Potential For Sustainable Development Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Evaluation of Regional Land Use Dynamics and Its Potential Ecosystem Impact under Carbon Neutral Pathways in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area

The spatiotemporal distribution of ecosystem service values (ESVs) and ecological risk are critical indicators to represent the regional ecological protection level and potential of sustainable development, which largely depend on land-use patterns. Aiming to contribute to global climate mitigation, China has proposed dual-carbon goals that would remarkably influence the land-use/cover change (LUCC) distribution. Based on the Landsat land cover data of 2000, 2010 and 2020 and multisource satellite products, several driving factors are integrated into the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model to simulate future LUCC patterns for the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) under rapid urbanization, cropland protection and carbon neutral (CN) scenarios from 2020 to 2050. Spatial–temporal ecosystem service and ESVs are allocated using INVEST and the equivalent factor method and thus ecological risks are evaluated using the entropy method. Results indicate that forest growth is the largest under the CN scenario, especially in the northwestern and northeastern GBA, exceeding 25,800 km2 in 2050, which results in both the highest habitat quality and carbon storage. The largest ESVs, reaching higher than 5210 yuan/pixel, are found in the CN scenario, particularly expanding toward the suburban area, leading to the lowest ecological risks. From 2020 to 2050, habitat quality, carbon storage and ESVs improve, while ecological risks decline in the CN scenario. This research provides implications for economic and ecological balanced development and gives references to the carbon-neutral pathway for the GBA.

Zwitterionic ionogels with water-mediated stiffness transition for shape memory and moisture electric generation

Moisture-sensitive gels with recyclable and switchable mechanics hold great promise for electronic generation. However, the volume, mechanical, electrical stability of gels during repeated hydration-dehydration remain a big challenge. In this study, we have developed a high-strength ionogel by incorporating a polyacrylic acid (PAA) network with multiple hydrogen bonds into the polyzwitterion-ionic liquid (PVBIPS-VEIMBF4) network. The resulting ionogel exhibits an exceptional breaking strength of 67 MPa and significant water-induced softening (2600-fold modulus decrease) with the elongation of approximately 708%. Moreover, it remains stable over 7 rehydration processes without volume deformation, simultaneously exhibits excellent water/heat induced shape memory behavior. Additionally, due to the protonation ability of polyelectrolytes and the exceptional hydration ability of zwitterions, a single gel-based MEG can consistently produce a high voltage of 1.17 V at 85% outdoor humidity. With diverse applications in different states, this excellent ionogel demonstrates enormous potential for sustainable development of green materials.

An optimization framework for basin-scale water environmental carrying capacity

The interaction between water environment and social economy at a basin scale is complex and challenging to quantify. To address this issue, this study proposes an integrated framework that builds parametric connections among water, contaminants, administrative regions, and social activities. The framework, known as the water environmental carrying capacity (WECC) optimization framework, effectively captures the intricacy of the interaction and integrates socio-economic parameter structure relationships, a water environmental model, a WECC optimization model, and a sensitivity analysis of regulatory parameters. Applied to the Anhui-Huaihe Basin in mid-eastern China, the framework considers nine administrative regions and three economic factors: industry, agriculture, and GDP per capita (pGDP). Results show that the current water environmental carrying capacity of the watershed is insufficient to meet socio-economic development requirements. After optimization, the WECC for industry, agriculture, and pGDP in the region increased by 22.40%, 26.59%, and 15.08% respectively. Overall COD and NH4–N discharge decreased by 13.6% and 14.7% respectively, effectively reducing pollution loads in rivers and enhancing sustainable development potential. At the regional scale, optimization for industry, agriculture, and pGDP exhibited different characteristics, but all aimed to improve efficiency by reducing the K value (pollution discharge/output value ratio). Regions with industrial treatment rates (αwt) below 0.8 should prioritize increasing treatment rates, while those above 0.8 should consider industrial upgrading for enhanced efficiency. For agriculture, important sensitive parameters for farming and livestock breeding are the proportion of high standard farmland (αs) and the scale breeding ratio (αb), which should be increased to above 0.15 and 0.83 respectively for all regions to achieve agricultural optimization. For pGDP optimization, the focus is on improving living environments and reducing pollution discharge, with crucial measures including collecting and treating rural domestic sewage, where the rural toilet improvement rate (αt) in each region should be increased to 0.78 or above. The results emphasize the need for both interregional allocation and intraregional planning to achieve comprehensive basin optimization and a harmonious balance between regional development and water environment.

