Search Results (30,437)

Copernicus, the Earth Observation component of the European Union Space Programme, plays a key role in monitoring planetary health and informing global sustainability agendas. Enhancing its uptake offers a strategic opportunity to translate climate information into actionable knowledge for sustainable institutional governance. This study examines how data visualization, translating complex climate information into context-relevant formats, can strengthen the uptake of Copernicus Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Service by national institutions. Using the Italian initiative for the National Collaboration Programme of the Copernicus Climate Change Service as an empirical setting, we adopt a mixed-method design to bridge expert visualization practices with institutional stakeholders tasked with sustainability transitions. The findings show that users widely recognize the value of Copernicus. Nonetheless, uptake depends largely on how easily visual outputs can be integrated into workflows and decision procedures. By linking uptake to visualization practices, the study reveals a previously underexplored user–expert gap between production and use contexts. We introduce “adaptive translation” as a framework to align scientific integrity with usability through progressive disclosure, defensibility-oriented design, and iterative feedback loops. The results provide context-sensitive guidance for designing “workflow-ready” visual products in similar national institutional settings, enhancing the capacity of institutional actors to design the climate-resilient actions that are essential for a sustainable future. Full article

The concept of awareness in the visual arts has become an ethical, professional, and social imperative. Adopting a sustainable approach to creative practice is no longer a trend but an established and necessary field of inquiry. Within this context, awareness has been expressed not only through eco-branding and design campaigns but also through artworks and contemporary artistic practices that embody sustainable values both aesthetically and philosophically. Visual arts thus function as a reflective and critical tool, capable of reassessing past and present paradigms, encouraging more responsible uses of resources, promoting environmental sustainability, and shaping public attitudes through conscious and critical forms of expression. This study adopts a qualitative approach to examine transformations in contemporary art practices within the Saudi Arabian art scene. Selected artworks are analysed to explore historical and conceptual narratives shaping artistic production. The research is based on a bibliographic and documentary review that includes academic literature, exhibition catalogues and press sources related to the Saudi cultural context. Data are gathered through observing artworks and, where possible, through interviews with artists. A comparative analysis was developed, with the study framed by art practices, their concepts, and their ecological contributions, leading to a sustainable awareness and their potential role in encouraging social change. The comparative study among artists provides an innovative research framework and initiates a broader dialogue on sustainable creative practices rooted in Saudi cultural contexts. The findings highlight how visual arts contribute to ecological awareness and climate activism through art installations, recycled materials, and digital practices, reinforcing sustainability as a core value within contemporary Saudi society. Full article

Food waste (FW) is a major global challenge with significant economic and environmental costs, yet its nutrient-rich composition also offers an opportunity for valorization into high-value biochemicals and biofuels within a circular bioeconomy. Effective FW management requires systematic frameworks that balance environmental performance, economic returns, and social acceptance, a challenge that is particularly difficult in developing countries where technical, financial, and participation barriers persist. This review proposes a strategic, step-by-step approach to enhance current FW management through the objective integration of biorefinery pathways producing biochemicals and biofuels products. Both biochemical and thermochemical conversion routes are evaluated against industrial yield benchmarks, market value, and end-use specifications to identify the products and processes most capable of enhancing sustainability. The review further presents a framework for multi-objective optimization (MOO) that simultaneously addresses economic, environmental, and social objectives, and for incorporating decision-maker preferences into the selection of optimum solutions. By coupling sustainability assessment with structured decision support, this review provides practical guidance for selecting FW management strategies that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially acceptable. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a central driver of transformation in innovation management, reshaping how organizations design strategies, develop offerings, and generate knowledge. This study examines how innovation management has evolved from the pre-ChatGPT era—characterized by analytics, automation, and decision support—to the post-ChatGPT period, marked by the widespread adoption of generative AI (GenAI) and human–AI collaboration. Using a structured literature review of Scopus-indexed studies published between 2020 and 2025, the paper identifies the following six dominant thematic dimensions of AI-enabled innovation management: strategic and business model innovation, product and service innovation, sustainability-oriented innovation, organizational agility and capabilities, human-centric innovation, and knowledge, learning, and research. The findings reveal a conceptual shift from efficiency-driven applications toward more creative, strategic, and collaborative uses of AI, with generative models acting as co-creators rather than mere analytical tools. The study contributes by synthesizing the fragmented literature into an integrative framework that captures this transition and by highlighting emerging research gaps, particularly in sustainability and human-centered innovation. Practical implications for managers and policymakers are discussed. Full article

