Search Results (113)

Escalating extreme wildfires, fueled by the confluence of climate change, land use patterns alterations, ignitions by humans, and flammable fuels accumulation, pose significant and increasingly destructive risks to critical infrastructure (CI). This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of wildfire impacts and the corresponding CI resilience strategies employed across the EU and the US. It examines the vulnerability of CIs to the devastating effects of wildfires and their inadvertent contribution to wildfire ignition and spread. The study evaluates the EU’s CER Directive and the US National Infrastructure Protection Plan and assesses European Commission wildfire resilience-related initiatives, including FIRELOGUE, FIRE-RES, SILVANUS, and TREEADS flagship projects. It synthesizes empirical evidence and extracts key lessons learned from major wildfire events in the EU (2017 Portuguese fires; 2018 Mati wildfire) and the US (2023 Lahaina disaster; 2025 Los Angeles fires), drawing insights regarding the effectiveness of various resilience measures and identifying areas for improvement. Persistent challenges impeding effective wildfire resilience are identified, including governance fragmentation, lack of standardization in risk assessment and mitigation protocols, and insufficient integration of scientific knowledge and data into policy formulation and implementation. It concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at fostering science-based, multi-stakeholder approaches to strengthen wildfire resilience at both policy and operational levels. Full article

This study investigates the structural and cyclical determinants of tropical hardwood exports among member countries of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) over the period 1995–2022—a sector historically characterized by persistent value imbalances. The central research issue addresses the enduring asymmetries in the global value chain, shaped by unequal industrial capacities, limited access to environmental certifications, and entrenched North–South trade relations. The study pursues three main objectives: (1) to develop a typology of exporting countries; (2) to estimate heterogeneous trade elasticities; (3) to propose a policy framework that reconciles equity with sustainability. The empirical findings identify four export profiles: (i) raw producers with minimal local processing; (ii) marginal players with weak trade integration; (iii) high-value-added re-export platforms (notably in Asia); (iv) major consumer markets. Trade effects vary across regions. In the short term, imports boost exports (+0.33%), particularly in re-export models seen in Asia, the USA, and the EU, while local production remains limited in Africa due to weak industrial capacity. In the long term, both domestic production and imports have a positive impact (+0.38% and +0.37%), but only countries with strong industrial bases fully benefit. Population size (+1.29%) also reinforces the advantage of large markets like China and India, supported by short-term economic growth elasticity (+1.1%), likely driven by improved logistics or rising demand from importing countries. In response, the policy implications converge around the proposal of a “Fair and Digital Timber Trade Model” (F&DTTT), structured around three pillars: (a) specialized economic zones aligned with SDGs 8, 12, and 15; (b) blockchain-based traceability systems to enhance supply chain transparency; (c) South–South cooperation strategies aimed at commercial, regulatory, and institutional rebalancing, including potential cartelization initiatives among Southern countries. Supported by a robust methodological framework, this study provides a forward-looking pathway for transforming the tropical timber trade into a vector of equity and sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus transmissible by blood transfusion, with potentially severe outcomes in immunocompromised and pregnant recipients. In this study, we investigated the B19V prevalence in 441,084 blood donations from Salzburg, Austria, collected between 2012 and 2024, focusing on changes in epidemiological dynamics before, during, and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Additionally, the B19VB19V persistence and its implications for deferral policies were assessed. Methods: Donor samples were screened for B19VB19V DNA by qPCR (2012–2024) and for SARS-CoV-2 total anti-N antibodies (2020–2024). B19VB19V prevalence rates, cycle threshold (Ct) values, and seasonal distribution were compared between pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic phases. Follow-up testing of initially B19VB19V-positive donors was performed after a 2-year deferral period. Results: The B19VB19V positivity rate of 0.13% (2012–2019) significantly decreased to 0.02% during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (2020–2022). A substantial increase occurred post-pandemic, with prevalence reaching 1.47% in 2024. Significant lower Ct values were observed in the post-pandemic phase, indicating higher viral loads. Additionally, younger donors (aged 18–45 years) showed significantly lower Ct values. After a 2-year deferral, 39% of re-tested donors remained B19VB19V DNA-positive. Conclusions: B19VB19V circulation increased substantially after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Our observation is consistent with international reports and is likely due to an ‘immunity debt’ that has been accumulated due to pandemic-related public health interventions. Targeted B19VB19V screening and strict deferral strategies may be warranted particularly during outbreak periods to protect high-risk transfusion recipients. Full article

