Sustainable Transformation Research Articles

Unveiling awareness and knowledge of orphan plants: catalysts for sustainable transformation in Al-Zarqa Basin, Jordan

The awareness of orphan plants and underutilized species that have agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal importance is critical to the sustainable civilization of people. The lack of knowledge of the orphan plant’s importance stems from insufficient outreach and educational efforts and this may increase the underappreciation of these plants’ ecological relevance which will affect the sustainable environment in the determined region. In this study, Al Zarqa basin region located in the northern part of Jordan was selected as a study case. This is due to it having rich plant biodiversity with many endangered plant species. This study aimed to assess the awareness levels of the civil people in the Al Zarqa basin regarding orphan plants and identify key factors influencing the community’s understanding of these underutilized species. In this study, local youth volunteers distributed an e-questionnaire, and 1000 participants from seven villages were engaged. Different parameters that measure people’s awareness regarding orphan plants were evaluated. Data were collected and statistically analyzed to show the range of the people’s awareness. Data showed the predominant of the samples used were male representation (66%), aged 18–45, engaged in agricultural and handicraft activities, with diverse educational backgrounds, and monthly incomes of 300–500 JD. Limited awareness (23.3%) of ‘orphan plants’ was linked to lower academic levels in the studied areas. Perceived benefits varied, with 36.1% acknowledging moderate advantages and 25.6% perceiving high benefits. Despite recognizing utility, participants lacked specificity in benefits or classification. The study concludes that the region exhibits a dearth of knowledge about orphan plants, necessitating educational initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the agricultural and medicinal potential of underutilized plant species, contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of residents in the agriculturally endowed Zarqa Basin. This investigation is essential for highlighting the current state of awareness and informing potential outreach and education strategies. Addressing the root cause of underappreciation through targeted initiatives can play a pivotal role in fostering a better understanding of the ecological significance of rare and endangered plants, ultimately contributing to their conservation and sustainable use.

Revitalizing Stroke Care: The LEADER Strategy for Sustainable Transformation in Health Care Delivery.

Revitalizing Stroke Care: The LEADER Strategy for Sustainable Transformation in Health Care Delivery.

Sustainable Action and Transformation of Change in Teachers Learning Leadership Model: Promoting Students Independent Learning

Teachers’ learning leadership is one of important facets to students’ quality of independent learning. This should be well constructed by sustainable action and transformational of change. The aims of this research are: 1) to measure how valid and reliable both sustainable action and transformation of change are in the construction of learning leadership model and 2) how learning leadership correlates to independent learning. This is a case study which applies quantitative descriptive method. The data were collected by using a 5--Likert scale questionnaire comprises the indicators of sustainable action, transformation of change and independent learning. This questionnaire was distributed to 59 Elementary teachers of three areas in West Jakarta, Indonesia. The data were analyzed by using SEM PLS and statistical analysis of regression. The findings revealed that both sustainable action and transformational of change were valid and reliable in the construction of learning leadership model. Besides, the analysis of regression showed that learning leadership was significantly correlated to independent learning.

The sustainable state: a meta-governance framework

ABSTRACT While there are established concepts of the green or environmental state, no clear idea exists of what constitutes a sustainable state and by what standards to evaluate such a state. This article aims to clarify the notion of the sustainable state in terms of a framework of sustainability-oriented meta-governance functions. To this end, a comprehensive idea of sustainability is linked with a meta-governance perspective on the contemporary state. Seven features of sustainability transformation are identified that challenge state governing and that the sustainable state must address in terms of seven meta-governance functions. This systematically derived framework expands on notions of the green or environmental state and sheds new light on the state’s role in governing sustainability transformation. The framework can serve as a basis for empirically assessing the extent to which states possess sustainability-oriented meta-governance capacities and for practically shaping state transformations toward sustainability.

