Search Results (63,458)

This study examines the challenges and opportunities in implementing smart ventilation systems in public and semi-public organizations’ buildings, framing them as transformative for achieving sustainability goals. Public organizations in Lithuania face significant hurdles in maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring suitable indoor environmental conditions. Aging infrastructure further complicates these efforts, requiring substantial investments for adopting smart ventilation solutions. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of solutions, which may lead to sustainability goal implementation in Lithuania. A theoretical framework was constructed, using systemic and comparative literature analysis methods; a quantitative analysis (telephone-based survey with 203 respondents) provided insights into the current state of ventilation systems and the demand for smart solutions. The survey addressed four areas: current ventilation system use, ventilation challenges, awareness of automated systems, and plans for future improvements. The findings reveal widespread dissatisfaction with existing systems, with respondents citing poor air quality, inconsistent temperatures, and inefficiencies as critical challenges. Larger buildings and high-occupancy spaces exhibit the greatest demand for smart solutions, but financial barriers, particularly high initial costs, remain a significant obstacle. This research highlights the potential of automated ventilation systems to address these issues, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainability goals. Tailored financial incentives, educational initiatives, and scalable solutions are essential for enabling the effective implementation of smart ventilation systems in Lithuania’s public organizations. Full article

Pseudomonas extremaustralis was first isolated from Antarctica and gained interest for its ability to thrive in extreme environmental conditions and degrade recalcitrant compounds. Some strains have been identified as phosphobacteria, which play a significant role in phosphorus (P) cycling by solubilizing or mineralizing insoluble phosphate forms for plant uptake. However, there is limited knowledge about the genomic mechanisms involved in P-cycling in the species P. extremaustralis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the genomic potential of P. extremautralis as a phosphobacteria species by screening genes related to P-cycling. Two P. extremaustralis strains from pisciculture sludge residues were selected to sequence their complete genomes based on their ability to solubilize inorganic P in vitro, and an in silico analysis with all the P. extremaustralis genomes was performed to identify the presence of phosphorus-cycling-related genes. Genes mainly involved in the metabolic processes of two-component systems and transporters, and genes involved in organic acid production and alkaline phosphatases, were identified. This study helps us to understand the metabolic potential of this species and its role as a solubilizer of phosphates and thus a facilitator of plant-available phosphorus, which could guide the use of this species of phosphobacteria in the development of sustainable agriculture. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are at the heart of the energy transition, providing an essential source of clean, renewable energy for applications such as solar pumping, which is essential for irrigation and rural water supply. However, their efficiency depends directly on the quality and performance of the modules, which are often affected by defects or unfavorable environmental conditions. This article presents the development of an innovative automated tool designed for advanced characterization of PV modules by analyzing key parameters such as voltage and current. The system integrates measurement sensors (voltage, current, temperature, etc.), an Arduino Mega board and an SD card, enabling real-time data collection, processing, and recording under various environmental conditions. The results of the experimental tests demonstrate a significant improvement in the PV panel selection process, ensuring optimized choices at the time of purchase and rigorous monitoring during operation. This innovation contributes to maximizing energy performance and extending panel longevity, reinforcing their role in the transition to a sustainable energy model. Full article

With continuous urbanization, cities are facing numerous challenges. In addition, the construction and effective management of urban green spaces have become essential for the sustainable development of healthy cities. In previous studies, algorithms were developed to select appropriate locations for parks with distinctive green patches. Although the suitability of urban parks has been discussed from various perspectives, the location and land use around parks have been rarely considered. Therefore, the benefits and importance of parks across various land uses were assessed in this study. Based on the assessment results, improvement strategies for future park planning and development were proposed. By highlighting and integrating the benefits of different parks, urban green spaces can be expanded to deliver diverse benefits and contribute to healthy and sustainable development. We compiled 35 items in four major types of park benefits from a literature review. Using the Delphi method, 24 important benefits of parks were identified. An importance–performance analysis (IPA) was then conducted to create matrix diagrams for parks in different land use zones to understand the key benefits and identify areas that require priority improvement. The IPA results indicated that parks in residential and industrial areas need to improve ecological benefits and environmental functions for sustainable development. Parks in districts have greening and visual appeal but need improvement in environmental education. There are excessive facilities for passive activities in parks, suggesting a need for resource optimization. The results of this study help urban planners find region-specific design solutions for different land uses and effectively manage and optimize resource allocation. Full article

