Search Results (4,255)

Agricultural cooperatives are essential in mitigating climate change and food insecurity through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of biodiversity. However, weaknesses in governance, economic restrictions, market pressures, and regulatory obstacles frequently hinder their efficacy. This study investigates the main factors leading to cooperative failures through qualitative analysis of twenty-three (23) expert interviews. Research demonstrates that strong governance, efficient communication, financial stability, and supportive policies are crucial for the viability of cooperatives. Leadership issues, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and market competition were seen as significant roadblocks. It is essential to tackle these difficulties via governance adjustments, economic resilience approaches, and policy advocacy to strengthen the role of cooperatives in climate change mitigation and food security. Full article

Thursday Island, a remote administrative hub in Australia’s Torres Strait, exemplifies the socio-technical challenges of transitioning to sustainable energy amid diesel dependence and the intermittency of renewables. As Australia pursues Net Zero by 2050, innovative storage solutions are pivotal for enabling green innovation in isolated microgrids. This study evaluates Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) and Lithium-Ion batteries as key enabling technologies, using a stochastic Monte Carlo simulation to assess their economic viability through Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS), incorporating uncertainties in capital costs, operations, and performance over 20 years. Employing a stochastic Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations, this study provides a probabilistic assessment of LCOS, incorporating uncertainties in key parameters such as CAPEX, OPEX, efficiency, and discount rates, offering a novel, data-driven framework for evaluating storage viability in remote microgrids. Results indicate VRFBs’ superiority with a mean LCOS of 168.30 AUD/MWh versus 173.50 AUD/MWh for Lithium-Ion, driven by scalability, durability, and safety—attributes that address socio-economic barriers like high operational costs and environmental risks in tropical, off-grid settings. By framing VRFBs as an innovative green solution, this analysis highlights opportunities for new business models in remote energy sectors, such as reduced fossil fuel reliance (3.6 million litres diesel annually) and enhanced community resilience against energy poverty. It also underscores challenges, including capital uncertainties and policy needs for innovation uptake. This empirical case study contributes to the sustainable energy transition discourse, offering insights for policymakers on overcoming resistance to decarbonization in geographically constrained contexts, aligning with green innovation goals for systemic sustainability. Full article

The periphery of Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is experiencing intense and increasing hunting pressure, driven by both local subsistence needs and growing urban demand for bushmeat. This situation poses a serious challenge to sustainable natural resource management and underscores the need to realign protected-area policies with the realities faced by surrounding communities. In the absence of comprehensive ecological monitoring, this study used hunters’ perceptions to assess the current availability of mammalian wildlife around the park. From October to December 2023, surveys were conducted using a snowball sampling method with 60 hunters from nine villages bordering the park. Results show that hunting is a male-dominated activity, mainly practiced by individuals aged 30–40 years, with firearms as the primary tools. It occurs both in the park’s buffer zones and, alarmingly, within its core protected area. This practice has contributed to the local disappearance of key species such as African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus), and to the marked decline of several Cephalophus species. These patterns of overexploitation reveal critical weaknesses in current conservation strategies and point to the urgent need for integrated, community-based resource management approaches. Strengthening law enforcement, improving ranger support, and enhancing participatory governance mechanisms are essential. Equally important is the promotion of sustainable alternative livelihoods—including livestock farming, aquaculture, and agroforestry—to reduce hunting dependence and build long-term resilience for both biodiversity and local communities. Full article

The Lunayyir Volcanic Field (Harrat Lunayyir), located on the western boundary of the Arabian Microplate, comprises a Quaternary volcanic region featuring approximately 150 volcanoes formed from around 700 vents. In 2009, a significant volcano-seismic event occurred, resulting in the formation of a nearly 20 km long fissure. Geophysical modeling has demonstrated that this area lies above an eruptible magma system, unequivocally confirming ongoing volcanic activity. Recent geological mapping and age determinations have further established the field as a young Quaternary volcanic landscape. Notably, the 2009 event provided critical evidence of the region’s volcanic activity and underscored the potential to connect its volcanic geoheritage with hazard mitigation strategies. The volcanic field displays diverse features, including effusive eruptions—primarily pāhoehoe and ‘a‘ā lava flows—and explosive structures such as spatter ramparts and multi-crater scoria cones. While effusive eruptions are most common and exert long-term impacts, explosive eruptions tend to be less intense; however, some events have reached a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4, distributing ash up to 250 km. Recognizing the geoheritage and geodiversity of the area may enhance resilience to volcanic hazards through geoconservation, educational initiatives, managed visitation, and establishment of a geoheritage reserve to preserve site conditions. Hazards associated with this dispersed monogenetic volcanic field manifest with recurrence intervals ranging from centuries to millennia, presenting challenges for effective communication. Although eruptions are infrequent, they have the potential to impact regional infrastructure. Documentation of volcanic geoheritage supports hazard communication efforts. Within the northern development sector, 26 geosites have been identified, 22 of which pertain to the Quaternary basaltic volcanic field, each representing a specific hazard and contributing vital information for resilience planning. Full article

