Sustainability Perspective Research Articles

The Mechanism of Enterprise Digital Transformation on Resilience from the Perspective of Financial Sustainability

In the period following the global COVID-19 pandemic, financial sustainability has become critical for the survival of enterprises around the world. This paper investigates the mechanisms and implications of digital transformation on resilience from the perspective of financial sustainability, that is, financial resilience. Employing a sample of Chinese listed firms, the study documents that digital transformation was positively related to financial resilience in normal states due to improved internal corporate governance, increased analyst coverage, alleviated financial constraints, and reduced operation risk. The relationship was more significant for companies with digitally literate executives, non–state–owned companies, and high–tech companies. However, it was not significant during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and for companies with consecutive losses and delisting warnings. These findings provide unique evidence to support the beneficial effects of digital transformation on corporate resilience and to identify strategies for strengthening financial sustainability.

Enhancement in Dewatering Efficiency of Disrupted Sludge through Ultrasonication and Re-Flocculation—Sustainable Sludge Management

The solids in sewage sludge are primarily composed of organic matter and offer new possibilities for sustainable sludge management, if considered as a stable biomass source in terms of quantity and quality. Reducing the volume of sludge with an extremely high moisture content is challenging, and enhanced dewatering through mechanical treatment is crucial from an environmental and sustainability perspective because it alleviates the reliance on thermal treatment. This study employed ultrasonication to enhance the dewatering efficiency of activated sludge. The disruption of sludge induced by ultrasonication notably facilitated the elimination of intracellular water during mechanical expression. Additionally, the ultrasonicated sludge was verified to be re-flocculated by introducing inorganic electrolytes such as Ca2+ (divalent cations), Al3+ (trivalent cations), and polyferric sulfate. Conversely, no re-flocculation of disrupted sludge was observed upon applying organic polymer flocculant. Under optimized conditions, the sludge re-flocculation progressed to form large flocs, leading to a decreased suspended solids (SS) value from 1423 to 73 mg/L and reduction in capillary suction time (CST) from over 2000 to 18 s. Following pretreatment, the moisture content of the mechanically expressed cake at 500 kPa decreased significantly from 76 wt% (untreated sludge) to less than 60 wt% (treated sludge) due to the elimination of intracellular water.

Sustainable systematic literature reviews

Context:Systematic Literature Reviews (SLR) have been recognized as an important research method for summarizing evidence in Software Engineering (SE). At the same, SLR still presents several problems, such as the high resource consumption (mainly human resources) and lack of effective impact on SE practitioners, although much research has already been done. Objective:The main goal of this paper is to explore the concept of sustainability in the SLR area, intending to contribute to understanding better and solving such problems in an integrated way. More specifically, this paper characterizes what sustainable SLR are, their core characteristics, critical factors (i.e., sensitive points in the SLR process), and guidelines for conducting such SLR. Methods:We performed a meta-ethnographic study to find key concepts of sustainable software systems and transpose them to sustainable SLR. For this, we systematically selected 16 studies about sustainable software systems and 14 distinguished studies about SLR. Following, we extracted the main keywords and metaphors, determined how both areas are correlated, and transposed them to obtain a set of core characteristics of sustainable SLR as well as critical factors and guidelines. Additionally, we validated them with specialists using the Delphi method. Results:We found 15 core characteristics that offer a broad view of sustainable SLR, 15 critical factors in the SLR process that should be carefully addressed when conducting and updating SLR, and also 16 guidelines to manage SLR from the sustainability perspective. Conclusion:The concept of sustainability in SLR can contribute to solving SLR problems in a more integrated way, while this work could change the mindset of the SLR community about the need to conduct sustainable SLR.

Recycling and reusing ITO substrates from perovskite solar cells: A sustainable perspective

In the present work we have carried out two benign routes to recycle ITO coated glass substrates of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using diluted potassium hydroxide (KOH) or citric acid solutions. After removal of the different layers of the cells structural, optical and electrical properties of ITO recycled substrates were characterized and compared with virgin ones. Sheet resistance and roughness measurements indicate that diluted KOH treatment is the preferred method as it leads to no detectable damage to the ITO coating. We also evaluate the factor of merit of ITO substrate taking into account transmittance and conductivity results obtaining similar values for KOH ITO recovered and original substrates. A new PSC device (with a wide bandgap perovskite absorber) using this recycled ITO was manufactured with identical power conversion efficiencies to the ones achieved with pristine substrates, in this case approx. 18 %.

