Methods
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Hana Pačaiová, Renáta Turisová, Juraj Glatz and Daniela Onofrejová
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3718; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093718 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Machine safety is not only a prerequisite for successful production but also the foundation for the sustainability and growth of any manufacturing organization. The latest approaches in this rapidly developing field integrate effective risk management tools and strategies into occupational health and safety
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Machine safety is not only a prerequisite for successful production but also the foundation for the sustainability and growth of any manufacturing organization. The latest approaches in this rapidly developing field integrate effective risk management tools and strategies into occupational health and safety (OHS) management systems. The study, through a real example from practice, describes the use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method for machine safety improvement, considering the possible types of losses. Classification and Regression Tree Analysis (CART) was applied to assess the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and, therefore, the overall sustainability level of the relevant safety measures. These were proposed risk reduction measures that typically raised uncertainty among managers regarding the estimation of cost-effectiveness. The advantage of the application decision tree approach is the possibility to identify and establish relatively homogeneous groups of undesirable events and their impact on the organization’s objectives. A comprehensive model has been developed to support management decision making in manufacturing organizations towards implementing and improving safety measures in line with manufacturing sustainability goals.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Engineering and Science)
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Techno-Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Using Recycled Steel Fibre in Concrete
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Wahidul K. Biswas, Xihong Zhang, Corey Matters and Mitra Maboud
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3717; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093717 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The steel industry is one the three biggest producers of carbon dioxide and it is experiencing technical challenges due to the gradual decrease in the quality of iron ore. Steel is extensively used in the construction industry for structural applications like steel components,
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The steel industry is one the three biggest producers of carbon dioxide and it is experiencing technical challenges due to the gradual decrease in the quality of iron ore. Steel is extensively used in the construction industry for structural applications like steel components, while steel fibres are intensively used as additives to concrete in order to improve its performance. It is thus important to consider the use of recycled steel as a replacement for virgin steel in order to address the aforementioned environmental consequences. This paper applies the eco-efficiency framework to determine the economic and environmental implications of the use of recycled fibre in concrete as a replacement for virgin steel. A number of concrete mixes were considered that used virgin, recycled, and treated recycled rebar in concrete. The eco-efficiency framework, which uses a life-cycle assessment approach to calculate the environmental and economic values of concrete mixes in order to determine the portfolio positions of these concrete mixes, was used for comparison purposes and to establish the eco-efficient option(s). Whilst the recovery and recycling process is energy-intensive, the use of recycled steel fibre in reinforced concrete has been found to be eco-efficient and deliver the same level of mechanical performance compared to that obtained using virgin steel fibre. Treating steel fibre could improve its technical performance, but it was found to increase both costs and environmental impacts and was therefore identified as not being eco-efficient.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling Materials for the Circular Economy—2nd Edition)
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Sustainability in Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration: Combining Classical and Remote Sensing Methods for Effective Water Quality Management
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Robert Mazur, Zbigniew Kowalewski, Ewa Głowienka, Luis Santos and Mateusz Jakubiak
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3716; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093716 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The utilization of Effective Microorganisms (EMs) for lake restoration represents a sustainable approach to enhancing water quality and rebalancing the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two bioremediation treatment cycles employing EM-enriched biopreparations
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The utilization of Effective Microorganisms (EMs) for lake restoration represents a sustainable approach to enhancing water quality and rebalancing the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two bioremediation treatment cycles employing EM-enriched biopreparations on water quality in the Siemiatycze lakes. Specifically, this research analyzed various parameters, including dissolved oxygen, transparency, chlorophyll-a, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and suspended matter (SM), across eleven designated sampling locations. Additionally, this study employed remote sensing techniques, leveraging Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and the Maximum Chlorophyll Index (MCI), to detect and quantify algal blooms, with a particular focus on elevated chlorophyll-a concentrations. This comprehensive approach aimed to provide a holistic understanding of the impact of biotechnological reclamation on aquatic ecosystem restoration and sustainability. The study’s findings indicated a significant improvement in water quality in all lakes, with enhanced water clarity and oxygen profiles. Further, remote sensing studies indicated a reduction in algal blooms, particularly those with high chlorophyll-a concentrations. A considerable decrease in water eutrophication intensity was observed due to diminished nutrient concentrations. The improvements in water parameters are likely to enhance the living conditions of aquatic organisms. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of using EM-enriched biopreparations in the bioremediation of lakes, providing a sustainable approach to enhancing water quality and balancing aquatic ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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The Impact of Individual Capabilities on Ecosystem Services and Farmers’ Well-Being: A Case Study of the Loess Plateau, China