The remarkable expansion of lake areas across the Changtang Plateau (CTP, located in the central Tibetan Plateau) since the late 1990s has drawn considerable scientific interest, presenting a striking contrast to the global decline in natural lake water storage observed during the same period. This study systematically investigates the mechanisms underlying lake area variations on the CTP by integrating glacierized area changes derived from the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform with atmospheric circulation patterns from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. Our analysis demonstrates that the limited glacier coverage on the CTP exerted significant influence only on glacial lakes in the southern region (r = −0.65, p < 0.05). The widespread lake expansion across the CTP predominantly stems from precipitation increases (r = 0.74, p < 0.01) associated with atmospheric circulation changes. Enhanced Indian summer monsoon (ISM) activity facilitates anomalous moisture transport from the Indian Ocean to the southwestern CTP, manifesting as increased specific humidity (Qa) in summer. Simultaneously, the weakened westerly jet stream reinforces moisture convergence across the CTP, driving enhanced annual precipitation. By coupling glacier coverage variations with atmospheric processes, this research establishes that precipitation anomalies rather than glacial meltwater primarily govern the extensive lake expansion on the CTP. These findings offer critical insights for guiding ecological security strategies and sustainable development initiatives on the CTP. Full article

In today’s digital economy, long-term business success increasingly depends on both financial resources and digital capabilities. However, limited research explores how these two factors jointly drive sustainable performance in SMEs. This study investigates how access to finance influences sustainability outcomes among SMEs, with digital agility as a mediator and Industry 5.0 as a moderator. Based on cross-sectional data collected from 383 Hungarian manufacturing SMEs in late 2024, we apply PLS-SEM and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to validate our model. The results show that access to finance significantly influences digital agility and SMEs’ sustainability. Digital agility significantly mediates between access to finance and SMEs’ sustainability. Industry 5.0 further strengthens the relationships between access to finance and both SMEs’ sustainability and digital agility. ML identified digital agility as the key factor of SMEs’ sustainability. This study contributes to the Resource-Based View and Triple Bottom Line views by synergizing digital agility and human-centered Industry 5.0. Theoretically, it also supports methodological innovation in showing that the combined usage of PLS-SEM and ML can produce stronger and more fine-grained conclusions on complex sustainability dynamics. The findings are practically relevant guidance for SMEs, policymakers, and banks intending to enable digitally facilitated sustainable growth. To the scientific community, this study bridges a critical void by linking finance, technology, and sustainability within an innovative framework. Socially, it highlights how SMEs’ financial and digital capabilities can be strengthened not only to drive economic performance but also to support environmental sustainability and social well-being—resulting in inclusive and sustainable growth for emerging economies. Full article

Biofertilizers derived from microalgae are increasingly used as promising materials for improving crop growth and development, producing fewer catastrophic environmental effects. Hence, the large-scale production of eco-friendly and broad-spectrum microalgae biofertilizers is mandatory. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the potential efficacy of isolated algae strains, such as Spirulina platensis, Spirulina maxima, and Chlorella vulgaris, to improve the growth and development of Pak Choi. A completely randomized design (CRD) was carried out, with five replications and six levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g) of each microalga biofertilizer, using Pak Choi as the test plant. Treatment with microalgae biofertilizers was found to increase Pak Choi’s overall growth performance, biochemical development, and nutritional composition. The application of Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima microalgae at 2 g as a biofertilizer showed significant (p < 0.05) positive impacts on above- and below-ground biomass, photosynthetic parameters, biochemical composition, and the nutritional attributes of different parts of Pak Choi tissues. With the addition of biofertilizer, incorporating Chlorella vulgaris (2.5 g) showed remarkable (p < 0.05) impacts on the development of above- and below-ground biomass and biochemical and nutritional attributes. Thus, our results highlight that Chlorella vulgaris (2.5 g) outperforms other biofertilizer treatments and could be considered a sustainable approach for producing leafy vegetables. Full article

