Search Results (631)

Mining (1) operations in remote areas (2) face significant challenges related to energy supply, high fuel costs, and limited infrastructure. This study investigates the potential for achieving energy independence (3) and resilience (4) in such environments through the integration of renewable energy sources (5) and battery–electric mining equipment. Using the “Studena Vrila” underground bauxite mine as a case study, a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental analysis was conducted across three development models. These models explore incremental scenarios of solar and wind energy adoption combined with electrification of mobile machinery. The methodology includes calculating levelized cost of energy (LCOE), return on investment (ROI), and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions under each scenario. Results demonstrate that a full transition to RES and electric machinery can reduce diesel consumption by 100%, achieve annual savings of EUR 149,814, and cut GHG emissions by over 1.7 million kg CO₂-eq. While initial capital costs are high, all models yield a positive Net Present Value (NPV), confirming long-term economic viability. This research provides a replicable framework for decarbonizing mining operations in off-grid and infrastructure-limited regions. Full article

Using waste biomass as a raw material for the combined production of electricity and heat offers corresponding energy, economic, environmental and resource efficiency benefits. The study examines both the performance of a system for combined energy production based on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) utilizing wood biomass and the market interest in its deployment within Bulgaria. Its objective is to propose a technically and economically viable solution for the recovery of waste biomass through the combined production of electricity and heat while simultaneously assessing the readiness of industrial and municipal sectors to adopt such systems. The cogeneration plant incorporates an ORC module enhanced with three additional economizers that capture residual heat from flue gases. Operating on 2 t/h of biomass, the system delivers 1156 kW of electric power and 3660 kW of thermal energy, recovering an additional 2664 kW of heat. The overall energy efficiency reaches 85%, with projected annual revenues exceeding EUR 600,000 and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 5800 t/yr. These indicators can be achieved through optimal installation and operation. When operating at a reduced load, however, the specific fuel consumption increases and the overall efficiency of the installation decreases. The marketing survey results indicate that 75% of respondents express interest in adopting such technologies, contingent upon the availability of financial incentives. The strongest demand is observed for systems with capacities up to 1000 kW. However, significant barriers remain, including high initial investment costs and uneven access to raw materials. The findings confirm that the developed system offers a technologically robust, environmentally efficient and market-relevant solution, aligned with the goals of energy independence, sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Full article

Implementing nature-based solutions (NbSs) for wildfire risk management and other hazards has been challenging in emerging economies due to the high costs, the lack of immediate returns on investment, and stringent inclusion criteria set by organizations like the IUCN and domain experts. To address these challenges, this exploratory study proposes a new concept: green/blue initiatives. These initiatives represent intermediate steps, encompassing small-scale, community-driven activities that can evolve into recognized NbSs over time. To explore this concept, experiences related to wildfire prevention in the Biobío region of Chile were analyzed through primary and secondary source reviews. The analysis identified three initiatives qualifying as green/blue initiatives: (1) goat grazing in Santa Juana to reduce fuel loads, (2) a restoration prevention farm model in Florida called Faro de Restauración Mahuidanche and (3) the Conservation Landscape Strategy in Nonguén. They were examined in detail using data collected from site visits and interviews. In contrast to Chile’s prevailing wildfire policies, which focus on costly, large-scale fire suppression efforts, these initiatives emphasize the importance of reframing wildfire as a manageable ecological process. Lastly, the challenges and enabling factors for adopting green/blue initiatives are discussed, highlighting their potential to pave the way for future NbS implementation in central Chile. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis comparing the implementation of electric and diesel buses for public transport services in the low-density area of the City of Jastrebarsko in Croatia. It utilizes a multidimensional approach and incorporates direct and indirect costs, such as vehicle acquisition, operation, charging, maintenance, and environmental impact costs during the lifecycle of the buses. The results show that, despite the higher initial investment in electric buses, these vehicles offer savings, especially when coupled with significantly reduced emissions of pollutants, which decreases indirect costs. However, local contexts differ, leading to a need to revise whether or not a municipality can finance the procurement and operations of such a fleet. The paper utilizes a robust methodological framework, integrating a proposal based on real-world data and demand and combining it with predictive analytics to forecast long-term benefits. The findings of the paper support the introduction of buses as a sustainable solution for Jastrebarsko, which provides insights for public transport planners, urban planners, and policymakers, with a discussion about the specific issues regarding the introduction, procurement, and operations of buses of different propulsion in a low-density area. Full article