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Di Liu, Qifei Wang, Yayan Lu, Qinqin Shi and Jie Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3715; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093715 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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Exploring the impact of individual capabilities on ecosystem services and farmers’ well-being is conducive to discovering the complex relationship between ESs and human well-being, and has clear practical value for the sustainable management and improvement of farmers’ well-being in ecologically fragile areas in
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Exploring the impact of individual capabilities on ecosystem services and farmers’ well-being is conducive to discovering the complex relationship between ESs and human well-being, and has clear practical value for the sustainable management and improvement of farmers’ well-being in ecologically fragile areas in China. An importance–accessibility index of ESs was constructed and the objective well-being and subjective well-being of farmers were assessed. Subsequently, the relationship among capabilities, ESs, and well-being was elucidated based on a structural equation model. The results showed that fruits, pest control, fuelwood, water conservation, and wild food were the ES types that contributed most to farmers’ well-being. There were some similarities and differences between the dimensions of objective and subjective well-being. For example, farmers with adequate leisure time reported higher leisure satisfaction and farmers with relatively adequate income levels reported the lowest income satisfaction. The direct effect of capabilities on ESs and objective well-being was significant, and the direct effect of capabilities on their subjective well-being was not significant. Their capabilities had a significant indirect impact on their objective well-being by influencing ESs and did not have a significant indirect impact on their subjective well-being by influencing ESs; their capabilities had a significant indirect impact on their subjective well-being by influencing the ESs and objective well-being. Physical health, mental health, and agricultural skills were the key types of capabilities that influenced the farmers’ access to ESs and well-being. Improving these capabilities can enable local farmers to more fully access ESs and improve their well-being.
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(This article belongs to the Section Health, Well-Being and Sustainability)
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Open AccessPerspective
Business Management for Sustainability
by
John Ikerd
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3714; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093714 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to address a fundamental flaw in prominent approaches to managing businesses for sustainability. Current management strategies fail to recognize the fundamental differences between economic, social, and moral or ethical values. Economic values are instrumental, individual, and impersonal.
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The purpose of this paper is to address a fundamental flaw in prominent approaches to managing businesses for sustainability. Current management strategies fail to recognize the fundamental differences between economic, social, and moral or ethical values. Economic values are instrumental, individual, and impersonal. Social values are reciprocal, communal, and personal. Moral values are altruistic, spiritual, and universal. These are not arbitrary definitions but expressions of basic differences among the three types of value. These differences reveal the fundamental flaws in attempts to assign economic value or objectively quantify the social and ecological costs and benefits of economic enterprises. The transactional, social, and moral economies are defined in ways that avoid compromising the differences in values. In addition, a natural hierarchy exists among nature, society, and economy that requires a corresponding hierarchy of moral, social, and economic values in managing sustainable organizations. The strategies, motives, and metrics that have dominated sustainable business management for the past several decades, and the related research and educational programs that support them, fail to reflect differences among economic, social, and moral values that are critical to sustainability.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Enterprise Management and Sustainable Economic Development)
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High Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Bycatch Rate along with Several Endangered Target Species: Two Reasons to Look for Alternative to Traditional Large-Mesh Bottom-Set Gillnets (Garrasia) for More Sustainable Fisheries in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)
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Maissa Louhichi, Alexandre Girard and Imed Jribi
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3713; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093713 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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Fishery bycatch poses a significant threat to sea turtles. This study provides an updated assessment of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch in the Gulf of Gabès, focusing on the impact of the Garrasia gillnets. Through 61 onboard observations conducted alongside fishermen
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Fishery bycatch poses a significant threat to sea turtles. This study provides an updated assessment of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch in the Gulf of Gabès, focusing on the impact of the Garrasia gillnets. Through 61 onboard observations conducted alongside fishermen in Zarzis deploying a bottom-set gillnet, called “Garrasia”, and targeting elasmobranch species, comprehensive data were collected, including the number of sea turtles captured, soak time, length of gillnets, location, and biometric data of sea turtles. Analysis revealed a catch per unit effort (CPUE) for sea turtles of 0.63 (95% CI [0.355–0.893]) turtles per kilometer per 24 h with a notably high mortality rate of 92.06% (95% CI [87.3–96.8]). In the Gulf of Gabès, 23 vessels are reported to use Garrasia, resulting in an estimated annual total capture of 3756.53 turtles with a 95% CI [1907.81–5902.30]. These findings underscore the significant impact of Garrasia on sea turtle populations in the Gulf of Gabès. The study calls for immediate collaborative efforts among researchers, local stakeholders, authorities and fishermen to elaborate balanced conservation strategies that consider both ecological sustainability and socio-economic factors, aiming to achieve a sustainable marine ecosystem.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystem Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Prospects for a Megacity Region Transition in Australia: A Preliminary Examination of Transport and Communication Drivers
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Peter Newton, James Whitten, Stephen Glackin, Margaret Reynolds and Magnus Moglia
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3712; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093712 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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Australian governments continue to search for a model capable of planning future urban settlements at an extended spatial scale (the mega-metropolitan region) to accommodate high population growth more sustainably. Attempts at decentralisation over the past half century have failed, as state capital cities
