Sustainable Development Strategy Research Articles

When aging meets digitisation: can urban digital technology innovations enhance the well-being of older adults?

Introduction. With the rapid advancement of urban digital transformation in China, the significance of innovation in urban digital technology has become increasingly pronounced in the lives of elderly individuals. However, existing research on its impact remains limited. This study investigates the profound influence of urban digital technology innovation on the well-being of elderly people in Chinese cities, elucidating key mechanisms and moderating factors. Method. This study collected data on 1,317,694 digital technology innovation patents in urban areas, the level of urban digital transformation, and factors such as social support and well-being among elderly residents in Chinese cities. Empirical analysis was conducted using an OLS mixed-effects model, yielding compelling and convincing results. Results. Urban digital technology innovation significantly and positively affects the well-being of elderly individuals. The widespread adoption of digital technology broadens the horizons of the elderly, providing increased opportunities for social interaction, knowledge acquisition and health management. Furthermore, we identify urban digital transformation as a mediating factor between urban digital technology innovation and the well-being of elderly individuals. Crucial elements in this mediation encompass the establishment of a digital society, efficient digital governance, and robust digital infrastructure. Intriguingly, social support, serving as a moderating variable, influences the extent to which urban digital technology innovation affects the well-being of elderly individuals. Conclusion. Our study highlights the crucial role of urban digital innovation in enhancing elderly well-being. It offers valuable insights for policymakers to promote digital inclusion, social support, and sustainable urban development strategies that benefit older adults.

An Evaluation of Eco-Environmental Quality Based on the Fused Remote Sensing Ecological Index (FRSEI) in the Jinjie Coal Mine Area, Northwest China

This study focused on the Jinjie mining area by addressing the severe resource and environmental issues arising from excessive coal mining in Shenmu County, Northwest China. Multi-source remote sensing data from GF-1 and Landsat 8 OLI were utilized in this study. Specifically, the fused remote sensing ecological index (FRSEI) was constructed to conduct a detailed evaluation and analysis of the eco-environmental quality in the mining area from 2013 to 2023. The results indicated that the overall eco-environmental quality of the Jinjie mining area exhibited a trend of initial improvement, followed by degradation, and then improvement again over the decade. The eco-environmental quality of the mine pits and their surrounding areas was significantly lower than the overall level, confirming the destructive impact of coal mining on the eco-environment. Meanwhile, as the study area, Shenmu County is actively utilizing coal mining subsidence areas to develop the photovoltaic power generation industry, aiming to achieve green and low-carbon transformation. Although the construction of photovoltaic power plants initially led to the degradation of the condition of vegetation and the FRSEI, both gradually improved after the plants were operational. Furthermore, by comparing the FRSEI with the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) calculated solely using Landsat 8 OLI data, we found a high degree of similarity between the two, thereby validating the stability and accuracy of the FRSEI. This study not only provides high-precision data support for eco-environmental monitoring in mining areas but also highlights the potential of multi-source remote sensing data fusion technology in improving monitoring accuracy, further providing a scientific basis for formulating sustainable development strategies specifically for the eco-environment in mining areas.

Sports and Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review of Their Contribution to the SDGs and Public Health

This systematic review aims to explore the role of sports in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on SDG 3, which pertains to health and well-being. It seeks to analyze how sports can prevent non-communicable diseases, promote mental and physical health, and offer constructive alternatives for addiction prevention and treatment. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA-NMA 2020 guidelines. The research question was formulated using the PICO framework. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched using appropriate keywords and Boolean operators. Eligibility criteria were applied to select relevant studies, which were then assessed for quality using CASPe and GRADE systems. The review identified that sports significantly contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs, notably SDG 3, by enhancing physical and mental health, reducing non-communicable diseases, and promoting well-being. From the analysis of the reviewed articles, which include these aspects, it is concluded that sport significantly impacts sustainable development and can be a powerful tool to address public health and social problems. Sports also play a vital role in economic growth, social inclusion, and gender equality. However, challenges such as inequitable access to sports facilities, gender disparities, and environmental impacts of sports activities were highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted impact of sports on sustainable development, emphasizing its potential to address health and social challenges. It offers evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for integrating sports into sustainable development strategies, highlighting the need for inclusive and environmentally responsible sports policies and practices.

