Sustainable Strategies Research Articles

The impact of CEO's green experience on digital transformation

According to resource orchestration theory, key human capital can allocate resources to the critical paths of projects to maximize resource utilization efficiency. This study examines how the green experience acts as an important organization capital and affects a company's digital and green transformation processes. Based on the organization capital theory, we study the performance of China's A-share listed companies from 2013 to 2021. A CEO's green experience inhibits a company's digital transformation while promoting its green transformation. Based on organizational theory, our conclusion is consistent with signal and information asymmetry theories. Executives with green experience have a better understanding of ways to improve the credibility of the public's green environmental practices. This agency cost often has a negative impact on the financial performance of enterprises, which is not conducive to their digital transformation. Companies should carefully recruit executives with green experiences, based on future digital or sustainable development strategies, to maximize the organization capital.

Community-based assessment of the dynamics of urban landscape characteristics and ecosystem services in the rainforest and guinea savanna ecoregions of Nigeria

Understanding the dynamics of urban landscapes and their impacts on ecological well-being is crucial for developing sustainable urban management strategies in times of rapid urbanisation. This study assesses the nature and drivers of the changing urban landscape and ecosystem services in cities located in the rainforest (Akure and Owerri) and guinea savannah (Makurdi and Minna) of Nigeria using a combination of remote sensing and socioeconomic techniques. Landsat 8 datasets provided spatial patterns of the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalised difference built-up index (NDBI). A household survey involving the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire to 1552 participants was conducted. Diminishing NDVI and increasing NDBI were observed due to the rising trend of urban expansion, corroborating the perception of over 54% of the respondents who noted a decline in landscape ecological health. Residential expansion, agricultural practices, transport and infrastructural development, and fuelwood production were recognised as the principal drivers of landscape changes. Climate variability/change reportedly makes a 28.5%–34.4% (Negelkerke R2) contribution to the changing status of natural landscapes in Akure and Makurdi as modelled by multinomial logistic regression, while population growth/in-migration and economic activities reportedly account for 19.9%–36.3% in Owerri and Minna. Consequently, ecosystem services were perceived to have declined in their potential to regulate air and water pollution, reduce soil erosion and flooding, and mitigate urban heat stress, with a corresponding reduction in access to social services. We recommend that urban residents be integrated into management policies geared towards effectively developing and enforcing urban planning regulations, promoting urban afforestation, and establishing sustainable waste management systems.

Environmental risk mitigation of lambda-cyhalothrin using tryptophan-modified magnetic nanoparticles: A sustainable emergency response strategy

Lambda-cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide extensively used in agriculture, poses significant environmental challenges due to its extensive and long-term application. To remediate pollution caused by such organic contaminants, our study introduces a rapid and convenient one-pot synthesis method for creating amino acid-modified magnetic nano-adsorbents (AA-MNPs). Research found that after modification with tryptophan (Trp), the adsorption effectiveness of MNPs on Lambda-cyhalothrin significantly increases. This modification enhances the carbon content of the magnetic nanoparticles, while minimally affecting the magnetic saturation of the MNPs. Trp-MNP exhibited an approximate particle size of 450 nm and a specific surface area of 52.36 m2/g. The isotherm and kinetic experiments were well-fitted to the Liu isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order model, respectively. Thermodynamic assessments suggested that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. Results indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity 144.34 mg g−1 for Trp-MNPs at 298 K, outperforming adsorbents reported in the literature. The half-adsorption time was reduced to 8 min at 298 K with an initial concentration of 60 mg/L. This enhancement was likely influenced by the aromatic ring modification and hydrophobicity of Trp-MNPs. The study explored potential removal mechanisms from a tri-phase perspective, investigating the interactions between the adsorbent, adsorbate, and solvent.

Optimizing ELD in power systems applying GWO: A Practical Approach

Addressing the Economic load Dispatch (ELD) Problem in power systems is crucial for minimizing generation cost and transmission losses while meeting the load demand. This research explores the application of Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) to solve the ELD problem, leveraging ‘GWO’s inspiration from grey wolf social behavior. Through simulation, ‘GWO’s superior convergence speed and solution quality compared to traditional techniques is demonstrated. The finding highlights ‘GWO’s effectiveness in enhancing the economic and operational efficiency of power systems, offering promising avenues for sustainable energy management strategies.