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Australian governments continue to search for a model capable of planning future urban settlements at an extended spatial scale (the mega-metropolitan region) to accommodate high population growth more sustainably. Attempts at decentralisation over the past half century have failed, as state capital cities continue to sprawl in an unsustainable manner and increase their primacy at the expense of regional cities. This paper examines how two technologies, broadband and fast rail—both infrastructures capable of re-shaping space–time relationships—could underpin a transition of Australia’s largest capital cities into megacity regions by functionally integrating regional cities into their core metropolitan agglomerations. With the Melbourne megacity region as a spatial framework, changes in population and economic development are examined for Melbourne and several regional cities in Victoria following the introduction of regional fast rail (RFR) and broadband. The impact of high-speed rail (HSR) for intercity corridors in southeast England is analysed as a possible analogue for future application in Victoria. The results revealed that RFR primarily served to extend capital city suburban development. Only HSR had the capacity to ‘punch through’ and boost growth for ‘basic’ new economy industries in ‘on-line’ urban centres in corridors linked to London. High-speed broadband proved most attractive to Melbourne’s agglomeration of high-skilled information workers. Lower speed broadband services were more uniformly taken up across all centres. This discussion speculates on the impacts of these and other green economy and digitalisation drivers on prospects for a future megacity region transition in Victoria.
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Open AccessArticle
Effectiveness of Company Value Creation Based on Excess Market Value-Added Assessment
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Jarosław Kaczmarek
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3711; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093711 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article aims to assess the usefulness of excess market value added to equity as an external measure of company value creation from the perspective of meeting shareholder expectations. This measure compares the expected value as an increase in stock exchange capitalisation in
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This article aims to assess the usefulness of excess market value added to equity as an external measure of company value creation from the perspective of meeting shareholder expectations. This measure compares the expected value as an increase in stock exchange capitalisation in relation to return on equity, equivalent to its cost, decreased by this capital, in relation to the actually achieved level of capitalisation. This paper investigates relations with other external and internal measures. This research is based on measuring value creation in WIG30 Warsaw Stock Exchange companies in 2017–2023. The assessment of the research results was based on mathematical statistics tools, the density measure and the taxonomic measure of similarity. The study tested four hypotheses. The results of this research showed that the excess measure does not distort market information and can be used to assess the effectiveness of shareholder value creation, taking into account shareholder expectations. Secondly, the paper pointed to an unsatisfactory level of value creation in WSE WIG30 companies. The negative assessment of value creation management refers both to effectiveness and efficiency. Thirdly, shareholders continue to use classical financial measures despite the existence of a wide spectrum of value measures. Fourthly, the paper points to the lack of theoretical equality between the market value added (an external measure) and capitalised economic value added (an internal measure). The presented research contributes to unbiased assessments of whether or not shareholder value is simultaneously created and realised in increased share prices (capitalisation) to a higher degree than shareholder expectations. Up to now, no such research studies have been conducted for Polish and foreign capital markets. The research methodology has practical applications in expectations-based management.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Finance and Business Administration in Sustainability)
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How Does the Spatial Structure of Urban Agglomerations Affect the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Population Aging?
by
Miao Fu, Lucang Wang and Qianguo Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3710; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093710 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
China has fully become an aging society, and the scientific response to population aging has become a major task that the country must face in the future. Research on population aging in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration (CCUA) can provide a scientific basis for
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China has fully become an aging society, and the scientific response to population aging has become a major task that the country must face in the future. Research on population aging in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration (CCUA) can provide a scientific basis for future population management in the CCUA. This paper applies spatial autocorrelation, geodetection, and other methods to analyze the temporal and spatial pattern of population aging and its driving factors in the CCUA from 2000 to 2020, taking districts (counties) as the basic unit and combining them with the spatial structure of the urban agglomeration. The results show that: ① in the time dimension, the population aging in CCUA has gone through the evolution process of “mild–moderate–heavy”; in the spatial dimension, the influence of the urban agglomeration’s development planning axes on the spatial differentiation of the aging population has become more and more prominent. ② The aging level has a strong spatial correlation, and with time, the spatial correlation has changed from weak to strong, and the spatial difference has increased. The dual core city shows a typical spatial pattern of a decreasing aging level in the core area and an increasing aging level in the peripheral area, and the heavily aging area is spreading along the axis. ③ The overall aging speed is high, and the aging speeds of the core cities and node cities are lower than those of other regions. There is a clearer positive correlation between the aging level and the speed of aging, showing the characteristic of “the older the faster”. ④ Endogenous factors such as the aging level and fertility level at the beginning of the period have a significant determining power on the change in the aging level, while exogenous factors such as the in-migration rate and the out-migration rate have a persistent determining power on the urban agglomerations and key areas (core cities, central cities, main axes of development, city belts, and dense urban areas).