Demand for mental health support has exerted unprecedented pressure on statutory services. Innovative solutions such as Green or Nature-Based Social Prescribing (NBSP) programmes may help address unmet need, improve access to personalised treatment, and support the sustainable delivery of primary services within a prevention model of population health. We piloted an innovative health economics-informed Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis and forecast of a ‘Making Well’ therapeutic craft and horticulture programme for mental health between October 2021 and March 2022. Quantitative and qualitative outcome data were collected from participants with mild-to-moderate mental health conditions at baseline and nine-weeks follow-up using a range of validated measures, including the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults (ICECAP-A), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and a bespoke Client Service Receipt Inventory (CSRI). The acceptability and feasibility of these measures were explored. Results indicate that the Making Well programme generated well-being-related social value in the range of British Pound Sterling (GBP) GBP 3.30 to GBP 4.70 for every GBP 1 invested. Our initial pilot forecast suggests that the programme has the potential to generate GBP 5.40 to GBP 7.70 for every GBP 1 invested as the programme is developed and delivered over a 12-month period. Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group, our results contribute to the evidence-base for the effectiveness and social return on investment of NBSP as a therapeutic intervention for improving health and well-being and provides an example of the use of health economic well-being outcome measures such as ICECAP-A and CSRIs in social value analysis. Combining SROI evaluation and forecast methodologies with validated quantitative outcome measures used in the field of health economics can provide valuable social cost–benefit evidence to decision-makers. Full article

With the emergence of Survey 4.0, the oil and gas (O & G) industry is now considering spatial digital twins during their field design to enhance visualization, efficiency, and safety. O & G companies have already initiated investments in the research and development of spatial digital twins to build digital mining models. Existing studies commonly adopt surveys and case studies as their evaluation approach to validate the feasibility of spatial digital twins and related technologies. However, this approach requires high costs and resources. To address this gap, this study explores the feasibility of the informed argument method within the design science framework. A land survey data model (LSDM)-based digital twin prototype for O & G field design, along with 3D spatial datasets located in Lot 2 on RP108045 at petroleum lease 229 under the Department of Resources, Queensland Government, Australia, was selected as a case for this study. The ISO/IEC 25010 model was adopted as a methodology for this study to evaluate the prototype and Digital Twin Victoria (DTV). It encompasses eight metrics, such as functional suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, usability, security, reliability, maintainability, and portability. The results generated from this study indicate that the prototype encompasses a standard level of all parameters in the ISO/IEC 25010 model. The key significance of the study is its methodological contribution to evaluating the spatial digital twin models through cost-effective means, particularly under circumstances with strict regulatory requirements and low information accessibility. Full article

As global climate change intensifies and the transition to clean energy accelerates, lithium-ion batteries—critical components of electric vehicles—are becoming increasingly vital in international trade networks. This study investigates the structural evolution and determinants of the electric vehicle lithium-ion battery trade network among European Union (EU) member states from 2012 to 2023, employing social network analysis and the multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure method. The findings demonstrate the transformation of the network from a centralized and loosely connected structure, with Germany as the dominant hub, to a more interconnected and decentralized system in which Poland and Hungary emerge as the leading players. Key network metrics, such as the density, clustering coefficients, and average path lengths, reveal increased regional trade connectivity and enhanced supply chain efficiency. The analysis identifies geographic and economic proximity, logistics performance, labor cost differentials, energy resource availability, and venture capital investment as significant drivers of trade flows, highlighting the interaction among spatial, economic, and infrastructural factors in shaping the network. Based on these findings, this study underscores the need for targeted policy measures to support Central and Eastern European countries, including investment in logistics infrastructure, technological innovation, and regional cooperation initiatives, to strengthen their integration into the supply chain and bolster their export capacity. Furthermore, fostering balanced inter-regional collaborations is essential in building a resilient trade network. Continued investment in transportation infrastructure and innovation is recommended to sustain the EU’s competitive advantage in the global electric vehicle lithium-ion battery supply chain. Full article

Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial plant species widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, particularly valued for its sedative properties. This study investigates the impact of synthetic mulch film and planting density as two experimental factors on agronomic performance, raw material quality, and economic efficiency in lemon balm production. The experiment was conducted at three locations in Serbia (L1: Bačko Novo Selo, L2: Bavanište, L3: Vilandrica) from 2022 to 2024, using two planting densities on synthetic mulch film (F1: 8.3 plants m⁻²; F2: 11.4 plants m⁻²) and a control treatment without mulch (C). The synthetic mulch film used was a synthetic black polypropylene film (Agritela Black, 90 g/m²), uniformly applied in strips across the cultivation area, covering approximately 78% of the soil surface. The results showed consistent increases in morphological parameters and yield across the years. Plant height in F1 and F2 treatments ranged from 65 to 75 cm, while in the control it reached up to 50 cm (2022–2024). Fresh biomass yield varied from 13.4 g per plant (C) to 378.08 g per plant (F2), and dry biomass yield from 60.3 g (C) to 125.4 g (F2). The highest essential oil content was observed in F2 (1.2% in 2022), while the control remained at 0.8%. The F2 treatment achieved complete weed suppression throughout the experiment without the use of herbicides, demonstrating both agronomic and ecological advantages. Economic evaluation revealed that F2 generated the highest cumulative profit (€142,164.5) compared to the control (€65,555.3). Despite higher initial investment, F2 had the most favorable cost–benefit ratio in the long term. This study highlights the crucial influence of mulching and planting density on optimizing lemon balm production across diverse climatic and soil conditions, while also underscoring the importance of sustainable, non-chemical weed management strategies in lemon balm cultivation. Full article