Land and place are often framed within Western ecological traditions as “wild”, meaning pristine, uninhabited, and separate from human life, yet from a First Nations perspective no place exists without relationship, story, or responsibility. This study investigates how environmental understanding emerges when land is approached as a living, relational system rather than an object of detached observation. Guided by a sensory–phenomenological framework, the research brings together phenomenological attention to lived experience with First Nations sensory practices and arts-based methods. Fieldwork was undertaken on Dharug Country with First Nations women artists and cultural practitioners and involved walking on Country, deep listening, stillness, sensory mapping, visual making, and group yarning as interconnected ways of generating knowledge. The findings show that environmental awareness developed through attention to sound, rhythm, vibration, seasonal change, and affect, revealing Country as an active participant in knowledge formation rather than a passive setting. The study concludes that what is commonly described as “the wild” is not unknown or untouched but deeply known through sustained sensory, relational, and creative engagement, demonstrating that ecological reconnection arises through ethical, culturally grounded relationships with living systems and offering implications for more respectful, place-responsive approaches to environmental research and care. Full article

This entry focuses on an Aristotelian approach to contemporary discourses about the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) regarding what it teaches and learns, with special regard to virtue or arete, practical wisdom or phronesis, and human flourishing or eudaimonia. Even though AI technologies provide new options for personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and data-driven instruction, their increasing entrenchment in the education ecosystem raises fundamental philosophical questions about the essence of teaching and learning, and about how we become better people. Aristotle’s distinction between intellectual and moral virtues can help us determine whether AI meaningfully contributes to the cultivation of good judgment, ethical character, and responsible agency. While AI is not completely antithetical to virtue formation, its knowledge and skill acquisition cannot replace the social, experiential, and habituated processes through which virtues are grown. AI should be designed and deployed as a “technological partner” to support (not replace) the teacher’s moral and pedagogical role. Guided by Aristotle’s view of eudaimonia and the common good, this analysis suggests that education should be structured to promote human flourishing in the age of AI, ensuring that learners develop their capacities for ethical reasoning, autonomy, and co-responsible participation to build a more sustainable and just society. Full article

Rice straw mulching is a soil management practice that influences soil microbial communities. However, its effects on nematode communities under upland rice systems in salt-affected soils remain unclear. This study examined nematode community responses to rice straw mulching at rates of 0, 3.5, 7.0, and 10.5 t ha⁻¹ in paddy fields at two sites, Lieu Tu and Long Phu, in Soc Trang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 37 and 35 nematode genera were identified in Lieu Tu and Long Phu, respectively. Bacterivores were the dominant group, followed by herbivores. Acrobeloides, Hirschmanniella, Chronogaster, Aporcelaimellus, and Prismatolaimus were prevalent in Long Phu, while Acrobeloides, Prismatolaimus, Hirschmanniella, and Alaimus dominated in Lieu Tu. The highest mulching rate (10.5 t ha⁻¹) increased total nematode abundance, particularly cp1 and cp2 groups in Long Phu, while the application of 7.0 t ha⁻¹ increased the proportion of omnivorous feeders in Lieu Tu. Mulching increased total nematode biomass and metabolic footprints, indicating improved soil fertility. At Long Phu, mulching also increased biodiversity, as reflected by the higher species richness and Shannon–Wiener indices. The highest mulching application rate (10.5 t ha⁻¹) increased the relative abundance of cp2 functional guilds at both sites. Mulching reduced the relative abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes at both sites, and increased cowpea yield from 5.1 to 13.9 t ha⁻¹ and 5.67 to 9.70 t ha⁻¹ at Lieu Tu and Long Phu, respectively. These findings suggest that the rice straw mulching at 10.5 t ha⁻¹ improves soil structure and nematode diversity, thereby supporting agricultural sustainability in salt-affected soils under climate change conditions. Full article

