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
Towards Sustainable Production: An Adaptive Intelligent Optimization Genetic Algorithm for Solid Wood Panel Manufacturing
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093785 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Optimizing production processes to conserve resources and reduce waste has become crucial in pursuing sustainable manufacturing practices. The solid wood panel industry, marked by substantial raw materials and energy consumption, stands at the forefront of addressing this challenge. This research delves into production
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Optimizing production processes to conserve resources and reduce waste has become crucial in pursuing sustainable manufacturing practices. The solid wood panel industry, marked by substantial raw materials and energy consumption, stands at the forefront of addressing this challenge. This research delves into production scheduling and equipment utilization inefficiencies, offering innovative solutions for the solid wood panel processing line aimed at achieving environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The study is articulated through two main segments: (1) an exhaustive analysis and the development of a simulation system for the solid wood panel processing line, delineating all production elements and operational logic, furnished with a user-friendly simulation interface, and (2) a comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of various scheduling algorithms specific to the Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSP) encountered in solid wood panel workshops. A significant leap forward is made with the introduction of the Adaptive Intelligent Optimization Genetic Algorithm (AIOGA), an evolved version of the standard Genetic Algorithm (GA) engineered for optimal scheduling within the solid wood panel processing line. AIOGA incorporates advanced features such as encoding strategy, population initialization, objective function setting, selection strategy, crossover operation, and mutation operation, demonstrating the methodological depth of the study. We applied AIOGA in a designed FJSP, and AIOGA substantially reduced the maximum completion time to 90 min. It evidenced an improvement of 39.60% over the conventional GA, enhancing the equilibrium of the equipment workload across the system. This research presents a multifaceted strategy to address the scheduling complications inherent in solid wood panel production and highlights the extensive applicability of adaptive intelligent optimization in diverse industrial settings. This study establishes a new paradigm in manufacturing optimization, underlining the valuable integration of sustainability and efficiency in production methodologies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Industrial Engineering: Innovation, Risk and Flexible Manufacturing 2nd Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Vegetation Analysis in the Archaeological Area of Pasargadae WHS (Iran) Enhancing the Naturalistic Value of the Site within the Occurring Environmental Changes
by
Giulio Zangari, Zohreh Hosseini and Giulia Caneva
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3784; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093784 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study provides pioneering research on the vegetation of archaeological areas in Iran to enhance its naturalistic and bioindication values by selecting the Pasargadae World Heritage Site (WHS). Vegetation surveys were carried out in different homogeneous habitats, analyzing the plant communities through statistical
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This study provides pioneering research on the vegetation of archaeological areas in Iran to enhance its naturalistic and bioindication values by selecting the Pasargadae World Heritage Site (WHS). Vegetation surveys were carried out in different homogeneous habitats, analyzing the plant communities through statistical elaboration, syntaxonomic role, mapping, and enhancement of plants with conservation interest. In an ecological approach, the study included an analysis of the recent climate changes and human interventions influencing the water resources. Results revealed seven main vegetation types reflecting ecological gradients shaped by environmental, edaphic, and anthropogenic factors. The syntaxonomic analysis showed a primary subdivision in semi-natural grasslands and synanthropic vegetation. Several key species were identified as bioindicators of multiple factors, such as: Launaea acanthodes, Stipa barbata, Alhagi maurorum, Bellevalia saviczii, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Convolvulus arvensis, and Hordeum murinum. The vegetation map showed how the hilly grassland communities hosted the highest number of species with conservation interest and their need to be better protected. Bio-climatic data, such as the construction of dams and the exploitation for irrigation purposes, pointed to the increasing xeric conditions, which make urging conservation efforts for the site’s historical and naturalistic values. The study underscores the importance of preserving places with high plant diversity for effective site management, and enhances the intricate relationship between vegetation and natural features in the occurring environmental changes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Climate Change and Application of Remote Sensing)
Open AccessArticle
Liaoning University ChopMelon Net Project: Innovative Research on Sustainable Education Based on Real Social Issues
by
Xianghui Tian, Jia Liu and Yanlin Tang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3781; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093781 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the ChopMelon Net online learning platform can contribute to the effectiveness of sustainable education by incorporating real social issues. The core innovation of ChopMelon Net is that it provides a learning environment that connects
