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20 pages, 635 KB  
Article
Are Female Leadership and Innovation Determinants of Tunisian Firms’ Participation in Global Value Chains?
by Mohamed Ilyes Gritli, Teheni El Ghak and Fatma Marrakchi Charfi
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2026, 14(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs14050113 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Nowadays, Global Value Chains (GVCs) play a vital role in job creation, income generation, knowledge diffusion, and productivity growth. However, significant disparities exist across countries in terms of their integration into GVCs, and Tunisia is no exception to this pattern. In this regard, [...] Read more.
Nowadays, Global Value Chains (GVCs) play a vital role in job creation, income generation, knowledge diffusion, and productivity growth. However, significant disparities exist across countries in terms of their integration into GVCs, and Tunisia is no exception to this pattern. In this regard, the question about factors that influence GVCs’ participation is yet to be discussed, to formulate and implement appropriate strategies and reforms. Thus, using firm-level data from the 2025 World Bank Enterprise Survey, this paper examines the role of female leadership and innovation in determining Tunisian firms’ participation in GVCs. Participation in GVCs is captured by a dummy variable indicating the firm’s export and import status. Estimation results from the logit model show that female representation in decision-making positions significantly increases the likelihood of firms’ participation in GVCs. The results also highlight the importance of process innovation in GVC participation, while product innovation appears to have no significant effect. Notably, when firms combine both types of innovation, their likelihood of joining GVCs increases further. Regarding control variables, firm size appears to be an important determinant, as larger firms display a greater tendency to participate in GVCs. The findings further indicate that firm certification and foreign equity participation significantly promote integration into GVCs, while corruption constitutes a major constraint on the integration of Tunisian firms. From a policy perspective, these findings highlight the need to rethink industrial policies, with a stronger focus on process innovation as a key lever of productive sector modernization. Achieving this transformation also requires the development of an inclusive policy ecosystem that supports meaningful and sustainable progress in female’s leadership representation. Full article
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32 pages, 2357 KB  
Article
Strengthening Sustainable Value Chains in the Colombian Amazon: A Cacao-Based Agroforestry Model for Bioeconomic Development in Puerto Nariño, Amazonas and Puerto Caicedo, Putumayo
by Margarita del Rosario Salazar-Sánchez, Juan Camilo Lega-Barco, Luis Fernando García, Carlos Alberto Rengifo-Ruiz, Katherin Yiseth Castro-Hermosa and Juan Fernando Arango-Sánchez
Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4496; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094496 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
The Colombian Amazon faces persistent tensions between biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods, while territorially grounded productive alternatives remain limited. This study assesses the feasibility of a cacao-based agroforestry system as a sustainable value-chain strategy in Puerto Nariño (Amazonas) and Puerto Caicedo (Putumayo), Colombia. [...] Read more.
The Colombian Amazon faces persistent tensions between biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods, while territorially grounded productive alternatives remain limited. This study assesses the feasibility of a cacao-based agroforestry system as a sustainable value-chain strategy in Puerto Nariño (Amazonas) and Puerto Caicedo (Putumayo), Colombia. Using participatory action research and mixed methods (100 semi-structured interviews, participatory mapping, techno-economic scenario modeling, and MICMAC structural analysis), the study integrates local knowledge, productivity projections, and territorial governance assessment. The analysis indicates that cacao can be integrated into Amazonian chagra systems without introducing external species, preserving sociocultural compatibility and ecological continuity. Under empirically calibrated productivity assumptions and nine cost–price scenarios, projected annual revenues range from USD 1200 to 2550 per hectare, with an average net present value of USD 3596 over 30 years. MICMAC results identify community governance and institutional articulation as key enabling conditions shaping value-chain feasibility in both territories. Rather than proposing a universal model, the findings suggest that cacao-based agroforestry may strengthen food security and income diversification when embedded in locally legitimate institutions. These results are prospective and should be further assessed through pilot implementations and participatory monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioeconomy of Sustainability)
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27 pages, 20862 KB  
Article
Assessing Power System Reliability Using Anomaly Detection in Daily Nighttime Light Data
by Nuo Xu, Xin Cao and Miaoying Chen
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(9), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18091417 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Power-system reliability is crucial for sustainable development, but large-scale, long-term monitoring remains challenging. Existing nighttime light (NTL)-based outage detection methods often rely on fixed thresholds or prior information, limiting cross-regional application. To address this, we develop an adaptive thresholding framework using daily NASA [...] Read more.
