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Volume 14
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Sustainability, Volume 14, Issue 10 (May-2 2022) – 639 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Rapid population growth and climate change have exacerbated the problems regarding groundwater overuse in many areas. One of the best approaches to deal with the impacts of this phenomenon is to artificially recharge water into aquifers and raise the groundwater level. An innovative solution, called groundwater recharge systems (GRS), with high efficiency, low costs, and fast implementation capability is proposed to address these problems. The proposed solution also has the capability of being constructed in urban environments without the need to allocate any spacious land or the need to use any sophisticated technologies. The study of its implementation showed that the performance of this system, even in worst-case scenarios, will be very significant even when considering climate change impacts. View this paper
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22 pages, 1435 KiB  
Review
Chelating Agents in Assisting Phytoremediation of Uranium-Contaminated Soils: A Review
by Yue You, Junfeng Dou, Yu Xue, Naifu Jin and Kai Yang
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106379 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6401
Abstract
Massive stockpiles of uranium (U) mine tailings have resulted in soil contamination with U. Plants for soil remediation have low extraction efficiency of U. Chelating agents can mobilize U in soils and, hence, enhance phytoextraction of U from the soil. However, the rapid [...] Read more.
Massive stockpiles of uranium (U) mine tailings have resulted in soil contamination with U. Plants for soil remediation have low extraction efficiency of U. Chelating agents can mobilize U in soils and, hence, enhance phytoextraction of U from the soil. However, the rapid mobilization rate of soil U by chelating agents in a short period than plant uptake rate could increase the risk of groundwater contamination with soluble U leaching down the soil profile. This review summarizes recent progresses in synthesis and application of chelating agents for assisting phytoremediation of U-contaminated soils. In detail, the interactions between chelating agents and U ions are initially elucidated. Subsequently, the mechanisms of phytoextraction and effectiveness of different chelating agents for phytoremediation of U-contaminated soils are given. Moreover, the potential risks associated with chelating agents are discussed. Finally, the synthesis and application of slow-release chelating agents for slowing down metal mobilization in soils are presented. The application of slow-release chelating agents for enhancing phytoextraction of soil U is still scarce. Hence, we propose the preparation of slow-release biodegradable chelating agents, which can control the release speed of chelating agent into the soil in order to match the mobilization rate of soil U with plant uptake rate, while diminishing the risk of residual chelating agent leaching to groundwater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactivity: Sustainable Materials and Innovative Techniques)
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14 pages, 900 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Mechanism of Environmental Information Disclosure Oriented to the Construction of Ecological Civilization in China
by Bowen Lu and Shangzhi Yue
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6378; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106378 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2283
Abstract
In the construction of ecological civilization, China has been paying attention to environmental issues, and environmental information in sustainability reports has become an essential element in the construction of ecological civilization. The study of environmental information disclosure is beneficial to the construction-of-ecological civilization [...] Read more.
In the construction of ecological civilization, China has been paying attention to environmental issues, and environmental information in sustainability reports has become an essential element in the construction of ecological civilization. The study of environmental information disclosure is beneficial to the construction-of-ecological civilization system and contributes to the “double carbon” goal. This paper constructs a theoretical system based on the Pigou tax, Coase’s theorem and labor value theory. By analyzing the “rights, responsibilities and benefits” of different stakeholders and defining the supply and demand for environmental information disclosure, we obtain a logical framework for environmental information disclosure in the construction of ecological civilization in China, laying a theoretical foundation for subsequent research and facilitating the prospect of carbon-information-disclosure theoretical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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17 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
The Land Use and Individual Correlates of Pedestrian Commuting: Who Walks to Their Work or Place of Study in the Large Cities of the MENA Region?
by Houshmand Masoumi and Grzegorz Sierpiński
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106377 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2070
Abstract
The body of research on the determinants of pedestrian commuting and the characteristics of on-foot commuters at the international level and especially in the Global South is inconsistent; hence, this study focuses on this topic with the case of megacities in the Middle [...] Read more.
The body of research on the determinants of pedestrian commuting and the characteristics of on-foot commuters at the international level and especially in the Global South is inconsistent; hence, this study focuses on this topic with the case of megacities in the Middle East and North Africa. The study is based on 8284 face-to-face interviews with respondents in the three cities, 4543 of whom worked, and of those 4543, 658 individuals walked to their work or place of study. By using binary logistic regression, the determinants of walking to work were identified. Age, household car ownership, last relocation time, intersection density, number of accessed facilities from home, average walking accessibility to neighborhood amenities, and commuting distance are the significant determinants of on-foot commuting. The study identifies younger commuters with fewer cars or no driving license living in neighborhoods with connected street networks as the walkers. The results of the Mann–Whitney U Test show that there is a significant difference between the values of these determinants for walking commuters and those who commute by other modes. Based on these findings, this paper encourages urban planners and decision-makers of the MENA region to use urban land use, including street networks and access to local facilities, to motivate commuters to commute on foot, especially those who work within a walkable distance to their work or place of study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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13 pages, 641 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Partnerships in Japanese Firms’ Logistics Outsourcing: From a Sustainable Perspective
by Jin Shi, Youngwon Park, Ryosuke Sugie and Mitsuhiro Fukuzawa
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106376 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3494
Abstract
This study aimed to reveal the actual state of Japanese firms’ logistics outsourcing, and examine their relationship with LSPs. This study addressed the following issues by conducting a case study of six leading manufacturing firms. First, it clarified the characteristics of Japanese-style logistics [...] Read more.
This study aimed to reveal the actual state of Japanese firms’ logistics outsourcing, and examine their relationship with LSPs. This study addressed the following issues by conducting a case study of six leading manufacturing firms. First, it clarified the characteristics of Japanese-style logistics outsourcing as: the outsourcing of the total activities, the consigning to a single LSP, and the development of advanced information systems. Moreover, it examined the logistics outsourcing performance from a sustainable perspective, and concluded that Japanese-style logistics management enables firms to achieve high performance in all the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Second, this study confirms that the traditional Japanese business practice of long-term partnerships is still maintained in logistics outsourcing management. Third, this study also explored how long-term partnerships create sustainable competitive advantages. Finally, based on these findings, a theoretical framework illustrating the relationship between Japanese-style logistics outsourcing and firms’ sustainable competitive advantage is presented. Our findings may encourage companies to develop a long-term partnership with their logistics service providers, and to put environmental and social indicators into their KPI system to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by balancing the economy, environment, and society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Sustainability and Dynamic Capabilities on Global Supply Chain Management)
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13 pages, 1583 KiB  
Article
A Framework for Food Security via Resilient Agri-Food Supply Chains: The Case of UAE
by Ioannis Manikas, Balan Sundarakani, Foivos Anastasiadis and Beshir Ali
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6375; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106375 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6290
Abstract
Food security (FS) is one of the most elusive and sought-after objectives worldwide. Securing a country’s self-sufficiency— in the current COVID-19 pandemic era, more than ever—has become a prioritized mission. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, FS is adversely affected [...] Read more.
