Latest open access articles published in Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability at https://www.acadlore.com/journals/OCS https://www.acadlore.com/journals/OCS Acadlore en Creative Commons Attribution(CC - BY) OCS support@acadlore.com https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2026_5_1/ocs050102 The impact of environmental, social, and governance practices on firm performance and firm value remains contested, particularly in emerging markets where sustainability adoption is still evolving. In this study, the relationship between environmental, social, and governance practices, firm performance, and firm value was empirically examined, with a comparative focus on consumer non-cyclical and consumer cyclical sectors in Indonesia. A total of 298 firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2023 were analyzed, comprising 132 consumer non-cyclical and 166 consumer cyclical firms. Environmental, social, and governance performance was operationalized using disclosure-based indicators derived from the Global Reporting Initiative standards. A structural equation modeling approach based on the generalized structured component analysis was employed. Measurement model evaluation was conducted and overall model fit and structural relationships were assessed. Following the removal of invalid indicators, all constructs satisfied validity and reliability requirements, and acceptable model fit was achieved across both sectors. However, the results indicate that environmental, social, and governance practices do not have a statistically significant effect on either firm performance or firm value in both sectors. These findings suggest that environmental, social, and governance implementation in Indonesian consumer sectors remains at an early stage, where disclosure practices have not yet translated into measurable economic outcomes. Furthermore, caution should be exercised by investors when interpreting environmental, social, and governance disclosures as indicators of short-term financial performance. This study contributes to the environmental, social, and governance literature by providing evidence from an emerging market context and highlights the need for more substantive and performance-oriented sustainability integration. 02-06-2026 <![CDATA[ The impact of environmental, social, and governance practices on firm performance and firm value remains contested, particularly in emerging markets where sustainability adoption is still evolving. In this study, the relationship between environmental, social, and governance practices, firm performance, and firm value was empirically examined, with a comparative focus on consumer non-cyclical and consumer cyclical sectors in Indonesia. A total of 298 firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2023 were analyzed, comprising 132 consumer non-cyclical and 166 consumer cyclical firms. Environmental, social, and governance performance was operationalized using disclosure-based indicators derived from the Global Reporting Initiative standards. A structural equation modeling approach based on the generalized structured component analysis was employed. Measurement model evaluation was conducted and overall model fit and structural relationships were assessed. Following the removal of invalid indicators, all constructs satisfied validity and reliability requirements, and acceptable model fit was achieved across both sectors. However, the results indicate that environmental, social, and governance practices do not have a statistically significant effect on either firm performance or firm value in both sectors. These findings suggest that environmental, social, and governance implementation in Indonesian consumer sectors remains at an early stage, where disclosure practices have not yet translated into measurable economic outcomes. Furthermore, caution should be exercised by investors when interpreting environmental, social, and governance disclosures as indicators of short-term financial performance. This study contributes to the environmental, social, and governance literature by providing evidence from an emerging market context and highlights the need for more substantive and performance-oriented sustainability integration. ]]> Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance Practices on Performance and Value: Evidence from Indonesian Consumer Sectors ni nyoman ayu prapti rahayu i nyoman gede ustriyana gede mekse korri arisena doi: 10.56578/ocs050102 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 02-06-2026 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 02-06-2026 2026 5 1 Article 10 10.56578/ocs050102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2026_5_1/ocs050102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2026_5_1/ocs050101 Eutrophication, defined as excessive nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems, has been increasingly recognized as one of the most critical drivers of freshwater and coastal ecosystem degradation worldwide. A qualitative research framework based on systematic literature synthesis, statistical data interpretation, and comparative regional case analysis was employed to examine the systemic drivers and socio-ecological consequences of nutrient pollution. Case studies from India and the United States were comparatively analyzed in order to identify recurring patterns of nutrient loading and ecological outcomes. It is demonstrated that excessive nutrient inputs substantially increase the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms, which subsequently contribute to hypoxic or anoxic conditions, biodiversity loss, and the structural destabilization of aquatic food webs. These ecological transformations are shown to generate cascading socio-economic impacts, particularly for fishing-dependent and agrarian communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to aquatic ecosystem services. The analysis further indicates that climate change amplifies nutrient cycling dynamics and accelerates eutrophication processes. To address these challenges, integrated mitigation strategies emphasizing watershed-scale nutrient management, improved wastewater treatment infrastructure, and strengthened environmental governance were critically evaluated. Community-based resource management and participatory water governance mechanisms were identified as essential components for enhancing ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. The findings highlight the necessity of systemic policy reforms that prioritize nutrient pollution control, sustainable agricultural practices, and coordinated water governance frameworks in order to mitigate the escalating environmental and socio-economic consequences of eutrophication. 01-14-2026 <![CDATA[ Eutrophication, defined as excessive nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems, has been increasingly recognized as one of the most critical drivers of freshwater and coastal ecosystem degradation worldwide. A qualitative research framework based on systematic literature synthesis, statistical data interpretation, and comparative regional case analysis was employed to examine the systemic drivers and socio-ecological consequences of nutrient pollution. Case studies from India and the United States were comparatively analyzed in order to identify recurring patterns of nutrient loading and ecological outcomes. It is demonstrated that excessive nutrient inputs substantially increase the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms, which subsequently contribute to hypoxic or anoxic conditions, biodiversity loss, and the structural destabilization of aquatic food webs. These ecological transformations are shown to generate cascading socio-economic impacts, particularly for fishing-dependent and agrarian communities whose livelihoods are directly linked to aquatic ecosystem services. The analysis further indicates that climate change amplifies nutrient cycling dynamics and accelerates eutrophication processes. To address these challenges, integrated mitigation strategies emphasizing watershed-scale nutrient management, improved wastewater treatment infrastructure, and strengthened environmental governance were critically evaluated. Community-based resource management and participatory water governance mechanisms were identified as essential components for enhancing ecological resilience and long-term sustainability. The findings highlight the necessity of systemic policy reforms that prioritize nutrient pollution control, sustainable agricultural practices, and coordinated water governance frameworks in order to mitigate the escalating environmental and socio-economic consequences of eutrophication. ]]> Systemic Drivers of Eutrophication: Agricultural Runoff, Waste Discharge, and the Degradation of Aquatic Ecosystems anushka basu doi: 10.56578/ocs050101 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 01-14-2026 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 01-14-2026 2026 5 1 Article 1 10.56578/ocs050101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2026_5_1/ocs050101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040405 The integration of digital technologies into circular economy systems has been increasingly promoted within the European Union as a pathway for accelerating climate change mitigation and resource efficiency. However, the environmental implications of large-scale digitalization remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the mitigation potential and systemic risks associated with digital technologies in circular economy transitions were systematically evaluated. A systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework was conducted, through which 113 peer-reviewed articles and policy documents published between 2018 and 2025 were synthesized. The results indicate that certain digital technologies—particularly predictive maintenance systems, digital twins, and product life-cycle monitoring platforms—consistently generate net-positive mitigation outcomes by reducing material throughput. In contrast, the mitigation potential of highly data-intensive technologies, including artificial intelligence models and blockchain infrastructures, is frequently constrained by rebound dynamics and the substantial energy requirements of computational infrastructures. Evidence further suggests that efficiency gains achieved through digitally optimized industrial processes are often partially offset by the carbon footprint associated with large-scale model training and the growing electricity demand of digital infrastructures. By integrating technological, environmental, and governance perspectives, a governance-centered analytical framework was proposed to differentiate between net-positive digital circular economy interventions and those whose environmental performance remains conditional on regulatory oversight. The synthesis further reveals significant policy fragmentation between the European Union’s green transition agenda and its digital transformation strategies. These findings highlight the necessity of coordinated regulatory frameworks to ensure that digitalization contributes substantively to circular economy-driven decarbonization. 12-29-2025 <![CDATA[ The integration of digital technologies into circular economy systems has been increasingly promoted within the European Union as a pathway for accelerating climate change mitigation and resource efficiency. However, the environmental implications of large-scale digitalization remain insufficiently understood. In this study, the mitigation potential and systemic risks associated with digital technologies in circular economy transitions were systematically evaluated. A systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework was conducted, through which 113 peer-reviewed articles and policy documents published between 2018 and 2025 were synthesized. The results indicate that certain digital technologies—particularly predictive maintenance systems, digital twins, and product life-cycle monitoring platforms—consistently generate net-positive mitigation outcomes by reducing material throughput. In contrast, the mitigation potential of highly data-intensive technologies, including artificial intelligence models and blockchain infrastructures, is frequently constrained by rebound dynamics and the substantial energy requirements of computational infrastructures. Evidence further suggests that efficiency gains achieved through digitally optimized industrial processes are often partially offset by the carbon footprint associated with large-scale model training and the growing electricity demand of digital infrastructures. By integrating technological, environmental, and governance perspectives, a governance-centered analytical framework was proposed to differentiate between net-positive digital circular economy interventions and those whose environmental performance remains conditional on regulatory oversight. The synthesis further reveals significant policy fragmentation between the European Union’s green transition agenda and its digital transformation strategies. These findings highlight the necessity of coordinated regulatory frameworks to ensure that digitalization contributes substantively to circular economy-driven decarbonization. ]]> Digitalization of the Circular Economy in the European Union: Climate Mitigation Potential and Systemic Risks özden şentürk doi: 10.56578/ocs040405 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-29-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-29-2025 2025 4 4 Article 305 10.56578/ocs040405 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040405 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040404 This literature review examines the multifaceted role of digital tools, such as mobile money and online banking, in expanding access to financial services for underserved populations globally. It synthesizes current research on the benefits, challenges, and policy implications of digital financial inclusion. The review highlights how digital financial services (DFS) contribute to poverty reduction, enhanced financial resilience, and economic empowerment, particularly for women, by overcoming traditional barriers like geographic distance and high transaction costs. However, it also critically assesses persistent challenges, including digital and financial literacy gaps, infrastructure limitations, trust deficits, and emerging risks such as fraud and over-indebtedness. The paper concludes by discussing the crucial role of responsive regulatory frameworks and targeted interventions in fostering a truly inclusive and sustainable digital financial ecosystem. It offers directions for future research and policy recommendations. 12-24-2025 <![CDATA[ <p> This literature review examines the multifaceted role of digital tools, such as mobile money and online banking, in expanding access to financial services for underserved populations globally. It synthesizes current research on the benefits, challenges, and policy implications of digital financial inclusion. The review highlights how digital financial services (DFS) contribute to poverty reduction, enhanced financial resilience, and economic empowerment, particularly for women, by overcoming traditional barriers like geographic distance and high transaction costs. However, it also critically assesses persistent challenges, including digital and financial literacy gaps, infrastructure limitations, trust deficits, and emerging risks such as fraud and over-indebtedness. The paper concludes by discussing the crucial role of responsive regulatory frameworks and targeted interventions in fostering a truly inclusive and sustainable digital financial ecosystem. It offers directions for future research and policy recommendations.</p> ]]> Financial Inclusion in the Digital Age: A Literature Review on Expanding Access to Financial Services for Underserved Populations agim mamuti victor frimpong simon grima doi: 10.56578/ocs040404 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-24-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-24-2025 2025 4 4 Article 289 10.56578/ocs040404 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040404 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040403 Food security is a critical issue that not only pertains to public health but also affects productivity and well-being, particularly among tourism sector workers who face demanding work patterns and limited access to nutritious food. This study aims to examine the demographic characteristics of tourism workers in Ubud, analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and their food safety awareness, risk perception, and trust, and assess the association between socioeconomic factors and their food purchasing and food handling behaviors. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the main Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) indicators that influence workers’ food choice motives. The research employed a quantitative survey method using a modified 29-item FCQ, administered to workers in the accommodation and culinary sectors through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The findings indicate that the tourism workforce in Ubud is predominantly composed of young workers with secondary-level education and low to middle-income levels. Socioeconomic factors, particularly education and the number of household dependents, are significantly associated with food safety awareness and risk perception, but show weak relationships with trust in the food safety system. Practical considerations, especially price and convenience, primarily drive food purchasing behavior, while the number of dependents and monthly expenditure are associated with food handling and processing practices. PCA identifies five principal dimensions of food choice motives: food awareness, practicality and price, nutritional components, trust in food sources, and consumption culture. 12-11-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>Food security is a critical issue that not only pertains to public health but also affects productivity and well-being, particularly among tourism sector workers who face demanding work patterns and limited access to nutritious food. This study aims to examine the demographic characteristics of tourism workers in Ubud, analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and their food safety awareness, risk perception, and trust, and assess the association between socioeconomic factors and their food purchasing and food handling behaviors. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the main Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) indicators that influence workers’ food choice motives. The research employed a quantitative survey method using a modified 29-item FCQ, administered to workers in the accommodation and culinary sectors through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The findings indicate that the tourism workforce in Ubud is predominantly composed of young workers with secondary-level education and low to middle-income levels. Socioeconomic factors, particularly education and the number of household dependents, are significantly associated with food safety awareness and risk perception, but show weak relationships with trust in the food safety system. Practical considerations, especially price and convenience, primarily drive food purchasing behavior, while the number of dependents and monthly expenditure are associated with food handling and processing practices. PCA identifies five principal dimensions of food choice motives: food awareness, practicality and price, nutritional components, trust in food sources, and consumption culture.</p> ]]> Food Safety and Food Choice Motives among Workers in the Ubud Tourism Area, Gianyar Regency, Bali Province desak dwi asthri cahyani dwi putra darmawan gede mekse korri arisena doi: 10.56578/ocs040403 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-11-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-11-2025 2025 4 4 Article 279 10.56578/ocs040403 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040403 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040402 In emerging markets, logistics systems play a critical role in shaping economic integration, the attractiveness of investment, and the potential of development. Differences in logistics performance across countries often reflect in-depth structural conditions related to institutional quality, business environment, and infrastructural capacity, which in turn create distinct development-related opportunities and challenges. This study aims to comparatively assess the logistics performance of emerging markets, in order to identify such structural conditions and their implications for development pathways. To achieve this objective, an integrated “CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation Opportunity Losses‐Based Polar Coordinate Distance” (CRITIC–OPLO-POCOD) Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework was applied to evaluate the logistics performance of 49 emerging markets with four indicators derived from the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index (AEMLI). The empirical results indicated that business fundamentals were the most influential determinant of logistics performance. The importance of regulatory stability, governance effectiveness, and investment climate has been highlighted. Contrasting structural opportunities and constraints were reflected by the fact that China emerged as the highest-performing country whereas Venezuela consistently ranked lowest. Robustness analysis confirmed a high degree of consistency between the proposed approach and several established decision-making methods, thus supporting the reliability of the findings. Overall, the study provided evidence-based insights into how logistics performance affected the opportunities and challenges in the development of the emerging markets, in order to offer practical implications for policy prioritization and strategic planning. 12-07-2025 <![CDATA[ <p> In emerging markets, logistics systems play a critical role in shaping economic integration, the attractiveness of investment, and the potential of development. Differences in logistics performance across countries often reflect in-depth structural conditions related to institutional quality, business environment, and infrastructural capacity, which in turn create distinct development-related opportunities and challenges. This study aims to comparatively assess the logistics performance of emerging markets, in order to identify such structural conditions and their implications for development pathways. To achieve this objective, an integrated “CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation Opportunity Losses‐Based Polar Coordinate Distance” (CRITIC–OPLO-POCOD) Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework was applied to evaluate the logistics performance of 49 emerging markets with four indicators derived from the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index (AEMLI). The empirical results indicated that business fundamentals were the most influential determinant of logistics performance. The importance of regulatory stability, governance effectiveness, and investment climate has been highlighted. Contrasting structural opportunities and constraints were reflected by the fact that China emerged as the highest-performing country whereas Venezuela consistently ranked lowest. Robustness analysis confirmed a high degree of consistency between the proposed approach and several established decision-making methods, thus supporting the reliability of the findings. Overall, the study provided evidence-based insights into how logistics performance affected the opportunities and challenges in the development of the emerging markets, in order to offer practical implications for policy prioritization and strategic planning.</p> ]]> Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Development in Emerging Markets: A Comparative Assessment of Logistics Performance galip cihan yalçın karahan kara emre kadir özekenci dragan marinkovic doi: 10.56578/ocs040402 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-07-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-07-2025 2025 4 4 Article 258 10.56578/ocs040402 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040402 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040401 This study investigates the pathways through which data factor agglomeration (DFA) facilitates the green development of traditional firms in the digital economy. First, we construct a micro-theoretical framework to systematically analyze the mechanisms by which data factor agglomeration influences firms’ green and sustainable development. Second, exploiting the establishment of China’s National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zones as a quasi-natural experiment, we employ a difference-in-differences (DID) approach using a panel of A-share listed traditional manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2022. The empirical results indicate that data factor agglomeration significantly promotes green development in traditional firms by accelerating IT and improving capacity utilization (CU) and energy efficiency. These findings remain robust after a battery of robustness checks, including double machine learning (DML) and instrumental-variable approaches. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the positive effects of data factor agglomeration are more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, firms led by technologically skilled executives, heavily polluting industries, and firms located in regions with stronger government support and stricter environmental regulation. Further analysis uncovers substantial spatial heterogeneity: while the direct effect of data factor agglomeration on local firms’ green development is significantly positive, it generates a “siphoning effect” on geographically adjacent regions, whereas no significant spillover effects are observed among economically similar regions. Overall, this study elucidates the mechanisms and key determinants of green development for traditional firms in the digital era, providing important theoretical and practical implications for global economic growth and sustainable development. 12-04-2025 <![CDATA[ <p> This study investigates the pathways through which data factor agglomeration (DFA) facilitates the green development of traditional firms in the digital economy. First, we construct a micro-theoretical framework to systematically analyze the mechanisms by which data factor agglomeration influences firms’ green and sustainable development. Second, exploiting the establishment of China’s National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zones as a quasi-natural experiment, we employ a difference-in-differences (DID) approach using a panel of A-share listed traditional manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2022. The empirical results indicate that data factor agglomeration significantly promotes green development in traditional firms by accelerating IT and improving capacity utilization (CU) and energy efficiency. These findings remain robust after a battery of robustness checks, including double machine learning (DML) and instrumental-variable approaches. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the positive effects of data factor agglomeration are more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, firms led by technologically skilled executives, heavily polluting industries, and firms located in regions with stronger government support and stricter environmental regulation. Further analysis uncovers substantial spatial heterogeneity: while the direct effect of data factor agglomeration on local firms’ green development is significantly positive, it generates a “siphoning effect” on geographically adjacent regions, whereas no significant spillover effects are observed among economically similar regions. Overall, this study elucidates the mechanisms and key determinants of green development for traditional firms in the digital era, providing important theoretical and practical implications for global economic growth and sustainable development.</p> ]]> Data Factor Agglomeration and the Green Development of Traditional Enterprises lelai shi qiuhang chen doi: 10.56578/ocs040401 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-04-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-04-2025 2025 4 4 Article 240 10.56578/ocs040401 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_4/ocs040401 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040305 Regulating Services (RS) is one of the four ecosystem services (ES) derived from the diverse ecosystems in the Lake Hawassa Basin (LHB). These services are crucial for the local community, but ongoing anthropogenic activities are exerting negative pressure on these ecosystems, diminishing their capacity to provide RS. This study aimed to assess and map RS at the basin level and propose development options for decision-makers considering the study years of 2007, 2016 and 2024. The study utilized primary and secondary data collection and analysis, stakeholder consultations involving 60 participants, site visits, and tools such as land use land cover (LULC) classification using ArcGIS v10.1 and expert judgment matrix (EJM). The study prioritized 4 out of 11 RSs, created spatial pattern maps at the basin scale, and suggested development options to integrate into decision-making processes and sectoral policies. These recommendations aim to benefit current and future planning and management of development activities within the LHB. The study's methodology and results are vital for addressing biophysical and socioeconomic environmental problems, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, and enhancing the well-being of the local community. The user-friendly methodology can be adopted globally, with future improvements suggested through additional methods like modeling and valuation of prioritized RS. 09-29-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>Regulating Services (RS) is one of the four ecosystem services (ES) derived from the diverse ecosystems in the Lake Hawassa Basin (LHB). These services are crucial for the local community, but ongoing anthropogenic activities are exerting negative pressure on these ecosystems, diminishing their capacity to provide RS. This study aimed to assess and map RS at the basin level and propose development options for decision-makers considering the study years of 2007, 2016 and 2024. The study utilized primary and secondary data collection and analysis, stakeholder consultations involving 60 participants, site visits, and tools such as land use land cover (LULC) classification using ArcGIS v10.1 and expert judgment matrix (EJM). The study prioritized 4 out of 11 RSs, created spatial pattern maps at the basin scale, and suggested development options to integrate into decision-making processes and sectoral policies. These recommendations aim to benefit current and future planning and management of development activities within the LHB. The study's methodology and results are vital for addressing biophysical and socioeconomic environmental problems, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, and enhancing the well-being of the local community. The user-friendly methodology can be adopted globally, with future improvements suggested through additional methods like modeling and valuation of prioritized RS.</p> ]]> Assessing and Landscape Mapping of the Regulatory Ecosystem Services of Lake Hawassa Basin in Ethiopia: Implications for Sustainable Natural Resource Management bedilu amare reta teshome soromessa doi: 10.56578/ocs040305 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2025 2025 4 3 Article 220 10.56578/ocs040305 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040305 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040304 Across cities in the Global South, the relocation of informal street vendors has emerged as a dominant urban policy tool in the context of rapid urbanization, often justified through narratives of modernization and spatial order. Yet, such interventions have systematically displaced informal vendors from key commercial spaces, disrupting their livelihoods and social networks. This study interrogates these dynamics through a case study of Padang, Indonesia, where street vendors were relocated from a vibrant beach corridor to a designated commercial zone. Drawing on panel data and a survival analysis framework, the study investigates the temporal dimensions of income recovery post-relocation, with a focus on how differentiated forms of government assistance—mobile carts versus fixed stalls—shape recovery trajectories. The findings are contextualized within two theoretical frameworks. First, Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach. It emphasizes substantive freedoms beyond income restoration. Second, the political economy of informality. It frames informal vendors as actors embedded in contested governance systems. The study reveals that relocation, when implemented without sensitivity to vendor agency and spatial dynamics, can exacerbate exclusion and prolong economic vulnerability. By combining empirical rigor with normative inquiry, the research offers new insights into justice-oriented urban development in secondary cities of the Global South. It contributes to debates on informal urbanism by highlighting the importance of temporality, differentiated support mechanisms, and spatial inclusion in shaping recovery outcomes. Ultimately, the study challenges conventional relocation strategies and advocates for more adaptive, participatory, and capability-enhancing policy models. 