Environmental Responsibility of Micro and Small Enterprises in The Services Sector in Baja California, Mexico, Its Effect on Competitive and Financial Performance

Objective: The study evaluates the impact generated by Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) activities on Competitive Performance (CP) and Financial Performance (FP) of Micro and Small Business (MSMEs) in the service sector in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. Theoretical Framework: From a sustainability perspective, corporate environmental responsibility and its relationship with various constructs and their interactions such as competitive and financial performance are analyzed. Method: A survey was developed and applied to 57 company managers in the following sectors: private sector medical laboratories, car repair and laundries, differentiated by the management of waste with potential environmental impact and greater demands in compliance with environmental standards. To confirm the hypotheses raised, an exploratory factor analysis and linear regressions of the constructs formed were applied. Results and Discussion: It was found that there is a strong relationship between CER and CP, however, there is no influence of CER on CP. Research implications: Service sector entrepreneurs continue to view RAE activities as expenses and financial burdens, which prevents them from taking RAE as a development strategy. They have not adopted strategies that allow them to benefit from the RAE actions they carry out, and it prevents a better environmental performance of SMEs in the service sector. Originality/Value: By demonstrating that there is no positive effect of RAE on finances, it is evidence of why the service sector continues to lag behind in its environmental performance and commitment, compared to other economic sectors at local and regional level. It also provides evidence in the theoretical discussion of the effect of RAE on the competitive and financial performance of the company.

Financial Risk Management in Healthcare in the Provision of High-Tech Medical Assistance for Sustainable Development: Evidence from Russia

The research determines the level of financial risk in the Russian healthcare system and identifies prospects for improving the current Russian practice of financial risk management in healthcare when providing high-tech medical care for sustainable development (using Russia as an example). The author summarizes the advanced experience of the top 20 largest healthcare organizations in Russia by revenue in 2022. Based on this experience, the author developed an SEM model of the financial risks in healthcare during the provision of high-tech medical care in Russia from a sustainable development perspective. The theoretical significance of the developed model lies in uncovering the previously unknown causal relationships between the implementation of the ICT, sustainable development support, and financial risks in healthcare. The model reveals a new market dimension of financial risks for healthcare organizations in Russia. The main conclusion is that implementing the ICT and support for sustainable development helps to reduce the financial risks in healthcare. The identified potential for reducing financial risks in providing high-tech medical care in Russia until 2026 is practically significant. This prospect can be practically applied as a roadmap for the digital modernization and sustainable development of healthcare until 2026, enhancing the state healthcare policy in Russia. The established systemic relationship between ICT implementation, sustainable development support, and financial risks in healthcare is of managerial importance because it will increase the predictability of the financial risks in the market dimension of healthcare in Russia. The newly developed approach to risk management in healthcare during the provision of high-tech medical care in Russia has expanded the instrumental framework of risk management for healthcare organizations in Russia and revealed further opportunities for improving its efficiency.

Seasonal Dynamics of the Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes as Potential Markers of Climate Change in Natural Model: Deep Cold Lake–Shallow Warmer Reservoir

In the context of global climate changes, it is important to assess the sustainability perspective of aquatic ecosystems based on marker organisms. In this work, we analyzed seasonal dynamics of silica-scaled chrysophytes in freshwater communicating environments which have considerable differences in water temperature between two ecosystems: the deep and cold oligotrophic Lake Baikal versus the shallower and warmer downstream Irkutsk Reservoir having mesotrophic features. During three seasons of the open water period of 2023, 38 species of silica-scaled chrysophytes were observed at 17 stations using scanning and transmission microscopy. The distribution of silica-scaled chrysophytes was shown to correlate with the water temperature. The greatest species richness was observed in the spring season in a large bay of the Irkutsk Reservoir (23 species), the smallest in the cold spring waters of Southern Baikal (up to 7 species). Widespread species living in Southern Baikal continued to grow in warmer waters of the reservoir. Using the example of silica-scaled chrysophytes, the stability of the high-latitudinal freshwater ecosystems affected by climate change is discussed. Continuous increment of the water temperature can lead to an increased abundance of widespread species and the displacement of psychrophilic species, affecting the overall biodiversity in such ecosystems.