Food security (FS) is one of the most elusive and sought-after objectives worldwide. Securing a country’s self-sufficiency— in the current COVID-19 pandemic era, more than ever—has become a prioritized mission. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, FS is adversely affected by, among others, the scarcity of freshwater, harsh environment, regional conflicts, and rising temperatures. Following the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, exporters placed export restrictions on key food crops, affecting FS in import dependent regions, such as the MENA countries and, more specifically, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This paper presented a conceptual framework on the key enablers for the UAE agri-food supply chains to obtain the necessary resiliency to achieve FS, through improving policy-making capacity. The proposed approach started with the assessment of the main vulnerabilities of the food system in a global context; from there, the factors that influence vulnerability were investigated, identifying the main global drivers that affect the local food systems, focusing on the UAE. The proposed framework was applied for the design and implementation of an early warning system concerning FS-related incidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food Consumption and Supply Chains)
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14 pages, 2202 KiB  
Communication
Sustainable Livelihood for Displaced Rohingyas and Their Resilience at Bhashan Char in Bangladesh
by Md. Monirul Islam, Aparna Barman, Makidul Islam Khan, Gour Gobinda Goswami, Bulbul Siddiqi and Sharif A. Mukul
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6374; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106374 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8198
Abstract
The livelihood sustainability of the Rohingya refugees relocated in Bhashan Char, Bangladesh, has been questioned by various international stakeholders due to the remoteness and perceived vulnerabilities of the island. The Bangladesh government, a few international organizations, and some non-government organizations are working on [...] Read more.
The livelihood sustainability of the Rohingya refugees relocated in Bhashan Char, Bangladesh, has been questioned by various international stakeholders due to the remoteness and perceived vulnerabilities of the island. The Bangladesh government, a few international organizations, and some non-government organizations are working on developing livelihood opportunities in there. But there is scarce study about the livelihood opportunities and challenges of the Rohingyas living there. This study explores the vulnerabilities and livelihood opportunities of Rohingyas in Bhashan Char so as to help increase their resilience. The vulnerabilities include natural, geographical, and climatic shocks and stresses (e.g., cyclone, floods, storm surge, sea-level rise, geographical position). However, there are ample opportunities for their livelihood development, despite some challenges which can be overcome with concerted efforts. The opportunities include intensification and extensification of livelihood activities, such as modern agriculture, fish farming, livestock rearing, small business, handicraft, fishing net mending, crab fattening, biofloc aquaculture, and fish cage culture, but turning these opportunities into reality requires sufficient investment and internationally positive attitude. Better shelter, better disaster preparedness, cultural practices, education, and skill development can increase their capacity to bounce back, absorb shocks, and make them more resilient. National and international humanitarian organizations should plan to enhance the resilience of the Rohingya communities living in Bhashan Char and the island itself so that they can sustain in the long run, even after their anticipated repatriation to Myanmar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration-Refugee Policies and Socioeconomics, Well-Being and Sustainable Outcomes)
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15 pages, 1569 KiB  
Article
A Thermodynamics-Oriented and Neural Network-Based Hybrid Model for Military Turbofan Engines
by Likun Ren, Haiqin Qin, Zhenbo Xie, Jing Xie and Bianjiang Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6373; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106373 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1741
Abstract
Traditional thermodynamic models for military turbofans suffer from non-convergence and inaccuracy due to inaccuracy of the component maps and the instability of the iterative process. To address these problems, a thermodynamically oriented and neural network-based hybrid model for military turbofans is proposed. Different [...] Read more.
Traditional thermodynamic models for military turbofans suffer from non-convergence and inaccuracy due to inaccuracy of the component maps and the instability of the iterative process. To address these problems, a thermodynamically oriented and neural network-based hybrid model for military turbofans is proposed. Different from iteration-based thermodynamic models, the proposed hybrid model transforms the iteration process into a multi-objective optimization and training process for a component-level neural network in order to improve convergence and modeling accuracy. The experiment shows that the accuracy of the proposed hybrid model can reach about 7%, 5% better than the map-fitting-based thermodynamic model and 8% better than the purely data-driven method, with a similar number of network neutrons, verifying its effectiveness. The contributions of this work mainly lie in the following aspects: a new component-level neural network structure is proposed to improve convergence and computational efficiency; a multi-objective loss function based on component co-working is proposed to direct the model to converge toward the physical thermodynamic process; a fusion training method of multiple data sources is established to train the model with good convergence and high computational accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development and Application of Aerospace Engineering)
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16 pages, 466 KiB  
Article
Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak Risk Perception on Willingness to Consume Products from Restaurants: Mediation Effect of Risk Attitude
by Zhao Li, Wangbing Liang and Jingfeng Luo
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6372; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106372 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3592
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak caused huge losses for the catering industry. The outbreak’s influence on consumers’ risk perception and risk attitude was an important factor for these heavy losses. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in epidemic risk perception, risk [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 outbreak caused huge losses for the catering industry. The outbreak’s influence on consumers’ risk perception and risk attitude was an important factor for these heavy losses. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in epidemic risk perception, risk attitude, and the consumers’ willingness to consume products from restaurants during the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. The study collected 502 questionnaires at the end of 2021, and structural analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 20.0 statistical programs. The results showed that consumers’ awareness of the coronavirus pandemic (consumers’ epidemic risk perception) had a significant positive effect on their decision-making behavior under uncertain conditions (risk attitude); consumers’ decision-making behavior under uncertain conditions (risk attitude) had a significant negative effect on their willingness to purchase from restaurants; consumers’ awareness of the coronavirus pandemic (consumers’ epidemic risk perception) had a significant negative effect on their willingness to consume products from restaurants; and risk attitude played a mediating role in the influence of consumers’ epidemic risk perception on their willingness to consume products from restaurants. This study can provide guidance and reference for restaurants on how to deal with the epidemic situation, help them undertake risk prevention work and reduce losses, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of the restaurant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Impact of COVID-19 Global Crisis on the Sustainable Development Goals)
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18 pages, 599 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Environmental Regulation on Investment Efficiency—An Empirical Analysis of Manufacturing Firms in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China
by Peng Qi, Yu Shang and Fang Han
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6371; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106371 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2223
Abstract
The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region is China’s most important urban economic group. The specific structure of the region’s manufacturing industry causes enterprises to face the problem of low investment efficiency. How to balance high efficiency investment with the development of the ecological environment, achieving a [...] Read more.
