Terms Of Sustainability Research Articles

Data and service management of the EPOS Volcano Observations Thematic Core Service by the European volcanological community

The Volcano Observations Thematic Core Service (VOLC-TCS) is one of ten core services forming the European Research Infrastructure Consortium for the European Plate Observing System (EPOS ERIC). The main objective of the VOLC-TCS is the implementation of a technical, financial, and legal framework compliant with EPOS ERIC to (i) strengthen the European volcanology community represented by Volcano Observatories (VOs) and Volcanological Research Institutions (VRIs), and (ii) provide virtual access to the community’s data, data products software and services (DDSSs) from volcanoes in Europe and European overseas territories. The efforts of the VOLC-TCS community began prior to the appointment of EPOS as an ERIC and have followed a long-term work plan that started in 2002. One of the main challenges for the management of volcanological data has consisted in their great heterogeneity regarding technical characteristics and also legal aspects (e.g. different data policies among the data providers, different purposes for the use of data, ranging from science to monitoring, early-warning and crisis response, and communication and outreach). Another challenge has derived from the consistency of the VOLC-TCS’ products with the overall service provision of EPOS, which merges services from different Earth Science communities (seismology, GNSS, geomagnetic, geochemistry, geology, etc.). Some of the services used in volcanology are in common with the other communities, thus the implementation work was also devoted to harmonising the data and products with standards defined by other TCSs. Yet another important task has been the implementation of the community Gateway to expose and enable access to services not fully compliant with EPOS, or to services implemented by institutions outside the EPOS perimeter, as well as to create a platform that can act as an interface between the VOLC-TCS and data infrastructures operating at a global level (e.g. WOVOdat). Based on the experience gained and the results achieved, we report here on the state of the art of the VOLC-TCS implementation since 2018 and propose future actions to address some of the main technical challenges and measures to ensure mid-to-long term sustainability of the services.

Integrating Water Evaluation and Planning Modeling into Integrated Water Resource Management: Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Future Surface Water Supply in the Irawan Watershed of Puerto Princesa, Philippines

The Irawan Watershed in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, is an important resource that supports domestic, agricultural, and industrial water needs. This study applies the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model to project the impacts of climate change on future surface water availability, integrating the findings into an Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) framework. Using bias-corrected General Circulation Models (GCMs) under four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), this study examines scenarios from low to high emissions (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585) for the assessment of potential variations in water supply. The results indicate a significant vulnerability to water availability, especially under SSP370 and SSP585, where climate warming is pronounced, leading to significant reductions in streamflow. Conversely, SSP126 suggests relatively stable conditions with less pronounced hydrological changes. The study also explores the socioeconomic drivers that affect water demand, including population growth and land use changes that influence agricultural water needs. The findings underscore the urgency of using adaptive management strategies to conserve water resources in the face of these anticipated challenges. Key recommendations include optimizing water use efficiency in all sectors, establishing protective zones around natural ecosystems, implementing climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting community engagement in water management. These measures are critical for enhancing water security and promoting sustainable development within the watershed, contributing to the broader goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. This study offers decision-makers and resource managers an evidence-based framework for integrating hydrological modeling into IWRM, providing valuable insights to navigate the complexities of climate change and ensure the long- term sustainability of water resources in the Philippines.

The Impact of Sustainability on the Labour Market and Employability in the Construction Industry

The present article analyses how the changes in the labour market are impacting employability, within the context of sustainability, with a special focus on the construction industry. This paper explores the relevance of employability in the construction industry, in an economy that is more and more oriented towards sustainable practices. The added value of the present paper resides in the proposed methodology that includes identifying and ranking the sustainability indicators that contribute to a sustainable employability model. The main objective of this research is to highlight the importance of sustainability in terms of training and preserving the specific competencies for the construction industry labour market, which is an essential sector for the transition to a green economy. The methodological innovation of the present study is that it proposes a model for the assessment of the sustainability indicators, thus offering a practical and ready-to-use framework for decision-makers in the industry. These indicators, which influence sustainability in the long term, were analysed from the viewpoint of the construction industry in Romania. This study used secondary statistical data, with a focus on the evolution of employability and of the professional training of graduates in this field of activity. The conclusion of the analysis is that a sustainable employability model should be implemented that meets the needs of the contemporary labour market and ensures an effective transition to a green economy. Implementing sustainable strategies in the construction sector facilitates the transition to responsible practices that are adapted to the current requirements of the green economy.

