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Sustainability

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3.3 Journals Sustainability

Riverine Plastic Pollution: Combining Citizen Science, Remote Sensing and Water Quality Monitoring Techniques 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 20 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024). 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 and Merits. Impact Factor: 3.3 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.6 (2023) subject Imprint Information get_app Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2071-1050 Latest Articles 15 pages, 2439 KiB Open AccessReview Biology, Ecology, Impacts and Management of the Invasive Weed, Blue Heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule Vahl)—A Review by Jason Roberts, Arslan Masood Peerzada and Ali Ahsan Bajwa Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5923; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145923 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Blue heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule Vahl) is an extremely drought-hardy perennial weed that is often problematic within agricultural production systems and natural environments in some parts of the world. It has the capacity to outcompete and displace desirable plant species and it contains [...] Read more. Blue heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule Vahl) is an extremely drought-hardy perennial weed that is often problematic within agricultural production systems and natural environments in some parts of the world. It has the capacity to outcompete and displace desirable plant species and it contains various biochemical compounds that are toxic to grazing livestock and humans. Heliotropium amplexicaule plants can grow within a range of climatic and environmental conditions and produce seeds that remain dormant for several years within the soil which exhibit staggered emergence long after the original parent plants have expired. While control options, including biological, chemical, cultural, and physical methods, are available, many are not suitable as a single-use approach for the long-term management of this species. Therefore, an integrated weed management (IWM) program is necessary for the confident and long-term management of H. amplexicaule, particularly within dryland ecosystems. This review explores the biology, ecology, distribution, and suitable management options currently available for H. amplexicaule, while identifying research gaps that can be addressed to assist in its future management. While particular emphasis is placed on the Australian experience, information from a global perspective is included, providing valuable insights for the long-term management of H. amplexicaule worldwide. Full article (This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture) ►▼ Show Figures

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21 pages, 35247 KiB Open AccessArticle Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Simulation of Land Use and Ecosystem Service Value Assessment in Agro-Pastoral Ecotone, China by Longlong Liu, Shengwang Bao, Maochun Han, Hongmei Li, Yingshuang Hu and Lixue Zhang Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5922; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145922 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract In the past, during development processes, major ecological and environmental problems have occurred in the agro-pastoral ecotone of China, which have had a strong impact on regional sustainable development. As such, analyzing the evolution of the regional ecosystem service value (ESV) and predicting [...] Read more. In the past, during development processes, major ecological and environmental problems have occurred in the agro-pastoral ecotone of China, which have had a strong impact on regional sustainable development. As such, analyzing the evolution of the regional ecosystem service value (ESV) and predicting the futural spatio-temporal evolution under different development scenarios will provide a scientific basis for further sustainable development. This research analyzed the regional land use and land cover change (LUCC) from 2000 to 2020, adopted the Mark-PLUS model to construct different scenarios (prioritizing grassland development, PDG; prioritizing cropland development, PCD; business as usual, BAU), and simulated the future LUCC. The driving factors influencing each land use type were revealed using the PLUS model. Based on the LUCC data, the spatio-temporal distribution of the regional ESV was calculated via the ESV equivalent factor method, including four primary services (supply service, adjustment service, support service, and cultural service) and eleven secondary services (water resource supply, maintaining nutrient circulation, raw material production, aesthetic landscape, food production, environmental purification, soil conservation, maintaining biodiversity, gas regulation, climate regulation, and hydrologic regulation). The results showed that the total ESV increased first and then declined from 2000 to 2020, reaching the highest value of CNY 8207.99 million in 2005. In the different future scenarios, the ESV shows a trend of PGD (CNY 8338.79 million) > BAU (CNY 8194.82 million) > PCD (CNY 8131.10 million). The global Moran index also follows this distribution. Additionally, precipitation (18%), NDVI (16%), and DEM (16%) are the most important factors in the regional LUCC. The spatial agglomeration characteristics of ESV were revealed using the global Moran’s index and local indicators of spatial auto-correlation, which show a high coordination degree between the high–high cluster areas and water areas. These results point out the key points in the next step of ecological restoration projects and help with achieving the sustainable development goals more effectively. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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25 pages, 830 KiB Open AccessArticle Innovation Business Model: Adoption of Blockchain Technology and Big Data Analytics by Khaled Naser Yousef Magableh, Selvi Kannan and Aladeen Yousef Rashid Hmoud Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5921; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145921 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Blockchain technology (BC) and big data analytics capability (BDAC) are two crucial emerging technologies that have attracted significant attention from businesses and academia. However, their combined effect on business model innovation (BMI), along with the moderating role of environmental uncertainty and the mediating [...] Read more. Blockchain technology (BC) and big data analytics capability (BDAC) are two crucial emerging technologies that have attracted significant attention from businesses and academia. However, their combined effect on business model innovation (BMI), along with the moderating role of environmental uncertainty and the mediating influence of corporate entrepreneurship, remains underexplored. To fill this gap, the present study investigates the combined effects of BDAC and blockchain adoption on BMI and explores the mediating role of corporate entrepreneurship as well as the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty. Drawing on the dynamic capability view (DCV) and the related literature, this study investigates these relationships using a conceptual framework hypothesising that (1) BDAC and blockchain adoption affect BMI through corporate entrepreneurship and (2) environmental uncertainty moderates these relationships. Consistent with the main theoretical arguments, our results, based on a sample of 284 employees working in Australian firms, indicate direct and indirect impacts of both BDAC and blockchain adoption on BMI. Corporate entrepreneurship was found to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between the two technologies, while BMI and environmental uncertainty were found to be significant moderators. These findings have significant theoretical and practical implications for companies striving to innovate their BMI. The results suggest that the synergistic effects of BDAC and blockchain technologies together create entrepreneurial activities and strategies to generate value, thus enabling BMI. Furthermore, the mediating role of corporate entrepreneurship and the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty have important theoretical implications for innovative BMI and management. As such, this study highlights the potential of BDAC and blockchain technologies to drive sustainable business practices, offering insights into how these technologies can contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability through innovative business models. Full article (This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management) ►▼ Show Figures

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9 pages, 618 KiB Open AccessCommunication Olfactory Repellents in Road Ecology: What We Know and What to Focus on in the Future by Zdeněk Keken, Lenka Wimmerová, Olga Šolcová, Tomáš Kušta and Petra Dvořáková Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5920; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145920 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Road transport systems kill millions of animals on every inhabited continent each year, and thousands of human lives are lost. Odour repellents (ORE) are a WVC mitigation measure which have been extensively applied across central Europe to prevent or minimise the number of [...] Read more. Road transport systems kill millions of animals on every inhabited continent each year, and thousands of human lives are lost. Odour repellents (ORE) are a WVC mitigation measure which have been extensively applied across central Europe to prevent or minimise the number of ungulate–vehicle collisions (UVCs). OREs aim to increase the vigilance of ungulates near roads and therefore change their behaviour in areas where vehicle collisions may occur. Despite many scientific papers on the topic of odour repellent effectiveness, a lack of behavioural studies means there is still little understanding of the mechanism of ORE functionality. OREs are applied as an area repellent, so their effectiveness is influenced by multiple factors, and constantly discussed by both academics and the lay public. This paper summarises the state of knowledge about application and effectiveness of odour repellents in road ecology, and suggests research questions to fill information gaps. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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29 pages, 1507 KiB Open AccessArticle Can Participation in the Green Standard-Setting Process Promote Green Innovation in Heavy-Pollution Firms? Evidence from China by Chengzhi Niu, Hong He, Yunfei Qi and Shoujie Wang Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5919; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145919 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract This study utilizes unique green standard-setting data from the Chinese government to examine the causal effect of heavy-pollution firms’ participation in the process of setting green standards for green innovation. Our research has the following key findings: (1) High-pollution companies engaging in the [...] Read more. This study utilizes unique green standard-setting data from the Chinese government to examine the causal effect of heavy-pollution firms’ participation in the process of setting green standards for green innovation. Our research has the following key findings: (1) High-pollution companies engaging in the green standard process have a markedly positive impact on their environmental innovation. Our conclusions hold across multiple rigorous evaluations, including firm fixed effects, instrumental variable methods, placebo analyses, and propensity score-matching techniques. (2) Through our mechanism analysis, we discovered that engaging in the green standard-setting process leads to the creation of a knowledge-sharing network. Within this network, participating in the green standard-setting process effectively enhances green innovation among heavily polluting firms through the knowledge diffusion and enhanced collaboration processes among the participants. (3) In our further analysis, we observed that the positive effect is more significant in companies led by managers with stronger green perceptions and in areas with stricter environmental regulations. Moreover, we demonstrated that involvement in the green standard-setting process can boost the reputation of firms with significant pollution levels. Our study could significantly contribute to the current body of knowledge on the effects of green standardization and the factors driving corporate green innovation. It may also offer additional insights into the implementation of sustainable development practices in emerging economies. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Innovation: The Power Source of Enterprise Sustainable Development) ►▼ Show Figures