The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region is China’s most important urban economic group. The specific structure of the region’s manufacturing industry causes enterprises to face the problem of low investment efficiency. How to balance high efficiency investment with the development of the ecological environment, achieving a win–win situation, is an urgent problem. In order to explore the impact of environmental regulation on the investment efficiency of listed manufacturing enterprises in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, this study utilized environmental regulation and enterprise-level data from 2011 to 2017, established a panel regression model, and then tested the impact mechanism of environmental regulation on corporate investment efficiency. On this basis, the panel threshold model was established to test the existence of the threshold effect of environmental regulation. The empirical results show that environmental regulation will have a negative impact on the investment efficiency of the listed manufacturing companies in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, causing the threshold of the impact of environmental regulation on investment efficiency to move from promotion to suppression. Finally, in accordance with the different scopes of the environmental regulation intensity of each manufacturing industry, the paper proposes reasonable suggestions for government departments in order to formulate environmental policies to improve the efficiency of enterprise investment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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29 pages, 393 KiB  
Article
Analysis of M/M/1/N Stochastic Queueing—Inventory System with Discretionary Priority Service and Retrial Facility
by K. Jeganathan, S. Vidhya, R. Hemavathy, N. Anbazhagan, Gyanendra Prasad Joshi, Chanku Kang and Changho Seo
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6370; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106370 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2021
Abstract
In this paper, we analyze a queueing–inventory system with two classes of customers, high priority (HP) and low priority (LP), under the discretionary priority discipline. The LP customers are served in two stages: preliminary service in stage-I and main service in stage-II. In [...] Read more.
In this paper, we analyze a queueing–inventory system with two classes of customers, high priority (HP) and low priority (LP), under the discretionary priority discipline. The LP customers are served in two stages: preliminary service in stage-I and main service in stage-II. In contrast, HP customers require only the main service. Whenever the inventory level is less than the threshold level during the stage-I service of an LP customer, an arriving HP customer is allowed to interrupt the service of an LP customer by adopting the mixed-priority discipline. Otherwise, non-preemptive priority discipline is used in both stages. The interrupted LP customer moves to orbit and retries for the service whenever the server is free. The waiting hall of finite capacity is afforded for the HP customer only. The orbital search is provided for LP customers in orbit. The inventory is replenished following the (s,Q) ordering policy, with the lifetimes of the items being exponentially distributed. An expression for the stability condition is determined explicitly, and system performance measures are evaluated. Numerical examples are formulated for different sets of input values of the parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Optimization)
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27 pages, 7683 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Relationship between Pragmatic Language Development and Socioeconomic Status in Arab Preschoolers with and without Pragmatic Language Impairment
by Fawaz Qasem, Ahmed Alduais, Hind Alfadda, Najla Alfadda and Lujain Al Amri
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6369; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106369 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3128
Abstract
The scope of this study is threefold. First, it examines socioeconomic status (SES) and pragmatic language development (PLD), hypothesizing that parental education and employment levels are mediators, where SES affects PLD mainly through its influence on parental education and employment levels. Second, we [...] Read more.
The scope of this study is threefold. First, it examines socioeconomic status (SES) and pragmatic language development (PLD), hypothesizing that parental education and employment levels are mediators, where SES affects PLD mainly through its influence on parental education and employment levels. Second, we used quantitative (age) and qualitative (gender) variables as moderators, hypothesizing that gender and age moderate the relationship between classroom interaction (CI), social interaction (SI), and personal interaction (PI) skills and level of PLD. Third, characteristics of PLD in preschoolers with and without pragmatic language impairment (PLI) are compared. The Arabic Pragmatic Language Skills Inventory (A-PLSI) was administered by preschool teachers and speech-language pathologists in Saudi Arabia to 264 preschoolers with and without neurodevelopmental disorders to assess their PLD. Additionally, the SES of the parents of the same number of participants was surveyed. Results show that the more CI, SI, and PI a preschool child has, the greater the likelihood of typical PLD, regardless of the parents’ employment or education. Further, we obtained evidence that CI, SI, and PI all grow together with age. However, these three elements (namely, CI, SI, and PI) do not seem to be moderated or altered by gender. Typical PLD may be attainable when preschool children demonstrate typical mental and physical development, in contrast to children with psychiatric histories who display atypical PLD. These findings suggest that preschool children with more CI, SI, and PI will exhibit more typical PLD. The achievement of this goal results in a sustainable society for children. Full article
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21 pages, 2419 KiB  
Article
Mediation-Moderation Model: An Empirical Examination of Sustainable Women Entrepreneurial Performance towards Agricultural SMEs in Ivory Coast
by Ingrid R. Epezagne Assamala, Wenyuan Li, Sheikh Farhan Ashraf, Nausheen Syed, He Di and Mehrab Nazir
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6368; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106368 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2939
Abstract
The consistent finding of knowledge management practices with women’s entrepreneurial performance is one of the gaps intended to fill in this paper. Several previous research studies on knowledge management practices (KMPs) with sustainable women’s entrepreneurial performance (SWEP) have been drawing the attention of [...] Read more.
