Search Results (172)

Artisanal fishing is a central pillar of the Angolan economy, particularly in the southern province of Namibe, where it serves as the primary economic activity for numerous coastal communities. However, these communities face significant challenges, including competition from expanding industrial fisheries and inadequate infrastructure at fishing centers, which hampers the storage, preservation, and transportation of catches. These limitations contribute to post-harvest losses and the reduced market value of products, despite the region’s rich diversity of pelagic and demersal resources. This study evaluated the economic viability of artisanal fishing in Namibe under three production scenarios, varying in catch levels and the inclusion of fish processing activities such as dried fish and fishmeal production. Scenario A (pessimistic) assumed a 10% reduction in production compared to the best estimates; Scenario B (intermediate) was based on average reported catches; and Scenario C (optimistic) considered a 10% increase in catches, accounting for seasonal and environmental variability. Results indicated that artisanal fishing was economically viable under all scenarios, with the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) consistently exceeding the Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR) of 7.5%. IRR values ranged from 34.30% (Scenario A, without by-product commercialization) to 106.28% (Scenario C, with dried fish and fishmeal production and sales), representing a more than threefold increase in profitability. This substantial gain underscores the transformative potential of processing by-products into higher-value commodities, enabling integration into larger-scale and more liquid markets. Such value addition supports the concept of a proximity economy by promoting short production cycles, reducing intermediaries, and strengthening local value chains. Beyond financial returns, the findings suggest broader socioeconomic benefits, including local economic growth, job creation, and the preservation of traditional production knowledge. The payback period was less than four years in all cases, decreasing to 1.94 years in the most favorable scenario. By-products such as dried fish and fishmeal exhibit commodity-like characteristics due to their higher commercial value, increasing demand, and potential integration into regional and animal feed markets. In conclusion, diversifying marketing strategies and maximizing the use of fish resources can significantly enhance the economic sustainability of artisanal fishing, foster socioeconomic inclusion, and support the development of artisanal fishing communities in Namibe. Full article

Background: Access to healthy food in emerging-economy cities is challenged by last-mile constraints and poor infrastructure. Aligned with the UN SDGs on Zero Hunger and Sustainable Cities, this study examines how a strategically located nanostores network can help close these gaps while fostering local resilience. Focusing on Colombia’s Sabana Centro region, we designed a nanostore network that maximizes spatial coverage, proximity, and affordability. Methods: A competitive facility-location model combined with a discrete choice model captures consumer heterogeneity in price and location preferences. Results: Results show that locating nanostores in peripheral rather than central areas improves equity: the proposed network meets about 65,400 kg of weekly demand—51% fruit, 36% vegetables, 13% tubers—representing 16% of total regional demand and reaching underserved municipalities. This is notable given that existing nanostores already satisfy roughly 37% of household needs. Conclusions: By linking consumer behavior with sustainable spatial planning, the research offers both theoretical insight and practical tools for equitable distribution. Future work should evaluate supportive policies and supply chain innovations to secure nanostores’ long-term viability and community impact. Full article

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a vital role in fostering sustainable economic development, particularly in emerging and post-conflict economies. Yet, the benefits of FDI inflows depend not only on the size of investment but also on how evenly it is distributed across regions. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), FDI inflows have grown considerably over the past two decades, remaining heavily concentrated, with 93% of total investment absorbed by the capital city, Erbil, and only 7% distributed across the remaining governorates. This study investigates the determinants of geographic imbalances in FDI inflows within the KRI. Drawing on a unique firm-level dataset from 2007 to 2021 and employing a negative binomial logit model, the results reveal that superior infrastructure, greater market accessibility, proximity to international borders, airport connectivity, and digital network penetration are significant drivers of FDI concentration. We suggest that such spatial inequality poses significant risks to inclusive and sustainable growth, threatening to entrench regional disparities and reduce resilience to economic and local political disruptions in the long term. To mitigate these issues, we recommend a regionally differentiated policy framework that includes targeted investment incentives tailored to local comparative advantages, strategic infrastructure upgrades in underdeveloped areas, strengthened investor protections, streamlined regulatory processes, and the establishment of investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to enhance investor engagement and aftercare. By diagnosing the causes of FDI concentration and offering actionable strategies, this study provides evidence-based insights for fostering balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economic development in the KRI and other post-conflict regions confronting similar challenges. Full article

