Search Results (11,986)

The rapid development of urbanization has led to population growth, increased resource consumption, and intensified environmental pollution. Consequently, urban ecological security has increasingly become a key factor constraining the sustainable development of socio-economic systems. This study constructed an urban ecological security evaluation system based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model and used Xuzhou, a typical coal resource city, as a case study to apply and validate the model. Specifically, the analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight method were used to determine the index weights, and the ecological security index was used to evaluate the ecological security status of each system in Xuzhou from 2006 to 2022. Finally, the grey prediction GM (1,1) model was used to predict the ecological security status of Xuzhou in the next five years. The results show that the “disposal capacity of waste gas treatment facilities”, “per capita disposable income”, and “agricultural fertilizer application intensity” occupy a large weight in the whole evaluation system. The pressure index generally showed a fluctuating upward trend, and the state index fluctuated around 0.12. There is a simultaneous upward trend in the response index and the composite index. The ecological security level of the composite index has increased from “unsafe” in 2006 to “relatively safe” in 2022 and will continue to improve to “ideal security” in the future. This study provides a scientific basis for the formulation of sustainable development policies in Xuzhou and also provides a reference for the ecological safety management and assessment of other similar cities. Full article

This study presents the first application of the pressure-state-response (PSR) model in the comprehensive assessment of construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling benefits. Unlike traditional methods, the PSR model provides a multi-dimensional analysis that integrates economic, environmental, and social factors, offering a more holistic approach to evaluating the impact of CDW recycling strategies. This model enables stakeholders to better understand the pressures, states, and responses involved in CDW management, providing actionable insights to optimize recycling efforts and support sustainable urban development. Using the pressure-state-response (PSR) logical framework of sustainable economics, this paper systematically analyzed the comprehensive benefit mechanism of the recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW), and designed a comprehensive benefit evaluation model for CDW recycling. At the same time, taking Chongqing as an example, the management status of construction and demolition waste, the supply and demand matching of sustainable recycling products, and the impact of the input and output of CDW management were analyzed. The results were as follows: (1) The recovery rate of urban manure fluctuated between 0.13 and 0.17, mainly in temporary landfill. (2) Based on the latest market demand data of CDW recycled products, the supply–demand ratio of recycled products fluctuated between 0.11 and 0.21. This change in the supply–demand ratio reflects improvements in recycling technologies, such as the introduction of C2CA technology, which has greatly increased the supply of high-quality recycled materials. In addition, government policies encouraging the use of recycled products in public projects have contributed to this shift, further aligning supply with market demand. (3) The benefit–cost ratio of CDW management reflects new recycling technologies and the improved efficiency of CDW management. The benefit–cost ratio, which currently fluctuates between 0.32 and 0.39, more accurately reflects the current state of CDW management, which is increasingly adopting advanced technologies, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs. Based on this, this paper discusses the supply–demand relationship and benefit–cost ratio in CDW management from supply-side and demand-side perspectives, and puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions. The research results provide a clear reference for improving the efficiency of building demolition waste resource utilization, especially in optimizing the balance of market supply and demand, and improving the economic benefits of recycled products. By analyzing the balance between the supply and demand ratio and the benefit–cost ratio, this study helps inform policy makers, businesses, and investors, to promote the sustainable development of CDW recycling projects to maximize resource efficiency, while reducing environmental pressures. These results not only provide practical guidelines for the implementation of CDW recycling projects, but also lay a foundation for future policy formulation and the setting of industry standards. Full article