The Impact of ESG Disclosure Quality on Sustainable Growth and Asset Pricing Efficiency in China's Industrial Sector

This research analyzes the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure quality on listed industrial companies in China's sustainable development potential, stock pricing efficiency, and the moderating effects of firm size and ownership structure. Panel regression and moderating effect models are applied in the research to investigate the links using data from Bloomberg's ESG Disclosure Score and China Stock Market & Accounting Research (CSMAR) from 2010 to 2020. The findings reveal that quality ESG disclosures significantly enhance both sustainable growth and stock pricing efficiency, with larger firms showing a more substantial impact. However, state-owned enterprises demonstrate a weaker impact compared to private firms. These findings suggest that ESG disclosure quality can boost investor confidence in a firm's long-term growth potential, thereby attracting capital and enhancing the accuracy of asset pricing. This work facilitates in the comprehension of the function of ESG disclosures in the monetary markets and offers guidance to Chinese businesses, investors, and regulatory agencies.

Quantifying the ecological carrying capacity of grasslands in Inner Mongolia.

Quantifying the ecological carrying capacity has emerged as a crucial factor for maintaining ecosystem stability for sustainable development in vulnerable eco-regions. Here, we propose a new framework for ecological carrying capacity quantification suitable for vulnerable eco-regions. We applied this framework to calculate the ecological carrying capacity of Inner Mongolia from 1987-2015 and used a geographical detector to identify the driving factors behind spatial heterogeneity. Our results revealed the following. (1) The above-ground net primary production (ANPP) required to support the ecosystem service of soil conservation (ANPPSC) decreased from northeast to southwest, whereas the distribution pattern of ANPP required to support the ecosystem service of sand fixation (ANPPSF) exhibited a contrary trend. The average annual ANPP required to support the ecosystem service of natural regeneration (ANPPNR) in Inner Mongolia from 1987 to 2015 was 101.27 gCm-2year-1, revealing a similar spatial distribution with ANPP. (2) The total ecological carrying capacity of Inner Mongolian grassland was 78.52 million sheep unit hm-2. The regions with insufficient provisioning service capability accounted for 4.18% of the total area, primarily concentrated in the east and northwest. (3) The average optimal livestock number for grasslands in Inner Mongolia was 1.59 sheep unit hm-2 from 1987-2015, ranging from 0.77 to 1.69 sheep unit hm-2 across different zones. The average ecological carrying capacity of the cold temperate humid, medium-temperate arid, and warm temperate semi-humid regions was less than 1.08 sheep unit m-2, suggesting a need to prohibit grazing in these areas. (4) The primary influencing factors affecting ecological carrying capacity distribution were normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), precipitation, and soil type. The framework developed herein can help identify sustainable development potential from the ecosystem service perspective and effectively contribute to decision-making in grassland ecosystem management.

Chemical structure–property relationships in nanocelluloses

AbstractNanocelluloses, nanoscale cellulosic particles or fibrils, are an appealing class of nanomaterials with enormous potential for sustainable development. They have great promise to target some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations. Nanocelluloses are derived from the most abundant biopolymer in the world, cellulose, which have multiple hydroxyl groups on their surface, enabling a vast range of chemical modifications. The interplay between the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of nanocelluloses is crucial to engineering the next generation of green, functional nanomaterials. In this review paper, we provide a comprehensive account of the structure–property relationships in nanocelluloses, which may establish the basis for the design of precision bio‐based materials. Chemical modifications of nanocelluloses, including hydrolysis, oxidation, esterification, amidation, and polymer grafting, provide an array of chemical and physical properties that open opportunities in a diverse spectrum of applications. We review how chemical modifications affect the physicochemical properties of nanocelluloses, such as thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and dispersibility in nonpolar media. Understanding nanocellulose chemical structure–property relationships is integral to the development of sustainable material platforms based on the most renewable biopolymer on earth.

Another Chance: Adaptive reuse of the built heritage strategies for circular creativity

The study delves into the realm of adaptive reuse, exploring its potential in sustainable urban development, particularly focusing on public buildings within the cultural and creative sectors. Through a multiple case study analysis, both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to scrutinize design strategies and spatial transformations in recent adaptive reuse projects of existing structures. This research investigates the evolution of adaptive reuse, highlighting its historical and theoretical underpinnings, and subsequently examines contemporary approaches towards existing structures in cultural, creative, and public domains. The study findings reveal common characteristics and innovative design strategies employed in recent adaptive reuse projects, emphasizing the transformative potential of neglected or abandoned urban spaces. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology involving case study analyses and diverse data collection techniques, the research underscores the significance of adaptive reuse as an established practice in contemporary architectural and urban design. The article's contribution to the social and economic dimensions of urban development lies in understanding and promoting sustainable, resource-saving strategies. This work paves the way for future research, suggesting potential expansions in creating an 'atlas of adaptive reuse' and exploring comparative analyses between existing reuse and new construction, specifically focusing on public buildings with civic-cultural uses.

