Sustainable Development Research Articles

Age heaping based numeracy estimates in African regions, 1950–1999: New methodological advances and results

ABSTRACT During the post-colonial period, enrolment and years of schooling have increased substantially in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, this has been accompanied by a decline in the overall quality of education. As a result, it is important to focus on indicators such as numeracy and literacy, capturing the quality of education, rather than the input of schooling alone, to better understand educational attainment. Moreover, these skills have been associated, for example, to higher productivity and health. Numeracy, in particular, has been linked to sustained development. Therefore, measuring and understanding its development is a crucial first step to improve educational quality. Combining data from censuses and household surveys, we estimate numeracy at the subnational level for Sub-Saharan Africa employing the ABCC Index. Additionally, we carefully evaluate the suitability of the index and our data to capture basic numeracy – deeming it to be robust. We find mostly stagnating numeracy for the birth cohorts between 1950 and 1990, although some countries increased (for example, Ghana) and others declined. Moreover, we observe strong regional differences, with Southern Africa performing best and Western Africa worst.

The influence of trust and job satisfaction on structural empowerment and social work competency

ABSTRACT This study examines the interrelationships among trust, job satisfaction, structural empowerment, and social work competency within the Malaysian Department of Social Welfare (JKM). Drawing on data collected from 407 social workers, the research investigates how trust and job satisfaction influence the four dimensions of structural empowerment: opportunity, information, support, and resources. The findings reveal that trust and job satisfaction play critical roles in enhancing access to these empowerment dimensions, which directly impact the competency levels of social workers. Specifically, social workers with higher trust in their organizations and greater job satisfaction report improved access to critical resources and support systems, leading to better professional knowledge, skills, values, and ethics. The study highlights the necessity of implementing welfare policies that promote trust-building, enhance job satisfaction, and provide robust structural support to empower social workers effectively. These insights offer practical recommendations for strengthening the social work framework, ensuring more competent and resilient practitioners capable of addressing community needs effectively. By prioritizing these factors, policymakers and administrators can create an environment conducive to optimal social work outcomes and sustainable community development. This research contributes to the understanding of empowerment dynamics and their critical implications for professional social work practice.

The complexity of integrating land-use and transportation policies to promote sustainable compact development

ABSTRACT Urban compaction is widely recognized as a key strategy for promoting sustainability, yet successful implementation cases remain rare in the United States. We use the Transportation, Economic, and Land-Use Model (TELUM) to examine to what extent a land-use or transportation policy must be regulated to make the compaction occur in a typical auto-dependent city, Fresno, California with five policy scenarios. The results from the land-use policy scenarios suggest that high-density development and outskirt restriction can promote compaction, with the latter accelerating the process. Transportation policy scenarios, locational impedance and mileage-based impedance, demonstrate that transportation interventions can either create barriers between regions or foster the formation of a polycentric compact city, respectively. The policy analysis approach we propose not only evaluates the outcomes of specific compaction policies but also assesses whether development trends align with the intended objectives of policy interventions designed to achieve urban compaction.

Do Green Hotels Lead Employees to Green Behavior? Application of Stimulus-Organism-Response Theory and Organismic-Integration-Theory

ABSTRACT Green behavior, which is very important for the sustainable development of societies and the tourism sector, is increasing its value day by day in the eyes of both researchers and industry components. This research tried to explain the reasons for the green behavior of hotel employees who have a green key at work and in their daily lives, through a mechanism developed based on the O-I-T and S-O-R theory. The universe of the research consists of the employees (n = 252) hotels with green keys operating in the province of Istanbul, which is considered the tourist capital of Turkey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis of the research data. Green transformational leadership and green extrinsic motivation factors were found to have positively affected emotional involvement, and emotional involvement is the determinant in the green behavior of employees. According to the research findings, the fact that green hotels motivate their employees on environmental issues and employ environmental transformational leaders increases the emotional involvement of employees in environmental activities.