09-24-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>Across cities in the Global South, the relocation of informal street vendors has emerged as a dominant urban policy tool in the context of rapid urbanization, often justified through narratives of modernization and spatial order. Yet, such interventions have systematically displaced informal vendors from key commercial spaces, disrupting their livelihoods and social networks. This study interrogates these dynamics through a case study of Padang, Indonesia, where street vendors were relocated from a vibrant beach corridor to a designated commercial zone. Drawing on panel data and a survival analysis framework, the study investigates the temporal dimensions of income recovery post-relocation, with a focus on how differentiated forms of government assistance—mobile carts versus fixed stalls—shape recovery trajectories. The findings are contextualized within two theoretical frameworks. First, Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach. It emphasizes substantive freedoms beyond income restoration. Second, the political economy of informality. It frames informal vendors as actors embedded in contested governance systems. The study reveals that relocation, when implemented without sensitivity to vendor agency and spatial dynamics, can exacerbate exclusion and prolong economic vulnerability. By combining empirical rigor with normative inquiry, the research offers new insights into justice-oriented urban development in secondary cities of the Global South. It contributes to debates on informal urbanism by highlighting the importance of temporality, differentiated support mechanisms, and spatial inclusion in shaping recovery outcomes. Ultimately, the study challenges conventional relocation strategies and advocates for more adaptive, participatory, and capability-enhancing policy models.</p> ]]> Balancing Survival and Stability: The Dual Impact of Government Aid on Post-Relocation Income Recovery for Street Vendors davy hendri doi: 10.56578/ocs040304 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-24-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-24-2025 2025 4 3 Article 202 10.56578/ocs040304 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040304 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040303 Digital literacy is an essential skill for accessing the advantages of the digital economy. This study constructs a framework for evaluating digital literacy and analyzes the impact of digital literacy on agricultural income at the household level, using survey data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2020. To address the endogeneity of digital literacy, we employ the Instrumental variable two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) method. The results show that digital literacy has a positive effect on the agricultural income of rural households. Among the seven sub-indexes of digital literacy, utilizing mobile devices for information acquisition, watching short videos on the Internet, and engaging in WeChat communication have significant effects on household agricultural income. The disaggregated analysis shows that rural households with higher agricultural incomes and lower levels of education benefit the most. The mechanism analysis suggests that loan amount and agricultural technical efficiency positively mediate the nexus between digital literacy and agricultural income of rural households. This study offers valuable insights for governments to enhance rural household agricultural income and welfare. 09-19-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>Digital literacy is an essential skill for accessing the advantages of the digital economy. This study constructs a framework for evaluating digital literacy and analyzes the impact of digital literacy on agricultural income at the household level, using survey data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2020. To address the endogeneity of digital literacy, we employ the Instrumental variable two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) method. The results show that digital literacy has a positive effect on the agricultural income of rural households. Among the seven sub-indexes of digital literacy, utilizing mobile devices for information acquisition, watching short videos on the Internet, and engaging in WeChat communication have significant effects on household agricultural income. The disaggregated analysis shows that rural households with higher agricultural incomes and lower levels of education benefit the most. The mechanism analysis suggests that loan amount and agricultural technical efficiency positively mediate the nexus between digital literacy and agricultural income of rural households. This study offers valuable insights for governments to enhance rural household agricultural income and welfare.</p> ]]> The Impact of Digital Literacy on Agricultural Income in Rural Households: Insights from China xue gao doi: 10.56578/ocs040303 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-19-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-19-2025 2025 4 3 Article 188 10.56578/ocs040303 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040303 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040302 Growing consumer awareness and increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks have intensified the demand for sustainable and intelligent packaging solutions within the fruit and vegetable industry. Packaging serves not only as a means of preserving product freshness, extending shelf life, and reducing food waste but also as a determinant of environmental and economic performance across cold supply chain (CSC) operations. Within this context, packaging exerts a direct influence on carbon emissions, waste management efficiency, operational costs, and social acceptance, thereby positioning it as a pivotal component in sustainability-oriented supply chain strategies. However, the selection of packaging solutions remains complex, as decision-makers must reconcile environmental responsibility, economic feasibility, technical functionality, and societal expectations. To address this challenge, the importance of defining critical evaluation criteria has been investigated. A preliminary framework comprising twelve key elements has been developed through an integration of literature review, industry practices, and stakeholder consultation. This framework is intended to provide a systematic basis for the assessment of sustainable and intelligent packaging, ensuring that decision-making processes are guided by balanced and transparent considerations. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of continuous engagement of stakeholders from both the packaging and agricultural sectors, as well as on iterative refinement of the criteria through empirical validation and the incorporation of emerging knowledge. Such an approach is expected to foster the advancement of packaging systems that enhance environmental stewardship, cost-effectiveness, technological adaptability, and social relevance, thereby reinforcing the long-term resilience and performance of the CSC in the fruit and vegetable sector. 09-11-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>Growing consumer awareness and increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks have intensified the demand for sustainable and intelligent packaging solutions within the fruit and vegetable industry. Packaging serves not only as a means of preserving product freshness, extending shelf life, and reducing food waste but also as a determinant of environmental and economic performance across cold supply chain (CSC) operations. Within this context, packaging exerts a direct influence on carbon emissions, waste management efficiency, operational costs, and social acceptance, thereby positioning it as a pivotal component in sustainability-oriented supply chain strategies. However, the selection of packaging solutions remains complex, as decision-makers must reconcile environmental responsibility, economic feasibility, technical functionality, and societal expectations. To address this challenge, the importance of defining critical evaluation criteria has been investigated. A preliminary framework comprising twelve key elements has been developed through an integration of literature review, industry practices, and stakeholder consultation. This framework is intended to provide a systematic basis for the assessment of sustainable and intelligent packaging, ensuring that decision-making processes are guided by balanced and transparent considerations. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of continuous engagement of stakeholders from both the packaging and agricultural sectors, as well as on iterative refinement of the criteria through empirical validation and the incorporation of emerging knowledge. Such an approach is expected to foster the advancement of packaging systems that enhance environmental stewardship, cost-effectiveness, technological adaptability, and social relevance, thereby reinforcing the long-term resilience and performance of the CSC in the fruit and vegetable sector.</p> ]]> Defining Critical Evaluation Criteria for Sustainable and Intelligent Packaging in the Cold Supply Chain of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry svetlana dabic-miletic doi: 10.56578/ocs040302 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-11-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-11-2025 2025 4 3 Article 176 10.56578/ocs040302 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040302 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040301 Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are becoming more popular in the current time to address the complex issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security in agro-ecosystems. In this systematic review, we synthesize existing empirical research on NbS in agriculture, focusing on their effectiveness, implementation difficulties, and potential for upscaling. Employing a rigorous methodology aligned with PRISMA 2020 criteria, we screened 2,900 records from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We included 83 studies (65 empirical, 10 meta-analyses, and eight policy documents) after quality assessment. The analysis demonstrates that NbS practices make a considerable contribution to carbon sequestration, with reported rates ranging from 1.8 to 133 Mg C ha⁻¹, depending on the practice and setting. Substantial benefits in biodiversity, including increases in pollinator populations and soil microbial richness, are also routinely seen. Economically, NbS provides significant returns on investment, with specific practices earning over £4 for every £1 invested and short payback times. Despite these benefits, widespread adoption is limited by a considerable 60% finance gap, compounded by large agricultural subsidies that generally favor conventional approaches. This review identifies explicit geographic and thematic biases, with most studies concentrated in temperate regions and focused on carbon and biodiversity, while tropical systems, arid zones, and economic or social outcomes remain underexplored. We conclude that realizing the transformative potential of NbS requires standardized MRV systems, better valuation of non-market benefits, redirection of subsidies, and integrated policy and financing frameworks that align ecological function with long-term economic sustainability. 09-06-2025 <![CDATA[ <p> Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are becoming more popular in the current time to address the complex issues of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security in agro-ecosystems. In this systematic review, we synthesize existing empirical research on NbS in agriculture, focusing on their effectiveness, implementation difficulties, and potential for upscaling. Employing a rigorous methodology aligned with PRISMA 2020 criteria, we screened 2,900 records from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We included 83 studies (65 empirical, 10 meta-analyses, and eight policy documents) after quality assessment. The analysis demonstrates that NbS practices make a considerable contribution to carbon sequestration, with reported rates ranging from 1.8 to 133 Mg C ha⁻¹, depending on the practice and setting. Substantial benefits in biodiversity, including increases in pollinator populations and soil microbial richness, are also routinely seen. Economically, NbS provides significant returns on investment, with specific practices earning over £4 for every £1 invested and short payback times. Despite these benefits, widespread adoption is limited by a considerable 60% finance gap, compounded by large agricultural subsidies that generally favor conventional approaches. This review identifies explicit geographic and thematic biases, with most studies concentrated in temperate regions and focused on carbon and biodiversity, while tropical systems, arid zones, and economic or social outcomes remain underexplored. We conclude that realizing the transformative potential of NbS requires standardized MRV systems, better valuation of non-market benefits, redirection of subsidies, and integrated policy and financing frameworks that align ecological function with long-term economic sustainability.</p> ]]> A Systematic Review of Ongoing Research and Future Perspectives in Nature Based Solution (NbS) in Agriculture rajendra dhakal nabin bhattarai kailash bhatta sunayana basnet rasmi dongol rabindra adhikari bikas adhikari chanda khadka doi: 10.56578/ocs040301 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-06-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-06-2025 2025 4 3 Article 159 10.56578/ocs040301 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_3/ocs040301 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040205 Industrial parks represent one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions, making their transition toward zero-carbon operations a critical priority. Achieving this goal requires scientific, phased evaluation tools capable of guiding differentiated emission reduction strategies. This study introduces an integrated assessment framework that combines interval-valued triangular fuzzy sets, an enhanced CRITIC weighting method, and matter-element extension theory to provide robust and diagnostic insights into carbon performance. Sensitivity and comparative analyses confirm the model's reliability and resilience. An empirical application involving five industrial parks in China’s Yangtze River Delta demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness. The results indicate that Park C has approached a near-zero-carbon status, while Parks D and E remain in high-emission stages. Notable disparities are observed among the parks: high-performing parks benefit from strong governance and energy synergy, whereas underperforming parks face bottlenecks due to weak carbon management and limited adoption of circular economy practices. The proposed model maintains stable ranking outcomes even under weight perturbations and aligns closely with alternative evaluation methods. These findings suggest that successful zero-carbon transformation depends on coordinated progress across multiple dimensions rather than isolated improvements in specific indicators. This research offers a scientific foundation for targeted, phase-based decarbonization strategies in industrial parks. 06-09-2025 <![CDATA[ <p> Industrial parks represent one of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions, making their transition toward zero-carbon operations a critical priority. Achieving this goal requires scientific, phased evaluation tools capable of guiding differentiated emission reduction strategies. This study introduces an integrated assessment framework that combines interval-valued triangular fuzzy sets, an enhanced CRITIC weighting method, and matter-element extension theory to provide robust and diagnostic insights into carbon performance. Sensitivity and comparative analyses confirm the model's reliability and resilience. An empirical application involving five industrial parks in China’s Yangtze River Delta demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness. The results indicate that Park C has approached a near-zero-carbon status, while Parks D and E remain in high-emission stages. Notable disparities are observed among the parks: high-performing parks benefit from strong governance and energy synergy, whereas underperforming parks face bottlenecks due to weak carbon management and limited adoption of circular economy practices. The proposed model maintains stable ranking outcomes even under weight perturbations and aligns closely with alternative evaluation methods. These findings suggest that successful zero-carbon transformation depends on coordinated progress across multiple dimensions rather than isolated improvements in specific indicators. This research offers a scientific foundation for targeted, phase-based decarbonization strategies in industrial parks.</p> ]]> A Robust Multi-Dimensional Evaluation Framework for the Zero-Carbon Transformation of Industrial Parks: Diagnosis and Developmental Disparities tianqing shen long sun doi: 10.56578/ocs040205 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-09-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-09-2025 2025 4 2 Article 135 10.56578/ocs040205 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040205 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040204 The intensifying global challenge of groundwater depletion driven by climate variability, urban expansion, and unsustainable extraction has elevated the strategic importance of water harvesting (WH) and groundwater recharge (GWR) as integral components of sustainable water resource management. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of 587 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Scopus database and published between years 2019 and 2024. Employing VOSviewer and the bibliometrix R-package, the analysis mapped publication dynamics, co-authorship patterns, citation structures, and thematic evolutions in the WH and GWR research landscapes. The findings revealed four dominant thematic clusters, i.e., rainwater harvesting for climate adaptation, recharge estimation methodologies, geospatial and remote sensing applications, and interdisciplinary managed aquifer recharge (MAR) frameworks. India, China, and the United States emerged as the most prolific contributors in these topics although significant geographic and thematic imbalances persist, particularly in underrepresented yet water-stressed regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia. Despite methodological progress in Geographic Information System (GIS) based modeling and tracer techniques, the integration of artificial intelligence, socio-hydrological modeling, and participatory governance points to future research direction. To advance global groundwater sustainability and resilience, this review highlights critical knowledge gaps and proposes a strategic research agenda emphasizing hybrid recharge systems, AI-enhanced decision support tools, and socially inclusive implementation pathways. 06-08-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>The intensifying global challenge of groundwater depletion driven by climate variability, urban expansion, and unsustainable extraction has elevated the strategic importance of water harvesting (WH) and groundwater recharge (GWR) as integral components of sustainable water resource management. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of 587 peer-reviewed articles retrieved from the Scopus database and published between years 2019 and 2024. Employing VOSviewer and the bibliometrix R-package, the analysis mapped publication dynamics, co-authorship patterns, citation structures, and thematic evolutions in the WH and GWR research landscapes. The findings revealed four dominant thematic clusters, i.e., rainwater harvesting for climate adaptation, recharge estimation methodologies, geospatial and remote sensing applications, and interdisciplinary managed aquifer recharge (MAR) frameworks. India, China, and the United States emerged as the most prolific contributors in these topics although significant geographic and thematic imbalances persist, particularly in underrepresented yet water-stressed regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia. Despite methodological progress in Geographic Information System (GIS) based modeling and tracer techniques, the integration of artificial intelligence, socio-hydrological modeling, and participatory governance points to future research direction. To advance global groundwater sustainability and resilience, this review highlights critical knowledge gaps and proposes a strategic research agenda emphasizing hybrid recharge systems, AI-enhanced decision support tools, and socially inclusive implementation pathways.</p> ]]> Global Trends and Research Frontiers of Water Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Review sameh fuqaha doi: 10.56578/ocs040204 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-08-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-08-2025 2025 4 2 Article 110 10.56578/ocs040204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040203 The influence of anthropogenic activities on carbon sequestration within the Borgu and Zugurma sectors of Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State, Nigeria, was quantitatively assessed using a multidisciplinary approach. Forest carbon stocks were estimated across land use types through biometric forest inventory techniques, direct biomass sampling, and subsequent laboratory analyses. Variations in ecological parameters and carbon distribution were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test. Results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity between the two sectors. Borgu exhibited a higher mean tree density (142 trees ha⁻¹) and canopy cover (48%) compared to Zugurma (74 trees ha⁻¹; 22%), indicative of greater vegetation structural integrity. Species diversity, measured using the Shannon-Wiener index, was also higher in Borgu (H’ = 2.96) than in Zugurma (H’ = 1.84). Major anthropogenic drivers—including logging, deforestation, and livestock grazing—were identified, with recorded activity intensities reaching 94% in Borgu and 75.5% in Zugurma. Temporal analysis of carbon stock distribution from 1990 to 2040 demonstrated a projected decline exceeding 75% in zones with initially very high carbon storage, primarily attributable to continued land degradation. The degradation of forest structure and reduction in biomass suggest a substantial loss in the park’s carbon sink capacity and associated ecosystem services. These findings underscore the urgent need for ecologically informed land-use strategies, including targeted reforestation, conservation of carbon-dense and ecologically dominant tree species, and the enforcement of sustainable land management policies. Such interventions are essential for restoring carbon sequestration potential and safeguarding biodiversity in West African savannah ecosystems. 06-04-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>The influence of anthropogenic activities on carbon sequestration within the Borgu and Zugurma sectors of Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State, Nigeria, was quantitatively assessed using a multidisciplinary approach. Forest carbon stocks were estimated across land use types through biometric forest inventory techniques, direct biomass sampling, and subsequent laboratory analyses. Variations in ecological parameters and carbon distribution were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test. Results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity between the two sectors. Borgu exhibited a higher mean tree density (142 trees ha⁻¹) and canopy cover (48%) compared to Zugurma (74 trees ha⁻¹; 22%), indicative of greater vegetation structural integrity. Species diversity, measured using the Shannon-Wiener index, was also higher in Borgu (H’ = 2.96) than in Zugurma (H’ = 1.84). Major anthropogenic drivers—including logging, deforestation, and livestock grazing—were identified, with recorded activity intensities reaching 94% in Borgu and 75.5% in Zugurma. Temporal analysis of carbon stock distribution from 1990 to 2040 demonstrated a projected decline exceeding 75% in zones with initially very high carbon storage, primarily attributable to continued land degradation. The degradation of forest structure and reduction in biomass suggest a substantial loss in the park’s carbon sink capacity and associated ecosystem services. These findings underscore the urgent need for ecologically informed land-use strategies, including targeted reforestation, conservation of carbon-dense and ecologically dominant tree species, and the enforcement of sustainable land management policies. Such interventions are essential for restoring carbon sequestration potential and safeguarding biodiversity in West African savannah ecosystems.</p> ]]> Anthropogenic Impacts on Carbon Sequestration Dynamics in the Borgu and Zugurma Sectors of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria samson mamman mairo muhammad abdulkadir aishetu mary odekunle doi: 10.56578/ocs040203 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-04-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-04-2025 2025 4 2 Article 98 10.56578/ocs040203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040202 A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine the evolution of scientific research on climate change and drought from 2013 to 2023. A dataset comprising 28,950 peer-reviewed publications was compiled from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, followed by rigorous data cleaning and standardization procedures. Analytical tools, including VOSviewer and CiteSpace, were employed to map keyword co-occurrence networks, author collaborations, and citation dynamics. The results revealed that co-authorship patterns were characterized by extensive global collaboration, with the United States (7,565 publications; 99,657 citations) and China (5,552 publications; 36,207 citations) identified as the leading contributors. Prominent institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1,945 publications) emerged as central nodes within international research networks. Keyword co-occurrence analysis highlighted dominant thematic clusters, including “ecosystem responses” (12,212 occurrences), “water availability,” and “climate models”, indicating strong interdisciplinary linkages across environmental, agricultural, and geoscientific domains. Citation analysis pinpointed highly influential journals, with Science of the Total Environment (756 publications in 2013) and Water (Switzerland) (484 in 2014) noted for their substantial academic impact. Notable authors, such as J.J. Camarero (148 documents), were recognized for sustained scholarly contributions. A marked upward trend in publication volume was observed, with annual outputs increasing by 230%, from 1,394 documents in 2013 to 4,597 in 2023, reflecting intensified global attention on climate-induced drought. Funding analysis showed that 22,630 publications acknowledged financial support, predominantly from agencies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Subject area distribution revealed a concentration in environmental sciences (28.5%), agricultural sciences (23.7%), and earth sciences (14.4%), underscoring the multifaceted nature of drought-related climate research. Network visualizations further demonstrated that the United States held the highest total link strength (5,240), followed by China (3,520), suggesting leadership in collaborative intensity. The integration of citation frequencies, publication trends, and thematic evolution provided a robust framework for identifying existing research gaps, informing mitigation strategies, and guiding science-based policy development. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing climate-related drought through enhanced international cooperation and the application of advanced modeling frameworks, while also illustrating the evolving structure of this research domain over the past decade. 06-02-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine the evolution of scientific research on climate change and drought from 2013 to 2023. A dataset comprising 28,950 peer-reviewed publications was compiled from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, followed by rigorous data cleaning and standardization procedures. Analytical tools, including VOSviewer and CiteSpace, were employed to map keyword co-occurrence networks, author collaborations, and citation dynamics. The results revealed that co-authorship patterns were characterized by extensive global collaboration, with the United States (7,565 publications; 99,657 citations) and China (5,552 publications; 36,207 citations) identified as the leading contributors. Prominent institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1,945 publications) emerged as central nodes within international research networks. Keyword co-occurrence analysis highlighted dominant thematic clusters, including “ecosystem responses” (12,212 occurrences), “water availability,” and “climate models”, indicating strong interdisciplinary linkages across environmental, agricultural, and geoscientific domains. Citation analysis pinpointed highly influential journals, with Science of the Total Environment (756 publications in 2013) and Water (Switzerland) (484 in 2014) noted for their substantial academic impact. Notable authors, such as J.J. Camarero (148 documents), were recognized for sustained scholarly contributions. A marked upward trend in publication volume was observed, with annual outputs increasing by 230%, from 1,394 documents in 2013 to 4,597 in 2023, reflecting intensified global attention on climate-induced drought. Funding analysis showed that 22,630 publications acknowledged financial support, predominantly from agencies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Subject area distribution revealed a concentration in environmental sciences (28.5%), agricultural sciences (23.7%), and earth sciences (14.4%), underscoring the multifaceted nature of drought-related climate research. Network visualizations further demonstrated that the United States held the highest total link strength (5,240), followed by China (3,520), suggesting leadership in collaborative intensity. The integration of citation frequencies, publication trends, and thematic evolution provided a robust framework for identifying existing research gaps, informing mitigation strategies, and guiding science-based policy development. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing climate-related drought through enhanced international cooperation and the application of advanced modeling frameworks, while also illustrating the evolving structure of this research domain over the past decade.</p> ]]> Climate Change Impacts on Drought: A Bibliometric Analysis (2013-2023) jazaul ikhsan doi: 10.56578/ocs040202 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-02-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-02-2025 2025 4 2 Article 82 10.56578/ocs040202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040201 Deposit-taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (DT-SACCOs) have been recognized globally as pivotal financial institutions that facilitate economic development and financial inclusion. Despite this significance, 35.55% of DT-SACCOs in Kenya have been reported as financially unsustainable, a condition attributed primarily to deficient cash management practices. On average, four Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) are delicensed annually due to financial distress, raising substantive concerns regarding the sector's sustainability. This study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which firm size moderates the relationship between cash management practices and financial sustainability within Kenyan DT-SACCOs. Grounded in cash management theory, the research adopted a positivist paradigm and employed a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 176 finance managers representing 176 licensed DT-SACCOs constituted the study population. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample of 122 respondents was determined, with data collected through structured questionnaires yielding a 98% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied in the data analysis. A statistically significant positive relationship between cash management practices and financial sustainability was identified (p = 0.001). Moreover, an increase in the Nagelkerke R2 statistic indicated that firm size exerted a moderating effect on this relationship. It is recommended that DT-SACCOs prioritize the adoption of integrated digital treasury management systems to centralize and automate cash operations, including collections, disbursements, reconciliation, and liquidity monitoring, thereby enhancing financial resilience and long-term sustainability. 