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Search Results (701)

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Keywords = environmental quality perception

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20 pages, 8930 KiB  
Article
Beyond Homogeneous Perception: Classifying Urban Visitors’ Forest-Based Recreation Behavior for Policy Adaptation
by Young-Jo Yun, Ga Eun Choi, Ji-Ye Lee and Yun Eui Choi
Land 2025, 14(8), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081584 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 52
Abstract
Urban forests, as a form of green infrastructure, play a vital role in enhancing urban resilience, environmental health, and quality of life. However, users perceive and utilize these spaces in diverse ways. This study aims to identify latent perception types among urban forest [...] Read more.
Urban forests, as a form of green infrastructure, play a vital role in enhancing urban resilience, environmental health, and quality of life. However, users perceive and utilize these spaces in diverse ways. This study aims to identify latent perception types among urban forest visitors and analyze their behavioral, demographic, and policy-related characteristics in Incheon Metropolitan City (Republic of Korea). Using latent class analysis, four distinct visitor types were identified: multipurpose recreationists, balanced relaxation seekers, casual forest users, and passive forest visitors. Multipurpose recreationists preferred active physical use and sports facilities, while balanced relaxation seekers emphasized emotional well-being and cultural experiences. Casual users engaged lightly with forest settings, and passive forest visitors exhibited minimal recreational interest. Satisfaction with forest elements such as vegetation, facilities, and management conditions varied across visitor types and age groups, especially among older adults. These findings highlight the need for perception-based green infrastructure planning. Policy recommendations include expanding accessible neighborhood green spaces for aging populations, promoting community-oriented events, and offering participatory forest programs for youth engagement. By integrating user segmentation into urban forest planning and governance, this study contributes to more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable management of urban green infrastructure. Full article
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24 pages, 5578 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Covariance Matrix for UAV-Based Visual–Inertial Navigation Systems Using Gaussian Formulas
by Yangzi Cong, Wenbin Su, Nan Jiang, Wenpeng Zong, Long Li, Yan Xu, Tianhe Xu and Paipai Wu
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4745; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154745 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
In a variety of UAV applications, visual–inertial navigation systems (VINSs) play a crucial role in providing accurate positioning and navigation solutions. However, traditional VINS struggle to adapt flexibly to varying environmental conditions due to fixed covariance matrix settings. This limitation becomes especially acute [...] Read more.
In a variety of UAV applications, visual–inertial navigation systems (VINSs) play a crucial role in providing accurate positioning and navigation solutions. However, traditional VINS struggle to adapt flexibly to varying environmental conditions due to fixed covariance matrix settings. This limitation becomes especially acute during high-speed drone operations, where motion blur and fluctuating image clarity can significantly compromise navigation accuracy and system robustness. To address these issues, we propose an innovative adaptive covariance matrix estimation method for UAV-based VINS using Gaussian formulas. Our approach enhances the accuracy and robustness of the navigation system by dynamically adjusting the covariance matrix according to the quality of the images. Leveraging the advanced Laplacian operator, detailed assessments of image blur are performed, thereby achieving precise perception of image quality. Based on these assessments, a novel mechanism is introduced for dynamically adjusting the visual covariance matrix using a Gaussian model according to the clarity of images in the current environment. Extensive simulation experiments across the EuRoC and TUM VI datasets, as well as the field tests, have validated our method, demonstrating significant improvements in navigation accuracy of drones in scenarios with motion blur. Our algorithm has shown significantly higher accuracy compared to the famous VINS-Mono framework, outperforming it by 18.18% on average, as well as the optimization rate of RMS, which reaches 65.66% for the F1 dataset and 41.74% for F2 in the field tests outdoors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)
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19 pages, 2828 KiB  
Review
Microbial Proteins: A Green Approach Towards Zero Hunger
by Ayesha Muazzam, Abdul Samad, AMM Nurul Alam, Young-Hwa Hwang and Seon-Tea Joo
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2636; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152636 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 398
Abstract
The global population is increasing rapidly and, according to the United Nations (UN), it is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. The demand for food is also increasing with a growing population. Food shortages, land scarcity, resource depletion, and climate change are [...] Read more.
