Sustainability

Heptacodium miconioides is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a rare and endangered plant which is being subjected to competition for environmental resources by Fraxinus insularis. The impact of competing species on the dispersal of H. miconioides across time and space is unclear, which hinders our ability to effectively protect rare and endangered species. Therefore, in this study, we performed a spatial analysis of the interactions between H. miconioides and F. insularis using the Maximum Entropy model (MaxEnt) coupled with the Spatio-temporal Geographic Weighted Regression Model. The results show that: Among the 20 environmental factors selected, Precipitation in Driest Quarter (Bio17) was the primary factor affecting H. miconioides and F. insularis. An expansion of H. miconioides and F. insularis habitats will be seen in future environments compared to current environments. Under the current climatic conditions, the ecological niche overlap has a D value of 0.7261 and an I value of 0.9188, and the ecological niche overlap will increase further in future environments. The distribution of F. insularis practically covered the area suitable for H. miconioides, and the influence of F. insularis’s suitability index on H. miconioides gradually increased. The region of negative impacts has changed, with distribution in the current environment in the southern part of Shaanxi, eastern Sichuan, and northern part of Zhejiang, China, moving to the southern part of Henan, and the junction between Zhejiang and Anhui in the 2050s. Sustainability is one of the important goals in global development today, and the conservation of rare and endangered plants is one of the most important elements of sustainable development. It is not only beneficial to the survival and health of human beings, but also helps to promote the sustainable development of ecologies, economies, and societies. Full article

The fusion of emerging technologies with industrial design has catalyzed a fundamental shift in the aesthetics, user experiences, and service frameworks of products in the Industry 4.0 era. Simultaneously, this convergence has heightened the demands placed on the technological integration competencies of designers. Consequently, there exists a necessity to articulate a precise developmental trajectory for proficiency in industrial design that incorporates these novel technologies. This study initiates with a bibliometric analysis to quantify the scholarly literature relevant to this research domain. Subsequently, leveraging the insights from this analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts spanning the United States, Europe, South Korea, and China. Our conclusions show the following: (1) Co-word analysis and cluster analysis techniques are applied to identify 80 technologies and four technological clusters that demonstrate strong associations with industrial design in the Industry 4.0 era. (2) Employing coding techniques and thematic analysis, four distinct skill domains emerge for technology-integrated industrial design: Industrial Design Skills, Industrial Design Knowledge, Ethical Considerations in Industrial Design, and Industrial Design Industry Insight. Furthermore, a limitation that affects these competencies is identified. (3) A recommended methodology for assessing these competencies is proposed. This study represented an expansion upon existing industrial design competencies. The empirical data generated herein serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and educators within the field of industrial design. Furthermore, it provides a theoretical groundwork for future models addressing technology-infused industrial design capabilities. Full article

Sustaining avocado fruit quality is crucial to maintain customer satisfaction and confidence. Among fruit qualities, mineral nutrient composition is an important contributor to postharvest robustness. Towards better understanding and addressing variability within the plant canopy, ‘Hass’ fruit from across seven orchard blocks were individually characterised. From five representative trees in each block, five fruit were harvested (one from each of five positions: top (sun-exposed), bottom (shaded), middle (shaded), East (sun-exposed), and West (sun-exposed)). Fruit dry matter was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in fruit from the top, East, and West sun-exposed positions. No significant (p > 0.05) effect of position was discerned for fruit weight at harvest or for either stem end rot (SER) or body rot (BR) incidence at eating soft. Shaded fruit had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) [N], [K], [Mg], N:Ca, K:Ca, and K + Mg:Ca in their flesh. Significant negative linear correlations (p ≤ 0.001) were obtained between fruit DM and flesh [N] (r = −0.75), [K] (r = −0.67), and N:Ca (r = −0.57). SER and BR incidence were significantly positively correlated (p ≤ 0.01) with flesh and skin mineral ratios of N:Ca, K:Ca, Mg:Ca, and K + Mg:Ca. Skin and flesh [Ca] were significantly negatively correlated with SER (r = −0.51, p ≤ 0.01) and BR (r = −0.74, p ≤ 0.001) incidences. Soil cation (Ca, Mg, K) availability (%base saturation of cation exchange capacity (CEC)) was not (p > 0.05) correlated with skin or flesh mineral concentrations or ratios. Considered collectively, results suggest that selective harvest of sun-exposed fruit with inherently lower mineral nutrient ratios yields relatively robust fruit. Such fruit lots should better tolerate the rigours of harvest and postharvest treatment and handling. In this context, they should better maintain quality upon passage through long, in terms of accumulated time-temperature increments, export supply chains. In contrast, shaded fruit could be directed into shorter domestic supply chains. As a harvest strategy, segregating fruit lots from harvest could underpin the quality offered to consumers at the end of ‘short’ and ‘long’ supply chains. Full article