Impacts of meteorological conditions on the plummeting surface-reaching solar radiation over a sub-tropical station – Pune, India

The unprecedented rise of solar energy as a dominant power source is a remarkable feat, considering our historical struggle to establish its widespread adoption. However, the dynamics of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface are greatly influenced by meteorological conditions such as clouds, aerosols, and wind speed. This study investigates the detailed changes in surface-reaching solar radiation within the subtropical region Pune from 1993 to 2022. By employing analytical methodologies including linear regression, wavelet coherence, and quantitative analysis, our study reveals a compelling and alarming pattern of plummeting solar radiation over Pune (also known as solar dimming). The total drop is ∼1.04 Wm−2 year−1 (0.21 % year−1), with a more steep decline registered from 2018 to 2022, providing an astonishing rate of ∼6.01 Wm−2 year−1 (1.21 % year−1). Moreover, wavelet coherence transform revealed an antiphase coherence between solar radiation and both clouds and aerosols, suggesting their substantial influence over a longer timeframe. Extensive analysis utilizing observational data is conducted to find the contributing elements to the significant decline during 2018 to June 2022. Analysis of solar radiation statistics showed that clouds led to a substantial reduction of ∼30.18 % compared to conditions with clear-skies. Similarly, the aerosols have a comparable effect, reducing radiation by ∼17.75 % compared to days characterized by low or negligible aerosol loading for the same period. Furthermore, a through statistical analysis investigates a notable anticorrelation (ρ = −0.64) between wind speed and solar radiation. These findings underscore the imperative of incorporating climatic variables while studying solar dimming trends and devising sustainable renewable energy strategies to ensure the long-term viability of solar energy source.

PHYLOGENETIC CONNECTIONS AND COMPARISONS OF THE AMINO ACID SEQUENCES OF SEVERAL PEPTIDE INDUCERS OF MICROBIAL ORIGIN- A FOUNDATION STUDY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL BIOPESTICIDES

Peptides of microbial origin stand out as one of theprominent tools to elicit plant immunity. These peptides comprise one of thekey strategies of integrated pest management and are considered as candidatesto develop novel biopesticides. Manyresearch investigations have proved their potential in fending off plantpathogens and were described as sustainable plant protection strategies. Thepresent study was attempted to discover phylogenetic relationships and compareamino acid sequence alignments of various peptide elicitors of microbialorigin. Phylogenetic analysis of 33 microbial peptide elicitors resulted in twoclusters, one cluster contained 19 flagellin sequences, which is furtherdivided into one major (15 peptide sequences) and one (4 peptide sequences)minor subclusters. Further amino acid sequence alignments were carried outbased on the evolutionary relationships among the peptides. The amino acidsequence alignment of flagellin sequences using Clustal W did not present conservativeamino acid sequences except Serine (S), Alanine (A) and Aspartic acid (D).These conserved amino acids (SAxD) that are positioned in the protruding loopmay play a vital role in recognition by plant surface receptors. Alignment ofamino acid sequences of cold shock protein, xylanase, elongation factor andharpin from various sources did not present conservative amino acid sequencesexcept glycine. These investigations lay a theoretical foundation for exploringmany more microbial peptides for inducing plant resistance.