High-efficient microwave-assisted conversion of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over rice straw-derived sulfonated porous carbonaceous catalyst

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has emerged as a pivotal platform chemical derived from biomass, attracting considerable attention for its renewable applications. In this study, sulfonated rice straw biochar (RSBC-SA) catalysts were developed and employed for microwave-assisted catalytic conversion of fructose to HMF. The RSBC-SA catalysts, synthesized by pyrolyzing rice straw biomass at different temperatures and subsequent functionalization with sulfonic acid groups, were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). A comparative analysis of catalytic performance between microwave irradiation and conventional oil bath heating revealed a substantial enhancement in efficiency with the former. Notably, the 700 ℃ pyrolyzed RSBC-SA catalyst demonstrated the highest HMF yield of 92.6 % within just 5 min of reaction time under a microwavehydrothermal condition, surpassing the conventional oil bath heating method. In addition, moderate to high yields of HMF were achieved from different carbohydrates in our developed microwave reaction system, demonstrating significant catalytic activity. This superior catalytic effect under microwave irradiation can be attributed to the responsive dipole polarization of sulfonic acid groups, selective heating of the RSBC carrier via microwave absorption, and synergistic interactions among these factors. Overall, this study highlights the innovative use of agricultural waste and introduces a new method for creating microwave-responsive catalysts with biochar. This strategy enables efficient fructose conversion to HMF, promotes sustainable biomass transformation, and offers value-added uses for agricultural residues in chemical production.

Architectures for immersive performances in the green, digital and inclusive transition

This paper reports studies and project experiments being developed in researches financed by local authorities, the Ministry of University and Research with the support of NextGenerationEU and the European Commission. The work investigates the potential of culture, creativity and natural and built heritage in the green, digital and inclusive transition and is focused on the creation of sustainable, inclusive, beautiful spaces, involving the collaboration among different disciplines (architecture, music and immersive sound, visual arts, social sciences, and neuroscience). The studied spaces aim to create material and immaterial architectures, characterized by circular processes and therefore adaptable, flexible, removable, repositionable and reusable. We foresee the use of material elements (building products) and immaterial elements (sounds, images, colors, lights) to define spaces intended for the diffusion of different cultural forms and to implement the attractiveness of places afflicted by processes of abandonment and social degradation. Ideas, criteria and solutions for architecture and sound and video technologies (aimed at the definition of spaces whose perception involves full use of the senses as well as the application of the extended mind concept) will be presented to promote environmentally, economically and socially sustainable transformations of natural and built habitats for new forms of cultural diffusion.

Critically Unveiling Resistance: Strategies for Effective Change Management in Organizations

This article critically examines the complexities of resistance to change within organizations and the strategies to effectively manage it. Utilizing theoretical frameworks and practical case studies, the research identifies key factors contributing to resistance, including change fatigue, loyalty to the past, personality traits, uncertainty, and valuation of interests. The article further explores the significance of understanding these root causes through Morgan's metaphors and the implications for successful change implementation. The analysis underscores the importance of timely and effective communication, comprehensive training, and continuous support to mitigate resistance and promote sustainable organizational transformation.

An efficient tool for real-time global carbon neutrality with credibility of delicacy management: A Modelx + MRV + O system

Current carbon neutralization systems are time-consuming, which generally require at least one to two months. We propose a highly efficient real-time carbon neutralization mechanism, a Modelx+MRV + O system based on the Internet of Things and blockchain technology for all the carbon reduction scenarios. This mechanism includes an accounting model for a certain distributed carbon reduction scenario, and real-time M, RV, and O systems, enabling enterprises, products, or individuals to reliably reach carbon neutrality in real time. We demonstrated how to build a real-time model (Modelx) by proposing a carbon emission reduction methodology for the returnable packaging scenario and a photovoltaic power generation scenario combining IoT technology for a traditional methodology for polar electricity. We found that the proposed system can achieve real-time analysis based on the monitored turnover number and electricity generated and avoid falsified values. Because carbon neutrality is essential to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change globally, this system can accelerate the sustainable transformation by managing carbon neutrality globally.