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29 pages, 749 KiB Open AccessArticle Bridging Environmental Sustainability and Organizational Performance: The Role of Green Supply Chain Management in the Manufacturing Industry by Tao Feng, Md Qamruzzaman, Syeda Samira Sharmin and Salma Karim Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5918; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145918 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract This study aims to explore the complex connection between green supply chain Management (GSCM) practices, relational efficiency, Job satisfaction, and operational efficiency, as well as the overall organizational performance of manufacturing companies. Utilizing a qualitative model as the basis of our study is [...] Read more. This study aims to explore the complex connection between green supply chain Management (GSCM) practices, relational efficiency, Job satisfaction, and operational efficiency, as well as the overall organizational performance of manufacturing companies. Utilizing a qualitative model as the basis of our study is essential for navigating this terrain. The present study used carefully designed questionnaires for collecting responses from operational-level managers and applied structural equation modeling (SEM) for inferential analysis, offering a detailed insight into the variables affecting organizational performance in GSCM. This study revealed a significant finding about the role of GSCM practices in connecting business performance and environmental responsibility, highlighting the vital link between sustainable business practices and organizational success. Manufacturing companies should acknowledge and manage the intricate relationship between internal and external aspects of GSCM to achieve smooth operational integration while reducing environmental impact. Our study emphasizes the importance of comprehensively analyzing the connection between GSCM practices and organizational performance. It highlights the need to address challenges to implement sustainable practices. By confronting these challenges directly, organizations can realize the complete capabilities of GSCM and strengthen their dedication to environmental responsibility. The research highlights obstacles and proposes a strategic management approach, providing a roadmap for effectively integrating GSCM into organizational structures. Understanding the relationship between business practices and their environmental impacts is crucial as we address climate change and environmental degradation worldwide. This study illuminates the mediating role of GSCM practices. It emphasizes the importance of manufacturing companies adopting a comprehensive approach to incorporating sustainability into their operational framework and promoting environmental resilience and organizational success. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Supply Chain and Sustainable Development) ►▼ Show Figures

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22 pages, 321 KiB Open AccessArticle Digital Economy and Urban Low-Carbon Transition: Theoretical Model and New Mechanisms by Kunpeng Ai, Wenjie Zhang and Xiang-Wu Yan Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5917; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145917 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Urban areas are at the forefront of economic activity and notably contribute to carbon emissions. Transforming cities to low-carbon models is imperative for addressing climate change. The digital economy (DE) has emerged as a pivotal force in driving global economic progress, offering unique [...] Read more. Urban areas are at the forefront of economic activity and notably contribute to carbon emissions. Transforming cities to low-carbon models is imperative for addressing climate change. The digital economy (DE) has emerged as a pivotal force in driving global economic progress, offering unique benefits that support urban low-carbon transitions. Despite extensive research on the correlation between DE and urban low-carbon transformation (ULCT), there remains a gap in studies utilizing mathematical models to delve into the intrinsic mechanisms and deeper impacts. This research evaluates the influence of DE on ULCT by examining data from 283 prefecture-level and above cities in China, spanning from 2011 to 2019, through both theoretical frameworks and empirical testing. The analysis reveals that DE substantially fosters ULCT, a conclusion reinforced by rigorous robustness and endogeneity checks. Notably, DE’s impact on ULCT is more significant in southern cities than in northern ones. Interestingly, while DE in the Yangtze River Delta and Chengdu-Chongqing urban clusters showed limited promotion of ULCT, it had the highest impact in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. DE enhances ULCT through several pathways, including scale economy effect, heightened public environmental awareness effects, and increased income effects, contributing 6.64%, 9.84%, and 16.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of public environmental awareness and income are particularly pronounced in southern regions, unlike in northern areas. This study not only expands the theoretical research on the relationship between the digital economy and urban low-carbon transition but also provides specific guidance and support for related policy formulation and implementation. This helps promote cities toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable development. Furthermore, the conclusions of this study have important reference value for other major polluting countries (such as the US, India, and Germany). Different countries and regions should formulate targeted low-carbon transition strategies based on their own DE development, income levels, and public environmental awareness. This will effectively promote urban low-carbon transitions, achieving a win-win situation for economic development and environmental protection. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technology for Circular Economy towards Sustainable Development) 23 pages, 583 KiB Open AccessArticle The Role of Social Media Marketing in Green Product Repurchase Intention by Tung-Lai Hu, Chuang-Min Chao and Chia-Hung Lin Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5916; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145916 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract This study explores the impact of social media marketing activities and ESG green brand involvement on the repurchase intention of green products among members of Taiwan’s green product social media groups. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action, the study employs a quantitative approach, [...] Read more. This study explores the impact of social media marketing activities and ESG green brand involvement on the repurchase intention of green products among members of Taiwan’s green product social media groups. Using the Theory of Reasoned Action, the study employs a quantitative approach, collecting data through an online survey from 438 valid responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the relationships between social media marketing activities (independent variable), green values, environmental concerns, brand image, and brand involvement (mediating variables), and repurchase intention (dependent variable). The findings reveal that social media marketing activities significantly enhance green values, environmental concerns, and brand image, which positively influence brand involvement. Brand involvement significantly mediates the relationship between green values, environmental concerns, brand image, and repurchase intention. This confirms that effective social media marketing can strengthen consumer loyalty and repurchase intentions for green products. The study suggests that companies should integrate green values, environmental concerns, and brand image into their social media marketing strategies to enhance consumer engagement and repurchase intentions. Leveraging social media influencers and interactive content can effectively promote green products and foster a culture of sustainability, creating a win–win situation for companies, consumers, and the environment. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the mediating roles of green values, environmental concerns, and brand involvement in social media marketing for green products. It provides practical insights for companies aiming to enhance green product repurchase intentions through targeted social media strategies and ESG initiatives, illustrating the strategic use of social media marketing to boost consumer loyalty and sustainable consumption. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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22 pages, 4555 KiB Open AccessArticle Network Modeling and Analysis of Internet of Electric Vehicles Architecture for Monitoring Charging Station Networks—A Case Study in Chile by Mohamed A. Ahmed, Leonardo Guerrero and Patricia Franco Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5915; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145915 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Nowadays, the internet of electric vehicles (IoEV) has opened many new opportunities for various applications such as charging station selection, charging/discharging management, as well as supporting various end-user services. In Chile, the current deployment of charging station networks is still at an early [...] Read more. Nowadays, the internet of electric vehicles (IoEV) has opened many new opportunities for various applications such as charging station selection, charging/discharging management, as well as supporting various end-user services. In Chile, the current deployment of charging station networks is still at an early stage and such stations do not support the required local and global communication and monitoring capabilities that allow the integration of such services. The underlaying communication infrastructures will play an important role in supporting different applications, such as grid-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-grid, and vehicle-to-vehicle services. This work developed an IoEV architecture for real-time monitoring of charging station networks, which consists of three layers: the physical layer, the communication network layer, and the virtual layer. In order to support reliable IoEV communications, different requirements for data rate, reliability, latency, and security are needed. We developed a communication network model for charging stations based on the IEC 61850-90-8 standard. The performance of the developed architecture has been evaluated considering different real scenarios including a standalone charging station, a group of charging stations in a university campus parking lot, and charging stations in a city. The performance of the communication network has been evaluated with respect to end-to-end latency. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue IoT and Sustainability) ►▼ Show Figures

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15 pages, 844 KiB Open AccessArticle Enhancing the Sustainability and Satisfaction of Leisure Life for Regular and Non-Regular Workers by Eui-Jae Kim, Hyun-Wook Kang and Seong-Man Park Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5914; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145914 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Research background: Many studies have shown that there are differences in income, health, and quality of life between regular and non-regular workers. However, relatively little is known about the leisure lives of regular and non-regular workers. Purpose of research: The purpose of this [...] Read more. Research background: Many studies have shown that there are differences in income, health, and quality of life between regular and non-regular workers. However, relatively little is known about the leisure lives of regular and non-regular workers. Purpose of research: The purpose of this study was to provide an empirical basis, in terms of social and policy-level aspects, to enhance the sustainability and satisfaction of leisure life for regular and non-regular workers in Korea by identifying the factors affecting leisure satisfaction according to the employment type of workers and their relative influence. Research method: To this end, data on 3627 regular and non-regular workers were analyzed using the raw data from the ‘National Leisure Activity Survey’, which is statistically representative at the national level. For the data analysis, SPSS version 23.0 was used. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of the analysis variables, and a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to identify the major factors and their relative influences on leisure satisfaction. Results: The analysis revealed that the relative influence of factors affecting the leisure satisfaction of regular workers was found in the following order: leisure time on weekdays, marital status, number of vacation days used, implementation of a five-day workweek system, income, leisure time on holidays, regional scale, and working hours. For non-regular workers, the factors influencing leisure satisfaction in order of relative influence were as follows: leisure time on weekdays, leisure expenses, marital status, working hours, and income. Implication: Based on the results of the study, practical measures and policy-level proposals were made to increase the sustainability and satisfaction of leisure life for both regular and non-regular workers. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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20 pages, 10405 KiB Open AccessArticle How Urban Block Form Affects the Vitality of the Catering Industry: Evidence from Jinan, China by Yiming Hou, Yanbin Chen and Xiaoqing Zhang Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5913; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145913 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Existing research underscores the significance of block form in fostering urban vitality. However, there is a dearth of evidence on its influence on the catering industry’s vitality. Additionally, current studies investigating the correlation between block form and urban vitality have frequently neglected disparities [...] Read more. Existing research underscores the significance of block form in fostering urban vitality. However, there is a dearth of evidence on its influence on the catering industry’s vitality. Additionally, current studies investigating the correlation between block form and urban vitality have frequently neglected disparities among various types of blocks with dominant functions. We employ a multi-scale geographically weighted regression and a geographic detector to elucidate the effects of block form and the heterogeneity of blocks with dominant functions on the catering industry’s vitality. Our findings suggest that the suitable block form can mitigate the catering industry’s reliance on factors such as the regional population and public transportation infrastructure, to a certain degree. High-rise buildings and irregular block plans positively influence the catering industry’s vitality, while the effects of block area, building density, and functional density display considerable spatial heterogeneity. Commercial blocks are most influenced by block form, whereas public service blocks are least affected. The methodology of this study can be replicated globally to guide urban planners in judiciously allocating commercial facilities, based on the varying spatial form requirements of different blocks, thereby fostering a vibrant city. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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18 pages, 5868 KiB Open AccessArticle Indoor Air Quality Evaluation in Rural Houses Using Different Heating Methods in Northern Shanxi, China by Mengying Zhang, Xujuan Dong and Jing Feng Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5912; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145912 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract It has been shown that heating methods have a large impact on rural indoor air quality. Previous studies on indoor air quality in rural houses involved a limited number of heating methods and lacked comprehensive comparative research on the three heating methods: coal-fired [...] Read more. It has been shown that heating methods have a large impact on rural indoor air quality. Previous studies on indoor air quality in rural houses involved a limited number of heating methods and lacked comprehensive comparative research on the three heating methods: coal-fired boiler radiator heating, air-source heat pump radiator heating, and Chinese stove–kang heating. In this paper, subjective surveys and objective tests were conducted on indoor air quality in rural houses using these three heating methods in northern Shanxi, China. The gray relational analysis method and the comprehensive index method were used to evaluate the indoor air pollution levels of the three heating methods. The results were as follows: The subjective evaluations of most rural residents were overly optimistic about the indoor air quality of coal-fired boiler radiator heating and Chinese stove–kang heating. The indoor TVOC concentrations from these two heating methods far exceeded the standard limit of 0.6 mg/m3 at night. The indoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations from Chinese stove–kang heating varied greatly over a day and showed intermittent peak fluctuations that far exceeded the standard limits in the initial period of fuel combustion. The pollution levels from coal-fired boiler radiator heating, air-source heat pump radiator heating, and Chinese stove–kang heating were evaluated as light pollution, non-pollution, and medium or heavy pollution, respectively. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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attachment Supplementary material: Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 156 KiB) 25 pages, 14967 KiB Open AccessArticle Towards Solving the Beach Litter Problem: Ecosystem Service Assessments at North African Coasts by Esther Robbe, Lilia Ben Abdallah, Loubna El Fels, Nour El Houda Chaher, Mirco Haseler, Fadhel Mhiri and Gerald Schernewski Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5911; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145911 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Sandy beaches along the North African Mediterranean coast face significant challenges due to accumulating human-made debris (marine litter) and natural debris (beach wrack). Addressing these issues requires awareness of pollution and the ecological relevance of beach wrack, along with stakeholder involvement. This study [...] Read more. Sandy beaches along the North African Mediterranean coast face significant challenges due to accumulating human-made debris (marine litter) and natural debris (beach wrack). Addressing these issues requires awareness of pollution and the ecological relevance of beach wrack, along with stakeholder involvement. This study quantifies beach litter pollution and identifies sources in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, serving as a basis for ecosystem service assessments and further integration into the implementation of mitigation measures. High levels of plastic litter were found, ranging from 1565 to 7778 pieces per 100 m of beach length. Shoreline activities, tourism, and poor waste management were identified as the main sources of litter, with single-use plastics accounting for 41.1% of the debris. Further objectives include providing a list of suitable ecosystem services and developing management scenarios. Local stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of marine litter and beach wrack on ecosystem services were assessed using a scenario approach and different formats (i.e., stakeholder workshop, interviews, teaching). Stakeholders highlighted the negative impact of marine litter on cultural services, while beach wrack was perceived positively for regulating and maintenance services. This approach enhances awareness, interest, and knowledge in data-scarce regions, serving as a valuable tool for stakeholder engagement, elicitation of stakeholder knowledge, and teaching (i.e., learning tool). Limitations include the subjectivity of the results, limited participant reach, and dependence on stakeholder knowledge. Integrating stakeholder-based ecosystem service assessments into measure planning and decision making is essential for effective litter management and beach conservation efforts. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Plastic Pollution on Coastal Ecosystems in Tropical Regions) ►▼ Show Figures

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15 pages, 11071 KiB Open AccessArticle Obtaining Zeolites from Natural Materials of Volcanic Origin for Application in Catalytic Pyrolysis for the Sustainable Chemical Recycling of Polymers by Angel Gabriel Valencia-Huaman, Sandro Henry Fuentes-Mamani, Luis Fernando Mamani-De La Cruz, Francisco Velasco, Rossibel Churata, Alejandro Silva-Vela, Jose Mamani-Quispe and Jonathan Almirón Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5910; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145910 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract The present investigation studies the use of three natural precursors of volcanic origin (pozzolana, ignimbrite and pumice) in the synthesis of low-cost and environmentally friendly zeolites. The developed zeolites were evaluated as sustainable catalysts for the catalytic pyrolysis process in the chemical recycling [...] Read more. The present investigation studies the use of three natural precursors of volcanic origin (pozzolana, ignimbrite and pumice) in the synthesis of low-cost and environmentally friendly zeolites. The developed zeolites were evaluated as sustainable catalysts for the catalytic pyrolysis process in the chemical recycling of polypropylene. A zeolite was synthesized from each precursor. The hydrothermal treatment was performed with NaOH (3M) at 160 °C for 72 h and NH4Cl (1M) was added to convert it into proton form. The synthesized zeolites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM and BET. The evaluation of the catalytic ability of the obtained zeolites was carried out with polypropylene mixed with a 4, 6 and 8 wt.% catalyst in a ceramic crucible. Pyrolysis was always carried out at 450 °C and for 30 min in a tubular furnace with a continuous flow rate of 250 L·min−1 of gaseous nitrogen. The gases generated were captured in the cooling system. The characterized zeolites show a resemblance to the ZSM-5 commercial zeolite, especially for the ignimbrite and pozzolan zeolites. Likewise, in pyrolysis, liquid products, gases and waxes were obtained. As the amount of catalyst was increased (from 4 to 8%), the yield of the desired liquid–gas products was also increased. The synthesized zeolites showed similar pyrolytic characteristics to ZSM-5, although they did not reach the same pyrolytic efficiency. Zeolites improved the pyrolysis products, especially at 8 wt.%, when compared to thermal pyrolysis. This study highlights the potential of the developed zeolite catalysts to efficiently convert PP into valuable light olefins, advancing sustainable polyolefin recycling technologies. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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30 pages, 6564 KiB Open AccessArticle Depth and Width of Collaborative Innovation Networks and High-Quality Development by Hongwei Dai, Yiwei Liu, Heyang Li and Aochen Cao Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5909; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145909 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract The key driving force for high-quality development is innovation, and collaborative innovation is an important form of organizing and realizing innovation. However, the impact of collaborative innovation networks on high-quality regional development remains unclear. At the city cluster level, this study analyzes more [...] Read more. The key driving force for high-quality development is innovation, and collaborative innovation is an important form of organizing and realizing innovation. However, the impact of collaborative innovation networks on high-quality regional development remains unclear. At the city cluster level, this study analyzes more than 300,000 patent data based on the data of prefecture-level cities in China from 2012 to 2020 using the crawler method and social network analysis. The results show that, first, collaborative innovation in China is characterized by growth, network, and structural stability. Second, collaborative innovation can significantly