The present study aims to assess the sustainability of bioenergy potential from agriculture in the European Union in the period 2012–2021, with a particular focus on material flow and emissions management, bioenergy and recycling impacts, while assessing the potential of bioenergy from agriculture and analyzing the degree of self-sufficiency and import dependency in the biomass economy. While biomass has significant potential in the EU energy transition, its use is accompanied by challenges related to sustainability, carbon neutrality, efficiency and economic viability. Using a quantitative approach based on official statistical data, this research tracked the evolution of biomass imports, exports, domestic extraction and consumption, providing a comprehensive picture of the stability and adaptability of the biomass economy in the European Union. The results indicate a steady increase in domestic extraction and a stability in consumption, reflecting a high capacity of the European Union to manage biomass resources; thus, the degree of self-sufficiency has been high throughout the period, with a moderate dependence on imports, showing an adaptable economy. The conclusions suggest that in order to maintain this stability, the European Union must continue to develop balanced economic and environmental policies that support the sustainable use of biomass and contribute to the energy transition and environmental objectives. Full article

Forest fire is one of the dominant disturbances in the forests of Heilongjiang Province, China, and is one of the most rapid response predictors that indicate the impact of climate change on forests. This study calculated the Canadian FWI (Fire Weather Index) and its components from meteorological record over past years, and a linear model was built from the monthly mean FWI and monthly fire numbers. The significance test showed that fire numbers and FWI had a very pronounced correlation, and monthly mean FWI was suitable for predicting the monthly fire numbers in this region. Then FWI and its components were calculated from the SRES (IPCC Special Report on Emission Scenarios) A2 and B2 climatic scenarios, and the linear model was rebuilt to be suitable for the climatic scenarios. The results indicated that fire numbers would increase by 2.98%–129.97% and −2.86%–103.30% in the A2 and B2 climatic scenarios during 2020–2090, respectively. The monthly variation tendency of the FWI components is similar in the A2 and B2 climatic scenarios. The increasing fire risk is uneven across months in these two climatic scenarios. The monthly analysis showed that the FFMC (Fine Fuel Moisture Code) would increase dramatically in summer, and the decreasing precipitation in summer would contribute greatly to this tendency. The FWI would increase rapidly from the spring fire season to the autumn fire season, and the FWI would have the most rapid increase in speed in the spring fire season. DMC (Duff Moisture Code) and DC (Drought Code) have relatively balanced rates of increasing from spring to autumn. The change in the FWI in this region is uneven in space as well. In early 21st century, the FWI of the north of Heilongjiang Province would increase more rapidly than the south, whereas the FWI of the middle and south of Heilongjiang Province would gradually catch up with the increasing speed of the north from the middle of 21st century. The changes in the FWI across seasons and space would influence the fire management policy in this region, and the increasing fire numbers and variations in the FWI scross season and space suggest that suitable development of the management of fire sources and forest fuel should be conducted. Full article

This paper reviews natural capital (NC) valuation approaches in the context of woodland, forest, and riparian ecosystems, emphasising the need for participatory methods to take priority over neoclassical economics approaches. Focusing on research carried out in Scotland, the study analyses findings according to a classification of natural capital initiatives that we have developed, building on ideas proposed by the UK ENCA initiative, a guideline proposed to help researchers and practitioners understand NC and take it into account in valuation, decision-making and policy. We have found that landscape-scale initiatives that address the relationships between people and place to inform value and decision-making beyond the economic (monetary) benefits generated by ecosystem services (ES) are becoming popular. For instance, recent methods employed to capture stakeholders’ non-utilitarian preferences include the use of participatory GIS mapping, scenario planning, and other participatory methods to identify, explore and quantify less tangible cultural ecosystem services (CES). The review shows that many studies provide information relevant to the formulation of a place-based NC approach, working towards the integration of contextual and relational values into land management decisions to help formulate management strategies that maximise ES delivery. Conversely, we have not found evidence of the integration of shared values arising from an eco-centric perspective of nature valuation into the more classical, instrumental value lens. Such an approach would help inform broader, overarching aspects of woodland and forest management that may foster more effective conservation and help to manage conflicts. Full article

