Search Results (4,309)

The assessment of ecosystem service (ES) supply–demand relationships is critical for addressing regional sustainable development challenges, yet systematic studies integrating spatial drivers analysis and multiscenario forecasting in rapidly urbanizing mountainous regions remain scarce. This study focuses on Chongqing as a representative case to investigate spatial patterns, driving mechanisms, and future trajectories of ES supply–demand dynamics. Through spatial quantification of four key ES (food provision, water retention, soil conservation, carbon fixation) and statistical analysis of socioeconomic datasets from 2010 to 2020, geographical weighted regression modeling was employed to identify spatially heterogeneous drivers. Long-term projections (2030–2060) were developed using climate–economy integrated scenarios reflecting different global development pathways. The results demonstrate three principal findings: First, while regional ecosystem quality maintains stable with an improved supply–demand ratio (0.260 to 0.320), persistent deficits in carbon fixation capacity require urgent attention. Second, spatial mismatches exhibit intensifying polarization, with expanding deficit zones concentrated in metropolitan cores and their periurban peripheries. Third, thermal-hydrological factors (aridity index, temperature) coupled with land intensification pressures emerge as dominant constraints on ES supply capacity. Scenario projections suggest coordinated climate mitigation and sustainable development strategies could maintain the supply–demand ratio at 0.189 by 2060, outperforming conventional development pathways by 23.5–41.2%. These findings provide spatial decision support frameworks for balancing ecological security and economic growth in mountainous megacities, with methodological implications for cross-scale ES governance in developing regions. Full article

Global challenges such as climate change, ecological imbalance, and resource scarcity are closely related with land-use change. Arid land, which is 41% of the global land area, has fragile ecology and limited water resources. To ensure food security, ecological resilience, and sustainable use of land resources, there is a need for multi-scenario analysis of land-use change in arid regions. To carry this out, multiple spatial analysis techniques and land change indicators were used to analyze spatial land-use change in a typical inland river basin in arid Northwest China—the Tailan River Basin (TRB). Then, the PLUS model was used to analyze, in a certain time period (1980–2060), land-use change in the same basin. The scenarios used included the Natural Increase Scenario (NIS), Food Security Scenario (FSS), Economic Development Scenario (EDS), Water Protection Scenario (WPS), Ecological Protection Scenario (EPS), and Balanced Eco-economy Scenario (BES). The results show that for the period of 1980–2020, land-use change in the TRB was mainly driven by changes in cultivated land, grassland, forest land, and built-up land. For this period, there was a substantial increase in cultivated land (865.56 km²) and a significant decrease in forest land (197.44 km²) and grassland (773.55 km²) in the study area. There was a notable spatial shift in land use in the period of 1990–2010. The overall accuracy (OA) of the PLUS model was more than 90%, with a Kappa value of 85% and a Figure of Merit (FOM) of 0.18. The most pronounced expansion in cultivated land area in the 2020–2060 period was for the FSS (661.49 km²). This led to an increase in grain production and agricultural productivity in the region. The most significant increase in built-up area was under the EDS (61.7 km²), contributing to economic development and population growth. While the conversion of grassland area into other forms of land use was the smallest under the BES (606.08 km²), built-up area increased by 55.82 km². This presented an ideal scenario under which ecological conservation was in balance with economic development. This was the most sustainable land management strategy with a harmonized balance across humans and the ecology in the TRB study area. This strategy may provide policymakers with a realistic land-use option with the potential to offer an acceptable policy solution to land use. Full article

The challenge of meeting the increasing global food demand has driven a shift toward controlled-environment agriculture, particularly in plant factories. However, the high energy consumption associated with these systems raises concerns about their long-term sustainability and economic feasibility. A comprehensive review was conducted to identify existing and potential technologies and strategies that can enhance the energy efficiency of plant factories. Data regarding environmental conditions, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and space efficiency were also extracted to facilitate comparison across studies. Findings indicate that optimizing crop yields and reducing energy consumption are key to improving the efficiency of plant factories. These can be achieved by integrating advanced environmental control technologies, energy-efficient system designs, modular plant factory configurations tailored to local climatic conditions, and effective management practices. While adopting renewable energy alone is insufficient to meet total energy demands, it significantly reduces energy costs and carbon emissions. Furthermore, strategically integrating plant factories with other industries will promote the efficient use of residual resources, fostering a circular economy and enhancing resource efficiency within plant factory systems and the broader economic framework. The insights provided in this review will contribute to developing sustainable and economically viable plant factory systems, supporting future advancements in controlled-environment agriculture. Full article