Assessment and driving factor analysis of eco-environmental security for the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau

ABSTRACT Eco-environmental security reflects a region’s capacity to mitigate threats posed by ecological degradation and resource scarcity, thereby sustaining its environmental support for economic development. Monitoring and evaluating changes in eco-environmental security are essential for promoting regional sustainability. However, existing ecological security indices predominantly focus on vegetation resources and often overlook critical factors, such as water and soil resources. This study develops an integrated eco-environmental security index that encompasses water, soil, life, and air components. Using the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau as a case study, we assess changes in eco-environmental security between 2000 and 2020. The results show that (1) the eco-environmental security situation in the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau region decreases from southeast to northwest, with climate and terrain being the dominant factors shaping this spatial pattern. (2) Influenced by the warming and humidification of the climate, the interannual trend is gradually improving, but extreme climate events have caused certain disturbances. (3) The Hurst index indicates that the eco-environmental security conditions in the Qinghai‒Tibet Plateau region are expected to improve in the future. The index developed in this study accounts for the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the plateau, offering both methodological and theoretical insights for assessing ecological security in ecologically vulnerable areas and supporting regional sustainable development.

Synergistic Removal of Rare Earth Elements from Radioactive Molten Salt via Electrodeposition and Adsorption.

Recycling waste salt in the dry reprocessing of nuclear fuel and reducing electric energy consumption in the electrorefining process are crucial steps toward addressing significant challenges in this field. The present study proposes a novel approach to purify waste salt by selectively adsorbing excessive fission products using 5A molecular sieves (5A), based on the principles of electrorefining, with the ultimate aim of achieving sustainable development in nuclear fuel. First, Lutetium (Lu)-Bi alloy was synthesized through constant potential electrolysis in the LiCl-KCl-LuCl3 melt, resulting in a 90.59% extraction rate of Lu(III) on the Bi electrode. Subsequently, following the electrolysis process, the waste salt underwent high-temperature adsorption with a 5A for purification. The results of the experiment indicate that the utilization of 5A for adsorption can lead to a remarkable removal efficiency of Lu, reaching an impressive rate of 99.70%. Consequently, when combined with electrolytic reduction, the overall extraction rate of Lu is significantly enhanced to a remarkable 99.98%. Finally, experiments on the coexistence of rare earth elements were conducted, revealing a significant removal rate for Y, Ho, Tm, Yb, and Lu. This study presents innovative solutions for effectively utilizing waste salt in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Examining the differential effects of environmental, social, and governance and controversies on metafrontier efficiencies for sustainable development goals

Examining the differential effects of environmental, social, and governance and controversies on metafrontier efficiencies for sustainable development goals

Constructed wetland - microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) mediated bio-electrodegradation of azo dyes from textile wastewater.

Azo dyes constitute 60-70% of commercially used dyes and are complex, carcinogenic, and mutagenic pollutants that negatively impact soil composition, water bodies, flora, and fauna. Conventional azo dye degradation techniques have drawbacks such as high production and maintenance costs, use of hazardous chemicals, membrane clogging, and sludge generation. Constructed Wetland-Microbial Fuel Cells (CW-MFCs) offer a promising sustainable approach for the bio-electrodegradation of azo dyes from textile wastewater. CW-MFCs harness the phytodegradation capabilities of wetland plants like Azolla, water hyacinth, and Ipomoea, along with microalgae such as Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Chlorella, and Anabaena, to break down azo dyes into aromatic amines. These intermediates are then reduced to CO2 and H2O by microalgae in the fuel cells, while simultaneously generating electricity. CW-MFCs offer advantages including low cost, sustainability, and use of renewable energy. The valorization of the resulting algal and plant biomass further enhances the sustainability of this approach, as it can be used for biofuel production, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and bio-composting. Implementing CW-MFCs as a tertiary treatment step in textile industries aligns with the circular economy concept and contributes to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Paradox of achieving sustainable development goals by 2030 in gulf cooperation council: differential effects of technological innovation, renewable energy and bio-capacity on carbon emission

Paradox of achieving sustainable development goals by 2030 in gulf cooperation council: differential effects of technological innovation, renewable energy and bio-capacity on carbon emission

Research on design intervention in spatial planning of traditional rural tourism: based on the perspective of tourists’ willingness to visit again