Unleashing Sustainable Development Potential in Africa

Sustainable development is a global imperative, addressing economic growth, environmental preservation, and social equity. This study explores sustainable development in Africa, guided by the Brundtland Commission's definition. It examines Africa's unique context, highlighting resource management's pivotal role in addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. The study emphasizes climate resilience and adaptation, links demographic dynamics to sustainable development, and underscores the need for inclusive growth. It acknowledges Africa's integration into global efforts, recognizes innovation's transformative potential, and emphasizes infrastructure and sustainable urbanization as vital components. Overall, this research covers diverse facets of sustainable development in Africa, providing insights and recommendations for its advancement.

Greenhouse Technology for Controlled Environment Crop Production

Greenhouse technology has emerged as a pivotal solution for revolutionizing modern crop production by creating controlled environments. This study delves into the multidimensional realm of greenhouse technology and its significant impact on agricultural practices. The overview comprehensively discusses the importance, advantages, and challenges of controlled environment crop production within greenhouses. It also highlights the innovative and sustainable development potential of this technology in the agricultural sector. The investigation primarily focuses on precise climate control, resource efficiency, crop diversification, and urban agriculture, shedding light on how research and development will shape the future of greenhouse-based crop cultivation. Furthermore, the adaptability of greenhouse environments empowers growers to diversify their crop portfolios beyond the constraints of traditional growing seasons, ensuring a stable food supply and bolstering agricultural resilience in the face of shifting climate patterns.

Анализ эффективности деятельности медицинских организаций, реализующих стратегию развития.

The development strategy is the most well-known model implemented in various industries, including healthcare. It allows managers to make decisions and focus the efforts of employees on processes that contribute to the achievement of the long-term goals of the organization. However, when conducting a study of management models that affect the sustainable development of healthcare organizations, we received conflicting results. On the one hand, some healthcare organizations implementing the development strategy achieved their results within 3 years or more. On the other hand, 24,6% of healthcare organizations using this concept participated in the study, which did not achieve sustainable growth in indicators. This was the basis for the present study Purpose of the study is to determine and the analysis of the effectiveness of the activities of healthcare organizations implementing a development strategy. Materials and methods. The study of management models for the development of healthcare organizations was carried out in the period from 2012 to 2023 at the Novosibirsk State Medical University. Sociological (n=625) and expert survey (n=286) of heads of healthcare organizations was conducted in the period from 2012 to 2018. Results. 625 heads of healthcare organizations participated in the sociological study. Only 43,4% of respondents used a development strategy in their work. According to the results of the study, healthcare organizations that implement a development strategy in 100% of cases pay special attention to the implementation of an effective strategy. Plan processes in line with the organization’s strategy 34,6% more often than the average of all organizations surveyed. 1,7 times more likely to cooperate with government and scientific organizations to achieve their strategic goals. In the internal policy of the organization, they emphasize the implementation of corrective and preventive measures, and also evaluate mutual cooperation between departments. Findings. The results of the study show that in order to achieve strategic goals, it is necessary to involve all the main activities of a healthcare organization, which gives reason to believe that the development strategy has a positive impact on the effectiveness of the organization as a whole. However, the method under study contributes to increasing the potential for sustainable development of a healthcare organization by only 39%. And a quarter of all the studied organizations that implement a development strategy do not achieve a stable growth of indicators within 3 years. This means that the studied management model can improve the efficiency of the organization only in combination with other approaches.

LAND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS FOR URBAN GARDENING USING GIS-BASED MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION-MAKING APPROACH

The application of the Geographical Information System (GIS) extends beyond mapping and includes an analysis of attribute and geographical data, identification of behavioural patterns, and visualisation of positional analysis outcomes. The system provides accurate coordinates, enabling functions such as storage and retrieval, pattern search, and model creation in GIS applications. One widely adopted approach for land-use identification involves utilising GIS operations to establish databases and conduct analyses. Thus, this study utilises ArcGIS software tools to determine the suitability of land and optimal location for the development of community gardens in Shah Alam. Decision-making was based on multiple criteria, and to ensure accurate and comprehensive data, the researchers employed a qualitative method similar to expert interviews. Related government agencies and authorities, as well as experts, provided input through three separate expert interviews. Findings from the interviews highlighted the significance of land slope, elevation, land use, proximity to settlements, road accessibility, and water access as important considerations for site selection in urban gardening or community gardens. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of GIS methods in obtaining such results and recommends that future research focus on assessing the potential for sustainable development by leveraging GIS techniques.