Impact of Urbanization on Water Resource Competition Between Energy and Food: A Case Study of Jing-Jin-Ji

Water resources, energy, and food are important resources in China, which play an important role in the process of urban development and are important basic resources for sustainable urban development. This study applied water footprint theory to water–energy–food relations. The regional integration of the Jing-Jin-Ji region faced new challenges during urbanization, and unified measures were applied to quantify the urban water demands and energy and food competition in the Jing-Jin-Ji region from 2003 to 2017. The index was used to evaluate the intensity of the competition for water for food and energy. The results indicated that from 2003 to 2017, the water footprint of grain production in the Jing-Jin-Ji region decreased from 30.984 billion m3 to 21.36 billion m3, of which the blue water footprint decreased from 13.032 billion m3 to 9.854 billion m3. The water footprint of energy production increased from 578 million m3 to 1.175 billion m3. The competition relation between cities in the Jing-Jin-Ji region was obtained according to the competition index, and corresponding measures were identified according to different competition levels. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers in designing sustainable urban development strategies for cities facing similar challenges of water resource, energy, and food competition during rapid urbanization.

Factors influencing spatiotemporal variability of NO2 concentration in urban area: a GIS and remote sensing-based approach.

The growing global attention on urban air quality underscores the need to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and its environmental and anthropogenic factors, particularly in cities like Dhaka (Gazipur), Bangladesh, which suffers from some of the world's worst air quality. This study analysed NO2 concentrations in Gazipur from 2019 to 2022 using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI data on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Correlations and regression analysis were done between NO2 levels and various environmental factors, including land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land use and land cover (LULC), population density, road density, settlement density, and industry density. The results reveal significant seasonal variations. The highest annual meanNO2 concentration (3.1 × 10-4mol/ m2)was recorded for winter 2021, and the lowest (1.1 × 10-4mol/m2) was for monsoon 2022. The study demonstrates a significant positive correlation between NO2 concentrations and LST (0.47), road density (0.55), settlement density (0.44), and industrial density (0.35) and a negative correlation with NDVI (- 0.4). Regression analysis revealed that NO2 concentrations were positively associated with land surface temperature (LST; β = 0.02, R2 = 0.22), road density (β = 0.002, R2 = 0.30), settlement density (β = 0.002, R2 = 0.19), and industrial density (β = 0.007, R2 = 0.12), while a negative association was observed with NDVI (β = - 0.28, R2 = 0.16). This research offers critical insights for policymakers and urban planners, advocating for enhanced green infrastructure, stringent emission controls, and sustainable urban development strategies to mitigate air pollution in Gazipur. Our methodological approach and findings contribute to the broader discourse on urban air quality management in developing countries.

MLP Enhanced CO2 Emission Prediction Model with LWSSA Nature Inspired Optimization

Environmental degradation due to the rapid increase in CO₂ emissions is a pressing global challenge, necessitating innovative solutions for accurate prediction and policy development. Machine learning (ML) techniques offer a robust approach to modeling complex relationships between various factors influencing emissions. Furthermore, ML models can learn and interpret the significance of each factor’s contribution to the rise of CO2. This study proposes a novel hybrid framework combining a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) with an enhanced Locally Weighted Salp Swarm Algorithm (LWSSA) to address the limitations of traditional optimization techniques, such as premature convergence and stagnation in locally optimal solutions. The LWSSA improves the standard Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA) by incorporating a Locally Weighted Mechanism (LWM) and a Mutation Mechanism (MM) for greater exploration and exploitation. The LWSSA-MLP framework achieved a prediction accuracy of 97% and outperformed traditional optimizer-based MLP models across several evaluation metrics. A permutation feature significance analysis identified global trade, coal energy, export levels, urbanization, and natural resources as the most influential factors in CO₂ emissions, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions. The study provides a reliable and scalable framework for CO₂ emission prediction, contributing to actionable strategies for sustainable development and environmental resilience.

