Sustainable Research Research Articles

Two decades of sustainable development studies in higher education management: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose This study aims to identify the growth pattern of research literature, most influential authors, most impactful documents and most relevant topics on sustainable development (SD) in higher education management (HEM) from 2000 to 2023. Design/methodology/approach The research approach used descriptive quantitative and bibliometric analysis. Scopus was used to retrieve data from 811 selected documents from 2000 to 2023. Data analysis used VOSviewer and R Biblioshiny. Findings The results showed intense development of sustainable development research in higher education management, especially in 2013–2023. Core literature was identified based on the volume of publications or citations from the perspective of authors, documents and keywords. Global research topics on SD in HEM focus on curriculum development and sustainable learning, sustainable higher education management and enhancing research and development of SD in HEM. The results of this research reveal the emerging intellectual structure in the field of educational management and provide reference points for academics who wish to study this discipline. Originality/value This study offers a valuable knowledge map for future research on sustainable development in higher education management. As a map, researchers can find core documents and current topics and identify potential research issues in this study.

How to measure the impact of landsenses ecology on sustainable development? A review of people-oriented emerging approaches

At present, the research of sustainable development is developing from a single local problem to a multi-scale, transdisciplinary and comprehensive study. The evaluation and monitoring of its progress need to adopt multi-disciplinary research methods and multi-dimensional, multi-scale identification mechanism. Landsenses ecology is an emerging scientific system that uses the basic principles of ecology to study the sustainable development of land-use planning, construction, and management from the aspects of natural elements, physical senses, psychological perceptions, social economy, process and risk. It provides an effective way for the multi-disciplinary integration research of the relationship between human and ecosystem, and provides an important method and theory for the sustainable transformation research of environmental system and social–economic system, and plays an important role in guiding and realizing the beneficial impact of human on natural ecosystem. This study describes 57 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2016 and 2024, using qualitative content analysis, and discusses the impact of landsenses ecology on the way sustainable development is perceived and practiced. The results suggest that the role of landsenses ecology in the creation of sustainable vision resonance and behavior is crucial to the study of sustainable transformation and will help to explore effective strategies for using intrinsic sustainable transformation as a deep leverage point.

Mobilizing Global Change Science for Effective Multi-Actor Governance in the Laguna San Rafael and Guayaneco Biosphere Reserve

The 1950s initiated transformative shifts in human interactions and societal behaviors, exacerbating global environmental challenges—notably, biodiversity loss. The post-2020 Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) addressed these challenges with ambitious plans to halt and reverse biodiversity losses. Supported by initiatives like UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program, the GBF seeks to enhance sustainability through country-level strategies that will mainstream nature-positive policies and expand multi-actor conservation governance. This study supports the local-level implementation of the GBF through a roadmap for the initial phase of the knowledge-action network creation. Through a case study of the Laguna San Rafael and Guayaneco Biosphere Reserve (LSRGBR) in Chilean Patagonia, this research explores the potential for inexpensive, readily available methods to support local decision makers by increasing access to and the visibility of relevant sustainability research. The study analyzes two decades of global change (GC) research within LSRGBR zones to understand spatial trends and identify applied insights with the potential to inform governance and management strategies. Findings highlight where GC research has occurred, areas of GC research interest, how applied content has manifested, and how existing research can inform and support governance action plans. Ultimately, this research proposes an adaptable knowledge mobilization framework for the LSRGBR that can be applied to a variety of place-based needs and contexts to mobilize science for broader sustainability objectives and enhance the potential for multi-actor collaboration and governance.

On the structure of species-function participation in multilayer ecological networks

Understanding how biotic interactions shape ecosystems and impact their functioning, resilience and biodiversity has been a sustained research priority in ecology. Yet, traditional assessments of ecological complexity typically focus on species-species interactions that mediate a particular function (e.g., pollination), overlooking both the synergistic effect that multiple functions might develop as well as the resulting species-function participation patterns that emerge in ecosystems that harbor multiple ecological functions. Here we propose a mathematical framework that integrates various types of biotic interactions observed between different species. Its application to recently collected data of an islet ecosystem—reporting 1537 interactions between 691 plants, animals and fungi across six different functions (pollination, herbivory, seed dispersal, decomposition, nutrient uptake, and fungal pathogenicity)—unveils a non-random, nested structure in the way plant species participate across different functions. The framework further allows us to identify a ranking of species and functions, where woody shrubs and fungal decomposition emerge as keystone actors whose removal have a larger-than-random effect on secondary extinctions. The dual insight—from species and functional perspectives—offered by the framework opens the door to a richer quantification of ecosystem complexity and to better calibrate the influence of multifunctionality on ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.