Healthcare systems worldwide face growing challenges related to staff shortages, excessive workload, and deteriorating working conditions, which compromise both staff well-being and care quality. Despite these issues, there is a lack of validated tools that capture healthcare professionals’ subjective perceptions of resource adequacy. This study presents the development and initial validation of the Staff Resource Adequacy Questionnaire for Healthcare Professionals (SRAQ-HP), a multidimensional tool designed to assess staffing adequacy and workload, quality of care, and working conditions and support. The development process followed a mixed-methods design, incorporating theoretical foundations from Kanter’s empowerment theory, role enactment models, and professional competence frameworks. The initial item pool of 32 statements was reduced to 26 through expert reviews, focus groups, and pilot testing (n = 35). Content validity index (CVI = 0.931) and face validity index (FVI = 0.976) demonstrated high content relevance and clarity. Cronbach’s alpha for the full scale was 0.841, confirming internal consistency. Expert re-review confirmed strong content (S-CVI/Ave = 0.931) and face validity (FVI = 0.976) for the final 26-item version. Three core dimensions were retained: Staffing Adequacy and Workload, Quality of Care, and Working Conditions and Support. The SRAQ-HP provides a novel, evidence-based approach to systematically assess workforce sufficiency and support structures in clinical settings. It can guide decision-making in healthcare institutions and inform national workforce policies. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to confirm its factorial validity and practical applicability. Full article

The increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES) in power systems presents challenges related to variability, stability, and efficiency, particularly in smart microgrids. This systematic review, following the PRISMA 2020 methodology, analyzed 66 studies focused on advanced energy storage systems, intelligent control strategies, and optimization techniques. Hybrid storage solutions combining battery systems, hydrogen technologies, and pumped hydro storage were identified as effective approaches to mitigate RES intermittency and balance short- and long-term energy demands. The transition from centralized to distributed control architectures, supported by predictive analytics, digital twins, and AI-based forecasting, has improved operational planning and system monitoring. However, challenges remain regarding interoperability, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the limited availability of high-quality data for AI model training. Economic analyses show that while initial investments are high, long-term operational savings and improved resilience justify the adoption of advanced microgrid solutions when supported by appropriate policies and financial mechanisms. Future research should address the standardization of communication protocols, development of explainable AI models, and creation of sustainable business models to enhance resilience, efficiency, and scalability. These efforts are necessary to accelerate the deployment of decentralized, low-carbon energy systems capable of meeting future energy demands under increasingly complex operational conditions. Full article

The creative city concept has gained global recognition, notably through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). In Japan, facing declining birth rates and economic stagnation, this framework was seen as a revitalization tool to increase the urban quality. Yet, while the creative city concept clearly appears on the theoretical level, its operationalization usually remains unclear. Additionally, previous research considers sustainability questions through economic, social, and cultural lenses but more rarely through environmental aspects. Thus, this paper aims to explore the implementation of the creative city in Japan, unveil the specific elements composing the policies of UNESCO Creative Cities, and question how environmental sustainability is addressed in these policies. The research method includes a qualitative analysis of the membership monitoring reports (MMRs) submitted by cities to UNESCO. Conducting a field survey in a creative facility and a hearing survey with the city government, the research also focuses on Kanazawa as a case study to explore in greater depth the interaction between creative city strategies and environmental sustainability. Among the research findings, economic perspectives—through support for creative industries and the promotion of tourism—and systematic actions targeting children dominate the MMRs, while socio-environmental aspects receive less attention. Most ambitious initiatives toward environmental sustainability were implemented in rural cities. In Kanazawa, it appears the creative city policy is independent of the local environmental policies, although some opportunities exist to connect them. The field survey indeed reveals that some spontaneous initiatives toward environmental sustainability might emanate from a creative facility. Therefore, the paper provides significance in unveiling the specific content of creative city policies in Japan and in re-examining the notion of creativity to integrate environmental sustainability into the creative city agenda. Full article

