Search Results (1,709)

Hyperloop ultra-high-speed transport presents a transformative opportunity for future mobility systems in smart cities. However, assessing its socio-economic impact remains challenging due to Hyperloop’s unique technological, modal, and operational characteristics. As a novel, fifth mode of transportation—distinct from both aviation and rail—Hyperloop requires tailored evaluation tools for policymakers. This study proposes a custom-designed framework to quantify its macroeconomic effects through changes in gross domestic product (GDP) at the city level. Unlike traditional economic models, the proposed approach is specifically adapted to Hyperloop’s multimodality, infrastructure, speed profile, and digital-green footprint. A Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood (PPML) model is developed and applied at two technology readiness levels (TRL-6 and TRL-9). Case studies of Glasgow, Berlin, and Busan are used to simulate impacts based on geo-spatial features and city-specific trade and accessibility indicators. Results indicate substantial GDP increases driven by factors such as expanded 60 min commute catchment zones, improved trade flows, and connectivity node density. For instance, under TRL-9 conditions, GDP uplift reaches over 260% in certain scenarios. The framework offers a scalable, reproducible tool for policymakers and urban planners to evaluate the economic potential of Hyperloop within the context of sustainable smart city development. Full article

This paper explores the intervening role in SEP performance of corporate environmental, cultural, and ethnic activities (ECEAs) and diversity, equity, inclusion, and social initiatives (DEISIs) on blockchain adoption (BCA) strategy, particularly useful in the Western Balkans (WB), which demands transparency due to extended fraud and ethnic complexities. In this domain, a question has been raised: In BCA strategies, is there any correlation between SEP performance and ECEAs and DEISIs in a mediating role? A serial mediation model was tested on a dataset of 630 WB and EU companies, and the research conceptual model was validated by CFA (Confirmation Factor Analysis), and the SEM (Structural Equation Model) fit was assessed. We found a statistically sound (significant, positive) correlation between BCA and ESG success performance, especially in the innovation and integrity ESG performance success indicators, when DEISIs mediate. The findings confirmed the influence of technology, and environmental, cultural, ethnic, and social factors on BCA strategy. The findings revealed some important issues of BCA that are of worth to WB companies’ managers to address BCA for better performance. This study adds to the literature on corporate blockchain transformation, especially for organizations seeking investment opportunities in new international markets to diversify their assets and skill pool. Furthermore, it contributes to a deeper understanding of how DEI initiatives impact the correlation between business transformation and socioeconomic performance, which is referred to as the “social impact”. Full article

In an era where digitalization shapes economic and social landscapes, the intersection of digital skills, ethics, and integrity plays a crucial role in understanding the vulnerability of youth classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This study explores how risky internet use and digital skill gaps contribute to socio-economic exclusion, integrating a multivariate and spatial approach to assess regional disparities in Europe. This study adopts a systems thinking perspective to explore digital exclusion as an emergent outcome of multiple interrelated subsystems. The research employs logistic regression, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Promax rotation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the impact of digital behaviors on NEET status. Using Eurostat data aggregated at the country level for the period (2000–2023) across 28 European countries, this study evaluates 24 digital indicators covering social media usage, instant messaging, daily internet access, data protection awareness, and digital literacy levels. The findings reveal that low digital skills significantly increase the likelihood of being NEET, while excessive social media and internet use show mixed effects depending on socio-economic context. A strong negative correlation between digital security practices and NEET status suggests that youths with a higher awareness of online risks are less prone to socio-economic exclusion. The GIS analysis highlights regional disparities, where countries with limited digital access and lower literacy levels exhibit higher NEET rates. Digital exclusion is not merely a technological issue but a multidimensional socio-economic challenge. To reduce the NEET rate, policies must focus on enhancing digital skills, fostering online security awareness, and addressing regional disparities. Integrating GIS methods allows for the identification of territorial clusters with heightened digital vulnerabilities, guiding targeted interventions for improving youth employability in the digital economy. Full article

In light of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural phenomena, whether climatic or telluric, the relevance of multi-risk assessment approaches has become an important issue for understanding and estimating the impacts of disasters on complex socioeconomic systems. Two aspects contribute to the worsening of this situation. First, climate change has heightened the incidence and, in conjunction, the seriousness of geohazards that often occur with each other. Second, the complexity of these impacts on societies is drastically exacerbated by the interconnections between urban areas, industrial sites, power or water networks, and vulnerable ecosystems. In front of the recent research on this problem, and the necessity to figure out the best scientific positioning to address it, we propose, through this review analysis, to revisit existing literature on multi-risk assessment methodologies. By this means, we emphasize the new recent research frameworks able to produce determinant advances. Our selection corpus identifies pertinent scientific publications from various sources, including personal bibliographic databases, but also OpenAlex outputs and Web of Science contents. We evaluated these works from different criteria and key findings, using indicators inspired by the PRISMA bibliometric method. Through this comprehensive analysis of recent advances in multi-risk assessment approaches, we highlight main issues that the scientific community should address in the coming years, we identify the different kinds of geohazards concerned, the way to integrate them in a multi-risk approach, and the characteristics of the presented case studies. The results underscore the urgency of developing robust, adaptable methodologies, effectively able to capture the complexities of multi-risk scenarios. This challenge should be at the basis of the keys and solutions contributing to more resilient socioeconomic systems. Full article