improve the high-quality development of urban economies by reducing human resource mismatch and increasing the “intensive margin” and “expansive margin” of innovation. Third, at the national level, increased urban collaboration in terms of width and depth has contributed to the economy’s high-quality development. However, the two have not yet demonstrated complementarity, although at the level of urban agglomerations, the two are significantly complementary. Fourth, heterogeneity analysis shows that collaborative innovation is more effective in promoting high-quality development for highly matured city clusters and cities with robust innovation capacity. It can considerably overcome geographical constraints. From the regional heterogeneity perspective, the promotion of high-quality development through collaborative innovation is stronger in southern and central China. It is recommended that emerging market countries and city clusters focus on constructing and developing collaborative innovation networks and promoting high-quality economic development through measures such as increasing network density, enhancing the breadth and depth of synergies among cities, and developing differentiated policies. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management and Sustainability) ►▼ Show Figures

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20 pages, 2857 KiB Open AccessArticle Travel Mode Choice Prediction to Pursue Sustainable Transportation and Enhance Health Parameters Using R by Mujahid Ali, Elżbieta Macioszek and Nazam Ali Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5908; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145908 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Travel mode choice (TMC) prediction, improving health parameters, and promoting sustainable transportation systems are crucial for urban planners and policymakers. Past studies show the influence of health on activities, while several studies use multitasking activities and physical activity intensity to study the association [...] Read more. Travel mode choice (TMC) prediction, improving health parameters, and promoting sustainable transportation systems are crucial for urban planners and policymakers. Past studies show the influence of health on activities, while several studies use multitasking activities and physical activity intensity to study the association between time use and activity travel participation (TU and ATP) and health outcomes. Limited studies have been conducted on the use of transport modes as intermediate variables to study the influence of TU and ATP on health parameters. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate urban dependency on different transport modes used for daily activities and its influence on health parameters to promote a greener and healthier society and a sustainable transportation system. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was used for transport mode classification, and multinominal logit models were used for regression using R programming. A total of five models were developed for motorized, non-motorized, public transport, physical, and social health to study the correlation between transport modes and health parameters. The statistical analysis results show that socio-demographic and economic variables have a strong association with TMC in which younger, male, workers and high-income households are more dependent on motorized transport. It was found that a unit rise in high-income causes a 4.5% positive increase in motorized transport, whereas it negatively influences non-motorized and public transport by 4.2% and 2.2%, respectively. These insights might be useful for formulating realistic plans to encourage individuals to use active transport that will promote sustainable transportation systems and a healthier society. Full article (This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Urban Mobility Project) ►▼ Show Figures

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18 pages, 519 KiB Open AccessArticle Digital Transformation and Firm ESG Performance: The Mediating Role of Corporate Risk-Taking and the Moderating Role of Top Management Team by Yu Sang, Kannan Loganathan and Lu Lin Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5907; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145907 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract As digital technology and corporate management increasingly converge, enterprises are actively pursuing digital transformation to enhance their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance, thereby seeking to cultivate novel competitive advantages. This paper studies the impacts of risk-taking and top management team (TMT) [...] Read more. As digital technology and corporate management increasingly converge, enterprises are actively pursuing digital transformation to enhance their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance, thereby seeking to cultivate novel competitive advantages. This paper studies the impacts of risk-taking and top management team (TMT) as distinct mechanisms on the digital transformation and ESG performance of enterprises. The empirical findings demonstrate that digital transformation has a positive influence on corporate risk-taking, as well as further enhancing the ESG performance of enterprises. Additionally, it was found that educational level, as one of the characteristics of TMT, can moderate digital transformation’s impact on ESG performance. This paper enriches relevant research on digital transformation and expands the path for how companies can enhance their ESG performance by digital transformation, which can better empower businesses and contribute to their sustainable development. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Corporate ESG) ►▼ Show Figures