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Social Space and Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Transforming Urban Environments: Understanding the Social Implications of Metrobus (MBS) Service Development in Lahore, Pakistan
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Ayesha Anwar, Hong Leng and Pir Noman Ahmad
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3709; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093709 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research investigates how the Lahore Metrobus system (MBS) influences perceptions of urban space quality through the lens of urban design and transport infrastructure. Lahore is undergoing significant urban changes with the introduction of a newly constructed mass transit system, which thus necessitates
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This research investigates how the Lahore Metrobus system (MBS) influences perceptions of urban space quality through the lens of urban design and transport infrastructure. Lahore is undergoing significant urban changes with the introduction of a newly constructed mass transit system, which thus necessitates a joint development strategy to preserve its cultural heritage. Recent evolutions in transport planning has heightened the interest in analyzing the way mobility factors affect the perceptions of a place’s quality. The gap in previous work lies in the limited focus on qualitative, human-centered perspectives regarding the impacts of public projects like the MBS on urban space quality. This study uniquely fills this void by examining the influence of the MBS on people’s lives and the quality of urban spaces. Comparing pre- and post-Metrobus scenarios, along with questionnaire surveys of riders and shopkeepers, exposes the neglect of the social image during design and construction. The system was implemented with a focus solely on hard, core infrastructure, thereby neglecting soft components such as area development, social and cultural value, and human-centered design. The government should unite transport agencies, stakeholders, and the public to craft a joint policy for enhancing revenue, ridership, and fostering transit-oriented development (TOD). Research findings will help in achieving social and cultural sustainability for upcoming transport lines in Pakistan, as well as directions for other developing nations looking to implement mass transit networks.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centered Design and Sustainability: Are They Compatible?)
Open AccessArticle
Tourist Tracking Techniques and Their Role in Destination Management: A Bibliometric Study, 2007–2023
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Yarlein Ivama Julio Guerrero and Francisco Teixeira Pinto Dias
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3708; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093708 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The tourism industry has recently undergone a significant evolution because of the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These changes have raised new conceptions of destinations, thus giving rise to smart destinations. In this context, digital tracking of tourists has become of
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The tourism industry has recently undergone a significant evolution because of the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These changes have raised new conceptions of destinations, thus giving rise to smart destinations. In this context, digital tracking of tourists has become of great interest. This article aims to analyze the research landscape on tourist tracking through a bibliometric study, which allows the evaluation of the performance of publications, recognition of the prominent SciVal topics, analysis of the evolution of the techniques, and recognition of their use as a tool that contributes to the development of smart destinations. Unlike prior studies in this area, in addition to the performance analysis of publications, this paper focuses only on empirical studies on tourist tracking, identifies the prominent SciVal topics, and analyzes the linkage thereof with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The bibliometric study was carried out based on articles on tourist tracking extracted from the Scopus database and published between 2007 and 2023. This research is mainly quantitative, based on research performance analysis (journals, authors, institutions, and countries) and science mapping (citation analysis, co-word analysis, co-authorship analysis). Results show the quality of the publications made in the 2007–2023 period and indicate that the most used techniques have been GPS devices, social media, and app-based GPS/GNSS. In addition, it was found that the evolution of the techniques occurred at the same time as the development of ICT and that the prominent SciVal topic that covers the largest number of publications is associated with destination management. It is concluded that the application of tourist tracking techniques contributes to the transformation of destinations into smart destinations, as they provide useful relevant information to tourism market stakeholders for the development of strategies that improve decision-making and allow for the sustainable management of destinations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies and Sustainable Development in Hospitality and Tourism)
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Open AccessArticle
Research on a New Soundscape Evaluation Method Suitable for Scenic Areas
by
Jing Liu, Ziyan Dan and Zengfeng Yan
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3707; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093707 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Existing studies have focused mainly on the environmental quality of scenic spots, such as sufficient oxygen content in the air and a high concentration of negative oxygen ions. The perceptions of soundscape in scenic areas are generally good, but there are few reports