To address the fact that changes in network topology can have an impact on the performance of routing, this paper proposes an Elastic Routing Algorithm based on Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (ERA-MADDPG), which is implemented within the framework of Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) in deep reinforcement learning. The algorithm first builds a three-layer architecture based on Software-Defined Networking (SDN). The top-down layers are the multi-agent layer, the controller layer, and the data layer. The architecture’s processing flow, including real-time data layer information collection and dynamic policy generation, enables the ERA-MADDPG algorithm to exhibit strong elasticity by quickly adjusting routing decisions in response to topology changes. The actor-critic framework combined with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to implement the ERA-MADDPG routing algorithm effectively improves training efficiency, enhances learning stability, facilitates collaboration, and improves algorithm generalization and applicability. Finally, simulation experiments demonstrate that the convergence speed of the ERA-MADDPG routing algorithm outperforms that of the Multi-Agent Deep Q-Network (MADQN) algorithm and the Smart Routing based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (SR-DRL) algorithm, and the training speed in the initial phase is improved by approximately 20.9% and 39.1% compared to the MADQN algorithm and SR-DRL algorithm, respectively. The elasticity performance of ERA-MADDPG is quantified by re-convergence speed: under 5–15% topology node/link changes, its re-convergence speed is over 25% faster than that of MADQN and SR-DRL, demonstrating superior capability to maintain routing efficiency in dynamic environments. Full article

The transformation of the energy market in Poland over the last 20 years has been a process deeply rooted in European Union policies and initiatives, including emissions trading (EU ETS), climate and energy packages and the European Green Deal. Poland, historically dependent on coal, continues to struggle with systemic problems such as low grid flexibility, ageing infrastructure, high CO₂ emissions and the socio-economic costs of the transition in mining regions. The research methodology is based on analysis of reports, scientific articles, EU documents and statistical data. So far, there is a research gap in the research area, mainly concerning two problems. The first is the lack of a multifaceted, integrated analysis of Poland’s energy transition, taking into account not only technological changes and RES participation, but also systemic problems (infrastructure, policy, social acceptance). The second, in turn, relates to the need to identify the impact of EU regulation as a driving force, not just an obstacle. The objective of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Polish energy market in the context of the EU over the past 20 years, covering (1) systemic problems of the Polish power sector, (2) the impact of key EU initiatives and regulations, (3) the development of renewable energy sources, (4) the modernisation and digitalisation of the grid, (5) current and future market trends, and (6) the main challenges of the transition. The analysis shows that Poland’s electricity sector is still dominated by coal, but its share is steadily decreasing, from ~85% in 2015 to about 60% in 2023. At the same time, the share of renewable energy sources (mainly wind and photovoltaics) has increased from ~10% to ~27%. Nevertheless, the gap with the EU average remains significant. Full article

With climate change mitigation and carbon emission reduction as global priorities, the expansion of renewable energy has become a core strategy globally. The purpose of this study is to identify trends in key renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and water technologies, and to compare and evaluate their competitiveness across leading nations. To this end, we performed trend analyses and both patent and technology portfolio assessments employing indicators such as the number of patents granted, claim count ratio, citation ratio, and patent family ratio on 194,485 granted patents collected from 1975 to 2024, according to International Patent Classification (IPC) codes, for the five major energy powers—the United States, European Union, Japan, China, and Korea. Trend analysis revealed a sharp increase in energy-related patents from 2010, with solar technologies accounting for over 60 percent of the total. Patent portfolio results positioned the United States as the Technology Leader, leading in both activity and quality; China stood out for its quantitative expansion and Europe for its qualitative strengths. Technology portfolio findings show that, although core technologies are shared globally, application-level technologies vary by country, reflecting each nation’s industrial base, policy orientation, and technological maturity. This study delineates priority technology domains, identifies optimal R&D collaboration pathways, and recommends policy levers that accelerate commercialization—enabling policymakers and industry stakeholders to allocate resources strategically and construct balanced technology portfolios aligned with global initiatives such as carbon-neutrality targets and the RE100 commitment. Full article

