SustainabilityPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.3390/su16188018
Rongrong Hong
{"title":"Analysis of Factors Affecting the Accuracy of MFD Construction in Multisource Complex Data Scenarios","authors":"Rongrong Hong","doi":"10.3390/su16188018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188018","url":null,"abstract":"The macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD), as a model depicting the correlation between traffic flow parameters at the network level, offers a new way to understand regional traffic state using derived traffic flow data from detectors directly. The accuracy of MFD construction is directly related to factors such as the type of detectors, their distribution, and their quantity within the road network. Understanding these influencing factors and mechanisms is crucial for enhancing the reliability of MFD-based applications such as congestion pricing and threshold control. Present investigations on factors that affect MFD construction’s accuracy have frequently been confined to sensitivity analysis of single-source data and individual influencing factors such as the penetration rate. However, the accuracy of MFD is influenced by a multitude of factors, including the spatial distribution equilibrium, penetration rate, and coverage rate of traffic flow detection equipment. Despite this, this paper utilized the Q-paramics simulation software V6.8.1 to acquire simulated data and employed the orthogonal experimental method from statistics to explore the impact mechanisms of factors on the accuracy of MFD construction. The results of the case study demonstrated that when the penetration rate reaches 20%, the error remains approximately around 10%; once the coverage rate surpasses 45%, the errors stabilize at around 10%. This study provides practical guidance for traffic management and planning decisions aimed at promoting sustainable development through the application of MFD in real-world road networks.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Deformation, Seepage, and Energy Characteristics of Gas-Containing Coal Rocks under Complex Stress Paths","authors":"Dongming Zhang, Xingfeng Mao, Zhenglin Guo, Jiabo Geng","doi":"10.3390/su16188001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188001","url":null,"abstract":"The exploitation and utilization of coal resources are closely related to sustainable social and economic development. To uncover the deformation and seepage patterns of coal on the mining process, this study devised a new stress program with simultaneous changes in axial and confining pressures, then performed coal seepage experiments at various gas pressures. The results show that the residual deformation exhibited a stepwise change, the relative residual deformation at the same level decreased gradually, and the increase in gas pressure led to a reduction in residual deformation. In each stress grade, the absolute permeability damage rate increased gradually, while the relative permeability damage rate decreased with the number of cycles, and the growth of gas pressure could decrease the permeability damage rate. The higher gas pressure led to a lower average energy dissipation ratio at each stress level and increased the rate of growth of elastic energy before destruction of the specimens. A higher gas pressure led to a quicker rate of change in damage variables at high stress levels. The findings have implications for the effective mining and sustainable development of coal resources.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"85 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ghost Gear in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia): An Urgent Need for a Conservation Code of Conduct","authors":"Wiem Boussellaa, Mohamed Nejmeddine Bradai, Hamed Mallat, Samira Enajjar, Bechir Saidi, Imed Jribi","doi":"10.3390/su16188003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188003","url":null,"abstract":"The Gulf of Gabès, located off the southern coast of Tunisia, is a region of significant ecological and economic importance, yet it faces a growing threat from abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear, commonly known as ghost gear. This paper addresses the urgent need for a comprehensive conservation code of conduct to mitigate the impacts of ghost gear on marine ecosystems and local communities. Drawing on data and insights from the Life MedTurtles and MedBycatch projects, as well as consultations with local stakeholders, we propose a set of principles and guidelines tailored to the specific socio-economic and political context of Tunisia. Our findings indicate that ghost gear not only endangers marine biodiversity but also affects the livelihoods of local fishers and the sustainability of the region’s fishing industry. The proposed code of conduct emphasizes the roles of government, local communities, and non-governmental organizations in implementing effective management strategies. We also explore the alignment of the proposed measures with existing international laws and policies, ensuring no conflicts arise while reinforcing global conservation efforts. This paper concludes by highlighting the feasibility of the proposed code within the Tunisian context, identifying potential challenges and opportunities for its implementation. Our recommendations aim to foster a collaborative approach to managing ghost gear, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Gulf of Gabès and serving as a model for similar regions worldwide.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"69 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SustainabilityPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.3390/su16188013
Daniel Alexandru Cosnita, Flaviu Sabin Iorgulescu, Neculai Eugen Seghedin