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the ChopMelon Net online learning platform can contribute to the effectiveness of sustainable education by incorporating real social issues. The core innovation of ChopMelon Net is that it provides a learning environment that connects learners directly to real-world challenges and aims to enhance learners’ understanding of sustainable development theory. The study employed the technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of planned behavior (TPB), and knowledge–Behavior gap theory (KBGT) to design the questionnaires and semi-structured interviews in order to comprehensively assess the impact of ChopMelon Net on learners’ skill enhancement. The results showed that learners not only showed significant improvement in critical thinking and problem-solving skills after using ChopMelon Net, but also expressed a high level of satisfaction with the educational content and interactive experience provided by the platform. In addition, the study found that ChopMelon Net effectively promoted learners’ awareness of the importance of sustainable education and behavioral change through its innovative educational model, which provides important empirical support for future sustainable education practices and the design of online education platforms. This study highlights the importance and effectiveness of incorporating real social issues into the teaching and learning process, with far-reaching implications for sustainable innovation in education.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Education and Learning in the Context of the New Normal: Sustainable Development and the Path to Sustainability)
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Human Reliability Analysis for Fishing Vessels in Korea Using Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM)
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Donghun Lee, Hyungju Kim, Kwiyeon Koo and Sooyeon Kwon
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3780; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093780 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we introduce a model designed to predict human error probability (HEP) in the context of fishing boat operations utilizing the cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM). We conducted an analysis of potential accidents on fishing boats and calculated the
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In this paper, we introduce a model designed to predict human error probability (HEP) in the context of fishing boat operations utilizing the cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM). We conducted an analysis of potential accidents on fishing boats and calculated the cognitive failure probability (CFP) for each identified accident. The common performance conditions (CPCs) from the original CREAM were adapted to better reflect the conditions on fishing boats, with the adapted CPCs’ validity confirmed through expert consultations. To apply CREAM, data were gathered via a survey of fishermen, with the uncertainty in the collected data addressed through the application of fuzzy set theory (FST). We then established a Bayesian network (BN) model to elucidate the relationship between the fuzzy data and HEP, utilizing a weighted sum algorithm to determine conditional probabilities within the BN. Both basic and extended versions of CREAM were applied to analyze the most common accidents among fishermen, calculating the CFP for each type of accident. According to our analysis, the poorer the dynamic CPC, the higher the probability that a fall accident will occur inside the boat due to human error, necessitating a countermeasure. The paper proposes safety enhancements for small fishing boats and illustrates the increased precision of human reliability analysis (HRA) models in forecasting human error by incorporating quantitative methods. It calls for further data collection and refinement of the model for more accurate operational risk assessments.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Transportation: Risk Management and Accident Analysis)
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A Landscape Approach to Understanding Carbon Sequestration Assets at a State-Wide Scale for Sustainable Urban Planning
by
Siqi Lai, Le Zhang, Yijun Zeng and Brian Deal
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3779; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093779 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study presents a refined approach to spatially identify carbon sequestration assets, crucial for effective climate action planning in Illinois. By integrating landscape analytical methods with species-specific carbon assessment techniques, we deliver a nuanced evaluation of forest area sequestration potential. Our methodology employs
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This study presents a refined approach to spatially identify carbon sequestration assets, crucial for effective climate action planning in Illinois. By integrating landscape analytical methods with species-specific carbon assessment techniques, we deliver a nuanced evaluation of forest area sequestration potential. Our methodology employs a combination of landscape imagery, deep learning analytics, Kriging interpolation, and i-Tree Planting tools to process forest sample data. The results reveal a spatial variability in sequestration capacities, highlighting significant carbon sinks in southern Illinois. This region, known for its historical woodland richness, showcases the distinct carbon sequestration abilities of various tree species. Findings emphasize the role of biodiversity in the carbon cycle and provide actionable insights for forest management and carbon neutral strategies. This study demonstrates the utility of advanced spatial analysis in environmental research, underscoring its potential to enhance accuracy in ecological quantification and conservation efforts.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning Models and Effective Management Tools in Resilient Low-Carbon Cities: Issues, Methods and Innovations)