Amending saline–alkali soils to improve agricultural productivity is critical for addressing global food security challenges. Biochar is a promising soil amendment, and its modified composites offer significant potential for soil remediation. In this study, we developed a novel phosphoric acid–mineral-comodified biochar composite for saline–alkali soil improvement. SEM and XRD analyses indicate that chemical interactions between phosphoric acid, minerals, and biochar result in the formation of distinct mineral phases on the composite surface. Furthermore, FTIR analysis reveals that these interactions give rise to functional groups such as Si-O-Si, and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates that the modified biochar composite exhibited enhanced stability. Compared with raw biochar, the modified biochar composites exhibited significant decreases in pH, EC, and base cation content (especially Na⁺), with maximum reductions of 7.26 pH units, 639.5 μS/cm, and 3.69 g/kg, respectively. In contrast, the contents of P, Si, and Ca increased significantly, with maximum increases of 140.04 g/kg, 90.32 g/kg, and 114.27 g/kg, respectively. In addition, the specific surface area and pore volume of the modified biochar composite increased by up to 5.2 and 15 times, respectively. Principal component analysis indicates that mineral type was the primary factor influencing the properties of the composites: hydroxyapatite enhanced porosity and phosphorus levels, whereas kaolinite and montmorillonite increased silicon content. Pot experiments show that the modified biochar composite increased alfalfa plant height by 17.36–20.27% and shoot biomass by 107.32–125.80% in saline–alkali soils. Overall, the newly developed phosphoric acid–mineral–biochar composites were evaluated to have high application potential for saline–alkali soil amendment. Full article

The European Green Deal creates both opportunities and challenges in the process of transition to sustainable farming models. In modern conditions, it is crucial that this transition leads to a higher degree of sustainability of a healthy and environmentally friendly food system. The role of farmers is becoming particularly prominent due to their efforts in introducing environmentally friendly agricultural practices for effective combat against climate change, protection and conservation of biodiversity and the environment. On the one hand, agriculture stands at the “front line” as regards the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss, and on the other hand, unsustainable agricultural practices are a major factor in biodiversity loss. The aim of this study is to identify the differences or the regional specificities of an innovative agricultural model and its potential for developing and strengthening socioeconomic indicators on a national scale. The thesis of the study is that organic agriculture in Bulgaria, as a sustainable model for agricultural production, not only has the potential for development but is also an opportunity for diversification and development of agricultural business on the regional level, with a key role and priority in the national agricultural policy. Full article

Throughout human settlement history, the pursuit of durability has been a paramount objective in building construction. The emphasis on durability has resulted in the construction of buildings designed to outlast human lifespans. However, the lack of consideration for building demolition and disposal during the design and construction phases has created challenges for future generations. This oversight contributes to the environmental impact of structures after demolition, which is a significant concern given that the construction industry is a major contributor to energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and solid waste production. In fact, in recent decades, there has been an increasing demand for temporary constructions, driven by factors such as migration phenomena, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in sectors like agriculture, where seasonality and annual variations in activities require adaptable structures such as warehouses, barns, livestock shelters, and food storage facilities. Unlike traditional constructions, these temporary buildings must be assembled and disassembled multiple times during their lifespan. The challenge lies in ensuring the structural integrity, adaptability to varying conditions, and compliance with specific requirements to extend their usability and postpone the disposal phase. This study focuses on the design of a novel type of temporary structures intended for temporary needs such as emergencies and planned agricultural activities, resulting in a European patent. The structure is based on a glulam frame inside two OSB panels—that work as structural bracing, creating a hollow, resistant, light structure—connected with external steel connections. This work reports results of mechanical simulations and thermal transmittance calculations. Specifically, it demonstrates the building maintains structural strength through multiple usages and its thermal characteristics can be easily adapted to the context. These are the first steps for a resilient and sustainable building. Full article

This article addresses the issue of food waste, highlighting its implications for food security, sustainability, and global resource management. The main objective is to develop the principles for an Integrated Sustainable Food Waste Reduction System (IFWRS), a theoretical and practical framework that unites public policies, consumer behavior, and technological innovation. To achieve this goal, the study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis to identify critical gaps, synthesize existing knowledge, and provide a solid foundation for the proposed IFWRS principles. These principles present actionable strategies to combat food waste through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, overcoming fragmented methodologies and aligning with sustainability goals at both local and global levels. This work makes a fundamental contribution to the field, providing not only a robust theoretical foundation but also a practical guide for implementing innovative and sustainable solutions across the food chain. By integrating various sectors and promoting a unified vision, the IFWRS principles pave the way for more effective policies and interventions that can transform the global food waste landscape. With its unique and groundbreaking approach, this study offers a revolutionary perspective to solve one of the world’s greatest challenges, driving collective action and the adoption of sustainable, transformative strategies. Full article