The digital economy is fundamentally transforming urban landscapes by disrupting traditional relationships between land use and land value. This scoping review aims to examine how digital transformations alter urban activities, human behaviours, and mobility patterns, and to assess the subsequent impacts on land use planning and land valuation frameworks. Following PRISMA guidelines, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised empirical studies, theoretical papers, and case studies examining digital economy impacts on urban land use or land value. Grey literature, non-English publications, and studies without clear urban spatial implications were excluded. The data were synthesised using bibliometric analysis and thematic analysis to identify patterns of disruption across three domains: urban activities, behaviours, and mobility. Of the 512 initially identified articles, 66 studies met the inclusion criteria. The evidence demonstrates significant geographic bias and methodological limitations, including the scarcity of longitudinal studies tracking actual land value changes and inconsistent metrics for measuring disruption intensity. Despite these limitations, findings indicate that the digital economy is decoupling land value from traditional determinants, such as physical proximity to services and employment centres. These transformations necessitate fundamental revisions to urban planning frameworks, land valuation models, and regulatory approaches to ensure equitable and sustainable urban development in the digital age. Full article

Vegetable tannins (VTs) are natural polyphenolic compounds widely used in leather tanning as sustainable alternatives to chrome-based processes. Traditionally, only a limited number of commercially available tannins, such as mimosa, quebracho, and chestnut, are employed globally, often requiring long-distance transportation with associated environmental and economic costs. This review systematically explores recent advances (2015–2025) in the identification and evaluation of alternative VT sources derived from underutilized plant species in Africa and Asia. Chemical composition, extraction efficiency, and tanning performance, including hydrothermal stability, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB%), and tear strength (Ts), are critically analyzed and compared with conventional agents. Particular focus is given to the tannin/non-tannin ratio (T/N), a key indicator of tanning potential. Promising results were found for extracts from Acacia xanthophloea, Cassia singueana, Solanum incanum, Pontederia crassipes, and Xylocarpus granatum. Preliminary environmental assessments (COD, BOD, TDS) also suggest comparable impacts to standard tannins. However, performance variability due to species, plant part, seasonality, and extraction conditions remains a challenge. This review underscores the potential of regionally sourced VTs to support proximity-based economies and reduce the environmental footprint of the leather industry, while highlighting the need for further studies to optimize extraction protocols and scale industrial application. Full article

This study investigates the impact of rural digital economy development on agricultural carbon emission efficiency, aiming to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms and pathways through which digital technology enables low-carbon transformation in agriculture, thereby contributing to the achievement of agricultural carbon neutrality goals. Based on provincial-level panel data from China spanning 2011 to 2022, this study examines the relationship between the rural digital economy and agricultural carbon emission efficiency, along with its underlying mechanisms, using bidirectional fixed effects models, mediation effect analysis, and Spatial Durbin Models. The results indicate the following: (1) A significant N-shaped-curve relationship exists between rural digital economy development and agricultural carbon emission efficiency. Specifically, agricultural carbon emission efficiency exhibits a three-phase trajectory of “increase, decrease, and renewed increase” as the rural digital economy advances, ultimately driving a sustained improvement in efficiency. (2) Industrial integration acts as a critical mediating mechanism. Rural digital economy development accelerates the formation of the N-shaped curve by promoting the integration between agriculture and other sectors. (3) Spatial spillover effects significantly influence agricultural carbon emission efficiency. Due to geographical proximity, regional diffusion, learning, and demonstration effects, local agricultural carbon emission efficiency fluctuates with changes in neighboring regions’ digital economy development levels. (4) The relationship between rural digital economy development and agricultural carbon emission efficiency exhibits a significant inverted N-shaped pattern in regions with higher marketization levels, planting-dominated areas of southeast China, and digital economy demonstration zones. Further analysis reveals that within rural digital economy development, production digitalization and circulation digitalization demonstrate a more pronounced inverted N-shaped relationship with agricultural carbon emission efficiency. This study proposes strategic recommendations to maximize the positive impact of the rural digital economy on agricultural carbon emission efficiency, unlock its spatially differentiated contribution potential, identify and leverage inflection points of the N-shaped relationship between digital economy development and emission efficiency, and implement tailored policy portfolios—ultimately facilitating agriculture’s green and low-carbon transition. Full article