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Open AccessArticle
A Theoretical Framework to Promote LCA in the Construction Industry of Saudi Arabia
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M. Mobeen Shaukat, Muhammad Luqman, Muhammad Asif, S. Z. Shuja and Mohammed Qannan
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3778; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093778 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The building and construction sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), experiencing rapid growth, is in the early stages of embracing sustainability measures. In the years ahead, the booming building sector in business-as-usual scenarios may pose serious energy and environmental challenges for
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The building and construction sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), experiencing rapid growth, is in the early stages of embracing sustainability measures. In the years ahead, the booming building sector in business-as-usual scenarios may pose serious energy and environmental challenges for the Kingdom. This situation will require the Saudi building sector to adopt robust sustainability measures. Embedding life cycle assessment (LCA) as a standard practice can be a useful strategy for improving the energy and environmental footprint of buildings. This paper proposes a theoretical framework within which to promote LCA in the Saudi Arabian construction industry. This framework comprises three pillars: policy, social, and technical. The framework covers the role of the Saudi building sector’s stakeholders such as policy makers, building industry professionals, representatives of relevant governmental bodies, and academics. Adaptation of this LCA framework can help substantially improve the energy and environmental performance of buildings. The proposed LCA framework is aligned with the international as well as the Saudi government’s drive for sustainability in the building sector.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)
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Open AccessReview
Treasures of Italian Microbial Culture Collections: An Overview of Preserved Biological Resources, Offered Services and Know-How, and Management
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Marino Moretti, Jacopo Tartaglia, Gian Paolo Accotto, Maria Serena Beato, Valentina Bernini, Annamaria Bevivino, Maria Beatrice Boniotti, Marilena Budroni, Pietro Buzzini, Stefania Carrara, Federica Cerino, Clementina Elvezia Cocuzza, Roberta Comunian, Sofia Cosentino, Antonio d‘Acierno, Paola De Dea, Laura Garzoli, Maria Gullo, Silvia Lampis, Antonio Moretti, Alda Natale, Giancarlo Perrone, Anna Maria Persiani, Iolanda Perugini, Monica Pitti, Annarita Poli, Antonino Pollio, Anna Reale, Annamaria Ricciardi, Cristiana Sbrana, Laura Selbmann, Luca Settanni, Solveig Tosi, Benedetta Turchetti, Paola Visconti, Mirca Zotti and Giovanna Cristina Vareseadd
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Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093777 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Microorganisms, microbiomes, and their products (e.g., enzymes, metabolites, antibiotics, etc.) are key players in the functioning of both natural and anthropized Earth ecosystems; they can be exploited for both research purposes and biotechnological applications, including fighting the big challenges of our era, such
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Microorganisms, microbiomes, and their products (e.g., enzymes, metabolites, antibiotics, etc.) are key players in the functioning of both natural and anthropized Earth ecosystems; they can be exploited for both research purposes and biotechnological applications, including fighting the big challenges of our era, such as climate change. Culture collections (CCs) and microbial Biological Resource Centres (mBRCs) are repositories of microorganisms that investigate and safeguard biodiversity and facilitate the scientific and industrial communities’ access to microbial strains and related know-how by providing external users with skills and services. Considering this, CCs and mBRCs are pivotal institutions for the valorisation of microorganisms, the safeguarding of life, and the fostering of excellent bioscience. The aim of this review is to present the state-of-the-art of Italian CCs and mBRCs, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. Italy is, indeed, a hotspot of microbial biodiversity with a high rate of endemism and incredible potential, not only for the food and beverage sector (i.e., “Made in Italy” products), where microorganisms can have a beneficial or a spoiling function, but also to guarantee environmental sustainability and foster the bioeconomy through the design of new bioprocesses and products. However, weaknesses, such as the lack of management rules in accordance with international quality standards, are also analysed and ways of overcoming them are discussed. In this context, an overview is given of the Joint Research Unit MIRRI-IT and the European-funded SUS-MIRRI.IT project, which aims to improve the management and sustainability of Italian microbial collections, and serves as a starting point for an innovative revolution in the context of CCs and mBRCs worldwide.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Mediterranean Biodiversity)
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Analysis of the Coupling Coordination between the Ecosystem Service Value and Urbanization in the Circum-Bohai-Sea Region and Its Obstacle Factors
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Wensheng Yu and Wei Yu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093776 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