Due to rapid urbanization, climate and socio-economic change, vernacular architecture in the Kara region of Togo is now facing mutations that threaten its existence. In the Kara region, new forms of housing, inspired by ancestral building practices and green technologies, are emerging as neo-vernacular architecture. This study aims to evaluate the overall performance of the CIDAP social hall, which is considered a model of neo-vernacular architecture. Through a series of both qualitative and quantitative tools, including the VerSus tool, the PTVA method and the calculation of the temperature difference ratio (TDR), the CIDAP social hall was analyzed regarding the criteria of durability, vulnerability to climatic hazards and thermal comfort. This work indicates that this building achieves a sustainability score of 88.33%. In terms of vulnerability to climatic hazards, the vulnerability index is around 0.392 for heavy rainfall, 0.389 for high heat and 0.309 for strong wind hazard. For thermal behavior, the TDR is of the order of 0.634. All these results reveal a satisfactory performance of the CIDAP social hall in terms of durability, vulnerability and thermal comfort. Full article

Tropical forests of the Amazon support exceptional biodiversity while sustaining the livelihoods, cultures, and food systems of Indigenous communities. In Loreto, Peru, hunting remains central to both subsistence and market economies, yet its sustainability depends on ecological dynamics and sociocultural systems that shape harvest behavior. Here, we evaluate the potential for sustainable wildlife management in the Maijuna–Kichwa Regional Conservation Area (MKRCA) by integrating a spatially explicit biodemographic model of hunting with a targeted review of Maijuna hunting practices, governance, and economic context. Using participatory mapping data from 19 hunters in the community of Sucusari, we parameterized a model to estimate species-specific depletion under current and projected hunting scenarios. Model results suggest that current harvest rates are largely sustainable, with localized depletion near settlements but relatively intact populations across the broader landscape, supported by access to remote hunting areas and nearby source populations. The literature review reveals that Maijuna sociocultural systems, including territorial hunting norms, seasonal mobility, food-sharing practices, and species-specific taboos, may function as informal management institutions that distribute hunting pressure and limit overexploitation. Together, these findings suggest that both ecological conditions and sociocultural institutions in Sucusari are conducive to sustainable wildlife management if supported by adaptive co-management approaches. However, external pressures, particularly a proposed highway, may fragment existing source–sink dynamics and pose a significant risk to long-term sustainability. Full article

The addition of sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) to ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) enables sustainable high-speed construction due to the high 7-day strength without thermal curing. The fast hydration of SAC, however, endangers the admixture efficacy, which may compromise the structural integrity of the infrastructure components. This study investigates the effect of the physical form of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizers on the performance of UHPC with the incorporation of SAC in ambient conditions. A paired experimental design of 32 mixtures compared liquid superplasticizers (LSPs) and powder superplasticizers (PSPs) in various binder compositions (OPC/SAC of 1/4–4/1) and water-to-binder ratios (0.18–0.21) at a constant dosage of admixtures of 1% except where w/b 0.18 (1.5% superplasticizers and 1% retarders were used). Findings indicate that LSPs enhance workability and compressive strength by 45% and 10.03%, respectively. The underlying mechanism is explained by comprehensive microstructural characterization through the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. SEM study showed a 23% decrease in porosity, and XRD patterns showed the increased formation of amorphous C-S-H gel for LSPs. The higher levels of Al³⁺ incorporated into the gel structure (C-A-S-H) of the liquid forms was also verified by FTIR spectra. Mechanically, the research reveals one of the kinetic mismatches, where the rate of SAC hydration is greater than the rate of powder dissolution, which leads to a failure to fully disperse and shear-controlled failures. LSPs, in contrast, make it possible to disperse particles immediately, so the matrices become more dense and shift to axial failure. These results provide practical guidelines to infrastructure engineers to use liquid superplasticizer in SAC-based systems in order to achieve sustainability and reliability in terms of performance in precast and fast-track construction projects. Full article

As food demand increases, agricultural practices have evolved, prompting increased exploration of sustainable ecological techniques and utilization of plant-associated microorganisms. In this context, plant fitness has been enhanced by plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), which stimulate growth through direct mechanisms, such as improved nutrient availability and phytohormone production, as well as indirect mechanisms, including protection against phytopathogens and suppression of soil-borne diseases. However, these innate capabilities of PGPM can be further improved through genomic modification or editing. This article reviews advances in the genomic engineering of plant-beneficial microorganisms as tools to enhance their positive effects on crop performance and environmental remediation. The genetic modification strategies analyzed here include random mutagenesis, targeted genome editing (such as CRISPR-Cas), gene over-expression, genome shuffling, RNA interference, metabolic pathway engineering, and synthetic biology approaches. These tools have enabled the optimization of functions, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, secondary metabolite production, biocontrol, stress tolerance, and bioremediation. However, we propose expanding the discussion of their regulation and use in various countries. Additionally, these modifications must be efficient and safe for the beneficial microbiota associated with the target crop, as well as for humans, animals, and the environment, all of which depend on sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