The global population is increasing rapidly and, according to the United Nations (UN), it is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. The demand for food is also increasing with a growing population. Food shortages, land scarcity, resource depletion, and climate change are significant issues raised due to an increasing population. Meat is a vital source of high-quality protein in the human diet, and addressing the sustainability of meat production is essential to ensuring long-term food security. To cover the meat demand of a growing population, meat scientists are working on several meat alternatives. Bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae have been identified as sources of microbial proteins that are both effective and sustainable, making them suitable for use in the development of meat analogs. Unlike livestock farming, microbial proteins produce less environmental pollution, need less space and water, and contain all the necessary dietary components. This review examines the status and future of microbial proteins in regard to consolidating and stabilizing the global food system. This review explores the production methods, nutritional benefits, environmental impact, regulatory landscape, and consumer perception of microbial protein-based meat analogs. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of microbial proteins by elaborating on the connection between microbial protein-based meat analogs and multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. Full article
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19 pages, 88349 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Assessment of Street Environmental Quality Using Time-Series Street View Imagery Within Daily Intervals
by Puxuan Zhang, Yichen Liu and Yihua Huang
Land 2025, 14(8), 1544; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081544 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 301
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has intensified global settlement density, significantly increasing the importance of urban street environmental quality, which profoundly affects residents’ physical and psychological well-being. Traditional methods for evaluating urban environmental quality have largely overlooked dynamic perceptual changes occurring throughout the day, resulting in [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization has intensified global settlement density, significantly increasing the importance of urban street environmental quality, which profoundly affects residents’ physical and psychological well-being. Traditional methods for evaluating urban environmental quality have largely overlooked dynamic perceptual changes occurring throughout the day, resulting in incomplete assessments. To bridge this methodological gap, this study presents an innovative approach combining advanced deep learning techniques with time-series street view imagery (SVI) analysis to systematically quantify spatio-temporal variations in the perceived environmental quality of pedestrian-oriented streets. It further addresses two central questions: how perceived environmental quality varies spatially across sections of a pedestrian-oriented street and how these perceptions fluctuate temporally throughout the day. Utilizing Golden Street, a representative living street in Shanghai’s Changning District, as the empirical setting, street view images were manually collected at 96 sampling points across multiple time intervals within a single day. The collected images underwent semantic segmentation using the DeepLabv3+ model, and emotional scores were quantified through the validated MIT Place Pulse 2.0 dataset across six subjective indicators: “Safe,” “Lively,” “Wealthy,” “Beautiful,” “Depressing,” and “Boring.” Spatial and temporal patterns of these indicators were subsequently analyzed to elucidate their relationships with environmental attributes. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating deep learning models with time-series SVI for assessing urban environmental perceptions, providing robust empirical insights for urban planners and policymakers. The results emphasize the necessity of context-sensitive, temporally adaptive urban design strategies to enhance urban livability and psychological well-being, ultimately contributing to more vibrant, secure, and sustainable pedestrian-oriented urban environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Sustainable Urban and Land Development, Second Edition)
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21 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
Italian Consumer Willingness to Pay for Agri-Food Sustainable Certification Labels: The Role of Sociodemographic Factors
by Francesca Gagliardi, Leonardo Brogi, Gianni Betti, Angelo Riccaboni and Cristiana Tozzi
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6792; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156792 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 215
Abstract
Studying consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable certification labels and preferences in consumption is a relevant issue for policymakers. Several studies have revealed a positive WTP a premium price for many certified products. The aim of this paper is to assess an [...] Read more.