Factors Driving Social Capital Participation in Urban Green Development: A Case Study on Green Renovation of Old Residential Communities Under Urban Renewal in China

Urban green development is crucial for citizen well-being and serves as a key pillar of sustainable development strategies. Collaborative governance mechanisms help address management, technical, and financial challenges in urban green development. The renovation of old residential communities within the context of urban renewal is becoming a focal point in the development of Chinese cities. To promote green development in the renovation of old residential communities in China, this study introduces the collaborative governance mechanism of government–social capital cooperation and identifies the factors influencing social capital participation in green development. A hybrid approach is proposed, combining grounded theory, IGAHP subjective weighting, CRITIC objective weighting, game theory, and ISM. This approach is applied to identify, evaluate, and analyze the factors driving social capital participation in the green renovation of old residential communities. The results indicate that government incentives and constraints, policy support, the costs and benefits of implementing green renovation, the development of green renovation technologies, and construction technical abilities significantly influence the decision-making of social capital. The findings provide theoretical support for decision-making by governments and social capital in participating in the green renovation of old residential communities and offer a methodological reference for analyzing social capital participation in other urban green development projects and for further policy formulation. Future research should focus on examining social capital involvement in other types of urban green development projects.

City-level emergy metabolism accounts for China’s 281 cities from 2000 to 2020

Cities exhibit diverse urban metabolism patterns in terms of the natural environment, industrial composition, energy, and material consumption. A chronicled city-level quantification of emergy metabolic flows over time can significantly enhance the understanding of the temporal dynamics and urban metabolism patterns, which provides critical insights for the transitions to sustainability. However, there exists no city-level urban emergy metabolism dataset in China that can support detailed spatial-temporal analysis. In this study, we present a city-level urban emergy metabolism dataset of China’s 281 cities between 2000 and 2020. This dataset meticulously describes the production and import of 41 resource types that sustain metabolic activities in 281 Chinese cities over a span of 21 years. This database, for the first time, provides insights into the historical metabolic changes of China’s cities by detailing emergy flows including production, consumption, and import of resources. Furthermore, these emergy flow inventories serve as valuable resources for studying urban metabolic characteristics, evaluating policy impacts, and formulating sustainable development strategies for China’s cities.

Exploring the spatial patterns and influencing factors of rural tourism development in Hainan Province of China

Hainan Province is a major domestic tourism destination in China, with rural tourism playing a key role in its development. This study analyzes the spatial distribution of 154 rural tourism sites across Hainan, examining regional balance, hotspots, and influencing factors such as transportation infrastructure, economic conditions, and A-level tourist attractions. Results show a clear spatial clustering of sites, with a strong concentration in the east and more dispersed patterns in the west. Economic growth and tourism sector development are identified as key factors influencing the “coconut-level” ratings. The study offers policy recommendations to promote sustainable rural tourism, including leveraging regional advantages, enhancing transportation connectivity, and improving tourism services and infrastructure. It also calls for investment in grassroots tourism projects and strengthening regional complementarity to foster balanced and equitable growth. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and tourism planners seeking to integrate rural tourism into broader sustainable development strategies.

Integrating Sharia Principles into Human Resource Management: Strategies for Sustainable Social Development

Integrating Sharia Principles into Human Resource Management: Strategies for Sustainable Social Development

Transforming Pharmacology Education: Insights from the Pharmacology Education Project in the Era of Digital Learning.