Konsep Transformasi Struktural Pada Sektor Industri

This study discusses the structural transformation of the industrial sector in Indonesia, which has undergone significant changes in the past two decades. This transformation is characterized by a decline in employment in primary sectors such as agriculture, and an increase in secondary and tertiary sectors, such as manufacturing and trade. This study aims to analyze the impact of structural transformation in industry on employment, the influence of structural transformation in industry, and the role of government in industrial transformation. The research method involves secondary data analysis from various sources and case studies. The results show that government intervention, improvement of labor skills, collaboration between sectors, and strict environmental protection are the keys to successful sustainable industrial transformation. The implications of this research lead to more integrated and sustainable policy recommendations to support optimal structural transformation.

The 15-minute city concept: The case study within a neighbourhood of Thessaloniki.

Cities, crucial cultural hubs, mould individual and group identities. The global urban expansion, with over half the population in urban areas, presents interconnected challenges such as pollution, poverty, inequality, ageing infrastructure, resource overconsumption, land use changes, biodiversity impact and climate change. Addressing these demands ambitious actions targeting political, social and economic systems for transformative change. The theoretical framework guiding city transformation centres on an interdisciplinary approach influenced by the Smart and Green Transition. The '15-minute city' concept, emphasizing human scale and urban experience, proposes that cities enable residents to meet daily needs within a short walk or bike ride. The aim of this study was the exploration of its implementation in Greek cities, particularly Thessaloniki, which reveals inherent characteristics supporting the 15-minute concept. Through an interdisciplinary approach rooted in the Smart and Green Transition framework, the research provides concrete guidance for policymakers in tailoring urban planning strategies, allocating resources effectively and crafting policies conducive to successful and sustainable urban transformations. Moreover, prioritizing public engagement highlights the significance of community involvement in shaping urban development plans, ensuring that proposed initiatives align with residents' needs and desires. In essence, this research contributes tangible insights and actionable recommendations for Greek cities, paving the way for more liveable, resilient and sustainable urban environments.

EXPLORING THE INTEGRATION OF ADAPTIVE REUSE IN INTERIOR DESIGN: A CASE STUDY OF CALEB UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

Adaptive reuse in interior design entails repurposing existing structures or spaces to serve new functions while preserving their architectural, cultural, and historical significance. The research explores the integration of adaptive reuse principles in interior design at Caleb University to address the recognized need for comprehensive understanding and guidance in effectively implementing adaptive reuse within educational institutions. The qualitative study employed interviews and on-site observations to explore adaptive reuse in interior design within Caleb University's administrative building, aiming to gain insights from stakeholders and document physical spaces, behaviours, and interactions, analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings of the qualitative study on adaptive reuse in Caleb University's administrative building reveal strategies focused on preserving historical context, integrating modern functionality, optimizing space utilization, enhancing user experience, and prioritizing cost-effectiveness within interior design, showcasing a comprehensive approach to sustainable adaptation and transformation. In conclusion, Caleb University's adaptive reuse integration in its administrative building exemplifies a holistic sustainability approach, balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality and financial prudence, offering a model for resilient built environments in educational settings and beyond. Keywords: Adaptive Reuse, Caleb University, Interior Design, Interior Space, Repurpose

Disentangling gender and social difference for just and transformative biocultural approaches

Abstract Advancing research and practice that recognize diverse worldviews, knowledge systems, and value orientations is essential to enable transformative change towards sustainability. Biocultural approaches recognize the diverse ways in which people relate to nature, offering a potential pathway for sustainability transformations. However, recent scholarship on biocultural approaches to sustainability has highlighted that social aspects such as equity and justice have not been substantively addressed, whereby gender issues have been overlooked to a great extent. Through qualitative content analysis, this review synthesizes the conceptualizations of gender and social difference within the literature on biocultural approaches to sustainability published in English and Spanish. The biocultural literature predominantly focuses on describing knowledge and management practices, neglecting power and gender relations that affect access and control over resources, and how different axes of social difference matter across different social‐ecological contexts. Overall, we found that gender considerations within the literature reviewed do not build upon feminist and gender theories. Based on these findings, we provide insights into how more nuanced engagements, especially in relation to feminist theories and tools as intersectionality and decolonial perspectives, can allow for more just scholarly efforts to address biocultural relations. Finally, we draw attention to responsible and engaged praxis towards promoting biocultural approaches that include the diverse perspectives of those who can contribute to transformative change, and which prevent the reinforcement of gender‐based power relations. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Carbon dots synthesized from Hibiscus Tiliaceus L. leaves via microwave-assisted methods as a photocatalyst for sustainable organic transformation