There is an increasing interest and effort in reorienting university curricula to address sustainability and preparing teachers to get involved in embedding sustainability and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in teaching and curricula enabled by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Evidence shows that this interest and effort is often prevented by various barriers at three levels: teacher- level barriers, school-level barriers, and system-level barriers. In this study, the attempt was geared towards identifying the constituencies of these three levels of barriers and examining the extent to which they predict teachers’ motivation to embed sustainability and SDGs in various school subject areas, including arts-based education. A survey of 1253 teachers in Malaysia revealed that the teacher- and system-level barriers explain 83% of the motivation variance. By identifying, addressing, and investigating these barriers, higher education institutions—and especially teacher education—could be better informed in reorienting university curricula to embed ICT-enabled Education for Sustainability (ICTeEfS). These results were also used in planning and implementing in-service teacher training interventions in the context of a European Commission Erasmus+-funded project. Full article

This study aims to investigate the changes in atmospheric deposition trends in Macedonia, using a moss biomonitoring technique. This technique has been used to assess the content of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2015, within the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. The content of 42 elements was analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), on 72 moss samples collected in the summer of 2015. The median values of the elements studied were compared with data from previous years and with median values obtained from comparable studies in Norway and the neighboring countries. Through factor and cluster analysis, three geogenic factors were identified: Factor 1, which includes the elements Al, Ce, Fe, Hf, La, Li, Na, Sc, Sm, Tb, Ti, Th, V, and U; Factor 4, which includes As, Cl, and I; and Factor 5, which includes the elements Ba and Sr. In addition, one geogenic-anthropogenic factor containing Co, Cr, and Ni (Factor 2), was identified, and one anthropogenic factor containing Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn (Factor 3). The lead and zinc mines near the towns of Kriva Palanka, Probištip, and Makedonska Kamenica in the eastern region of the country, the former lead and zinc smelter in the town of Veles, and the ferronickel smelter near Kavadarci, have continuously had the greatest anthropogenic impact on the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements during the time period of the study. In addition to the human influences, the lithology and the composition of the soil continue to play a significant role in the distribution of the elements. Full article

Cities are facing significant challenges related to climate change, particularly due to the increasing impact of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. The present study investigated the UHI phenomenon at the microscale in Annaba, Algeria. The research involved a multi-step approach, starting with on-site measurements of urban microclimate parameters, performed in downtown Annaba on 6 July 2023. The UHI intensity was quantified by comparing city-measured temperatures with rural surroundings. Thermal imaging is then used to empirically identify the contributing factors to UHI initiation at the microscale. The study employed the ENVI-met model to analyse mitigation strategies, manipulating parameters for six scenarios including the current design of the study area. Outputs were used to assess the impact of these strategies on air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The findings revealed an intense UHI effect in Annaba city with a peak difference of 6.9 °C, with practical implications for buildings, ground and roads, vehicles, air conditioners, and specific facade materials. Introducing urban vegetation, particularly urban trees and green roofs, proved highly effectiveness in mitigating the UHI in downtown Annaba. Urban trees demonstrated the most substantial impact, reducing temperatures by 1.9 °C at 1 p.m., while green roof temperature reductions ranged from 0.1 °C to 2 °C. Full article

Within a context in which temperatures are increasing due to global warming, it is important to assess the capacity of buildings, old and modern, to respond to this new situation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of understanding more about the thermal properties of traditional constructions. This study quantifies the impact of the high summer temperatures typical of the Mediterranean climate on traditional farmhouses in Eastern Almería (Spain). The study group of farmhouses was divided into three models representative of the different types of Eastern Almería vernacular architecture. Energy consumption in the three models was simulated using EnergyPlus. The three models were assessed in free-floating conditions. The window-to-wall ratio and U-factor values were studied in order to evaluate potential benefits in terms of energy efficiency. Outdoor and indoor temperatures were compared. Finally, an adaptive thermal comfort analysis was performed according to ASHRAE 55. Results highlight the ability of Eastern Almería farmhouses to mitigate extreme temperatures. Full article