Improving rural and remote health workforce retention amid global workforce shortages: a scoping review of evaluated workforce interventions.

The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of a global body of scholarly and industry (grey) literature for evidence of implemented and evaluated interventions to identify best practice workforce retention strategies for organisations providing health services in rural and remote areas. A scoping review was conducted of the scholarly and grey literature by two independent researchers. This comprised a search of four scholarly databases, and a Google and website search for grey literature. Quality checks were conducted, and a total of 15 documents were included in the literature review. Using the World Health Organisation's categories of workforce intervention (regulatory, education, financial incentives, personal and professional support), the documents were analysed to identify effective workforce interventions. The literature review found evidence of regulatory impacts as well as organisation-level evaluated workforce interventions for education-to-employment pathways (education), remuneration programs (financial incentives) and working and living conditions (personal and professional support) but seldom provided insight into how successful interventions were implemented or evaluated at the organisational level. Further, there was an absence of scholarship contributing to the development of empirical evidence to inform organisations about designing, implementing and evaluating workforce strategies to improve health workforce retention in rural and remote communities. Few studies have focused on evidence-based organisation-level interventions to improve rural and remote workforce sustainability. This article offers insights to shape future intervention implementation and evaluation research for rural and remote health workforce sustainability.

Elafibranor: A promising treatment for alcohol-associated liver disease?

We comment on an article by Koizumi et al . Elafibranor (EFN) is a dual pero-xisome proliferator-activated receptor α/δ agonist. The experimental results from Koizumi et al demonstrated that EFN significantly increases intestinal barrier function and ameliorates liver fibrosis. These positive outcomes suggest that EFN could be a promising therapeutic option for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). However, this study has limitations that necessitate further research to evaluate the efficacy of EFN. Future studies should consider the use of more appropriate animal models and cell types, optimize the administration routes and dosages of the drug, and conduct an in-depth investigation into the underlying mechanisms of action to determine the therapeutic effects of EFN in humans. With sustained and in-depth research, EFN has the potential to emerge as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of ALD.

Understanding Crop Diversification Among Smallholder Farmers: Socioeconomic Insights from Central Malawi

In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), smallholder rain-fed systems are vital, yet they are challenged by land degradation, soil fertility decline, and climate risks. To address these challenges, crop diversification has been promoted as a potential pathway to enhance productivity, improve nutritional security, and offer a viable pathway out of poverty and hunger. This study explores crop diversification among 150 smallholder households in the Kasungu, Mchinji, and Lilongwe districts of Malawi, where the project Sustainable Intensification of Maize Legume Systems in East and Southern Africa (SIMLESA) has engaged the smallholder farmers in conservation agriculture (CA)-based sustainable intensification participatory research and development for seven years since 2010. This study used Simpson’s diversity index (SDI) to estimate crop diversification, and a multiple linear regression model (MLRM) to analyze how smallholder farmers’ socio-economic characteristics influence adoption. The findings show a prevalence of small farms of less than 1.5 hectares, with most farmers perceiving crop diversification as beneficial for soil fertility. Key adoption constraints include labor shortages and a lack of legume seeds. SIMLESA participants lead in crop rotations, with a 63% higher adoption rate, and show the highest crop diversity, with a 99% increase in farmers growing three crops and a 74% increase in those growing four crops compared to non-SIMLESA farmers. The SDI values were 0.39 for non-SIMLESA, 0.48 for SIMLESA neighbors, and 0.57 for SIMLESA participants. Access to NGO inputs, larger farm sizes, and participation in research programs were positively associated with diversification, while food insufficiency was negatively associated with its adoption. The study highlights the importance of integrating participatory research methods to promote development initiatives effectively.

