Search Results (10,693)

Recent studies in the Romanian Western Carpathians have revealed increasing socio-demographic fragility in rural areas and small towns, driven by depopulation, population aging, and declining living standards. These trends stem from the legacy of forced collectivization and industrialization (1950–1990) and the post-1990 transition, which triggered extensive out-migration and the erosion of local socio-economic structures. This study examines the fragility of human communities in the Trascău Mountains in order to evaluate spatial, demographic, and economic recovery dynamics and to assess settlement vulnerability as a major obstacle to sustainable regional development. Fragility was measured using indicators of population density and change, age structure, accessibility, and socio-demographic dynamics, based on comparative data for the interval of 1977–2021. These variables were integrated into a composite development index (Id), derived from twelve indicators covering demography, economy, infrastructure, and living standards, enabling the hierarchical classification of settlements by degree of vulnerability. The methodological framework combines empirical and analytical methods, statistical, cartographic, bibliographic, and field-based analyses within evolutionary, structural–functional, and typological perspectives. The results identify the main drivers of decline, quantify their impacts, and outline development prospects and policy directions for reducing territorial disparities. Overall, fragile settlements emerge as critical pressure points that undermine sustainability, intensify regional instability, and increase risks related to migration and social cohesion. Full article

Background: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) is a major chronic sequela of spinal cord injury (SCI) with substantial implications for rehabilitation and long-term management. However, population-level evidence describing how gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic codes are used following SCI, particularly within administrative healthcare systems, remains limited. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using administrative claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). A total of 584,266 adults with trauma-related SCI encounters between 2009 and 2019 were identified. GI diagnostic codes—paralytic ileus (K56), irritable bowel syndrome (K58), and functional bowel disorders (K59)—were evaluated as administrative proxies for bowel dysfunction. Demographic characteristics, disability status, regional factors, and health behaviors were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: GI diagnostic codes were frequently recorded after SCI, most commonly irritable bowel syndrome (approximately 30%) and functional bowel disorders (approximately 37%), whereas paralytic ileus was uncommon. Greater disability severity, female sex, older age, and rural residence were consistently associated with higher odds of GI diagnostic coding. Physical activity showed robust inverse associations across all models. Inverse associations observed with smoking and alcohol consumption were interpreted as reflecting residual confounding or health-related selection, rather than biological protective effects. Conclusions: Patterns of GI diagnostic coding after SCI likely reflect the clinical burden and management needs of neurogenic bowel dysfunction within healthcare systems, rather than the development of new gastrointestinal diseases. These findings underscore the importance of individualized bowel management, incorporation of structured physical activity into rehabilitation programs, and equitable access to SCI rehabilitation services, particularly for individuals with greater disability or those living in rural areas. Full article

This study leverages longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS, 2012–2020) to examine the association between teacher support and cognitive ability among children aged 10–16 living in economically disadvantaged rural areas of China. Employing a difference-in-differences (DID) framework, we found that exposure to the Rural Teacher Support Program (RTSP) is associated with an improvement of about 0.19 standard deviations in students’ cognitive abilities after accounting for individual-, family-, and county-level characteristics. Two key mechanisms appear to underlie this association, reflected in increased teacher quantity and enhanced student satisfaction with teachers. Heterogeneity analyses further show that these benefits are more pronounced among female students and those from low-income households, suggesting that teacher-centered institutional improvements may help mitigate developmental disparities. Overall, the longitudinal results indicate that better teacher-related environments are likely to support children’s cognitive development, which in turn may help reduce educational inequality in under-resourced areas. Full article

This study aimed to develop a credit risk index to classify coffee producers according to socioeconomic, agronomic, and financial performance variables, with the purpose of strengthening financial inclusion. We combined qualitative and quantitative methods to understand credit risk factors among smallholder coffee producers. The study followed a descriptive-analytical approach structured in consecutive methodological phases. The systematic review, conducted following the Kitchenham protocol, identified theoretical factors associated with credit risk, while fieldwork with 300 producers provided the socioeconomic and productive contexts of coffee-growing households. Producer income, cost of living, and farm management expenses were modeled using regression, statistical, and machine learning methods. Subsequently, these variables were integrated to construct a financial risk index, which was normalized using expert scoring. The index was validated using data from 100 additional producers, for whom annual repayment capacity and maximum loan amounts were estimated according to their risk level. The results indicated that incorporating municipal-level economic variables, such as estimated average prices, income, and expenses, enhanced predictive accuracy and improved the rational allocation of loan amounts. The study concludes that credit risk analysis based on variables related to human, productive, and economic capital constitutes an effective strategy for improving access to finance in rural areas. Full article