Rapid population growth, rising food demand, and climate change have created significant challenges to meet the water demands for agriculture. Effective irrigation water management is essential to address the world’s water crisis. The transition from conventional, frequently ineffective gravity-driven irrigations to contemporary, pressure-driven precision irrigation methods are explored in this article, addressing the difficulties associated with water-intensive irrigation, the possibility of updating conventional techniques, and the developments in smart and precision irrigation technologies. This study comprehensively analyses published literature of 150 articles from the year 2005 to 2024, based on titles, abstract, and conclusions that contain keywords such as precision irrigation scheduling, water-saving technologies, and smart irrigation systems, in addition to providing potential solutions to achieve sustainable development goals and smart agricultural production systems. Moreover, it explores the fundamentals and processes of smart irrigation, such as open- and closed-loop control, precision monitoring and control systems, and smart monitoring methods based on soil data, plant water status, weather data, remote sensing, and participatory irrigation management. Likewise, to emphasize the potential of these technologies for a more sustainable agricultural future, several smart techniques, including IoT, wireless sensor networks, deep learning, and fuzzy logic, and their effects on crop performance and water conservation across various crops are discussed. The review concludes by summarizing the limitations and challenges of implementing precision irrigation systems and AI in agriculture along with highlighting the relationship of adopting precision irrigation and ultimately achieving various sustainable development goals (SDGs). Full article

With over 1000 species of pests causing losses in both the quantity and quality of stored food, insect contamination poses significant challenges. The present study assesses the efficacy of the combination of λ-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole against four key storage pests—Trogoderma granarium, Sitophilus oryzae, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Tribolium castaneum. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated species-dependent mortality, with S. oryzae and R. dominica suffering 100% mortality in several tested scenarios. A 90-day persistence trial revealed decreased efficacy over time, especially for T. granarium (32.0–71.4% at 0 days and 0.0–7.5% at 90 days) and T. castaneum (38.8–82.7% at 0 days and 0.0–12.7% at 90 days) vs. S. oryzae and R. dominica. Progeny production of S. oryzae and R. dominica was almost suppressed in persistence trials (0.4 individuals per vial and 1 individual per vial, respectively) after 30 days of storage at the dose of 5 mg/kg wheat. The results highlight the variability in insecticidal performance based on species, dose, exposure, and commodity type, emphasizing the need for tailored pest management strategies in the storage environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy nutritional behaviors and excess body weight constitute a serious challenge for public health in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine changes in body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (FM), and nutritional behaviors in the same group of children during a 4-year observation between 10 and 14 years of age including the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: BMI and FM using bioelectrical impedance were assessed. To assess nutritional behavior, a questionnaire on eating behavior was used. The study was carried out in a group of 250 children, starting from the age of 10 and finishing at the age of 14. The measurements were collected in the years 2017 and 2021. The results were compared and analyzed. Results: Excessive BMI (overweight and obesity) was more often found in girls (28.29%) than boys (23.63%), while normal body weight was more often found in boys (65.76%) than girls (60.96%). Between the initial and final assessments, the percentage of children with normal body mass decreased from 65.65% to 61.07%. Excessive BMI (overweight and obesity) increased from 27.09% to 29.50% in girls, and from 21.26% to 26.00% in boys. The mean percentage of FM was higher in girls than boys (23.17% vs. 16.20%, respectively). The mean FM decreased from 17.80% to 14.60% in boys and increased from 21.77% to 24.57% in girls. Poor nutritional behaviors were observed in 20.35% of children, more often in boys (22.25%) than in girls (18.50%). Between the initial and final assessments, an increase in the mean consumption of fruit, whole-grain bread, and milk was noted. These were products that should be consumed more often to demonstrate a healthy diet. However, the consumption of products that should be limited for a healthy diet, such as fried flour dishes, fried meat dishes, fatty cheeses, butter, fast food, sweets, and carbonated drinks, also increased. Boys more often than girls consumed red meat and poultry meat, eggs, butter, and fast food, while girls more often than boys consumed fruit, vegetables, yogurts, cottage cheese, wholemeal bread, fruit, and sweets. Conclusions: Children usually showed moderate nutritional behavior. After four years, there was a significant increase in the consumption of fruit and whole-grain bread, i.e., products that should be consumed as part of a healthy diet, as well as fried flour and meat dishes, fatty cheeses, butter, fast food, and sweets, i.e., products whose consumption should be limited. With age, the percentage of children showing unfavorable nutritional behaviors and excessive body weight increased. More extreme levels of overweight and obesity and higher body fat contents were found in girls than boys. Although girls’ nutritional behaviors were healthier, they were at a higher risk of excessive body weight. Increased promotion of a healthy diet and regular monitoring of body fat content in school-aged children is strongly recommended. Full article

