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Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus that circulates primarily within animal populations and occasionally spills over to humans, causing severe neurological disease. While humans are terminal hosts, veterinary species such as pigs and birds play essential roles in viral amplification and maintenance, making JEV fundamentally a veterinary infectious disease with zoonotic potential. This review summarizes the current understanding of JEV transmission dynamics from a veterinary and ecological perspective, emphasizing the roles of amplifying hosts and animal surveillance in controlling viral circulation. Recent genotype shifts and viral evolution have raised concerns regarding vaccine effectiveness and regional emergence. National surveillance systems and animal-based monitoring strategies are examined for their predictive value in detecting outbreaks early. Veterinary and human vaccination strategies are also reviewed, highlighting the importance of integrated One Health approaches. Advances in modeling and climate-responsive surveillance further underscore the dynamic and evolving landscape of JEV transmission. By managing the infection in animal reservoirs, veterinary interventions form the foundation of sustainable zoonotic disease control. Full article

The intensification of anthropogenic pressures, particularly those related to agriculture driven by increasing demands for food and cash crops, generates negative environmental externalities. Assessing these externalities is essential to better identify and implement measures that promote the environmental sustainability of rural landscapes. This study aims to develop a multi-criteria assessment method of the negative environmental externalities of rural landscapes in the northern Benin agricultural basin, based on satellite-derived data. Starting from a 12-class land cover map produced through satellite image classification, the evaluation was conducted in three steps. First, the 12 land cover classes were reclassified into Human Disturbance Coefficients (HDCs) via a weighted sum model multi-criteria analysis based on nine criteria related to the negative environmental externalities of anthropogenic activities. Second, the HDC classes were spatially aggregated using a regular grid of 1 km² landscape cells to produce the Landscape Environmental Sustainability Index (LESI). Finally, various discretization methods were applied to the LESI for cartographic representation, enhancing spatial interpretation. Results indicate that most areas exhibit moderate environmental externalities (HDC and LESI values between 2.5 and 3.5), covering 63–75% (HDC) and 83–94% (LESI) of the respective sites. Areas of low environmental externalities (values between 1.5 and 2.5) account for 20–24% (HDC) and 5–13% (LESI). The LESI, derived from accessible and cost-effective satellite data, offers a scalable, reproducible, and spatially explicit tool for monitoring landscape sustainability. It holds potential for guiding territorial governance and supporting transitions towards more sustainable land management practices. Future improvements may include, among others, refining the evaluation criteria and introducing variable criteria weighting schemes depending on land cover or region. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are increasingly pivotal for reducing carbon emissions in supply chain management (SCM); however, research exploring their combined potential from a sustainability perspective remains fragmented. This study aims to systematically map the research landscape and synthesize evidence on the applications, benefits, and challenges. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted on 23 peer-reviewed studies from the Scopus database, published between 2013 and 2024. Data were systematically extracted and analyzed for publication trends, application domains (e.g., transportation, warehousing), specific AI and robotic technologies, emissions reduction strategies, and implementation challenges. Results: The analysis reveals that AI-driven logistics optimization is the most frequently reported strategy for reducing transportation emissions. At the same time, robotic automation is commonly associated with improved energy efficiency in warehousing. Despite these benefits, the reviewed literature consistently identifies significant barriers, including the high energy demands of AI computation and complexities in data integration. Conclusions: This review confirms the transformative potential of AI and robotics for developing low-carbon supply chains. An evidence-based framework is proposed to guide practical implementation and identify critical gaps, such as the need for standardized validation benchmarks, to direct future research and accelerate the transition to sustainable SCM. Full article

Willow stands (Salix spp.) are an essential part of riparian ecosystems, as they sustain biodiversity and provide bioenergy solutions. The present review synthesizes the global scientific literature about the management of willow stands. In order to achieve this goal, we used a dual approach combining bibliometric analysis with traditional literature review. As such, we consulted 416 publications published between 1978 and 2024. This allowed us to identify key species, ecosystem services, conservation strategies, and management issues. The results we have obtained show a diversity of approaches, with an increase in short-rotation coppice (SRC) systems and the multiple roles covered by willow stands (carbon sequestration, biomass production, riparian restoration, and habitat provision). The key trends we have identified show a shift toward topics such as climate resilience, ecological restoration, and precision forestry. This trend has become especially pronounced over the past decade (2014–2024), as reflected in the increasing use of these keywords in the literature. However, as willow systems expand in scale and function—from biomass production to ecological restoration—they also raise complex challenges, including invasive tendencies in non-native regions and uncertainties surrounding biodiversity impacts and soil carbon dynamics over the long term. The present review is a guide for forest policies and, more specifically, for future research, linking the need to integrate and use adaptive strategies in order to maintain the willow stands. Full article