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In light of the tremendous pressure for improving urbanization levels and expanding construction land on ecosystems, regional sustainable development is premised on the coordinated development of the ecological environment and urbanization. This paper focuses on the Circum-Bohai-Sea Region and assesses the ecosystem service
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In light of the tremendous pressure for improving urbanization levels and expanding construction land on ecosystems, regional sustainable development is premised on the coordinated development of the ecological environment and urbanization. This paper focuses on the Circum-Bohai-Sea Region and assesses the ecosystem service value (ESV) and urbanization level using the equivalence factor and entropy-weighted TOPSIS methods. Based on these assessments, it examines the coupling coordination between the ESV and urbanization as well as the obstacles to this coordination, utilizing the coupling coordination degree model, spatial autocorrelation model, and obstacle model. The results revealed several key findings. First, the Circum-Bohai-Sea Region experienced a continuous improvement in the urbanization level from 2005 to 2020, which presented a “center–periphery” spatial pattern. Overall, the ESV exhibited an N-shaped trend, namely, initially increasing, then decreasing, and then rapidly increasing. The ESV per unit of area exhibited a spatial difference, with the boundary of Baoding and Cangzhou as the dividing line. The ESV per unit of area in the northern parts was higher than that in the southern parts. Second, the degree of the coupling coordination between the ESV and urbanization exhibited an inverted U-shaped trend, initially increasing and then slightly decreasing. It also exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, with the degree of the coupling coordination in the northern parts being higher than that in the southern parts and that in the central parts being higher than those in the eastern and western parts. Additionally, the ESV showed a significant spatially positive correlation with urbanization. H-H clusters were predominantly found in central and southern Liaoning Province, while L-L clusters were primarily located in southern Hebei Province and western Shandong Province. Third, the obstacle factors remained stable during the study period. The top five obstacles in the ESV system were the water resource supply, nutrient cycling maintenance, raw material production, aesthetic landscape, and food production. Moreover, the top five obstacles in the urbanization system were the number of college students per 10,000 people, population density, number of health technical personnel per 10,000 people, per capita road area, and proportion of secondary and tertiary industry output values.
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Development of YOLOv8 and Segment Anything Model Algorithm-Based Hanok Object Detection Model for Sustainable Maintenance of Hanok Architecture
by
Byeong-Uk Shin
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3775; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093775 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
A Hanok refers to a traditional Korean architectural structure. Construction structures undergo gradual, rather than instantaneous, transformations due to material degradation and deterioration in joint durability. Moreover, the detection of a structural problem by a nonexpert has severe implications for the safety of
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A Hanok refers to a traditional Korean architectural structure. Construction structures undergo gradual, rather than instantaneous, transformations due to material degradation and deterioration in joint durability. Moreover, the detection of a structural problem by a nonexpert has severe implications for the safety of the structure. In particular, the precise effects of natural disasters, including storms, earthquakes, heavy snowfall, and structural defects, on structures are hard to determine. Additionally, manuals are limited by their reliance on quantitative assessments, which can pose difficulties for nonspecialists when it comes to recording numerical data. To solve this problem, 3D scanners have been widely employed in evaluating Hanoks, particularly those assigned as cultural heritage by the government. While those assigned as cultural heritage assets are systematically managed by experts and through budgets, the management system for Hanoks inhabited by the public has been overlooked. To fill this gap, this study focused on digital devices that are accessible to nonexperts as replacements for professional 3D scanners. Specifically, data from photos of a Hanok taken with smartphones were extracted to generate objective numerical data. AI training data for Hanoks were used to train the YOLOv8 algorithm and Segment Anything Model (SAM). The leaning values of columns, which constitute a fundamental structural component of a Hanok, were calculated using photographs that precisely captured the columns. The direction and distance of the column’s movement were extracted for visualization. To ensure the reliability of these values, the Hanok under investigation was 3D-scanned. Comparing the numerical values revealed a negligible margin of error, which confirmed the reliability of the photographic data values. Five-tier safety states (good, observation, caution, danger, and very dangerous) were defined based on the column movement distance by analyzing the real measurement data of government-managed Hanoks and used to visualize the structural condition of Hanoks. Therefore, nonexperts can determine the structural safety of a Hanok using objective numerical data, even in situations where its progressive deformation is not readily apparent. Objective numerical analysis based on reliably collected data allows nonexperts to accurately diagnose structural safety, thus facilitating prompt and suitable actions. The results of this study can serve to enhance the stability and longevity of Hanok structures, thus facilitating sustainable maintenance and management.