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Existing studies have focused mainly on the environmental quality of scenic spots, such as sufficient oxygen content in the air and a high concentration of negative oxygen ions. The perceptions of soundscape in scenic areas are generally good, but there are few reports on the quantitative evaluation of soundscape quality in scenic areas. In this study, we analysed existing methods for evaluating the soundscape of a landscape, evaluated the soundscape comfort of scenic spots, analysed and refined the natural environmental factors affecting the soundscape, and proposed for the first time to use physical environmental indicators such as the air temperature difference, relative humidity, natural illuminance ratio and wind speed as environmental evaluation variables. A quantitative method was used to calculate the soundscape comfort index (SSI) of the landscape. The physical environmental indicators related to famous scenic spots in China, namely, Qingcheng mountain field testing and a subjective soundscape of tourist satisfaction survey, were used to calculate the corresponding soundscape comfort index values, and a quantitative analysis of soundscape comfort and differences in temperature, relative humidity, the illumination ratio, and the correlation between the equivalent sound level A was performed. The measured values of the temperature difference and light ratio were significantly correlated with the soundscape comfort index. The distribution of sound landscape comfort was given by a GIS map, and soundscape comfort was evaluated scientifically. The correlations between soundscape comfort and landscape patch number (PN), landscape patch density (PD), diversity index (Shannon), and landscape shape index (LSI) were quantitatively analysed, which confirmed that the perception of soundscape comfort was affected by landscape space to different degrees. This study has scientific significance and application value for the soundscape evaluation of scenic areas and has significance for soundscape evaluation and design strategies for urban landscapes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Noise Assessment and Analysis for a Sustainable Environment)
Open AccessArticle
Sustainable Time-Dependent Cheapest Path Problem with Integrated Collaborative Stakeholders’ Perspectives
by
Ivana Semanjski and Sidharta Gautama
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3706; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093706 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Sustainable Time-Dependent Cheapest Path Problem (STDCPP) entails locating a Hamiltonian path that covers all of the graph’s vertices at the lowest possible total sustainability cost. The issue is inspired by actual city logistics, where it is important to consider the opinions of
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The Sustainable Time-Dependent Cheapest Path Problem (STDCPP) entails locating a Hamiltonian path that covers all of the graph’s vertices at the lowest possible total sustainability cost. The issue is inspired by actual city logistics, where it is important to consider the opinions of diverse stakeholders in the light of sustainable urban mobility plans and service viability. To address this issue, this paper suggests a twofold contribution. First, we describe the Sustainable Time-Dependent Cheapest Path Problem and define the complex cost function, which, based on the multi-criteria decision-making approach, integrates the views of different stakeholders and sustainability elements into the route cost calculation. Second, we show that the modified problem satisfies the FIFO (First-In First-Out) property and demonstrate the applicability of the suggested approach on a real-life scenario where route sustainability is extracted from the traffic sign information system available in Flanders, Belgium.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)
Open AccessArticle
Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Sectoral Plans: An Assessment Based on the Logical Framework Approach
by
Antonio Ledda, Vittorio Serra, Maria Grazia Gavina Ruiu, Antonietta Bardi, Daniele Trogu, Elisabetta Anna Di Cesare and Andrea De Montis
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3705; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093705 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Although climate change adaptation (CCA) and spatial planning are relevant to promoting climate resilience, Italy shows a certain lack of studies focused on the coherence between national CCA objectives and sectoral plans. We aim to investigate such a research gap and propose and
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Although climate change adaptation (CCA) and spatial planning are relevant to promoting climate resilience, Italy shows a certain lack of studies focused on the coherence between national CCA objectives and sectoral plans. We aim to investigate such a research gap and propose and apply a logical framework approach (LFA)-based method to assess the coherence of sectoral plans adopted in Sardinia (Italy) with the missions of the Italian National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NCCAP). We apply LFA to analytically scrutinize sectoral plans by reconstructing their strategic framework—including objectives and actions—and comparing them to the CCA objectives established by the NCCAP. The purpose is to provide the regional administrations with a methodological approach and tangible findings, suggesting the need for updating plans lacking CCA contents and contributing to the drafting or updating of the regional strategy for CCA. The method adopted in this study allowed us to identify plan objectives and actions that fully or partially integrate NCCAP objectives. Then, plans partially (or not at all) consistent with the NCCAP can be integrated with CCA contents. This is relevant to promoting climate resilience issues in plans that have clear effects in terms of spatial, landscape, and urban planning, according to different governance levels.
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