ABSTRACT Studying tourists’ revisit intention to tourism-oriented traditional villages helps understand the development trajectory of these villages and provides scientific support for their protection and renewal. This study, using LDA topic modeling, structural equation modeling (SEM), and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), systematically explores the key factors influencing tourists’ revisit intentions to traditional Chinese villages and the underlying mechanisms. Through in-depth analysis, the research reveals the significant impact of the overall layout, spatial form, street pattern, planar structure, local decoration, and building materials of traditional villages on tourists’ revisit intentions, while also emphasizing the importance of visitor satisfaction. Based on the data results, a series of strategies are proposed to optimize village appearance and enrich traditional decorations, aiming to promote deeper interaction between visitors and traditional villages, enhance tourists’ cultural experiences and satisfaction, and thereby effectively increase their intention to revisit tourism-oriented traditional villages. The findings provide practical recommendations for policymakers and village managers, helping them promote the sustainable development of traditional villages while preserving cultural heritage. Through scientific management and marketing strategies, traditional villages can not only enhance their competitiveness but also secure a place in the global tourism market, achieving both economic and cultural prosperity.

The synergies of air quality monitoring program: Information disclosure and pollution control.

To deal with the increasingly severe climate crisis and environmental pollution, China launched a nationwide real-time air quality monitoring program in three batches, a milestone moment in its environmental governance history. Using the time-varying difference-in-differences model, this study explores the synergies of this program across 284 cities from 2009 to 2019. The findings are as follows: (1) With environmental information disclosed, the national air quality monitoring program can reduce the outdoor fine particulate matter concentration by an overall effect of 3.31%, equivalent to an almost 1% reduction calculated by its average value. (2) This program can enhance public environmental attention and stimulate environmental practitioners' employment, thereby achieving a synergistic effect on air pollution reduction. (3) The pollution reduction effect is expected to be more pronounced in cities located in the southern and eastern regions, cities with higher population densities, and cities with favourable ventilation capabilities. (4) In response to air pollution problems, the public will adjust their daily consumption patterns to avoid potential health risks. As a result of the short-term behavioural changes, they will be more willing to pay for clean air by purchasing household air purifiers. This study highlights the considerable ecological and economic benefits of environmental information disclosure, thus further contributing to future eco-friendly and sustainable development.

Green finance and “greenization” of enterprise’s technology: based on evolutionary game theory and empirical test in China

ABSTRACT Green innovation emerges as a pivotal breakthrough for expediting the shift towards a sustainable green development model. Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones (GFRIPZ), functioning as a comprehensive policy initiative, harness diverse policy instruments to catalyse the green transformation of enterprises. Constructing a tripartite game model (government, banks, enterprises), this study sheds light on the green evolution of enterprises’ strategic behaviour with the incentive of GFRIPZ, and explains the underlying mechanism of green finance for green innovation. Data of Chinese listed companies (2007–2019) are used to test the mechanism and specific effect of green finance with the difference-in-differences method. The findings reveal that green finance effectively promotes enterprises’ adoption of green innovation strategies. The mechanism appears to be that green finance promotes green innovation by increasing environmental protection investment, reducing financing constraints and improving total factor productivity. Meanwhile, enterprise digitization and industry-finance integration play a positive synergistic role in connecting green finance and green innovation. Besides, the promoting effect of green finance on green innovation in large, non-polluting and mature enterprises is more prominent relative to that in others. This study elucidates the micro-mechanisms underlying green finance system design that foster green innovation and achieve high-quality economic development.

Green grabbing and neofeudalism governance in ecotourism destinations: an insight from Iran

ABSTRACT This study explores the phenomenon of green grabbing within the context of neofeudal governance in ecotourism destinations, focusing on Iran. Green grabbing refers to appropriating public natural lands by private beneficiaries or entities closely associated with those in power. Utilizing qualitative research methods, interviews were conducted with environmentalists, ecotourism experts, and local authorities to understand the dynamics and impacts of green grabbing on local communities and natural resources. The findings reveal that the lack of transparent policies and enforcement mechanisms enables green grabbing, leading to the displacement of local communities, restrictions on access to lands, and the emergence of a privileged elite class. This neofeudal system exacerbates social inequality, marginalizes the majority, and fosters socio-environmental conflicts. This study highlights the importance of strong legislative and ethical measures to protect the rights of marginalized groups and promote equitable and sustainable ecotourism development.

Integrating sustainable development goals into HRM in emerging markets: an empirical investigation of Indian and Chinese banks

Integrating sustainable development goals into HRM in emerging markets: an empirical investigation of Indian and Chinese banks

BuffExDb: web-based tissue-specific gene expression resource for breeding and conservation programmes in Bubalus bubalis.