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(This article belongs to the Section Green Building)
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Public Green Space Injustice in High-Density Post-Colonial Areas: A Case Study of the Macau Peninsula, China
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Xiaoli Sun and Ziyi Liu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3774; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093774 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
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Public green spaces (PGSs) play a positive role in urban social sustainability and solidarity, as all urban dwellers can access them without discrimination or restrictions, but urbanization usually leads to an extreme shortage of PGSs and thus it becomes an important spatial resource
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Public green spaces (PGSs) play a positive role in urban social sustainability and solidarity, as all urban dwellers can access them without discrimination or restrictions, but urbanization usually leads to an extreme shortage of PGSs and thus it becomes an important spatial resource that is competed for by different groups, especially migrant populations. Taking the Macau Peninsula as an example, this study employed a hybrid analysis approach, including the spatial Gini coefficient, spatial share index and spatial quality assessment, to look at the PGS injustice in high-density post-colonial areas. The results showed that (1) there is a “spatial mismatch” in the Peninsula’s PGS; (2) significant PGS service differences have been found between the colonial group (Portuguese) and immigrant group (Southeast Asian); and (3) a comparative analysis of the changes in the equity of PGSs over the past 40 years reveals that the PGS tends to be equitable overall, but the differences between groups have gradually increased. PGS injustice mainly depends on the spatial production mechanism during the colonial period of Macau and the spatial selection and limitation of groups due to differential social integration. Based on this, this work proposes recommendations for the planning and construction of PGS in terms of urban renewal and social sustainability, as well as new reclamation areas, in Macau. This study broadens the field and helps to improve the PGS inequality in high-density post-colonial areas, aiding regional sustainable development.
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Open AccessArticle
Ownership Structure and Financial Sustainability of Saudi Listed Firms
by
Mohammed Naif Alshareef
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3773; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093773 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research assesses the impact of ownership structure on financial sustainability. Panel data from 102 Saudi non-financial listed firms covering 2013 to 2022 were analysed using OLS and fixed effects methods. Further, the GMM was employed to check for robustness. The research outcomes
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This research assesses the impact of ownership structure on financial sustainability. Panel data from 102 Saudi non-financial listed firms covering 2013 to 2022 were analysed using OLS and fixed effects methods. Further, the GMM was employed to check for robustness. The research outcomes reveal the strong and positive effects of institutional ownership and family shareholding on financial sustainability. This positive impact implies that robust and stringent monitoring of family shareholding and institutional investors may neutralise managerial entrenchment, reduce agency costs and pave the way for financial sustainability. However, government ownership appears insignificant, while managerial ownership exerts a strong negative influence on financial sustainability. The negative effect suggests that managerial shareholding may be counterproductive to organisational efficiency. Importantly, the outcomes look consistent using several econometric models. Therefore, the research findings may further shape policymakers’ understanding of how the diverse monitoring strategies of ownership structure influence financial sustainability. Also, the results may serve as an incentive for managers and standard setters to support firms in embracing institutional and family shareholding. The presence of these shareholders may minimise agency conflicts and maximise firm value for sustainable profitability.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Governance, Performance and Sustainable Growth)
Open AccessReview
Closing the Loop: Exploring Food Waste Management in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Chedli Baya Chatti, Tarek Ben Hassen and Hamid El Bilali
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3772; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093772 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global food waste patterns through unanticipated shifts in composition and quantities. This review explores the impacts of COVID-19 on food waste generation and management approaches in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region during the recovery phase. This
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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global food waste patterns through unanticipated shifts in composition and quantities. This review explores the impacts of COVID-19 on food waste generation and management approaches in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region during the recovery phase. This paper comprehensively explores food loss and waste in the NENA region. It presents a detailed analysis of pandemic-induced changes in household food waste behaviors, analyses the integration of circular economy principles in recovery strategies and policy implications, and outlines potential avenues for future research in this critical area. The key findings are threefold: First, this study reaffirms that food waste is a critical challenge in NENA, contributing to food insecurity, water scarcity, and environmental issues. Second, the pandemic catalyzed a dichotomy in consumer behaviors—panic buying initially increased waste, while hardship measures later encouraged sustainable waste reduction practices like meal planning and leftover use. Third, adopting a circular economy approach holds potential, yet its implementation remains limited in terms of curbing food waste and promoting sustainability in NENA. Overall, while the pandemic accentuated the urgency of tackling food waste, it also stimulated innovative policy thinking and strategic planning for building more resilient food systems. This paper concludes that leveraging pandemic-driven sustainability mindsets while addressing systemic drivers of waste will be key to mitigating food waste and its impacts moving forward. This paper offers timely insights into the evolving food waste management landscape in NENA, underscoring the need for integrated policies to navigate post-pandemic recovery effectively.