This study elaborates on a typology of demographic change and tests this definition at the lowest granular level (LAU2, municipality) with official data. This typology distinguishes between fragile and resilient municipalities based on population dynamics (in terms of duration and intensity) over 1991–2021. This study’s second aim is to elaborate a spatial autoregressive econometric model to evaluate to what extent and in which direction the rate of participation of potential beneficiaries of the Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) of 2014–2020 is affected by demographic change and other explanatory variables. Regression models compare the results of the OLS (aspatial) and spatial autoregressive models (SAR) of four types of participation rates (all RDP schemes; all LEADER schemes; sectoral schemes of RDP and LEADER; non-sectoral schemes of RDPs and LEADER). This comparison makes it possible to understand the differences between centralised and decentralised management and between sectoral and broader rural-targeted schemes. The results of the models appear attractive in interpreting the role of RDP instruments in different regions and local areas. First, the rate of participation is strongly dependent on macro-regional differences. Regarding the demographic factors at the local level, this study highlights that demographic fragility does not necessarily hamper the use of RDP measures. Conversely, the participation rate in RDP policy schemes seems particularly significant in very fragile areas, whereas significance has yet to be proved in other demographic typologies. This result holds particularly true for the policy uptake of non-sectoral schemes. Furthermore, LEADER decentralised interventions fit the fragile areas more than resilient and vital ones due to the territorially targeted approach followed by the Local Action Groups. Full article

A corporate carbon information disclosure strategy is essentially an environmental responsibility manifestation of “inconsistency between words and deeds”. It has two forms:, green “silence” and green “catering”, both of which restrict the externalization of green productivity and affect the high-quality development of enterprises. This study shows that ① there is a U-shaped relationship between carbon information disclosure strategies and the high-quality development of enterprises. Green “silence” positively affects the high-quality development of enterprises, and the impact of green “catering” on the high-quality development of enterprises changes from negative to positive. ② Green “silence” affects the high-quality development of enterprises by increasing R&D investment, reducing tax burdens, and intensifying financing constraints, while green “catering” affects the high-quality development of enterprises by decreasing R&D investment, increasing the tax burden, and easing financing constraints. ③ If the competition in the industry is fierce, the green “silence” strategy should be adopted. When there is monopoly in the industry, the green “catering” strategy is dominant. The findings of this study not only provide management suggestions for enterprises on how to correctly treat the carbon information disclosure strategies that have been implemented or planned to promote their own high-quality development, but also provide policy inspiration for relevant regulatory authorities to complete the transition from voluntary disclosure to mandatory disclosure. Full article

Our study aimed to analyse socio-economic sustainability and the drivers of land abandonment in the Kras region of Slovenia, a representative eastern Mediterranean farmland area. We also sought to provide policy recommendations for supporting biodiversity conservation and facilitating the sustainable transition of similar High Nature Value (HNV) farming systems across Europe. The Slovenian Typical Farm Model (SiTFarm) was used to assess the economic performance of representative livestock and wine-growing farm types. Additionally, in-depth interviews with farmers were conducted to understand their perspectives on these farming systems and their preferences for alternative management strategies and policy instruments. Our findings indicate that, due to the introduction of basic income support for sustainability and complementary voluntary coupled payments, budgetary support for the livestock sector in the region is projected to increase by 27–55% in estimated gross margins during the 2023–2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) period, depending on the farm type. Furthermore, farms can enhance their economic performance by converting to organic farming and enrolling in agri-environmental schemes that promote extensive grasslands management, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This suggests that Slovenia’s current CAP strategic plan adequately addresses the maintenance of the existing farming systems. However, the region faces significant challenges, particularly in restructuring small farms and adding value to primary farm products. These issues appear to be insufficiently addressed by the current CAP strategic plan, implying that limited progress is expected in mitigating land abandonment in the long term. Comprehensive strategies for the development of feasible HNV farming systems, aligned with biodiversity conservation recommendations, and a well-managed system of supporting institutions and policy instruments is needed to facilitate more market-oriented and sustainable development of agriculture at the local level. Full article