The consistent finding of knowledge management practices with women’s entrepreneurial performance is one of the gaps intended to fill in this paper. Several previous research studies on knowledge management practices (KMPs) with sustainable women’s entrepreneurial performance (SWEP) have been drawing the attention of many researchers, and this study includes the mediating role of opportunity recognition (OR) and moderating role of family interference (FI). Smart-PLS software was used to test the proposed hypotheses with gathered data of 450 women-entrepreneur respondents. The findings show a positive and significant impact of KMPs on women’s entrepreneurship and partial mediation of opportunity recognition between sustainable women’s entrepreneurial performance and KMPs. Moreover, family interference strengthens the relationship between opportunity recognition and women’s entrepreneurial performance. The study results proposed that in Ivory Coast, entrepreneurial women face several challenges in running their businesses. Therefore, it is suggested that a combined effort of women entrepreneurs, family interference, society, market opportunities, and researchers can overcome their challenges. Discussion is based on the study findings, and suggestions have been made for researchers and practitioners. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competitive Advantage Establishment through Green Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Environmental Management)
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23 pages, 2654 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Structuring of Activity Scheduling Choices with Consideration of Intrazonal Tours: A Case Study of Motorcycle-Based Cities
by Thuy Linh Hoang, Muhammad Adnan, Anh Tuan Vu, Nguyen Hoang-Tung, Bruno Kochan and Tom Bellemans
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6367; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106367 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2150
Abstract
The travel demand prediction of an activity-based travel demand model (ABM) is based on a hierarchical structure of multiple choices related to an individual’s activity scheduling. This structure has, however, not been investigated for motorcycle-based cities. The coarseness of the traffic analysis zoning [...] Read more.
The travel demand prediction of an activity-based travel demand model (ABM) is based on a hierarchical structure of multiple choices related to an individual’s activity scheduling. This structure has, however, not been investigated for motorcycle-based cities. The coarseness of the traffic analysis zoning system combined with mixed land use results in a large proportion of intrazonal trips, which demands model enhancement in ABMs for these cities. Using large-scale household travel survey data from Ho Chi Minh City, a major motorcycle-based city in Vietnam, this study investigated the hierarchical structure for non-work activity scheduling, with consideration of three dimensions: (1) activity starting time, (2) travel mode, and (3) destination choices at the tour level with attention given to the impacts of intrazonal tours. Multinomial logit and nested logit models were adopted for model development. Results showed that work durations in the schedule strongly affected the scheduling of non-work activities. The estimated logsum parameters showed empirical evidence that hierarchy could be different for different activity types. Our findings also suggested a significant impact of intrazonal tours on the structuring and modeling of activity scheduling choices. The validation result indicated that our proposed models’ predictive capability is acceptable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Transportation)
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13 pages, 1940 KiB  
Review
Smart Material Choice: The Importance of Circular Design Strategy Applications for Bio-Based Food Packaging Preproduction and End-of-Life Life Cycle Stages
by Zita Markevičiūtė and Visvaldas Varžinskas
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6366; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106366 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4311
Abstract
This article provides a systematic literature review on the integrated approach of bio-based plastic food packaging in a circular economy. It focuses on the following key areas: (1) the role of bio-based plastic food packaging in a circular product design strategy and material [...] Read more.
This article provides a systematic literature review on the integrated approach of bio-based plastic food packaging in a circular economy. It focuses on the following key areas: (1) the role of bio-based plastic food packaging in a circular product design strategy and material choice in the preproduction life cycle stage; (2) the role of bio-based plastic food packaging in circular resource management systems and the product disposal life cycle stage; and (3) an optimal bio-based plastic food packaging application in regard to prioritising end-of-life treatment. While there are dedicated publications on the role of packaging in a circular economy, circular packaging design, packaging waste management, and bio-origin plastic applications in food packaging, this article aims to provide an integrated review and recommendations on the best bio-based plastic food packaging material selection, applications based on a circular economy, and scenarios on waste/resource management that prioritise end-of-life treatment. Three of the current most popular bio-based plastic materials in the flexible and rigid food packaging categories were selected: starch blends, bio-PE, and PLA for flexible food packaging and PLA, bio-PET, and bio-PE for rigid packaging. This article highlights the fact that a smart material choice in the circular design strategy is a key factor that has a direct impact on the last packaging life cycle stage (disposal), and concludes that bio-based plastic materials are a way to close the food packaging loop, either by re-use or recycling. This article also provides recommendations on the best bio-based plastic food packaging material selection, and applications based on the circular economy and waste management that prioritise end-of-life treatment. The research results indicate a research niche for the application of re-usable biodegradable materials in food packaging. The findings of this research allow product designers and packaging companies to advance the understanding of the most efficient bio-based plastic food packaging integration into the circular economy via decision making of product material choice and end-of-life treatment. Based on the results of this article, scholars can develop new themes for further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Toward the New Era of Sustainable Design, Manufacturing and Management)
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10 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
Leaf Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry in a Pinus yunnanensis Forest in Southwest China
by Xiaobo Huang, Xuedong Lang, Shuaifeng Li, Wande Liu and Jianrong Su
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6365; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106365 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
Pinus yunnanensis forest is a unique forest type in southwest China and one of the main forest types in Yunnan Province, which also has great ecological, economic and social significance. Understanding the changes in the stoichiometric characteristics is a key to study the [...] Read more.
Pinus yunnanensis forest is a unique forest type in southwest China and one of the main forest types in Yunnan Province, which also has great ecological, economic and social significance. Understanding the changes in the stoichiometric characteristics is a key to study the nutrient cycling, limiting factors and stability mechanisms of the forest ecosystem. However, the stoichiometric characteristics, stability of the ecosystem of P. yunnanensis natural forests and whether they are limited by nutrients are still poorly understood. Based on a K-S test, ANOVA analysis and OLS regression analysis, we analyzed the concentrations of leaf C, N and P in 48 woody species of natural P. yunnanensis forests from 122 plots to explore the pattern of leaf C:N:P stoichiometry. Our results showed that the mean values of leaf C, N and P plus C:N, C:P and N:P for the 48 woody species were 451.12, 11.05 and 1.11 mg/g and 45.03, 496.98 and 11.27, respectively. The coefficients of variation of leaf C, N and P plus C:N, C:P and N:P were 5.29%, 36.75%, 51.53%, 29.63%, 43.46% and 41.68%, respectively. The geometric mean values of leaf N, P and N:P were 10.49 and 1.00 mg/g and 10.51, respectively. Leaf C and N, and C and P relationships showed significant negative correlations, but a significant positive correlation was observed between leaf N and P. There were significant differences in leaf N and C:N across functional groups. There were significant differences in leaf C and P between evergreen and deciduous, conifer and broadleaf trees. Significant differences in leaf C:P were only observed between evergreen and deciduous trees, and significant differences in leaf N:P were observed between conifer and broadleaf trees. The relatively low N:P in all sampled trees indicated that N was a limiting factor in the distribution of natural P. yunnanensis forests. However, the higher leaf C:N and C:P ratios indicated that the P. yunnanensis natural forest ecosystem was in a relatively stable state. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)
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17 pages, 824 KiB  
Article
Freshwater Wild Swimming, Health and Well-Being: Understanding the Importance of Place and Risk
by Craig W. McDougall, Ronan Foley, Nick Hanley, Richard S. Quilliam and David M. Oliver
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6364; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106364 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7530
Abstract
Spending time in or around bodies of water or ‘blue spaces’ can benefit human health and well-being. A growing body of evidence suggests immersion in blue space, e.g., participating in ‘wild’ swimming, can be particularly beneficial for both physical and mental health. To [...] Read more.