Deforestation and land-use changes lead to significant soil degradation and erosion, particularly in Amazonian ecosystems, due to the region’s climate and geology. This study characterizes soil quality using physical, chemical, and biological parameters across different land uses. It uses a soil quality index (SQI) based on a minimum data set (MDS), from 19 evaluated parameters. The land uses evaluated were cacao monoculture (CMC), agroforestry systems associated with fruit and timber species (FAFS and TAFS, respectively), and a secondary forest. The SQI was composed of six variables, bulk density (BD), soil organic matter (SOM), urease activity (UR), pH, dehydrogenase activity (DH), and leaf litter, which are considered relevant indicators that allow for an adequate evaluation of soil quality. According to the SQI assessment, FAFS has a moderate-quality rating (0.40), followed by secondary forest (0.35), TAFS (0.33), and CMC (0.30), the last three categorized as low-quality. The methods used are replicable and efficient for evaluating changes in soil properties based on different land uses and management systems in landscapes similar to those of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Also worth mentioning is the potential of agroforestry as a sustainable land-use strategy that can enhance above- and below-ground biodiversity and nutrient cycling. Therefore, implementing agroforestry practices can contribute to long-term soil conservation and the resilience of tropical ecosystems. Full article

Wet areas, which are locations in the landscape that consistently retain moisture, and channel networks are important landscape compartments, with key hydrological and ecological functions. Hence, defining their spatial boundaries is an important step towards sustainable watershed management. In catchments of developing countries, wet areas and small order channels of river networks are rarely mapped, although they represent a crucial component of local livelihoods and ecosystems. In this study, topographic attributes generated with a 30 m SRTM DEM were used to map wet areas and stream networks of two tropical catchments in Central Brazil. The topographic attributes for wet areas were the local slope and the slope curvature, and the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) was used to delineate the stream networks. Threshold values of the selected topographic attributes were calibrated in the Santa Maria catchment, comparing the synthetically generated wet areas and drainage networks with corresponding reference (map) features, and validated in the nearby Santa Maria basin. Drainage network and wet area delineation accuracies were estimated using random basin transects and multi-criteria and confusion matrix methods. The drainage network accuracies were 67.2% and 70.7%, and wet area accuracies were 72.7% and 73.8%, for the Santa Maria and Gama catchments, respectively, being equivalent or higher than previous studies. The mapping errors resulted from model incompleteness, DEM vertical inaccuracy, and cartographic misrepresentation of the reference topographic maps. The study’s novelty is the use of readily available information to map, with simplicity and robustness, wet areas and channel initiation in data-scarce, tropical environments. Full article

The rapid urbanization process has accelerated the degradation of ecosystem services (ESs) in peri-urban rural areas of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), leading to increasing landscape ecological risks (LERs). Establishing a scientifically grounded landscape ecological risk assessment (LERA) system and corresponding control strategies is therefore imperative. Using rural areas of Jiangning District, Nanjing as a case study, this research proposes an optimized dual-dimensional coupling assessment framework that integrates ecosystem service value (ESV) and ecological risk probability. The spatiotemporal evolution of LER in 2000, 2010, and 2020 and its key driving factors were further studied by using spatial autocorrelation analysis and geodetector methods. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, cultivated land remained dominant, but its proportion decreased by 10.87%, while construction land increased by 26.52%, with minimal changes in other land use types. (2) The total ESV increased by CNY 1.67 × 10⁹, with regulating services accounting for over 82%, among which water bodies contributed the most. (3) LER showed an overall increasing trend, with medium- to highest-risk areas expanding by 55.37%, lowest-risk areas increasing by 10.10%, and lower-risk areas decreasing by 65.48%. (4) Key driving factors include landscape vulnerability, vegetation coverage, and ecological land connectivity, with the influence of distance to road becoming increasingly significant. This study reveals the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of LER in typical peri-urban villages. Based on the LERA results, combined with terrain features and ecological pressure intensity, the study area was divided into three ecological management zones: ecological conservation, ecological restoration, and ecological enhancement. Corresponding zoning strategies were proposed to guide rural ecological governance and support regional sustainable development. Full article

The landscapes of China’s multi-ethnic areas are rich in natural and cultural value, but they are threatened by homogenization and urbanization. This study aims to establish a method for identifying and classifying the landscape characters in China’s multi-ethnic areas to support the protection and sustainable development of the landscape in these areas. Taking the Miao Frontier Corridor as an example, the study optimized a parameterization method of landscape character assessment (LCA), integrated relevant cultural and natural elements, and used the K-means clustering algorithm to determine the landscape character types and regions of the Miao Frontier Corridor. The results show that (1) the natural conditions, ethnic exchanges, and historical institutions of the Miao Frontier Corridor have had a significant impact on its overall landscape; and (2) using ethnic group culture as a cultural element in LCA helps to reveal the unique cultural value of areas with different landscape characters. This study expands the LCA framework and applies it to multi-ethnic areas in China, thereby establishing a database that can serve as the basis for cross-regional landscape protection, management, and development planning in these areas. The research methods can be widely used in other multi-ethnic areas in China. Full article