Biological reduction of sulphates has gradually replaced unit chemical processes for the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD), which exerts a significant environmental impact due to its elevated acidity and high concentrations of heavy metals. Bioremediation is optimally suited for the treatment of AMD because it is cost-effective and efficient. Anaerobic bioremediation employing sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) presents a promising solution by facilitating the reduction of sulphate to sulphide. The formed can precipitate and immobilise heavy metals, assisting them in their removal from contaminated wastewater. This paper examines the current status of SRB-based bioremediation, with an emphasis on recent advances in microbial processes, reactor design, and AMD treatment efficiencies. Reviewed studies showed that SRB-based bioreactors can achieve up to 93.97% of sulphate reduction, with metal recovery rates of 95% for nickel, 98% for iron and copper, and 99% for zinc under optimised conditions. Furthermore, bioreactors that used glycerol and ethanol as a carbon source improved the efficiency of sulphate reduction, achieving a pH neutralisation from 2.8 to 7.5 within 14 days of hydraulic retention time. Despite the promising results achieved so far, several challenges remain. These include the need for optimal environmental conditions, the management of toxic hydrogen sulphide production, and the economic feasibility of large-scale applications. Future directions are proposed to address these challenges, focusing on the genetic engineering of SRB, integration with other treatment technologies, and the development of cost-effective and sustainable bioremediation strategies. Ultimately, this review provides valuable information to improve the efficiency and scalability of SRB-based remediation methods, contributing to more sustainable mining practices and environmental conservation. To ensure relevance and credibility, relevance and regency were used as criteria for the literature search. The literature sourced is directly related to the subject of the review, and the latest research, typically from the last 5 to 10 years, was prioritised. Full article

Historic urban areas must adapt to modern cultural ecology for sustainable development while preserving the authenticity and integrity of their cultural heritage. However, this goal is highly challenging due to the complexity of authenticity, integrity, and cultural–ecological adaptability. To promote the dynamic protection and sustainable development of historic urban areas and their cultural heritage, this study aims to systematically define the authenticity, integrity, and cultural–ecological adaptability of historic urban areas and promote their intrinsic unity through the analysis, integration, and deduction of existing research findings and case validation. The empirical research uses Yicheng Ancient City as a case study. The key findings are as follows: (1) Authenticity must preserve the genuineness of daily life, material cultural carriers, and intangible cultural heritage. (2) Integrity should protect all distinctive cultural elements, social functions, material spatial structures, and visual landscapes. (3) Cultural–ecological adaptability must meet the universal demands and local needs of modern cultural ecologies, with particular focus on cultural subjects, functional efficacy, cultural forms, and spatial attributes. (4) All elements of these three concepts are interrelated, and their intrinsic unity can be effectively promoted by integrating their unique characteristics, change features, and mutual compatibility. (5) The authenticity, integrity, and cultural–ecological adaptability of Yicheng Ancient City face five key issues, and six corresponding strategies have been proposed to address them. Full article

As a key global food reserve, rice disease detection technology plays an important role in promoting food production, protecting ecological balance and supporting sustainable agricultural development. However, existing rice disease identification techniques face many challenges, such as low training efficiency, insufficient model accuracy, incompatibility with mobile devices, and the need for a large number of training datasets. This study aims to develop a rice disease detection model that is highly accurate, resource efficient, and suitable for mobile deployment to address the limitations of existing technologies. We propose the Transfer Layer iRMB-YOLOv8 (TLI-YOLO) model, which modifies some components of the YOLOv8 network structure based on transfer learning. The innovation of this method is mainly reflected in four key components. First, transfer learning is used to import the pretrained model weights into the TLI-YOLO model, which significantly reduces the dataset requirements and accelerates model convergence. Secondly, it innovatively integrates a new small object detection layer into the feature fusion layer, which enhances the detection ability by combining shallow and deep feature maps so as to learn small object features more effectively. Third, this study is the first to introduce the iRMB attention mechanism, which effectively integrates Inverted Residual Blocks and Transformers, and introduces deep separable convolution to maintain the spatial integrity of features, thus improving the efficiency of computational resources on mobile platforms. Finally, this study adopted the WIoUv3 loss function and added a dynamic non-monotonic aggregation mechanism to the standard IoU calculation to more accurately evaluate and penalize the difference between the predicted and actual bounding boxes, thus improving the robustness and generalization ability of the model. The final test shows that the TLI-YOLO model achieved 93.1% precision, 88% recall, 95% mAP, and a 90.48% F1 score on the custom dataset, with only 12.60 GFLOPS of computation. Compared with YOLOv8n, the precision improved by 7.8%, the recall rate improved by 7.2%, and mAP@.5 improved by 7.6%. In addition, the model demonstrated real-time detection capability on an Android device and achieved efficiency of 30 FPS, which meets the needs of on-site diagnosis. This approach provides important support for rice disease monitoring. Full article