This study proposes a simplified, mechanics-based methodology for assessing the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) churches, particularly those with basilica plans and cathedral portal frames such as a repetitive inclined-beam portal frame. The method integrates linear and nonlinear static analyses, plastic limit theory, and capacity spectrum methods to generate seismic risk indices using minimal input data, making it suitable for large-scale screening in low-data conditions. The model is calibrated using the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria and applied to the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini in Naples. Key outputs include simplified capacity curves and performance indicators. The methodology addresses current limitations in conventional approaches by offering an accessible tool for rapid assessment of cultural infrastructure. Future developments may incorporate AI and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to improve typological classification and enable automated vulnerability screening at the regional scale. Full article

This article examines the activities of the Bahá’í community in Iran after the Islamic Revolution, challenging the misconception that the community has remained disengaged from societal involvement which arises from a misinterpretation of its principle of non-involvement in partisan politics. Contrary to this belief, the Bahá’í community has been actively engaged in social change through a framework rooted in its principles, which emphasize constructive resilience and non-adversarial strategies. Informed by the Bahá’í teachings, the global Bahá’í experience, and contemporary theories of social change, the community has focused on translating its spiritual principles into practical actions, particularly in community building, social action, and participation in the prevalent discourse of society. These efforts, characterized by a commitment to unity and collaboration, differ from conventional adversarial activism and demonstrate the community’s significant yet often overlooked contribution to Iranian society. Despite severe persecution, the Bahá’í community has maintained a principled engagement with social change, challenging the narrative of disengagement and highlighting its ongoing involvement in the life of the nation. Full article

The anomalous enrichment of arsenic (As) and fluoride (F) in groundwater in the oasis area at the southern margin of the Tarim Basin has become a critical environmental and sustainability challenge. It poses not only potential health risks but also profound socio-economic impacts on local communities, threatening the long-term security of water resources in arid regions. Therefore, an in-depth investigation of the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and the co-enrichment mechanism of As and F is essential for advancing sustainable groundwater management. In this study, 110 phreatic water samples and 50 confined water samples were collected, and mathematical and statistical methods were applied to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics, sources, and co-enrichment mechanisms of As and F. The results show that (1) the groundwater chemistry types are mainly Cl·SO₄-Na, SO₄·Cl-Na·Mg, Cl·SO₄-Na·Mg, and Cl-Na, and the chemistry is primarily controlled by evaporation and concentration processes, with additional influence from human activities and cation exchange; (2) As and F mainly originate from soils and minerals, and are released through dissolution; (3) As and F enrichment is positively correlated with pH, Na⁺, and HCO₃⁻, but negatively correlated with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and SO₄²⁻, indicating that a weakly alkaline hydrochemical environment with high HCO₃⁻ and Na⁺, and low Ca²⁺ promotes their enrichment; (4) strong evaporative concentration in retention zones, combined with artificial groundwater extraction, further intensifies As and F accumulation. This study not only provides an innovative theoretical and methodological framework for exploring trace element enrichment mechanisms in groundwater under arid conditions but also delivers critical scientific evidence for developing sustainable water resource management strategies, mitigating water-related health risks, and supporting regional socio-economic resilience under global climate change. Full article

As society ages, there is a growing concern about the comfort and health of elderly people. Although populations around the world, including Slovenia, are rapidly aging, evidence that increasing longevity is being accompanied by an extended period of good health is scarce. An increasing number of older adults live with chronic diseases, functional limitations, or frailty. In 2025, Slovenia launched the project Systemic Approach to Frailty with a Focus on Pre-Frailty for Healthy and Hight-Quality Ageing, within the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, aiming to address frailty through multidimensional and community-based interventions. In addition to presenting the project framework, this paper provides an analytical preliminary review of existing literature, critically reflecting on research gaps in the field. The main aim of this paper is to explore the possibilities for creating healthy living environments that support the prevention and management of frailty. The project’s core innovation lies in the integration of public health principles into urban planning and design through a structured, community-based approach and the use of the Living Environmental Assessment (OBO) Tool. This tool enables urban planners, municipalities, and local communities to collaboratively evaluate and co-design living environments (e.g., optimizing walkability, green space access, barrier-free design, and social amenities) to build resilience and independence among older adults. Designing inclusive, accessible, and health-promoting environments can help to prevent frailty and improve well-being across all age groups. Full article