Extreme random events will interfere with the inversion analysis of energy and environment systems (EES) and make the planning schemes unreliable. A Copula-based interval cost–benefit stochastic programming (CICS) is proposed to deal with extreme random uncertainties. Taking Yulin city as an example, there are nine constraint-violation scenarios and six coal-reduction scenarios are designed. The results disclose that (i) both system cost and pollutant emission would decrease as the industrial energy supply constraint-violation level increases; (ii) when the primary and secondary energy output increases by 9% and 13%, respectively, and industrial coal supply decreases by 40%, the coal-dependent index of the system would be the lowest, and the corresponding system profitability could reach [29.3, 53.0] %; (iii) compared with the traditional chance-constrained programming, Copula-based stochastic programming can reflect more uncertain information and achieve a higher marginal net present value rate. Overall, the CICS-EES model offers a novel approach to gain insight into the tradeoff between system reliability and profitability. Full article

The building sector contributes to 50.9 percent of China’s carbon emissions. Due to the complexity of the assessment process, it is difficult to predict the entire life cycle carbon emissions of a building at the early stage of design. In this study, a whole-life carbon emission estimation model for the early stage of building design is developed based on comparison of the standard calculations and an analysis of stock cases. Firstly, the standard calculation methods in China, Japan and Europe were compared, and the boundary of the model was defined in three parts: production, construction and demolition and operation. Second, information on 68 examples of Chinese buildings was collected and divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 7:3. In the training set, the relationship between carbon emissions and the design parameters was searched, and a carbon emission estimation model applicable to different stages was constructed. Finally, the model was applied to the test set for validation. The results show that the calculation error of the model is within ±15%, and it can quickly estimate carbon emissions based on the design factors, which is helpful for carbon emission assessment work in the early stages of design. Full article

To address the poor thermal comfort of library exteriors in hot and dry regions during the summer, this study takes the libraries of universities in Xinjiang as its research object. It corrects the range of the perceived environmental temperature (PET) index for evaluating comfort in Xinjiang by combining subjective and objective methods. It explores the impact and adjustment mechanism of physical parameters on PET through field measurements and simulations. Finally, it determines the optimal external environmental design based on PET. The research results show that the neutral temperature of PET in Xinjiang during the summer is 27.44 °C, and the optimal comfort temperature range is 25.52–29.36 °C. The correlation between meteorological and physical parameters and PET is as follows: Tg > G > Ta > RH > SVF > reflectance > Va. The optimal PET design includes a combination of a water body in the upwind direction on the south side, an asphalt underlay, grass, and large-leaved wax vegetation. In the optimal scheme, PET decreased by 6.73 °C, or 12.59%, compared with Case 0 at 18:00. This study provides a reference for the design of external environmental conditions in hot and dry regions during the summer. Full article

Logistics is significantly impacted by quality/quantity issues associated with data collection and data sharing restrictions. Nonetheless, public data from national entities and internet-of-things (IoT) solutions enable the development of integrated tools for performance analysis and real-time optimization of logistics networks. This study proposes a three-module data-driven system architecture that covers (a) logistics data collection tools, (b) logistics services performance evaluation, and (c) the transition to synchromodal systems. Module 1 integrates multisource data from national logistics platforms and embedded devices placed within intermodal containers. A multigraph representation of the problem is conceived. Environmental, economic, and operational data are generated and injected into a digital twin. Thus, key performance indicators (KPIs) are computed by simulation or direct transformation of the collected data. Module 2 uses Multi-directional Efficiency Analysis, an optimization algorithm that benchmarks multimodal transportation routes of containers using prior KPIs. Outputs are a technical performance index relevant to logistics clients and improvement measures for logistics service providers. A real case study application of the solution proposed for Module 2 is presented. Module 3 provides real-time scheduling and assignment models using CP-sat solvers, accommodating varying system dynamics and resource availability, minimizing makespan and operational costs. Full article

In the 21st century, the primary concerns within our society and economic framework revolve around securing a sustainable future and ensuring our future prospects. The crises witnessed in recent years have both introduced new challenges and revived existing difficulties. The crucial question emerges: can societies and economies demonstrate the resilience necessary to avert impending dangers during such circumstances? This consideration holds particular significance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the global economy. SMEs play a vital role in national economies, and their importance is even more pronounced within our national societies. Addressing threats and challenges in the SME sector proves to be more challenging due to their compact size, which lacks the protective shield against various environmental impacts enjoyed by larger enterprises with their greater size and capabilities. On the other hand, due to their smaller size, SMEs may be able to overcome these obstacles more successfully than large enterprises by using the appropriate tools and investing in opportunities. The aim of this article is to investigate to what extent environmental protection investments and other sustainability-related developments increase the resilience of SMEs. In connection with the above mentioned, it was investigated how the combination of marketing communication and sustainability goals, and how appropriate communication of sustainability, contributes to increasing the resilience of Hungarian SMEs. The analysis is based on a grouping of 266 small and medium-sized enterprises using the variables created based on the literature review and expert interviews. Full article