Studying consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable certification labels and preferences in consumption is a relevant issue for policymakers. Several studies have revealed a positive WTP a premium price for many certified products. The aim of this paper is to assess an overview of Italian consumers’ WTP for eight different sustainable certification labels and to collect information about their consumption preferences and perceptions in consumption. Participants were selected by stratified simple random sampling, using regional distribution, gender, and age as stratification criteria, to obtain a representative sample of n = 3600. Eight ordered logit models were estimated to understand how consumer sociodemographic characteristics influence the price premium. The results show important differences in WTP among different certification labels; a higher WTP emerged for ethical certifications than for environmentally focused labels. Younger individuals; women; and those with higher education, income and life satisfaction, as well as consumers in southern regions, were significantly more willing to pay premiums for certified products. However, a key finding for policymakers is that the stated price premium consumers are willing to pay falls significantly short of the actual higher costs of these products in supermarkets. Furthermore, insights into consumer perceptions and preferences revealed that quality and origin are perceived as key price drivers, while method of production holds less importance. It also emerged that consumers primarily seek a balance between quality and price, with only a small segment prioritizing certified products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability of Local Agri-Food Systems)
26 pages, 673 KiB  
Article
Mathematical Modeling and Structural Equation Analysis of Acceptance Behavior Intention to AI Medical Diagnosis Systems
by Kai-Chao Yao and Sumei Chiang
Mathematics 2025, 13(15), 2390; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13152390 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 300
Abstract
This study builds on Davis’ TAM by integrating environmental and psychological variables relevant to AI medical diagnostics. This study developed a mathematical theoretical model called the “AI medical diagnosis-acceptance evaluation model” (AMD-AEM) to better understand acceptance behavior intention. Using mathematical modeling, we established [...] Read more.
This study builds on Davis’ TAM by integrating environmental and psychological variables relevant to AI medical diagnostics. This study developed a mathematical theoretical model called the “AI medical diagnosis-acceptance evaluation model” (AMD-AEM) to better understand acceptance behavior intention. Using mathematical modeling, we established reflective measurement model indicators and structural equation relationships, where linear structural equations illustrate the interactions among latent variables. In 2025, we collected empirical data from 2380 patients and medical staff who have experience with AI diagnostic systems in teaching hospitals in central Taiwan. Smart PLS 3 was employed to validate the AMD-AEM model. The results reveal that perceived usefulness (PU) and information quality (IQ) are the primary predictors of acceptance behavior intention (ABI). Additionally, perceived ease of use (PE) indirectly influences ABI through PU and attitude toward use (ATU). AI emotional perception (AEP) notably shows a significant positive relationship with ATU, highlighting that warm and positive human–AI interactions are crucial for user acceptance. IQ was identified as a mediating variable, with variance accounted for (VAF) coefficient analysis confirming its complete mediation effect on the path from ATU to ABI. This indicates that information quality enhances user attitudes and directly increases acceptance behavior intention. The AMD-AEM model demonstrates an excellent fit, providing valuable insights for academia and the healthcare industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Statistical Analysis: Theory, Methods and Applications)
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20 pages, 1026 KiB  
Article
Spatial Variations in Perceptions of Decarbonization Impacts and Public Acceptance of the Bioeconomy in Western Macedonia
by Christina-Ioanna Papadopoulou, Stavros Kalogiannidis, Dimitrios Kalfas, Efstratios Loizou and Fotios Chatzitheodoridis
Land 2025, 14(8), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081533 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 183
Abstract
This study examines the regional disparities in public perceptions of decarbonization and the acceptance of the bioeconomy within Western Macedonia, a Greek region undergoing structural economic change. While the environmental benefits of decarbonization, such as reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality, are [...] Read more.