Монгол улсын боловсролыг тогтвортой хөгжүүлэх үзэл санаа

This article presents findings of a social forum on concepts to develop education in Mongolia from a sustainable perspective among 1464 participants from various social groups through online and face-to-face discussion. The findings were triangulated by selected experts and national consolidation. Following the findings, we recommended a concept to develop education in Mongolia from a sustainable perspective by employing a dynamic model of education. The concept to develop education in Mongolia from a sustainable perspective emphasizes 8 components, including Education philosophy of Mongolia (as the foundation of existence), Vision (as a pole star), Values (as a compass leads to the pole star), Mongolian learner (as a future social member), Policy priorities (as assistance to Mongolian learner), Collaboration and Partnership (as public engagement), Digital transformation and Big Data (as reliable and sustainable implementation mechanism), and Education finance (as an efficiency-directed mechanism).

Sowing the seeds for sustainability: A business model innovation perspective on artificial intelligence in green technology startups

In today's data-driven era, ubiquitous concern about environmental issues pushes more startups to engage in business model innovation that promotes environmentally friendly technologies. The goal of these startups is to create technology-based products and services that enhance environmental sustainability. In this context, artificial intelligence promises to be a key instrument to create, capture, and deliver value. However, the existing literature lacks a deep understanding of how startups using AI innovate their business models to achieve a positive environmental impact. Therefore, this paper investigates how green technology startups utilize AI from a business model innovation perspective for environmental sustainability. We conduct a qualitative, exploratory multiple-case study using the Eisenhardt methodology, based on interview data analyzed using qualitative content analysis. We derive five predominant manifestations for AI-driven business model innovation and identify archetypical connections between business model dimensions. Further, we establish three overarching archetypical associations among the cases. In doing so, we contribute to theory and practice by providing a deeper account of how green technology startups attempt to maximize their positive environmental impact through AI. The results of this study also highlight how business model innovation driven by AI can support society in securing a more environmentally sustainable future.

Sustainability in Secondary Use of Health Data - A Scoping Review.

This scoping review investigates sustainability in the reuse of health data on a technological, intra-organizational, inter-organizational, and regulatory level. Thereby, it focuses on the evolutionary, relational, and durational perspective of sustainability. The study highlights various challenges in achieving data sustainability, from regulatory norms such as FAIR principles towards data governance processes and responsibilities in organizations that facilitate data sharing. By highlighting the need for economic sustainability of health data sharing platforms and adapted principles for data sharing, this study aims to analyze current practices that aim for sustainability in the secondary use of health data.

An Integrated Bayesian Best–Worst Method and Consensus-Based Intuitionistic Fuzzy Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution Approach for Evaluating Alternative Aircraft Models from a Sustainability Perspective

An Integrated Bayesian Best–Worst Method and Consensus-Based Intuitionistic Fuzzy Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution Approach for Evaluating Alternative Aircraft Models from a Sustainability Perspective

The Role of The Technopreneur In Overcoming Global Sustainability Challenges: A Mental Accounting Perspective

This research examines the role of thechnopreneurs in overcoming global sustainability challenges from a mental accounting perspective. The aim of this research is to understand and analyze how technopreneurs can contribute to overcoming various challenges related to global sustainability through innovation and evironmentally friendly technology. The method used is literature study. The results of this research show a close relationship between technopreneurship, global sustainability, and mental accounting perspectives in the context of UMKM. Technological innovation increases efficiency and solves waste problems, while social media and e-commerce expand market reach at low costs. The mental accounting perspective plays a role in cost allocation, use of digital technology, innovation and risk management. Mental accounting, with its focus on effective and efficient short-term control, has the potential to be counterproductive to global sustainability, which requires expensive costs to obtain long-term benefits. Nevertheless, mental accounting still needs to be campaigned for all accountants to pay attention to environmental sustainability so that mental accounting develops not only in the short term but also in the long term. So that the integration of technopreneurship and sustainability principles supported by an appopriate mental accounting perspective can increase the added value of UMKM businesses while supporting global sustainability.