Managing global supply chain teams: human resource strategies for effective collaboration and performance

This study examines the role of human resource (HR) strategies in enhancing collaboration and performance within global supply chains, an area of increasing importance in the context of globalized business operations. The primary objective is to identify and analyze current trends in HR practices that contribute to effective global supply chain management, focusing on adaptability, technological integration, sustainability, and ethical practices. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis as its methodology, the study draws on academic journals, conference proceedings, and industry reports from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Key findings reveal that adaptability and flexible work arrangements, supported by digital HR technologies, are essential for operational resilience and employee engagement. The integration of sustainability and ethical considerations into HR practices is identified as crucial for maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the development of cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership within global teams is highlighted as vital for fostering effective collaboration across diverse cultural landscapes. The study concludes that strategic HR management plays a pivotal role in navigating the challenges and leveraging the opportunities within global supply chains. Recommendations for practitioners emphasize the importance of continuous learning, embracing digital transformation, and integrating sustainability into HR practices. The study also outlines areas for further research, including the impact of emerging technologies on HR practices and the long-term effects of sustainable HR strategies on organizational performance. This research contributes valuable insights into optimizing HR strategies to enhance global supply chain collaboration and performance.

Nutritional interventions and BMI dynamics: A comprehensive analysis of growth outcomes in pediatric populations

Introduction: This review article emphasizes the significance of Body Mass Index (BMI) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) in evaluating pediatric growth outcomes, particularly for those at risk of undernutrition. The review explores the long-term health consequences of early BMI trajectories, especially their association with cardiometabolic profiles in adulthood. The article also examines the correlation between BMI, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and growth velocity, focusing on their complex interactions in malnourished and obese pediatric populations. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus from 1985 to 2024, focusing on BMI, height growth velocity, IGF1 levels, and the effects of nutritional interventions on pediatric growth outcomes. Studies were included if they focused on children aged 0-18 years and evaluated the impact of BMI and/or nutritional interventions on growth outcomes, with English language articles being prioritized. Review Results: A total of 15 studies involving 4737 participants were analyzed. The review highlights significant findings including the normalization of growth hormone (GH)-IGF axis post nutritional rehabilitation in malnourished children, the rapid response of IGF-1 levels to nutritional interventions, and the influence of protein-rich diets on catch-up growth. Studies also showed that early nutritional support, particularly through human milk, significantly affects IGF-1 levels and that dietary protein intake correlates with IGF-I concentrations and growth in toddlers. Long-term studies indicated that severe malnutrition can have enduring metabolic effects, necessitating sustained nutritional strategies. Discussion: The review highlights the significance of early nutritional support and its impact on IGF-1 levels, which are crucial for healthy growth trajectories. The findings advocate for careful monitoring of early growth rates to optimize long-term health outcomes and stress the importance of adequate protein intake during early childhood. Conclusions: A balanced approach to nutrition, focusing on the interplay between BMI, growth velocities, and IGF1 levels, is crucial in pediatric care. Strategic nutritional interventions, especially those rich in protein, can effectively manage growth outcomes across different BMI categories and improve health trajectories in pediatric populations. This review underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address nutritional deficiencies and manage growth effectively from infancy through adolescence

The integrated environmental sustainability strategy of BSB City, Semarang

The integrated environmental sustainability strategy of BSB City, Semarang

Predictive Models for Optimal Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management: A Review of AI and ML Approaches

Purpose: Maintaining agricultural output, protecting water supplies, and lessening environmental effects all depend on effective water management. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and an in-depth analysis of various AI and ML techniques, this paper aims to put light on the cutting-edge approaches used in irrigation scheduling predictive modeling. The goal of the research is to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of AI and ML-based irrigation management systems by means of a methodical analysis of various algorithms, data sources, and applications. Additionally, the study seeks to demonstrate how data-driven methods can enhance irrigation systems' sustainability, accuracy, and precision. Stakeholders in agriculture, water resource management, and environmental conservation can make well-informed decisions to maximize irrigation scheduling techniques by having a thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of predictive models. The study also attempts to tackle issues like scalability, model interpretability, and lack of data when implementing AI and ML solutions for practical irrigation management. In final form, this review's conclusions advance our understanding of how to use AI and ML to improve agricultural systems' resilience and water use efficiency, supporting adaptive and sustainable water management strategies in the face of rising water scarcity concerns and climate change. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to gather information for this review study, several research articles from reliable sources were analyzed and compared. Objective: To provide the current research gaps in prediction models for the best irrigation scheduling and water management, and suggest using AI and ML techniques to fill in these gaps. Results/ Findings: In response to the growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change, the paper's findings highlight the transformative potential of AI and ML techniques in optimizing irrigation scheduling, enhancing agricultural resilience, increasing water use efficiency, and supporting adaptive and sustainable water management strategies. Originality/Value: This paper's uniqueness and significance come from its thorough analysis of AI and ML approaches in predictive modeling for ideal water management and irrigation scheduling. It also provides insights into new methods and their possible effects on resource optimization and agricultural sustainability. Type of Paper: Literature Review.