Innovation in science and technology arises from balanced supports for basic research, applied research, and societal implementation. However, changes in Japanese science policy that shifts toward top–down, evaluation-based, and competitive funding practices appear to have undermined Japan’s long-term research sustainability and innovation potential. The “selection and concentration” strategy (prioritization of specific research areas) and “competition principle”, combined with persistent reduction in Management Expenses Grants, have significantly altered Japan’s research environment for the worse. Together with these policy changes, the introduction of fixed-term contracts in academia has increased instability at both the institutional and the individual levels and has diminished the time and resources available for long-term basic research. Academic careers in science have become less attractive, as evidenced by declining doctoral student enrollment. These changes threaten the potential for scientific discoveries that lead to innovation. Although initiatives such as the introduction of University Research Administrators (URAs) have been implemented to support researchers, such efforts remain insufficient to counterbalance the systemic challenges faced by Japan’s research ecosystem. To re-establish a stable research environment, rethinking the strategy may be necessary, including restoration of stable institutional funding, sustainable career pathways, and balanced funding allocation to basic science that foster seeds for future innovation. Full article

Urban allotment gardens are increasingly recognized as multifunctional spaces that contribute not only to ecological sustainability, but also to social cohesion, civic engagement and community resilience. This study explores the role of urban gardens in the city of Valencia as green spaces that (re)produce social capital, as well as spaces produced by consolidated social capital. Using a qualitative methodology, fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants with experience in the coordination, management, study and promotion of urban garden projects. The analysis focuses on three interconnected dimensions: the strategic objectives guiding organizations involved, the core elements of social capital (networks, belonging, trust, reciprocity and values) and the governance models underpinning these initiatives. The results reveal that urban gardens function as relational infrastructures, facilitating intergenerational learning, intercultural exchange and inclusive participation through both formal and informal mechanisms. These processes are often rooted in local traditions and are underpinned by shared responsibilities and symbolic reciprocity. However, exclusionary attitudes and fragmented governance can limit their potential. In general, the results emphasize the value of urban gardens as platforms for the (re)production of social capital and the improvement of community well-being, which entails relevant implications for urban policies and sustainable development. Full article

The European Union aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, prioritizing energy efficiency particularly in the building sector. Despite significant policies, such as the EU Green Deal and Renovation Wave initiative, the rate of deep energy renovations remains insufficient, with only 0.2% annually versus the 3% required. Multiple barriers hinder the progress of deep energy renovations (DERs), including fragmentation among stakeholders, the limited coordination of RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) efforts, and a lack of systemic approaches. The objective of this paper is to illustrate a holistic methodological approach for enhancing the DER market uptake based on transition pathways theory (TPT) and is designed to drive structural evolution in DER markets aimed at overcoming their main current constraints. To this end, five key transition pathways are outlined—namely institutionalization, clusterization, capitalization, digitalization, and exploitation—and are conceived for fostering coordination, integration, promotion, and efficient scaling of innovations along the whole DER value chain. This approach was tested in seven EU building market ecosystems under the H2020 re-MODULEES project, aimed at developing a market activation platform conceived as a digital enabler for next-generation One-Stop Shops (OSSs). This project yielded practical evidence on the potentiality of the TPT frame to strengthen and empower local ecosystems through stakeholders’ engagement and cooperation. The findings suggest that the TPT-based approach tested in re-MODULEES can effectively address structural challenges in diverse DER renovation markets, and for this reason, it may be also tested and extended in other ecosystems across Europe in order to be validated as a strategic approach at the EU level for facilitating the transition to low-carbon buildings. Full article