Spending time in or around bodies of water or ‘blue spaces’ can benefit human health and well-being. A growing body of evidence suggests immersion in blue space, e.g., participating in ‘wild’ swimming, can be particularly beneficial for both physical and mental health. To date, wild swimming and health research has primarily focused on the experience of individuals who swim in the sea. Empirical studies of the health-promoting potential of swimming in freshwater environments, such as lochs and lakes, are lacking, despite the popularity of this practice in many countries and the vastly different physical and hydrological properties of freshwater and coastal environments. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between loch (lake) swimming and health and well-being for adults living in Scotland and determine the importance of perceptions of place and risk in this relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve wild swimmers who regularly swim in lochs in Scotland. Interview data were analysed thematically using Nvivo. The findings suggest loch swimming has a variety of health and well-being benefits that can be categorised over three domains of health: physical, mental and social. Of these domains, mental health benefits e.g., mindfulness promotion, resilience building and increasing one’s ability to listen to their body, were particularly prominent. Our findings also highlight important physical and hydrological characteristics of loch environments, e.g., calm water conditions (relative to the sea), which contribute to positive wild swimming experiences. Finally, the perceived risks of loch swimming and mitigation strategies for these risks are established. Collectively, our findings further support the notion that wild swimming is a unique health-promoting practice. Our findings also highlight differences (in terms of experience and perceived risk) between swimming in freshwater and coastal environments, which can inform public health and water management policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature and Well-Being Science: Environments for Thriving)
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21 pages, 9290 KiB  
Article
Interrelations of Ancestral Textile Handicraft Weaving and Tangible Vernacular Karkhanehs (Workspaces) in the Historic Destination of Yazd, Iran
by Somaye Seddighikhavidak and Tazim Jamal
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6363; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106363 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3409
Abstract
This research studies the traces of an ancestral textile produced in karkhanehs (workspaces) located in the historical city of Yazd, Iran. The case study undertaken here demonstrates how an intangible heritage of textile weaving through generations of families in Yazd, Iran, interrelates [...] Read more.
This research studies the traces of an ancestral textile produced in karkhanehs (workspaces) located in the historical city of Yazd, Iran. The case study undertaken here demonstrates how an intangible heritage of textile weaving through generations of families in Yazd, Iran, interrelates with tangible vernacular architecture and tourism at three different scales: (i) in everyday life in karkhanehs at home, (ii) in the neighborhoods, and (iii) the UNESCO World Heritage city of Yazd. The three scales related to the enactment of this vernacular handicraft are examined using architectural methods to examine structures ranging from 90 to 600 years in age. This was complemented by discussions with local weavers and residents, as well as direct observation in domiciles, neighborhoods, and the city. Actor-Network Theory helped to trace the networks of actors and relationships between the tangible built architectural heritage and intangible cultural practices of weaving, showing how different genders, ages, worldviews (beliefs) and practices came together to produce this heritage textile. Actor-Network Theory also helped to study the relationships between economy, culture, society and tourism, with respect to the evolution and transformations of the historic urban dwellings, vernacular architecture and vernacular weaving handicrafts through the three scales examined. Implications for sustaining and conserving this ancestral tradition of textile weaving and managing tourism’s positive as well as disruptive influences on cultural heritage conservation are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage)
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17 pages, 1197 KiB  
Article
Decision-Tree Based Methodology Aid in Assessing the Sustainable Development of a Manufacturing Company
by Justyna Patalas-Maliszewska, Hanna Łosyk and Matthias Rehm
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106362 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2586
Abstract
Nowadays, achieving the objectives of sustainable development (SD) within a manufacturing company, through introducing and integrating sustainability into a development strategy, is a key parameter in gaining a competitive advantage in the market. The objective of this study was to develop a decision-tree [...] Read more.
Nowadays, achieving the objectives of sustainable development (SD) within a manufacturing company, through introducing and integrating sustainability into a development strategy, is a key parameter in gaining a competitive advantage in the market. The objective of this study was to develop a decision-tree based methodology to facilitate SD assessment in a manufacturing company, which consists of five main components: (1) Determination of SD indicators based on literature analysis, (2) Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method which determines the priority of the SD criteria, (3) Collecting data to determine the values of the key objectives SD, (4) Using a decision tree to build scenarios of possible actions to increase the level of SD, (5) Indicating recommended actions for continuous monitoring of progress towards reaching SD objectives. In the proposed approach, the use of the AHP method allowed for indicating the most important SD indicators, which made it possible to limit the number of queries to manufacturers on data from real companies regarding the values of SD indicators. Finally, the methodology was applied and verified within a real manufacturing company in order to assist the Management Board in making projections about future actions regarding an increase in SD level. Full article
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29 pages, 2852 KiB  
Review
The Potential Impacts by the Invasion of Insects Reared to Feed Livestock and Pet Animals in Europe and Other Regions: A Critical Review
by Felipe Lourenço, Ricardo Calado, Isabel Medina and Olga M. C. C. Ameixa
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6361; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106361 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6234
Abstract
While the use of alien insect species for food and feed can help to alleviate protein shortage and provide for a more sustainable feed production, their invasive potential should be considered since invasive alien species represent one of the five main global threats [...] Read more.