Sustainability of the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory Use in Ohio Nursing Homes Over Time

ObjectivesIn 2015, the Ohio Department of Medicaid incentivized use of the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI) as a quality initiative. The pay-for-performance (P4P) program, however, was then deimplemented in 2019. This study investigated the sustainability of use of the PELI in Ohio nursing homes (NHs) from 2017 to 2021 and examined barriers to PELI implementation. DesignThis study analyzed 2 waves of Ohio Biennial Survey of Long-Term Care Facilities data. Setting and ParticipantsData were drawn from 433 NHs in Ohio that reported on PELI implementation efforts between 2017 and 2021. MethodsThis study examined the change in proportion of NHs implementing the PELI (ie, conducted for all residents, used in care planning) and change in proportion of NHs using different PELI assessment formats (ie, the full 72-item PELI, MDS 3.0 Section F items only). Frequencies of reported barriers to PELI implementation by NH administrators were tabulated. ResultsResults indicate that although use of the full 72-item PELI decreased over time, only a small percentage discontinued its use despite possible impacts of P4P changes in 2019 and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. NHs adapted their PELI assessment formats likely in response to perceived barriers of PELI use (ie, length of the full PELI, time constraints, and residents’ level of cognitive impairment). Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings suggest that Ohio NHs sustained PELI implementation over time in the context of large systemic changes in P4P financial incentives and COVID-19 safeguards. Barriers were reported at the organizational level, yet NHs continued to prioritize PCC with the PELI. Policy/P4P mandates may serve as effective implementation incentives that encourage sustainability of quality care practices. Future research should explore long-term sustainability and stakeholder perspectives on PELI utilization.

Analyzing regional economic development from the perspective of sustainability using hybridized algorithm

Analyzing regional economic development from the perspective of sustainability using hybridized algorithm

Sustainability-aware measurement design: How to select the right measuring system

Environmental sustainability assessment has been establishing itself as a requirement when selecting any good or service. This approach also applies to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, and to Measurements, which represent integral components of ICT. This means that, in the measurement design, the traditional parameters of target uncertainty and costs should be accompanied by environmental sustainability ones.To address this aspect, among the steps of the measurement design process, this paper focuses on the selection, for a given measurand, of the most suitable measuring system from a sustainability perspective. Specifically, to guarantee also consistency of the approach, the proposed methodology is developed within a framework that takes into account the pillars of measurement uncertainty (i.e. the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, GUM) and those of sustainability assessment (i.e. the ISO14000 family of standards).As a case study, three resistance measuring systems are compared under different simulated and experimental scenarios. The obtained results demonstrate how, through the incorporation of sustainability considerations alongside metrological performance criteria, this methodology facilitates a holistic approach to the selection of measuring systems, promoting environmentally conscious practices within the field of Metrology.

Landscape Design Planning and Research of Renewable Energy Application Projects from a Sustainable Perspective

The substantial emission of carbon exacerbates climate change, posing a threat to human survival and sustainable development. The primary inducement for the carbon emission issue is the excessive dependence of human activities on fossil energy. The construction industry is among the major sectors contributing to carbon emissions, and the low-carbon development within this industry serves as the cyclical engine for the path towards carbon reduction. Currently, there is limited research that integrates low-carbon development with the landscape design of renewable energy projects. Most studies emphasize the application of relevant low-carbon measures, overlooking the landmark effects of building decarbonization. Addressing how to truly achieve landscape design for renewable energy projects from a sustainable perspective based on relevant carbon emission quantification indicators during the architectural design phase is an urgent problem to be solved. This paper takes a sustainable perspective as the starting point and systematically summarizes landscape design concepts from this perspective. It proposes three major design approaches: ecological sustainability, cultural integration, and the application of advanced technology. Using these approaches, the paper tackles the balance between economics, energy, and the environment in landscape design, recognizing it as essentially a high-dimensional multi-objective optimization problem from a methodological perspective. The paper introduces an energy-economy-environment coupling model and utilizes big data. After low-carbon planning and design, both the net carbon footprint and total carbon footprint of the landscape significantly decrease. The Greenfield carbon sequestration per kilogram increases from 301,023.21 to the current 347,856.02, with an increase of 46,832.81.