This study examines how territorial peripherality and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem quality shape the growth trajectories of Italian university spin-offs, with a specific focus on internal areas. Combining firm-level data from NETVAL and AIDA with territorial indicators from the Italian Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI) and ISTAT, we construct a panel of 655 university spin-offs observed between 2018 and 2022. Two composite indicators capture provincial peripherality and regional ecosystem quality. Using mixed-effects models, we analyse their effects on revenue and employment growth. Results show that stronger regional ecosystems support employment growth overall and significantly amplify revenue growth for spin-offs located in internal areas, partially compensating for structural territorial disadvantages. The findings highlight the importance of place-based ecosystem policies and the strategic role of universities in fostering knowledge-based development and proxy indicators of territorial resilience in peripheral regions. Full article

The impacts of land use on stormwater runoff quality and Best Management Practices to mitigate these impacts have been investigated since the 1970s, yet challenges remain in providing a modeling approach that concomitantly considers contributions from different land use types. In densely developed urban areas, a buildup/washoff approach is often applied, while in rural areas, some type of erosion modeling is employed, as the processes of detachment, entrainment, and transport are fundamentally different. This study presents a coupled modeling approach within PCSWMM, integrating exponential buildup/washoff for impervious surfaces with the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) for pervious areas, including construction sites, to characterize water quality in the large mixed urban–rural Sparrovale catchment in Geelong, Australia. The watershed includes an innovative cascading system of 12 online NbS wetlands along one of the main tributaries, Armstrong Creek, to manage runoff quantity and quality, as well as 16 offline NbS wetlands that are tributary to the online system. A total of 78 samples for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Phosphorus (TP), and Total Nitrogen (TN) were collected from six monitoring sites along Armstrong Creek during wet- and dry-weather events between May and July 2024 for model validation. The data were supplemented with six other catchment stormwater quality datasets collected during earlier studies, which provided an understanding of water quality status for the broader Geelong region. Results showed that average nutrient concentrations across all the sites ranged from 0.44 to 2.66 mg/L for TP and 0.69 to 5.7 mg/L for TN, spanning from within to above the ecological threshold ranges for eutrophication risk (TP: 0.042 to 1 mg/L, TN: 0.3 to 1.5 mg/L). In the study catchment, upstream wetlands reduced pollutant levels; however, downstream wetlands that received runoff from agriculture, residential areas, and, importantly, construction sites, showed a substantial increase in sediment and nutrient concentration. Water quality modeling revealed washoff parameters primarily influenced concentrations from established urban neighborhoods, whereas erosion parameters substantially impacted total pollutant loads for the larger system, demonstrating the importance of integrated modeling for capturing pollutant dynamics in heterogeneous, urbanizing catchments. The study results emphasize the need for spatially targeted management strategies to improve stormwater runoff quality and also show the potential for cascading wetlands to be an important element of the Nature-based Solution (NbS) runoff management system. Full article

Pear cultivation in Greece, with an annual production of approximately 81,000 tonnes, constitutes a significant segment of the national fruit industry, particularly in Northern regions such as Macedonia and Thessaly. Despite ranking 8th in the EU in terms of pear production, Greece’s cultivated area is slightly declining, and adoption of smart agriculture technologies (SAT) remains limited. In this context, the present study investigates the preferences, patterns, and barriers of SAT adoption within the Greek pear sector, aiming to lay the groundwork for more effective digital transformation in the agri-food domain. Using a structured interview-based survey, data were collected from 30 pear growers, revealing critical insights into the technological landscape of the sector. A central challenge that emerged was the insufficient internet connectivity in rural farming areas, highlighting the urgent need for improved digital infrastructure to support SAT deployment. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of targeted education and awareness programs to bridge the digital knowledge gap among pear farmers. An especially notable finding concerns the role of the chosen tree training system in influencing SAT uptake: more than 50% of adopters utilize the palmette training system, suggesting a strong correlation between orchard design and technological readiness. Among the SAT categories, Data Analytics and Farm Management Software were the most widely adopted, a trend partly driven by attractive governmental subsidies of €30 per hectare. Importantly, all respondents who had implemented SAT (100%) reported a measurable increase in farm income, reinforcing the technologies’ impact on productivity and profitability. Foremost among the challenges encountered is the deficit in technical knowledge and training. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive overview of Greek pear producers’ perceptions, challenges, and emerging opportunities related to smart agriculture. Full article