While the use of alien insect species for food and feed can help to alleviate protein shortage and provide for a more sustainable feed production, their invasive potential should be considered since invasive alien species represent one of the five main global threats to biodiversity. In the European Union (EU), eight insect species have already been authorized to be used as feed ingredients for aquaculture organisms, pets, poultry, and pigs. These species were selected based on available national risk assessments, as most of them are non-native to Europe. However, it is not clear how these risk assessments truly consider all EU bioregions, given that the information used was mostly biased towards northern European regions. As a large proportion of invasive alien species already present in the EU were introduced unintentionally, it is therefore crucial to understand and manage the potential pathways of such introductions in a more effective way. Here, we provide a critical overview of the potential risks of rearing alien insect species as feed or as pet food (for both livestock and exotic pets) in the EU. The results showed that some of these insect species have an invasive potential, either due to their reproductive capacity in different climates or due to the fact that they have already established populations in areas where they were introduced, with negative effects on local ecosystems or causing economical losses. For this reason, it is recommended that risk assessments should be performed in other EU bioregions as well as monitoring programs to control the spread of insect species with invasive potential. In addition, other available native insect species with potential to be used as feed ingredients should be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects, Food Security and Circular Food Production)
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19 pages, 43713 KiB  
Article
Automation and Remote Control of an Aquatic Harvester Electric Vehicle
by Emil Tudor, Mihai-Gabriel Matache, Ionuț Vasile, Ion-Cătălin Sburlan and Vasilica Stefan
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6360; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106360 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3184
Abstract
Electric boats are evolving, following the trend of imposing electric powered vehicles in all transportation solutions. For a research project, a reed and aquatic weed harvester, the author’s goal is to develop an experimental electrical vehicle aimed at solving several particular problems such [...] Read more.
Electric boats are evolving, following the trend of imposing electric powered vehicles in all transportation solutions. For a research project, a reed and aquatic weed harvester, the author’s goal is to develop an experimental electrical vehicle aimed at solving several particular problems such as: small speed, big throttle, high maneuverability, big load capacity, small draught and affordable cost. The solution comprises of one electric motor powered by a converter supplied from Li-Ion batteries, which drives a hydraulic pump for simultaneous operation of two lateral-placed paddle wheels and one complex mechanism of cutter and conveyor. The control system of this vehicle consists of one remote controller, with bidirectional radio communication to three on-board controllers used for the management of the electro-hydraulic actuators, the electric motor and the battery storage system. The hardware and the software architectures are presented, underlining the automated operations designed to increase the safety, the maneuverability and the predictability of the vehicle. The advantages of the use of control electronics is the increasing operability of the vehicle by supervising the available stored energy and the predicted consumption of energy, the fast and remote assistance in case of operational failure using online diagnose and the operation optimization by selecting the best load profile for the cutter and for the paddles. The results of this research are the validation of the proposed hardware and software architectures used for the control of an electro-hydraulic vehicle and the feasibility of using radio communication and remote diagnose for vehicle control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility Sustainability: Ecological, Smart and Connected Transportation Systems)
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23 pages, 1883 KiB  
Review
Barriers and Enablers of Circular Economy Implementation for Electric-Vehicle Batteries: From Systematic Literature Review to Conceptual Framework
by Bertha Maya Sopha, Dwi Megah Purnamasari and Sholeh Ma’mun
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6359; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106359 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 7648
Abstract
With the burgeoning transition toward electrified automobile fleets, electric-vehicle batteries (EVBs) have become one of the critical aspects to be considered to avoid resources issues while achieving necessary climate goals. This paper compiles and syntheses reported barriers, enablers, involved stakeholders, and business models [...] Read more.
With the burgeoning transition toward electrified automobile fleets, electric-vehicle batteries (EVBs) have become one of the critical aspects to be considered to avoid resources issues while achieving necessary climate goals. This paper compiles and syntheses reported barriers, enablers, involved stakeholders, and business models of Circular Economy (CE) implementation of the EVBs based on a systematic literature review (SLR). Findings indicate that inefficient and inadequate government policy, lack of safety standards, and high recycling costs are the three most reported barriers. The barriers have interconnections with each other, implying the necessity for simultaneous strategies. Based on the barriers-enablers analysis, the key strategies establishing the CE for the EVBs are innovative business models, economic incentives, EVB standards, legal environmental responsibilities, and certification, whereas the optimized supply-chain operations can be realized through eco-design of the EVBs, battery modularization, proper technology for checking, diagnosing, tracking, information sharing, extensive collaboration, alignment of supply-chain stakeholders, innovative business model, and certification. A conceptual framework presenting the required strategies for both establishing the CE and optimizing the circular supply chain system of the EVBs was then proposed. Potential future research directions are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deconstructing and Reconstructing the Circular Economy through Practice-Based Approaches)
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29 pages, 2937 KiB  
Article
The White Meat Industry in Dubai through a One Health Lens
by Sayed Essam, Timothy Gill and Robyn G. Alders
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6358; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106358 - 23 May 2022
Viewed by 5139
Abstract
White meat is one of the most commonly consumed animal-source foods in the Emirate of Dubai and is one of 21 main foods listed in the National Food Security Strategy of UAE and the Emirate of Dubai. Although fresh white meat is produced [...] Read more.
White meat is one of the most commonly consumed animal-source foods in the Emirate of Dubai and is one of 21 main foods listed in the National Food Security Strategy of UAE and the Emirate of Dubai. Although fresh white meat is produced locally, the quantities are very limited, so, to meet market needs, chilled and frozen white meat is imported. The aim of this chapter is to examine the existing white meat supply networks and market in Dubai and understand the flow of fresh chickens from the local market and the shipment dynamics for imported frozen chickens under the One Health concept. Data from documents, publications and surveys of the Dubai Government, representatives of the Food Safety Department and Veterinary Service Section (via focus group discussions) and direct interviews with local small farmers, food importers, food manufacturers and retailers and animal feed manufacturers and retailers were used to describe the value chain for white meat in the Emirate of Dubai. The data were collected through detailed questionnaires in the interview with the focus groups and interviews of groups of stakeholders selected by the Food Safety Department in Dubai Municipality. Data from government strategies and reports were collected and analysed to understand the government’s position and the size of the white meat sector. The data provided by representatives of local small farmers, food importers, food manufacturers and retailers and animal feed manufacturers and retailers were used to understand the value chain of white meat from the private sector perspective. After studying the value chain and the results of this research, areas were identified in the value chain of the white meat sector at the level of the Emirate of Dubai that can be improved, for example, the need for better marketing of local products. Some areas are already strong such as the inclusion of white meat products in the Dubai strategy for Food Security approved at the level of the Emirate of Dubai. The results of this chapter highlight critical opportunities for changes in policies and best practices that if implemented by the Dubai Government would ensure that the white meat industry is able to meet local market demands. Recommendations to the Dubai Government are presented in support of enhancing Dubai’s economic sustainability and efficient contributions to food and nutrition security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Decision Making, Branding, and Sustainable Marketing)
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21 pages, 961 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Farmers’ Perception on Their Cultivated Land Quality Protection Behavior: A Case Study of Ningbo, China
by Xiaoying Wang, Hangang Hu, Aifeng Ning, Guan Li and Xueqi Wang
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6357; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106357 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2691
Abstract
Farmers’ protection behavior largely depends on their perceived value of cultivated land quality protection. However, existing research shows that the impact path of these perceived factors on farmers’ cultivated land protection behavior is not clear. Based on the survey data of 288 farmers [...] Read more.