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, DRL has shown great potential in solving complex real-time optimal power flow problems of modern power systems. Nevertheless, traditional DRL methodologies confront dual bottlenecks: (a) suboptimal coordination between exploratory behavior policies and experience-based data exploitation in practical applications, compounded by (b) users’ distrust from the opacity of model decision mechanics. To address these, a model–data hybrid-driven physics-informed reinforcement learning (PIRL) algorithm is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the proposed methodology uses the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm as the agent’s foundational framework and constructs a PI-actor network embedded with prior model knowledge derived from power flow sensitivity into the agent’s actor network via the PINN method, which achieves dual optimization objectives: (a) enhanced environmental perceptibility to improve experience utilization efficiency via gradient-awareness from model knowledge during actor network updates, and (b) improved user trustworthiness through mathematically constrained action gradient information derived from explicit model knowledge, ensuring actor updates adhere to safety boundaries. The simulation and validation results show that the PIRL algorithm outperforms the baseline PPO algorithm in terms of training stability, exploration efficiency, economy, and security. Full article

Torrefaction is a thermochemical pretreatment in which biomass is heated at 200–300 °C for 30–60 min in an inert atmosphere. Torrefaction has been previously used to improve the fuel properties of lignocellulosic biomass; however, the use of torrefaction for bioenergy generation represents a low-value final product as well as the dead end of the biomass value chain. Herein, we demonstrate the proof-of-concept for the utilisation of torrefaction as a pretreatment to convert low-value wood waste into biosurfactants, a high-value specialty biochemical. Wood waste was torrefied at 225 °C, 250 °C, 275 °C, and 300 °C and physicochemically characterised using proximate and ultimate analyses, FTIR, XRD, TGA–DTG, and SEM–EDX to assess its suitability as fermentation feedstock. Aspen waste torrefied at temperatures less than 250 °C was directly utilised by Burkholderia thailandensis DSM 13276 via semi-solid-state fermentation to yield biosurfactants, and 225 °C was selected for further experiments as it resulted in the production of biosurfactants which reduced the surface tension of the production medium to 36.8 mN/m and had an emulsification index of 64.1%. Tension and emulsification activities decreased with the increase in torrefaction temperature. The biosurfactant derived from torrefaction at 225 °C formed highly stable emulsions with diesel oil (lasting >40 days), in addition to low interfacial tension, suggesting potential applications in diesel bioremediation. This integrated, chemical-free strategy offers an alternative application for torrefied wood waste as well as a feasible solution for the cost-effective chemical-free production of biosurfactants, incorporating circular economy principles. Full article

This paper explores the concept of the Proximity Economy, a human-centered model focused on short value chains and social interactions within local contexts, as a strategic response to global challenges like climate change, supply chain disruptions, and the twin green and digital transitions. Amid ongoing crises, e.g., pandemic, economic, geopolitical, and environmental, reconceptualizing economic development paradigms is crucial for fostering resilient and sustainable solutions. The Proximity Economy integrates local production, distribution, and consumption, supporting sustainable innovation and the competitiveness of local enterprises. It aligns with the European Union’s industrial strategy and Sustainable Development Goals, such as climate action (SDG 13) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). This paper reviews the socio-economic impacts of the Proximity Economy, considering its connections with the circular and social economies, and identifies relevant policies for its promotion at the European, national, and local levels. Through sectoral analysis and examples, the paper provides a framework for evaluating the economic, environmental, and social outcomes of this model, offering recommendations for its future development and implementation. Full article