05-21-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>Deposit-taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (DT-SACCOs) have been recognized globally as pivotal financial institutions that facilitate economic development and financial inclusion. Despite this significance, 35.55% of DT-SACCOs in Kenya have been reported as financially unsustainable, a condition attributed primarily to deficient cash management practices. On average, four Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) are delicensed annually due to financial distress, raising substantive concerns regarding the sector's sustainability. This study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which firm size moderates the relationship between cash management practices and financial sustainability within Kenyan DT-SACCOs. Grounded in cash management theory, the research adopted a positivist paradigm and employed a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 176 finance managers representing 176 licensed DT-SACCOs constituted the study population. Using Yamane<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Times New Roman, sans-serif">’</span>s formula, a sample of 122 respondents was determined, with data collected through structured questionnaires yielding a 98% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied in the data analysis. A statistically significant positive relationship between cash management practices and financial sustainability was identified (p = 0.001). Moreover, an increase in the Nagelkerke <em>R²</em> statistic indicated that firm size exerted a moderating effect on this relationship. It is recommended that DT-SACCOs prioritize the adoption of integrated digital treasury management systems to centralize and automate cash operations, including collections, disbursements, reconciliation, and liquidity monitoring, thereby enhancing financial resilience and long-term sustainability.</p> ]]> Cash Management Practices, Firm Size, and Financial Sustainability of Deposit-Taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Kenya john gachenga kamau muthoni wilson metto doi: 10.56578/ocs040201 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-21-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-21-2025 2025 4 2 Article 70 10.56578/ocs040201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_2/ocs040201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040105 Global supply chains face increasing disruption from security-related risks, including cargo theft, illicit trade, document forgery, and cyberattacks—challenges that pose serious threats to sustainable development, especially in vulnerable and emerging economies. This study proposes a comprehensive decision-support framework designed to identify, assess, and rank logistics-related criminal threats, with the goal of strengthening the resilience and sustainability of international logistics systems. The model integrates Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for initial risk detection and prioritization, fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (fuzzy AHP) to determine the relative importance of sustainability-relevant criteria (such as legal, environmental, financial, and reputational impacts), and the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method to perform final ranking. A real-world case study in international logistics demonstrates the framework’s applicability and robustness. Results highlight how this integrated approach can support informed decision-making by governments, port authorities, and global logistics firms to mitigate risk and enhance supply chain continuity. By aligning technical methods with sustainable risk governance principles, this study contributes practical insights into building more adaptive, secure, and sustainable logistics infrastructures across borders. 03-30-2025 <![CDATA[ Global supply chains face increasing disruption from security-related risks, including cargo theft, illicit trade, document forgery, and cyberattacks—challenges that pose serious threats to sustainable development, especially in vulnerable and emerging economies. This study proposes a comprehensive decision-support framework designed to identify, assess, and rank logistics-related criminal threats, with the goal of strengthening the resilience and sustainability of international logistics systems. The model integrates Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for initial risk detection and prioritization, fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (fuzzy AHP) to determine the relative importance of sustainability-relevant criteria (such as legal, environmental, financial, and reputational impacts), and the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method to perform final ranking. A real-world case study in international logistics demonstrates the framework’s applicability and robustness. Results highlight how this integrated approach can support informed decision-making by governments, port authorities, and global logistics firms to mitigate risk and enhance supply chain continuity. By aligning technical methods with sustainable risk governance principles, this study contributes practical insights into building more adaptive, secure, and sustainable logistics infrastructures across borders. ]]> Strengthening the Sustainability and Resilience of Global Supply Chains: An Integrated Risk Assessment Framework for International Logistics Security milan andrejić vukašin pajić doi: 10.56578/ocs040105 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2025 2025 4 1 Article 56 10.56578/ocs040105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040104 The policy of "separation of three rights" in China, which distinguishes rural land ownership (collective), contract rights (farmers), and management rights (transferable), has been implemented to optimize resource allocation, advance agricultural modernization, and protect farmers’ interests. To address the persistent issue of arable land abandonment, it is critical that the interactions among local governments, farmers, and agribusinesses be systematically understood. In this study, a tripartite evolutionary game model was developed to investigate the dynamic decision-making behaviors and stabilization strategies of the three primary stakeholders within the framework of three rights separation. The influence of variations in key parameters was quantitatively assessed. The results demonstrate that economic subsidies, cooperation costs, and loss of prestige significantly influence farmland utilization and transfer. It is emphasized that local governments must actively fulfill regulatory and facilitative roles during the pre-transfer phase of arable land, particularly by providing comprehensive economic and infrastructural support. Furthermore, the necessity of enhancing the construction of farmland mobility service systems is underscored, with the aim of reducing transaction barriers and enabling a more effective and sustainable separation of contracting and management rights. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights for strengthening farmland management systems, ensuring long-term farmland productivity, and supporting rural revitalization strategies in China. 03-30-2025 <![CDATA[ The policy of "separation of three rights" in China, which distinguishes rural land ownership (collective), contract rights (farmers), and management rights (transferable), has been implemented to optimize resource allocation, advance agricultural modernization, and protect farmers’ interests. To address the persistent issue of arable land abandonment, it is critical that the interactions among local governments, farmers, and agribusinesses be systematically understood. In this study, a tripartite evolutionary game model was developed to investigate the dynamic decision-making behaviors and stabilization strategies of the three primary stakeholders within the framework of three rights separation. The influence of variations in key parameters was quantitatively assessed. The results demonstrate that economic subsidies, cooperation costs, and loss of prestige significantly influence farmland utilization and transfer. It is emphasized that local governments must actively fulfill regulatory and facilitative roles during the pre-transfer phase of arable land, particularly by providing comprehensive economic and infrastructural support. Furthermore, the necessity of enhancing the construction of farmland mobility service systems is underscored, with the aim of reducing transaction barriers and enabling a more effective and sustainable separation of contracting and management rights. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights for strengthening farmland management systems, ensuring long-term farmland productivity, and supporting rural revitalization strategies in China. ]]> Mitigating Farmland Abandonment in China Through the Separation of Three Rights: A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis zaohong zhou jin chen shimeng xiao yanqing huang yunbin sun qiang li doi: 10.56578/ocs040104 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2025 2025 4 1 Article 41 10.56578/ocs040104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040103 Poverty remains a pervasive and multifaceted challenge in developing countries, posing critical impediments to sustainable economic and social development. In alignment with the core objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the present study aims to identify, evaluate, and prioritize the most effective poverty alleviation strategies within the context of developing economies. Through an extensive review of existing literature and expert consultation, seven primary strategies were identified, encompassing economic growth stimulation, economic and institutional reforms, prioritization of the basic needs of impoverished populations in national development policies, promotion of microfinance institutions and programs, development and improvement of marketing systems, provision of incentives to the private sector, and implementation of affirmative actions such as targeted cash transfers. To systematically assess the relative importance of these strategies, the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) technique was employed within a Fermatean fuzzy (FF) environment. The application of this hybrid method facilitated the extraction of nuanced expert judgments, thereby enhancing the robustness and credibility of the prioritization process. The findings indicate that fostering economic growth, implementing structural economic and institutional reforms, and promoting microfinance institutions and programs represent the most impactful and actionable strategies for poverty reduction. These results offer valuable insights for policymakers, development agencies, and stakeholders engaged in formulating targeted interventions to accelerate poverty eradication. The integration of the FF-SWARA approach further demonstrates its applicability in complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) scenarios characterized by uncertainty and imprecise information, particularly in the domain of sustainable development planning. 03-30-2025 <![CDATA[ Poverty remains a pervasive and multifaceted challenge in developing countries, posing critical impediments to sustainable economic and social development. In alignment with the core objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the present study aims to identify, evaluate, and prioritize the most effective poverty alleviation strategies within the context of developing economies. Through an extensive review of existing literature and expert consultation, seven primary strategies were identified, encompassing economic growth stimulation, economic and institutional reforms, prioritization of the basic needs of impoverished populations in national development policies, promotion of microfinance institutions and programs, development and improvement of marketing systems, provision of incentives to the private sector, and implementation of affirmative actions such as targeted cash transfers. To systematically assess the relative importance of these strategies, the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) technique was employed within a Fermatean fuzzy (FF) environment. The application of this hybrid method facilitated the extraction of nuanced expert judgments, thereby enhancing the robustness and credibility of the prioritization process. The findings indicate that fostering economic growth, implementing structural economic and institutional reforms, and promoting microfinance institutions and programs represent the most impactful and actionable strategies for poverty reduction. These results offer valuable insights for policymakers, development agencies, and stakeholders engaged in formulating targeted interventions to accelerate poverty eradication. The integration of the FF-SWARA approach further demonstrates its applicability in complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) scenarios characterized by uncertainty and imprecise information, particularly in the domain of sustainable development planning. ]]> Prioritization of Poverty Alleviation Strategies in Developing Countries Using the Fermatean Fuzzy SWARA Method ibrahim badi mouhamed bayane bouraima qian su yanjun qiu qingping wang doi: 10.56578/ocs040103 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2025 2025 4 1 Article 33 10.56578/ocs040103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040102 The transition to renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity generation has gained significant momentum due to environmental and sustainability concerns. However, the high initial costs associated with RES implementation remain a critical barrier, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To address this challenge, a cost-effective optimization framework for the hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) was proposed, integrating advanced decision-making methodologies. The study focused on a case study of an MSME in a rural village in Ludhiana, Punjab, where the feasibility of various HRES configurations was evaluated using HOMER Pro software. The optimization process aims to minimize key financial metrics, including net present cost (NPC), operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of critical parameters such as diesel prices, inflation rates, and system constraints. To rank the HRES configurations, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is employed, combining the Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) for weight determination and the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) for system ranking. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively identifies the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable HRES configuration, providing a robust decision-making tool for MSMEs. This study not only contributes to the growing body of knowledge on RES optimization but also offers practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote renewable energy adoption in small-scale industrial settings. 03-12-2025 <![CDATA[ <p>The transition to renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity generation has gained significant momentum due to environmental and sustainability concerns. However, the high initial costs associated with RES implementation remain a critical barrier, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To address this challenge, a cost-effective optimization framework for the hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) was proposed, integrating advanced decision-making methodologies. The study focused on a case study of an MSME in a rural village in Ludhiana, Punjab, where the feasibility of various HRES configurations was evaluated using HOMER Pro software. The optimization process aims to minimize key financial metrics, including net present cost (NPC), operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of critical parameters such as diesel prices, inflation rates, and system constraints. To rank the HRES configurations, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is employed, combining the Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) for weight determination and the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) for system ranking. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively identifies the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable HRES configuration, providing a robust decision-making tool for MSMEs. This study not only contributes to the growing body of knowledge on RES optimization but also offers practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote renewable energy adoption in small-scale industrial settings.</p> ]]> Cost-Effective Optimization of Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises: A Decision-Making Framework Integrating MEREC and MARCOS khushi sehgal harsimran kaur swapandeep kaur sehijpal singh harpreet kaur channi željko stević doi: 10.56578/ocs040102 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-12-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-12-2025 2025 4 1 Article 17 10.56578/ocs040102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040101 The adoption of electronic documents (e-documents) in logistics has emerged as a critical component for enhancing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability. However, despite its numerous advantages, the transition from traditional paper-based systems to e-documents has been sluggish, hindered by a range of barriers including legal and regulatory constraints, lack of standardization, and insufficient system interoperability. This study aims to identify and analyze these barriers, propose relevant policy measures to mitigate them, and evaluate the most effective policy for promoting widespread adoption. Four primary policy strategies were proposed to address the challenges of e-documents in logistics. These policies were assessed using multi-criteria analysis, incorporating fuzzy Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) methods, to rank their effectiveness in overcoming adoption barriers. The results indicate that the policy ensuring full compliance with regulatory and documentation requirements, through a harmonized approach, offers the most significant potential for driving the adoption of e-documents. This policy emphasizes standardization and mandates compliance, fostering a more robust and efficient transition to digital systems. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the policy measures that can most effectively support the expansion of e-documents in logistics, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and operational excellence of the sector. 03-05-2025 <![CDATA[ <p style="text-align: justify">The adoption of electronic documents (e-documents) in logistics has emerged as a critical component for enhancing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and contributing to environmental sustainability. However, despite its numerous advantages, the transition from traditional paper-based systems to e-documents has been sluggish, hindered by a range of barriers including legal and regulatory constraints, lack of standardization, and insufficient system interoperability. This study aims to identify and analyze these barriers, propose relevant policy measures to mitigate them, and evaluate the most effective policy for promoting widespread adoption. Four primary policy strategies were proposed to address the challenges of e-documents in logistics. These policies were assessed using multi-criteria analysis, incorporating fuzzy Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) methods, to rank their effectiveness in overcoming adoption barriers. The results indicate that the policy ensuring full compliance with regulatory and documentation requirements, through a harmonized approach, offers the most significant potential for driving the adoption of e-documents. This policy emphasizes standardization and mandates compliance, fostering a more robust and efficient transition to digital systems. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the policy measures that can most effectively support the expansion of e-documents in logistics, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and operational excellence of the sector.</p> ]]> Policy Evaluation for Overcoming Barriers to E-Document Implementation in the Logistics Sector snežana tadić mladen krstić miloš veljović aleksa milovanović doi: 10.56578/ocs040101 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-05-2025 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-05-2025 2025 4 1 Article 1 10.56578/ocs040101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2025_4_1/ocs040101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030405 Efficient management of railway infrastructure is recognized as a cornerstone for the sustainable development of the transport sector, as it plays a critical role in reducing congestion, mitigating environmental pollution, and enhancing mobility. The modernization and optimization of railway systems are essential for the optimal utilization of resources and the advancement of a more competitive and environmentally sustainable sector. Railway infrastructure managers (RIMs) are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring efficient infrastructure management, maintenance, and modernization, thereby guaranteeing the safety, reliability, and sustainability of railway systems. In this study, a methodological framework was proposed for evaluating the efficiency of RIMs by integrating Pearson’s correlation and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. The efficiency evaluation was conducted based on key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with railway infrastructure management. Pearson’s correlation was employed to analyze the relationships among 35 KPIs, while the DEA method was utilized to identify efficient managers. The developed framework offers a novel approach for creating analytical tools tailored to RIMs, providing regulatory bodies and decision-makers with a valuable toolset to implement best practices and enhance competitiveness. The findings of this study have practical implications, enabling performance comparisons, the development of management strategies, and the formulation of policies aimed at fostering a more sustainable and efficient railway industry. 12-30-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>Efficient management of railway infrastructure is recognized as a cornerstone for the sustainable development of the transport sector, as it plays a critical role in reducing congestion, mitigating environmental pollution, and enhancing mobility. The modernization and optimization of railway systems are essential for the optimal utilization of resources and the advancement of a more competitive and environmentally sustainable sector. Railway infrastructure managers (RIMs) are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring efficient infrastructure management, maintenance, and modernization, thereby guaranteeing the safety, reliability, and sustainability of railway systems. In this study, a methodological framework was proposed for evaluating the efficiency of RIMs by integrating Pearson’s correlation and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method. The efficiency evaluation was conducted based on key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with railway infrastructure management. Pearson’s correlation was employed to analyze the relationships among 35 KPIs, while the DEA method was utilized to identify efficient managers. The developed framework offers a novel approach for creating analytical tools tailored to RIMs, providing regulatory bodies and decision-makers with a valuable toolset to implement best practices and enhance competitiveness. The findings of this study have practical implications, enabling performance comparisons, the development of management strategies, and the formulation of policies aimed at fostering a more sustainable and efficient railway industry.</p> ]]> Evaluation of Railway Infrastructure Managers’ Efficiency Using a Pearson’s Correlation-Based DEA Method Model aida kalem snežana tadić mladen krstić nermin čabrić adisa medić nedžad branković doi: 10.56578/ocs030405 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 2024 3 4 Article 256 10.56578/ocs030405 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030405 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030404 The excessive application of agrochemicals has resulted in significant workplace exposure for agriculturists and environmental interaction for the general public, particularly in communities adjacent to agricultural zones. Such exposure is associated with detrimental health effects, including mutagenic and cytotoxic impacts. Agrochemical contamination frequently occurs through water, especially in rural villages where conventional water treatment systems are not designed to address these specific contaminants. The efficacy of activated carbon was investigated in this study as an adsorbent for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from contaminated water. The concentration of 2,4-D in water samples was quantified using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy at a wavelength of 283 nm. Preliminary adsorption experiments identified pH 2 as the optimal condition for 2,4-D uptake. The adsorption kinetics were best described by the Elovich model, with an equilibrium time of 480 minutes. Equilibrium studies revealed that three isotherm models—Redlich-Peterson, Temkin, and Toth—effectively represented the experimental data, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 252.8 mg/g. The findings underscore the potential of activated carbon as a cost-effective and straightforward treatment method for the removal of 2,4-D from drinking water, particularly in rural areas lacking access to advanced water treatment infrastructure. 12-30-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>The excessive application of agrochemicals has resulted in significant workplace exposure for agriculturists and environmental interaction for the general public, particularly in communities adjacent to agricultural zones. Such exposure is associated with detrimental health effects, including mutagenic and cytotoxic impacts. Agrochemical contamination frequently occurs through water, especially in rural villages where conventional water treatment systems are not designed to address these specific contaminants. The efficacy of activated carbon was investigated in this study as an adsorbent for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from contaminated water. The concentration of 2,4-D in water samples was quantified using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy at a wavelength of 283 nm. Preliminary adsorption experiments identified pH 2 as the optimal condition for 2,4-D uptake. The adsorption kinetics were best described by the Elovich model, with an equilibrium time of 480 minutes. Equilibrium studies revealed that three isotherm models—Redlich-Peterson, Temkin, and Toth—effectively represented the experimental data, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 252.8 mg/g. The findings underscore the potential of activated carbon as a cost-effective and straightforward treatment method for the removal of 2,4-D from drinking water, particularly in rural areas lacking access to advanced water treatment infrastructure.</p> ]]> Evaluation of Activated Carbon as an Alternative Treatment for Agrochemical-Contaminated Water in Rural Areas patricia aline bressiani geiciane locatelli alves inara giacobbo de marco mariana tonello biffi sabrina ishikawa vilmar steffen fernando césar manosso eduardo michel vieira gomes ticiane sauer pokrywiecki ana paula de oliveira schmitz elisângela düsman doi: 10.56578/ocs030404 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 2024 3 4 Article 247 10.56578/ocs030404 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030404 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030403 Municipal solid waste (MSW) management has become an urgent global issue, with incineration emerging as a viable waste-to-energy (WtE) technology. The process of incineration, which involves the combustion of organic compounds in waste, generates municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash, a byproduct with potential applications in soil stabilization. This review explores the use of MSWI ash to enhance the engineering properties of Indian black cotton soil (BCS), a soil type known for its expansive nature and associated challenges in construction. Soil stabilization is a critical process aimed at improving the strength and durability of weak soils for use in civil engineering applications. The review discusses the mineralogical and morphological characteristics of MSWI ash, highlighting its potential to improve the mechanical properties of BCS. The addition of calcium-based additives, including lime and calcium hydroxide, facilitates the stabilization process by interacting with the expansive clay minerals present in the soil. This green technology not only improves the strength characteristics of BCS but also contributes to sustainable construction practices by reducing the demand for conventional building materials, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and cutting costs. Experimental findings indicate that the optimal improvement in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) of BCS is achieved with the incorporation of 25% MSWI ash. Specifically, the UCS increases from 28.8 kPa to 53.4 kPa, and the CBR value rises from 3.38% to 9.38% with the addition of 25% ash. Such enhancements make MSWI ash a promising material for use in the construction of embankments, roads, and sub grade highways, where the improvement of expansive soil characteristics is critical for infrastructure stability. 12-30-2024 <![CDATA[ Municipal solid waste (MSW) management has become an urgent global issue, with incineration emerging as a viable waste-to-energy (WtE) technology. The process of incineration, which involves the combustion of organic compounds in waste, generates municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash, a byproduct with potential applications in soil stabilization. This review explores the use of MSWI ash to enhance the engineering properties of Indian black cotton soil (BCS), a soil type known for its expansive nature and associated challenges in construction. Soil stabilization is a critical process aimed at improving the strength and durability of weak soils for use in civil engineering applications. The review discusses the mineralogical and morphological characteristics of MSWI ash, highlighting its potential to improve the mechanical properties of BCS. The addition of calcium-based additives, including lime and calcium hydroxide, facilitates the stabilization process by interacting with the expansive clay minerals present in the soil. This green technology not only improves the strength characteristics of BCS but also contributes to sustainable construction practices by reducing the demand for conventional building materials, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and cutting costs. Experimental findings indicate that the optimal improvement in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) of BCS is achieved with the incorporation of 25% MSWI ash. Specifically, the UCS increases from 28.8 kPa to 53.4 kPa, and the CBR value rises from 3.38% to 9.38% with the addition of 25% ash. Such enhancements make MSWI ash a promising material for use in the construction of embankments, roads, and sub grade highways, where the improvement of expansive soil characteristics is critical for infrastructure stability. ]]> Blending Indian Black Cotton Soil with Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Ash and Other Additives for Strength Improvement: A Review karanbir singh randhawa doi: 10.56578/ocs030403 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 2024 3 4 Article 223 10.56578/ocs030403 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030403 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030402 This study investigates the relationship between financial risk management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable development within the petrochemical industry. The research aims to explore the impact of financial risk management practices on CSR initiatives and to assess how these factors collectively contribute to the long-term sustainability of petrochemical companies. A key focus of the study is the role that CSR plays in advancing sustainable development, particularly in sectors facing significant financial and operational risks. The research is applied in nature, offering practical insights for improving risk management strategies in petrochemical corporations. The study sample consisted of 130 experienced managers from the petrochemical industry, selected based on the number of items in the survey questionnaire. The measurement tool used was a researcher-developed questionnaire, which was designed following an extensive review of relevant literature and consultations with subject matter experts. To ensure the validity of the instrument, content validity was assessed, and reliability was confirmed through the calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) software, which revealed significant findings regarding the influence of financial risk management on CSR and sustainable development. The results underscore the crucial role of effective financial risk management in facilitating CSR initiatives and enhancing the sustainability of petrochemical companies. Additionally, CSR was found to positively affect sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on the integration of social activities, product and service innovation, and human resource management practices. It is concluded that prioritizing CSR, along with strategic financial risk management, is essential for achieving long-term sustainability in the petrochemical sector. These findings offer valuable insights for both academic research and industry practice, contributing to the development of more effective risk management frameworks in the context of sustainable development. 