Power-system reliability is crucial for sustainable development, but large-scale, long-term monitoring remains challenging. Existing nighttime light (NTL)-based outage detection methods often rely on fixed thresholds or prior information, limiting cross-regional application. To address this, we develop an adaptive thresholding framework using daily NASA Black Marble data. Observations are grouped by view angle to mitigate radiometric instability, and a per-pixel dynamic baseline is constructed from high-radiance statistics, enabling robust anomaly detection without prior outage timing. From the detected anomalies, we formulate a population-weighted NTL power reliability index (NTPRI) to quantify regional electricity service reliability. Validation across six diverse outage events yields an F1 score of 0.807. National-scale analysis shows NTPRI correlates significantly with the World Bank’s System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI). The derived Light Anomaly Rate (LAR) further supports pixel-level frequency analysis. Together, this framework provides a transferable remote-sensing tool for large-scale power-reliability assessment in data-scarce regions, supporting disaster impact evaluation and energy vulnerability analysis. Full article
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17 pages, 11682 KB  
Article
Supercritical CO2-Derived Tomato Extract Activates Signaling Pathways to Reduce Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Astrocyte Cells
by Serena Recalchi, Beatrice Mengoni, Barbara Scaglia, Marilena Esposito, Emiliano Montalesi, Valeria Manganelli, Gloria Riitano, Elena Fasciolo, Tuba Rana Caglar, Daniela Caissutti, Camilla Moliterni, Federica Armeli, Rita Businaro, Roberta Misasi, Maurizio Sorice and Antonella Capozzi
Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091464 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect on antioxidant defenses of a tomato extract obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction (sCO2TE), evaluating whether this green extraction method preserves biological activity compared to a conventional tomato extract (CTE) and focusing on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect on antioxidant defenses of a tomato extract obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction (sCO2TE), evaluating whether this green extraction method preserves biological activity compared to a conventional tomato extract (CTE) and focusing on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) regulation, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation modulation. Methods: Human glioblastoma astrocytoma U-373 cells were pre-treated with sCO2TE or conventional tomato extract (CTE) and subsequently exposed to sodium arsenite (AsNaO2) to induce oxidative stress, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger inflammatory signaling. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]; cell toxicity by propidium iodide staining. Intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation were measured by flow cytometry. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD1 and GPX1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR, NRF2 activation and modulation of ERK1/2 (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2) and NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were evaluated by Western blot. Results: Pre-treatment with sCO2TE significantly reduced AsNaO2-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation, showing a stronger effect compared to CTE. sCO2TE enhanced the expression of NRF2 phosphorylation and its downstream targets SOD1 and GPX1, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, sCO2TE attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that sCO2TE preserves the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tomato-derived bioactives. The comparable efficacy of sCO2TE and CTE supports the use of sCO2 as a sustainable and solvent-free extraction method for the development of nutraceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Full article
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30 pages, 691 KB  
Article
Internal Corporate Social Responsibility and Multilevel Labour Management in Fishing Organisations: A PLS-SEM Sequential Mediation Model for Sustainable Decent Work
by Abel Lennin Cisneros Camacho and Miguel Angel Cancharí-Preciado
Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4495; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094495 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
The fishing processing industry in Chimbote, Peru, reflects structural vulnerabilities typical of high-informality extractive sectors, including precarious working conditions and limited internal corporate social responsibility (ICSR), hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8). Although prior research has linked ICSR to positive [...] Read more.
The fishing processing industry in Chimbote, Peru, reflects structural vulnerabilities typical of high-informality extractive sectors, including precarious working conditions and limited internal corporate social responsibility (ICSR), hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8). Although prior research has linked ICSR to positive employee outcomes, the multilevel mechanisms through which these effects translate into organisational outcomes remain insufficiently understood. This study examines the relationship between ICSR and labour management through a multilevel sequential framework. Using survey data from 384 workers in fishing processing firms, a structural model was estimated to analyse the pathways linking ICSR with individual-, group-, and organisational-level labour management. The findings reveal that ICSR does not directly predict organisational-level outcomes. Instead, its effects operate through a sequential bottom-up process, where ICSR is associated with individual-level labour management, which in turn relates to group-level dynamics, ultimately contributing to organisational-level outcomes. This indirect-only mechanism highlights the central role of individual and group processes in translating organisational practices into broader organisational effects. These results contribute to the literature by providing empirical evidence of a multilevel transmission mechanism in a high-informality context, extending current understanding of ICSR beyond single-level models. From a practical perspective, the findings suggest that organisations seeking to improve labour conditions should prioritise interventions at the individual and group levels to achieve sustainable organisational outcomes aligned with SDG 8. Full article
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14 pages, 393 KB  
Article
Food Biotechnology Potential of Grape-Derived Aureobasidium pullulans: Characterization and Screening for Enzyme Production Capacity
by Vesna Milanović, Ana Boban, Federica Cardinali, Andrea Osimani, Lucia Aquilanti, Cristiana Garofalo, Giorgia Rampanti and Irena Budić-Leto
Foods 2026, 15(9), 1573; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15091573 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2026
Abstract
Aureobasidium pullulans is a polyextremotolerant yeast-like fungus increasingly recognized for its role in food ecosystems and its emerging potential in flavour development and nutrient modulation. However, systematic evaluations of autochthonous grape-associated populations integrating technological performance and safety-related traits remain limited. This study provides [...] Read more.