{"title":"Clusters as Tools to Measure Sustainable Value Chains","authors":"Daniel Alexandru Cosnita, Flaviu Sabin Iorgulescu, Neculai Eugen Seghedin","doi":"10.3390/su16188013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188013","url":null,"abstract":"The literature and practice have proven the connection between competitiveness at all levels (company, region, national) and its position in international value chains, hence the need to “measure” their economic impact. Traditionally, this has been conducted by using complex quantitative data based on statistical sources translated into input/output tables that are difficult to calculate and interpret and rely on outdated data. While the contribution of clusters as drivers of economic competitiveness has been extensively debated over the last 30 years, it is more recently, after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to tremendous disruptions in international value chains, that their role of generators and drivers of international value chains has been recognized, proven by the rapid response they have been able to provide in “repairing” the disturbances. The current paper proposes a cluster-based value chain analyses method in which the main measurement unit is the density of the chosen indicator along the value chain links (number of enterprises, turnover, R&D expenditure, exports). The results were checked by classical methods and proven to be congruent. The method allows for a rapid response to sudden disruptions and can be used for both cluster managers as well as economic policymakers at regional and national levels.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"45 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SustainabilityPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.3390/su16187999
Mariana Losada-Agudelo, Sebastian Souyris
{"title":"Sustainable Operations Management in the Energy Sector: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature from 2000 to 2024","authors":"Mariana Losada-Agudelo, Sebastian Souyris","doi":"10.3390/su16187999","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187999","url":null,"abstract":"This study centers on sustainable operations management within the energy sector, identifying and synthesizing effective strategies for integrating sustainability into business practices. We perform a systematic literature review covering contributions from January 2000 to June 2024 extracted from Web of Science and Scopus databases. The methodology includes an explicit search and selection protocol to ensure relevant and unbiased insights into the evolution of sustainable practices in the energy sector. The results indicate an increase in publications over the years, particularly in areas such as low-carbon economies, environmental management, and innovation, all of which are crucial for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing operational sustainability. This study categorizes existing research into five main streams: Closed Loop Supply Chains (CLSC), Low Carbon Economy (LCE), Environmental Management and Performance (EMP), Innovation (INN), and Social Responsibility (SR). The review underscores the significant gap between current practices and the potential for incorporating renewable energy sources into existing systems. In addition, it highlights the need for robust governmental policies and international cooperation in order to foster a more rapid transition towards sustainable operations on the energy sector. Furthermore, our findings suggest that despite technological advances, significant implementation gaps remain that require focused research and policy adjustments in order to achieve sustainability targets in the energy sector.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SustainabilityPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.3390/su16188002
Josinaldo Dias, José Nilson França de Holanda, Sílvia Cardinal Pinho, Gilson Mendonça de Miranda Júnior, Angelus Giuseppe Pereira da Silva
{"title":"Systematic LCA-AHP Approach to Compare Hydrometallurgical Routes for Copper Recovery from Printed Circuit Boards: Environmental Analysis","authors":"Josinaldo Dias, José Nilson França de Holanda, Sílvia Cardinal Pinho, Gilson Mendonça de Miranda Júnior, Angelus Giuseppe Pereira da Silva","doi":"10.3390/su16188002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188002","url":null,"abstract":"To ensure that metal recovery processes in electronic waste are truly sustainable from an industrial perspective, studies on the performance of such methodologies are necessary to verify the economic, environmental, social, and technological viabilities. The importance of conducting multicriteria and comparative investigations into the actual performances of methods used in the recovery of these materials is emphasized, considering trade-offs such as high efficiency in metal extraction balanced against intense consumption of energy and chemical reagents. The analytical hierarchy process, multicriteria decision support tool, and the life cycle assessment tool are proposed to be used in combination in this work to assess and contrast the environmental effects of two hydrometallurgical paths for the recuperation of copper in electronic circuit boards (PCBs). The results indicate that the sulfuric acid method had a copper solubilization efficiency of 90.05%, whereas the route employing the combination of ammonium sulfate and ammonia had an estimated copper solubilization efficacy of 49%. It was feasible to calculate the life cycle effects of the hydrometallurgical procedures connected to the copper recovery activities on the PCBs with regard to the LCA. Compared to the acidic leaching pathway, alkaline leaching was responsible for about 71% of the environmental damage discovered in the study, according to the AHP tool.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SustainabilityPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.3390/su16188000
Mamadou Sanogo, Roland Yonaba, Abdou Lawane, Malicki Zorom, Fonzia Tassembédo, Hamed Ali Sahad, Isidore Bazié
{"title":"Do Runoff Water Harvesting Ponds Affect Farmers Cropping Choices? Insights from Smallholders in the West African Sahel","authors":"Mamadou Sanogo, Roland Yonaba, Abdou Lawane, Malicki Zorom, Fonzia Tassembédo, Hamed Ali Sahad, Isidore Bazié","doi":"10.3390/su16188000","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188000","url":null,"abstract":"Supplemental irrigation based on runoff harvesting is a sustainable solution in the current context of water scarcity that is prevalent in Sahelian countries. Runoff water harvesting ponds (RWHPs) are increasingly being utilized for vegetable cultivation by producers. This study aims to analyze the cropping choices of producers benefiting from RWHPs in the Kadiogo and Bazèga provinces of Burkina Faso in the West African Sahel. A sample of 27 surveyed producers revealed a dominant preference for vegetable crops (93.46% of the total production) over cereals. The cropping choices are influenced by factors such as the crop resistance to dry spells, the water demand, the economic return, and the market demand. For the effective utilization of the basins, crop choices should consider the water retention capacity of the basin. Additionally, to enhance the retention capacity, it is advisable to line them using appropriate waterproofing techniques. Similarly, the selection of basin installation sites should consider the soil characteristics and site-specific considerations. The findings of this research highlight the potential of runoff water harvesting basins to significantly improve agricultural productivity and resilience in the West African Sahel, thereby contributing to enhanced food security and improved livelihoods for local farmers.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SustainabilityPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.3390/su16188020