The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus) is a Mediterranean crop valued for its edible capitula and bioactive compounds. Post-harvest residual leaves are among the main by-products of artichoke cultivation and remain largely underutilized. This study reports a comprehensive characterization of the residual leaves of Carciofo di Malegno, an Alpine artichoke landrace. Comparative analysis was conducted against leaves from two commercial cultivars and a commercial herbal tea product. HPLC analysis revealed that Carciofo di Malegno exhibited the lowest levels of secondary metabolites. Cynaropicrin content was 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/g, lower than in the commercial samples, while the phenolic compounds were below the quantification limit. Proximate analysis indicated a distinctive nutritional profile, with significantly higher ash (8.01 ± 0.04%) and crude fiber (35.75 ± 0.29%) contents compared to all reference samples. These findings highlight the potential of Carciofo di Malegno residual leaves as a sustainable source of nutrients for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Their low content of bitter sesquiterpene lactones may enhance palatability, supporting their valorisation within circular economy frameworks. Moreover, their use may contribute to the in situ conservation of this landrace, reinforcing the link between agrobiodiversity preservation and the sustainable exploitation of agricultural by-products. Full article

Background/Objectives: We sought to demonstrate the versatility and economy of physician-modified endograft (PMEG) fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) based on the Treo (Terumo Aortic) platform for patients referred for custom-made device (CMD) FEVAR due to a complex abdominal aortic aneurysm (CAAA). Endovascular planning was performed utilizing a standardized design incorporating all visceral arteries with a low supra-celiac landing zone. The pure cost of the aortic components was compared between the PMEG and CMD designs. Methods: A total of 39 consecutive patients treated with CMD FEVAR due to a CAAA between September 2018 and December 2023 were recruited at a tertiary vascular center for a retrospective evaluation. Endovascular planning was performed on readily available computed tomography angiography (CTA) datasets using 3Mensio Vascular (Pie Medical Imaging) software. The actual cost of the major components was compared between the implanted CMD platform produced by Cook and the planned Treo-based PMEG repair. Results: A total of 155 fenestrations were planned on 3 triple-, 34 quadruple-, and two quintuple-fenestrated devices. The 90 mm distance between the proximal edge and the flow divider of the 120 mm long main body of the Treo graft allowed for the placement of all necessary fenestrations of the target arteries without the need to reduce the 3 cm supra-celiac landing zone while also preserving a safety distance of >1 cm to the flow divider. The costs of the components were EUR 33896 for CMD and EUR 8878 for a PMEG. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that a quadruple-fenestrated PMEG based on the Treo bifurcation is a highly versatile alternative with a significant price advantage over custom-made devices for the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Full article

Urban expansion threatens sustainable development in densely populated countries like Bangladesh. This study aims to quantitatively identify and evaluate the key drivers influencing the spatial distribution of urban surfaces (SDUS) in Chattogram City, providing insights into urban growth patterns over 30 years. Using Landsat 5 and 9 imageries, the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) was computed for 1993 and 2023 to map urban surface changes. A total of 16 geospatial variables representing potential drivers were analyzed. Four statistical and machine learning methods, including GeoDetector, Distributed Random Forest (DRF), global Geographically Weighted Random Forest (GWRF), and local GWRF, were employed to quantify individual and interactive influences on SDUS. The Geodetector analysis identified the central business district (CBD) as the most influential driver of urban surface distribution, with a q statistic of 0.22, followed by river proximity (q = 0.14) and administrative boundaries (q = 0.13). Across all models, CBD consistently ranked as a dominant factor. In the Distributed Random Forest (DRF) model, CBD showed the highest importance score (0.57), followed by coastlines (0.35) and rivers (0.35). The DRF model achieved the highest performance (R² = 0.612), outperforming the global GWRF (R² = 0.59) and local GWRF (R² = 0.529). Although variables like the proximity of administrative location and forests have low individual impacts, they show a stronger coupled influence. This industrial port-based economy expanded, facing challenges of uncontrolled urbanization, poor governance, and environmental issues. Promoting mixed land use planning, decentralizing urban governance, and improving coordination among implementing agencies may better resolve these issues. This work may help planners and policymakers in planning future cities and developing policies to promote sustainable urban growth. Full article