Utility-Scale Grid-Connected Microgrid Planning Framework for Sustainable Renewable Energy Integration

Microgrids have emerged as a crucial focus in power engineering and sustainable energy research, with utility-scale microgrids playing a significant role in both developed and developing countries like the Philippines. This study presents a comprehensive framework for utility-scale microgrid planning, emphasizing the sustainable integration of renewable energy resources to the distribution grid. The framework addresses the operational modes of grid-connected and islanded microgrids, emphasizing the seamless transition between these modes to ensure a continuous power supply. By leveraging local distributed energy resources, the microgrid aims to reduce dependence on the main transmission grid while enhancing resilience and reliability. The proposed planning framework not only eases the economic burden of constructing renewable energy sources but also aids distribution utilities in maximizing local resources to achieve sustainable energy goals. Through a detailed network analysis and modeling, the framework provides a robust foundation for optimizing the energy mix and enhancing the overall system performance. This research contributes to advancing microgrid technology as a key driver towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting clean and affordable energy access.

Spiral wind-up of vortex sheets

A model of the spiral wind-up of a vortex sheet by the flow induced by a perpendicular vortex is developed, first in the Euler limit of zero viscosity, then taking account of viscous diffusion. The wind-up of a vortex sheet by a propagating vortex pair is also considered; in this case, the vorticity grows exponentially near the two saddle points of the flow in the moving frame of the vortex pair. Estimates are obtained for the maximum vorticity ω m and maximum enstrophy Ω m attained through this process in terms of the wind-up Reynolds number Re and the initial dimensionless sheet thickness δ 0 . This paper is dedicated to Andrew Soward, whose sustained research in Dynamo Theory and Fluid Mechanics has been brilliantly inspiring for more than 50 years. Happy 80th, Andrew!

Unlocking Success: Community Engagement for Enhanced HIV Care Outcomes.

Background: Though social determinants are the primary drivers of health, few studies of people living with HIV (PLWH) focus on non-clinical correlates of insecure and/or fragmented connections with the care system. Our team has used linked clinical and multisector non-clinical data to study how residential mobility and connection to social services influence the HIV care continuum. We engage a diverse group of invested patients and community members to guide and inform this research. Our objective is to generate stakeholder-informed, research-based interventions that are relevant to the community, and to share our engagement approach and findings so that other researchers can do the same. Methods: Our research team partnered with the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute's Research Jam, to develop and implement a human-centered design research plan to engage with individuals with lived experience relevant to our research. We recruited a panel composed of PLWH as well as clinicians and individuals from agencies that provide medical and non-medical services to PLWH in Marion County, Indiana. We used a variety of human-centered design tools and activities to engage individuals during six sessions, with results informing our engagement and research activities. Results: Since the inception of the project, 48 individuals have joined the stakeholder panel. Thirty-five are actively engaged and have participated in one or more of the six sessions conducted to date. The panel helped guide and prioritize analyses, aided in identification of data missing from our ecosystem, helped interpret results, provided feedback on future interventions, and co-presented with us at a local health equity conference. Conclusions: We utilized community engagement to expand the scope of our research and found that the process provided value to both stakeholders and research team members. Human-centered design enhanced this partnership by keeping it person-centered, developing empathy and trust, increasing stakeholder retention, and empowering stakeholders to collaborate meaningfully with the research team. The use of these methods is essential to conducting relevant, impactful, and sustainable research. We anticipate that these methods will be important for academic and public health researchers wishing to engage with and integrate the ideas of community stakeholders.

The Role of Information in Building a More Sustainable Economy: A Supply and Demand Perspective

ABSTRACTInterest in sustainability information, from investors, managers, researchers, and others, has been expanding rapidly. We discuss recent advances and open questions related to sustainability reporting and disclosure through the lens of a supply and demand framework. Our discussion builds on prior research on financial reporting and highlights unique aspects of the provision of sustainability information.

I Know I Am Ugly, but Please Listen to My Story First: An Examination of How Storytelling Can Impact Consumers' Valuation of Unattractive Produce

ABSTRACTIn a world where food insecurity and food waste paradoxically coexist, the rejection of aesthetically imperfect yet edible produce significantly contributes to food waste. This study examines the application of compelling storytelling to alter consumer perceptions and behaviors toward unattractive produce, a perspective largely overlooked in sustainability research. We address this gap by exploring how storytelling can mitigate cognitive biases against such produce, thereby enhancing consumer acceptance through improved perceived taste. In Study 1, we examine the effect of unattractive produce on produce valuation and the mediation of perceived taste. In Study 2, we investigate the moderating role of storytelling in enhancing consumers' perceived taste of unattractive food. Through two experimental studies, we confirm that combining storytelling with marketing tactics, such as coupons, significantly increases consumers' consumption of unattractive produce. We recommend retailers utilize storytelling in marketing unattractive produce to optimize marketing effectiveness and promote sustainable food consumption. Our findings advance storytelling, visual marketing, and unattractive produce literature and offer practical insights for reducing food waste, contributing to sustainability efforts and social welfare. By employing a storytelling strategy, we support social good by encouraging the consumption of “ugly” produce.