Aureobasidium pullulans is a polyextremotolerant yeast-like fungus increasingly recognized for its role in food ecosystems and its emerging potential in flavour development and nutrient modulation. However, systematic evaluations of autochthonous grape-associated populations integrating technological performance and safety-related traits remain limited. This study provides a broad phenotypic screening of 70 isolates from Maraština grapes (Dalmatia, Croatia), applying an integrated functional screening approach to link enzymatic potential, environmental resilience, and food safety. Most isolates displayed multiple hydrolytic enzymes, with widespread cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, esterase, and protease activities. Several isolates showed very high enzymatic indices, supporting their potential for plant-derived substrate transformation, aroma release, and food processing applications. β-glucosidase and urease activities were common, while amylase was limited. Ecological screening confirmed robust adaptability to salinity, osmotic stress, and wide pH ranges. Notably, 31% of isolates demonstrated phosphate solubilization capacity, indicating a possible contribution to mineral bioavailability and nutritional enhancement. Safety screening revealed decarboxylation of selected amino acids, while two isolates lacked detectable activity, highlighting them as candidates for further safety evaluation. Overall, this work establishes a framework for selecting A. pullulans isolates for next-generation, flavour-oriented and nutritionally enhanced food applications, supporting sustainable bioprocessing and future industrial validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
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17 pages, 470 KB  
Article
Digitainability in Education: A Framework for Sustainability and Digitality as a Twin Transformation
by Richard Böhme
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16050721 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Digitainability is increasingly invoked at the intersection of sustainability and digital transformation. In education, however, the two discourses are still often negotiated separately. This conceptual paper addresses that gap by focusing on educational debates across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (the DACH region) and [...] Read more.
Digitainability is increasingly invoked at the intersection of sustainability and digital transformation. In education, however, the two discourses are still often negotiated separately. This conceptual paper addresses that gap by focusing on educational debates across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (the DACH region) and by developing a conceptual–synthetic argument based on a purposive reconstruction of key reference texts. It argues that sustainability-related educational aims—particularly SDG target 4.7—remain conceptually under-specified when digitality is primarily understood as a toolkit rather than a socio-technical condition. It also contends that the digital transformation in education can only be assessed and shaped responsibly when sustainability and justice are treated as integral to the analysis and design of educational processes. Against this backdrop, the paper develops the Digitainability Framework as a heuristic for reflection, analysis, and design. The framework proposes a double perspective: sustainable digitality (the design of ‘onlife’ environments) and sustainability under conditions of digitality (the negotiation of sustainability-related conflicts in media-shaped, increasingly platformised publics). Across both perspectives, the framework makes explicit four intersecting framings—cultural, power-related, discursive, and agent-related—while keeping sustainability in view across its social, ecological, and economic dimensions. A brief example illustrates the framework’s potential. Full article
18 pages, 14442 KB  
Article
Genomic Insights and Antifungal Efficacy of Xenorhabdus budapestensis XH-4 in Combating Soybean Root Rot
by Yafei Qu, Kebin Li, Zhimin Wang, Huanhuan Dong, Athanase Hategekimana, Xiaomei Wang and Jiao Yin
J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050332 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Soybean root rot, primarily caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leads to severe root decay and substantial yield losses in Glycine max. This study screened ten entomopathogenic nematode-associated symbiotic bacteria for antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum. Among them, Xenorhabdus budapestensis XH-4 exhibited [...] Read more.