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(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)
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Developing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System for Performance Evaluation of Pavement Construction Projects
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Okan Sirin, Murat Gunduz and Hazem M. Al Nawaiseh
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3771; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093771 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
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This study employs an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to identify critical success factors (CSFs) crucial for the success of pavement construction projects. Challenges such as construction cost delays, budget overruns, disputes, claims, and productivity losses underscore the need for effective project management
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This study employs an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to identify critical success factors (CSFs) crucial for the success of pavement construction projects. Challenges such as construction cost delays, budget overruns, disputes, claims, and productivity losses underscore the need for effective project management in pavement projects. In contemporary construction management, additional performance criteria play a vital role in influencing the performance and success of pavement projects during construction operations. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by comprehensively identifying a multidimensional set of critical success performance factors that impact pavement and utility project management. A rigorous literature review and consultations with pavement experts identified sixty CSFs, categorized into seven groups. The relative importance of each element and group is determined through the input of 287 pavement construction specialists who participated in an online questionnaire. Subsequently, the collected data undergo thorough checks for normality, dependability, and independence before undergoing analysis using the relative importance index (RII). An ANFIS is developed to quantitatively model critical success factors and assess the implementation performance of construction operations management (COM) in the construction industry, considering aspects such as clustering input/output datasets, fuzziness degree, and optimizing five Gaussian membership functions. The study confirms the significance of three primary CSFs (financial, bureaucratic, and governmental) and communication-related variables through a qualitative structural and behavioral validation process, specifically k-fold cross-validation. The outcomes of this research hold practical implications for the management and assessment of overall performance indices in pavement construction projects. The ANFIS model, validated through robust testing methodologies, provides a valuable tool for industry professionals seeking to enhance the success and efficiency of pavement construction endeavors.
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Open AccessReview
Neonicotinoid Effects on Soil Microorganisms: Responses and Mitigation Strategies
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Gabriela Briceño, Maria Cristina Diez, Graciela Palma, Milko Jorquera, Heidi Schalchli, Juliana María Saez and Claudia Susana Benimeli
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093769 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Pesticides play a critical role in pest management and agricultural productivity; however, their misuse or overuse can lead to adverse effects on human health and the environment, including impacts on ecosystems and contamination. Currently, neonicotinoids (NNIs) are the most widely used systemic insecticides
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Pesticides play a critical role in pest management and agricultural productivity; however, their misuse or overuse can lead to adverse effects on human health and the environment, including impacts on ecosystems and contamination. Currently, neonicotinoids (NNIs) are the most widely used systemic insecticides and are questioned worldwide for their possible impacts on pollinators. After NNI application, a substantial portion is not absorbed by the plant and may accumulate in the soil, affecting the soil microbial community. In this review, we explore the main studies carried out either in the laboratory or in the field about this matter. The studies report that the application of NNIs affects soil microbial activity and can act on microbial communities differently due to their unique chemical properties, degradation in soil, soil type, effects on soil properties, and methods of application. NNIs alter the diversity, structure, and abundance of soil microbes, in some cases increasing or decreasing their representativeness in soil. Bacterial phyla like Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, Actinomycetota, and Nitrospirota increase after NNI exposure, just like the families Nitrosomonadaceae, Nitrososphaeraceae, Nitrospiraceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Streptomycetaceae, and Catenulisporaceae. At the bacterial genus level, Nitrospira was associated with a decrease in nitrification processes in soil. The bacterial genera Sphingomonas, Streptomyces, Catenulispora, Brevundimonas, Pedobacter, and Hydrogenophaga are related to NNI degradation after application. Microorganisms could minimize the impacts of NNIs in agricultural soil. Therefore, the use of bioinoculation as a bioremediation tool is explored as an alternative to contribute to agricultural sustainability.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)
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Potential Impact of Sustainable Business Practices: Brand Equity in Fast Food and Millennials’ Purchase Intentions
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María de los Ángeles Guzmán Valle, Marco Agustín Arbulú Ballesteros, César Augusto Guzmán Valle, Jose Carlos Montes Ninaquispe, Alberto Luis Pantaleón Santa María, Stephanie Virginia Ruiz Chacón, Milagros Lamadrid Aldana and William Teófilo Castro Muñoz
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3768; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093768 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
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This study was carried out because we live in a world of constant change and high competition, where local fast-food brands in Chiclayo do not have an adequate position in the consumer’s mind compared to international franchises established in our town. The general
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This study was carried out because we live in a world of constant change and high competition, where local fast-food brands in Chiclayo do not have an adequate position in the consumer’s mind compared to international franchises established in our town. The general objective was to determine the influence of brand equity on the purchase intention for local fast-food brands among Chiclayo millennials. The model proposed includes the constructs of brand equity in various category of food products. This document is intended to contribute to society and the scientific community by providing strategic support to brand owners who work with this approach and individual managers. A quantitative approach was used, with a basic type, explanatory level, and non-experimental cross-sectional design, using Cronbach’s alpha for reliability of the instrument and validity by expert judgment. Customers of local fast-food brands comprised the sample, with a total of 385 people surveyed independent of gender. SPSS v.27 and Microsoft Excel 2019 were used for simple random sampling. It was concluded that millennial consumers have regular brand equity and purchase intention for local fast-food brands, emphasizing that the knowledge dimension does not significantly influence purchase intention.