Global policy narratives on livestock development increasingly emphasize environmental concerns, often overlooking the social dimensions of the sector. In the case of dairy, the world’s most valuable agricultural commodity, its role in social and economic development remains poorly quantified. Our study contributes to a more balanced vision of the UN SDGs thanks to the inclusion of a socio-economic dimension. Here we present a novel empirical approach to assess the socio-economic impacts of dairy development using a new global dataset and non-parametric modelling techniques (local polynomial regressions), with yield as a proxy for sectoral performance. We find that as dairy systems intensify, the number of farm households engaged in production declines, yet household incomes rise. On-farm labour productivity also increases, accompanied by a reduction in employment but higher wages. In dairy processing, employment initially grows, peaks, and then contracts, again with rising wages. The most substantial impact is observed among consumers: an increased milk supply leads to lower prices and improved affordability, expanding the access to dairy products. Additionally, dairy development is associated with greater agricultural value added, an expanding tax base, and the increased formalization of the economy. These findings suggest that dairy development, beyond its environmental footprint, plays a significant and largely positive role in social transformation, yet is having to adapt sustainably while tackling labour force relocation, and that dairy development’s social impacts mimic the general agricultural sector. These results might be of interest for the assessment of policies regarding dairy development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychosocial (PS) factors and cognitive dysfunction (CD) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may negatively impact treatment compliance. The PS profile covers multiple psychological and socio-economic factors, although research is mostly limited to depression, anxiety, and work stress. This study assessed the prevalence of a broad range of PS factors in patients with AF and their relationship with cognitive decline. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients referred to a cardiovascular rehabilitation clinic between March 2017 and April 2023 who underwent standardized assessments of PS factors, cognition, and quality of life. Results: Of the 798 included patients, 230 (28.8%) had AF, with a mean age of 68.07 years (SD 9.60 years). Six of nine PS factors were present in more than half of the overall sample. Compared to non-AF patients, those with AF showed significantly higher levels of social isolation, depression, and hostility, whereas low socioeconomic status, family and work-related stress, and other mental disorders were more frequent in the non-AF group. CD was present in 67.4% of the total cohort and was more prevalent in AF patients with a higher PS burden. Patients with permanent AF reported the poorest health status. Conclusions: Integrating assessments of PS factors and cognition in cardiac rehabilitation is feasible and supports a more comprehensive, patient-centred model of care in AF. Full article

With climate change, the spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation are altered to a certain degree, which potentially affects the grey water footprint (GWF) of total nitrogen (TN) in agriculture, thereby threatening water security in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), the largest river in China. The current study constructs an assessment framework for climate change impacts on the GWF of agricultural TN by coupling Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) with the InVEST model. The framework consists of four components: (i) data collection and processing, (ii) simulating the two critical indicators (L_TN and W) in the GWF model based on the InVEST model, (iii) calculating the GWF and GWF index (GI) of TN, and (iv) calculating climate change impact index on GWF of agricultural TN (CI) under two SSPs. It is applied to the YRB, and the results show the following: (i) GWFs are 959.7 and 961.4 billion m³ under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios in 2030, respectively, which are both lower than that in 2020 (1067.1 billion m³). (ii) The GI values for TN in 2030 under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 remain at “High” grade, with the values of 0.95 and 1.03, respectively. Regionally, the water pollution level of Taihu Lake is the highest, while that of Wujiang River is the lowest. (iii) The CI values of the YRB in 2030 under SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios are 0.507 and 0.527, respectively. And the CI values of the five regions in the YRB are greater than 0, indicating that the negative effects of climate change on GWFs increase. (iv) Compared with 2020, L_TN and W in YRB in 2030 under the two SSPs decrease, while the GI of TN in YRB rises from SSP1-2.6 to SSP5-8.5. The assessment framework can provide strategic recommendations for sustainable water resource management in the YRB and other regions globally under climate change. Full article