Soybean root rot, primarily caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leads to severe root decay and substantial yield losses in Glycine max. This study screened ten entomopathogenic nematode-associated symbiotic bacteria for antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum. Among them, Xenorhabdus budapestensis XH-4 exhibited the strongest in vitro inhibition, suppressing mycelial growth by more than 73%. Antifungal activity was primarily attributed to extracellular metabolites, as both fermentation broth and cell-free culture supernatant were effective, whereas bacterial cell suspensions showed no significant inhibition. In greenhouse experiments, 40% (v/v) XH-4 reduced the disease index by 75–80%, comparable to the chemical fungicide metalaxyl–hymexazol. Genome mining revealed 20 biosynthetic gene clusters encoding diverse secondary metabolites, including fabclavine, fabclavine pyrrolizixenamide A, and putrebactin/avaroferrin, which likely underpin the strain antifungal efficacy. Additionally, XH-4 enhanced soybean antioxidant capacity and activated the phenylpropanoid pathway, indicating a dual mechanism involving direct antagonism and induced systemic resistance. These findings support the development of XH-4 as an environmentally friendly biofungicide for sustainable management of soybean root rot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungi in Agriculture and Biotechnology)
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16 pages, 1952 KB  
Article
The Influence of Cellulose Fiber Content on the Mechanical Properties of Composites Based on Modified Thermoplastic Starch
by Mariusz Fabijański and Jacek Garbarski
Processes 2026, 14(9), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14091480 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
This study presents the results of evaluating composites based on modified thermoplastic starch (TPS) with BWW40 and FD600/30 cellulose fibers at varying mass contents. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of filler type and quantity on mechanical properties and [...] Read more.
This study presents the results of evaluating composites based on modified thermoplastic starch (TPS) with BWW40 and FD600/30 cellulose fibers at varying mass contents. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of filler type and quantity on mechanical properties and water absorption. Test samples were prepared using the injection molding method. It was shown that increasing fiber content led to a reduction in strength of approximately 36% for BWW40 fibers and approximately 37% for FD600/30 fibers at maximum fill. Similar results were observed for elongation at break. Young’s modulus increased by approximately 15% for BWW40 fibers and approximately 13% for FD600/30 fibers. Water absorption also increased with increasing fiber content, which is due to the hydrophilic nature of both the starch matrix and the reinforcing phase. The main conclusion drawn from the conducted research is that by properly selecting the type and content of fibers, it is possible to consciously shape the stiffness and dimensional stability of such composites while maintaining their biodegradability. The results obtained allow for a better assessment of the application potential of these materials in the context of developing sustainable material solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)
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20 pages, 471 KB  
Article
Time–Money Segment Differences in Ideation and Collaboration Readiness in Sustainable Tourism Education
by Dejan Križaj
Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4490; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094490 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
This study examines whether tourism students’ self-reported time–money use patterns are related to their readiness to collaborate on idea development, and whether sustainability emerges spontaneously in their tourism innovation ideas. Using an anonymised dataset of open-ended questionnaire responses from Slovenian higher education tourism [...] Read more.
This study examines whether tourism students’ self-reported time–money use patterns are related to their readiness to collaborate on idea development, and whether sustainability emerges spontaneously in their tourism innovation ideas. Using an anonymised dataset of open-ended questionnaire responses from Slovenian higher education tourism students (N = 597; 2019–2025), we applied deterministic rule-based coding to classify the presence of actionable ideas and sustainability framing, as well as collaboration readiness and conditions. Actionable ideas were common (53.4%), but sustainability framing was uncommon (7.5%). Most respondents were unconditionally willing to collaborate (69.3%), while 30.7% expressed conditional willingness or unwillingness. Time–money behavioural segments were significantly associated with collaboration reservations, whereas segment differences in ideation and sustainability framing were not significant. Among students expressing reservations, topic match and perceived team quality were the most frequently stated conditions. These findings indicate that sustainability-oriented tourism education should support both sustainability integration and low-risk collaboration through clear project briefs, topic-based matching, and team-process supports. The conclusions should be interpreted with reasonable caution as they are context-specific evidence based on self-reported, rule-coded responses, particularly for sustainability framing, where positive cases were rare. In this context, segmentation should be regarded as a diagnostic tool for course design rather than as a basis for labelling students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)
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18 pages, 3812 KB  
Review
Advances in the Control of Plant Fungal Pathogens
by Paloma Sánchez-Torres
J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050331 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Fungi are the main causative agents of plant diseases and are responsible for substantial and recurrent damage to agricultural systems. Their activity causes significant reductions in crop productivity and food quality, ultimately contributing to plant deterioration and economic losses. It is estimated that [...] Read more.