Assessment the Antecedent of Sustainable National Economy Growth (Green, Blue, Brown & Orange Economy) through Green Business Management Practices in Developing Countries: Evidences from Indonesia

Current research investigates the impact of green, blue, brown and orange economy on National Economy Growth. Putting forward the sustainability in the global context, these economies become crucial paradigm to leverage inclusive and sustainable economy development. GE focused on carbon emission reduction, increase resources efficiency, ecosystem protection, BE emphasized on the marine sustainable resources to push growth. Brown referred on traditional economy model that dependable on natural resources (unrenewable) and produced high greenhouse gas emissions, while OE is dealing with economy creative covered industries (art, culture, entertainment and innovation). Deploying quantitative method approach with secondary data from multi resources, such as government report, national data statistics and also Indonesia large scale enterprises. The analysis conducted to measure the contribution of related economy on national economy development through Green Business Management Practices as intervening variable. Research findings showed the economy categories had huge potency to increase national economy performance. The findings also highlighted the integration of four economies into national strategy development as pivotal step to maintain long term sustainability. Policy recommendation suggested to increase investment, environmental technology, human capacity development, strengthening cooperation within sectors and collaboration among countries and natural resource management.

Financing methods for solid waste management: A review of typology, classifications, and circular economy implications

AbstractThe operations that underpin efficient municipal solid waste management delivery require economic funds. These funds are needed for both capital and recurrent expenditures. Municipalities (local governments) often being the main entities responsible for waste management in cities across the globe, have implemented several funding methods. Yet not all attempts at raising funds for waste management operations have been successful due to the existence of barriers preventing their sustainability in the long term. As such, municipal authorities and decision‐makers are frequently confronted with the dilemma of understanding different methods of financing waste management operations and making the appropriate choices among the available options for maximum operational flexibility. Based on locations, convenience, requirements, technical possibilities, institutional arrangement, and regulatory framework, several waste management financing methods have been adopted and applied with varying degrees of outcomes. However, this information is fragmented and scattered both in the academic and grey literature. In this work, we first collate and categorize the operating procedures of various municipal solid waste management finance strategies in a typology. We base our actions on several policy frameworks and areas of focus for waste management finance that have been implemented in many nations. Second, we provide a classification system by combining several strands of information on reported combinations of waste finance strategies, possibilities, and restrictions in the context of urban waste management. Finally, we discuss other essential elements related to financial sustainability and the implications on the circular economy. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive review of the pros and cons of various municipal solid waste management financing methods.

International Political Economy, Business Ecosystems, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability: A Synthesis on the Case of the Energy Sector

This paper explores the intricate relationships among the evolution of the international political economy, the dynamics of business ecosystems, and the transformations in entrepreneurship within the European energy sector, with a specific emphasis on Greece, particularly the less developed region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The aim is to understand how geopolitical, economic, and technological dynamics interact across macro-, meso-, and microlevels, especially within the context of the ongoing global energy transition. Α multi-method approach is employed, including interviews with 16 experts, a survey of 89 energy firms, and eight in-depth interviews with microfirm owners. A key finding is that an integrated and evolutionary macro–meso–micro framework is essential for understanding and addressing the complex dynamics across various sectors, especially in the energy sector. The study highlights the need for targeted support for smaller firms through a restructured energy policy to foster local entrepreneurship and innovation. It further emphasizes that understanding the evolution of the global energy system and its components is crucial for addressing sustainability in environmental and socioeconomic terms, as the emerging model of energy production and consumption is directly tied to the reshaping of socioeconomic development models in the new globalization.