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Open AccessArticle
An Assessment of Accessibility from a Socially Sustainable Urban Mobility Approach in Mass Transit Projects: Contributions from the Northern Central American Triangle
by
Carlos Ernesto Grande-Ayala
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3766; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093766 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article aims to address the lack of research on the social dimension of sustainability, also known as social sustainability, in urban mobility projects, primarily in cities of the Global South. It proposes a strategy to partially assess social sustainability, focusing on accessibility,
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This article aims to address the lack of research on the social dimension of sustainability, also known as social sustainability, in urban mobility projects, primarily in cities of the Global South. It proposes a strategy to partially assess social sustainability, focusing on accessibility, which is one of the key dimensions for conducting such an evaluation. To this end, a comparative analysis of three study cases is conducted in the capital cities of the Northern Central American Triangle (NCAT) before and after the construction of bus rapid transit (BRT) projects between 2000 and 2020. Accessibility is evaluated through equity and spatial efficiency indicators obtained through geographical information system (GIS) modeling, including layers representing transportation networks, populated areas, and locations of basic urban facilities. The result is an unprecedented assessment of accessibility in the NCAT capitals, which shows how the Guatemala City BRT project has improved the city’s social sustainability by reducing access times to basic urban facilities, mainly public health clinics and educational facilities, and narrowing the inequality gap as compared to projects in San Salvador and Tegucigalpa, the other capital cities in the NCAT. Additionally, it is emphasized that this methodology can be replicated in the Global South while considering the scarcity of information and the use of open-source software in the process.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Biophilic Cities and Communities: Towards Natural Resources, Environmental and Social Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Leveraging Technology Enhancement: The Well-Being Emotional Intelligence, Security Keys to the University Students’ Readiness in Digital Learning Ecosystem
by
Heru Susanto, Desi Setiana, Norainna Besar, Muhamad Najib Ali, Alifya Kayla Shafa Susanto, Rozaidin Seruddin and Fahmi Ibrahim
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3765; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093765 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
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The principle of the digital learning ecosystem is the application of the educational process through digital learning environment platforms that help users learn more effectively. Educational institutions, teachers and students must evolve to adapt and be ready for the new world of learning.
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The principle of the digital learning ecosystem is the application of the educational process through digital learning environment platforms that help users learn more effectively. Educational institutions, teachers and students must evolve to adapt and be ready for the new world of learning. The individual’s emotional quality can influence their readiness in the digital learning ecosystem. This study aimed to examine whether there is a significant relationship between students’ readiness in the digital learning ecosystem and their emotional intelligence levels. This study utilized a correlational research method and multiple linear regression analysis. For data collection, the primary tools used were Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale-Short Form (TEIS-SF) and the Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS). The questionnaires were administered to 103 students enrolled in seven different higher institutions in Brunei. The results of the research showed that there was a link between students’ online learning readiness levels and their emotional intelligence levels. This study found that students with a high well-being sub-dimension of emotional intelligence had high online learning readiness levels.