Tuberculosis, primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is an airborne lung disease and continues to pose a significant global health threat, resulting in millions of deaths annually. The current treatment for tuberculosis involves a prolonged regimen of antibiotics, which leads to complications such as recurrence, drug resistance, reinfection, and a range of side effects. This scenario underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to combat this lethal pathogen. Over the last two decades, microbiome therapeutics have emerged as promising next-generation drug candidates, offering advantages over traditional medications. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first microbiome therapeutic for recurrent Clostridium infections, and extensive research is underway on microbiome treatments for various challenging diseases, including metabolic disorders and cancer. Research on microbiomes concerning tuberculosis commenced roughly a decade ago, and the scope of this research has broadened considerably over the last five years, with microbiome therapeutics now viewed as viable options for managing drug-resistant tuberculosis. Nevertheless, the understanding of their mechanisms is still in its infancy. Although autophagy has been extensively studied in other diseases, research into its role in tuberculosis is just beginning, with preliminary developments in progress. Against this backdrop, this comprehensive review begins by succinctly outlining tuberculosis’ characteristics and assessing existing treatments’ strengths and weaknesses, followed by a detailed examination of microbiome-based therapeutic approaches for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Additionally, this review focuses on establishing a basic understanding of microbiome treatments for tuberculosis, mainly through the lens of autophagy as a mechanism of action. Ultimately, this review aims to contribute to the foundational comprehension of microbiome-based therapies for tuberculosis, thereby setting the stage for the further advancement of microbiome therapeutics for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Full article

Currently, a global hunger and malnutrition crisis is spreading throughout various regions worldwide. Overseas farmland investment endeavors to enhance regional food production through international cooperation but faces the challenge of ensuring a fair division. Our study develops a more equitable method: we have modeled overseas farmland investment as a cooperative game, reallocating benefits among host countries and investing countries. The application of our results to real data indicates that there is not only significant scope for improvement for host countries and overseas investors—which gain added benefits—but also a remarkable contribution made to rural development in terms of increased productivity. The cooperation to increase farmland yield through technology and capital transfer can be achieved in practice. In this context, transnational cooperations can provide additional benefits to participants, which can offer an important motivation for collaborators. Full article

The agri-food sector is undergoing profound transformations driven by ecological and digital transitions, as well as evolving consumer and nutritional choices. These shifts pose significant challenges but also open new opportunities for businesses to enhance sustainability and competitiveness through circular economy principles. In response, Spoke 9 of the National Agritech Center (PNRR) has launched a survey to analyze agri-food companies and sustainability practices and promote circular strategies. A large-scale survey conducted in early 2024 gathered data from 3002 agri-food companies, covering 20 Italian regions and six major supply chains (wine, olive oil, dairy, milk, fruit and vegetables, and beekeeping). The study is the first attempt in Italy to get metrics on these topics from agri-food companies, and it provides a comprehensive assessment of circular economy practices in the sector. The key objectives of the work are as follows: (1) developing integrated sustainability indicators; (2) sector-specific circular metrics; (3) identifying best practices and gaps; (4) supporting policy and decision-making; and (5) benchmarking and monitoring. Full article

Malnutrition, particularly its impact on child morbidity and mortality, is one of the top five health effects of climate change. However, quantifying the portion of malnutrition attributed to climate remains challenging due to various confounding factors. This study examines the relationship between climate and acute malnutrition in Niger, a country highly vulnerable to climate change and disasters. Since climate’s effect on malnutrition is indirect, mediated by crop production, we combine rainfall data from TAMSAT satellite estimates with the SARRA-O crop model, which simulates the impact of rainfall variability on crop yields. Our analysis reveals a significant correlation between malnutrition and both rainfall and crop production from the previous year, but not within the same year. The strongest correlation (R = −0.72) was found with the previous year’s crop production. No significant links were found with temperature or intra-seasonal rainfall indices, like the start or duration of the rainy season. Although national correlations between global malnutrition, rainfall, and crop yields were stronger, they were weaker or absent at the regional level and, for Severe Acute Malnutrition crises, are less likely driven by climate variability. However, the one-year lag in the correlation allows for the prediction of future food crises, providing an opportunity to implement early intervention measures. Full article

Essential amino acids and essential fatty acids are vital nutrients that must be obtained from the diet. However, traditional sources face limitations amid increasing global food security and sustainability challenges. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional potential of novel foods, including microalgae (e.g., spirulina and chlorella), fungi (e.g., oyster and shiitake mushrooms), edible insects (e.g., mealworms and migratory locusts), and unconventional plants (e.g., water lentils and canihua). The study will compare their amino acid and fatty acid profiles with those of conventional animal and plant sources. The comparative analysis conducted in this study reveals that these innovative foods offer balanced and high-quality protein and lipid profiles, and contribute essential nutrients needed to prevent deficiencies and support metabolic health. Significantly, the integration of these novel foods into established dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, has the potential to enhance nutritional quality while promoting environmental sustainability. In conclusion, the adoption of these innovative food sources provides a viable strategy to meet nutritional demands and address global health and ecological challenges, paving the way toward a more resilient and sustainable food system. Full article