Fungi are the main causative agents of plant diseases and are responsible for substantial and recurrent damage to agricultural systems. Their activity causes significant reductions in crop productivity and food quality, ultimately contributing to plant deterioration and economic losses. It is estimated that phytopathogenic fungi can compromise up to 30% of global agricultural production. To mitigate microbial deterioration, a wide range of control strategies have been employed, with chemical fungicides being one of the most widely used interventions. However, current approaches to fungal control are rapidly transforming owing to the growing prevalence of fungicide resistance, increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks governing chemical applications, and evolving market demands. Taken together, these factors impose new constraints and drive the development of more sustainable alternative options for effective food control. This review examines the diverse strategies used to control fungal diseases in plants, emphasizing advances in biocontrol agents and biofungicides, as well as emerging tools in the molecular biology, genomics, and biotechnology fields. The aim is to highlight recent developments and prospects that can be integrated into comprehensive disease-management approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Control of Plant Fungal Pathogens)
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16 pages, 1090 KB  
Article
From Transient Knockdown to Density-Driven Collapse: A Mechanistic Comparison of Adult Mosquito Control by Space Spraying and Mass Trapping in Maldivian Islands
by Bart G. J. Knols, Nabeel Siddiqui, Akib Jahir and Martin Geier
Insects 2026, 17(5), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17050471 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Space spraying and mass trapping represent distinct adult mosquito control strategies with fundamentally different population-level consequences. We developed a density-regulated population model incorporating either pulsed mortality from spraying (efficacy α = 0.2–0.6 per application) or continuous proportional removal through trapping. Parameters were derived [...] Read more.
Space spraying and mass trapping represent distinct adult mosquito control strategies with fundamentally different population-level consequences. We developed a density-regulated population model incorporating either pulsed mortality from spraying (efficacy α = 0.2–0.6 per application) or continuous proportional removal through trapping. Parameters were derived from empirical island datasets. Spraying produced rapid but transient reductions and required high-frequency re-application (weekly to daily) to approach structural suppression when α ≤ 0.4. Consistent with model predictions, analysis of Maldivian resort practices indicated that daily spraying is common in operational settings. In contrast, trapping shifted long-term equilibrium density and induced population collapse above a model-estimated threshold density that, under the baseline parameterization used here, corresponded to approximately 8–10 traps per hectare in geographically bounded island systems. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that qualitative outcomes were robust across plausible parameter ranges. Economic comparison indicated that spraying frequencies required to match threshold trapping substantially increased cumulative cost. In small island settings with negligible immigration, threshold-based mass trapping provides a structurally stable pathway toward sustained suppression, whereas spraying remains primarily a rapid-response tool with limited durability under moderate-efficacy conditions. When potential ecological externalities and human health considerations associated with repeated insecticide use are considered, trapping may offer additional advantages beyond purely economic comparisons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical and Livestock Entomology)
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25 pages, 11858 KB  
Article
The Sustainability Challenge of Water Resources in Arid Rural Areas Under Drought Constraints and Increasing Consumption Pressure: A Case Study of the Guercif Plain (Morocco)
by Lamfaddal El Hani, Nir Y. Krakauer, Ridouane Kessabi, Mohamed Belmahi, Jawad Khachab and Abdelouahed Bouberria
Water 2026, 18(9), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18091094 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
This article analyzes the state of water resources in the Guercif Plain (Morocco) under the combined effects of drought and increasing consumption pressures. The study adopts a quantitative and analytical approach based on climatic and hydrological data, demographic information, and Landsat satellite imagery. [...] Read more.