Interconnectedness between land resource misallocation and environmental pollution: Exploring the sustainable development potential in China

The link between land resource misallocation and environmental quality is a compelling motivation for addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. As cities expand and populations grow, the demand for land resources intensifies, leading to a misallocation between available land resources and urban development requirements. Therefore, using a panel fixed-effects model, this study explores the impact of land resources misallocation (LRM) on environmental pollution (EP) using 267 prefecture-level city data from 2011 to 2020. Our findings show that LRM significantly increases EP with a time lag effect. LRM increases the number of urban industrial enterprises and thus increases EP. Implementing the broadband China strategy negatively moderates the positive relationship between LRM and EP. There is a threshold effect of LRM on EP, which is more evident in cities with high levels of EP. The promotion effect of LRM on EP will be more evident in southern cities, cities with smaller population sizes and cities with lower digitalization levels. This study clarifies the mechanism between LRM in EP and the active role of broadband China strategy, which has important practical significance for promoting government personnel in optimizing land resource allocation to achieve green development.

Evaluation of Sustainable Development Potential of High-Speed Railway Station Areas Based on “Node-Place-Industry” Model

The development of the HSR station area is the result of the combined effect of the three elements of transport, place, and industry. This study introduces the industrial dimension and constructs the node-place-industry model to empirically analyze the development potential of station areas along the Hunan section of the Beijing–Guangzhou and the Shanghai–Kunming high-speed railway lines. The results show that (1) the development of the three spatial elements of the station area is mostly out of sync, and the node value has the highest fit with the integrated potential value of the station area; (2) there is a significant correlation between the magnitude of the combined potential of the station area and the site location, station class and time of development; (3) according to the results of the cluster analysis, it was found that most of the stations were in a state of disequilibrium, and the main reason was that the functional value of the place did not match with the value of industrial aggregation. In particular, the introduction of the industry dimension extends the NP model and establishes a tessellated analytical framework for station type classification, providing an interesting assessment tool for the sustainable development of transport hub areas.

THE EFFECT OF THE PARTICIPATION OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS ON ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENT IN APPLIED ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION,

An applied entrepreneurship program was designed as theoretical, game-based and mentor supported for 13-week was implemented twice; to assess its effects on students’ perceived behavioral control, entrepreneurial intention, knowledge and skills. The matching pretest-posttest data were used in the analyses. The program was not found to lead to an increase in entrepreneurial intention. However, they were found to bear a strong potential for more sustainable development of these aspects. The program was implemented as a first in terms of its contribution to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The aim of the program was to question its own structure; that is, to find out if the participation of entrepreneurs – a costly feature of the program – really does make a difference in fostering entrepreneurial intentions in the participants. Another unique aspect of the study is that the program brought together actors from academic, business and non-profit fields to collaborate.

Utilization of E-commerce for fossil fuels allocation and green recovery

This paper evaluates the impact of e-commerce on fossil fuels efficiency in 24 Emerging and Developing Countries from 2000 to 2021. Findings provide by the CUP-FM (continues-updated fully modified) reveal that e-commerce positively influences natural resource efficiency in emerging Asian countries. However, household electricity consumption has a negative effect on fossil fuels efficiency. Financial market index and economic uncertainty also adversely impact fossil fuels efficiency. Moreover, a bi-directional causal link exists between e-commerce and resource efficiency, suggesting a feedback relationship. To enhance resource efficiency, economies should focus on developing green financing markets, promoting sustainable electricity generation, boosting ICT inclusion, and reducing economic uncertainty. These measures will foster sustainable development and leverage e-commerce's potential for efficient resource management.

Can the ocean economy in Brazil become blue?