Simulation Study on Student Residential Energy Use Behaviors: A Case Study of University Dormitories in Sichuan, China

Studying the energy use behavior of occupants is crucial for accurately predicting building energy consumption. However, few studies have considered the impact of occupant behaviors on energy consumption in university dormitories. The objective of this study is to establish an agent-based model of energy consumption for university dormitories based on energy use behavior. The dormitories of a typical university in Sichuan, China, were subdivided into three clusters using a two-step cluster analysis. Subsequently, the energy use behaviors of occupants in each type of dormitory were characterized to establish a stochastic energy use behavior model. On the basis of the above, NETLOGO was used to construct an agent-based model for dormitories’ energy consumption to dynamically simulate energy use behavior. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the simulated values with the measured data. Finally, a building-energy-friendly retrofit scheme was proposed, and it was found that the optimized dormitory reduced energy consumption by 16.07%. Therefore, the results can provide information support for energy-saving decisions during the early design and retrofit phases of buildings. With the popularity of centralized supply, the research methodology may provide an extensive reference for energy management policies and sustainable strategies in the building sector.

The influence of monosodium glutamate dosage on the yield of long beans (Vigna sinensis L.) Peleton variety

This study aims to determine the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) dosage on the yield of long beans (Vigna sinensis L.) of the Peleton variety. The use of MSG as a food ingredient has been a topic of debate, but research on its impact on plant growth is still limited, especially regarding long beans. Therefore, this research is important for providing further understanding of the influence of MSG on long beans plants. The study was conducted from July to October 2023 in Mata Air Village, Central Kupang District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The research method used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments included: No MSG, MSG at doses of 2.5 g/plant, 5 g/plant, 7.5 g/plant, 10 g/plant, 12.5 g/plant, 15 g/plant, 17.5 g/plant, and 20 g/plant. Parameters observed included flowering age (days), number of pods (pieces), pod length (cm), and pod weight (g). Based on the results and discussion, it can be concluded that MSG application had a significant effect on the number, length, and weight of pods, but had a non-significant effect on flowering age. The treatment of 15 g/plant was identified as the optimal MSG dosage for the plants, resulting in the highest number of pods (16.2), longest pod length (60.4 cm), and highest pod weight (256.4 g/plant). This research is innovative in exploring the potential use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on long beans plants, particularly the Peleton variety. The focus on MSG application as a growth stimulant is an innovative step that has been less studied previously. The discovery of the optimal MSG dosage (15 g/plant) for achieving the best results provides valuable information for farmers to enhance productivity efficiently, sustainably, and environmentally friendly. Information about MSG’s potential as a plant stimulant can serve as a starting point for more sustainable agricultural strategies aimed at optimizing available resources.

Climate Change, Kidney Health, and Environmentally Sustainable Kidney Care.

Given the threat of climate change to kidney health and the significant environmental impact of kidney care, calls are increasing for healthcare professionals and organizations to champion climate advocacy and environmentally sustainable kidney care. Yet, little is known about their engagement and existing literature is primarily emerging from high-income countries. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare professionals on the interconnectedness of climate change and kidney health; to identify personal and organizational initiatives in sustainable kidney care and strategies to increase their engagement; and to compare responses by their country's income level as classified by the World Bank. Participants (n=972) represented 108 countries with 64% from lower- or middle-income countries. Ninety-eight percent believed that climate change is happening, yet <50% possessed knowledge about the impact of climate change on kidney health or the environmental impact of kidney care. Only 14% were involved in climate change and kidney health initiatives (membership, knowledge/awareness, research, advocacy); 22% in sustainable kidney care initiatives (education/advocacy, preventative nephrology, sustainable dialysis, promoting transplant/home therapies, research); and 26% reported organizational initiatives in sustainable kidney care (sustainable general or dialysis practices, preventative/lean nephrology, focused committees). Participants from lower-income countries generally reported higher knowledge and variable level of concern. Engagement in sustainable kidney care did not vary by income level. Guidance/toolkit (79%), continuing education (75%) and opportunities (74%) were the top choices to increase engagement. National initiatives (47%), preventative measures (35%) and research endeavors (31%) were the top avenues for organizational engagement. These varied by income level suggesting that the vision and priorities vary by baseline resource setting. We have identified knowledge and practice gaps among healthcare professionals on the bidirectional relationship between kidney disease and climate change in a multinational context and several avenues to increase their engagement.