The IUPHAR Education Committee's Pharmacology Education Project (PEP; www.pharmacologyeducation.org) provides an open-access, peer-reviewed platform to support pharmacology education globally. Launched in 2016, PEP offers a comprehensive range of freely accessible, peer-reviewed resources, including extensive topic summaries with links to videos, slide sets, and other media curated by pharmacologists and catering to diverse learners' needs. This paper provides an update on PEP's growth, providing analytics on user engagement and feedback. The platform averages 20,000 visits per month, with a peak of 50,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engagement rates are approximately 40%, indicating robust interaction with the content. Feedback from 115 users spanning 31 countries praises the quality and quantity of PEP's resources and the ease of navigation through the website. Comparisons with traditional resources used in pharmacology education highlight PEP's advantages in accessibility and peer review. Examples of the use of PEP in education are provided, emphasizing active and self-directed learning methodologies. The discussion includes challenges in maintaining and expanding the platform, such as funding and content curation, and outlines strategies for sustainable development, including the role that artificial intelligence may play. PEP is a valuable resource in contemporary pharmacology education and plays a vital role in advancing the field globally.

Strategic MARCOS Model for Optimizing Renewable Energy Investments Under Pythagorean Hesitant Fuzzy Assessments

For sustainable growth, investments in renewable energy must be maximized. Maximizing investments in renewable energy opens the door to a more successful and environmentally friendly future. Analyzing technological viability, cost‐effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact are all part of this optimization process. This paper delves into a sophisticated methodology designed to tackle uncertainties in decision‐making by leveraging the innovative concept of Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy sets (PHFSs). We defined aggregation operations and distance measures for PHFS. After that, we introduced Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking According to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS), a novel methodology under PHFS, it is a robust tool acknowledged for navigating complex decision scenarios with multiple criteria. Following that, we showcased a case study on enhancing renewable energy investments through an AI‐based strategy for sustainable development, utilizing the newly developed MARCOS algorithm. The study highlights the significance of its adaptability and efficiency in practical applications. Furthermore, we compared this methodology with the Technique for Establishing Order Performance by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), offering insights into their respective strengths. This offers a concrete demonstration of its real‐world utility and potential impact in decision‐making scenarios. Finally, in the last, we conclude the whole study.

Spatial suitability evaluation and layout optimization of emergency shelter: A case study in Tianhe District of Guangzhou City.

Emergency shelters are multifunctional spaces that provide safe refuge, essential life protection, and rescue command for residents in case of urban disaster. These shelters constitute crucial components of urban public safety. This study, with Tianhe District in Guangzhou City as a case study, used data from emergency evacuation sites and other socio-economic sources to construct an evaluation system for spatial suitability evaluation and layout optimization of emergency shelters. This paper utilized from GIS-based methods including Grey Correlation Method (GCM) and Entropy Weight Method (EWM), the research process of "suitability evaluation -evacuation gap analysis-site selection-site optimization"is established, and the suitability evaluation results are calculated from the combination of effectiveness, accessibility and safety; based on the principles of fairness, accessibility, safety and feasibility, combined with the analysis of the current situation of land use and evacuation demand, the layout of urban emergency evacuation sites is adjusted. Finally, the spatial layout optimization plan for emergency shelters in Tianhe District was obtained. The results show that: (1) the overall suitability of the 50 emergency shelters in Tianhe District is favorable: 21 shelters are classified as "suitable," 25 shelters as "slightly suitable," and four as "unsuitable." (2) Most significant evacuation gaps are located in the peripheral areas of Tianhe District. By adding five new evacuation sites to optimize the existing layout, the evacuation coverage increased from 68.4% to 85.2%. Consequently, the number of people in need of evacuation decreased from 387,900 to 80,100, so the reasonable allocation of evacuation space has been significantly improved. At the same time, the optimised scheme increases the density of emergency shelters and reduces the overlap of services to some extent. Evaluating the appropriateness and optimizing the spatial layout of urban emergency shelters can enhance disaster prevention and response capacity in megacities. This approach is of great practical value for the construction of resilient cities and the implementation of sustainable development strategies.