Carbon dots synthesized from Hibiscus Tiliaceus L. leaves via microwave-assisted methods as a photocatalyst for sustainable organic transformation

The beautiful risk of participatory education: An empirical example of teaching strong sustainability

The grand challenges of our times are seriously interlinked: ecological crises cannot be tackled separately from social problems. In the strong sustainability approach, a good life for all must be achieved within ecological boundaries. To respect the planetary boundaries, it is required to provide critiques for the current economic, social and political order and suggest concrete actions that may lead to strong sustainability transformation. Business schools must address these challenges and provide solutions through educational content and innovative teaching methods. In this article, we argue that participatory education is the appropriate tool to teach strong sustainability in business schools. Building on Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy and Gert Biesta’s participatory education theories, we developed a theoretical framework to understand how these theories can strengthen strong sustainability education. Using the analytical framework, we explore the risks of participatory education in our Degrowth course and bring empirical examples of its impacts on students by analysing the reflection articles of 37 students. According to our findings, this particular type of education creates both positive emotions, like enjoyment and enthusiasm, and negative ones, like anxiety and helplessness.

Digital and Sustainable Transition in Textile Industry through Internet of Things Technologies: A Pakistani Case Study

The textile industry, a vital contributor to Pakistan’s economy, faces pressing challenges in transitioning towards sustainability amid global environmental concerns. This manuscript presents a comprehensive case study on the implementation of IoT-driven strategies in the Pakistani textile sector to achieve digital and sustainable transformation. The findings reveal that the implementation of IoT technologies facilitated real-time environmental monitoring, enabling compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering sustainable manufacturing practices. Ultimately, this manuscript offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of IoT technologies in driving sustainable practices in the textile industry. The case study serves as a benchmark for other textile-producing regions aiming to embark on a digital and sustainable journey. These findings hold significant implications for the ongoing dialogue on sustainable industrial development, providing valuable direction for policymakers and stakeholders in shaping a more resilient and ecologically conscious future. Future research should prioritize addressing issues like data confidentiality and interoperability while adhering to standard requirements. Additionally, exploring analytics and machine learning methods for predictive maintenance, optimized performance, and operational improvement is crucial.

Continuous dynamic recrystallization behaviors in a single-phase deformed Ti-55511 alloy by cellular automata model

In this study, the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) behaviors of a hot-deformed Ti-55511 alloy are investigated in β single-phase domain. CDRX is found to play a dominant role in the microstructure evolution during thermomechanical forming of the Ti-55511 alloy. In order to quantitatively and visually simulate the hot forming process, a probabilistic cellular automata (CA) method is established. This CA technology integrates the dislocation evolution model, subgrain nucleation rate model, misorientation evolution model, grain boundary (GB) migration model, and topology deformation model. The results of a systematic study of both microstructural evolution and macroscopic mechanical response at various strains, strain rates, and temperatures are presented. The average absolute relative error (AARE), correlation coefficient (R), and root-mean squared error (RMSE) values between the experimental and simulated stresses are 4.63 %, 0.9963, and 3.81 MPa, respectively. The deviation values of subgrain size range from 1.27 % to 17.25 %, when the temperatures varies from 920 to 980 °C. The predicted results well agree with the measured results, demonstrating the transition from a coarse and static recrystallized structure to a refined and continuous dynamic recrystallized structure. A low Zener-Hollomon (Z) parameter can effectively enhance the progress of CDRX. Higher temperatures and lower strain rates result in a larger volume fraction of CDRX. Quantitative analyses confirm that the incubation period for CDRX is significantly longer than that for subgrain formation, indicating a sustained transformation from the low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) to the high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) through the absorption of dislocations.

The physical environment matters: room effects on online purchase decisions.