This study examines the regional disparities in public perceptions of decarbonization and the acceptance of the bioeconomy within Western Macedonia, a Greek region undergoing structural economic change. While the environmental benefits of decarbonization, such as reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality, are widely acknowledged, perceptions of economic and social outcomes, including investments, new business development, and policy support, vary significantly across sub-regions. To this end, a structured survey was conducted among 765 residents, utilizing Likert-scale items to assess attitudes, with demographic data providing a contextual framework. Statistical analyses, incorporating techniques such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis, and multiple regression, were employed to explore spatial variations and identify the primary drivers of bioeconomy acceptance. The results indicate that perceived government action, visible investment, new enterprises, and a positive view of public sentiment are all significant predictors of acceptance, with institutional support showing the strongest influence. The findings reveal that certain areas feel less engaged in the transition, expressing skepticism about its benefits, while others report more optimism. This disparity in perception underscores the necessity for targeted policy interventions to ensure inclusive and equitable participation. The study emphasizes the necessity for regionally responsive governance, enhanced communication strategies, and tangible local development initiatives to cultivate public trust and support. The study makes a significant contribution to the broader discourse on just transitions by emphasizing the role of place-based perceptions in shaping sustainable change. Full article
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24 pages, 500 KiB  
Article
Community-Centered Farm-Based Hospitality in Agriculture: Fostering Rural Tourism, Well-Being, and Sustainability
by Miroslav Knežević, Aleksandra Vujko and Dušan Borovčanin
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151613 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
This study explores the role of community-centered farm-based hospitality in promoting sustainable rural development, with a focus on South Tyrol, Italy. A survey of 461 local residents assessed perceptions of agritourism’s impact on agricultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Factor analysis identified [...] Read more.
This study explores the role of community-centered farm-based hospitality in promoting sustainable rural development, with a focus on South Tyrol, Italy. A survey of 461 local residents assessed perceptions of agritourism’s impact on agricultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Factor analysis identified two main constructs—Agroheritage Sustainability and Empowered Eco-Tourism—which together capture the multifaceted benefits of agritourism. Agroheritage Sustainability reflects the preservation of traditional farming practices, cultural landscapes, and intergenerational knowledge, emphasizing the role of tourism in maintaining cultural identity and preventing land abandonment. Empowered Eco-Tourism highlights the socio-economic benefits of sustainable tourism, including community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and the creation of new economic opportunities. The study’s findings indicate that local residents view agritourism as a holistic approach that supports rural livelihoods while preserving cultural heritage and promoting ecological resilience. The analysis further supports the potential of farm-based hospitality as a model for sustainable rural development, aligning closely with EU policies and global best practices. The Roter Hahn initiative in South Tyrol serves as a practical example of this approach, demonstrating the value of certification programs in enhancing transparency, quality, and sustainability. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and tourism developers seeking to promote sustainable rural tourism globally. The contribution of this research lies in its empirical validation of a dual-construct model that links community engagement with agroecological and cultural sustainability, offering a transferable framework for evaluating agritourism as a lever for sustainable rural development in diverse regional contexts. Full article
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19 pages, 468 KiB  
Article
Predicting Individual Residential Engagement: Exploring the Role of Perceived Residential Environmental Quality, Descriptive Norms, Problem Awareness, and Place Attachment
by Paola Passafaro, Ankica Kosic, Marina Molinari and Francesca Valeria Frisari
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(8), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9080287 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
This paper builds on place theory and the psycho-social approach to the study of perceived residential environmental quality to examine the relationship between environmental perceptions and residential action in the neighborhood. An exploratory study on (N = 185) Italian respondents assessed the [...] Read more.