Analysis of Homestay Development Potential in the Marine Tourism Area of Sanrobengi Island, Takalar Regency

This study aims to evaluate homestay standards in community houses on Sanrobengi Island, Boddia Village, Takalar Regency, with reference to the Minister of Tourism Regulation No. 9 of 2014. The methods used include qualitative and quantitative approaches, including surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis, to analyze homestay assessment indicators as well as identify factors that influence their development potential. The results show that although some homestays have not fully met the set standards, there are great opportunities for development, supported by the uniqueness of the local culture, the friendliness of the community, and the potential for natural tourism. The findings provide important insights for stakeholders in designing sustainable development strategies and enhancing the attractiveness of homestays on Sanrobengi Island.

IMPACTS OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES AS A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

The paper explores the Impacts of Cooperative Societies as a Strategy for Sustainable Community Development in Nigeria. Concepts of community development, elements that make up the local communities were analyzed. The impacts of cooperatives societies in sustainable community development, such as economic empowerment of members, social cohesion and inclusion, capacity building and skills development, access to essential services, environmental sustainability among others were outlined and elaborated. The paper also identified and explained the challenges of cooperatives societies which include among others as financial, structural, regulation and governance/capacity problems, while the way forward to these challenges were analyzed. The paper concluded that cooperative societies play significant roles in sustainable community development which includes among others; contribute to poverty alleviation, support local entrepreneur, promote agriculture development and essential financial services. The paper recommended that Government and financial institutions should provide adequate funding and support to cooperative societies to enable them to fulfill their roles effectively, Training programs should be organized for members and leaders of cooperative societies to improve their management skills and operational efficiency and Cooperative societies should be encouraged to participate in healthcare initiatives to improve community well-being among others.

SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN HISTORIC TOWNS: A CASE STUDY OF JERASH, JORDAN

The research explores the complexities and challenges of preserving and developing historic towns, focusing on sustainable urban development in Jerash. The study emphasizes the significance of maintaining and restoring historic buildings and urban spaces to yield benefits in aesthetics, tourism, local economy, and property values. It highlights the urgency of integrating conservation measures into development strategies to promote cultural heritage planning, adaptive reuse, and overall revitalization. The rapid urbanization in Jordan has led to increased pressure on historic resources, necessitating the preservation of cultural heritage as essential capital. The study outlines the importance of sustainable urban development in historic towns, considering the diverse values they offer, including architectural accomplishments, historical significance, economic return, environmental quality, and social functions. A case study of Jerash illustrates the historic and cultural significance of the town, showcasing its unique urban setting with Roman architectural remains and a rich history spanning over 6500 years. The research discusses current urban development initiatives in Jerash, addressing the challenges posed by socioeconomic factors, population growth, and the transformation from a colonial to a tourist urban economy. The study underscores the need for an integrated approach to sustainable urban development that balances growth and conservation, leveraging the town's cultural, social, and physical components. The research provides strategies for sustainable urban development, focusing on the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage, innovative urban planning and design approaches, community engagement, and participation. Through comprehensive analysis and evaluation, the research aims to contribute valuable insights for future urban development projects in historic towns, ensuring their sustainability and continued significance as cultural and historical treasures.

Universities towards sustainable development - a review of Polish schools' approaches to the formulation of SD strategies

Universities have an important role to play in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in its 2015 Declaration, which specifically addresses their contribution in the areas of education, research and social impact. The main objective of the article is to review the approaches of Polish higher education institutions (HEIs) to the formulation of sustainable development strategies by reference to their position in international rankings. The study focused on three international rankings: UI GreenMetric, THE Impact Rankings and QS World University Rankings: Sustainability. The methodology used included literature review and critique, analysis of documents and other source materials, descriptive analysis and comparative analysis. The paper contributes to deepening and advancing the academic debate on the role of universities in achieving the SDGs and improving institutional governance to accelerate progress towards their implementation.