12-30-2024 <![CDATA[ This study investigates the relationship between financial risk management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable development within the petrochemical industry. The research aims to explore the impact of financial risk management practices on CSR initiatives and to assess how these factors collectively contribute to the long-term sustainability of petrochemical companies. A key focus of the study is the role that CSR plays in advancing sustainable development, particularly in sectors facing significant financial and operational risks. The research is applied in nature, offering practical insights for improving risk management strategies in petrochemical corporations. The study sample consisted of 130 experienced managers from the petrochemical industry, selected based on the number of items in the survey questionnaire. The measurement tool used was a researcher-developed questionnaire, which was designed following an extensive review of relevant literature and consultations with subject matter experts. To ensure the validity of the instrument, content validity was assessed, and reliability was confirmed through the calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) software, which revealed significant findings regarding the influence of financial risk management on CSR and sustainable development. The results underscore the crucial role of effective financial risk management in facilitating CSR initiatives and enhancing the sustainability of petrochemical companies. Additionally, CSR was found to positively affect sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on the integration of social activities, product and service innovation, and human resource management practices. It is concluded that prioritizing CSR, along with strategic financial risk management, is essential for achieving long-term sustainability in the petrochemical sector. These findings offer valuable insights for both academic research and industry practice, contributing to the development of more effective risk management frameworks in the context of sustainable development. ]]> Managing Financial Risks in the Petrochemical Industry: A Corporate Social Responsibility Approach to Sustainable Development mohsen imeni adis puška seyyed ahmad edalatpanah habibeh karimi doi: 10.56578/ocs030402 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2024 2024 3 4 Article 208 10.56578/ocs030402 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030402 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030401 Manufacturing industry clusters contribute to the optimization of regional industrial structures and the improvement of economic growth efficiency. The role of inter-county carriers can further enhance the cluster effects of the manufacturing industry in Sichuan Province, promoting coordinated development across industries and accelerating the transformation of new productive forces. This study evaluates the degree of industrial agglomeration of the manufacturing industry in 183 counties in Sichuan Province. The results indicate that Sichuan's manufacturing industry exhibits a clear clustering effect, with a particularly pronounced structural agglomeration centered around Chengdu. However, economic development across counties in the province remains unbalanced. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression analysis confirms that total factor productivity (TFP) and industrial interlinkages exert a significant positive influence on the agglomeration of the manufacturing industry. 12-10-2024 <![CDATA[ Manufacturing industry clusters contribute to the optimization of regional industrial structures and the improvement of economic growth efficiency. The role of inter-county carriers can further enhance the cluster effects of the manufacturing industry in Sichuan Province, promoting coordinated development across industries and accelerating the transformation of new productive forces. This study evaluates the degree of industrial agglomeration of the manufacturing industry in 183 counties in Sichuan Province. The results indicate that Sichuan's manufacturing industry exhibits a clear clustering effect, with a particularly pronounced structural agglomeration centered around Chengdu. However, economic development across counties in the province remains unbalanced. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression analysis confirms that total factor productivity (TFP) and industrial interlinkages exert a significant positive influence on the agglomeration of the manufacturing industry. ]]> Cluster Effects of the Manufacturing Industry in Sichuan Province: Insights from County-Level Economic Development shasha yu hong tang doi: 10.56578/ocs030401 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-10-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-10-2024 2024 3 4 Article 200 10.56578/ocs030401 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_4/ocs030401 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030305 With the growing prominence of environmental issues, sustainable development has become a global consensus. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have emerged as key focal points for companies and their stakeholders. Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2022, a comprehensive indicator of attention was constructed from a stakeholder perspective to examine the interactions and mechanisms among ESG quality, attention, and enterprise value. Findings indicate that enhanced ESG performance significantly contributes to increased enterprise value, with attention serving as a critical mediating factor in the relationship between ESG performance and enterprise value. Furthermore, notable differences were observed in this process based on firm ownership, with ESG performance exerting a more substantial impact on enterprise value within state-owned enterprises. These insights offer valuable perspectives for companies on how to leverage improved ESG performance to enhance enterprise value. 09-29-2024 <![CDATA[ With the growing prominence of environmental issues, sustainable development has become a global consensus. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have emerged as key focal points for companies and their stakeholders. Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2022, a comprehensive indicator of attention was constructed from a stakeholder perspective to examine the interactions and mechanisms among ESG quality, attention, and enterprise value. Findings indicate that enhanced ESG performance significantly contributes to increased enterprise value, with attention serving as a critical mediating factor in the relationship between ESG performance and enterprise value. Furthermore, notable differences were observed in this process based on firm ownership, with ESG performance exerting a more substantial impact on enterprise value within state-owned enterprises. These insights offer valuable perspectives for companies on how to leverage improved ESG performance to enhance enterprise value. ]]> ESG Quality, Attention, and Enterprise Value: An Empirical Analysis of Chinese A-Share Listed Companies jiaxin wei yuanhua yang doi: 10.56578/ocs030305 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2024 2024 3 3 Article 186 10.56578/ocs030305 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030305 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030304 This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersections between environmental issues, poverty, and the role of new media, including social media, over the period from 2016 to 2022. By conducting a systematic literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis of keyword co-occurrence, insights into the thematic focus and development trends within these domains were offered. Data were extracted from 46 articles indexed in the Scopus database, identified through the search criteria “environment” AND “poverty” OR in titles, abstracts, and keywords that contain the terms “news” AND “media.” Analysis was conducted using VOSviewer v.1.6.18, revealing four prominent research streams within this multidisciplinary intersection: (1) the relationships among population dynamics, poverty, and environmental degradation; (2) examination of factors influencing environmental degradation and the areas most affected; (3) environmental policy frameworks and the processes involved in policy decision-making; and (4) risk mitigation in environmental policy, with a focus on inclusive economic development. This bibliometric analysis contributes to a refined categorization of existing literature and provides a framework for future research trajectories. By tracking the evolution of publications within each identified research stream over the past seven years, four key research questions were proposed to further explore these critical intersections. The findings aim to enhance scholarly understanding of the complex interdependencies among environmental challenges, poverty alleviation, and the transformative impact of media in the digital era. 09-29-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersections between environmental issues, poverty, and the role of new media, including social media, over the period from 2016 to 2022. By conducting a systematic literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis of keyword co-occurrence, insights into the thematic focus and development trends within these domains were offered. Data were extracted from 46 articles indexed in the Scopus database, identified through the search criteria “environment” AND “poverty” OR in titles, abstracts, and keywords that contain the terms “news” AND “media.” Analysis was conducted using VOSviewer v.1.6.18, revealing four prominent research streams within this multidisciplinary intersection: (1) the relationships among population dynamics, poverty, and environmental degradation; (2) examination of factors influencing environmental degradation and the areas most affected; (3) environmental policy frameworks and the processes involved in policy decision-making; and (4) risk mitigation in environmental policy, with a focus on inclusive economic development. This bibliometric analysis contributes to a refined categorization of existing literature and provides a framework for future research trajectories. By tracking the evolution of publications within each identified research stream over the past seven years, four key research questions were proposed to further explore these critical intersections. The findings aim to enhance scholarly understanding of the complex interdependencies among environmental challenges, poverty alleviation, and the transformative impact of media in the digital era.</p> ]]> Interconnections of Environmental Issues, Poverty, and Media: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis (2016-2022) rutiana d. wahyunengseh sri hastjarjo doi: 10.56578/ocs030304 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2024 2024 3 3 Article 177 10.56578/ocs030304 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030304 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030303 The rise of advanced digital technologies (ADT) within Industry 4.0 has transformed modern industrial operations, with select industry leaders emerging as pioneers in the integration of these technologies. This has positioned them as benchmarks for companies with limited digital capabilities. The vulnerabilities of Industry 4.0 to external disruptions, including natural disasters such as the earthquakes in Japan and Turkey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially the ongoing energy crises, exemplified by the war in Ukraine and sanctions on the Russian Federation, have necessitated a shift in business continuity management (BCM) strategies. Traditionally focused on safeguarding information technologies, BCM now places greater emphasis on ensuring energy independence and reducing reliance on state-controlled critical infrastructure. In response to these risks, enterprises are increasingly adopting resilient production models designed to restore functionality after cyberattacks, solar flares, extended power outages, and internet disruptions. The journey toward energy independence spans from initial recognition of the need for action to the implementation of robust solutions, such as Faraday cages for server protection and off-grid energy systems. While rare a decade ago, energy-independent enterprises are becoming more common, as illustrated by the copper smelter in Sevojno, a pioneering example. The acceleration of energy independence among companies has been driven by a series of crises, prompting significant BCM advancements. Early responses to these threats primarily focused on information technology (IT) disaster management methodologies, but Industry 4.0 discussions have evolved toward risk-resilient production systems. This study explores theoretical approaches to enhancing enterprise resilience to modern energy challenges, offering insight into emerging strategies aimed at safeguarding continuity in an increasingly volatile global landscape. 09-29-2024 <![CDATA[ The rise of advanced digital technologies (ADT) within Industry 4.0 has transformed modern industrial operations, with select industry leaders emerging as pioneers in the integration of these technologies. This has positioned them as benchmarks for companies with limited digital capabilities. The vulnerabilities of Industry 4.0 to external disruptions, including natural disasters such as the earthquakes in Japan and Turkey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially the ongoing energy crises, exemplified by the war in Ukraine and sanctions on the Russian Federation, have necessitated a shift in business continuity management (BCM) strategies. Traditionally focused on safeguarding information technologies, BCM now places greater emphasis on ensuring energy independence and reducing reliance on state-controlled critical infrastructure. In response to these risks, enterprises are increasingly adopting resilient production models designed to restore functionality after cyberattacks, solar flares, extended power outages, and internet disruptions. The journey toward energy independence spans from initial recognition of the need for action to the implementation of robust solutions, such as Faraday cages for server protection and off-grid energy systems. While rare a decade ago, energy-independent enterprises are becoming more common, as illustrated by the copper smelter in Sevojno, a pioneering example. The acceleration of energy independence among companies has been driven by a series of crises, prompting significant BCM advancements. Early responses to these threats primarily focused on information technology (IT) disaster management methodologies, but Industry 4.0 discussions have evolved toward risk-resilient production systems. This study explores theoretical approaches to enhancing enterprise resilience to modern energy challenges, offering insight into emerging strategies aimed at safeguarding continuity in an increasingly volatile global landscape. ]]> Evolution of Business Continuity Management Strategies Amid Energy Crises: Emerging Trends in Energy Resilience Within Industry 4.0 igor lavrnić milivoje jovanović minja marinović dejan viduka doi: 10.56578/ocs030303 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2024 2024 3 3 Article 168 10.56578/ocs030303 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030303 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030302 To accelerate the exchange of water rights between regions and address the uneven costs of water resource ecological protection among different districts in urban areas, it is essential to make an analysis of regional water resource ecological compensation responsibilities. Establishing a rational standard for ecological compensation based on water resources remains a key method for quantifying the ecological value of water resources. In this study, all districts within a national central city in southwestern China were divided into four functional zones as the research subjects. The water resource ecological footprint method was employed to calculate the water ecological footprint of each zone. The ecological carrying capacity was utilized as the benchmark to determine the water resource ecological deficit or surplus, and the corresponding ecological monetary value of water resources was estimated. The results indicated that the city, as a whole, exhibited a water resource ecological surplus, with a monetary value of 5.088 billion CNY. The western zone, a key urban development area, recorded the highest water resource ecological footprint and the largest ecological deficit. In contrast, the northeastern zone, abundant in water resources, presented the highest water resource ecological surplus, with a monetary value of 9.196 billion CNY. Compensation amounts for the central-eastern and western zones were calculated as 4.169 billion and 7.661 billion CNY, respectively. These findings align with the local water resources' sustainable utilization conditions. The relationship between regional economic development, water conservation, and sustainable development was further analyzed in this study, proposing a water resource ecological compensation model with certain districts and counties as beneficiaries. 09-19-2024 <![CDATA[ To accelerate the exchange of water rights between regions and address the uneven costs of water resource ecological protection among different districts in urban areas, it is essential to make an analysis of regional water resource ecological compensation responsibilities. Establishing a rational standard for ecological compensation based on water resources remains a key method for quantifying the ecological value of water resources. In this study, all districts within a national central city in southwestern China were divided into four functional zones as the research subjects. The water resource ecological footprint method was employed to calculate the water ecological footprint of each zone. The ecological carrying capacity was utilized as the benchmark to determine the water resource ecological deficit or surplus, and the corresponding ecological monetary value of water resources was estimated. The results indicated that the city, as a whole, exhibited a water resource ecological surplus, with a monetary value of 5.088 billion CNY. The western zone, a key urban development area, recorded the highest water resource ecological footprint and the largest ecological deficit. In contrast, the northeastern zone, abundant in water resources, presented the highest water resource ecological surplus, with a monetary value of 9.196 billion CNY. Compensation amounts for the central-eastern and western zones were calculated as 4.169 billion and 7.661 billion CNY, respectively. These findings align with the local water resources' sustainable utilization conditions. The relationship between regional economic development, water conservation, and sustainable development was further analyzed in this study, proposing a water resource ecological compensation model with certain districts and counties as beneficiaries. ]]> Urban Ecological Compensation Through Water Resource Ecological Footprint lin shi tiantian li yao meng doi: 10.56578/ocs030302 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-19-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-19-2024 2024 3 3 Article 158 10.56578/ocs030302 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030302 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030301 Water is regarded as the most critical natural resource in Idaho, with drinking water identified as its most essential aspect. To assess public perceptions and evaluations of drinking water quality, a survey instrument was developed and distributed to Idaho residents over the past 35 years. Key areas of focus included the safety of home drinking water, the use of in-home water filters, consumption of bottled water, frequency of water testing, and concerns about potential pollutants. Surveys were administered in 1988, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, and 2022, with findings indicating a gradual decline in perceived drinking water safety, from 90.2% in 1988 to 80.2% in 2022. The use of in-home water filtration systems increased significantly, rising from 16.2% in 1988 to 29.7% in 2022, potentially driven by extensive advertising campaigns rather than increased contamination concerns. Bottled water usage peaked at 33% in 2010 but has since declined to less than 11% in 2022, a trend attributed to heightened public awareness of tap water safety and environmental concerns related to plastic waste. No significant long-term patterns in water testing were observed, although rural residents, who rely on private wells, were more likely to test their water due to the absence of regular testing requirements. Hard water (with a high content of Ca and/or Mg) emerged as the primary contaminant identified by respondents, with no other significant pollutants widely reported. These findings offer valuable insights into shifting public perceptions of water quality and the factors influencing household water consumption practices in Idaho over the last three decades. 09-19-2024 <![CDATA[ Water is regarded as the most critical natural resource in Idaho, with drinking water identified as its most essential aspect. To assess public perceptions and evaluations of drinking water quality, a survey instrument was developed and distributed to Idaho residents over the past 35 years. Key areas of focus included the safety of home drinking water, the use of in-home water filters, consumption of bottled water, frequency of water testing, and concerns about potential pollutants. Surveys were administered in 1988, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, and 2022, with findings indicating a gradual decline in perceived drinking water safety, from 90.2% in 1988 to 80.2% in 2022. The use of in-home water filtration systems increased significantly, rising from 16.2% in 1988 to 29.7% in 2022, potentially driven by extensive advertising campaigns rather than increased contamination concerns. Bottled water usage peaked at 33% in 2010 but has since declined to less than 11% in 2022, a trend attributed to heightened public awareness of tap water safety and environmental concerns related to plastic waste. No significant long-term patterns in water testing were observed, although rural residents, who rely on private wells, were more likely to test their water due to the absence of regular testing requirements. Hard water (with a high content of Ca and/or Mg) emerged as the primary contaminant identified by respondents, with no other significant pollutants widely reported. These findings offer valuable insights into shifting public perceptions of water quality and the factors influencing household water consumption practices in Idaho over the last three decades. ]]> Public Perceptions and Evaluations of Drinking Water Quality in Idaho: A 35-Year Survey Analysis robert l. mahler doi: 10.56578/ocs030301 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-19-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-19-2024 2024 3 3 Article 147 10.56578/ocs030301 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_3/ocs030301 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030205 This study presents a comprehensive analysis of critical bibliometric methods, including trend analysis, correlation analysis, rainfall-runoff modeling, multivariate statistical approaches, and flood frequency analysis, to assess the impact of climate change on hydrology and flood risks. Climate change significantly threatens global water security by altering the hydrological cycle and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The review underscores the necessity for multidisciplinary, context-specific approaches that integrate knowledge from fields such as policy studies, ecology, hydrology, climatology, and social sciences. These collaborative efforts are essential for enhancing the understanding of dynamic sectoral vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, cascade effects, and ecological responses to water-related challenges induced by climate change. A significant obstacle identified is the integration of multidisciplinary impact assessments with climate models, crucial for comprehending the complex interactions between water scarcity and climate change. This review also highlights the importance of sustained research projects and financial support from various institutions, including government agencies, international organizations, and national science foundations. To promote sustainable water management practices and enhance resilience, it is imperative that researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders collaborate to develop viable solutions. This can be achieved by recognizing the limitations of current approaches and adopting innovative strategies. The value of continued financial and institutional support is emphasized to ensure ongoing progress in addressing these critical issues. 06-29-2024 <![CDATA[ This study presents a comprehensive analysis of critical bibliometric methods, including trend analysis, correlation analysis, rainfall-runoff modeling, multivariate statistical approaches, and flood frequency analysis, to assess the impact of climate change on hydrology and flood risks. Climate change significantly threatens global water security by altering the hydrological cycle and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The review underscores the necessity for multidisciplinary, context-specific approaches that integrate knowledge from fields such as policy studies, ecology, hydrology, climatology, and social sciences. These collaborative efforts are essential for enhancing the understanding of dynamic sectoral vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, cascade effects, and ecological responses to water-related challenges induced by climate change. A significant obstacle identified is the integration of multidisciplinary impact assessments with climate models, crucial for comprehending the complex interactions between water scarcity and climate change. This review also highlights the importance of sustained research projects and financial support from various institutions, including government agencies, international organizations, and national science foundations. To promote sustainable water management practices and enhance resilience, it is imperative that researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders collaborate to develop viable solutions. This can be achieved by recognizing the limitations of current approaches and adopting innovative strategies. The value of continued financial and institutional support is emphasized to ensure ongoing progress in addressing these critical issues. ]]> Bibliometric Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Global Water Issues (2014-2024) abraham ayuen ngong deng nursetiawan nursetiawan jazaul ikhsan doi: 10.56578/ocs030205 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-29-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-29-2024 2024 3 2 Article 120 10.56578/ocs030205 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030205 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030204 Amid growing concerns over global climate change and the need for sustainable infrastructure development, remote communities such as Rigolet in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), which primarily rely on diesel generators, face unique challenges and opportunities. This study proposes a transition to a hybrid energy system (HES) that integrates wind and solar energy with battery storage and diesel generator backups. The feasibility and implications of this transformation in Rigolet were assessed using HOMER Pro software, contrasting it with the current diesel-centric model. The feasibility, environmental impact, and economic implications of implementing a HES in Rigolet were thoroughly examined. The methodology employed includes a detailed simulation and optimization of the HES configuration suitable for 125 households with a population of 327. The findings reveal that integrating wind and solar electricity with the existing diesel infrastructure, coupled with battery storage, reduced diesel consumption by 352 tons per year and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions by 929 tons per year. Additionally, other pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Nitrogen Oxide (NO) were significantly reduced. The proposed system demonstrates a reasonable Net Present Cost (NPC) of \$5.17 million with a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) of \$0.22/kWh. This shift towards a HES not only illustrates significant environmental advantages and an increase in the percentage of renewable energy but also provides economic benefits through cost reductions over the long term compared to the existing diesel-dependent configuration. The proposed system provides a reliable and sustainable energy solution for Rigolet, presenting a replicable and innovative model for other similar remote locations aiming for a greener future. 06-29-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>Amid growing concerns over global climate change and the need for sustainable infrastructure development, remote communities such as Rigolet in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), which primarily rely on diesel generators, face unique challenges and opportunities. This study proposes a transition to a hybrid energy system (HES) that integrates wind and solar energy with battery storage and diesel generator backups. The feasibility and implications of this transformation in Rigolet were assessed using HOMER Pro software, contrasting it with the current diesel-centric model. The feasibility, environmental impact, and economic implications of implementing a HES in Rigolet were thoroughly examined. The methodology employed includes a detailed simulation and optimization of the HES configuration suitable for 125 households with a population of 327. The findings reveal that integrating wind and solar electricity with the existing diesel infrastructure, coupled with battery storage, reduced diesel consumption by 352 tons per year and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 929 tons per year. Additionally, other pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), and Nitrogen Oxide (NO) were significantly reduced. The proposed system demonstrates a reasonable Net Present Cost (NPC) of \$5.17 million with a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) of \$0.22/kWh. This shift towards a HES not only illustrates significant environmental advantages and an increase in the percentage of renewable energy but also provides economic benefits through cost reductions over the long term compared to the existing diesel-dependent configuration. The proposed system provides a reliable and sustainable energy solution for Rigolet, presenting a replicable and innovative model for other similar remote locations aiming for a greener future.</p> ]]> Hybrid Energy System Design for Enhanced Sustainability in Rigolet, Newfoundland and Labrador dipak timalsina siddhanth kotian davoud ghahremanlou doi: 10.56578/ocs030204 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-29-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-29-2024 2024 3 2 Article 108 10.56578/ocs030204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030203 Effective waste management poses a significant challenge for transitional countries, particularly in the context of limited financial and material resources. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the inefficiency of the waste management system at both the entity and national levels exacerbates the difficulty of establishing an integrated system resilient to natural and other hazards. This study introduces a theoretical model of comprehensive waste management (CWM) tailored for crisis situations, aiming to advance the development of a unified system across BiH. Key measures proposed include the involvement of key stakeholders, optimization of material resources, and continuous education to address irresponsible waste disposal practices and non-compliance with regulations. These issues contribute to the proliferation of illegal landfills and heighten the risk of large-scale environmental catastrophes. Specifically, in the Republic of Srpska, one of BiH's two entities, 400,000 tons of municipal waste were generated in 2020, averaging 0.95 kg per person per day, with approximately 40% being organic waste and another 40% packaging waste. Regrettably, only about 5% of this waste is recycled, largely due to an inadequate strategy and systemic approach to waste management, with about 30% of the population still lacking access to waste collection services. The proposed CWM model and the associated measures are crucial for mitigating the impacts of natural hazards, such as floods, on waste management systems. 06-25-2024 <![CDATA[ Effective waste management poses a significant challenge for transitional countries, particularly in the context of limited financial and material resources. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the inefficiency of the waste management system at both the entity and national levels exacerbates the difficulty of establishing an integrated system resilient to natural and other hazards. This study introduces a theoretical model of comprehensive waste management (CWM) tailored for crisis situations, aiming to advance the development of a unified system across BiH. Key measures proposed include the involvement of key stakeholders, optimization of material resources, and continuous education to address irresponsible waste disposal practices and non-compliance with regulations. These issues contribute to the proliferation of illegal landfills and heighten the risk of large-scale environmental catastrophes. Specifically, in the Republic of Srpska, one of BiH's two entities, 400,000 tons of municipal waste were generated in 2020, averaging 0.95 kg per person per day, with approximately 40% being organic waste and another 40% packaging waste. Regrettably, only about 5% of this waste is recycled, largely due to an inadequate strategy and systemic approach to waste management, with about 30% of the population still lacking access to waste collection services. The proposed CWM model and the associated measures are crucial for mitigating the impacts of natural hazards, such as floods, on waste management systems. ]]> Natural Hazards and Their Environmental Impact: Flood Risks in the Systemic Management of Non-Hazardous Municipal Waste boris novarlić jože krulec tanja arsić siniša sremac doi: 10.56578/ocs030203 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-25-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-25-2024 2024 3 2 Article 96 10.56578/ocs030203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030202 Based on five dimensions, a green finance evaluation indicator system for the Yangtze River Economic Belt was constructed. The Criteria Importance Though Intercrieria Correlation (CRITIC)-entropy weight method was employed to measure the green finance development level across 107 prefecture-level cities and above in the Economic Belt during 2007-2020. Moreover, the Dagum Gini coefficient and kernel density estimation were utilized to reveal the regional disparities and dynamic evolution trends in the development level of green finance. It was discovered that: (i) During the sample inspection period, the development level of green finance in the Economic Belt exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with the annual growth rates of the three major regions decreasing from downstream to upstream. Provincial capitals such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu were found to have notably higher levels of green finance development. (ii) The overall disparity in the development level of green finance in the Economic Belt showed a widening trend, with transvariation density as the primary source of overall disparity, followed by intra-regional differences, and the smallest contribution coming from inter-regional disparities. (iii) The absolute disparity in the development level of green finance within the Yangtze River Economic Belt was observed to be expanding, with the overall basin and the three major regions experiencing diverse evolutionary paths. A clear polarization trend in the downstream area was identified, accompanied by a "better-get-better" phenomenon. 04-27-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>Based on five dimensions, a green finance evaluation indicator system for the Yangtze River Economic Belt was constructed. The Criteria Importance Though Intercrieria Correlation (CRITIC)-entropy weight method was employed to measure the green finance development level across 107 prefecture-level cities and above in the Economic Belt during 2007-2020. Moreover, the Dagum Gini coefficient and kernel density estimation were utilized to reveal the regional disparities and dynamic evolution trends in the development level of green finance. It was discovered that: (i) During the sample inspection period, the development level of green finance in the Economic Belt exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with the annual growth rates of the three major regions decreasing from downstream to upstream. Provincial capitals such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu were found to have notably higher levels of green finance development. (ii) The overall disparity in the development level of green finance in the Economic Belt showed a widening trend, with transvariation density as the primary source of overall disparity, followed by intra-regional differences, and the smallest contribution coming from inter-regional disparities. (iii) The absolute disparity in the development level of green finance within the Yangtze River Economic Belt was observed to be expanding, with the overall basin and the three major regions experiencing diverse evolutionary paths. A clear polarization trend in the downstream area was identified, accompanied by a "better-get-better" phenomenon.</p> ]]> Evaluating the Evolution and Regional Disparities in Green Finance within the Yangtze River Economic Belt: A Longitudinal Analysis from 2007 to 2020 chunying li qizhong deng doi: 10.56578/ocs030202 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 04-27-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 04-27-2024 2024 3 2 Article 79 10.56578/ocs030202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030201 Utilizing the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis within an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model framework, this study investigates the implications of trade openness (TO), renewable energy consumption (REC), and non-REC on environmental quality in Azerbaijan for the period 1996-2022. The LCC hypothesis, which employs the load capacity factor (LCF) as an environmental quality indicator, facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of pollution across air, water, and soil domains. It was found that the LCC hypothesis does not hold for Azerbaijan. Specifically, fossil fuel consumption (FEC) was observed to exacerbate environmental degradation, whereas the influence of REC and TO on the LCF was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that Azerbaijan’s strategy for using renewable energy does not effectively enhance environmental quality. Furthermore, the evidence indicates that economic expansion alone does not suffice to mitigate environmental challenges. To foster sustainable environmental improvement, it is recommended that the Azerbaijani government devises a more robust energy mix strategy that transcends the current reliance on renewable sources and adopts a holistic green growth model for the economy. 04-27-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>Utilizing the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis within an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model framework, this study investigates the implications of trade openness (TO), renewable energy consumption (REC), and non-REC on environmental quality in Azerbaijan for the period 1996-2022. The LCC hypothesis, which employs the load capacity factor (LCF) as an environmental quality indicator, facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of pollution across air, water, and soil domains. It was found that the LCC hypothesis does not hold for Azerbaijan. Specifically, fossil fuel consumption (FEC) was observed to exacerbate environmental degradation, whereas the influence of REC and TO on the LCF was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that Azerbaijan’s strategy for using renewable energy does not effectively enhance environmental quality. Furthermore, the evidence indicates that economic expansion alone does not suffice to mitigate environmental challenges. To foster sustainable environmental improvement, it is recommended that the Azerbaijani government devises a more robust energy mix strategy that transcends the current reliance on renewable sources and adopts a holistic green growth model for the economy.</p> ]]> Investigating the Impacts of Trade Openness and Energy Consumption on Environmental Quality in Azerbaijan: An Analysis under the Load Capacity Curve Hypothesis ugur korkut pata mustafa tevfik kartal doi: 10.56578/ocs030201 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 04-27-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 04-27-2024 2024 3 2 Article 72 10.56578/ocs030201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_2/ocs030201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030105 This study explores the spatial accessibility of high-tech health services across municipalities on the Spanish Iberian Peninsula, focusing on the adequacy of service provision by haemodynamic facilities relative to potential demand. A comprehensive analysis utilising a Geographic Information System (GIS) was conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution of high-tech health services, employing the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method within a gravity model framework. Findings reveal a disparity in health service coverage, with peripheral municipalities in the larger Autonomous Communities exhibiting low to very low access to high-tech health services. Despite this, the majority of the population benefits from satisfactory health coverage. The study underscores the importance of improving health service accessibility in underserved areas through infrastructural enhancements or the establishment of new facilities, advocating for equitable health service distribution in line with principles of social justice. The methodology proposed herein serves as a valuable tool for health policymakers in addressing spatial inequities in health service provision. Through the lens of territorial accessibility and spatial planning, the research highlights the critical role of high-tech health infrastructure in ensuring comprehensive health coverage. The results advocate for targeted interventions to enhance health service accessibility, particularly in sparsely populated areas at the periphery of large communities, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on health equity and spatial justice in healthcare planning. 03-30-2024 <![CDATA[ <p><span>This study explores the spatial accessibility of high-tech health services across municipalities on the Spanish Iberian Peninsula, focusing on the adequacy of service provision by haemodynamic facilities relative to potential demand. A comprehensive analysis utilising a Geographic Information System (GIS) was conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution of high-tech health services, employing the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFC</span>A<span>) method within a gravity model framework. Findings reveal a disparity in health service coverage, with peripheral municipalities in the larger Autonomous Communities exhibiting low to very low access to high-tech health services. Despite this, the majority of the population benefits from satisfactory health coverage. The study underscores the importance of improving health service accessibility in underserved areas through infrastructural enhancements or the establishment of new facilities, advocating for equitable health service distribution in line with principles of social justice. The methodology proposed herein serves as a valuable tool for health policymakers in addressing spatial inequities in health service provision. Through the lens of territorial accessibility and spatial planning, the research highlights the critical role of high-tech health infrastructure in ensuring comprehensive health coverage. The results advocate for targeted interventions to enhance health service accessibility, particularly in sparsely populated areas at the periphery of large communities, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on health equity and spatial justice in healthcare planning.</span></p> ]]> Evaluating Spatial Accessibility to High-Tech Health Services in the Spanish Iberian Peninsula: A GIS-Based Analysis josé manuel naranjo doi: 10.56578/ocs030105 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2024 2024 3 1 Article 62 10.56578/ocs030105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030104 In the context of urban planning, the design of urban spaces is recognized as a pivotal factor influencing urban sustainability, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity for individuals requiring special assistance. This study explores the interconnectedness of urban design with sustainability indicators, focusing on human-centric dimensions and the preservation of heritage within Najaf's traditional urban fabric. Through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software, this research aims to elucidate the significance and interrelations of specific urban design indicators, thereby determining their collective impact on urban sustainability. The methodology adopted herein leverages quantitative analysis to delineate the relationships among urban design parameters and their consequential influence on sustainability outcomes. The findings suggest a substantial correlation between urban design practices and the attainment of sustainability, with a notable emphasis on the design factor as a primary influencer. This research contributes to the discourse on urban sustainability by providing a methodological framework for assessing the role of urban design in fostering inclusive and sustainable urban environments. The study underscores the potential of SEM in elucidating the complex dynamics between urban design and sustainability, thereby offering empirical evidence to support the development of informed urban planning strategies. 03-28-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>In the context of urban planning, the design of urban spaces is recognized as a pivotal factor influencing urban sustainability, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity for individuals requiring special assistance. This study explores the interconnectedness of urban design with sustainability indicators, focusing on human-centric dimensions and the preservation of heritage within Najaf's traditional urban fabric. Through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software, this research aims to elucidate the significance and interrelations of specific urban design indicators, thereby determining their collective impact on urban sustainability. The methodology adopted herein leverages quantitative analysis to delineate the relationships among urban design parameters and their consequential influence on sustainability outcomes. The findings suggest a substantial correlation between urban design practices and the attainment of sustainability, with a notable emphasis on the design factor as a primary influencer. This research contributes to the discourse on urban sustainability by providing a methodological framework for assessing the role of urban design in fostering inclusive and sustainable urban environments. The study underscores the potential of SEM in elucidating the complex dynamics between urban design and sustainability, thereby offering empirical evidence to support the development of informed urban planning strategies.</p> ]]> Structural Equation Modeling of Urban Design and Sustainability in Najaf's Traditional Urban Context yasameen f. al-abayechi ahmed s. al-khafaji tuqa r. alrobaee doi: 10.56578/ocs030104 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-28-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-28-2024 2024 3 1 Article 50 10.56578/ocs030104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030103 Medical waste is recognized as a significant environmental and public health hazard due to its toxic and chemical constituents. In light of the varying standards for medical waste management within Jordan and comparisons with neighboring countries, this study aims to critically assess the existing management practices in Jordanian hospitals, utilizing a comprehensive database. The study further explores treatment technologies to enhance these practices. The effectiveness of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) in identifying and mitigating potential risks in the disposal process of infectious medical waste is also examined. Findings suggest that management procedures exhibit regional disparities influenced by factors such as the geographical location of the healthcare institution, its operational scale, and prevailing political circumstances. Moreover, the application of FMEA was found to significantly mitigate operational risks, as evidenced by reduced Risk Priority Number (RPN) values. Challenges identified include the need for increased resources, improved training, and enhanced systems for hazardous waste management. The study underscores the importance of public awareness in elevating medical waste management standards. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on environmental health and safety in medical waste management, advocating for systemic improvements in Jordanian healthcare facilities (HCFs). 03-22-2024 <![CDATA[ Medical waste is recognized as a significant environmental and public health hazard due to its toxic and chemical constituents. In light of the varying standards for medical waste management within Jordan and comparisons with neighboring countries, this study aims to critically assess the existing management practices in Jordanian hospitals, utilizing a comprehensive database. The study further explores treatment technologies to enhance these practices. The effectiveness of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) in identifying and mitigating potential risks in the disposal process of infectious medical waste is also examined. Findings suggest that management procedures exhibit regional disparities influenced by factors such as the geographical location of the healthcare institution, its operational scale, and prevailing political circumstances. Moreover, the application of FMEA was found to significantly mitigate operational risks, as evidenced by reduced Risk Priority Number (RPN) values. Challenges identified include the need for increased resources, improved training, and enhanced systems for hazardous waste management. The study underscores the importance of public awareness in elevating medical waste management standards. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on environmental health and safety in medical waste management, advocating for systemic improvements in Jordanian healthcare facilities (HCFs). ]]> Strategies for Optimizing Medical Waste Management and Treatment Technologies in Jordanian Hospitals aseel hendi jebril al-hrinat abdullah m. al-ansi manar hazaimeh doi: 10.56578/ocs030103 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-22-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-22-2024 2024 3 1 Article 35 10.56578/ocs030103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030102 From the perspective of the innovation ecosystem, this study investigates the specific paths through which regional innovation ecosystems drive high-quality economic development in 31 mainland provinces and cities in China, using the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). It was discovered that: (a) Within regional innovation ecosystems, multiple concurrent causal relationships characterized by interlocking alignments exist among innovation agents, resources, and environments, leading to asymmetrical configurational outcomes between high-quality economic and non-high-quality economic development. (b) On the basis of different configurations of system elements, four paths driving high-quality regional economic development were revealed, each demonstrating a "many paths, one destination" characteristic. These include the innovation agent-aggregated regional innovation ecosystem, the diversified development integrated regional innovation ecosystem, the human resource-supported regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance, and the economic resource-driven regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance. (c) Under specific conditions, substitutive relationships between conditions of innovation agents and the innovation environment within the system were observed. The findings enrich the research perspective on high-quality economic development and offer path references and empirical evidence for regions aiming to construct effective innovation ecosystems to drive high-quality economic development. 03-21-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>From the perspective of the innovation ecosystem, this study investigates the specific paths through which regional innovation ecosystems drive high-quality economic development in 31 mainland provinces and cities in China, using the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). It was discovered that: (a) Within regional innovation ecosystems, multiple concurrent causal relationships characterized by interlocking alignments exist among innovation agents, resources, and environments, leading to asymmetrical configurational outcomes between high-quality economic and non-high-quality economic development. (b) On the basis of different configurations of system elements, four paths driving high-quality regional economic development were revealed, each demonstrating a "many paths, one destination" characteristic. These include the innovation agent-aggregated regional innovation ecosystem, the diversified development integrated regional innovation ecosystem, the human resource-supported regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance, and the economic resource-driven regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance. (c) Under specific conditions, substitutive relationships between conditions of innovation agents and the innovation environment within the system were observed. The findings enrich the research perspective on high-quality economic development and offer path references and empirical evidence for regions aiming to construct effective innovation ecosystems to drive high-quality economic development.</p> ]]> Navigating High-Quality Economic Growth: An Examination of Regional Innovation Ecosystems in China Through Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis cheng wang kai cheng zhuo wang doi: 10.56578/ocs030102 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-21-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-21-2024 2024 3 1 Article 20 10.56578/ocs030102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030101 Sustainable development, a concept of critical importance, has seen increasing integration across various public domains, challenged by the interplay of multifaceted environmental, economic, and social factors under the influence of multi-level governance. This complexity is notably magnified in the context of Malta, a small island state with a dense population exceeding half a million within an area of merely 316 km². The unique conditions of insularity, vulnerability, and the imperative for resilience render the Maltese islands an exemplary case study for examining the dynamics driving sustainable development amidst pressures of burgeoning population growth. This study aims to delineate the historical evolution of sustainable development in Malta over three decades, marked by significant local and international events from 1992 to 2022. Employing a qualitative methodology, a thorough chronological analysis is conducted, leveraging a diverse array of sources including regulatory documents, electoral manifestos, and media coverage. These materials, rich in qualitative data, reflect the intricate interplay between local institutional developments and broader international influences, revealing key milestones and advancements in sustainable development. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced political commitment towards sustainable development, advocating for a comprehensive approach that balances environmental, economic, and social considerations, alongside the promotion of collaborative efforts between governmental and non-governmental entities. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development governance within the Maltese context through two original frameworks: firstly, the classification of Malta's sustainable development governance into three phases, namely, initialisation (1992-2002), focusing on foundational recognitions and entities; exploration (2003-2011), emphasizing political acknowledgment and initiatives; and development (2012-2022), prioritizing legislative actions and increased initiative engagement. Secondly, a tripartite model advocating for collaboration, transformation, and policy coherence is proposed. By examining the motivations and strategies of key actors in sustainable development governance, the study offers valuable insights for public policy, governance, and sustainable development, particularly within the context of small island states. 03-14-2024 <![CDATA[ <p>Sustainable development, a concept of critical importance, has seen increasing integration across various public domains, challenged by the interplay of multifaceted environmental, economic, and social factors under the influence of multi-level governance. This complexity is notably magnified in the context of Malta, a small island state with a dense population exceeding half a million within an area of merely 316 km². The unique conditions of insularity, vulnerability, and the imperative for resilience render the Maltese islands an exemplary case study for examining the dynamics driving sustainable development amidst pressures of burgeoning population growth. This study aims to delineate the historical evolution of sustainable development in Malta over three decades, marked by significant local and international events from 1992 to 2022. Employing a qualitative methodology, a thorough chronological analysis is conducted, leveraging a diverse array of sources including regulatory documents, electoral manifestos, and media coverage. These materials, rich in qualitative data, reflect the intricate interplay between local institutional developments and broader international influences, revealing key milestones and advancements in sustainable development. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced political commitment towards sustainable development, advocating for a comprehensive approach that balances environmental, economic, and social considerations, alongside the promotion of collaborative efforts between governmental and non-governmental entities. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development governance within the Maltese context through two original frameworks: firstly, the classification of Malta's sustainable development governance into three phases, namely, initialisation (1992-2002), focusing on foundational recognitions and entities; exploration (2003-2011), emphasizing political acknowledgment and initiatives; and development (2012-2022), prioritizing legislative actions and increased initiative engagement. Secondly, a tripartite model advocating for collaboration, transformation, and policy coherence is proposed. By examining the motivations and strategies of key actors in sustainable development governance, the study offers valuable insights for public policy, governance, and sustainable development, particularly within the context of small island states.</p> ]]> The Political Evolution of Sustainable Development in the Maltese Islands: A Thirty-Year Analysis (1992-2022) clinton cassar doi: 10.56578/ocs030101 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-14-2024 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-14-2024 2024 3 1 Article 1 10.56578/ocs030101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2024_3_1/ocs030101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020405 In the context of the increasingly aging rural population in China, this study investigates the implications of this demographic shift on the nation's agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP). Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces spanning 2005 to 2019, the AGTFP was quantified employing the slacks-based measure (SBM)-global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) model. The investigation employed a dynamic panel model, a mediation effect model, and a threshold effect model to elucidate the relationship between rural population aging and AGTFP. Additionally, the potential influence of labor transfer thresholds on this relationship was examined. It was found that: (a) AGTFP in China has exhibited a fluctuating yet ascending trajectory, with an average annual growth rate of 1.55%. The advancement of agricultural green technology has been identified as the primary driver of this growth. (b) The aging rural population significantly and positively influences AGTFP, with notable regional disparities. (c) The positive impact of rural aging on AGTFP has been facilitated through human capital accumulation, land transfer, and agricultural mechanization. (d) This beneficial effect of rural aging on AGTFP is moderated by a single threshold of labor transfer. These findings underscore the complex interplay between demographic trends and agricultural productivity, highlighting the necessity for tailored policies that accommodate the unique characteristics of rural aging in China. 12-30-2023 <![CDATA[ In the context of the increasingly aging rural population in China, this study investigates the implications of this demographic shift on the nation's agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP). Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces spanning 2005 to 2019, the AGTFP was quantified employing the slacks-based measure (SBM)-global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) model. The investigation employed a dynamic panel model, a mediation effect model, and a threshold effect model to elucidate the relationship between rural population aging and AGTFP. Additionally, the potential influence of labor transfer thresholds on this relationship was examined. It was found that: (a) AGTFP in China has exhibited a fluctuating yet ascending trajectory, with an average annual growth rate of 1.55%. The advancement of agricultural green technology has been identified as the primary driver of this growth. (b) The aging rural population significantly and positively influences AGTFP, with notable regional disparities. (c) The positive impact of rural aging on AGTFP has been facilitated through human capital accumulation, land transfer, and agricultural mechanization. (d) This beneficial effect of rural aging on AGTFP is moderated by a single threshold of labor transfer. These findings underscore the complex interplay between demographic trends and agricultural productivity, highlighting the necessity for tailored policies that accommodate the unique characteristics of rural aging in China. ]]> Assessing the Impact of Rural Population Aging on China's AGTFP: A Mediation and Threshold Effect Analysis xue gao yayun xiao pao li xiangzhi liu junlong chen doi: 10.56578/ocs020405 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2023 2023 2 4 Article 230 10.56578/ocs020405 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020405 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020404 This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the influence of defense expenditures on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Turkey from 1974 to 2021. Defense spending, crucial for national security, often diverges from regular civic investments such as education, healthcare, and transportation. The significance of these expenditures becomes evident in times of international tension, terrorist threats, and warfare. Globally, defense budgets are escalating, and Turkey, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member, is no exception. Recent trends show a decline in Turkey's public defense spending, with current levels lower than in the 1960s yet higher than the NATO average during 2014-2021. Concurrently, private sector investment in the defense industry has risen, underscoring Turkey's involvement in global defense dynamics. This research adopts the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test and the Toda-Yamamoto causality test to scrutinize the long-term and causal relationships between defense spending and economic growth. The ARDL bounds test reveals a long-term negative cointegration relationship, while the Toda-Yamamoto test indicates a unidirectional causal relationship from defense expenditures to GDP at a 10% significance level. These findings affirm the Neoclassical economic theory's postulation of a negative impact of defense spending on growth. Despite this, the paper argues for the necessity of sustained defense expenditures in Turkey, given its unique historical and geopolitical context. The study navigates through various theoretical perspectives, notably the Keynesian and neoliberal approaches, and their specific adaptations in defense economics: military Keynesianism and private military services. It critically assesses these frameworks, integrating their critiques into the analysis. The study contributes to the discourse on defense economics by providing empirical evidence from a critical NATO member, balancing the theoretical debate with practical insights from Turkey's experience. This dual approach, combining empirical analysis with theoretical exploration, offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between defense spending and economic growth, particularly in geopolitically sensitive regions. 