Carving space to learn for sustainable futures

This article addresses the pressing need to reimagine education for sustainable futures amidst the socioecological crises of our time. Grounded in the recognition of modernity as profoundly alienating and unsustainable, we argue for an education informed by theory, critical pedagogies and critical sustainability research. Through an example from our own teaching practice, where we focused on pace, place, connections and modes of engagement, we demonstrate how adult educators can draw on theory to deliberately shape teaching. Highlighting the unsustainability of social acceleration, we encourage educators to slow down and carve out a space for profound engagement with sustainability. Drawing on diverse theoretical frameworks, we propose an approach that cultivates a sense of embeddedness in place and connection to oneself, others and the natural world. Finally, we argue that education for sustainable futures necessitates a departure from modernist paradigms, inviting educators to envision transformative pedagogies that foster critical awareness and societal change.

Scoping review of sustainable diets research reveals a thematic and disciplinary emphasis on nutrition and environment

Abstract Sustainable diets have been identified as an important component of a food systems transformation that is urgently needed to meet global sustainability and development goals. This study addresses the lack of a comprehensive synthesis and overview of the sustainable diets literature, including its evolution over time and across disciplines, and sheds light on whether and how this body of work addresses dimensions of sustainability as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation’s (FAO) sustainable diets framework. Topic modeling, a type of natural language processing, was used to perform a thematic scoping review of 855 articles published between 2000-2022 to identify trends and themes in a way that was rapid, transparent, reliable, and reproducible. This research finds demonstrated growth in the field of sustainable diets research, with the majority (66%) of sustainable diets articles considered in this study published in the last three years of the study period. Sixty-three percent of the sustainable diets research articles can be characterized by two topics, “sustainability impacts of dietary patterns” and “sustainable diets and food system policy.” FAO components of sustainable diets related to local and seasonal foods, culture, and equity receive relatively little research attention, whereas components of health, environment, and food security each align with approximately a third of the research literature. This is also reflected in the subject classification analysis, in which nearly half of the research (44%) was classified as Nutrition and Dietetics and/or Environmental Studies. This research highlights the need for more transdisciplinary research that addresses areas of equity, culture, social processes, and context as well as the intersections of sustainability dimensions to better understand the need for, implications, and directions of sustainable diets to support a sustainable food systems transformation.

Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation-Based Development System for Eco-Agricultural Tourism Resources

This manuscript outlines a systematic evaluation of agricultural eco-tourism resources, focusing on the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon scenic area. Employing fuzzy mathematics principles, we construct a comprehensive evaluation model to assess various dimensions of agro-ecotourism potential. The framework includes hierarchical levels (A, B1-B3, C1-C8) covering ecological resource value, environment condition, and tourism development. Using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, we determine indicator weights via expert assessments and statistical analyses. Notably, ecological resource value and environment quality emerge as pivotal criteria. The resulting comprehensive score of 82.875 suggests Grade IV suitability for eco-tourism development. Our findings support strategic planning and sustainable management, emphasizing the importance of ecological preservation amidst China's urbanization. Graphical representations and detailed steps provided enhance practicality for sustainable tourism researchers and practitioners.

A scoping review on what constitutes a good research culture

Background The crisis in research culture is well documented, covering issues such as a tendency for quantity over quality, unhealthy competitive environments, and assessment based on publications, journal prestige and funding. In response, research institutions need to assess their own practices to promote and advocate for change in the current research ecosystem. The purpose of the scoping review was to explore ‘What does the evidence say about the ‘problem’ with ‘poor’ research culture, what are the benefits of ‘good’ research culture, and what does ‘good’ look like?’ Aims To examine the peer-reviewed and grey literature to explore the interplay between research culture, open research, career paths, recognition and rewards, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, as part of a larger programme of activity for a research institution. Methods A scoping review was undertaken. Six databases were searched along with grey literature. Eligible literature had relevance to academic research institutions, addressed research culture, and were published between January 2017 to May 2022. Evidence was mapped and themed to specific categories. The search strategy, screening and analysis took place between April-May 2022. Results 1666 titles and abstracts, and 924 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 253 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. A purposive sampling of relevant websites was drawn from to complement the review, resulting in 102 records included in the review. Key areas for consideration were identified across the four themes of job security, wellbeing and equality of opportunity, teamwork and interdisciplinary, and research quality and accountability. Conclusions There are opportunities for research institutions to improve their own practice, however institutional solutions cannot act in isolation. Research institutions and research funders need to work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive research culture that is diverse in nature and supports individuals’ well-being, career progression and performance.