This paper analyses the net social benefits deriving from the medium-scale production of geopolymers based on volcanic ash compared to traditional cementitious materials used in construction and restoration sectors. In contrast to the existing literature grounded on the physical and mechanical characterization of geopolymers, our analysis considers two aspects: public finance savings from avoiding the disposal of volcanic ash in landfills and environmental benefits deriving from reduction in CO₂ releases due to the production process at room temperature. Our case study focuses on the reuse of natural waste, namely the volcanic ash of the Mt. Etna volcano (Italy), whose disposal involves significant costs for society. Its use in the alkaline activation process avoids the exploitation of natural resources. Considering the huge amount of volcanic ash from Mt. Etna that falls on the urban areas of Eastern Sicily, the results show relevant economic benefits, in terms of both avoided costs and tax reductions for the citizens. Alongside these, significant environmental benefits are evidenced thanks to the release of up to 78% lower CO₂ emissions by synthesised materials with volcanic ash than by traditional cementitious ones. Overall, the social cost savings compared to traditional materials is 0.339 EUR/kg for geopolymer. Full article

This article addresses research questions on participants’ satisfaction with the essential “COVID” factors of home ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyses statistically significant differences in participants’ demographic characteristics in relation to the various “COVID” factors. The main instrument used to measure the participants’ satisfaction was a questionnaire from our previous study in 2010. The participants expressed as the most important “COVID” factors the possibility of setting up a home office, internet in the flat and the possibility of setting up a mudroom, a separate, independent space and contact with nature, which can include good natural lighting and ventilation. The results show that the statistically significant differences between the year 2010 and 2021 in terms of living conditions in the property are expressed in the participants’ satisfaction with their current living conditions, brightness of natural light, proximity to kindergartens, schools, work opinions and health centres, maintenance costs and sense of belonging to the neighbourhood. This understanding gives our study a special significance. Our study investigates the parameters of the interior of properties, so in the future, it would make sense to expand the studies in this field to include living parameters, the building, the surroundings and the neighbourhood. Full article

Efficient transportation is essential for regional economic development. Currently, the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration is accelerating the construction of intercity railways in the region to strengthen the links between cities. To provide a more detailed account, this study examined data spanning the years 2010–2021 across nine key cities in the Pearl River Delta. Employing a spatial Durbin model, we sought to uncover specific spatial patterns associated with intercity railways, particularly their pronounced impact on neighboring cities. Our quantitative findings, derived from the spatial Durbin model, revealed a statistically significant positive contribution of intercity railways to overall regional development. Contrary to initial concerns, the results indicate that intercity railways contribute significantly without exacerbating existing imbalances. However, according to the decomposition analysis of effects, most coefficients of the explanatory variables with a direct effect were found to be positive and significant, indicating their positive impact, while those with an indirect effect were found to be nonsignificant, suggesting that the effect of planning and construction of intercity railways on the economic development of the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration is currently at a stage of factor concentration. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the need for prioritizing regional connections in intercity railway construction. This strategy can facilitate production factor flow and foster the proactive development of transportation infrastructure, thereby ensuring a balanced and sustainable regional economic growth trajectory. Full article

This pilot study explores the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for predicting sunflower seed protein content, focusing on both crushed and husked samples to address agricultural sustainability concerns. Sunflower seeds are renowned for their richness in both oil and protein content. The important role of sunflower seeds in the food and feed industries underscores the importance of using precise analytical tools to determine their composition. In essence, the nature of the hull of sunflower seeds, which skews the interaction between the seed and light, necessitates a sophisticated analysis. This study analyzes 326 samples using a near-infrared spectrometer to develop robust partial least squares (PLS) models. High accuracy is achieved in predicting total protein for crushed samples (r²c = 0.97, RMSEC 0.54%, RPDc 6; r²p = 0.78, RMSEP 1.24%, RPDp 2.1). Extending the scope to husked samples, promising results emerge for crude protein prediction (r²c = 0.93, RMSEC 0.86%, RPDc 3.9; r²cv = 0.83, RMSECV 1.39%, RPDcv 2.4). Additionally, this study delves into protein fractions (globulin, albumin, and glutelin) in crushed seeds, adding depth to the analysis. In conclusion, NIR spectroscopy proves valuable for rapid prescreening in breeding, especially when working with hulled grains, offering non-destructive efficiency and predictive accuracy in agricultural analysis. The novel exploration of protein fractions in sunflower seeds further enhances this study’s importance, providing a valuable contribution to the field and underscoring the practical applications of NIR spectroscopy in sustainable agriculture. In conclusion, the opacity of sunflower seed hulls poses challenges in infrared spectroscopy, limiting light penetration and accuracy. Dehulled seeds are preferred for reliable results, overcoming hull-related limitations. Although grinding provides the advantages of uniformity and reproducibility for near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, the preference for dehulled grains persists. The practical need for accurate analysis in agriculture and breeding drives the choice of spectroscopy on dehulled seeds, allowing for replanting. Full article