This study conducts a comprehensive systematic review of the economic impact of Digital Twin (DT) technology within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, following the PRISMA methodology. While DT adoption has been accelerated by advancements in Building Information Modelling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, significant challenges persist—most notably, high initial investment costs and integration complexities. Synthesising the literature from 2016 onwards, this review identifies sector-specific barriers, regulatory burdens, and a lack of standardisation as key factors constituting DT implementation costs. Despite these hurdles, DTs demonstrate strong potential for enhancing construction productivity, optimising lifecycle asset management, and enabling predictive maintenance, ultimately reducing operational expenditures and improving long-term financial performance. Case studies reveal cost efficiencies achieved through DTs in modular construction, energy optimisation, and infrastructure management. However, limited financial resources and digital skills continue to constrain the uptake across the sector, with various extents of impact. This paper calls for the development of unified standards, innovative public–private funding mechanisms, and strategic collaborations to unlock and utilise DTs’ full economic value. It also recommends that future research explore theoretical frameworks addressing governance, data infrastructure, and digital equity—particularly through conceptualising DT-related data as public assets or collective goods in the context of smart cities and networked infrastructure systems. Full article

Amomum villosum Lour., a perennial medicinal plant in the Zingiber genus, usually requires approximately 3–4 years of vegetative growth from seed germination to first fruiting, resulting in high initial investment costs and a prolonged revenue cycle, which pose significant challenges to the industry’s sustainable development. Our research team observed a distinct premature fruiting phenomenon in A. villosum. We investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying premature fruiting in A. villosum by identifying the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolic pathways governing the premature fruiting (Precocious) and typical plants (CK) of the ‘Yunsha No.8’ cultivar. Transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analyses were performed using the DNBSEQ^TM platform. The sequencing generated 29.0 gigabases (Gb) of clean data, and 115,965 unigenes were identified, with an average length of 1368 bp. Based on the sequencing results, 1545 DEGs were identified. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were annotated for these DEGs. This study identifies phytohormone signaling, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and polysaccharide degradation as critical pathways controlling premature fruiting in A. villosum. Six randomly selected DEGs were validated using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the results corroborated the transcriptome data, confirming their reliability. This study lays the foundation for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways driving premature fruiting in A. villosum. Full article

Freshwater ecosystems face escalating degradation, demanding real-time, scalable, and biodiversity-aware monitoring solutions. This review proposes an integrated framework combining artificial intelligence (AI), geographic information systems (GISs), and environmental DNA (eDNA) to overcome these limitations and support next-generation river health assessment. The AI-GIS-eDNA system was applied to four representative river basins—the Mississippi, Amazon, Yangtze, and Danube—demonstrating enhanced predictive accuracy (up to 94%), spatial pollution mapping precision (85–95%), and species detection sensitivity (+18–30%) compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the framework reduces operational costs by up to 40%, highlighting its potential for cost-effective deployment in low-resource regions. Despite its strengths, challenges persist in the areas of regulatory acceptance, data standardization, and digital infrastructure. We recommend legal recognition of AI and eDNA indicators, investment in explainable AI (XAI), and global data harmonization initiatives. The integrated AI-GIS-eDNA framework offers a scalable and policy-relevant tool for adaptive freshwater governance in the Anthropocene. Full article