Exploring the Role of Digital Economy in Enhanced Green Productivity in China’s Manufacturing Sector: Fresh Evidence for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Confronted with challenges such as escalating demand, expanding energy consumption, and emissions, China’s manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal juncture on its path towards sustainable development. Against the backdrop of a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, exploring how the digital economy can foster growth in green total factor productivity (GTFP), particularly amidst technological diversification, holds significant importance for realizing sustainable development objectives. This study employs the system generalized method of moments (System GMM), encompassing 30 provinces in China, to delve deeply into the notable and dynamic correlation between the development index of the digital economy and GTFP. The findings reveal that the advancement of the digital economy significantly influences GTFP, underscoring its direct and enduring impact on green productivity. Key mechanisms through which the digital economy promotes green productivity are identified, including resource optimization, green technological innovation, data-driven decision making, and the transformation of environmentally sustainable behaviors. By bridging gaps in existing literature, this study integrates economic and environmental perspectives, emphasizing the necessity for formulating digital innovation policies aligned with environmental objectives. It provides richer insights into the role of the digital economy in enhancing GTFP, accentuating the potential of digital technologies in driving green transformation. With its holistic approach, this study combines economic efficiency with environmental sustainability, offering crucial guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders in crafting sustainable development strategies.

Known and potential benefits of applying herbicides with glutathione S-transferase inhibitors and inducers – a review

Abstract Weed resistance to herbicides has increased exponentially during the past 30 to 40 years, consequently reducing the number of effective products available to control certain species and populations. Future efforts should target not only the discovery of new protein binding sites and the development of new molecules, but also the revival of old molecules with reduced efficacy due to widespread herbicide resistance. The addition of herbicide synergists that inhibit metabolic pathways or enhance intrinsic plant stress is a possible solution to ameliorate the negative effects caused by the lack of new herbicide chemistries. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes are involved with numerous herbicide detoxification reactions and plant stress responses. This review approaches the potential use of natural and synthetic GST-inhibitors to enhance herbicidal activity or induce crop safety to provide effective, sustainable weed management strategies in the future.

Rangelands and Pastoralism in Globalized Economies: Policy Paralysis and Legal Requisites

Growing quest for globalization and expanding economies have resulted into fragmentation, enclosure, grabbing, militarization and devastation of rangelands. Grasslands – covering 70% of the global agricultural area – are the basis for livestock production. In most of the countries, governments have little recognition of communal tenures of agro-pastoralists. Consequently, both pastoralists and rangeland ecosystems have suffered a grim fate. On the contrary, the subsistence pastoralism is an established sustainable strategy of livelihood and ecosystem conservation in the rangelands. Unfortunately, some of the most nutritive foods and other sustainable products of nomadic pastoralists have not desirably been priced in modern markets. With the demonstrated cases exhibiting the nomadic pastoralists, such as Hutsul shepherd communities of Ukraine, as most sustainable societies on planet Earth, there is urgent need for reshaping the popular paradigm and State policies on rangeland commons. In isolation of pastoralist people, the rangelands cannot truly be conserved or protected. To begin with, the resilience of pastoralists to the changing environments and their (unique) rangeland management can first be pondered. Accordingly, the policy and legal frameworks of States need to be reoriented and revised. In particular, Eurasian countries should review their laws and policies on rangeland sustainability and pastoral grazing.