Career prospects for future economists: Assessing the level of digital literacy in the context of developing platform technologies

Introduction. The authors examine the problem of integrating platform technologies into the practice of making economic decisions in light of new labor market trends. The purpose of this work is to assess the dynamics of future economists’ level of digital literacy in the context of the development of platform technologies to substantiate the prospects for a professional career. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the study is the sustainable development strategy, the conceptual foundations of which determine the directions of collective efforts to solve global problems of our time in terms of universal values of sustainability, responsibility and ethics. As part of the study, an online survey of Economics students at Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Astrakhan State University named after V. N. Tatishchev, Saratov National Research State University named after N. G. Chernyshevsky, Omsk State Technical University was conducted to assess the dynamics of the level of digital literacy in the context of the development of platform technologies. Results. The competitive advantages of digital economic models based on platform technologies have been identified: the ability to diversify and personalize the goods and services provided; a high level of flexibility and autonomy of labor relations, allowing to reduce production and transaction costs; maximizing the efficiency of sharing services, goods and resources in order to reduce waste and develop social cooperation. The empirical data obtained during the online survey demonstrate a sufficient level of students' awareness in terms of understanding the features of the platform economy in light of new labor market trends. At the same time, there is positive dynamics in the level of digital literacy in the context of 1-4 years of study, confirmed by high weighting coefficients of significance, which indicates sufficient involvement of future economists in the practice of making economic decisions using platform technologies and is an additional resource when an individual enters the labor market. Conclusions. The obtained results allow the authors to draw a conclusion about the relationship between digital knowledge, skills and opportunities to use digital platforms in terms of the prospects for the professional career of future economists.

Regional Sustainable Economic Development, Territorial Asymmetry, and the Role of Institutions: a Case of Russia

The existing asymmetry in socio-economic regional development in the Russian Federation indicates the need to explore this issue within the context of sustainable development and institutional economics. This paper aims to analyse the content of the triune and cluster approaches in sustainable development, while incorporating the institutionalist perspective. The study emphasizes how formal and informal institutions, such as governance quality, legal frameworks, property rights, and social norms all play a critical role in shaping regional development outcomes. Institutional economics provides a framework for understanding the interaction between federal, regional, and local institutions and their impact on overcoming territorial disparities. Seen from the perspective of institutional economics, cluster approach is an enabler or a constraint to sustainable regional development because institutions which foster economic efficiency and social inclusivity are important for spurring more rapid growth. This paper broadens the conceptual analysis of strategies for sustainable development and their ability to take into account regional disproportions in Russia, by integrating institutional factors that make it clear how important both economic and institutional reforms are required for long-term sustainability at a region level. Using a bibliometric approach and VOSviewer software, this paper visualizes and analyses foundational contributions on sustainable development and clusterization in Russia, drawing on 105 publications indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database. The co-occurrence maps and bibliometric networks elucidate thematic clusters and reveal insights into the interplay between institutional frameworks and sustainable regional development strategies. Our results suggest that the development of regions in Russia on sustainable and equal bases should not be only economic basis, as have demonstrated some other research, but consists of a whole integral institutional treatment containing an ensemble interweaving socio-economic-environmental policies. They are not just agents of economic growth but also important factors shaping the resilience and sustainability of regions. Thus, the key to overcoming territorial skewness is through robust institutional frameworks within each region to ensure that development policies are not only inclusive but also adapted to respond effectively with peculiarities of different territories.

Strategies for the Regional Development of Jeollanam-do through Marine Specialization: Developing Human Capital and International Student Policies

This proposes strategies for the regional development of Jeollanam-do through marine specialization. Jeollanam-do boasts an abundance of islands and marine resources, with agriculture and fisheries being the primary industries. However, rapid population decline and urbanization threaten the sustainability of its development. By analyzing the 5th National Comprehensive Territorial Plan and Jeollanam-do's 4th Comprehensive Plan, this research derives sustainable development strategies to leverage the region's unique resources. Emphasizing the pivotal role of local universities such as Mokpo National University, it discusses how revitalization of island- and marine-centered industries and tourism can be achieved through regional talent cultivation and development. It further highlights the necessity of fostering talent, enhancing research and development capabilities, attracting domestic and international students, expanding cooperation between local universities and industries, and utilizing historical and cultural resources. In conclusion, it is anticipated that marine specialization strategies reflecting Jeollanam-do's unique characteristics will contribute to balanced regional development and sustainability.