Amidst the global challenge of extreme poverty, the livestock sector can significantly contribute to global sustainable development goals by enhancing resilience, smallholder productivity, and market participation. The Indian livestock sector is one of the largest in the world with a total livestock population of 535.82 million, ∼10.7% of the world's livestock population. Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) holds significant importance in India and other Asian countries, notably contributing to their economies by surpassing cattle in milk production and providing various valuable products. The limited availability of genomic and transcriptomic resources for buffaloes hinders the efforts to enhance their traits for increased milk and meat production. To address this gap, this study adopted the state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools to analyse 2429 transcriptomes representing 438 BioSamples from 23 BioProjects obtained from a public domain database, representing 76 different types of tissues and cell types from all major organ systems in buffalo species (river and swamp). The outcome of this exhaustive genomic data led to the development of a relational buffalo expression database based on a three-tier architecture named as BuffExDb (http://46.202.167.198/buffex/). The user-friendliness and flexibilities in retrieval of tissue-specific genes (TSGs) and their functional annotation are the major characteristics of BuffExDb. This is the first of its kind that offers an effortlessly navigable and filterable database, enabling users to examine and visualize the expression levels of each tissue across multiple samples, simultaneously. It also provides the Tau score parameter for the identification of TSGs along with their essential roles in tissue development, maintenance, and function as observed through the enrichment test for gene ontologies. The exhaustive outcome of this work would pave the way for the biological, functional, and evolutionary studies for easy access. This prior information based on tissue-specific mechanisms can be used for future genomic research, especially in association studies in endeavour of enhanced buffalo breeding and conservation programmes. Database URL: http://46.202.167.198/buffex/.

Exploring the Effects of Microfinance on Business Sustainability: A Qualitative Approach

ABSTRACT This study explores how microfinance impacts business sustainability in Bangladesh using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews with 35 purposively selected Microfinance Institution (MFI) borrowers from the Khulna Division provided insights analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings reveal seven themes: employment generation, business growth, income growth, improved living standards, social empowerment, social awareness, and environmental awareness. These themes highlight microfinance’s role in fostering sustainable business practices. This pioneering study offers valuable insights for MFIs and policymakers, emphasizing microfinance as a tool for sustainable development in developing nations.

Microwave-assisted selective leaching of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries using glycine and oxalic acid.

Supplying critical metals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, to achieve sustainable development goals will be one of the most important concerns in the coming decades. A significant challenge in this area is the separation of some similar elements, such as nickel and cobalt. This study proposes a novel and eco-friendly process to selectively recover cobalt from nickel and manganese. The process includes two leaching stages in a microwave environment: (1) leaching by glycine to separate Ni and Mn and (2) leaching by oxalic acid to separate cobalt from other elements and precipitate it as cobalt oxalate dihydrate. In the first leaching stage, response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize leaching parameters. Under the optimal conditions (3 M of glycine, 0.01 M ascorbic acid, 15 min, pH 9, 500-W microwave power, and a solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio of 5:100), the average leaching efficiencies were 96.32% for nickel, 91.97% for manganese, and 12.11% for cobalt. In the second leaching stage, 98% of cobalt was successfully precipitated as cobalt oxalate dihydrate by oxalic acid in the microwave environment, with over 87% of the total cobalt ideally recovered from other elements.

A tourist review mining framework for the sustainability features of world natural heritage based on AI large models

ABSTRACT This study presents a novel tourist comment mining framework that integrates an AI large model with prompt strategies and the AISPA model to provide sustainable resource allocation strategies for UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites. The framework confirms that tourists prioritise service attributes as high-priority features, which are crucial for sustainable development. The results demonstrate that this framework combines the strengths of previous comment mining tools, offering a more efficient and user-friendly solution. Researchers can use it to balance resource allocation between natural and service features, leading to more effective management strategies.

Sustainability reporting and sustainable development goals: bibliometric analysis

Sustainability reporting and sustainable development goals: bibliometric analysis

Islamic Finance for Sustainable Development: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of SDG Alignment

Islamic Finance for Sustainable Development: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of SDG Alignment