In the context of globalization and cultural diversity, the former residences of historical dignitaries in townships hold profound historical and cultural value, making them an important part of cultural heritage. However, as urbanization accelerates, these former residences encounter numerous challenges, necessitating a heightened focus on their protection and restoration. In this study, we utilized Wu’s Juren Mansion in Fujian as a focal point to delve deeply into the restoration design of the former residences of historical dignitaries in townships. This study covers the basic information, historical evolution, and surrounding environment of the building and investigated its damage in detail—including damage to the gatehouse, corridor, main building, roll roof, and walls—classified and counted the defect locations, and deeply analyzed the causes of damage. Based on relevant laws and regulations, we determined the nature, design principles, and foundation of the restoration project. We then formulated specific restoration measures, such as repairing and maintaining roofs, wooden structures, and walls, as well as measures for wood selection, adhesive use, and termite control. The restoration strategies and design schemes proposed in this study can effectively eliminate safety hazards, preserve the original style of the building to the greatest extent, and maintain historical and cultural value. At the same time, this research provides a reference example for the protection and development of former residences of historical dignitaries in townships and promotes the sustainable development of rural cultural heritage. Full article

Driven by global population growth and resource shortages, the coupled and coordinated development of the “Water-Carbon-Ecology” (W-C-E) nexus has emerged as a crucial factor for sustainable societal development. This study constructs a multidimensional evaluation model for the W-C-E system in the eleven provinces and municipalities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB), encompassing the richness of individual systems, the coordination between dual systems, and the robustness of the tertiary system. We propose the “W-C-E Nexus Index” (WCENI) to analyze the coupling and coordination levels among the W-C-E systems in these regions from a bottom-up perspective. Utilizing the obstacle degree model and geographical detector model, we explore the impact of key indicators on the coupled and coordinated development of the W-C-E system. The findings reveal the following: (1) The coordination index and robustness index among the three W-C-E subsystems have increased significantly, while the richness index of individual subsystems varies widely among the YEB. (2) During the study period, the WCENI for the YEB rose from 0.351 to 0.391, indicating an overall upward trend in the coupling and coordination among the W-C-E subsystems. Jiangsu recorded the highest average WCENI value of 0.445, topping the list of the eleven regions. (3) The interaction between pairs of driving factors exceeds the influence of any single factor, with per capita water consumption emerging as the primary driver for the coupled and coordinated development of the W-C-E nexus in the YEB, with an average obstacle degree of 12.05%. These findings provide a theoretical basis for regional coordinated management and sustainable development. Full article

Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) significantly impacts farmers’ sustainable development, particularly in southwestern mountainous areas with limited alternative livelihood options. However, existing studies have rarely considered the impact of CLC on farmers’ livelihoods under different terrain gradients in mountainous areas. Therefore, this study employs elevation, slope, and the terrain position index to divide terrain gradient zones. Based on 307 responses from household survey data, this study measures the changes in farmers’ livelihood capital and livelihood strategies before and after CLC and analyzes the heterogeneity of the impact of CLC under different terrain gradients. The results show the following: (1) The growth of farmers’ livelihood capital and the net effect of CLC showed the terrain gradient effect of medium-terrain areas > low-terrain areas > high-terrain areas. (2) Traditional agricultural types are transitioning to modern agricultural types and agriculture multi-employment types, while agriculture multi-employment types are shifting to non-agriculture multi-employment types. (3) The direct impact of CLC on livelihood transformation is significant in the low-terrain areas, whereas in the medium-terrain and high-terrain areas, the effects are primarily indirect through livelihood factors. This study can provide suggestions for the sustainable development of farmers in different topographic gradients in the Anning River basin. Full article

This study selects Liaoning Province, China, as the research area and constructs a theoretical evaluation framework for urban resilience based on the five dimensions: ecological, economic, social, infrastructural, and institutional. It examines the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and identifies obstacle factors of urban resilience in Liaoning Province from 2011 to 2022, utilizing the optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD) model to analyze its primary driving factors and interactions. The results show that from 2011 to 2022, urban resilience exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, rising from 0.182 in 2011 to 0.288 in 2022, while the disparity among prefecture-level cities has diminished. Spatially, the urban resilience in Liaoning Province tends to be higher in the northern region and lower in the southern region. In the east–west direction, it shows higher levels in the eastern region and lower levels in the western region during the early stage of the study period, followed by an inverted “U”-shaped evolutionary trend by the end of the study period. The obstacle degree to urban resilience development in Liaoning Province intensified from 2011 to 2022. Improving urban resilience in Liaoning Province in the future requires a focus on improving and enhancing the economic and institutional resilience subsystems. The year-end deposit balance of financial institutions is the dominant driving factor of urban resilience. This study offers theoretical support and practical guidance for future urban spatial planning and sustainable development. Full article