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Open AccessArticle
The Moderating Effect of ESG Level in the Relationship between Digital Transformation Capability and Financial Performance: Evidence from Foreign Subsidiaries of Korean Firms
by
Ga-Rog Han and Jae-Eun Lee
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3764; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093764 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study empirically analyzed the effect of digital transformation capability on the financial performance of foreign subsidiaries of Korean listed firms, focusing on the moderating effect of the ESG level. The results of an empirical analysis on data from 483 foreign subsidiaries of
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This study empirically analyzed the effect of digital transformation capability on the financial performance of foreign subsidiaries of Korean listed firms, focusing on the moderating effect of the ESG level. The results of an empirical analysis on data from 483 foreign subsidiaries of Korean listed firms collected through surveys from February to May 2021 are as follows. First, it was found that digital transformation capability had a positive effect on financial performance. Second, as a result of analyzing the moderating effect of the ESG level, it was found that the environmental (E) level and the social (S) level in ESG strengthened the positive relationship between digital transformation capability and financial performance. However, it was found that the level of governance (G) in ESG rather weakens the positive relationship between digital transformation capability and financial performance. The results of this study suggest that foreign subsidiaries need to actively build digital transformation capability in order to improve their financial performance. Since the results of this study suggest different moderating effects of ESG, practical implications can be suggested that foreign subsidiaries should consider the fact that different effects may occur for each ESG activity if they want to improve their financial performance through digital transformation capability.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Innovation for a Sustainable Future)
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Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of an Innovative Additive Manufacturing Technique for Onboard Maintenance
by
Ioannis Falkonakis, Saeid Lotfian and Baran Yeter
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3763; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093763 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Access to spare parts in the maritime industry is limited throughout most of a ship’s life cycle. The limitation is caused by both the geographical distance of vessels from suppliers and the often limited turnaround time during which parts can be delivered. Manufacturing
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Access to spare parts in the maritime industry is limited throughout most of a ship’s life cycle. The limitation is caused by both the geographical distance of vessels from suppliers and the often limited turnaround time during which parts can be delivered. Manufacturing some parts onboard is possible, but it is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. Advanced manufacturing techniques could be used to improve access to spare parts at sea by combining the desirable materials properties and flexibility of Direct Energy Deposition (DED) and the higher dimensional tolerances of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing. The present study assesses the comparative viability of onboard implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques for offshore assets as a capital investment in different modes against an option of no onboard advanced manufacturing using a multi-criteria decision analysis method. To this end, a Technique to Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is employed considering the techno-economic and environmental aspects of the decision-making process as well as the inherent challenges that come with a new area of research. Finally, the challenges, opportunities, and pathways to onboard maintenance using additive manufacturing are discussed within the scope of the sustainable future for ship and offshore energy assets.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Transportation)
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The Path from Green Innovation to Supply Chain Resilience: Do Structural and Dynamic Supply Chain Complexity Matter?
by
Aisha Issa, Amir Khadem, Ahmad Alzubi and Ayşen Berberoğlu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3762; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093762 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
At the heart of supply chain innovation lies the challenge of complexity, a pivotal force shaping the pathways to resilience and sustainable success in today’s business environment. Drawing from the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and contingency theories, this study examines the impact of
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At the heart of supply chain innovation lies the challenge of complexity, a pivotal force shaping the pathways to resilience and sustainable success in today’s business environment. Drawing from the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and contingency theories, this study examines the impact of green innovation strategies on supply chain resilience through the mediation role of green logistics management practices and the moderation effects of dynamic and structural supply chain complexity. Leveraging a quantitative approach, this study surveyed 404 managers from manufacturing firms in Turkey using a combination of physical and electronic questionnaires. Our analysis robustly supports the interconnected roles of green innovation strategy and logistics management practices in bolstering supply chain resilience. A green innovation strategy significantly enhances green logistics management practices and supply chain resilience. Further, green logistics practices contribute positively to supply chain resilience, acting as a crucial mediator in translating green innovation strategies into heightened supply chain resilience. Additionally, the effectiveness of green innovation strategies in improving green logistics management practices is amplified in less structurally complex supply chains. In contrast, the impact of green logistics practices on supply chain resilience becomes more pronounced in environments with lower dynamic complexity, highlighting the nuanced influence of supply chain complexity on sustainability efforts. The study’s findings contribute a novel perspective to the sustainability discourse, emphasizing complexity’s nuanced role as a determinant of supply chain resilience.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Innovation: The Power Source of Enterprise Sustainable Development)
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