Farmers’ protection behavior largely depends on their perceived value of cultivated land quality protection. However, existing research shows that the impact path of these perceived factors on farmers’ cultivated land protection behavior is not clear. Based on the survey data of 288 farmers in Ningbo City, this study empirically analyzed the impact of farmers’ perception on their cultivated land quality protection behavior through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that farmers’ cultivated land quality protection behavior largely depended on perceived value, and they followed the logic paradigm of “perceived tradeoff→perceived value→behavioral intention→behavioral response”. Among them, farmers’ perceived value comes from farmers’ comprehensive tradeoff of benefits and risks in the process of cultivated land quality protection. In other words, improving farmers’ perceived benefits and reducing perceived risks is conducive to improving farmers’ perceived value of cultivated land quality protection. The above findings are helpful to improve farmers’ behavior of farmland land quality protection and provide new ideas and empirical basis for the design and improvement of cultivated land quality protection policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Landscape Stability and Sustainable Land Management)
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26 pages, 3147 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Wireless Communication to 6G: Potential Applications and Research Directions
by Muhammad Zeeshan Asghar, Shafique Ahmed Memon and Jyri Hämäläinen
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6356; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106356 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 13693
Abstract
The fifth-generation mobile network (5G), as the fundamental enabler of Industry 4.0, has facilitated digital transformation and smart manufacturing through AI and cloud computing (CC). However, B5G is viewed as a turning point that will fundamentally transform existing global trends in wireless communication [...] Read more.
The fifth-generation mobile network (5G), as the fundamental enabler of Industry 4.0, has facilitated digital transformation and smart manufacturing through AI and cloud computing (CC). However, B5G is viewed as a turning point that will fundamentally transform existing global trends in wireless communication practices as well as in the lives of masses. B5G foresees a world where physical–digital confluence takes place. This study intends to see the world beyond 5G with the transition to 6G assuming the lead as future wireless communication technology. However, despite several developments, the dream of an era without latency, unprecedented speed internet, and extraterrestrial communication has yet to become a reality. This article explores main impediments and challenges that the 5G–6G transition may face in achieving these greater ideals. This article furnishes the vision for 6G, facilitating technology infrastructures, challenges, and research leads towards the ultimate achievement of “technology for humanity” objective and better service to underprivileged people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IoT Applications for Optimal Management in Smart Cities)
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17 pages, 1185 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Motivation of Older Adults to Participate in Exercise or Physical Fitness Activities
by Tsai-Hsuan Tsai, Alice M. Wong, Hsiu-Feng Lee and Kevin C. Tseng
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6355; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106355 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5884
Abstract
Studies have found that older adults often experience severe problems due to a lack of exercise, including an increased risk of falls, increased psychological problems and reduced social participation. However, the practicality and sustainability of exercise or physical fitness activities among older adults [...] Read more.
Studies have found that older adults often experience severe problems due to a lack of exercise, including an increased risk of falls, increased psychological problems and reduced social participation. However, the practicality and sustainability of exercise or physical fitness activities among older adults are questionable because these adults may face physical and psychological obstacles. Hence, this study proposed a research model to explore the physical fitness behaviours of the elderly subjects and the specific factors for maintaining their motivation to participate in exercise or physical fitness activities. A survey for a total of 101 subjects of residents of Chang Gung Health and Culture Village (CGHCV) was conducted to investigate the effects of the elderly’s group identification and psychological proximity on their attitude and intention toward physical fitness. The results show that the group identification of the physical fitness activities, psychological proximity, intention toward physical fitness and subjective norms of the subjects did not affect their attitudes towards physical fitness or their intention to participate in exercise or physical fitness activities in the future. Therefore, the influence of group identification with other older adults of the same age on empathy allowed the subjects to understand the problematic aspects of physical fitness. Group identification among the subjects allowed them to adjust to their physical fitness problems through sympathy. It mediated the physical fitness problems of the subjects through the ageism effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Aging, and Lifestyle Sustainability)
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16 pages, 5529 KiB  
Article
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Vertical Price Transmission in the U.S. Fresh Banana Market
by Solomon Odiase and Sayed H. Saghaian
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6354; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106354 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3069
Abstract
The U.S. imports about two billion dollars of fresh bananas, accounting for over 99 percent of domestic banana consumption annually. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the fresh banana supply chain and caused unexpected price movements along the marketing channel. This research investigated the impact [...] Read more.