Rural transport remains a critical factor of social inclusion in South Africa, particularly for people with disabilities who rely on public transport. This study explores the experiences of minibus taxi drivers in transporting passengers with disabilities in Mt Elias, a rural community in the KwaZulu-Natal province. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with 15 drivers operating between Dalton and Mt Elias route. Thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti to identify key patterns and relationships across the dataset. The four key themes that emerged from the dataset are: infrastructure and environmental challenges, accessibility and support for passengers, operational and economic constraints, and human interactions and attitudes. Findings reveal that drivers face multiple barriers, including poor road conditions, limited vehicle space, and a lack of formal training, yet many demonstrate empathy and commitment to assisting passengers with disabilities. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to improve road infrastructure, provide disability awareness training for drivers, and redesign vehicles for accessibility. Promoting inclusive rural transport requires coordinated action among government spheres, taxi associations, and disability advocacy groups. This research contributes new insights into the lived realities of rural drivers and promotes the importance of inclusive mobility as a component of social justice. Full article

Global climate change has emerged as a critical challenge for human society in the 21st century. As hubs of population and economic activity, urban and rural areas are increasingly exposed to complex and compounded disaster risks. To systematically evaluate the role of educational intervention in climate adaptability capacity building, this study employs a case study approach, focusing on the “Climate Change Adaptation Education and Teaching Alliance Program” launched in Taiwan in 2014. Through a comprehensive analysis of its institutional structure, curriculum, alliance network, and practical activities, the study explores the effectiveness of educational innovation in cultivating climate resilience talent. The study found that the program, through interdisciplinary collaboration and a practice-oriented teaching model, successfully integrated climate adaptability content into 57 courses, training a total of 2487 students. Project-based learning (PBL) and workshops significantly improved students’ systems thinking and practical abilities, and many of its findings were adopted by local governments. Based on these empirical results, the study proposes that urban and rural planning education should be promoted in the following ways: first, updating teaching materials to reflect regional climate characteristics and local needs; second, enhancing curriculum design by introducing core courses such as climate-resilient planning and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration; third, enriching hands-on learning through real project cases and participatory workshops; and fourth, deepening integration between education and practice by establishing multi-stakeholder partnerships supported by dedicated funding and digital platforms. Through such an innovative educational framework, we can prepare a new generation of professionals capable of supporting global sustainable development in the face of climate change. This study provides a replicable model of practice for education policymakers worldwide, particularly in promoting the integration of climate resilience education in developing countries, which can help accelerate the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG11) and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to address the global climate crisis. Full article

The study of energy needs in rural areas continues to be an active field of research. Although numerous gaps hinder the achievement of a sustainable energy transition in these areas, it is necessary to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate local participation with the implementation of efficient and appropriate energy technologies. This research analyzes local energy needs using a community participatory approach and considers four main stages, including a participatory diagnosis at the community level to identify energy needs, defining priority energy needs from the community’s viewpoint, estimating a baseline of the identified needs, their economic costs, and environmental impacts, constructing a scenario with a 20-year projection, and the benefits of implementing more efficient technologies. The results show that 98.9% of energy is destined for residential needs, 0.6% for community needs, and 0.5% for productive needs, and the economic expenditure follows the same hierarchy, while total emissions are estimated annually at just over 30,000 tCO_2e and 3 tPM_2.5. With the proposed scenario, at the end of year 20, a reduction in consumption of just over 200 TJ is estimated, together with present value savings of USD 490,000, and a decrease in emissions of approximately 27,000 tCO_2e and 2.7 tPM_2.5. This proposal is expected to contribute to encouraging research with broad community participation and to the formulation of strategies that enable a sustainable energy transition in rural contexts. Full article

The growing generation of organic solid waste from small-scale agriculture poses major environmental challenges in developing countries like Ecuador, where rural areas often lack waste management infrastructure. Residues from livestock rearing and traditional brewing such as poultry manure (PM), bovine manure (BM), and barley by-product (BB) are often discarded untreated. This study evaluated the bioconversion potential of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), using a local Ecuadorian strain reared on these substrates under natural conditions and three feeding rates (50, 100, and 150 mg·larva⁻¹·day⁻¹). Larval growth and process efficiency were analyzed on a dry-matter basis. Both substrate and feeding rate significantly influenced performance (p < 0.05). PM and BB produced the highest larval dry weights (37.4 and 35.9 mg, respectively) at 100 mg·larva⁻¹·day⁻¹, with development completed in 35 days. BM-fed larvae reached only 17.6 mg and required up to 91 days. Bioconversion peaked at 4.6% (PM100) and 4.2% (BB50), while all BM treatments showed very low efficiency (<0.8%). Waste reduction was highest in BB100 (52.9%) and PM100 (43.5%). These results demonstrate the potential of BSFL as a biological treatment option for rural organic waste streams; however, performance strongly depended on substrate quality and feeding rate, indicating that not all locally available residues are equally suitable for larval bioconversion. Full article