12-30-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the influence of defense expenditures on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Turkey from 1974 to 2021. Defense spending, crucial for national security, often diverges from regular civic investments such as education, healthcare, and transportation. The significance of these expenditures becomes evident in times of international tension, terrorist threats, and warfare. Globally, defense budgets are escalating, and Turkey, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member, is no exception. Recent trends show a decline in Turkey's public defense spending, with current levels lower than in the 1960s yet higher than the NATO average during 2014-2021. Concurrently, private sector investment in the defense industry has risen, underscoring Turkey's involvement in global defense dynamics. This research adopts the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test and the Toda-Yamamoto causality test to scrutinize the long-term and causal relationships between defense spending and economic growth. The ARDL bounds test reveals a long-term negative cointegration relationship, while the Toda-Yamamoto test indicates a unidirectional causal relationship from defense expenditures to GDP at a 10% significance level. These findings affirm the Neoclassical economic theory's postulation of a negative impact of defense spending on growth. Despite this, the paper argues for the necessity of sustained defense expenditures in Turkey, given its unique historical and geopolitical context. The study navigates through various theoretical perspectives, notably the Keynesian and neoliberal approaches, and their specific adaptations in defense economics: military Keynesianism and private military services. It critically assesses these frameworks, integrating their critiques into the analysis. The study contributes to the discourse on defense economics by providing empirical evidence from a critical NATO member, balancing the theoretical debate with practical insights from Turkey's experience. This dual approach, combining empirical analysis with theoretical exploration, offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between defense spending and economic growth, particularly in geopolitically sensitive regions.</p> ]]> Economic Impact of Defense Expenditures in Turkey: A Dual-Approach Analysis from 1974 to 2021 funda râna adaçay i̇smail misirlioğlu doi: 10.56578/ocs020404 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2023 2023 2 4 Article 206 10.56578/ocs020404 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020404 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020403 In the contemporary landscape, sustainability emerges as a pivotal indicator of corporate commitment to environmental stewardship. This study aims to elucidate the extent to which tourism enterprises, particularly those in Balıkesir Province known for leveraging natural resources, manifest their sustainable practices and certifications in electronic media. Content analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The sustainability certificates of 118 accommodation facilities with tourism operation certificates operating in Balıkesir Province and the electronic platforms on which they share them were examined. It was determined that only 9 of the 118 accommodation facilities examined had an "Environmentally Friendly Facility" certificate. It was observed that only 7 of these 16 facilities displayed these documents on their websites. Additionally, very few facilities have a "Green Key" certificate. This study makes a unique contribution to the literature on the environmental responsibility fulfillment of tourism businesses and the practices to be developed to solve environmental problems. Through the findings of the study, suggestions are offered to all stakeholders necessary for sustainable tourism, especially accommodation businesses. The study's outcomes highlight the need for enhanced visibility of sustainable practices in electronic environments, thereby underscoring the imperative for tourism enterprises to augment their commitment to environmental sustainability. 12-30-2023 <![CDATA[ In the contemporary landscape, sustainability emerges as a pivotal indicator of corporate commitment to environmental stewardship. This study aims to elucidate the extent to which tourism enterprises, particularly those in Balıkesir Province known for leveraging natural resources, manifest their sustainable practices and certifications in electronic media. Content analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The sustainability certificates of 118 accommodation facilities with tourism operation certificates operating in Balıkesir Province and the electronic platforms on which they share them were examined. It was determined that only 9 of the 118 accommodation facilities examined had an "Environmentally Friendly Facility" certificate. It was observed that only 7 of these 16 facilities displayed these documents on their websites. Additionally, very few facilities have a "Green Key" certificate. This study makes a unique contribution to the literature on the environmental responsibility fulfillment of tourism businesses and the practices to be developed to solve environmental problems. Through the findings of the study, suggestions are offered to all stakeholders necessary for sustainable tourism, especially accommodation businesses. The study's outcomes highlight the need for enhanced visibility of sustainable practices in electronic environments, thereby underscoring the imperative for tourism enterprises to augment their commitment to environmental sustainability. ]]> Visibility of Sustainability Certifications in Tourism Enterprises: A Content Analysis of Electronic Platforms in Balıkesir Province fulya güngör bilge villi esat saçkes doi: 10.56578/ocs020403 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2023 2023 2 4 Article 197 10.56578/ocs020403 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020403 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020402 In the context of rapid economic development, air pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue, particularly in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This study, through the application of Air Quality Index (AQI) data and K-means clustering, investigates the seasonal variations and spatial distribution of air quality in this region. It has been identified that air pollution in this area is not only subject to seasonal fluctuation but also exhibits distinct patterns of local spatial aggregation. Utilizing a Back Propagation (BP) Neural Network model, this research predicts AQI values, offering foresight into the development and transformation of haze weather conditions. The findings of this investigation are instrumental in enhancing the understanding of air pollution dynamics, facilitating the formulation of effective air control strategies. Such strategies are vital for the issuance of accurate pollution warnings and reminders, thereby contributing to the mitigation of severe pollution impacts. 11-27-2023 <![CDATA[ In the context of rapid economic development, air pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue, particularly in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This study, through the application of Air Quality Index (AQI) data and K-means clustering, investigates the seasonal variations and spatial distribution of air quality in this region. It has been identified that air pollution in this area is not only subject to seasonal fluctuation but also exhibits distinct patterns of local spatial aggregation. Utilizing a Back Propagation (BP) Neural Network model, this research predicts AQI values, offering foresight into the development and transformation of haze weather conditions. The findings of this investigation are instrumental in enhancing the understanding of air pollution dynamics, facilitating the formulation of effective air control strategies. Such strategies are vital for the issuance of accurate pollution warnings and reminders, thereby contributing to the mitigation of severe pollution impacts. ]]> Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics of Air Quality in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region: An Analysis Using K-means Clustering and BP Neural Networks yuanyuan wang zhuang wu wanshu fu jiaqi du yi zhang doi: 10.56578/ocs020402 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 11-27-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 11-27-2023 2023 2 4 Article 184 10.56578/ocs020402 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020402 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020401 This study employed Schwartz's basic value theory and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to elucidate environmentally sustainable tourist behaviour (ESTB) among Muslim tourists in Indonesia. Two central inquiries were examined. Firstly, the impact of intrapersonal environmental and non-environmental values on the ESTB of Muslim tourists was scrutinised. Secondly, the mediating role of environmental attitude (EA) on these intrapersonal values towards ESTB in Muslim-friendly destinations in Indonesia was assessed. A cross-sectional survey, conducted in June and July 2022, collected data from 300 Muslim tourists at Muslim-friendly destinations in Indonesia. Participants, aged 17 and above, were selected through a purposive sampling approach; they had obtained a CHSE certificate in Malang during the transition from epidemic to the new normal era and had visited at least one of the 26 Muslim-friendly tourist spots. Analysis using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) revealed that while environmental knowledge (EK) and attitudes positively influenced ESTB, environmental concern (EC) and religious value (RGV) did not demonstrate a direct impact. Moreover, it was discerned that EA played a significant mediating role between RGV, EC, EK, and environmentally sustainable behaviours. It was further observed that individuals endorsing egoistic values typically exhibited weaker pro-environmental beliefs and were less inclined towards pro-environmental actions. Conversely, those with altruistic values displayed stronger pro-environmental beliefs, consequently impacting their environmental sustainability behaviour (ESB) in Muslim-friendly tourist destinations. 11-07-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>This study employed Schwartz's basic value theory and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to elucidate environmentally sustainable tourist behaviour (ESTB) among Muslim tourists in Indonesia. Two central inquiries were examined. Firstly, the impact of intrapersonal environmental and non-environmental values on the ESTB of Muslim tourists was scrutinised. Secondly, the mediating role of environmental attitude (EA) on these intrapersonal values towards ESTB in Muslim-friendly destinations in Indonesia was assessed. A cross-sectional survey, conducted in June and July 2022, collected data from 300 Muslim tourists at Muslim-friendly destinations in Indonesia. Participants, aged 17 and above, were selected through a purposive sampling approach; they had obtained a CHSE certificate in Malang during the transition from epidemic to the new normal era and had visited at least one of the 26 Muslim-friendly tourist spots. Analysis using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) revealed that while environmental knowledge (EK) and attitudes positively influenced ESTB, environmental concern (EC) and religious value (RGV) did not demonstrate a direct impact. Moreover, it was discerned that EA played a significant mediating role between RGV, EC, EK, and environmentally sustainable behaviours. It was further observed that individuals endorsing egoistic values typically exhibited weaker pro-environmental beliefs and were less inclined towards pro-environmental actions. Conversely, those with altruistic values displayed stronger pro-environmental beliefs, consequently impacting their environmental sustainability behaviour (ESB) in Muslim-friendly tourist destinations.</p> ]]> Environmental Sustainability in Muslim-Friendly Tourism: Evaluating the Influence of Schwartz's Basic Value Theory on Tourist Behaviour in Indonesia nihayatu aslamatis solekah tanti handriana indrianawati usman doi: 10.56578/ocs020401 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 11-07-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 11-07-2023 2023 2 4 Article 172 10.56578/ocs020401 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_4/ocs020401 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020305 To assess sustainable attitudes towards environmental issues, understanding the most impactful variables amongst sub-dimensions of attitudes proves critical. In this research, the subdimensions of attitudes of students towards environmental challenges were modelled. An online Likert-scale questionnaire, spanning from 1 'Strongly Disagree' to 5 'Strongly Agree', was administered to 380 high school and associate degree students in Afyonkarahisar city center between 15 September and 15 November 2022. The questionnaire aimed to gauge the students' attitudes using the Affective, Cognitive, and Behavioural sub-dimensions. Results revealed a statistically significant effect coefficient of 0.557 between the cognitive and affective attitudes. In a similar vein, the cognitive attitude's impact on behavioural attitude was found to be statistically significant with an effect coefficient of 0.534. However, a coefficient of 0.017 between affective and behavioural attitudes demonstrated no statistically significant mediator effect. Contrary to the initial hypotheses surrounding the mediator effect of affective attitude on behavioural attitude, the findings indicate that cognitive and affective attitudes independently influence behavioural attitude. Within the cognitive dimension, the awareness of the escalating environmental problems emerged as a paramount item. It is implied that for fostering sustainable environmental behaviour, the cognitive dimension plays a pivotal role. 09-27-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>To assess sustainable attitudes towards environmental issues, understanding the most impactful variables amongst sub-dimensions of attitudes proves critical. In this research, the subdimensions of attitudes of students towards environmental challenges were modelled. An online Likert-scale questionnaire, spanning from 1 'Strongly Disagree' to 5 'Strongly Agree', was administered to 380 high school and associate degree students in Afyonkarahisar city center between 15 September and 15 November 2022. The questionnaire aimed to gauge the students' attitudes using the Affective, Cognitive, and Behavioural sub-dimensions. Results revealed a statistically significant effect coefficient of 0.557 between the cognitive and affective attitudes. In a similar vein, the cognitive attitude's impact on behavioural attitude was found to be statistically significant with an effect coefficient of 0.534. However, a coefficient of 0.017 between affective and behavioural attitudes demonstrated no statistically significant mediator effect. Contrary to the initial hypotheses surrounding the mediator effect of affective attitude on behavioural attitude, the findings indicate that cognitive and affective attitudes independently influence behavioural attitude. Within the cognitive dimension, the awareness of the escalating environmental problems emerged as a paramount item. It is implied that for fostering sustainable environmental behaviour, the cognitive dimension plays a pivotal role.</p> ]]> Modeling the Influences on Sustainable Attitudes of Students Towards Environmental Challenges: A Partial Least Squares- Structural Equation Modelling Approach sinan saraçlı berkalp tunca i̇sa gül erkan arı bilge villi buket i̇pek berk i̇hsan berk gratiela dana boca doi: 10.56578/ocs020305 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-27-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-27-2023 2023 2 3 Article 161 10.56578/ocs020305 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020305 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020304 Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2003-2019, the relationship between trade openness and haze pollution, moderated by environmental regulation, was investigated through spatial econometric models. It was observed that the effect of trade openness on haze pollution was negative, albeit insignificant, suggesting that trade openness alone did not markedly influence haze reduction in China. Contrarily, environmental regulation, while intensifying haze pollution, displayed a significant moderating role. When combined with environmental regulations, trade openness showed potential in mitigating haze pollution, thus enhancing environmental quality. Although trade openness did not display significant regional variance in its impact on haze pollution, considerable regional disparities were found in the effects of environmental regulation on haze pollution and its moderating influence on the trade openness-haze pollution relationship. 09-25-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>Using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2003-2019, the relationship between trade openness and haze pollution, moderated by environmental regulation, was investigated through spatial econometric models. It was observed that the effect of trade openness on haze pollution was negative, albeit insignificant, suggesting that trade openness alone did not markedly influence haze reduction in China. Contrarily, environmental regulation, while intensifying haze pollution, displayed a significant moderating role. When combined with environmental regulations, trade openness showed potential in mitigating haze pollution, thus enhancing environmental quality. Although trade openness did not display significant regional variance in its impact on haze pollution, considerable regional disparities were found in the effects of environmental regulation on haze pollution and its moderating influence on the trade openness-haze pollution relationship.</p> ]]> Trade Openness and Haze Pollution in China: The Moderating Role of Environmental Regulation guohua niu yuanhua yang doi: 10.56578/ocs020304 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-25-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-25-2023 2023 2 3 Article 148 10.56578/ocs020304 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020304 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020303 In the quest to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), health economics and the financing of health expenditures emerge as pivotal elements. This literature-based exploration delves into the intricate nexus between health financing and sustainable development. Interpretations of pertinent data tables suggest that the financing level of health services at the household level is typically below the global average, indicating a prominent gap in health financing development. Specifically, Turkey's stance on health financing is evaluated against global benchmarks, highlighting its unique challenges and opportunities. This research underscores the intrinsic relationship between health financing and sustainable development, emphasizing the imperative for ongoing evaluation and enhancement in this domain to foster sustainable progression. Notably, the study refrains from employing statistical methodologies, relying solely on literature assessments and data table interpretations. Health financing, pivotal to sustainable development, invariably demands continual advancements and research. 09-25-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>In the quest to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), health economics and the financing of health expenditures emerge as pivotal elements. This literature-based exploration delves into the intricate nexus between health financing and sustainable development. Interpretations of pertinent data tables suggest that the financing level of health services at the household level is typically below the global average, indicating a prominent gap in health financing development. Specifically, Turkey's stance on health financing is evaluated against global benchmarks, highlighting its unique challenges and opportunities. This research underscores the intrinsic relationship between health financing and sustainable development, emphasizing the imperative for ongoing evaluation and enhancement in this domain to foster sustainable progression. Notably, the study refrains from employing statistical methodologies, relying solely on literature assessments and data table interpretations. Health financing, pivotal to sustainable development, invariably demands continual advancements and research.</p> ]]> Health Financing in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals: An Examination of Global Averages and Turkey's Position merve arslan hacı muhammet kekeç doi: 10.56578/ocs020303 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-25-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-25-2023 2023 2 3 Article 141 10.56578/ocs020303 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020303 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020302 In the face of profound digital transformations, the societal and economic landscape has undergone significant shifts, notably impacting the educational sector across European Union (EU) member states. Through the employment of robust regression models, employing both Huber and biweight iterations, data spanning 1995-2021 were analyzed. The focus was on the relationship between the Education Index (EI) (a component of the Human Development Index (HDI)) and the Global Innovation Index (GINNOV). Results from this analysis suggest that an increase in internet usage, global innovation levels, and poverty alleviation measures have been found to positively influence the EI. Concurrently, positive correlations between internet usage, the contribution of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to GDP, employment rates, and the EI on global innovation levels were observed. Interestingly, adverse correlations were detected between household internet access and the ICT sector's GDP contribution to the EI, and between internet access and high-speed internet coverage with global innovation. Such findings underline the need for strategic interventions within the education sector, which are elaborated upon in the article. 09-05-2023 <![CDATA[ In the face of profound digital transformations, the societal and economic landscape has undergone significant shifts, notably impacting the educational sector across European Union (EU) member states. Through the employment of robust regression models, employing both Huber and biweight iterations, data spanning 1995-2021 were analyzed. The focus was on the relationship between the Education Index (EI) (a component of the Human Development Index (HDI)) and the Global Innovation Index (GINNOV). Results from this analysis suggest that an increase in internet usage, global innovation levels, and poverty alleviation measures have been found to positively influence the EI. Concurrently, positive correlations between internet usage, the contribution of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to GDP, employment rates, and the EI on global innovation levels were observed. Interestingly, adverse correlations were detected between household internet access and the ICT sector's GDP contribution to the EI, and between internet access and high-speed internet coverage with global innovation. Such findings underline the need for strategic interventions within the education sector, which are elaborated upon in the article. ]]> Digital Transformation and Its Implications on Educational Quality: An Empirical Analysis Within the European Union Context mirela cristea graţiela georgiana noja teodora andreea găinaru catrinel delia tălăban doi: 10.56578/ocs020302 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-05-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-05-2023 2023 2 3 Article 130 10.56578/ocs020302 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020302 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020301 This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of environmental susceptibility associated with the development of the Belgrade-Novi Sad Railway Route in Serbia. Fostering socio-economic growth through transportation infrastructure necessitates an acute awareness of potential ecological implications, a nexus often overlooked in the haste of progress. Accordingly, a broad spectrum of environmental parameters such as land use, air and noise pollution, water resources, and biodiversity were systematically assessed. The employment of Habitat Equivalency Analysis facilitated the discernment of potential environmental detriments linked with the railway project. Significant findings from this investigation offer critical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental conservationists, thus enriching the understanding of ecological consequences attached to the expansion of the specified railway corridor. These findings, serving as a tool for informed decision-making, are pivotal in striving towards a balanced approach between the exigencies of transportation infrastructure enhancement and the indispensable goal of environmental preservation. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to promote an enhanced understanding of the reciprocal relationship between infrastructure development and environmental impact, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse on sustainable practices beneficial for current and future generations. 09-04-2023 <![CDATA[ This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of environmental susceptibility associated with the development of the Belgrade-Novi Sad Railway Route in Serbia. Fostering socio-economic growth through transportation infrastructure necessitates an acute awareness of potential ecological implications, a nexus often overlooked in the haste of progress. Accordingly, a broad spectrum of environmental parameters such as land use, air and noise pollution, water resources, and biodiversity were systematically assessed. The employment of Habitat Equivalency Analysis facilitated the discernment of potential environmental detriments linked with the railway project. Significant findings from this investigation offer critical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental conservationists, thus enriching the understanding of ecological consequences attached to the expansion of the specified railway corridor. These findings, serving as a tool for informed decision-making, are pivotal in striving towards a balanced approach between the exigencies of transportation infrastructure enhancement and the indispensable goal of environmental preservation. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to promote an enhanced understanding of the reciprocal relationship between infrastructure development and environmental impact, thereby contributing to the ongoing discourse on sustainable practices beneficial for current and future generations. ]]> Ecological Consequences of Railway Infrastructure Development: A Case Study of the Belgrade-Novi Sad Corridor stabak roy doi: 10.56578/ocs020301 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-04-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-04-2023 2023 2 3 Article 116 10.56578/ocs020301 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_3/ocs020301 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020205 Recent trends indicate a deceleration in the growth of insurance markets in developed countries, whereas emerging insurance markets, predominantly in Southeast Asia, and led by China, demonstrate a remarkable increase in total gross premiums. This contrast, largely attributed to digitalization of insurance operations, underscores the need for understanding and integrating technological innovations within the insurance industry. Faced with emerging risks such as climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, and cyber threats, insurance companies must implement proactive risk prevention strategies alongside enhancing their risk mitigation instruments. Utilizing comprehensive, country-specific alert systems can aid in evaluating risk profiles and managing the emergent risks more efficiently. While Serbia's efforts towards digital transformation in the insurance sector are still budding, there remains a significant potential for growth and introduction of innovative insurance products. However, the lack of adequate preventive measures against risks such as natural disasters has hampered its full development potential in sectors like agriculture and tourism. On the other hand, China's approach to managing natural disaster risks through robust institutional support and an innovative insurance market offers valuable insights. This study aims to highlight the significant challenges posed by modern trends in the insurance industry, emphasizing the case of China, and suggesting ways for insurance companies to respond to these challenges. Moreover, it assesses the readiness of the Serbian insurance market in managing natural disaster risks and provides a roadmap for the integration of technology within the insurance sector. 06-15-2023 <![CDATA[ Recent trends indicate a deceleration in the growth of insurance markets in developed countries, whereas emerging insurance markets, predominantly in Southeast Asia, and led by China, demonstrate a remarkable increase in total gross premiums. This contrast, largely attributed to digitalization of insurance operations, underscores the need for understanding and integrating technological innovations within the insurance industry. Faced with emerging risks such as climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, and cyber threats, insurance companies must implement proactive risk prevention strategies alongside enhancing their risk mitigation instruments. Utilizing comprehensive, country-specific alert systems can aid in evaluating risk profiles and managing the emergent risks more efficiently. While Serbia's efforts towards digital transformation in the insurance sector are still budding, there remains a significant potential for growth and introduction of innovative insurance products. However, the lack of adequate preventive measures against risks such as natural disasters has hampered its full development potential in sectors like agriculture and tourism. On the other hand, China's approach to managing natural disaster risks through robust institutional support and an innovative insurance market offers valuable insights. This study aims to highlight the significant challenges posed by modern trends in the insurance industry, emphasizing the case of China, and suggesting ways for insurance companies to respond to these challenges. Moreover, it assesses the readiness of the Serbian insurance market in managing natural disaster risks and provides a roadmap for the integration of technology within the insurance sector. ]]> Digital Transformation and Risk Mitigation in Emerging Insurance Markets: A Comparative Analysis Between China and Serbia katica radosavljević doi: 10.56578/ocs020205 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-15-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-15-2023 2023 2 2 Article 104 10.56578/ocs020205 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020205 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020204 This study investigates the potential of certification as a driving force for sustainable development in the Hindu-Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region, characterized by its unique high-altitude ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and susceptibility to climate change. Focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture sectors, the research emphasizes their critical role in the region's economic growth and livelihoods. Nonetheless, the implementation of certification in the HKH region encounters several obstacles, including constrained resources, regulatory barriers, financial accessibility, and limited marketing capabilities. By examining certification initiatives in Bhutan and Nepal, such as organic certification and energy labeling, this study elucidates the advantages and challenges associated with both mandatory and voluntary certification schemes. To address these concerns, the establishment of an HKH Standards and Certification Council is proposed. This Council would facilitate the development and adoption of credible certification and accreditation processes, thereby promoting sustainability and energy efficiency throughout the region. By supporting SMEs, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the relevance, accessibility, and efficacy of standards for small businesses, the HKH Standards and Certification Council could significantly contribute to the sustainable development of the HKH region. 