Green Investor Holdings and Corporate Green Technological Innovation

This study builds upon existing research on institutional investors and corporate green innovation by distinguishing green investors, who prioritize environmental contribution, from general institutional investors. Drawing on the stakeholder theory and the Porter hypothesis, we hypothesize that the shareholdings of green investors can effectively stimulate corporate enthusiasm for green innovation, with state ownership exerting a positive moderating influence. Utilizing panel data from China’s A-share listed manufacturing firms spanning from 2010 to 2019, we employ a fixed effect regression model to test these hypotheses. Our empirical findings confirm our expectations, demonstrating that green investors’ shareholdings indeed foster corporate green innovation. Moreover, we observe that this positive relationship is amplified within state-owned enterprises, indicating the presence of a robust and stable environmental regulatory framework across the market. Additionally, our results support the Porter hypothesis, suggesting that adherence to environmental regulations can coexist with firm performance rather than being mutually exclusive. This study contributes to the literature on green investors and corporate green innovation, providing valuable insights for the development of China’s green financial system and sustainable development strategies.

Impact of Plant on Insect Behavior and Sex Pheromone Emission

Insects intricately interact with host plants, significantly impacting their behavior and chemical communication, especially in phytophagous species. Insect physiology and behavior, particularly sex pheromone communication, are influenced by host plants, which improves mating and reproduction. While some insects release sex pheromones in response to cues from plants, others use the molecules of their host plants to synthesize sex pheromone precursors. Host plants chemicals synergize with sex pheromones, aiding in insect communication and reproductive success. These interactions shape various aspects of insect behavior, from aggregation formation to mate and host finding strategies, and even reproductive isolation among related species. Understanding these relationships is essential for comprehending ecological dynamics and devising sustainable pest management strategies.

Changes in Land Use and Cover and Their Environmental Impacts in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil

In Brazilian regional landscapes, the Cerrado has one of the richest flora among the savannas in the world, with a high level of endemism; however, many plant species are threatened with extinction as a consequence of spatio-temporal changes in land use and cover. This study aimed to analyze changes in land use and cover in the upper course of the Ceroula stream basin, located in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, based on maps of land use and cover in 1985 and 2022, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), precipitation data, and fieldwork. The results indicated that in 1985, forest vegetation was replaced by pasture, and in 2022, in addition to pasture, there was the introduction of soybean monoculture with corn in the off-season, influenced by the international commodities market. These land use and cover alterations, without adequate management and in the absence of conservation practices, led to environmental impacts, such as accelerated linear erosive processes (rill, ravine, and gully). The results may help provide important insights into the dynamics of land use and cover, the consequences of the lack of conservation practices, and the environmental impacts in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso do Sul, contributing to better understanding of the environmental challenges faced in the region and the need to provide subsidies for the development of sustainable management strategies.

Sustainable strategies, employee competencies and social outcomes: are they aligned?

PurposeThe present paper contributes to the development of sustainable strategies by focusing on the social perspective and the role played by HRM. Specifically, we identified and compared the employee competencies that supported the compliance strategy as well as the innovative/proactive sustainability strategies – and their impacts on social outcomes.Design/methodology/approachAfter formulating hypotheses, we tested them on a sample of 179 companies from the chemical and metallurgical industries using the bootstrap method.FindingsThe results revealed that both sustainability strategies were present in the sample. The compliance sustainable strategy showed to be negatively associated with employee competencies, whilst proactive sustainable strategy firms presented a positive relationship with employee competencies. We also found that compliance strategies failed to have any impact on social outcomes, but proactive strategies had a positive effect on social outcomes. Indeed, normative and foresighted thinking competencies acted as mediating variables in such a relationship.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in three aspects hitherto unaddressed in the literature: first, the conceptualisation and assessment of sustainable strategies focused on a social dimension; second, the identification of individual competencies required developing sustainable strategies; and third, the demonstration that it is only the firms that adopt proactive sustainable strategies that obtain positive social outcomes.