Qiang Tu, Han He, Xiaomin Lai, Chuan Jiang, Zhanji Zheng
{"title":"Identifying Critical Links in Degradable Road Networks Using a Traffic Demand-Based Indicator","authors":"Qiang Tu, Han He, Xiaomin Lai, Chuan Jiang, Zhanji Zheng","doi":"10.3390/su16188020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188020","url":null,"abstract":"The primary traffic-based indicators for identifying critical links account for travel time, transportation efficiency, and traffic demand. These indicators are seldom applied to scenarios in which link capacity degradation occurs across the entire network. In addition, the commonly used traffic demand-based indicator, known as unsatisfied demand, can only work when there are disconnected origin–destination (OD) pairs in the network. In this context, this study incorporates the concept of a degradable road network to represent such scenarios and introduces a new network-wide traffic demand-based indicator, defined as late arrival demand (LAD), to identify critical links. Specifically, we built a late arrival rate (LAR)-based user equilibrium (UE) model to capture travel behavior and estimate the LAD in degradable road networks. Then, LAD and four other indicators were introduced to identify critical links in the framework of the LAR-based UE model. Finally, the Nguyen–Dupuis and Sioux Falls networks were employed for numerical experiments. The results, under various levels of traffic demand and degradation, demonstrate that LAD is a flexible and effective network-wide traffic demand-based indicator. This new approach provides insights that can help managers assess link criticality in degradable road networks from the perspective of traffic demand.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"75 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of Environmental Impacts in Legume Crops: A Case Study of PGI White Bean Production in Southern Europe","authors":"Reina Pérez, Cecilia Fernández, Amanda Laca, Adriana Laca","doi":"10.3390/su16188024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188024","url":null,"abstract":"A small-scale organic crop producing the protected geographical indication (PGI) cultivar “Faba Asturiana”, located in northern Spain, was considered to be a case study for analyzing the environmental impacts associated with the production of this legume (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was employed for the analysis with a “cradle-to-gate” perspective, with 1 kg of dry beans as the functional unit. The results demonstrated that the main contributor to the environmental impacts was electricity consumption (with percentages above 75% for ionizing radiation, freshwater eutrophication, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and non-carcinogenic toxicity). A carbon footprint (CF) of 1.20 kg CO2eq per kg of dry beans was obtained (around 1000 kg CO2/ha·y). Electricity consumption was the major contributor to the CF, followed by atmospheric emissions from waste incineration and diesel use. Furthermore, some environmental improvements were suggested, and three alternative scenarios were investigated. In conclusion, it can be established that the CF of the studied PGI bean is within the range reported by other researchers for leguminous crops. The easiest way to reduce the CF for this particular crop would be to compost the organic waste instead of burning it. Additionally, the most effective strategy would be to reduce energy consumption or use renewable energy sources. For example, if the energy supply were obtained through in situ solar production, the CF could be reduced by more than 40%.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SustainabilityPub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.3390/su16188030
Yang Liu, Kazumitsu Minamikawa
{"title":"From Sensory Experience to Revisit Intentions: An Embodied Cognition Perspective on Replica Tourism","authors":"Yang Liu, Kazumitsu Minamikawa","doi":"10.3390/su16188030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188030","url":null,"abstract":"This study explores the impact of sensory experiences on tourists’ experiences at replica destinations, aiming to clarify the intrinsic influence mechanisms between sensory experiences, perceived authenticity, well-being, and the intention to revisit. Utilizing embodied cognition theory, this study empirically tested its application through data collected via an online survey of tourists who visited a well-known replica destination, Window of the World in Shenzhen, within three months prior to completing the survey. The findings reveal that tourists’ sensory experiences, except for smell and taste, are directly related to the intention to revisit. Positive sensory experiences influence perceived authenticity and well-being, subsequently leading to an increased intention to revisit. By providing empirical evidence on tourists’ sensory experiences at replica destinations in different cultural contexts, this study enriches the existing body of research and broadens the scope of replica tourism studies. In addition, an increasing number of replica tourism destinations play an important role in protecting traditional tourist destinations, especially historical sites. This study provides valuable insights for the future development of replica tourism destinations in promoting sustainable tourism. At the same time, this study extends the application of embodied cognition theory to replica tourism, contributing to theoretical development and offering new insights into the role of sensory experiences in shaping tourist behavior.","PeriodicalId":22183,"journal":{"name":"Sustainability","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142180754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}