People as individual consumers are regularly targeted in sustainability campaigns or communications with the hope of enhancing sustainable behavior at an individual level, with subsequent sustainability transformation at a larger societal scale. However, psychological motivation is complex and campaigns need to be based on an understanding for what individual, and contextual, factors support or hinder sustainable behavioral choices. In a discrete choice experiment, participants made hypothetical online purchases in each of three rooms designed to evoke associations to hedonic, gain, and normative goal frames. Participants were shown a campaign message intended to prime sustainable textile consumption prior to the purchase. For each product (t-shirt or bananas) hedonic (comfort/look), gain (price), and normative (organic/ fairtrade) attributes were varied in an online choice experiment. Preferences for the normative attribute of t-shirts increased in the normative room compared to the room with gain associations. No effect of the rooms with hedonic or gain priming was observed on the choice. The study supports the hypothesis that the physical room can enhance goal frame activation and behavioral choice but concludes that such priming effect is sensitive to specificity of the prime.

Whose visions and goals for sustainability? Planning, participation and depoliticisation in new urban neighbourhoods in Sweden

Visions and goals for sustainability in new neighbourhoods aim to engage developers and citizens in the planning process. Against the backdrop of the market-oriented Swedish planning system, this article aims to deepen the understanding of how planners balance different interests in the formulation of visions and goals in new sustainability-profiled neighbourhoods, and the implications for sustainability. The concepts of politicisation and depoliticisation are used to understand how different interests are mobilised through the visions and goals in two new sustainability-profiled neighbourhoods in Sweden. Interviews with planners illustrate that the participation in the visionary planning largely targeted the developers. The article displays a form of depoliticised market-orientated sustainability planning. This is reflected already in the early formulation of visions and goals, as the planners facilitate the participation of developers at the expense of citizen participation. The article concludes with reflections on the role of the planner in planning for sustainable urban transformations.

Promoting sustainable smallholder farming systems in China

CONTEXTHundreds of millions of smallholder farmers account for 84% of farming households globally. Owing to the limited access to knowledge and resources, smallholder farming systems under sub-optimal management are facing multiple challenges such as adverse environmental impacts and difficulties in meeting growing food demand. Although substantial advanced techniques and practices have been developed, applying these practices on the ground at a large scale remains a great challenge. OBJECTIVESThis study aims to assess the sustainability of typical soil-crop management practices in order to recommend best practice bundles. The study also deploys a farmer survey in order to identify barriers hindering the adoption of sustainable practices and propose ways to overcome these barriers. METHODSTo achieve these aims, we develop a generalizable framework combining technical innovations and social realization pathway for sustainable transformation of smallholder farming systems. We apply this framework in the North China Plain as a case study, propose target-oriented practice bundles and subsequent realization roadmaps from smallholder farmer's perspectives and interests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that nitrogen reduction has the greatest positive effect on the overall sustainability of smallholder farming systems (12–14%), followed by formula fertilizer (6–10%) and optimal crop practices (2–4%). Thus, our recommended practice bundles include reducing fertilizer inputs and optimal sowing date and rate. However, our farmer survey shows that the implementation of these recommended practices faces barriers associated with economic costs, labor requirements, and farmer's preferences and acceptance. We suggest ways to overcome these barriers, including multi-stakeholder platforms better connecting smallholders, scientists, government, and industry. SIGNIFICANCEOur framework can be amended to fit different contexts and targets, therefore it can be adopted and tweaked by other regions worldwide dominated by smallholder agriculture to promote sustainable transformation.

Emotional Resonance in Transnational Digital Climate Activism: Exploring the Perspectives of University Students in Darmstadt

In the face of the profound consequences of climate change, there is an increasing need to explore how emotions transcend borders in the digital realm. It is important to empahasize the central role emotions play in cultivating international solidarity. This study delves into the emotional landscape of transnational digital climate activism, focusing on the perspectives of university students in Darmstadt, Germany. Through a comprehensive survey involving 192 participants, the research seeks to understand the potential of emotional resonance in mobilizing collective action and fostering a profound sense of global interconnectedness. By capturing the thoughts and feelings of students, the study aims to enrich our understanding of the impact of emotional resonance in this context, offering valuable insights and practical recommendations for effectively harnessing its power in driving sustainable environmental transformation.