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process offers potential for saline wastewater treatment but is hindered by salt inhibition. This study investigates the salt tolerance mechanisms of granular (R1), biofilm-carrier (R2), and floccular (R3) sludge in up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors under 0–20 g/L NaCl. Granular sludge outperformed other biomass types, maintaining >90% ammonia nitrogen (${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}$-N) removal at 20 g/L NaCl due to structural stability and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) adaptation (shift from hydrophobic proteins to polysaccharides). Microbial analysis revealed a transition from Planctomycetes/Proteobacteria to salt-tolerant Pseudomonadota, with Candidatus_Kuenenia replacing Candidatus_Brocadia as the dominant anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria (AnAOB) (reaching 14.5% abundance in R1). Genetic profiling demonstrated coordinated nitrogen metabolism: Hzs/Hdh inhibition (>85%) and NirBD/NrfAH activation (0.23%) elevated ${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}$-N, while NarGIV/NapA decline (1.10%→0.58%) increased nitrate nitrogen (${\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}$-N). NxrB/NirSK maintained low nitrite nitrogen (${\mathrm{NO}}_2^{-}$-N), and GltBD upregulation (0.43%) enhanced osmoregulation. These findings underscore the superior resilience of granular sludge under high salinity, linked to microbial community shifts and metabolic adaptations. This study provides critical insights for optimizing anammox processes in saline environments, emphasizing the importance of biomass morphology and microbial ecology in mitigating salt inhibition. Full article

The escalating frequency of natural disasters and political conflicts has heightened focus on industrial supply chain resilience and security, making corporate supply chain resilience enhancement a critical global concern. Data, as a novel production factor, presents an effective pathway to fortify supply chain resilience. This paper investigates data factor marketisation by constructing a theoretical framework linking it with manufacturing enterprise supply chain resilience. Using China’s Big Data Comprehensive Experimental Zone establishment as a quasi-natural experiment, we analyzed data from Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms spanning 2003–2023 to empirically validate our theoretical analysis. Our findings reveal that data factor marketisation significantly enhances manufacturing enterprise supply chain resilience, as confirmed using rigorous robustness checks. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that data factor marketisation improves resilience by reducing information asymmetries, boosting management efficiency, mitigating supply chain reliance, and enhancing supply chain financing. Heterogeneity analysis indicates stronger positive impacts in non-state-owned enterprises, smaller firms, companies with advanced data capabilities, non-digital-intensive businesses, enterprises with substantial supply chain funding needs, and those in regions with strong rule of law. Further analysis shows that improved employment, financing, innovation, and communication environments amplify the positive relationship between data factor marketisation and supply chain resilience. This study provides crucial insights for policy makers seeking to leverage data marketisation for industrial resilience enhancement and offers strategic guidance for enterprises navigating an increasingly uncertain global supply chain environment. Full article

This review examines South Africa’s escalating flood vulnerability through a synthesis of over 80 peer-reviewed articles, historical records, policy reports, and case studies. Using a PRISMA-guided analysis, the study identifies key climatic drivers, including extreme rainfall from tropical–temperate interactions, cut-off lows, and La Niña conditions that interact with structural weaknesses such as inadequate drainage, poorly maintained stormwater systems, and rapid urban expansion. Apartheid-era spatial planning has further entrenched risk by locating marginalised communities in floodplains. Governance failures like weak disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies, fragmented institutional coordination, and insufficient early warning systems intensify flood vulnerabilities. Catastrophic events in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape (WC) illustrate the consequences exemplified by the April 2022 KZN floods alone, which caused over 450 deaths, displaced more than 40,000 people, and generated damages exceeding ZAR 17 billion. Nationally, more than 1500 flood-related fatalities have been documented in the past two decades. Emerging resilience pathways include ecosystem-based adaptation, green infrastructure, participatory governance, integration of Indigenous knowledge, improved hydrological forecasting, and stricter land-use enforcement. These approaches can simultaneously reduce physical risks and address entrenched socio-economic inequalities. However, significant gaps remain in spatial flood modelling, gender-sensitive responses, urban–rural disparities, and policy implementation. The review concludes that South Africa urgently requires integrated, multi-scalar strategies that combine scientific innovation, policy reform, and community-based action. Embedding these insights into disaster management policy and planning is essential to curb escalating losses and build long-term resilience in the face of climate change. Full article