06-12-2023 <![CDATA[ This study investigates the potential of certification as a driving force for sustainable development in the Hindu-Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region, characterized by its unique high-altitude ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and susceptibility to climate change. Focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture sectors, the research emphasizes their critical role in the region's economic growth and livelihoods. Nonetheless, the implementation of certification in the HKH region encounters several obstacles, including constrained resources, regulatory barriers, financial accessibility, and limited marketing capabilities. By examining certification initiatives in Bhutan and Nepal, such as organic certification and energy labeling, this study elucidates the advantages and challenges associated with both mandatory and voluntary certification schemes. To address these concerns, the establishment of an HKH Standards and Certification Council is proposed. This Council would facilitate the development and adoption of credible certification and accreditation processes, thereby promoting sustainability and energy efficiency throughout the region. By supporting SMEs, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the relevance, accessibility, and efficacy of standards for small businesses, the HKH Standards and Certification Council could significantly contribute to the sustainable development of the HKH region. ]]> Advancing Sustainable Development in the Hindu-Kush-Himalaya Region Through Certification Strategies pugazenthi dhananjayan pooja koirala deepshikha sharma doi: 10.56578/ocs020204 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-12-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 06-12-2023 2023 2 2 Article 93 10.56578/ocs020204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020203 Purpose of this research is to identify the nature of loyalty, the valence/dimensionality of this concept, and the factors that determine customers of banking products/services in the Republic of Moldova to establish long-term relationships with the bank and remain loyal to it, thereby proposing targeted measures the banks could take to keep their customers. Online survey data of 363 customers of financial-banking products/services in the country was extracted, counted, and analyzed, and the statistical results reveal that loyalty to a banking service is similar to that in interpersonal relationships, and bank-client relationships can generate friendships or even lasting partnerships over time due to proper behavior. Based on analysis results, this paper identifies manifestations of loyalty, figures out factors for developing loyalty and trusting relationships and for improving customer attitude, and innovatively proposes a few suggestions for financial institutions to formulate customer loyalty problems and develop long-term relationships with their customers, including measuring customer loyalty level to identify genuinely loyal customers, ensuring the bank’s efforts to build customer loyalty is recognized in the entire institution, relating the value of each customer to the value of rewards provided in the loyalty program, and rewarding customer loyalty according to customer priorities. Research results attained in the paper could assist bank managers in the Republic of Moldova in making managerial decisions to prevent customers from migrating to competitors and establish long-term relationships with them, and the conclusions and suggestions might be applicable to banks in other counties with similar problems around the globe. 05-28-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>Purpose of this research is to identify the nature of loyalty, the valence/dimensionality of this concept, and the factors that determine customers of banking products/services in the Republic of Moldova to establish long-term relationships with the bank and remain loyal to it, thereby proposing targeted measures the banks could take to keep their customers. Online survey data of 363 customers of financial-banking products/services in the country was extracted, counted, and analyzed, and the statistical results reveal that loyalty to a banking service is similar to that in interpersonal relationships, and bank-client relationships can generate friendships or even lasting partnerships over time due to proper behavior. Based on analysis results, this paper identifies manifestations of loyalty, figures out factors for developing loyalty and trusting relationships and for improving customer attitude, and innovatively proposes a few suggestions for financial institutions to formulate customer loyalty problems and develop long-term relationships with their customers, including measuring customer loyalty level to identify genuinely loyal customers, ensuring the bank’s efforts to build customer loyalty is recognized in the entire institution, relating the value of each customer to the value of rewards provided in the loyalty program, and rewarding customer loyalty according to customer priorities. Research results attained in the paper could assist bank managers in the Republic of Moldova in making managerial decisions to prevent customers from migrating to competitors and establish long-term relationships with them, and the conclusions and suggestions might be applicable to banks in other counties with similar problems around the globe.</p> ]]> Factors Influencing Customer Loyalty in the Retail Banking Sector: A Study of Financial-Banking Services in the Republic of Moldova larisa mistrean doi: 10.56578/ocs020203 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-28-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-28-2023 2023 2 2 Article 81 10.56578/ocs020203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020202 Purpose: this study aimed at measuring the sustainable consumption behaviors of generations X, Y and Z using various descriptive variables. Methodology: the convenience sampling method was used for the data of this cross-sectional study collected during March 15-20, 2023, which obtained 244 usable survey data. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests were used in the study, such as t, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: the participants exhibited sustainable consumption behaviors at a moderate level (3.03). Positive and significant relationships (p0.05). However, statistically significant difference existed in the sustainable consumption behavior levels of the participants in terms of the variables, such as marital status, place of residence and generation (pConclusions: married participants living in the city in generation Y exhibited significantly more sustainable consumption behaviors than others. Implications: the study results revealed that the participants did not have sufficient environmental awareness. In this age of continuous consumption, it is of great importance to make necessary efforts on the issue. Within this context, environmental communities and educational institutions should provide more seminars and trainings on this issue. 05-15-2023 <![CDATA[ <p><strong>Purpose</strong>: this study aimed at measuring the sustainable consumption behaviors of generations X, Y and Z using various descriptive variables. <strong>Methodology</strong>: the convenience sampling method was used for the data of this cross-sectional study collected during March 15-20, 2023, which obtained 244 usable survey data. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests were used in the study, such as t, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis. <strong>Results</strong>: the participants exhibited sustainable consumption behaviors at a moderate level (3.03). Positive and significant relationships (p<0.05) existed between the Sustainable Consumption Behavior Scale and its “environmental sensitivity” (r: 0.789), “saving” (r: 0.725), and "reusability” (r: 0.616) sub-dimensions. There was no statistically significant difference in the sustainable consumption behavior levels of the participants in terms of the variables, such as gender, educational level, income level and family type (p>0.05). However, statistically significant difference existed in the sustainable consumption behavior levels of the participants in terms of the variables, such as marital status, place of residence and generation (p<0.05). <strong>Conclusions</strong>: married participants living in the city in generation Y exhibited significantly more sustainable consumption behaviors than others. <strong>Implications</strong>: the study results revealed that the participants did not have sufficient environmental awareness. In this age of continuous consumption, it is of great importance to make necessary efforts on the issue. Within this context, environmental communities and educational institutions should provide more seminars and trainings on this issue.</p> ]]> Sustainable Consumption Behavior Measurement of Three Generations Using Descriptive Variables derya gündüz hoşgör hacer güngördü haydar hoşgör doi: 10.56578/ocs020202 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-15-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-15-2023 2023 2 2 Article 71 10.56578/ocs020202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020201 This paper aimed to explore the current research trends in circular innovation (CI) through scientometric analysis of data, acquired from the Web of Science (WoS) database, using the VOSviewer program. By applying some filters to draw boundaries, this paper found 917 journal articles related to CI in the Social Sciences Citation Index. Tables and maps were used to visualize and illustrate the keywords occurrence, leading journals, authors, and countries that made the greatest contribution to the research field. As the first scientometric analysis of CI research, this paper provided an up-to-date and inclusive big picture of related literature, indicating its unique and primary value. In addition, this paper understood and visualized research patterns and trends and identified main topics, countries and journals, which added value to the innovation and sustainability literature. The research results showed that the number of citations and publications about CI increased rapidly after 2010, and the most prominent issues related to CI were circular economy (CE), circular business models, sustainability, and sustainable development. Finally, the paper presented future research directions of CI linked to business management. 05-15-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>This paper aimed to explore the current research trends in circular innovation (CI) through scientometric analysis of data, acquired from the Web of Science (WoS) database, using the VOSviewer program. By applying some filters to draw boundaries, this paper found 917 journal articles related to CI in the Social Sciences Citation Index. Tables and maps were used to visualize and illustrate the keywords occurrence, leading journals, authors, and countries that made the greatest contribution to the research field. As the first scientometric analysis of CI research, this paper provided an up-to-date and inclusive big picture of related literature, indicating its unique and primary value. In addition, this paper understood and visualized research patterns and trends and identified main topics, countries and journals, which added value to the innovation and sustainability literature. The research results showed that the number of citations and publications about CI increased rapidly after 2010, and the most prominent issues related to CI were circular economy (CE), circular business models, sustainability, and sustainable development. Finally, the paper presented future research directions of CI linked to business management.</p> ]]> Scientometric Analysis of Circular Innovation: A Novel Approach for Sustainability zehra binnur avunduk doi: 10.56578/ocs020201 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-15-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 05-15-2023 2023 2 2 Article 62 10.56578/ocs020201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_2/ocs020201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020105 As a major public health emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic has some uncertainties. Coupling of the uncertainties and anti-epidemic policies easily leads to the spread of negative emotions. It is challenging to maintain the sustainability of anti-epidemic measures. Therefore, this paper aimed to analyze the challenges that the sustainability of anti-epidemic measures is faced with. A topic clustering extension method was proposed, which integrated Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic information with Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) contextual information through aspect-based sentiment analysis. In addition, this paper constructed a thesaurus of aspect words from the two stages of dynamic zero-COVID and orderly relaxation of epidemic control. This paper established the BERT-pair-ABSA model for semantic expansion of auxiliary sentences and calculated sentiment polarity to gain insight into the changes in netizens' concerns, emotional states and evolution trends at different stages. The research results showed: (1) Compared with the benchmark model, the proposed sentiment analysis model had better classification accuracy and was applicable to the sentiment classification of short texts in the epidemic situation; (2) During the dynamic zero-COVID stage, netizens paid attention to grassroots epidemic management and the scope of lockdown and epidemic control, which were closely related to both specific lockdown and control management, and the implementation of regional epidemic management; and (3) in the orderly relaxation stage of epidemic control, netizens were concerned about drug guarantee, medical care guarantee, personal health protection and health protection of special population groups, and negative emotions always dominated in drug guarantee, medical care guarantee and health protection of special groups. The negative sentiment of drug guarantee, medical care guarantee and health protection of special groups always dominated. The results provided an empirical basis for the optimization and adjustment of the anti-epidemic policies. 03-30-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>As a major public health emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic has some uncertainties. Coupling of the uncertainties and anti-epidemic policies easily leads to the spread of negative emotions. It is challenging to maintain the sustainability of anti-epidemic measures. Therefore, this paper aimed to analyze the challenges that the sustainability of anti-epidemic measures is faced with. A topic clustering extension method was proposed, which integrated Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic information with Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) contextual information through aspect-based sentiment analysis. In addition, this paper constructed a thesaurus of aspect words from the two stages of dynamic zero-COVID and orderly relaxation of epidemic control. This paper established the BERT-pair-ABSA model for semantic expansion of auxiliary sentences and calculated sentiment polarity to gain insight into the changes in netizens' concerns, emotional states and evolution trends at different stages. The research results showed: (1) Compared with the benchmark model, the proposed sentiment analysis model had better classification accuracy and was applicable to the sentiment classification of short texts in the epidemic situation; (2) During the dynamic zero-COVID stage, netizens paid attention to grassroots epidemic management and the scope of lockdown and epidemic control, which were closely related to both specific lockdown and control management, and the implementation of regional epidemic management; and (3) in the orderly relaxation stage of epidemic control, netizens were concerned about drug guarantee, medical care guarantee, personal health protection and health protection of special population groups, and negative emotions always dominated in drug guarantee, medical care guarantee and health protection of special groups. The negative sentiment of drug guarantee, medical care guarantee and health protection of special groups always dominated. The results provided an empirical basis for the optimization and adjustment of the anti-epidemic policies.</p> ]]> Challenges Confronting the Sustainability of Anti-Epidemic Policies Based on the BERT-Pair-ABSA Model yanchun zhu luyao li chenguang li wei zhang doi: 10.56578/ocs020105 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2023 2023 2 1 Article 41 10.56578/ocs020105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020104 This paper aimed to analyze the salary bargaining power of employees and firms. Based on two-tier stochastic frontier model, this paper constructed a model to measure the bargaining power of employees and firms in the salary formation process. Taking Chinese A-share listed companies from 2017 to 2021 in the China Stock Market & Accounting Research Database (CSMAR) of GTA as samples, this paper conducted an empirical measurement of the bargaining power of both parties and the impact on employee salary. The results showed that: (1) The bargaining power of both employees and firms had a very important impact on the final salary, and employees had stronger bargaining power compared with firms; (2) About 75% employees made their salary higher than “Benchmark” salary through bargaining. The employee salary was 8.46% higher than "Benchmark" salary on average. With the increase of salary level, employees had stronger bargaining power in the process of salary formation. (3) The bargaining power of employees and firms was heterogeneous in firms with different ownership in different years, but the bargaining power of employees was generally stronger than that of firms. 03-30-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>This paper aimed to analyze the salary bargaining power of employees and firms. Based on two-tier stochastic frontier model, this paper constructed a model to measure the bargaining power of employees and firms in the salary formation process. Taking Chinese A-share listed companies from 2017 to 2021 in the China Stock Market & Accounting Research Database (CSMAR) of GTA as samples, this paper conducted an empirical measurement of the bargaining power of both parties and the impact on employee salary. The results showed that: (1) The bargaining power of both employees and firms had a very important impact on the final salary, and employees had stronger bargaining power compared with firms; (2) About 75% employees made their salary higher than “Benchmark” salary through bargaining. The employee salary was 8.46% higher than "Benchmark" salary on average. With the increase of salary level, employees had stronger bargaining power in the process of salary formation. (3) The bargaining power of employees and firms was heterogeneous in firms with different ownership in different years, but the bargaining power of employees was generally stronger than that of firms.</p> ]]> Are Firms Stronger than Employees in Terms of Salary Bargaining Power? Evidence from China jin wang doi: 10.56578/ocs020104 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-30-2023 2023 2 1 Article 30 10.56578/ocs020104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020103 (1) Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Sustainability Reporting (SR) and financial performance and put forward the effect of the SR on financial performance. (2) Methodology: In order to test our hypothesis that financial performance increases the likelihood of firms reporting sustainability, a regression model was built based on the data of firms included in the Borsa Istanbul Stock Market Sustainability Index. Independent variables included in the model are Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) values, which are considered as financial performance indicators. Application of sustainable report is a dependent variable of the model. (3) Results: Company size had a positive effect on sustainability activities, while profitability had no significant effect. Large firms were usually more willing to play a role in social and environmental issues and explain their strategies on these issues. (4) Conclusions: It is important for firms to implement sustainability initiatives inside the firms from a strategic point of view, not as a result of pressure from stakeholders, such as official institutions, non-governmental organizations, suppliers or consumers. (5) Implications: With the linear regression estimation performed, the causal relationship between sustainability and financial performance has quantitatively demonstrated the positive effect of sustainability on financial performance. The main purpose of the study is to reveal the importance of publishing a sustainability report for firms and raise their awareness, thus examining the long-term effects of publishing the report. It is suggested that future research may investigate possible differences of sustainability according to the development levels of markets and countries. 03-28-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>(1) <span>Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Sustainability Reporting (SR) and financial performance and put forward the effect of the SR on financial performance. (2) Methodology: In order to test our hypothesis that financial performance increases the likelihood of firms reporting sustainability, a regression model was built based on the data of firms included in the Borsa Istanbul Stock Market Sustainability Index. Independent variables included in the model are Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) values, which are considered as financial performance indicators. Application of sustainable report is a dependent variable of the model. (3) Results: Company size had a positive effect on sustainability activities, while profitability had no significant effect. Large firms were usually more willing to play a role in social and environmental issues and explain their strategies on these issues. (4) Conclusions: It is important for firms to implement sustainability initiatives inside the firms from a strategic point of view, not as a result of pressure from stakeholders, such as official institutions, non-governmental organizations, suppliers or consumers. (5) Implications: With the linear regression estimation performed, the causal relationship between sustainability and financial performance has quantitatively demonstrated the positive effect of sustainability on financial performance. The main purpose of the study is to reveal the importance of publishing a sustainability report for firms and raise their awareness, thus examining the long-term effects of publishing the report. It is suggested that future research may investigate possible differences of sustainability according to the development levels of markets and countries.</span></p> ]]> Impact of Sustainability Reporting on Financial Performance ismail erkan celik doi: 10.56578/ocs020103 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-28-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-28-2023 2023 2 1 Article 23 10.56578/ocs020103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020102 Research & Development (R&D) expenditures and technological development and innovation are crucial for higher and sustainable economic growth of countries. This paper aimed to study the effects of R&D expenditures and high-tech product exports on economic growth rates. Vector autoregressive model (VAR) analysis was made using annual data between 2000-2021 in sampled BRICS countries and Turkey. It was determined that a country's economic growth rates significantly affected R&D expenditures. In addition, R&D expenditures and high-tech exports had no significant effect on economic growth rates. With economic development, the R&D expenditures increased, which was in line with expected results. 03-28-2023 <![CDATA[ <p>Research & Development (R&D) expenditures and technological development and innovation are crucial for higher and sustainable economic growth of countries. This paper aimed to study the effects of R&D expenditures and high-tech product exports on economic growth rates. Vector autoregressive model (VAR) analysis was made using annual data between 2000-2021 in sampled BRICS countries and Turkey. It was determined that a country's economic growth rates significantly affected R&D expenditures. In addition, R&D expenditures and high-tech exports had no significant effect on economic growth rates. With economic development, the R&D expenditures increased, which was in line with expected results.</p> ]]> Effect of High-Tech Exports and R&D Expenditures on Sustainable Economic Growth-Case Study of BRICS Countries and Turkey serdar kuzu merve arslan doi: 10.56578/ocs020102 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-28-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-28-2023 2023 2 1 Article 18 10.56578/ocs020102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020101 The energy trilemma is a significant challenge of our time, driven by advancing climate change, social and political changes, and the impact of the war in Ukraine. This has led to the traditional business models of the energy industry and utilities being challenged. Against the backdrop of environmental sustainability, energy security, and affordability, this paper examines whether German utilities can achieve greater sustainability while creating shareholder value by divesting their carbon-intensive businesses. The analysis of the spin-off of E.ON-Uniper and the carve-out of RWE-Innogy reveals positive impacts on shareholder value, corporate performance, and a higher share price of all four companies after the splits. One conclusion that can be drawn is that divesting carbon-intensive businesses might create value for the company and its shareholders. However, it is important to note that the analysis did not demonstrate any benefits in terms of improved ESG ratings due to divestment. 03-23-2023 <![CDATA[ <p><span>The energy trilemma is a significant challenge of our time, driven by advancing climate change, social and political changes, and the impact of the war in Ukraine. This has led to the traditional business models of the energy industry and utilities being challenged. Against the backdrop of environmental sustainability, energy security, and affordability, this paper examines whether German utilities can achieve greater sustainability while creating shareholder value by divesting their carbon-intensive businesses. The analysis of the spin-off of E.ON-Uniper and the carve-out of RWE-Innogy reveals positive impacts on shareholder value, corporate performance, and a higher share price of all four companies after the splits. One conclusion that can be drawn is that divesting carbon-intensive businesses might create value for the company and its shareholders. However, it is important to note that the analysis did not demonstrate any benefits in terms of improved ESG ratings due to divestment.</span></p> ]]> Critical Analysis of Shareholder Benefits from Spin-Offs and Carve-Outs of Carbon-Intensive Businesses: A Study of the Energy Industry justin brune daniel harder lars klingenberger doi: 10.56578/ocs020101 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-23-2023 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 03-23-2023 2023 2 1 Article 1 10.56578/ocs020101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2023_2_1/ocs020101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010204 Micro units are a significant economic segment of our society and are a major source of employment after the agriculture sector. The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of the government's scheme after five years (2015-20) in order to determine whether the MSME sector has grown and developed over that period. Micro units engaged in manufacturing, processing, trading, and service activities are included in this category. It is responsible for providing employment to approximately 10 million individuals. There are a lot of proprietary/single-ownership/own-account businesses in the non-corporate small business sector. In view of India's large population, it is difficult for them to access mainstream commercial banks. India sometimes introduces objective-oriented schemes to help the underprivileged start up, expand, and change their small businesses. Through an empirical investigation, this paper will evaluate the needs and performance of this program after five years (2015-20). The Mudra Banking Scheme is also an objective-oriented model for the financial inclusion of the poor who do not have mortgages to cover their financial needs. Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi commenced this banking scheme in August 2015. 12-30-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>Micro units are a significant economic segment of our society and are a major source of employment after the agriculture sector. The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of the government's scheme after five years (2015-20) in order to determine whether the MSME sector has grown and developed over that period. Micro units engaged in manufacturing, processing, trading, and service activities are included in this category. It is responsible for providing employment to approximately 10 million individuals. There are a lot of proprietary/single-ownership/own-account businesses in the non-corporate small business sector. In view of India's large population, it is difficult for them to access mainstream commercial banks. India sometimes introduces objective-oriented schemes to help the underprivileged start up, expand, and change their small businesses. Through an empirical investigation, this paper will evaluate the needs and performance of this program after five years (2015-20). The Mudra Banking Scheme is also an objective-oriented model for the financial inclusion of the poor who do not have mortgages to cover their financial needs. Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi commenced this banking scheme in August 2015.</p> ]]> Financial Inclusion in India Through Micro Units Schemes-Sustainable Development for the Five Year (2015-20) Study kamal batta shaina arora anand pandey doi: 10.56578/ocs010204 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 2022 1 2 Article 116 10.56578/ocs010204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010204 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010203 The United Nations 2030 Agenda designed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted in 2015 with the primary aim of achieving sustainable development by 2030. One of these goals is SDG 4, which aims to ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. Implementing SDG 4 calls for initiatives that instill knowledge, attitudes and skills as clearly indicated in Target 4.7. This requires a change in mindset, where transformative ideologies fused in both sustainability governance and education are required to encourage behavioural change. This research presents a case study regarding an exhibition, which toured Maltese schools and the community, in the form of a large Rubik’s cube possessing 17 cubicles in which an artifact about each SDG is presented. This case study aims to examine how this exhibition contributes to SDG 4, specifically Target 4.7. It also seeks to explore whether the case study contributes towards transformative approaches in tandem with education and governance for sustainable development. The methodological framework presents two innovative approaches – a visual qualitative analysis of each artifact and a matrix that attributes scores reflecting the effectiveness of each exhibit vis-à-vis the main components of Target 4.7. Qualitative and quantitative findings, supported by reflexivity, are garnered to examine the implications of this case study, which acts as a good springboard to emanate the SDGs within the community by creating a link between formal and non-formal learning spaces. Drawing upon such insights, a Transformative Education-Governance model is proposed where a number of action points are delineated. This provides a fertile terrain in reconceptualising education and governance, useful for researchers and practitioners in the fields of sustainability and education. 12-30-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>The United Nations 2030 Agenda designed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted in 2015 with the primary aim of achieving sustainable development by 2030. One of these goals is SDG 4, which aims to ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’. Implementing SDG 4 calls for initiatives that instill knowledge, attitudes and skills as clearly indicated in Target 4.7. This requires a change in mindset, where transformative ideologies fused in both sustainability governance and education are required to encourage behavioural change. This research presents a case study regarding an exhibition, which toured Maltese schools and the community, in the form of a large Rubik’s cube possessing 17 cubicles in which an artifact about each SDG is presented. This case study aims to examine how this exhibition contributes to SDG 4, specifically Target 4.7. It also seeks to explore whether the case study contributes towards transformative approaches in tandem with education and governance for sustainable development. The methodological framework presents two innovative approaches – a visual qualitative analysis of each artifact and a matrix that attributes scores reflecting the effectiveness of each exhibit vis-à-vis the main components of Target 4.7. Qualitative and quantitative findings, supported by reflexivity, are garnered to examine the implications of this case study, which acts as a good springboard to emanate the SDGs within the community by creating a link between formal and non-formal learning spaces. Drawing upon such insights, a Transformative Education-Governance model is proposed where a number of action points are delineated. This provides a fertile terrain in reconceptualising education and governance, useful for researchers and practitioners in the fields of sustainability and education.