CTN-0138: adaptation, implementation, and cluster randomized trial of a Community Pharmacy-Based Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Opioid Risk Assessment Tool—a protocol paper

BackgroundAs the opioid epidemic continues to have a major negative impact across the US, community pharmacies have come under scrutiny from legal systems attempting to hold them accountable for their role in over dispensing and lack of patient intervention. While the most available tool for monitoring patients’ opioid use is Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP), these do not provide pharmacists with actionable information and decision support. Our study addresses this gap through three objectives: [1] incorporate validated opioid risk metric thresholds into a PDMP platform to create the Opioid Risk Reduction Clinical Decision Support (ORRCDS) tool; [2] assess ORRCDS’ ability to reduce patient opioid risk; [3] assess ORRCDS’ sustainability and viability for broader dissemination in community pharmacy.MethodsFor objective 1, our team is partnering with leadership from the largest US PDMP organization and a top-five pharmacy chain to implement ORRCDS into the pharmacy chain’s workflow following the Guideline Implementation with Decision Support (GUIDES) framework. For objective 2, our team will conduct a type-1 implementation mixed methods study using a 2-arm parallel group clustered randomized design. We anticipate enrolling ~ 6,600 patients with moderate and high opioid use risk during the 6-month enrollment phase across 80 pharmacies. This sample size will provide 96.3% power to detect a 5% or greater difference in responder rate between the intervention and control arm. Responders are patients with moderate-risk at baseline who reduce to low-risk or those with high-risk at baseline who reduce to moderate or low-risk at 180 days post last intervention. To accomplish objective 3, we will use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to develop and execute cross-sectional qualitative interviews with pharmacists (n = 15), pharmacy leaders (n = 15), and PDMP leaders (n = 15) regarding long term adoption and sustainability of the ORRCDS tool.ConclusionsA PDMP tool that addresses moderate- and high-risk opioid use is not available in community pharmacy. This study will implement ORRCDS in a large retail pharmacy chain that will include additional screening and guidance to pharmacy staff to address risky opioid medication use. Our results will make critical advancements for protecting patient health and addressing the opioid epidemic.

THE IMPACT OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE ON THE APPLICATION OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN JORDANIAN PUBLIC SHAREHOLDING INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES

Research Aims: This exmine the impact of capital structure on the application of corporate governance in Jordanian industrial companiese,by using the ratios of the capital structure on the size, independence of the board of directors,and independence, size of the audit committee. Design/Methodology/Approach: The population of the study consisted of 53 Jordanian Industrial Companies (JICs) registered in the Jordanian Securities Depository Center (JSDC), while the sample included 35 JICs that met the selection criteria. Data were collected from the JSDC’s website for the fiscal years 2017–2022. Whereas the hypotheses underwent multiple regression supported by SPSS. Research Findings: The study reached a set of findings, the most important of which was: There is an impact of capital structure on the application of corporate governance in Jordanian industrial companiese. Based on these findings, the study recommended several recomendations, the most important is increasing the level of commitment of Jordanian industrial companies to the terms and rules of corporate governance and disclosing this in their annual reports, as this will enhance their value and reputation in the market and thus increase their ability to attract investments and achieve high returns and sustainability in the long term. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: the study adds new evidence to the literature regarding the impact of capital structure on the application of corporate governance. Research Limitation/Implications: The lack of data for some companies during our study period. also the researchers used some ratios to measure the study variables because it is not possible to use all ratios in this study.

Sesame Stalk Compost in Soil Revitalization and Long-term Sustainable Crop Productivity in Organic Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

ABSTRACT Resource depletion is one of the primary concerns of modern agriculture farmers, which needs to be considered for long term sustainability. To assess the effect of sesame stalk compost on the growth, yield, and quality of sesame under organic cultivation, long-term (four years) field experiments were conducted for eight seasons consecutively from 2020 to 2023. The inoculated composts collected after 90 days of composting contain N (1.45–1.50%), P (0.22–25%), K (0.23–0.25%), Fe (510–514 ppm), Zn (150–154 ppm), Cu (286–288 ppm), and Mn (540–542 ppm), which was higher than the uninoculated sesame stalk. Similarly, the humic acid content (122 mg/g of compost), fulvic acid (23–24 mg/g of compost), total humic substances (145–146 mg/g of compost), and CO2–C evolution (186–188 mg/100 g of compost) were significantly higher with microbial inoculated composts than uninoculated compost. The results of the long-term field experiment indicated that application of sesame stalk compost @ 5 t/ha significantly increased the soil organic carbon (6.30 g/kg), soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (11.8 mg/ha), raised the pH to neutralize the acidic pH in red lateritic soil (6.8 to 7.2), reduced the soil bulk density (1.38 to 1.34), penetration resistance (720 kpa to 630 kpa), and available N, P, and K. As a result, the sesame grain yield obtained with application of sesame stalk compost @ 5 t/ha (778–782 kg/ha) was comparable with recommended doses of chemical fertilizers (794 kg/ha). Significant improvement in grain quality (24.2% of protein, 418–422 ppm of Ca, 12.4–12.6 ppm of Zn, 9.6 ppm of Fe and 2.6 ppm of Cu) and oil yield (364.1–367.5 kg/ha) was also observed due to the application of microbial inoculated sesame stalk compost.