This paper builds on place theory and the psycho-social approach to the study of perceived residential environmental quality to examine the relationship between environmental perceptions and residential action in the neighborhood. An exploratory study on (N = 185) Italian respondents assessed the role of perceived residential environmental quality (i.e., perceived quality of green areas and perceived maintenance levels within the neighborhood), awareness of neighborhood environmental problems, neighborhood descriptive norms, and place attachment (attachment to the neighborhood) as predictors of self-reported individual residential engagement (engagement in improving the environmental quality of the neighborhood). Likert-type measures of the corresponding constructs were included in a structured questionnaire and used to carry out an online survey. Findings showed problem awareness and descriptive norms to directly predict residential engagement. Problem awareness mediated the relationship between perceived maintenance levels and residential engagement. Place attachment was directly predicted by perceived residential quality (quality of green areas), but did not show an independent predictive power vis-à-vis residential engagement. Results suggest new possible research avenues for modelling the individual commitment to improve the environmental quality of one’s own residential architectural and green environment. Full article
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17 pages, 787 KiB  
Article
Assessing Stress and Shift Quality in Nursing Students: A Pre- and Post-Shift Survey Approach
by Haneen Ali and Yasin Fatemi
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141741 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 370
Abstract
Background: Nursing students often experience heightened levels of stress during clinical training due to the dual demands of academic and clinical responsibilities. These stressors, compounded by environmental and organizational factors, can adversely affect students’ well-being, academic performance, and the quality of patient care [...] Read more.
Background: Nursing students often experience heightened levels of stress during clinical training due to the dual demands of academic and clinical responsibilities. These stressors, compounded by environmental and organizational factors, can adversely affect students’ well-being, academic performance, and the quality of patient care they deliver. Aim: This study aimed to identify the key stressors influencing nursing students’ perceptions of single-shift quality (SSQ) during clinical training and to examine how well students can predict the quality of their shift based on pre-shift expectations. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey design was implemented, collecting pre- and post-shift data from 325 nursing students undergoing clinical training in Alabama. The survey measured 13 domains related to workload, environmental conditions, organizational interactions, coping strategies, and overall satisfaction. Paired t tests and linear regressions were used to assess changes in perception and identify key predictors of SSQ. Results: This study found significant discrepancies between students’ pre- and post-shift evaluations across multiple domains, including internal environment, organizational interaction with clinical faculty/preceptors, and coping strategies (p < 0.001). Students also accurately predicted stable factors such as patient characteristics and external environment. Pre-shift expectations did not significantly predict post-shift experiences. Post-shift perceptions revealed that stress-coping strategies and collegiality were the strongest predictors of shift quality. Conclusion: Students enter clinical shifts with optimistic expectations that often do not align with actual experiences, particularly regarding support and stress management. The SSQ framework offers a valuable tool for identifying gaps in clinical training and guiding interventions that foster resilience and better alignment between expectations and real-world practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Services, Health Literacy and Nursing Quality)
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22 pages, 845 KiB  
Article
Bridging Cities and Citizens with Generative AI: Public Readiness and Trust in Urban Planning
by Adnan Alshahrani
Buildings 2025, 15(14), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15142494 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 480
Abstract
As part of its modernisation and economic diversification policies, Saudi Arabia is building smart, sustainable cities intended to improve quality of life and meet environmental goals. However, involving the public in urban planning remains complex, with traditional methods often proving expensive, time-consuming, and [...] Read more.
As part of its modernisation and economic diversification policies, Saudi Arabia is building smart, sustainable cities intended to improve quality of life and meet environmental goals. However, involving the public in urban planning remains complex, with traditional methods often proving expensive, time-consuming, and inaccessible to many groups. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into public participation may help to address these limitations. This study explores whether Saudi residents are ready to engage with AI-driven tools in urban planning, how they prefer to interact with them, and what ethical concerns may arise. Using a quantitative, survey-based approach, the study collected data from 232 Saudi residents using non-probability stratified sampling. The survey assessed demographic influences on AI readiness, preferred engagement methods, and perceptions of ethical risks. The results showed a strong willingness among participants (200 respondents, 86%)—especially younger and university-educated respondents—to engage through AI platforms. Visual tools such as image and video analysis were the most preferred (96 respondents, 41%), while chatbots were less favoured (16 respondents, 17%). However, concerns were raised about privacy (76 respondents, 33%), bias (52 respondents, 22%), and over-reliance on technology (84 respondents, 36%). By exploring the intersection of generative AI and participatory urban governance, this study contributes directly to the discourse on inclusive smart city development. The research also offers insights into how AI-driven public engagement tools can be integrated into urban planning workflows to enhance the design, governance, and performance of the built environment. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to improve inclusivity and responsiveness in urban planning, but that its success depends on public trust, ethical safeguards, and the thoughtful design of accessible, user-friendly engagement platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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22 pages, 3865 KiB  
Article
An Assessment of Bio-Physical and Social Drivers of River Vulnerability and Risks
by Komali Kantamaneni, John Whitton, Sigamani Panneer, Iqbal Ahmad, Anil Gautam and Debashish Sen
Earth 2025, 6(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030077 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 702
Abstract
In recent decades, the River Ganges in India has been heavily contaminated with domestic waste and industrial toxins because of cultural activities, a lack of community awareness, an absence of sewage disposal facilities, and rapid population growth. Previous studies have focused separately on [...] Read more.