Aligning buzzword trends of sustainability with true sustainable development

ABSTRACT ‘Sustainability’ has become such a buzzword that its widespread use impacts both its research and practical application, for better or worse. Effective sustainability research should guide implementation, while successful initiatives depend on strong research. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, collaboration between researchers and stakeholders is crucial. High-quality research can amplify the positive effects of sustainability, while flawed research may hinder progress. Harnessing the benefits of its buzzword status is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030.

The Assembly of Miniaturized Droplets toward Functional Architectures.

Recent explorations of bioengineering have generated new concepts and strategies for the processing of soft and functional materials. Droplet assembly techniques can address problems in the construction of extremely soft architectures by expanding the manufacturing capabilities using droplets containing liquid or hydrogels including weak hydrogels. This Perspective sets out to provide a brief overview of this growing field, and discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead. The study highlights the recent key advances of materials and architectures from hitherto effective droplet-assembly technologies, as well as the applications in biomedical and bioengineering fields from artificial tissues to bioreactors. It is envisaged that these assembled architectures, as nature-inspired models, will stimulate the discovery of biomaterials and miniaturized platforms for interdisciplinary research in health, biotechnology, and sustainability.

How Much Participation Is Participatory? Opportunities and Challenges of Doing Participatory Action Research With Latin American teachers.

This paper provides a detailed account of a participatory action research project carried out with trainee teachers in Chile. Two participant cohorts embarked upon a research study seeking to identify instances of violence and exclusion in their classrooms. Such exploration was conducted through a series of participatory workshops that explored the link between violence and inequality, as well as how nonviolent approaches might assist in fostering more inclusive learning environments. Both participatory action research (PAR) and workshops as a research methodology constitute novel approaches within the Chilean context, where a large number of studies interrogating issues of inequality and classroom violence are of a descriptive rather than empirical nature. Consequently, this paper gives a rationale for using PAR in the first place, then provides a detailed account of how each iteration was designed, the changes that were made in between and the degree of participation achieved with each cohort. Further, the paper makes an argument for a wider use of PAR as a method that strives for social justice and equity in education, while at the same time exploring its advantages, common critiques, and the challenges encountered during the study. Finally, and in light of what transpired in this study, this paper posits that workshops constitute a sustainable participatory research method that provides space for collaboration, creativity, and self-inquiry, while considering several improvements and modifications for future studies.

Innovation in sustainable composite research: Investigating graphene-reinforced MMCs for liquid hydrogen storage tanks in aerospace and space exploration

The demand for lightweight materials in space exploration applications has seen a significant rise. This study presents a novel approach by integrating graphene with Aluminium alloy (AA) 2900 powder, synthesized through High energy ball milling technique. The resulting powder was used to reinforce Aluminium alloy 2195, creating metal matrix composites (MMCs) via squeeze casting. The findings demonstrate that incorporating 0.5 wt % 2D graphene nanoplatelets (2D-Grnp) in AA 2195 achieved density match, enabling homogeneous dispersion, addressing composite casting challenges. Consequently, the AA 2900 alloy embedded with 2D-Grnp facilitated the homogeneous dispersion of reinforcements during the squeeze casting process, yielding MMCs Ideal for potential use in lightweight liquid hydrogen fuel tank structures for launch vehicles. Following T8 heat treatment, the final casted composite plate exhibited significant enhancements in ultimate tensile strength, with a 4.5% increase over monolithic Al 2195-T8, exhibiting nominal reduction in elongation behavior and higher hardness. Additionally, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) revealed the squeeze casting technique's effectiveness by exhibiting enhanced bonding among homogeneously reinforced 2D-Grnp, T1/θ’ precipitates, and AA 2195.