The role of management practices on soil seed bank agrobiodiversity and agronomic sustainability in a horticultural cropping system

ABSTRACT Understanding how soil management practices influence the agrobiodiversity of cropping systems is crucial to promoting and maintaining agronomic sustainability in the long term. This study aimed to analyze seed bank diversity and to evaluate the effects of conventional (CONV) and alternative monoculture (ALTMO) and biannual rotation (BIROT) soil management practices in a horticultural cropping system. Soil cores were collected to identify seed bank composition and diversity indices were calculated. Additionally, soil parameters, CO2 efflux, temperature, and moisture were monitored. The results showed that management systems did not influence the composition of soil seed banks showing a prevalence of nitrophilous species in CONV management. Furthermore, the abundance and richness in the CONV and BIROT managements were high and low respectively due to the higher nitrogen rates in the soil. In contrast, ALTMO showed low abundance and a high number of species favoring higher competitiveness with positive effects on crop productivity. A positive correlation between CO2 soil efflux and temperature with species richness and Simpson’s diversity index was observed in all management systems while the soil moisture was negatively influenced. Finally, adopting alternative management strategies can preserve and enhance agrobiodiversity, and crop yields, and may contribute to developing more eco-friendly cropping systems.

The long-term intervention effect and persistence analysis of the baduanjin mental sub -health of college students

In recent years, with the rapid development of society and the increase in academic and living pressure of college students, the psychological sub-health problems of college students have become increasingly prominent. Psychological sub -health refers to the state of the state of health and disease, manifested as a diagnostic criteria for poor individual mental state but not reaching the diagnosis of mental illness. As a special group, college students are in a critical period of psychological and physiological development, and facing multiple pressures such as academics, employment, and social networking. Long -term psychological health state will not only affect its academic and life quality, but also may lead to serious psychological problems such as emotional disorders, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, how to effectively intervene and improve the mental sub -health status of college students have become an important issue for the current psychological health education of colleges and universities. The eight -segment brocade of traditional fitness exercises, as part of ancient Chinese qigong, has gradually been widely used in modern health management in recent years. Baduanjin helps individuals to achieve physical and mental balance by regulating physical movements, breathing and mentality, and have the potential to improve mental health. Existing studies have shown that Baduanjin has certain effects on psychological problems such as relieving stress, improving anxiety, and depression, but there are still fewer long -term intervention effects and continuity research on the healthy sub -healthy health of college students. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the long -term intervention effect and its continuity of the eight -stage brocade of the psychological sub -health of college students, and provide new theoretical support and practical basis for colleges and universities' mental health intervention. This study adopts a random control experimental design. The research object is the college student of the School of Huanghe Science and Technology college. It is included in the standard of the SCL-90 (Symptom Self-Evaluation Table). The research objects are divided into the experimental group and control group. The experimental group participated in the two month Baduanjin, 2 times a week, 60 minutes each time; the control group does not perform Baduanjin to maintain daily life. After the experiment, the SCL-90 symptoms of SCL-90 symptoms and CPSS pressure perception table were performed for the experimental group for 1 month and 2 months to evaluate the continuity of the intervention effect. At the end of the intervention, the psychological sub-health symptoms of the experimental group improved significantly, and the overall scores of the SCL-90 decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the experimental group improved greater improvement in anxiety, depression, and pressure perception. Especially in terms of anxiety and depression, the improvement of the experimental group is particularly significant. In summary, this study provides a wealth of experimental data and theoretical basis for the long -term intervention effect and sustainability of the Baduanjin for the healthy sub -health of college students through random control experiments. The results of the research not only provide an effective means of intervention for colleges and universities, but also open up a new direction for the modern application of traditional fitness methods. In the future practice, Baduanjin is hoping to become an important means of psychological and health intervention in colleges and universities, and provide theoretical basis for college students' physical and mental health.