With the rapid pace of urbanization, a significant number of rural laborers are migrating to cities, leading to a severe shortage of agricultural labor. Consequently, the modernization of agriculture has become a priority. Autonomous picking robots represent a crucial component of agricultural technological innovation, and their development drives progress across the entire agricultural sector. This paper reviews the current state of research on fruit- and vegetable-picking robots, focusing on key aspects such as the vision system sensors, target detection, localization, and the design of end-effectors. Commonly used target recognition algorithms, including image segmentation and deep learning-based neural networks, are introduced. The challenges of target recognition and localization in complex environments, such as those caused by branch and leaf obstruction, fruit overlap, and oscillation in natural settings, are analyzed. Additionally, the characteristics of the three main types of end-effectors—clamping, suction, and cutting—are discussed, along with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each design. The limitations of current agricultural picking robots are summarized, taking into account the complexity of operation, research and development costs, as well as the efficiency and speed of picking. Finally, the paper offers a perspective on the future of picking robots, addressing aspects such as environmental adaptability, functional diversity, innovation and technological convergence, as well as policy and farm management. Full article

The increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, including in Mexico, presents significant challenges to healthcare systems. This has a notable impact on hospital admissions, as diabetes is considered an ambulatory care-sensitive condition, meaning that hospitalizations could be avoided. This is just one example of many challenges faced in the medical and public health fields. Traditional healthcare methods have been effective in managing diabetes and preventing complications. However, they often encounter limitations when it comes to analyzing large amounts of health data to effectively identify and address diseases. This paper aims to bridge this gap by outlining a comprehensive methodology for non-physicians, particularly data scientists, working in healthcare. As a case study, this paper utilizes hospital diabetes discharge records from 2010 to 2023, totaling 36,665,793 records from medical units under the Ministry of Health of Mexico. We aim to highlight the importance for data scientists to understand the problem and its implications. By doing so, insights can be generated to inform policy decisions and reduce the burden of avoidable hospitalizations. The approach primarily relies on stratification and standardization to uncover rates based on sex and age groups. This study provides a foundation for data scientists to approach health data in a new way. Full article

This research addresses a gap in localized air quality assessments by measuring pollution levels in Klaipeda, a Baltic port city, using passive solid particle collectors and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) diffusion tubes. Passive sampling techniques were employed due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment, allowing for practical monitoring over short-term periods. By targeting diverse functional zones, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of air pollution patterns and seasonal variations in the region. Air pollution, primarily from NO₂ and particulate matter (PM), poses significant risks to public health, especially in densely populated urban areas. Air quality was assessed by measuring total suspended particulates (TSP) and NO₂ concentrations across 19 strategically chosen sites, covering key functional zones, such as industrial areas, green spaces, residential neighborhoods, transport hubs, and the port. Results show elevated pollution levels near major roads and the port area, likely driven by heavy traffic, industrial emissions, and port activities. These patterns correlate with areas of higher population density, highlighting the intersection of air quality challenges with human health risks in urbanized zones. Seasonal data reveal a notable peak in NO₂ concentrations during winter, likely due to increased heating demand and reduced atmospheric dispersion. These findings suggest that air quality management strategies should be adaptive to seasonal fluctuations, particularly by addressing emissions from heating sources in colder months. The study underscores the necessity of integrating sustainable urban planning with targeted air quality interventions. Expanding green spaces, enhancing traffic regulation, and establishing protective zones near industrial areas are critical strategies for mitigating pollution. These insights are essential for guiding both urban development and public health policies in Klaipeda and other coastal cities facing similar environmental challenges. Full article