The U.S. imports about two billion dollars of fresh bananas, accounting for over 99 percent of domestic banana consumption annually. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the fresh banana supply chain and caused unexpected price movements along the marketing channel. This research investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on price adjustments in the U.S. fresh banana market. A Vector Error Correction (VEC) model was employed to evaluate the speeds of price adjustments along the U.S. banana marketing channel at the import and retail levels, and historical decomposition graphs were used to investigate the magnitude of price adjustments caused by the COVID-19 shock. The results show that the deviation from the long-run equilibrium caused by the shock was corrected faster for the import prices than retail prices. Hence, the speeds of price adjustments were asymmetric in the period of the COVID-19 shock. Additionally, the magnitudes of price changes caused by the pandemic shock were different, leading to increased price margins. These results point to the inefficiency of the banana marketing channel with welfare, policy, and agribusiness implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Covid-19 and Its Impact on Environmental, Economic And Social Sustainability)
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14 pages, 5830 KiB  
Article
Influence of Cerium and Nickel Co-Doping on ZnO Nanostructures for Electrochemical Behavior of H2O2 Sensing Applications
by Nadana Shanmugam, Vediyappan Thirumal, Natesan Kannadasan, Kandasamy Murugavel, Natarajan Jayashri, Jinho Kim and Dongjin Choi
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106353 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2261
Abstract
The present paper reports facile synthesis by simple chemical precipitation method for Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with cerium (Ce) and nickel (Ni) co-doped ZnO nanocrystals. The different optimum conditions are analyzed in dual metallic (Ce/Ni) nanoparticles doped with ZnO nanoparticles. Successful incorporation of [...] Read more.
The present paper reports facile synthesis by simple chemical precipitation method for Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with cerium (Ce) and nickel (Ni) co-doped ZnO nanocrystals. The different optimum conditions are analyzed in dual metallic (Ce/Ni) nanoparticles doped with ZnO nanoparticles. Successful incorporation of cerium and nickel is predicted with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Additionally, optical effects were studied as-prepared active materials by UV-Visible reflectance (UV-Vis-DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements at room temperature. In addition, morphology investigations of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) are conducted. The results of electrochemical studies reveal that the co-doped product exhibits a higher H2O2 sensing response, with 46.21 μA/μM.cm2 for Ce/Ni-doped ZnO, which can use potentially for future biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiconducting Nanomaterials for Effective Environmental Remediation and Organic Synthesis)
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21 pages, 1032 KiB  
Article
“Sustainability” as a Motive for Choosing Shared-Mobility Services: The Case of Polish Consumers of Uber Services
by Andrzej Bąk, Elżbieta Nawrocka and Daria E. Jaremen
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106352 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3645
Abstract
(1) Background: Uber Technologies are currently changing the pattern of urban transport. Statista reports that in the period 2017–2019 alone, the average monthly number of active Uber users worldwide increased by 126.5%, and the average monthly number of Uber trips grew by 115%. [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Uber Technologies are currently changing the pattern of urban transport. Statista reports that in the period 2017–2019 alone, the average monthly number of active Uber users worldwide increased by 126.5%, and the average monthly number of Uber trips grew by 115%. The purpose of this article is to identify the most important motives encouraging both current and potential customers to use Uber “taxi” services. Particular attention was paid to the factor of perceiving these services as a more sustainable way of meeting transport needs. Uber creates its image specifically on the idea of sustainability. (2) Methods: The operationalization of the sustainability concept was based on three dimensions: ecological, social and economic. The CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) technique was used to collect the research data. The representative research sample covered 1003 Poles. A logistic regression model was used to analyze empirical data collected based on the survey. The data analysis used R program and the selected packages for this program. (3) Results: Among the most important motives, sustainability is the most frequently indicated. (4) Conclusions: The choices of Uber services are significantly influenced by the reasons related to two sustainability pillars—one social and one economic. The factors significantly influencing consumer decision-making processes related to the use of shared mobility services belong to the following groups of motives: sustainable development, knowledge of information and communication technologies (ICT), innovation, user convenience and savings. The findings from the study can become the basis for organizations and local authorities to undertake appropriate marketing activities to promote shared-mobility services (SMS) and support sustainable and environmentally friendly development. Full article
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17 pages, 3754 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Traffic Speed Forecasting Model for a Parallel Multi-Lane Arterial Road Using GPS-Monitored Data Based on Deep Learning Approach
by Quang Hoc Tran, Yao-Min Fang, Tien-Yin Chou, Thanh-Van Hoang, Chun-Tse Wang, Van Truong Vu, Thi Lan Huong Ho, Quang Le and Mei-Hsin Chen
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6351; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106351 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2579
Abstract
Traffic speed forecasting in the short term is one of the most critical parts of any intelligent transportation system (ITS). Accurate speed forecasting can support travelers’ route choices, traffic guidance, and traffic control. This study proposes a deep learning approach using long short-term [...] Read more.
Traffic speed forecasting in the short term is one of the most critical parts of any intelligent transportation system (ITS). Accurate speed forecasting can support travelers’ route choices, traffic guidance, and traffic control. This study proposes a deep learning approach using long short-term memory (LSTM) network with tuning hyper-parameters to forecast short-term traffic speed on an arterial parallel multi-lane road in a developing country such as Vietnam. The challenge of mishandling the location data of vehicles on small and adjacent multi-lane roads will be addressed in this study. To test the accuracy of the proposed forecasting model, its application is illustrated using historical voyage GPS-monitored data on the Le Hong Phong urban arterial road in Haiphong city of Vietnam. The results indicate that in comparison with other models (e.g., traditional models and convolutional neural network), the best performance in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and median absolute error (MDAE) is obtained by using the proposed model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation Safety and Pavement Management)
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19 pages, 979 KiB  
Article
The Sustainability of Early Childhood Education in Chinese Teachers’ Perspective: Evidence from a National Validation Study
by Xinxin Liu, Yong Jiang and Hui Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6350; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106350 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2551
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of early childhood education (ECE) from Chinese teachers’ perspectives using a newly developed and validated instrument, the Sustainability of Early Childhood Education Rating Scale (SECERS). Altogether, 3636 teachers nationwide were randomly surveyed. First, analysis of the [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of early childhood education (ECE) from Chinese teachers’ perspectives using a newly developed and validated instrument, the Sustainability of Early Childhood Education Rating Scale (SECERS). Altogether, 3636 teachers nationwide were randomly surveyed. First, analysis of the psychometric properties indicated that SECERS was a reliable and valid scale with three constructs: sustainability in ecology, sustainability in management, and sustainability in policy. Second, Chinese teachers positively evaluated sustainability in ecology but negatively evaluated it in policy. Third, latent profile analysis yielded the best-fit model with four profiles: low-, middle-, upper-middle-, and high-level profiles of teacher evaluations. Last, hierarchical regression analysis found that kindergarten quality grades played a key role in predicting the sustainability of ECE evaluation. The findings demonstrate the necessity of providing effective policy and management support to promote the sustainable development of ECE in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Early Childhood Education for the Sustainable Development of Aging China)
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