</p> ]]> Addressing Transformative Education and Governance Through the Sustainable Development Goal 4: A Case Study clinton cassar doi: 10.56578/ocs010203 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 2022 1 2 Article 105 10.56578/ocs010203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010203 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010202 The purpose of this study is to find out whether micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can boost economic growth and achieve their sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing financial technology innovations and the Resource Base Strategy (SRB) through crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending (P2P lending). This study used a mixed approach, namely a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The population in this study were SMEs who used crowdfunding and P2P lending services, totaling 380 SMEs. Through calculation by the Slovin’s Formula, 192 SMEs were sampled. The results of this study are as follows: (1) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations using crowdfunding as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (2) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations using crowdfunding as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (3) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of SRB using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (4) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of SRB using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (4) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of SRB using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (5) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB using crowdfunding as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (6) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB strategies using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (7) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB using crowdfunding and P2P lending as alternatives to meet capital requirements; (8) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB strategies using crowdfunding and P2P lending as alternatives to meet capital requirements; and (9) the improved performance and growth of MSMEs justifies the paradigm shift from the resource driven economic growth to the innovation driven one. This study helps MSMEs obtain the maximum investment so that they can create a great number of jobs to boost economic growth. The conclusions can be used by MSMEs in their business models to deal with the impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic. 12-30-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>The purpose of this study is to find out whether micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can boost economic growth and achieve their sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing financial technology innovations and the Resource Base Strategy (SRB) through crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending (P2P lending). This study used a mixed approach, namely a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The population in this study were SMEs who used crowdfunding and P2P lending services, totaling 380 SMEs. Through calculation by the Slovin’s Formula, 192 SMEs were sampled. The results of this study are as follows: (1) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations using crowdfunding as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (2) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations using crowdfunding as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (3) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of SRB using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (4) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of SRB using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (4) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of SRB using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (5) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB using crowdfunding as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (6) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB strategies using P2P lending as an alternative to meet capital requirements; (7) the performance of MSMEs will be improved if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB using crowdfunding and P2P lending as alternatives to meet capital requirements; (8) the economic growth will be supported if MSMEs carry out internal improvements in the form of financial technology innovations and SRB strategies using crowdfunding and P2P lending as alternatives to meet capital requirements; and (9) the improved performance and growth of MSMEs justifies the paradigm shift from the resource driven economic growth to the innovation driven one. This study helps MSMEs obtain the maximum investment so that they can create a great number of jobs to boost economic growth. The conclusions can be used by MSMEs in their business models to deal with the impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic.</p> ]]> Efforts to Support Economic Growth and Improve MSMEs’ Performance During the Pandemic dwi prastiyo hadi agus sutono endang wuryandini riyanto fajar darma putra inayah adi sari doi: 10.56578/ocs010202 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 2022 1 2 Article 95 10.56578/ocs010202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010202 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010201 (1) Purpose: Within the significance of eradicating poverty in the long term, the purpose of this paper is to assess the implications of the dimensions of sustainable development, across all European Union Member States, on poverty, through the lens of dimensions focused on economic and social factors, both directly and globally, in their mutual interconnectedness. (2) Methodology: The research methodology consists of applying two econometric models, namely, panel models (with fixed effects) and Gaussian graphical models, to assess the mutual, global interconnectedness of the main sustainable development benchmarks. Data used in the analysis was collected for the period 2009 and 2019. (3) Results: There are direct and overall implications of the dimensions of sustainable development (including economic and social factors), across all European Union Member States, on poverty. (4) Conclusions: All the European Union Member States are affected by poverty, but to varying degrees, which is why governments are urged to further develop actions to combat the harmful effects of poverty. (5) Implications: In the context of the current financial and geopolitical crisis driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, increasing the focus of all stakeholders on poverty and sustainable development is essential, especially by expanding sustainable development goals that address multi-dimensional poverty. 12-30-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>(1) Purpose: Within the significance of eradicating poverty in the long term, the purpose of this paper is to assess the implications of the dimensions of sustainable development, across all European Union Member States, on poverty, through the lens of dimensions focused on economic and social factors, both directly and globally, in their mutual interconnectedness. (2) Methodology: The research methodology consists of applying two econometric models, namely, panel models (with fixed effects) and Gaussian graphical models, to assess the mutual, global interconnectedness of the main sustainable development benchmarks. Data used in the analysis was collected for the period 2009 and 2019. (3) Results: There are direct and overall implications of the dimensions of sustainable development (including economic and social factors), across all European Union Member States, on poverty. (4) Conclusions: All the European Union Member States are affected by poverty, but to varying degrees, which is why governments are urged to further develop actions to combat the harmful effects of poverty. (5) Implications: In the context of the current financial and geopolitical crisis driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, increasing the focus of all stakeholders on poverty and sustainable development is essential, especially by expanding sustainable development goals that address multi-dimensional poverty.</p> ]]> Reframing Poverty Within the Sustainable Development Strategies. Empirical Evidence at the European Union Level mirela cristea elena sorina caragiani doi: 10.56578/ocs010201 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 12-30-2022 2022 1 2 Article 86 10.56578/ocs010201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_2/ocs010201 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010108 This study aims to analyse how contemporary stakeholder-engagement methods can enhance and acknowledge stakeholders' voices in the CSS and ensure better outcomes. Hence, this paper aims to narrow this gap by developing specific aspect profiles for sustainability strategies. The method of the current study relied on both primary data and secondary data. Hence, a questionnaire survey was developed to collect the required data. While, secondary data sources are obtained through the website sustainabilityexcellence.com. The data processing techniques were carried out using Stata 16 software and using the Multiple Linear Regression method. The sample of the study consisted of 422 people from different Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) i.e. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. The results revealed a high degree of stakeholders' perception of corporate sustainability strategies in the GCC. Also, people are aware and ready to afford the cost and efforts to generate more reliable and advanced strategies that promote corporate sustainability. The study also underscores three suggested recommendations that are based on a novel model (Reachable, Meaningful, and Fun “RMF”), as each element of this model is a recommendation that It believed to be highly-impactful actions that supports corporate leaders/teams to engage more fruitfully with stakeholder (more specifically customers and communities) and enrich the CSS. Lastly, this research effort is concluded with implications on the suggested recommendation (RMF), followed by some of the most critical takeaways for our corporate practices. The paper helps companies that already commit to sustainability to verify whether they are consistent in the implementation of a distinct sustainability strategy. 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>This study aims to analyse how contemporary stakeholder-engagement methods can enhance and acknowledge stakeholders' voices in the CSS and ensure better outcomes. Hence, this paper aims to narrow this gap by developing specific aspect profiles for sustainability strategies. The method of the current study relied on both primary data and secondary data. Hence, a questionnaire survey was developed to collect the required data. While, secondary data sources are obtained through the website sustainabilityexcellence.com. The data processing techniques were carried out using Stata 16 software and using the Multiple Linear Regression method. The sample of the study consisted of 422 people from different Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) i.e. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. The results revealed a high degree of stakeholders' perception of corporate sustainability strategies in the GCC. Also, people are aware and ready to afford the cost and efforts to generate more reliable and advanced strategies that promote corporate sustainability. The study also underscores three suggested recommendations that are based on a novel model (Reachable, Meaningful, and Fun “RMF”), as each element of this model is a recommendation that It believed to be highly-impactful actions that supports corporate leaders/teams to engage more fruitfully with stakeholder (more specifically customers and communities) and enrich the CSS. Lastly, this research effort is concluded with implications on the suggested recommendation (RMF), followed by some of the most critical takeaways for our corporate practices. The paper helps companies that already commit to sustainability to verify whether they are consistent in the implementation of a distinct sustainability strategy.</p> ]]> Corporate Sustainability Strategies Are Often Easier Said Than Done marwan m. abdeldayem saeed h. aldulaimi abdulhameed baqi doi: 10.56578/ocs010108 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 76 10.56578/ocs010108 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010108 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010107 Southeast Nigeria witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing public health crises. The crises manifest as the conflicts between citizens, policy-makers and leaders over public health policies, creating the circumstance for innovative research. This study examines the public response to the public health and social measures (PHSMs) implemented by the federal government of Nigeria in curtailing the spread of COVID-19, during the height of the pandemic. The focus is to unravel the underlying factors of the public response to the PHSMs, as well as their implications to the overall public health policies and institutions in the region. Guided by the ethnomethodology model, the authors applied qualitative methodology to the research. In-depth interview (IDI) and focused group discussion (FGD) were adopted to gather data from leaders of religious institutions, public and private health institutions, local market institutions, and state security institutions in the 5 states of Southeast Nigeria. The collected data were parsed through thematic analysis and interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results reveal a range of problems, such as shallow knowledge and misinformation at the local level, gap in public health knowledge and policy, crises of mistrust and misinterpretation of public health objective, citizens-policy-leadership crises, as well as the abuse of PHSMs. These problems were put in perspectives to portray the lessons and the public health policy implications of citizens-policy-leadership crises. 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>Southeast Nigeria witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing public health crises. The crises manifest as the conflicts between citizens, policy-makers and leaders over public health policies, creating the circumstance for innovative research. This study examines the public response to the public health and social measures (PHSMs) implemented by the federal government of Nigeria in curtailing the spread of COVID-19, during the height of the pandemic. The focus is to unravel the underlying factors of the public response to the PHSMs, as well as their implications to the overall public health policies and institutions in the region. Guided by the ethnomethodology model, the authors applied qualitative methodology to the research. In-depth interview (IDI) and focused group discussion (FGD) were adopted to gather data from leaders of religious institutions, public and private health institutions, local market institutions, and state security institutions in the 5 states of Southeast Nigeria. The collected data were parsed through thematic analysis and interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The results reveal a range of problems, such as shallow knowledge and misinformation at the local level, gap in public health knowledge and policy, crises of mistrust and misinterpretation of public health objective, citizens-policy-leadership crises, as well as the abuse of PHSMs. These problems were put in perspectives to portray the lessons and the public health policy implications of citizens-policy-leadership crises.</p> ]]> COVID-19 Public Health and Social Measures in Southeast Nigeria and Its Implication to Public Health Management and Sustainability samuel o. okafor collins i. ugwu joseph o. nkwede sabastian onah gloria amadi chukwudike udenze ngozi chuke doi: 10.56578/ocs010107 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 61 10.56578/ocs010107 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010107 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010106 The current challenges of globalization provide business entities of various economic systems with multifaceted opportunities, while creating new threats to economic security. These and other challenges require enterprises to pay attention to innovation, and improve their economic security. The study substantiates the importance of innovative development as a determinant of corporate economic security. The main purpose is to assess the innovative development state of enterprises, and evaluate its impact on economic security based on the available information and analytical support. To achieve the set goal, the authors proposed an assessment approach for corporate economic security based on the innovative component, and developed a monitoring algorithm for the factors affecting corporate development. The systemic approach was employed to consider the innovative component as a subsystem of corporate economic security, and to measure its impact on corporate development. In this way, the innovative component of corporate economic security could be calculated comprehensively. The methodology takes account of the systemic approach, as well as methodical support for the analysis of components, which is based on rating evaluations, systematic expert evaluations, and ranking scales. Industrial enterprises that pay special attention to innovative development were selected to test the proposed methodical support. In addition, the Harrington scale was adapted to establish the level of corporate economic security. Based on the calculations, it was determined that the studied enterprises have an average and below average level of economic security due to component innovation. Overall, this research presents a suitable algorithm for assessing the level of corporate economic security. 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ <p> The current challenges of globalization provide business entities of various economic systems with multifaceted opportunities, while creating new threats to economic security. These and other challenges require enterprises to pay attention to innovation, and improve their economic security. The study substantiates the importance of innovative development as a determinant of corporate economic security. The main purpose is to assess the innovative development state of enterprises, and evaluate its impact on economic security based on the available information and analytical support. To achieve the set goal, the authors proposed an assessment approach for corporate economic security based on the innovative component, and developed a monitoring algorithm for the factors affecting corporate development. The systemic approach was employed to consider the innovative component as a subsystem of corporate economic security, and to measure its impact on corporate development. In this way, the innovative component of corporate economic security could be calculated comprehensively. The methodology takes account of the systemic approach, as well as methodical support for the analysis of components, which is based on rating evaluations, systematic expert evaluations, and ranking scales. Industrial enterprises that pay special attention to innovative development were selected to test the proposed methodical support. In addition, the Harrington scale was adapted to establish the level of corporate economic security. Based on the calculations, it was determined that the studied enterprises have an average and below average level of economic security due to component innovation. Overall, this research presents a suitable algorithm for assessing the level of corporate economic security.</p> ]]> Innovative Development as Determinant of Corporate Economic Security svitlana tulchynska olha popelo rostislav tulchinskiy oleksandr popelo tetiana tkachenko doi: 10.56578/ocs010106 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 52 10.56578/ocs010106 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010106 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010105 China faces the key issue of improving the efficiency of carbon emissions, in its endeavor of building a low-carbon economy and reducing carbon emissions. This paper adopts the super-slack-based measure (SBM) model with a bad output to measure the carbon emission efficiency of each Chinese province from 2000 to 2019, and further uses the Tobit model to analyze the impact of environmental regulation, technological progress, and the interaction between the two on carbon emission efficiency. The results show that: China's carbon emission efficiency presents a large inter-provincial difference. Only a few provinces like Shanghai and Beijing reached the efficient frontier, while all the other provinces failed to do so. Overall, most Chinese provinces have a huge potential for improving carbon emission efficiency. By dividing China into three regions, it could be seen that the eastern region had the highest carbon emission efficiency, followed in turn by the central region and the western region. According to the spatiotemporal variation of carbon emission efficiency, most provinces with a high carbon emission efficiency belong to the economically developed eastern region, while most central and western provinces did not realize satisfactory carbon emission efficiency. With the elapse of time, the carbon emission efficiency in most provinces declined to varied degrees, while that of a few provinces was on the rise. The results of the Tobit model show that both environmental regulation and technological progress both significantly promoted carbon emission efficiency, but their cross term clearly suppressed carbon emission efficiency. When it comes to the control variables, carbon emission efficiency has a significantly positive relationship with opening-up, and a significantly negative relationship with industrial structure, financial development, energy structure, and urbanization level. 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>China faces the key issue of improving the efficiency of carbon emissions, in its endeavor of building a low-carbon economy and reducing carbon emissions. This paper adopts the super-slack-based measure (SBM) model with a bad output to measure the carbon emission efficiency of each Chinese province from 2000 to 2019, and further uses the Tobit model to analyze the impact of environmental regulation, technological progress, and the interaction between the two on carbon emission efficiency. The results show that: China's carbon emission efficiency presents a large inter-provincial difference. Only a few provinces like Shanghai and Beijing reached the efficient frontier, while all the other provinces failed to do so. Overall, most Chinese provinces have a huge potential for improving carbon emission efficiency. By dividing China into three regions, it could be seen that the eastern region had the highest carbon emission efficiency, followed in turn by the central region and the western region. According to the spatiotemporal variation of carbon emission efficiency, most provinces with a high carbon emission efficiency belong to the economically developed eastern region, while most central and western provinces did not realize satisfactory carbon emission efficiency. With the elapse of time, the carbon emission efficiency in most provinces declined to varied degrees, while that of a few provinces was on the rise. The results of the Tobit model show that both environmental regulation and technological progress both significantly promoted carbon emission efficiency, but their cross term clearly suppressed carbon emission efficiency. When it comes to the control variables, carbon emission efficiency has a significantly positive relationship with opening-up, and a significantly negative relationship with industrial structure, financial development, energy structure, and urbanization level.</p> ]]> Environmental Regulation, Technological Progress and Carbon Emission Efficiency: An Empirical Analysis Based on Panel Data of Chinese Provinces dalai ma yaping xiao zuman guo doi: 10.56578/ocs010105 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 38 10.56578/ocs010105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010105 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010104 Green energy, a hot topic of recent energy studies, is any type of energy created using renewable resources, such as sunlight, wind, or water. Despite several variations between it and renewable energy, green energy typically comes from renewable energy sources. The use of these energy sources should not damage the environment by means like emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Producing power with minimal carbon footprint is a huge step toward a future that is more environmentally friendly. The global energy system has been moving away from fossil fuels towards carbon-free energy sources. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that energy efficiency and renewable energy policies have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 90 percent. Our research focuses on the usage of renewable energy, and assesses how it affects carbon emissions in Germany and Finland. The recent panel causality test of Yilanci and Kilci was performed to examine the causality relationships between variables in 1990-2020. This study offers important insights into how using renewable energy affects carbon emissions for the two countries. 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>Green energy, a hot topic of recent energy studies, is any type of energy created using renewable resources, such as sunlight, wind, or water. Despite several variations between it and renewable energy, green energy typically comes from renewable energy sources. The use of these energy sources should not damage the environment by means like emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Producing power with minimal carbon footprint is a huge step toward a future that is more environmentally friendly. The global energy system has been moving away from fossil fuels towards carbon-free energy sources. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that energy efficiency and renewable energy policies have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 90 percent. Our research focuses on the usage of renewable energy, and assesses how it affects carbon emissions in Germany and Finland. The recent panel causality test of Yilanci and Kilci was performed to examine the causality relationships between variables in 1990-2020. This study offers important insights into how using renewable energy affects carbon emissions for the two countries.</p> ]]> Incentives for Sustainability: Relationship Between Renewable Energy Use and Carbon Emissions for Germany and Finland esra n. kilci doi: 10.56578/ocs010104 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 29 10.56578/ocs010104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010104 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010103 This research aims to evaluate the effect of the global innovation index (GII), urban population (UP), rural population (RP), social globalization index (SGI), and Demographic Pressures (DP) on agriculture value added (AVA). The samples were collected from The Global Economy relating to four countries, namely, China, Indonesia, USA, and India during 2013-2020. The collected data were analyzed through comparative panel regression. The results show that, in the long term, the increase in UP is significantly correlated with AVA in China, Indonesia, and India. Then, an increase in RP is significantly associated with AVA in India, and SGI exerts a significant effect on AVA in the USA. In the short term, every increase in GII has a significant effect on AVA in Indonesia and the USA. Furthermore, RP has a significant impact on AVA in China. A case study in India, reported that a decrease in SGI and DP significantly affect AVA. Meanwhile, the short-term DP growth greatly influences the AVA in the USA. The novelty of this research lies in the finding that the agricultural sector's tendency expands our knowledge of how many agricultural clusters in rural communities change their functions as a large number of rural residents relocate to metropolitan areas. Further, the debate over the HR industry's level of competition does not create job possibilities. In China, Indonesia, and the USA, DP enhances AVA. Stakeholders are required to reduce housing density through innovative agriculture concepts that are more humanistic and creative, even though DP only suppresses AVA in India. 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>This research aims to evaluate the effect of the global innovation index (GII), urban population (UP), rural population (RP), social globalization index (SGI), and Demographic Pressures (DP) on agriculture value added (AVA). The samples were collected from The Global Economy relating to four countries, namely, China, Indonesia, USA, and India during 2013-2020. The collected data were analyzed through comparative panel regression. The results show that, in the long term, the increase in UP is significantly correlated with AVA in China, Indonesia, and India. Then, an increase in RP is significantly associated with AVA in India, and SGI exerts a significant effect on AVA in the USA. In the short term, every increase in GII has a significant effect on AVA in Indonesia and the USA. Furthermore, RP has a significant impact on AVA in China. A case study in India, reported that a decrease in SGI and DP significantly affect AVA. Meanwhile, the short-term DP growth greatly influences the AVA in the USA. The novelty of this research lies in the finding that the agricultural sector's tendency expands our knowledge of how many agricultural clusters in rural communities change their functions as a large number of rural residents relocate to metropolitan areas. Further, the debate over the HR industry's level of competition does not create job possibilities. In China, Indonesia, and the USA, DP enhances AVA. Stakeholders are required to reduce housing density through innovative agriculture concepts that are more humanistic and creative, even though DP only suppresses AVA in India.</p> ]]> Sustaining Agricultural Growth: Traps of Socio–Demographics in Emerging Markets jiuhardi jiuhardi zamruddin hasid surya darma dio caisar darma doi: 10.56578/ocs010103 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 13 10.56578/ocs010103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010103 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010102 The United Nations 2030 Agenda places universities as a hub of idea generators, which impulse and improve sustainable development. In the agenda, universities are considered vital to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), because they are where experienced actor and young actor converge. These actors are good at developing actions of change, breeding innovation and creating a vision to the future. South Korea is one of the countries that took hold of the 2030 Agenda, providing an example of good international cooperation. The country is also known for its adaptable educational programs, which suits the complex and fast-changing demands of the world. South Korea has been working about its capacity to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into the body of university students and academic research from the base generations. In the MERCOSUR, the Sustainable Development Goals advance in the university’s agenda have been pragmatic and differs from country to country. This paper treats a South Korean university, Yonsei University, as a role model of a research hub for the Sustainable Development Goals, and demonstrates that the model has been evoked for students and to stimulate its replicability in the MERCOSUR. This action would be highly benefited because of the Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and South Korea. 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ <p>The United Nations 2030 Agenda places universities as a hub of idea generators, which impulse and improve sustainable development. In the agenda, universities are considered vital to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), because they are where experienced actor and young actor converge. These actors are good at developing actions of change, breeding innovation and creating a vision to the future. South Korea is one of the countries that took hold of the 2030 Agenda, providing an example of good international cooperation. The country is also known for its adaptable educational programs, which suits the complex and fast-changing demands of the world. South Korea has been working about its capacity to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into the body of university students and academic research from the base generations. In the MERCOSUR, the Sustainable Development Goals advance in the university’s agenda have been pragmatic and differs from country to country. This paper treats a South Korean university, Yonsei University, as a role model of a research hub for the Sustainable Development Goals, and demonstrates that the model has been evoked for students and to stimulate its replicability in the MERCOSUR. This action would be highly benefited because of the Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and South Korea.</p> ]]> Developing a Sustainable Development Goals Research Hub among MERCOSUR’s Universities: A Case Study soraia marino doi: 10.56578/ocs010102 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 2 10.56578/ocs010102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010102 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010101 09-29-2022 <![CDATA[ ]]> Editorial to the Inaugural Issue rui alexandre castanho doi: 10.56578/ocs010101 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 Opportunities and Challenges in Sustainability 09-29-2022 2022 1 1 Article 1 10.56578/ocs010101 https://www.acadlore.com/article/OCS/2022_1_1/ocs010101