In recent decades, the River Ganges in India has been heavily contaminated with domestic waste and industrial toxins because of cultural activities, a lack of community awareness, an absence of sewage disposal facilities, and rapid population growth. Previous studies have focused separately on either the physical or social factors associated with River Ganges pollution but have not combined these elements in a single study. To fill this research gap, our study assesses the bio-physical and social vulnerability of the River Ganges by using a holistic approach. The following four sampling stations were selected: Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kanpur, and Varanasi. These locations were chosen to test the water quality in bio-physical aspects and to assess the social perceptions of river vulnerability among the residents and visitors. Perceptions of river water quality and likely sources of pollution were gathered via the distribution of over 1000 questionnaires. Data collection took place in the winter and summer of 2022 and 2023. The results showed that river water quality is not suitable for drinking purposes at any of the four cities without conventional treatment, and that the river is unsuitable for bathing at all locations, except upstream of Rishikesh. Nearly 50% of those questioned agreed that the river is polluted, whilst 74% agreed that pollution has increased in recent decades, particularly in the last 10 years. These compelling results are critical for policymakers and decision makers. They highlight the urgent need for novel strategies that address Ganges pollution while fostering community health education and environmental management. By dispelling myths surrounding river quality, this study strengthens the ongoing efforts to restore the Ganges, ensuring that it remains a vital lifeline for present and future generations. Full article
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17 pages, 3490 KiB  
Article
Flexible Visible Spectral Sensing for Chilling Injuries in Mango Storage
by Longgang Ma, Zhengzhong Wan, Zhencan Yang, Xunjun Chen, Ruihua Zhang, Maoyuan Yin and Xinqing Xiao
Eng 2025, 6(7), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6070158 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 326
Abstract
Mango, as an important economic crop in tropical and subtropical regions, suffers from chilling injuries caused by postharvest low-temperature storage, which seriously affect its quality and economic benefits. Traditional detection methods have limitations such as low efficiency and strong destructiveness. This study designs [...] Read more.
Mango, as an important economic crop in tropical and subtropical regions, suffers from chilling injuries caused by postharvest low-temperature storage, which seriously affect its quality and economic benefits. Traditional detection methods have limitations such as low efficiency and strong destructiveness. This study designs and implements a flexible visible light spectral sensing system based on visible light spectral sensing technology and low-cost environmentally friendly flexible circuit technology. The system is structured based on a perception-analysis-warning-processing framework, utilizing laser-induced graphene electroplated copper integrated with laser etching technology for hardware fabrication, and developing corresponding data acquisition and processing functionalities. Taking Yunnan Yumang as the research object, a three-level chilling injury label dataset was established. After Z-Score standardization processing, the prediction accuracy of the SVM (Support Vector Machine) model reached 95.5%. The system has a power consumption of 230 mW at 4.5 V power supply, a battery life of more than 130 days, stable signal transmission, and a monitoring interface integrating multiple functions, which can provide real-time warning and intervention, thus offering an efficient and intelligent solution for chilling injury monitoring in mango cold chain storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
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27 pages, 4490 KiB  
Article
An Indoor Environmental Quality Study for Higher Education Buildings with an Integrated BIM-Based Platform
by Mukhtar Maigari, Changfeng Fu, Efcharis Balodimou, Prapooja Kc, Seeja Sudhakaran and Mohammad Sakikhales
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6155; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136155 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of higher education (HE) buildings significantly impacts the built environment sector. This research aimed to optimize learning environments and enhance student comfort, especially post-COVID-19. The study adopts the principles of Post-occupancy Evaluation (POE) to collect and analyze various quantitative [...] Read more.