The fast charging of electric vehicles (EVs) has stood out prominently as an alternative for long-distance travel. These charging events typically occur at public fast charging stations (FCSs) within brief timeframes, which requires a substantial demand for power and energy in a short period. To adequately prepare the system for the widespread adoption of EVs, it is imperative to comprehend and establish standards for user behavior. This study employs agglomerative clustering, kernel density estimation, beta distribution, and data mining techniques to model and identify patterns in these charging events. They utilize telemetry data from charging events on highways, which are public and cost-free. Critical parameters such as stage of charge (SoC), energy, power, time, and location are examined to understand user dynamics during charging events. The findings of this research provide a clear insight into user behavior by separating charging events into five groups, which significantly clarifies user behavior and allows for mathematical modeling. Also, the results show that the FCSs have varying patterns according to the location. They serve as a basis for future research, including topics for further investigations, such as integrating charging events with renewable energy sources, establishing load management policies, and generating accurate load forecasting models. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intensive care unit (ICU) e-referrals are an important indicator for exploring potential deficiencies in critical care resources. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and patterns of ICU e-referrals across all regions of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic using routinely collected data from April 2020 to December 2021. Methods: This descriptive epidemiological study analyzed data from the Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre (SMARC). This study reveals novel regional ICU e-referral patterns for critical cases using national unique digital health data, adding insights beyond the existing literature. Variables included age, sex, referral timing, reason, specialty, and region of origin. Descriptive statistics and mapping of administrative areas were performed based on e-referral request rates per 10,000 population. Results: During the study period, 36,619 patients had ICU e-referral requests. The mean age was 54.28 years, with males constituting 64.81% of requests. Out-of-scope e-referrals comprised 71.44% of requests. Referrals related to medical specialties, such as cardiology and pulmonology, were the most common (62.48%). Referral patterns showed peaks in July–August 2020 and May 2021. The Northern Border and Albaha areas had the highest request rates per population, potentially reflecting a higher proportion of severe cases requiring ICU-level care compared to other regions. Conclusions: The temporal pattern and geographic distribution of ICU e-referrals mirrored previously reported critical COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia. Preventive measures and vaccination programs contributed to a significant decline in ICU e-referral requests, suggesting a positive impact on controlling severe COVID-19 cases. Population-adjusted analysis revealed regional disparities, highlighting the importance of considering population size in healthcare resource management and policy. Full article

Electronic monitoring systems (EMSs) have been widely used in global fishing vessels as an effective tool to obtain reliable information about catches and fishing operations in order to verify compliance with national and international regulations. Though EMS implementation in tuna vessels has not yet been made a mandatory requirement by tuna regional fisheries management organizations, many Chinese longliners have the system on board for traceability and safety purposes. Based on interviews with managers and skippers on Chinese tuna longliners, this paper firstly identifies the challenges in electronic monitoring management that have hindered fishermen’s confidence to implement EMS at a larger scale. Then this paper proposes a work plan to facilitate EMS implementation from the perspective of Chinese tuna longliners, in which the adoption of EM standards, specifications, and procedures, and identification of EM data fields are the top priorities. To fully address concerns raised by tuna longliners, a cloud computing platform for EMS data storage, transmission, and review could help to protect data safety and confidentiality. Artificial intelligence technology is recommended to increase cost-efficiency in data review procedures, in addition to compliance incentives and financial incentives from policy makers. Full article

This study deals with the information gap on desertification risk for wetland habitat types in Natura 2000 network sites of Greece. Using the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) index as a proxy, all Natura 2000 wetland habitat types have been assessed and assigned to desertification risk categories. The assessment was conducted at the national, regional, and local scales in order to provide different outcomes for targeted support on decision and policy making regarding restoration and conservation measures. The main results document that circa 20% of wetland habitat types area are considered under desertification risk, while circa 10% are considered as potentially affected by desertification. It was also shown that there should be prioritization of the habitat types that need attention due to their inclusion in the different desertification risk categories. The study also highlights the administrative regions (NUTS2) and Natura 2000 sites and the need to structure, draft, and implement conservation projects to mitigate wetlands’ risk as well as the use of wetlands as primary nature-based solutions (NbS) in the battle with desertification and climate change. Management implications are also provided from the perspective of habitat restoration as well as for their exploitation as valuable NbS for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services maintenance. Full article