This study explores the cultural, productive, territorial, and organizational practices of cacao-producing families in Lebrija, Santander (Colombia), within the broader context of rural sustainability and peasant identity in Latin America. In response to recent national and international frameworks recognizing the rights of peasants, the research aims to document local knowledge systems and community-based strategies that sustain rural livelihoods. Through a qualitative ethnographic approach, including participatory workshops, semi-structured interviews, and social cartography, the study collected narratives, practices, and territorial dynamics over the course of one year. The results reveal that cacao production is not only an economic activity, but a deeply embedded cultural process that intertwines with memory, family ties, lunar cycles, and environmental stewardship. Participants described conflicts related to water access, deforestation, poultry farming, and the expansion of urban infrastructure. Despite these pressures, families demonstrated adaptive capacities through agrodiversity, traditional knowledge, and associative work. The study concludes that these cacao-based practices offer valuable insights into bottom-up strategies for resilience and territorial sustainability and calls for greater inclusion of peasant knowledge in rural development agendas. Full article

This study examines how educational attainment and creative-class identity influence public library use among Black homeowners in Ward 8, Washington, D.C., a historically disinvested, yet resilient, Black community. Using an adapted theoretical framework (Chatman’s Small World Theory, Florida’s creative class theory, and Crenshaw’s intersectionality), the research investigates how symbolic capital informs institutional engagement in a racially homogeneous but economically stratified setting. A survey of 56 Black homeowners examined the relationships among education, income, creative-class identity, and library use. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher educational attainment was a significant predictor of identification with the Black Creative Class^TM. However, neither income nor creative-class identity significantly predicted public library use. These findings challenge the assumption that middle-class status or creative-class affiliation ensures participation in educational or cultural institutions. Instead, they suggest that deeper dynamics, such as cultural relevance, perceived alignment, and trust, may shape engagement with public libraries. The study advances knowledge in library and information science (LIS) and urban studies by demonstrating how spatial context and class distinctions within Black communities shape library engagement. The results underscore the need for culturally responsive library strategies that recognize class-based variation within racial groups, moving beyond monolithic models of community outreach. Full article

Nanostores—micro, independent grocery retailers—are often defined overlooking their socioeconomic roles and relational significance in favour of their primary functional aspects. To close this gap, this study adopts a systemic perspective to examine how multiple stakeholders (owners, customers, and suppliers) shape nanostore identity. Accordingly, this study proposes a framework of X-Y-Z identity statements, along with the use of the TASCOI tool, to examine nanostore descriptions and map their roles, expectations, and transformation processes. This systemic framework, rooted in management cybernetics, enabled the collection and analysis of 168 survey responses from 34 stores in Mexico City. The results show that nanostore identities are varied and context-dependent, operating as grocery stores, family projects, community anchors, economic lifelines, and competitors. This diversity influences stakeholder engagement, resource utilisation, and operational decisions. Overall, this study provides a transferable framework for analysing micro-business identity and transformation, with implications for problem-solving, decision-making, and policy development. Future research should address the current limitations of this study, including its geographical cross-sectional design, limited sampling method, reliance on self-reported perceptions, and lack of generalisability to other populations. Future work will involve exploring other urban contexts, utilising longitudinal data, expanding the sample, and adopting a participatory research approach to gain a deeper understanding of identity dynamics and their implications for nanostore resilience and survivability. Full article

Old communities are the weak link in urban security resilience, and smart governance could be a useful tool to address this issue. However, the existing research does not provide a definitive explanation of the mechanisms through which smart governance affects resilience. Based on the Accident Causation Theory and the ABC Theory of Emotion, a mixed-methods approach utilizing NCA and SEM is used to analyze the impact of smart digital technology on the security resilience of old urban communities and to explore the mediating roles of residents’ sense of safety and safety behaviors. The findings from on old urban communities in China reveal that smart digital technology and residents’ safety compliance behaviors are essential for community security resilience. Smart digital technology significantly and positively influences the security resilience of old urban communities. Residents’ sense of safety and safety participation behaviors mediate the relationship between smart digital technology and security resilience of old urban communities; residents’ sense of safety, safety compliance behaviors, and safety participation behaviors also exhibit a chain mediating role in the relationship between smart digital technology and security resilience of old urban communities. Therefore, old urban communities need to strengthen the application of smart digital technologies, while considering the human factor and emphasizing the facilitating role of residents’ sense of safety and safety behaviors. Full article