Bacterial cellulose is a biomaterial known for its physical and mechanical properties, including its high mechanical strength, water retention capacity, and biocompatibility. Its production from various carbohydrates has been widely studied, aiming to find more efficient and cost-effective culture media. This study investigated the production of bacterial cellulose from agroindustrial asparagus peel waste by Komagataeibacter rhaeticus QK23. A strain of QK23 was isolated and cultivated from a kombucha tea, identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics using the 16S rRNA gene. The waste was hydrolyzed and converted into fermentable sugars. Using the response surface methodology, the inoculum dose (1–20%) and incubation time (3–25 days) were evaluated concerning bacterial cellulose yield. The results demonstrated that with an optimal inoculum dose of 10.5% and an incubation time of 25 days, a production of 2.57 g/L was achieved. It was characterized as similar to type I cellulose, exhibiting a high degree of crystallinity (81.89%) and suitable morphological properties, evidenced by a fiber size of 178 nm and a surface roughness of 27.05 nm. Converting asparagus waste into bacterial cellulose is a sustainable and effective strategy that promotes the development of advanced biomaterials in biotechnology research. Full article

Digital agriculture serves as a pivotal means of ushering in innovative agricultural practices and achieving sustainable agricultural development. Although agricultural digitalization has received increasing attention, the unbalanced development and regional disparities of digital agriculture are still key obstacles to sustainable agricultural development. Based on the data of 31 provinces in China from 2013 to 2021, this study evaluates the development level of digital agriculture in China, and further analyzes the distribution pattern, spatial characteristics, and transition probabilities of digital agriculture from a regional perspective. The index system of the digital agriculture development level is constructed from five aspects: infrastructure, talent resources, agricultural informatization, the digitization of agricultural production processes, and agricultural production efficiency. Among these, infrastructure and talent resources reflect the resources needed for the development of digital agriculture; agricultural informatization and the digitization of the agricultural production process indicate the role of digitization in the process of agricultural development; and the agricultural production efficiency is the goal of the digital agriculture development, which is a critical criteria of its evaluation. The weighted analysis method of objective sequential analysis, which combines the dynamic level of indicators and sequential relationships, is used to assign weights to the indicators. In addition, to address the regional disparities in the development level of digital agriculture, kernel density estimation, Moran’s index, and (spatial) Markov chain analysis are applied to analyze the spatial dynamic evolution of digital agriculture in China. The findings reveal substantial regional disparities in digital agriculture development within China, particularly in the Western region, where development lags behind. Moreover, this study offers actionable policy recommendations for policymakers to strengthen regional infrastructure and talent cultivation, as well as other aspects of digital agriculture development, to mitigate regional differences and provide reference for other emerging countries. Full article

Understanding changes to soil organic carbon storage (SOC) requires knowledge of detailed land use history. Many satellite-based analyses of land use change have been conducted over short periods (typically 5 to 10 years) to investigate causality to a demand increase in an agricultural commodity. However, statistically significant changes in SOC are not readily observable during this time and typically require decades for meaningful differences to accrue. This study aimed to determine land use and soil organic carbon stocks on land parcels over 36 years (1985–2021) located in areas where historical land use transitions between cropland and non-cropland are prevalent. Aerial and satellite imagery were analyzed across 25,992 hectares in ten counties across the Corn Belt. Grower interviews were conducted to solicit feedback on the drivers of land use change. Finally, SOC analyses associated with land use changes were determined using two process-based models. Analysis showed that 371 of the parcels had remained in cropland, 611 parcels transitioned into non-cropland, and 18 parcels were identified as non-cropland. The grower surveys indicated that the most common reasons for returning land to crop was the difficulty getting land re-enrolled in the CRP and reduced cattle prices. Both the SALUS and GREET-CCLUB models were parameterized to assess soil carbon changes for the respective land use history, and both models returned consistent SOC increases at the county level over time. Full article