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18 pages, 6729 KiB Open AccessArticle Effects of the Amount of Information from Navigation Voice Guidance on Driving Performance by Liping Yang, Xiaohua Zhao, Yang Bian, Mengmeng Zhang and Yajuan Guo Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5906; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145906 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Nowadays, navigation systems are widely used in public travel because they can instantly offer GPS-based route directions. Following the navigation prompt messages while driving is considered a secondary driving task, while vehicle control is regarded as a primary driving task. Navigation prompt messages [...] Read more. Nowadays, navigation systems are widely used in public travel because they can instantly offer GPS-based route directions. Following the navigation prompt messages while driving is considered a secondary driving task, while vehicle control is regarded as a primary driving task. Navigation prompt messages with more information can deliver more cues to drivers, but they require a higher cognitive demand and vice versa. To systematically explore the effects of the amount of information from navigation voice prompts and further quantify the utility of voice prompts, four types of prompt messages with increasing amounts of information, denoted as a Single Message, Double Message, Triple Message, and Quadruple Message, were designed. A driving simulation experiment was conducted to obtain driving behavior data under different prompt messages. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis (KW) test were used to examine the differences in driving performance under the guidance of different prompt messages from multiple perspectives. Then, eight indicators were selected based on the functions of the navigation system and the driver’s response, and the grey near-optimal method was used to determine the utility of the four types of prompt messages. This study found that the four types of navigation prompt messages all began to take effect at about 200 m upstream of the stop bar. The differences between the four types of prompt messages were more significant in the zone from 100 m upstream and ended at 100 m downstream of the stop bar of the intersection. Drivers using Single and Double Messages exhibited more powerful deceleration than those using Triple and Quadruple Messages. The utility values of the four types of prompt messages increased with the increase in the amount of information. This study provides theoretical support for optimizing navigation information and lays a foundation for establishing navigation broadcast guidelines. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation: Electrical Design Automation and Vehicle Navigation) ►▼ Show Figures

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16 pages, 1622 KiB Open AccessReview The Occurrence of Microplastics in the Marine Food Web in Latin America: Insights on the Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives by Rafael Terrazas-López, Pedro Guadarrama-Guzman, Suresh Babu Sujitha, Laura Arreola-Mendoza and Jonathan Muthuswamy Ponniah Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5905; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145905 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant and increasing threat globally, with plastics accounting for around 60–80% of marine trash. Plastic particles with a size of 5000 µm or less are referred to as microplastics (MPs). These MPs can enter the marine organisms either through [...] Read more. Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant and increasing threat globally, with plastics accounting for around 60–80% of marine trash. Plastic particles with a size of 5000 µm or less are referred to as microplastics (MPs). These MPs can enter the marine organisms either through their diet or by trophic transfer. This can potentially expose people to these particles. According to the literature, around 21.9% of fish, 18.4% of seabirds, 11.7% of arthropods, and 7.8% of molluscs in marine systems are at risk from plastic pollution. The LATAM region experiences significant MP contamination that primarily originates from wastewater treatment plants, industrial effluents, maritime sources, and the decomposition of macro–mesoplastics. The majority of research conducted in the LATAM region focuses on MPs in natural habitats, specifically examining the presence of MPs in biota (such as fish, mussels, squids, turtles, and even insects) and sediments. In order to conduct a thorough analysis of the sources and spread of microplastics (MPs) in marine organisms, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the available literature on microplastic research in Latin American countries. The objective was to evaluate the origin, destinations, and pathways via which MPs are transferred. An assessment of the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in marine organisms would yield significant insights into the potential health hazards posed by plastic pollution to humans. Full article (This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment in the Marine Realm: Nutrient Loadings, Eutrophication, Acidification and Pollution) ►▼ Show Figures

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18 pages, 462 KiB Open AccessArticle Capturing Disclosure Tone in Saudi Arabia: Do Earnings Management and Accounting Conservatism Matter? by Fahad Alrobai and Maged M. Albaz Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5904; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145904 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024 Abstract This study aimed to analyze the determinants of disclosure tone (DT) in the Saudi business environment during the last nine years. In addition, it tested the impact of earnings management and accounting conservatism on this tone. The study followed a mixed-method approach, “quantitative [...] Read more. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of disclosure tone (DT) in the Saudi business environment during the last nine years. In addition, it tested the impact of earnings management and accounting conservatism on this tone. The study followed a mixed-method approach, “quantitative and qualitative”, to explore the relationships used for the content analysis to analyze the annual reports of a sample of 88 Saudi-listed firms from 2014 to 2022. The results of the study found that there is a positive impact of dividend yield on disclosure tone. Conversely, both firm size and leverage do not have a significant impact. Moreover, earnings management as an accounting practice has a curvilinear effect on disclosure tone, and accounting conservatism as a generally accepted principle positively influences disclosure tone. Full article ►▼ Show Figures

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