Assess the Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Energy Transition in Selected Asian Economies

Energy transition and green innovation have appeared as new hopes for environmental impact due to human activity, which has destroyed biodiversity and increased environmental degradation. Therefore, developed and emerging economies are focusing on green innovation and energy transition to tackle the environmental impact. Thus, this study was initiated to provoke a meaningful relationship between energy transition, economic growth, trade, green innovation, and good governance to measure the role of concerning factors in achieving environmental sustainability. For this objective, dynamic econometric approaches such as cointegration, heteroskedastic OLS estimation using GMM (HOLS-GMM), AMG, and Driscoll–Kraay were implemented to estimate the Asian dataset between 1990 and 2022. The result indicates that concerning factors have a significant influence on environmental impact. The findings specify that a 1% rise in the energy transition and green innovation will influence the environment by 0.0517% and 3.051%, respectively. Further, AMG and Driscoll–Kraay validate the findings of HOLS-GMM. The robust tests indicate that the factors, which are concerning, significantly impact environmental sustainability. Consequently, the energy transition, trade, and green innovation significantly contribute to attaining ecological sustainability in the long term, and the Sustainable Development Theory prevails in the economy. Thus, innovative policy implications, including energy transition, green innovation, trade, and economic growth, are required to make Asia prominent in achieving environmental sustainability via implementing sustainable and green technologies and clean energy sources.

INVESTMENT POLICY OF KAZAKHSTAN IN THE CONTEXT OF ESG PRINCIPLES

This article examines the role of ESG principles in international investment law and their increasing importance for the formation of investment policy in Kazakhstan. Attention is drawn to some progress in the implementation of ESG principles, however, this policy is multidirectional, and there are a number of tax and socio-economic disadvantages. The author draws attention to the specific advantages of introducing these principles into investment policy: increasing investment attractiveness, access to new sources of capital, etc. Using the example of a number of large investment proceedings, the importance of these principles is emphasized, and attention is also drawn to the features and complex nature of legal proceedings in this category of investment disputes. The article also notes potentially high reputational risks in international investment proceedings. In this context, ESG principles should be considered as a tool to reduce these types of country risks. The author relies on an article by candidate of legal sciences, associate professor Zh. Kulzhabaeva, which outlines the economic significance of the criteria of feasibility and efficiency. Drawing attention to the significance of the proposed concept, the author proposes to take into account the principles of ESG. This combination will give the investment policy a certain balance and sustainability in the long term. In the final part, the author draws attention to the versatility of the ESG concept and the need to pay attention to a number of issues that have a decisive influence on the degree of implementation of ESG principles and, accordingly, on the sustainability of the state’s investment climate

A Relational Approach to Event Sustainability: Applying Actor‐Network Theory and Foucauldian Discourse Analysis to a Music Event

The framing of event sustainability should go beyond the greening of specific events and the event sector. Based on a relational approach, we used actor‐network theory and Foucauldian discourse analysis to investigate the debate on a music event sustainability. We collected and discursively analyzed online newspapers and social media data regarding this event’s sustainability. The findings showed a polarized discourse characterized by conflicting views on, for example, nature, and three missing discourses–academic, local community, nonhuman–which we identified as alternative discourses and leverage points for greater sustainability. These findings allowed us to conceptualize event sustainability as a catalyzing network of actors, ideas, and relationships attracted to magnetic poles powered by different understandings of central concepts. This study proposes an understanding of event sustainability in relational terms and its contribution resides in the combination of actor‐network theory and Foucauldian discourse analysis as a possible approach to such understanding.