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of higher education (HE) buildings significantly impacts the built environment sector. This research aimed to optimize learning environments and enhance student comfort, especially post-COVID-19. The study adopts the principles of Post-occupancy Evaluation (POE) to collect and analyze various quantitative and qualitative data through environmental data monitoring, a user perceptions survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals. Although the environmental conditions generally met existing standards, the findings indicated opportunities for further improvements to better support university communities’ comfort and health. A significant challenge identified by this research is the inability of the facility management to physically manage and operate the vast and complex spaces within HE buildings with contemporary IEQ standards. In response to these findings, this research developed a BIM-based prototype for the real-time monitoring and automated control of IEQ. The prototype integrates a BIM model with Arduino-linked sensors, motors, and traffic lights, with the latter visually indicating IEQ status, while motors automatically adjust environmental conditions based on sensor inputs. The outcomes of this study not only contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable building management, especially post-pandemic, but also demonstrate an advancement in the application of BIM technologies to improve IEQ and by extension, occupant wellbeing in HE buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building a Sustainable Future: Sustainability and Innovation in BIM)
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19 pages, 1839 KiB  
Article
South African Consumer Attitudes Towards Plant Breeding Innovation
by Mohammed Naweed Mohamed, Magdeleen Cilliers, Jhill Johns and Jan-Hendrik Groenewald
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6089; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136089 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 424
Abstract
South Africa’s bioeconomy strategy identifies bio-innovation as a key driver of economic growth and social development, with plant breeding playing a central role in improving food security through the development of high-yielding, resilient, and high-quality crops. However, consumer perceptions of recent advances, particularly [...] Read more.
South Africa’s bioeconomy strategy identifies bio-innovation as a key driver of economic growth and social development, with plant breeding playing a central role in improving food security through the development of high-yielding, resilient, and high-quality crops. However, consumer perceptions of recent advances, particularly new breeding techniques (NBTs), remain underexplored. This study examines South African consumer attitudes towards plant breeding innovations, using a mixed-methods approach. The initial focus group interviews informed the development of a structured quantitative survey examining familiarity, perceptions, and acceptance of plant breeding technologies. Consumer awareness of plant breeding principles was found to be limited, with 67–68% of respondents unfamiliar with both conventional and modern plant breeding procedures. Despite this information gap, consumers expressed conditional support for modern breeding techniques, especially when associated with actual benefits like increased nutritional value, environmental sustainability, and crop resilience. When favourable effects were outlined, support for general investment in modern breeding practices climbed from 45% to 74%. Consumer purchase decisions emphasised price, product quality, and convenience over manufacturing techniques, with sustainability ranked last among the assessed factors. Trust in the sources of food safety information varied greatly, with medical experts and scientists being ranked highly, while government sources were viewed more sceptically. The results further suggest that targeted education could improve customer confidence, as there is a significant positive association (R2 = 0.938) between familiarity and acceptance. These findings emphasise the significance of open communication strategies and focused consumer education in increasing the adoption of plant breeding breakthroughs. The study offers useful insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders working on engagement strategies to facilitate the ethical growth and application of agricultural biotechnology in support of food security and quality in South Africa. This study contributes to a better understanding of South African consumers’ perceptions of plant breeding innovations and food safety. The research findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in developing effective engagement and communication strategies that address consumer concerns and promote the adoption of products derived from diverse plant breeding technologies. Full article
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