Wildfires are becoming an increasingly severe threat to European forests, driven by climate change, land use changes, and socio-economic factors. Integrated solutions for wildfire prevention, early detection, emergency management, and ecological restoration are urgently needed to enhance forest resilience. The Horizon 2020 SILVANUS project developed a comprehensive multi-sectoral platform combining technological innovation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable forest management strategies. This report analyses the Slovak Republic’s participation in SILVANUS, applying a seven-criterion fit–gap framework (governance, legal, interoperability, staff capacity, ecological suitability, financial feasibility, and stakeholder acceptance) to evaluate the platform’s alignment with national conditions. Notable contributions include stakeholder-supported functional requirements for wildfire prevention, climate-sensitive forest models for long-term adaptation planning, IoT- and UAV-based early fire detection technologies, and decision support systems (DSS) for emergency response and forest-restoration activities. The Slovak pilot sites, particularly in the Podpoľanie region, served as important testbeds for the validation of these tools under real-world conditions. All SILVANUS modules scored ≥12/14 in the fit–gap assessment; early deployment reduced high-risk fuel polygons by 23%, increased stand-level structural diversity by 12%, and raised the national Sustainable Forest Management index by four points. Integrating SILVANUS outcomes into national forestry practices would enable better wildfire risk assessment, improved resilience planning, and more effective public engagement in wildfire management. Opportunities for adoption include capacity-building initiatives, technological deployments in fire-prone areas, and the incorporation of DSS outputs into strategic forest planning. Potential challenges, such as technological investment costs, inter-agency coordination, and public acceptance, are also discussed. Overall, the Slovak Republic’s engagement with SILVANUS demonstrates the value of participatory, technology-driven approaches to sustainable wildfire management and offers a replicable model for other European regions facing similar challenges. Full article

Background/Objectives: Reducing waiting times for elective surgeries remains a critical global healthcare challenge that negatively impacts patient outcomes and economic productivity. This study develops an adaptable cost-utility modeling framework for assessing the cost-effectiveness (CE) of reducing waiting time for elective surgeries in data-limited environments. Methods: We evaluated the economic and health impacts of Egypt’s recent initiative aimed at decreasing surgical waiting lists. The study conducts a CE analysis of the initiative by estimating incremental costs (expressed in Egyptian Pounds—EGP) and outcomes (expressed in quality-adjusted life years—QALYs) before and after its implementation, performs a benefit–cost analysis to quantify the initiative’s return on investment, and employs a budget share method to evaluate catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). The analysis included five elective surgical interventions: open-heart surgery, cardiac catheterization, cochlear implantation, ophthalmic surgery, and orthopedic (joint replacement) surgery. Results: The main research outcomes of the study are as follows. The initiative resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of EGP 46,795 (societal perspective) and EGP 56,094 (payer perspective) per QALY, both within acceptable CE thresholds. Most of the evaluated interventions demonstrated substantial returns on the investment. Without public funding, more than 90% of patients faced CHE, indicating considerable financial barriers to elective surgeries. Conclusions: Egypt’s initiative to reduce waiting times was deemed cost-effective. Our adaptable modeling framework could be practical for similar evaluations in low/middle-income countries, especially where data is limited. Scaling up the initiative to include additional curative and preventive services and integrating it with broader health system reforms in Egypt is strongly recommended. Full article

Environmental problems, along with the increasing energy demand and high electricity costs in the agricultural sector, justify the need to explore renewable energy sources in order to improve irrigation efficiency and sustainability. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the feasibility of installing floating photovoltaic panels in the irrigation ponds of irrigation communities (ICs) in the province of Alicante. To this end, a practical case study based on the operating data of a photovoltaic installation on an irrigation pond, which shows 31% self-consumption and a 27% reduction in energy costs, is presented. Based on these results, this type of installation has been considered for the rest of the ponds in the province of Alicante, with an estimated total investment of EUR 130 million and annual savings of EUR 23 million in energy costs. Additionally, barriers such as the initial investment and the need for public financing for large-scale implementation are identified. Finally, it is concluded that the adoption of floating photovoltaic energy represents a key opportunity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate environmental impact, and promote the circular economy in the agricultural sector. Full article

The transportation sector in South Asia largely depends on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which are responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air pollution, and the increase in fuel prices. Although hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fully electric vehicles (EVs) constitute promising alternatives, the rate of their implementation is low due to factors such as the high initial investment, the absence of the required infrastructure, and the reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity. This study is the first of its kind to examine Bangladesh’s drivetrain options in a comprehensive way, with in-depth real-world emission testing and economic analysis as the main tools of investigation into the environmental and economic feasibility of different technologies used in the vehicles available in Bangladesh, including lifecycle costs and infrastructure constraints. The study findings have shown that hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are the best options, since they have moderate emissions and cost efficiency, respectively. Fully electric vehicles, however, face two main challenges: the overall lack of charging infrastructure and the overall high purchase prices. Among the evaluated technologies, PHEVs exhibited the lowest environmental and economic burden. The Toyota Prius PHEV emitted 98% less NOx compared to the diesel-powered Pajero Sport and maintained the lowest per-kilometer cost at BDT 6.39. In contrast, diesel SUVs emitted 178 ppm NOx and cost 22.62 BDT/km, reinforcing the transitional advantage of plug-in hybrid technology in Bangladesh’s context. Full article