Flood risk to rice production has previously been examined in terms of river basins or administrative units, incorporating data about the flood year, inundated area, precipitation, elevation, and impacts. However, there is limited knowledge about this topic, as most flood impact studies have focused on loss and damage to people and the economy. It remains important to identify how flood risk to rice production can be better identified within a long-term, community-based, analytical framework. In addition, flood risk studies in Sri Lanka tend to focus on single-year flood events within an administrative boundary, making it difficult to fully comprehend risks to rice production. This paper aims to fill these gaps by investigating long-term flood risk levels on rice production. With this aim, we collected and analyzed information about rice production, geospatial data, and 15-year precipitation records. Temporal-spatial maps were generated using Google Earth Engine JavaScript coding, Google Earth Pro, and OpenStreetMap. In addition, focus group discussions with farmers and key informant interviews were conducted to verify the accuracy of online information. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, GIS, and linear regression analysis methods. Regarding rice production impacts, we found that floods in the years 2006–2007, 2010–2011, and 2014–2015 had significant impacts on rice production with 20.5%, 75.8%, and 16.6% reductions, respectively. Flood risk maps identified low-, medium-, and high-risk areas based on 15-year flood events, elevation, proximity to water bodies, and 15-year flood-induced damage to rice fields. High risk areas were further studied through field discussions and interviews, showing the connection between past floods and poor water governance practices in terms of dam management. Our linear regression analysis found a marginal negative correlation between total seasonal rainfall and rice production. Full article

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a plant grown for its roots, which are used to obtain sugar, feed animals, and for human use. Beetroot skin, a by-product of food processing, is a significant source of bioactive compounds, including dietary fiber and antioxidants. The primary objective of this work was to utilize beetroot skin powder to produce value-added nougat. Analytical methods, like antioxidant activity tests, proximate analysis, and sensory assessments, are used to determine the impact of beetroot skin powder on the final product. The beetroot skin powder extract had a remarkable content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The inhibitory effect of the extract was tested on enzymes linked to metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The beetroot skin powder extract inhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, and lipoxygenase enzymes. The characterization of value-added nougat illustrates the multifunctionality of beetroot peel powder within its composition, serving as a significant source of natural compounds with antioxidant, coloring, and flavoring properties. This enhances sensory attributes, including color, aroma, and texture, augmenting product diversity and consumer appeal. This is evidenced by the increase in the total content of betalains (3.77 ± 0.09 mg/g DW.) and polyphenols (69.48 ± 2.88 mg GAE/100 g DW.), which lead to high antioxidant activity (73.89 ± 3.65 mM Trolox/100 g DW.) for the nougat sample with 6% added beetroot powder. Thus, beetroot skin powder replaced chemically synthesized additives with antioxidants and natural pigments, improving life quality and implicitly capitalizing on beetroot processing by-products, supporting circular economy principles at the global level. Full article

The application of circular economy principles to the sustainable management of waste from the pulp industry presents significant environmental challenges. In this context, using biological sludge as a raw material for producing activated biochar (BC) emerges as a promising and sustainable alternative. This study evaluated the valorization of biological sludge through the synthesis of activated BC for the removal of color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and conductivity from the industry’s effluent. BC was produced using chemical activation with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), followed by pyrolysis at 500 °C and 450 °C, respectively. A central composite rotational design (CCRD) was applied to optimize the process. The optimized BCs were characterized by proximate analysis, FTIR, BET surface area, higher heating value (HHV), and SEM. Adsorption assays showed that H₃PO₄-activated BC achieved removal efficiencies of 52.2% for color, 23.9% for COD, and 46.2% for conductivity at a dosage of 5 g L⁻¹. Conversely, KOH-activated BC did not perform effectively. The results highlight the influence of activation and pyrolysis on BC properties and confirm the potential of this approach for the tertiary treatment of industrial effluents, contributing to waste valorization and environmental sustainability. Full article