Educational buildings, including schools, nurseries and universities, face stricter regulation and design control on indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal conditions than other built environments, as these may affect children’s health and wellbeing. In this scoping review, wide-ranging health, performance, and absenteeism consequences of poor—and benefits of good—IAQ and thermal conditions are evaluated, focusing on source control, ventilation and air purification interventions. Economic impacts of interventions in educational buildings have been evaluated to enable the assessment of tangible building-related costs and savings, alongside less easily quantifiable improvements in educational attainment and reduced healthcare. Key recommendations are provided to assist decision makers in pathways to provide clean air, at an optimal temperature for students’ learning and health outcomes. Although the role of educational buildings can be challenging to isolate from other socio-economic confounders, secondary short- and long-term impacts on attainment and absenteeism have been demonstrated from the health effects associated with various pollutants. Sometimes overlooked, source control and repairing existing damage can be important cost-effective methods in minimising generation and preventing ingress of pollutants. Existing ventilation standards are often not met, even when mechanical and hybrid ventilation systems are already in place, but can often be achieved with a fraction of a typical school budget through operational and maintenance improvements, and small-scale air-cleaning and ventilation technologies, where necessary. Full article

The global rise in urban-related health issues poses significant challenges to public health, particularly in cities facing socio-economic crises. In Lebanon, 70% of the population is experiencing financial hardship, and healthcare costs have surged by 172%, exacerbating the strain on medical services. Given these conditions, improving the quality and accessibility of green spaces offers a promising avenue for alleviating mental health issues in urban areas. This study investigates the psychological impact of nine urban public spaces in Beirut through a comprehensive survey methodology, involving 297 participants (locals and tourists) who rated these spaces using Likert-scale measures. The findings reveal location-specific barriers, with Saanayeh Park rated highest in quality and Martyr’s Square rated lowest. The analysis identifies facility quality as the most significant factor influencing space quality, contributing 73.6% to the overall assessment, while activity factors have a lesser impact. The study further highlights a moderate positive association (Spearman’s rho = 0.30) between public space quality and mental well-being in Beirut. This study employs a hybrid methodology combining Research for Design (RfD) and Research Through Designing (RTD). Empirical data informed spatial strategies, while iterative design served as a tool for generating context-specific knowledge. Design enhancements—such as sensory plantings, shading systems, and social nodes—aim to improve well-being through better public space quality. The proposed interventions support mental health, life satisfaction, climate resilience, and urban inclusivity. The findings offer actionable insights for cities facing public health and spatial equity challenges in crisis contexts. Full article

Southeast Asia relies heavily on hydropower from dams and reservoir projects, but this dependence comes at the cost of ecological damage and increased vulnerability to extreme events. This dilemma necessitates a choice between continued dam development and adopting alternative renewable options. Concerns over these environmental impacts have already led to halts in dam construction across the region. This study assesses the potential of run-of-river hydropower plants (RHPs) across 199 hydrometric stations in Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA). The assessment utilizes power duration curves for the historical period and projections from the HBV hydrological model, which is driven by an ensemble of 31 climate models for future scenarios. Energy production was analyzed at four levels (minimum, maximum, balanced, and optimal) for both historical and future periods under varying Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). To promote sustainable development, environmental flow constraints and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions were evaluated for both historical and projected periods. The results indicate that the aggregate energy production potential during the historical period ranges from 111.15 to 229.62 MW (Malaysia), 582.78 to 3615.36 MW (Myanmar), 555.47 to 3142.46 MW (Thailand), 1067.05 to 6401.25 MW (Laos), 28.07 to 189.77 MW (Vietnam), and 566.13 to 2803.75 MW (Cambodia). The impact of climate change on power production varies significantly across countries, depending on the level and scenarios. At the optimal level, an average production change of −9.2–5.9% is projected for the near future, increasing to 15.3–19% in the far future. Additionally, RHP development in MSEA is estimated to avoid 32.5 Mt of CO₂ emissions at the optimal level. The analysis further shows avoidance change of 8.3–25.3% and −8.6–25.3% under SSP245 and SSP585, respectively. Full article

Increasing wildfires are causing global concerns about ecosystem functioning and services. Although some wildfires are caused by natural ignitions, it is also important to understand how human ignitions and human-related factors can contribute to wildfires. While dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) have incorporated fire-related modules to simulate wildfires and their impacts, few models have fully considered various human-related factors causing human ignitions. Using global examples, this study aims to identify key factors associated with human impacts on wildfires and provides suggestions for enhancing model simulations. The main categories explored in this paper are human behavior and activities, socioeconomic background, policy, laws, regulations, and cultural and traditional activities, all of which can influence wildfires. Employing an integrated and interdisciplinary assessment approach, this study evaluates existing DGVMs and provides suggestions for their improvement. Full article