P37: Building Resilience in Geriatric Health Today (BRIGHT)

Objectives: With a rapidly aging population in Singapore, late-life depression and anxiety become increasingly relevant as they impact on quality of life, disability and healthcare costs. BRIGHT initiative begins as a group coaching programme with the aim to empower at risk elderly to self-manage physical and mental health ailments. This poster aims to present the latest findings and updates from BRIGHT as we embark on to the next phase, BRIGHT Train the Trainers (BRIGHT T3) programme to ensure long term sustainability of theseinterventions.Methods: BRIGHT consists of three two-hour workshops facilitated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical social workers. Two virtual runs were conducted over zoom while five physical runs were conducted on site at the local senior activity centres. Scales of GDS, GAI, HCS and SF 12 were administered pre and post intervention to capture 1) reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms, 2) quality of life, 3) improvement in health confidence, and 4) participant satisfaction.This intervention is supplemented by a mobile wellness application nested within Singhealth Healthbuddy application, providing seniors access to an application with self-monitoring, inbuilt reward systems to reinforce positive behaviours and self-help mental health resources.BRIGHT T3 programme aims to promote mental wellness and create sustainable impact by establishing a self- sustaining model through peers, volunteers and grassroot leaders who will continue to deliver the programme in their respective communities. Eligible trainers identified will be pre-screened by the BRIGHT team and a baseline assessment of mental health literacy will be administered. The comprehensive training regimen comprises of training modules in didactic and experiential format which will be led by the BRIGHT MDT. As trainees gain competence, they will progress to leading sessions under close supervision.Results: Average participant satisfaction was 85% with positive verbal reviews from community partners as well. GDS, GAI, HCS, and SF 12 PCS scores improved by an average of 1.8, 1.7, 1.6 and 1.8 respectively. On the other hand, SF-12 MCS scores decreased by an average of 1.8.Conclusions: By focusing on a train-the-trainer model, the programme ensures long-term sustainability of these interventions.

Гнучка зайнятість як засіб збереження робочих місць на українських підприємствах під час війни

The article examines the relevance of flexible forms of employment in the context of current economic challenges, especially in connection with the war in Ukraine. Ensuring the effectiveness of flexible employment is critical for preserving jobs and maintaining the economic stability of enterprises in the current crisis conditions. The purpose of the study was to analyze approaches to the introduction of flexible employment at Ukrainian enterprises and recommendations for adapting the existing model of flexible employment to the conditions of martial law to preserve jobs at enterprises and ensure a balance between the economic interests of enterprises and social guarantees for employees considering the specifics of the modern labor market, and to develop. It has been proven that in times of crisis, flexible forms of employment become a vital tool for preserving jobs and maintaining economic stability, as well as increasing the adaptability of employees to changing labor market conditions, which is critical in times of crisis. However, existing flexible employment models need to be adapted to war conditions. The article develops recommendations for enterprises to introduce flexible forms of employment that allow them to maintain productivity and minimize social tension among employees. These recommendations include using remote work, part-time work, and digital platforms to attract freelancers, as well as measures to improve the social protection of employees, implement mental health support programs, and adapt labor contracts to the new conditions. The practical value of the study lies in the development of specific recommendations for enterprises that will allow them not only to maintain their functioning in the crisis but also to ensure sustainability and development in the long term. The proposed measures can be used as a basis for further improvement of HR management strategies in conditions of instability and crisis. Keywords: flexible employment, crisis model, social guarantees, remote work, outsourcing, outstaffing.

The Sustainability of Local Governments—Evidence from the Online Environment in the Slovak Republic

In recent years, sustainability as a concept has become the subject of several scientific debates. Along with the smart city trend, emphasis is also being placed on the sustainability of cities and towns, yet there is a research gap for smaller municipalities where there is no current scope for increasing the level of digitization or implementing smart city practices. Sustainability here has to be achieved differently, in particular through communication and transparency. This issue is addressed in the present research, which examines 116 Slovak municipalities, as well as their strategic documents and online communication with citizens, using a content analysis method. The study aims to provide knowledge about the functioning of online communication in Slovak local governments by answering seven research questions. These are linked to two research hypotheses, which are also evaluated using a statistical test. One of the main findings is that the overall sustainability work in a local government is dependent on its size. Thus, larger local governments are more likely to implement sustainability. It was also found that larger villages and towns use term sustainability more actively in their strategies than the smaller ones. Additionally, more information channels do not always mean better informing about plans and strategies connected to sustainability in local governments. This paper presents the findings from our research, which can contribute to the field of local government research and management by broadening the view on smaller villages and their functioning in terms of online communication with inhabitants.