Assessing microclimate thresholds for heritage preventive conservation to achieve sustainable and energy efficiency goals in a changing climate

This research addresses the issue of the heritage preventive conservation in the perspective of energy sustainability, for contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and towards the EU Green Deal. The study analyses and compares four cases associated with different microclimate thresholds as suggested by the standard EN 16893:2018 (Cases 1–3) and as derived from the outputs of three degradation models for preserving paper, wood, and canvas paintings (Case 4). Weather-based indices (degree and gram days) were calculated to estimate trends in the potential energy demand of collection facilities in three European cities belonging to different Köppen-Geiger climate zones (Cfb, Csa, and Dfb), under recent past (1981–2010) and near/far future climate scenarios (2021–2050 and 2071–2100) from two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). The findings suggest that adapting facilities’ management strategies to focus on collections preservation can facilitate the achievement of 5 out of 17 SDGs, offering a viable alternative to costly energy retrofits and encouraging the development of shared solutions for similar facilities in the same climate zone. The results can contribute to inform the revision of EN 16893 and to face major challenges such as the preservation of paper collections in southern latitudes.

Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Trends and Future Perspectives for Sustainability and Digitalization in Germany

The objective of this research was to provide a review of the state-of-the-art literature related to sustainability and digitalization in SMEs to identify current trends and future perspectives within this vital sector. The focus is on German SMEs, which are considered benchmarks, given these firms’ critical role in the country’s economy and job market. A total of 55 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed with the support of the Atlas TI 24.1 software package, focusing on definitions, frameworks, research questions, hypotheses, primary findings, and direct reports from interviewees. Major current trends were identified, clustered in two groups: (1) digitalization, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and performance; and (2) sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and risk management. Three future perspectives were identified: disseminating digitalization in the market; incorporating sustainability into business models; and increasing investments in government support programs. While the study is focused on German SMEs, its findings are applicable to similar economies within the European Union and can serve as a reference for developing countries’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). This research advances knowledge on how SMEs play a critical role in the context of sustainability and digitalization, both now and in the future.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells Vs Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles

I will compare two prominent energy storage technologies—Hydrogen Fuel Cells (HFCs) and Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs)—with a focus on their application in electric vehicles (EVs). As the demand for sustainable transportation solutions intensifies, we look into the technological advancements, challenges, and sustainability perspectives associated with these two key players in the electrification of the automotive industry. I will showcase the performance metrics of HFCs and LIBs, including energy density, efficiency, rechargeability, and environmental impact. By considering the latest developments in both technologies, this offers insights into their respective strengths and limitations, shedding light on their suitability for different use cases within the EV ecosystem.Furthermore, I will discuss the infrastructural requirements and economic implications associated with the adoption of HFCs and LIBs in electric vehicles. It critically evaluates the current state of both technologies and anticipates future trends that may shape their role in sustainable transportation. This submission aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding alternative energy storage solutions for EVs, providing a balanced analysis that can inform policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals engaged in the pursuit of environmentally friendly and efficient mobility solutions.I also will show some results on cathode exploration for the hydrogen evolution reaction on some novel materials towards the end which would be interesting for further investigation towards commercialisation.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Sustainable Technical Design of a Connected, Automated, Shared and Electric Vehicle Fleet for Inner Cities

The increasing volume of personal motorized vehicles (PMVs) in cities has become a serious issue leading to congestion, noise, air pollution and high land consumption. To ensure the sustainability of urban transportation, it is imperative to transition the current transportation paradigm toward a more sustainable state. Transitions within socio-technical systems often arise from niche innovation. Therefore, this paper pursues the technical optimization of such a niche innovation by applying a technical sustainability perspective on an innovative mobility and logistics concept within a case study. This case study is based on a centrally managed connected, automated, shared and electric (CASE) vehicle fleet which might replace PMV use in urban city centers of the future. The key technical system components of the envisioned mobility and logistics concept are analyzed and optimized with regard to economic, ecological and social sustainability dimensions to maximize the overall sustainability of the ecosystem. Specifically, this paper identifies key challenges and proposes possible solutions across the vehicle components as well as the orchestration of the vehicles’ operations within the envisioned mobility and logistics concept. Thereby, the case study gives an example of how different engineering disciplines can contribute to different sustainability dimensions, highlighting the interdependences. Finally, the discussion concludes that the early integration of sustainability considerations in the technical optimization efforts of innovative transportation systems can provide an important building block for the transition of the current transportation paradigm to a more sustainable state.