Rapid socio-economic development and the impact of human activities have exerted tremendous pressure on the groundwater system of the Dawen River Basin (DRB), the largest tributary in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Hydrochemical studies on the DRB have largely centered on the upstream Muwen River catchment and downstream Dongping Lake, with some focusing solely on karst groundwater. Basin-wide evaluations suggest good overall groundwater quality, but moderate to severe contamination is confined to the lower Dongping Lake area. The hydrogeologically complex mid-reach, where the Muwen and Chaiwen rivers merge, warrants specific focus. This region, adjacent to populous areas and industrial/agricultural zones, features diverse aquifer systems, necessitating a thorough analysis of its hydrochemistry and origins. This study presents an integrated hydrochemical, isotopic investigation and EWQI evaluation of groundwater quality and formation mechanisms within the multiple groundwater types of the central DRB. Central DRB groundwater has a pH of 7.5–8.2 (avg. 7.8) and TDSs at 450–2420 mg/L (avg. 1075.4 mg/L) and is mainly brackish, with Ca²⁺ as the primary cation (68.3% of total cations) and SO₄²⁻ (33.6%) and NO₃⁻ (28.4%) as key anions. The Piper diagram reveals complex hydrochemical types, primarily HCO₃·SO₄-Ca and SO₄·Cl-Ca. Isotopic analysis (δ²H, δ¹⁸O) confirms atmospheric precipitation as the principal recharge source, with pore water showing evaporative enrichment due to shallow depths. The Gibbs diagram and ion ratios demonstrate that hydrochemistry is primarily controlled by silicate and carbonate weathering (especially calcite dissolution), active cation exchange, and anthropogenic influences. EWQI assessment (avg. 156.2) indicates generally “good” overall quality but significant spatial variability. Pore water exhibits the highest exceedance rates (50% > Class III), driven by nitrate pollution from intensive vegetable cultivation in eastern areas (Xiyangzhuang–Liangzhuang) and sulfate contamination from gypsum mining (Guojialou–Nanxiyao). Karst water (26.7% > Class III) shows localized pollution belts (Huafeng–Dongzhuang) linked to coal mining and industrial discharges. Compared to basin-wide studies suggesting good quality in mid-upper reaches, this intensive mid-reach sampling identifies critical localized pollution zones within an overall low-EWQI background. The findings highlight the necessity for aquifer-specific and land-use-targeted groundwater protection strategies in this hydrogeologically complex region. Full article

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

The olive oil sector constitutes a fundamental pillar in the Mediterranean region from socio-economic and cultural perspectives. Nonetheless, it produces significant amounts of waste, leading to numerous environmental issues. These waste streams contain valuable compounds that can be recovered and utilized as inputs for various applications. This study introduces a novel value chain for olive wastes, focused on extracting lignin from olive pomace by ionic liquids and polyphenols from olive mill wastewater, which are then incorporated as hybrid nanoparticles in the formulation of an innovative starch-based biofertilizer. This biofertilizer, obtained by using residual wastewater as a source of soluble nitrogen, acting at the same time as a plasticizer for the biopolymer, was demonstrated to surpass traditional NPK biofertilizers’ efficiency, allowing for root growth and foliage in drought conditions. In order to recognize the environmental impact due to its production and align it with the technical output, the circularity and environmental performance of the proposed system were innovatively evaluated through a combination of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI). LCA results indicated that the initial upcycling process was potentially characterized by significant hot spots, primarily related to energy consumption (>0.70 kWh/kg of water) during the early processing stages. As a result, the LCA score of this preliminary version of the biofertilizer may be higher than that of conventional commercial products, due to reliance on thermal processes for water removal and the substantial contribution (56%) of lignin/polyphenol precursors to the total LCA score. Replacing energy-intensive thermal treatments with more efficient alternatives represents a critical area for improvement. The MCI value of 0.84 indicates limited potential for further enhancement. Full article

Losses from floods and the wide range of impacts have been at the forefront of hazard-triggered disasters in China. Affected by large-scale human activities and the environmental evolution, China’s defense flood situation is undergoing significant changes. This paper constructs a comprehensive flood disaster risk assessment model through systematic analysis of four key factors—hazard (H), exposure (E), susceptibility/sensitivity (S), and disaster prevention capabilities (C)—and establishes an evaluation index system. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), we determined indicator weights and quantified flood risk via the following formula R = H × E × V × C. After we applied this model to 16 towns in coastal Zhejiang Province, the results reveal three distinct risk tiers: low (R < 0.04), medium (0.04 ≤ R ≤ 0.1), and high (R > 0.1). High-risk areas (e.g., Longxi and Shitang towns) are primarily constrained by natural hazards and socioeconomic vulnerability, while low-risk towns benefit from a robust disaster mitigation capacity. Risk typology analysis further classifies towns into natural, social–structural, capacity-driven, or mixed profiles, providing granular insights for targeted flood management. The spatial risk distribution offers a scientific basis for optimizing flood control planning and resource allocation in the district. Full article