Small towns in mountainous regions face significant challenges in formulating effective landscape zoning strategies due to pronounced landscape fragmentation, which is driven by both the dominance of large-scale forest resources and the lack of coordination between administrative planning departments. To tackle this problem, this study focused on Yuqian, a quintessential small mountainous town in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The town’s layout was divided into a grid network measuring 70 m × 70 m. A two-step cluster process was employed using ArcGIS and SPSS software to analyze five landscape variables: altitude, slope, land use, heritage density, and visual visibility. Further, eCognition software’s semi-automated segmentation technique, complemented by manual adjustments, helped delineate landscape character types and areas. The overlay analysis integrated these areas with administrative village units, identifying four landscape character types across 35 character areas, which were recategorized into four planning and management zones: urban comprehensive service areas, agricultural and cultural tourism development areas, industrial development growth areas, and mountain forest ecological conservation areas. This result optimizes the current zoning types. These zones closely match governmental sustainable development zoning requirements. Based on these findings, we propose integrated landscape management and conservation strategies, including the cautious expansion of urban areas, leveraging agricultural and cultural tourism, ensuring industrial activities do not impact the natural and village environment adversely, and prioritizing ecological conservation in sensitive areas. This approach integrates spatial and administrative dimensions to enhance landscape connectivity and resource sustainability, providing key guidance for small town development in mountainous regions with unique environmental and cultural contexts. Full article

Rangelands form the ecological and economic backbone of Namibia, yet the woody plant dynamics that sustain these landscapes remain sporadically quantified across the semi-arid interior. We investigated the characteristics (stand structure, regeneration, richness, diversity, composition, ecological importance, and indicator species) of woody communities along a pronounced south-to-north rainfall gradient (85–346 mm yr⁻¹) at five representative sites: Warmbad, Gibeon, Otjimbingwe, Ovitoto, and Sesfontein. Field sampling combined point-centered quarter surveys (10 points site⁻¹) and belt transects (15 plots site⁻¹). The basal area increased almost ten-fold along the gradient (0.4–3.4 m² ha⁻¹). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) arranged plots in near-perfect rainfall order, and Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) confirmed significant site differences (F_3,56 = 9.1, p < 0.001). Nanophanerophytes dominated hyper-arid zones, while microphanerophytes appeared progressively with increasing rainfall. Mean annual precipitation explained 45% of the variance in mean height and 34% of Shannon diversity but only 5% of stem density. Indicator value analysis highlighted Montinia caryophyllacea for Warmbad (IndVal = 100), Rhigozum trichotomum (75.8) for Gibeon, Senegalia senegal (72.6) for Otjimbingwe, and Senegalia mellifera (97.3) for Ovitoto. Rainfall significantly influences woody structure and diversity; however, other factors also modulate density and regeneration dynamics. This quantitative baseline can serve as a practical toolkit for designing site-specific management strategies across Namibia’s aridity gradient. Full article

Mining activities in a quarry significantly interfere with the landscape, weaken its ecological functions, disrupt the continuity of habitats and change its natural character. The aim of this study is to present a robust, transparent, and participatory methodological framework centered on the Reclamation Quality Index, which enables a comprehensive and repeatable assessment of reclamation quality. At a time when the restoration of functional, ecologically stable and long-term sustainable landscapes is increasingly important, there is a need for reliable tools to assess the quality of restoration. This article presents an original methodology for the evaluation of quarry reclamation, which combines scientific precision with practical applicability. The proposed Reclamation Quality Index is built on multidisciplinary foundations and uses the Delphi methodology, through which expert knowledge and weighted preferences enter the evaluation process. A tool designed in this way makes it possible to quantify the quality of land restoration, identify the benefits of individual interventions, support effective planning, and strengthen the strategic management of post-mining transformation. At the same time, the Reclamation Quality Index creates space for the application of the principles of ecological stability and integration of the landscape as a living, dynamic system in the process of restoration. With its structure and philosophy, the methodology represents a prospective approach to the evaluation and planning of the post-extraction landscape. Its application goes beyond academia, as it can serve as a support for environmental policymaking, landscape planning, and assessing the quality of restoration in practice. Full article