Sustainable development affects the quality of life of spatially diverse populations, and the pursuit of improved living conditions—both objective and subjective—is often associated with residential relocation. This article examines population movements from urban to rural areas outside agglomerations. Quantitative research was first conducted to assess population changes in rural areas in Poland between 2002 and 2024 and to determine the role of urban-to-rural migration in this process. The second stage consisted of qualitative research conducted among residents of selected Polish villages. The results indicate that the largest scale of migration from urban to rural areas outside agglomerations occurred in the western part of the country, particularly in the Dolnośląskie and Wielkopolskie Voivodeships, which are characterised by high levels of socio-economic development and good spatial accessibility. New residents—counterurbanists—primarily selected areas with high natural values. The decision to relocate to the countryside stemmed mainly from a desire for lifestyle change. In many cases, the opportunity to live in rural areas enabled newcomers to realise their aspirations of establishing their own businesses, which improved both their quality of life and that of the local community. Full article

This paper explores the intersection of digital technologies, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation within the framework of the European Green Deal. The study investigates how intelligent agricultural practices—enabled by digital tools such as sensors, AI, and IoT—can enhance soil health and conserve agrobiodiversity. A systematic literature review was conducted to map out current research trajectories, identify the taxonomic focus areas in biodiversity monitoring, and assess the integration of digital tools. Results show a significant upward trend in publications linking digitalization and sustainability in agriculture. Findings highlight that pollinators and soil biota dominate monitoring focus, while technologies like remote sensing and AI show increasing adoption. The study concludes that intelligent agriculture offers a path toward ecological and economic resilience in rural landscapes, aligning with the EU’s green transition agenda. Full article

Background/Objectives: In 2023, the United States Congress amended Section 13 of the National School Lunch Act to allow non-congregate meal service as an option within the Summer Food Service Program in rural areas, creating “SUN Meals To-Go.” The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore caregivers’ perceptions of USDA rural non-congregate summer meal programs in California during the summer of 2024. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, qualitative study using an electronic 20-item survey instrument that was available in English and Spanish. Five school foodservice directors in California shared and/or posted at meal pick-up sites a flyer with a QR code leading caregivers to the survey instrument. A conventional content analysis was conducted with the open-ended responses and descriptive statistics were calculated for close-ended items. Results: Caregivers (n = 827) were primarily married (70.5%) and Hispanic/Latino (54.3%) women (85.5%). They (55%) reported using the 2024 summer meal program “most times” or “every time” it was available. Three themes were constructed through qualitative content analysis: (1) Family support and resource relief, (2) Navigating program accessibility and logistics, and (3) Nourishment and practicality: Reflections on food quality, nutrition, and sustainability. Conclusions: Caregivers highlighted that the program supported their families and provided resource relief. They indicated that accessibility and logistics were effective, provided ideas for fine-tuning the delivery of the program, described this program as supporting their children’s nutrition. Full article

This work presents the design, modeling, and experimental validation of an innovative, highly autonomous, and economically viable photovoltaic solar cooker, integrating a robust battery storage system. The system combines 1200 Wp photovoltaic panels, a control block with DC/DC power converters and digital control for intelligent energy management, and a thermally insulated heating plate equipped with two resistors. The objective of the system is to reduce dependence on conventional fuels while overcoming the limitations of existing solar cookers, particularly insufficient cooking temperatures, the need for continuous solar orientation, and significant thermal losses. The optimization of thermal insulation using a ceramic fiber and glass wool configuration significantly reduces heat losses and increases the thermal efficiency to 64%, nearly double that of the non-insulated case (34%). This improvement enables cooking temperatures of 100–122 °C, heating element surface temperatures of 185–464 °C, and fast cooking times ranging from 20 to 58 min, depending on the prepared dish. Thermal modeling takes into account sheet metal, strengths, and food. The experimental results show excellent agreement between simulation and measurements (deviation < 5%), and high converter efficiencies (84–97%). The integration of the batteries guarantees an autonomy of 6 to 12 days and a very low depth of discharge (1–3%), allowing continuous cooking even without direct solar radiation. Crucially, the techno-economic analysis confirmed the system’s strong market competitiveness. Despite an Initial Investment Cost (CAPEX) of USD 1141.2, the high performance and low operational expenditure lead to a highly favorable Return on Investment (ROI) of only 4.31 years. Compared to existing conventional and solar cookers, the developed system offers superior energy efficiency and optimized cooking times, and demonstrates rapid profitability. This makes it a sustainable, reliable, and energy-efficient home solution, representing a major technological leap for domestic cooking in rural areas. Full article