PurposeThis study aimed to identify the potential for economic activities related to the ocean economy in Brazil to become blue economy (BE) activities, in which the concept of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is central.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the aim, the authors collected information on the SDGs and estimated data from the ocean economy sectors for the 256 Brazilian coastal cities. The authors predicted the indices for potential development of territories and sectors in the BE using two parameters: employed persons (EP) and sectoral added value (AV).FindingsThe results show that the capitals of coastal states present the highest potential indices for the BE, especially Rio de Janeiro, which accounted for 83.3% of sectoral added value in the Brazilian ocean economy with potential for sustainable development and generated 107,800 active formal jobs (26.9% of the country's total). In addition, restaurants, hotels and similar establishments are, on the Brazilian coast, the most frequent on the coastal zone and have the highest potential for BE activities.Originality/valueRegarding its contributions, this research innovates by developing an indicator that can help stakeholders understand the similarities and differences between cities and regions, whether through a social, economic, or environmental lens. Therefore, by following this methodological path for measuring the BE, viewing the distinct patterns of sustainable development by area is possible, thereby supporting action plans for the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of a marine spatial planning process for the country in the context of the Ocean Decade (2021–2030).Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0112

ESG Information Disclosure of Listed Companies Based on Entropy Weight Algorithm Under the Background of Double Carbon

As global climate change becomes increasingly severe, environment, society, and governance (ESG) assessment systems offer new standards to examine enterprises' sustainable development behavior, performance, and potential. Listed companies' ESG information disclosure practices are causing shifts from quantity growth to quality improvement, voluntary disclosure to mandatory disclosure, and single exposure to comprehensive disclosure. Under “double carbon target” guidance, China is accelerating the construction of its ESG assessment system, whose critical link involves disclosing enterprise ESG information. Considering the strategic objectives of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, this paper analyzes the progress of ESG governance in the domestic banking industry and examines the ESG information disclosure quality assessment method based on the entropy weight algorithm. Accurate, complete, and timely disclosure of information helps investors and creditors make scientific and reasonable economic decisions, reduces investment and credit risks, helps listed companies experience healthy development, and improves the market's overall operating efficiency.

Overview of Social Policies for Town and Village Development in Response to Rural Shrinkage in East Asia: The Cases of Japan, South Korea and China

Globally speaking, Asian countries, especially East Asian countries, are facing acute national depopulation situation and severe rural shrinkage development. Based on the continuous surveys of town and village development in Japan, South Korea, and China, this study aims to provide an overview of social policies that have been implemented in the past or more recently in these three countries in response to rural shrinkage, and to outline the core philosophy of these practices to cope with the repercussions. In this paper, we analyze the overall process of rural depopulation and the present features of town and village development in three countries. We subsequently present the social policies over the last few decades and summarize them into four major groups. Furthermore, we highlight that the focus of social policies is not to seek possible ways to reestablish growth but to provide positive support and effective reform to adjust and satisfy the changing needs of towns and villages under the circumstances of shrinking development, including the optimization of public resource allocation, exploring institutional innovation to valorize abandoned assets, and developing endogenous potentials for future sustainable development. Qualitative methods from a combination of literature review, policy review, and field surveys have mainly been adopted in this research. The study of East Asian practices may be instructive for other Asia-Pacific countries, as well as European countries that have been experiencing or will eventually face the challenges of rural shrinkage.

Development of tourism villages in Tegal Bungur Village, Natar Subdistrict, South Lampung Regency through a community empowerment approach

The development of tourism villages in Tegal Bungur Village, Natar Subdistrict, South Lampung Regency utilizes the potential of nature, culture, and local resources as a tourist attraction that can improve the welfare of the local community. This community empowerment activity aims to increase the literacy of the villages’ community in Natar Subdistrict regarding the development of tourism villages so that they can actively participate in educational development, especially regarding entrepreneurship and tourism education. The methods in this activity consisted of initial survey, training, monitoring, and evaluation. Through the active involvement of the local community in the entire development process, the villages’ community in Natar Subdistrict can optimize their local potentials in a sustainable manner. In this context, solid collaboration among the government, local community, and other relevant parties is important to create a conducive environment for the development of tourism villages. Tegal Bungur Village serves as an example for other villages in optimizing their local potentials for sustainable development of tourism villages. Strong synergy between various parties will provide significant benefits to improve local economic growth, cultural preservation, and community welfare in Tegal Bungur Village and the surrounding regions.

HUMAN CAPITAL IN THE CHANGING WORK ENVIRONMENT OF INDUSTRY 4.0

The analysis of surveys conducted in Bulgarian companies proves that the quantity and quality of human capital to the greatest extent determine the long-term potential for sustainable organizational development. Aware of the need for investment in human capital, more and more company leaders and managers are focused on creating value for their business through training and development of their employees; building knowledge, skills, competences and motivational attitudes towards the changing working environment in Industry 4.0. The article examines flexible forms of work and creative approaches to increasing the satisfaction and engagement of employees in the implementation of strategic company goals.