The global food industry is facing growing pressure to enhance food safety, extend shelf life, minimize waste, and adopt environmentally sustainable packaging solution. Nanotechnology offers innovative ways to meet these demands by enabling the creation of smart and sustainable food packaging systems. Due to their unique properties, nanomaterials can significantly enhance the functional performance of packaging by boosting mechanical strength, barrier efficiency, antimicrobial activity, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanomaterials used as smart and sustainable food packaging, focusing on their role in active and intelligent packaging systems. By integrating nanomaterials like metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, and nano-biopolymers, packaging can now perform real-time sensing, spoilage detection, and traceability. These systems improve food quality management and supply chain transparency while supporting global sustainability goals. The review also discusses potential risks related to nanomaterials’ migration, environmental impact, and consumer safety, as well as the current regulatory landscape and limitations in industrial scalability. Emphasis is placed on the importance of standardized safety assessments and eco-friendly design to support responsible innovation. Overall, nano-enabled smart packaging represents a promising strategy for advancing food safety and sustainability. Future developments will require collaboration across disciplines and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and practical application of nanotechnology in food systems. Full article

This paper presents the Green Watershed Index (GWI) methodology, focusing on the 17 sustainability indicators selected in the Razey watershed, NW Iran. Field surveys and data collection have provided the possibility of field inspection and measurement of the present condition of the watershed and the indicators taken. Based on the degree of compliance with the required process, each indicator was scored from 0 to 10 and classified into three categories: unsustainable, semi-sustainable, and sustainable. Using the Entropy method to assign weight to each indicator and formulating a proportional mathematical relationship, the GWI score for each sub-watershed was derived. Spatial changes regarding the selected indicators and, consequently, the GWI were detected in the study area. Development of water infrastructure, particularly in the upstream sub-watersheds, plays a great role in increasing the GWI score. The highest weight is related to environmental productivity (0.26), and the five indicators of water footprint, knowledge management and information quality system, landscape attractiveness, waste recycling, and corruption control have approximately zero weight due to their monotonous spatial distribution throughout sub-watersheds. Only sub-watershed R1 has the highest score (5.13), indicating a semi-sustainable condition. The rest of the sub-watersheds have unsustainable conditions (score below 5). Concerning the GWI, the watershed is facing a critical situation, necessitating the implementation of management and conservation strategies that align with the sustainability level of each sub-watershed. Full article

The accurate monitoring of waterbird abundance and their habitat preferences is essential for effective ecological management and conservation planning in aquatic ecosystems. This study explores the efficacy of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based high-resolution orthomosaics for waterbird monitoring and mapping along the Lieve Canal, Belgium. We systematically classified habitats into residential, industrial, riparian tree, and herbaceous vegetation zones, examining their influence on the spatial distribution of three focal waterbird species: Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Herbaceous vegetation zones consistently supported the highest waterbird densities, attributed to abundant nesting substrates and minimal human disturbance. UAV-based waterbird counts correlated strongly with ground-based surveys (R² = 0.668), though species-specific detectability varied significantly due to morphological visibility and ecological behaviors. Detection accuracy was highest for coots, intermediate for ducks, and lowest for moorhens, highlighting the crucial role of image resolution ground sampling distance (GSD) in aerial monitoring. Operational challenges, including image occlusion and habitat complexity, underline the need for tailored survey protocols and advanced sensing techniques. Our findings demonstrate that UAV imagery provides a reliable and scalable method for monitoring waterbird habitats, offering critical insights for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management practices in aquatic landscapes. Full article

Modern utilities face unprecedented pressures as trends in digital transformation and democratized energy choice empower consumers to engage in peak shaving, flexible load management, and adopt grid automation and intelligence solutions. A powerful confluence of architectural, technological, and socio-economic forces is transforming the U.S. electricity market, triggering significant changes in electricity production, transmission, and consumption. Utilities are embracing digital twins and repurposed Utility 2.0 concepts—distributed energy resources, microgrids, innovative electricity market designs, real-time automated monitoring, smart meters, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced data and predictive analytics—to foster operational flexibility and market efficiency. This analysis qualitatively evaluates how digitalization, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), and adaptive strategies to mitigate rebound effects collectively advance smart duck curve management. By leveraging digital platforms for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, utilities can optimize energy flows and make data-driven decisions. BESS technologies capture surplus renewable energy during off-peak periods and discharge it when demand spikes, thereby smoothing grid fluctuations. This review explores the benefits of targeted digital transformation, BESSs, and managed rebound effects in mitigating the duck curve problem, ensuring that energy efficiency gains translate into actual savings. Furthermore, this integrated approach not only reduces energy wastage and lowers operational costs but also enhances grid resilience, establishing a robust framework for sustainable energy management in an evolving market landscape. Full article