A Study of the Impact Mechanism of Corporate ESG Performance on Surplus Persistence

Although more scholars have studied the economic consequences of ESG, no conclusive results have been reached yet. In addition, there is a lack of research on the relationship between corporate ESG performance and surplus persistence. This paper adopts the ordinary least squares (OLS) method to analyze the impact of corporate ESG performance on corporate surplus persistence based on stakeholder theory and principal-agent theory using companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares from 2010 to 2022 as research objects. It was found that there is a significant positive correlation between ESG performance and both the social (S) and governance (G) dimensions, as well as surplus sustainability; conversely, the environmental (E) dimension is significantly negatively correlated with surplus sustainability in the short term, but further analysis reveals that it can enhance corporate surplus sustainability in the long run. Institutional investor shareholding and debt financing costs mediate the relationship between corporate ESG performance and both the S and G dimensions, influencing surplus persistence. Further analysis shows that the positive correlation between a firm’s ESG performance and its governance (G) dimension related to surplus persistence is more significant in the eastern region.

What Is Sustainability? A Reflection From the Perspective of Biodiversity Informatics

In recent years, the word sustainability has been used in multiple domains ranging from finance to packaging, and the list of products and activities claiming to be sustainable grows day after day. However, a general and unambiguous definition of the term sustainability is not available and might not even be advisable because sustainability is a multifaceted concept that takes its meaning from the context of use and cannot provide a set of rules applicable everywhere (Ramsey 2015). Therefore, it remains a task for all the fields that strive to be sustainable to carve out a working definition that suits their needs. Addressing the meaning of sustainability in biodiversity informatics requires paying special attention to the data practices and infrastructures of this discipline. Over time, there has been a steep increase in the amount of biodiversity data created and shared and, at the same time, a rapid proliferation of use cases for biodiversity data. For instance, fields as different as spacial planning (Underwood et al. 2018), climate change research (Hirsch 2017), and finance (Elliot et al. 2024) rely now on biodiversity data. This growth can become unmanageable for biodiversity science, if its data practices and infrastructures do not scale up efficiently and are not sufficiently flexible to cater to the needs of a larger and more varied group of stakeholders. Biodiversity informatics has mainly addressed the financial sustainability of its infrastructures so far (Cook and Cochrane 2023; Kalfatovic et al. 2023). However, environmental and social sustainability are equally important to ensure that biodiversity science achieves its full potential. For instance, data infrastructures with lower environmental impact typically require less electricity to run continuously, and this will save money in the long run, especially at times of significant fluctuations in energy prices. Again, if biodiversity data are collected and shared while keeping in mind the necessities of multiple stakeholders, the user community will become larger and this, in turn, will offer the chance to develop fairer cost contribution agreements for running data infrastructures. More examples could be added to make the case that the three pillars of sustainability—economy, society, environment (Purvis et al. 2018)—are all equally relevant when examining data practices and infrastructures in biodiversity science. Hence, there is a need to open up a discussion on sustainability within the biodiversity community, and to promote an exchange on the topic among different stakeholders interested in biodiversity data and working with them. A community effort is required to agree upon an effective definition of sustainability in biodiversity informatics. Only such a community effort can translate this definition into practical criteria and recommendations for the sustainability of biodiversity data and infrastructures, and set milestones for their implementation. The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections and Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) are authoritative members of the biodiversity community. The aim of the talk is to involve their members in the discussion on data practices and infrastructures, addressing all the three pillars of sustainability: economy, society, and environment.

On the Path to Long Term Sustainability: How NPOs Perception of Sustainability Shape Their Strategies

On the Path to Long Term Sustainability: How NPOs Perception of Sustainability Shape Their Strategies