This article analyzes the state of water resources in the Guercif Plain (Morocco) under the combined effects of drought and increasing consumption pressures. The study adopts a quantitative and analytical approach based on climatic and hydrological data, demographic information, and Landsat satellite imagery. The main findings reveal pronounced rainfall variability with an overall declining tendency, with drought years accounting for approximately 58% of the observation period. This climatic context has been accompanied by strong interannual fluctuations in the discharge of Oued Melloulou, with a slight long-term declining trend, along with a continuous and accelerating groundwater decline in the Tafrata aquifer at an average rate of 0.98 m per year. The analysis also indicates an estimated urban water deficit approaching 77% under peak demand conditions in 2025. Furthermore, NDVI-based analysis of satellite imagery highlights a marked expansion of irrigated areas in the Guercif Plain, increasing from about 2% of the total plain area in 1985 to approximately 9% in 2020. This vegetation expansion is largely associated with irrigation development, suggesting increasing pressure on groundwater resources rather than recovery linked to rainfall conditions. Overall, the findings raise critical concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of water resources and underscore the need for integrated and adaptive water-management strategies under persistent drought conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water and Climate Change)
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28 pages, 4362 KB  
Article
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Yellow Peacock Flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and Its Application in Gelatin Capsule Waste-Based Active Packaging Films for Dried Shrimp Preservation
by Pudthaya Kumnerdsiri, Khanittha Chinarak, Lalitphan Kitsanayanyong, Anurak Uchuwittayakul, Wanchat Sirisarn, Piyangkun Lueangjaroenkit, Pimonpan Kaewprachu, Jaksuma Pongsetkul, Samart Saiut, Saroat Rawdkuen and Passakorn Kingwascharapong
Antioxidants 2026, 15(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15050576 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Environmental pollution from plastics is largely driven by inadequate waste management, particularly in food packaging that relies heavily on petroleum-derived materials. This study utilized gelatin capsule waste (GCW) as a sustainable biopolymer and incorporated yellow peacock flower extract (YPE), obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction [...] Read more.
Environmental pollution from plastics is largely driven by inadequate waste management, particularly in food packaging that relies heavily on petroleum-derived materials. This study utilized gelatin capsule waste (GCW) as a sustainable biopolymer and incorporated yellow peacock flower extract (YPE), obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), at various concentrations (0–2%, w/v) to develop biodegradable films with enhanced functional and antioxidant properties. The main phenolic constituents of YPE were flavonoid aglycones and their glycosylated derivatives. YPE showed total phenolic content of 98.44–129.34 mg GAE/g dry extract, with ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP antioxidant activities ranging from 5.51 to 8.11, 3.17–7.63, and 3.86–5.82 mg TE/g dry extract, respectively. Incorporation of YPE into GCW films significantly improved light barrier properties, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and antioxidant activity, along with a reduction in water vapor permeability and an increase in contact angle, indicating enhanced film hydrophobicity. All films exhibited excellent biodegradability, with complete disintegration within 15 days under soil burial conditions. Films containing 2% YPE (GF4) showed significantly higher thickness, tensile strength, and thermal stability, along with increased opacity, compared with the control (GF0), indicating a reinforcing effect. FTIR analysis revealed the interaction between protein and phenolic compounds from YPE. In a food application model, GF4 film pouches (5 × 5 cm2) effectively delayed oxidative deterioration of dried shrimp during storage at 25 ± 2 °C for 15 days. These findings highlight YPE as a promising bioactive ingredient for biodegradable active packaging and demonstrate the feasibility of GCW as a sustainable biopolymer for eco-friendly films. Full article
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20 pages, 2557 KB  
Article
BIM-Enabled Lifecycle Governance for Urban Assets: A Reproducible Methodology for Maintenance and Renewal Planning
by Daniel Macek
Urban Sci. 2026, 10(5), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10050246 (registering DOI) - 2 May 2026
Abstract
Sustainable urban development depends not only on efficient design and construction but also on the long-term governance of built assets during their operational phase. However, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is still predominantly applied to design and delivery processes, with limited integration into structured [...] Read more.
Sustainable urban development depends not only on efficient design and construction but also on the long-term governance of built assets during their operational phase. However, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is still predominantly applied to design and delivery processes, with limited integration into structured maintenance and renewal planning. This study develops a BIM-enabled lifecycle governance methodology that integrates lifecycle cost modeling, service-life estimation, and time-based renewal scheduling into a unified digital asset environment. Rather than proposing a new theoretical model, the study focuses on the systematic integration and operationalization of these components into a reproducible and auditable workflow. The methodology is validated through an anonymized multi-asset industrial portfolio comprising buildings, technical infrastructure, and external works, modeled over a 30-year planning horizon using structured maintenance and renewal data. Comparative scenario analysis between reactive and planned lifecycle strategies evaluates expenditure distribution, capital concentration, and intervention synchronization. The results demonstrate that embedding structured lifecycle parameters within BIM improves the predictability of annual expenditures, reduces cost concentration in peak renewal years, and enhances transparency of long-term asset planning without significantly altering cumulative lifecycle costs. These outcomes support more structured financial planning and coordination of maintenance and renewal activities at the portfolio level. The study does not quantify environmental or social sustainability impacts; its contribution lies in providing a governance-oriented methodology that transforms BIM-based asset data into decision-support outputs for long-term lifecycle planning. Full article
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