Plastic pollution in waterways poses a significant global challenge, largely stemming from land-based sources and subsequently transported by rivers to marine environments. With a substantial percentage of marine plastic waste originating from land-based sources, comprehending the trajectory and temporal experience of single-use plastic bottles assumes paramount importance. This project designed, developed, and released a plastic pollution tracking device, coinciding with Vietnam’s annual Plastic Awareness Month. By mapping the plastic tracker’s journey through the Saigon River, this study generated high-fidelity data for comprehensive analysis and bolstered public awareness through regular updates on the Re-Think Plastics Vietnam website. The device, equipped with technologies such as drone flight controller, open-source software, embedded computing, and cellular networking effectively captured GPS position, track, and localized conditions experienced by the plastic bottle tracker on its journey. This amalgamation of data contributes to the understanding of plastic pollution behaviors and serves as a data set for future initiatives aimed at plastic prevention in the ecologically sensitive Mekong Delta. By illuminating the transportation of single-use plastic bottles in the riparian waterways of Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, this study plays a role in collective efforts to understand plastic pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems. By deploying a GPS-enabled plastic tracker, this study provides novel, high-resolution empirical data on plastic transport in urban tidal systems. These findings contribute to improving waste interception strategies and informing environmental policies aimed at reducing plastic accumulation in critical retention zones. Full article

Despite constitutional recognition, significant barriers remain to the integration of traditional authorities into formal planning and development decision-making processes in South Africa. Observing resistance from traditional authorities towards what they deem as exclusive and restrictive planning instruments, this study interrogates the intricate power dynamics between traditional leadership structures and imposed local government entities in rural development, planning, and governance processes to propose a cooperative governance framework within the South African context. The proposed framework is termed the “Rural Development and Governance Initiative” (RDGI), which aims to bridge the divide between traditional and local authorities. This study applied qualitative methods to investigate the relations between authorities in Limpopo province, South Africa. The findings reveal ongoing disputes between traditional and local authorities regarding decision-making powers, legitimacy in development and planning, and the capacity limitations and constraints faced by traditional authorities. The implications of this work extend to the (re)conceptualisation of policies and future research directions in rural governance, land development, and planning in South Africa, advocating for a shift from foreign models to those that reflect African realities and aspirations. Full article

Over the past few years, minor centers have attracted interest from the scientific community and beyond as places to be re-inhabited. They have started being regarded as places of healthy and wholesome living, places that have kept resilience to anthropic actions as well as a sensitive architectural and landscape heritage that can act as a driver for the socioeconomic regeneration of their territories if enhanced. Several initiatives network small neighboring municipalities and link them to various types of tourism (cultural, mountain, experiential, etc.), depending on the areas’ traditions and specific characteristics. However, minor centers are often still unprepared to welcome tourists and struggle to implement services, especially due to the economic deficit resulting from years of abandonment and depopulation. The research described here returns possible expeditious solutions for improving the condition of tourism-related services. Starting from the historical and urban analysis and knowledge acquisition of a specific case study—the Municipality of Naro, in Sicily—we reflected on solutions to be repeated in similar contexts to improve the accessibility and use of the historic center. The aim of the research is to outline a place-based design to improve mobility, water and waste management services, affecting places’ attractiveness. The proposed interventions are modular, increasable in small steps, with budgets suited to the economic possibilities of small centers such as the examined one. This method, due to its incremental and adaptive nature, is working ‘on’ places and ‘for’ places, as well as functions as a possible tool and stimulus for the self-construction of a ‘sustainable society’ that helps the governance of these centers toward a vision of urban valorization. Territories like Naro represent a large part of Italy. They are endowed with resources lacking in heavily urbanized areas yet involved in numerous revitalization policies, including international ones. Full article