This research synthesizes a more than a decade of empirical and conceptual research on Industry 4.0 technologies with circular economy ecosystem in the European context. The shifting from linear to circular economy requires adoption of I4.0 technologies in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Virtual Reality (VR). Yet current scholarship on circular economy ecosystems (CEE) remains theoretically fragmented. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of 94 peer-reviewed journal articles (2010–2025) using the Web of Science (WoS) database following the PRISMA protocol by deploying theories, contexts, methods (TCM) framework and thematic analysis. We developed a comprehensive framework based on addressing key barriers e.g., diverse expectations of stakeholders, resistance to change, sustainable leadership challenges, lack of digitally enabled-capabilities and institutional pressure with the help of important enablers such as AI capabilities, collaboration with stakeholders, frugal innovation and supportive government policies. Our findings contribute to the emerging discourse on how combining digital technologies with circular economy practices can support the development of low emission manufacturing systems, in line with current zero-emission policy goals in the European Union. This review contributes fragmented literature by highlighting theoretical, contextual and methodological gaps as previously disparate perspectives to help align and move research forward. This research contributes to SDG 9- “Industry, innovation and infrastructure” and SDG 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production”. Full article

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, driving the development of low-carbon construction technologies. Printable concrete has attracted increasing attention in the construction sector due to its advantages in automation and material efficiency, which are considered beneficial for sustainable and low-carbon construction practices. However, its structural performance under fire exposure remains insufficiently understood, particularly regarding the anisotropic mechanical response induced by layer-by-layer fabrication. This study experimentally investigates the mechanical behavior of printable concrete at ambient temperature and after exposure to elevated temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C. Manually printed specimens were prepared to replicate the layered characteristics of printable concrete, while cast concrete specimens served as a reference. Results show clear anisotropy in compressive strength among the X, Y, and Z loading directions, with the Z-direction exhibiting the highest strength due to improved interlayer integrity. Compared with cast concrete, printable concrete showed up to 37.77% lower compressive strength at ambient temperature. After thermal exposure, the compressive strength of printable concrete decreased by 16.68%, 34.40%, and 37.54% after exposure to 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C, respectively, while the elastic modulus decreased by up to 78.18%. Mass loss and surface cracking intensified with increasing temperature, reflecting progressive dehydration and microstructural deterioration. These findings provide important insights into the fire performance and post-fire structural assessment of printable concrete. Full article

Tourism is increasingly recognized as a driver of well-being and sustainability in nature-based destinations, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study investigates how travel frequency influences tourist authentic happiness through the mediating role of perceived stress. Data were collected from 385 visitors to Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador, and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis validated the measurement model, followed by a mediation SEM that incorporated demographic controls (age and income). Results indicate that perceived stress exerts a strong negative effect on happiness (β = −0.58, p < 0.001), confirming its role as a key inhibitor of well-being. Travel frequency significantly reduces stress (β = −0.36, p < 0.001), while its direct effect on happiness is not significant (β = 0.07, p > 0.05), evidencing full mediation. These findings refine traditional assumptions that “more travel equals more happiness,” highlighting stress mitigation as the critical pathway to sustainable tourist well-being. Practical implications suggest prioritizing low-stress, high-adjustment experiences through clear signage, real-time information, and simplified booking systems. This research contributes to tourism psychology and sustainable destination management by demonstrating that authentic happiness depends on reducing stress rather than increasing hedonic stimuli. Full article

Hurricanes cause severe impacts on lives, livelihoods, and essential systems. Hurricane Melissa impacted Jamaica as a Category 5 cyclone, resulting in estimated losses of approximately 41% of national GDP (US$8.8 billion) and eliciting widespread damage to housing, healthcare, agriculture, and urban infrastructure. Agriculture sustained heavy losses, with 41,000 hectares of damaged farmland and the loss of more than 1 million livestock animals. These impacts resulted in exposed animal closures with biological hazards. Using systems thinking, the PESTHEEL framework, and a One Health lens, we argue for viewing Hurricane Melissa as series of cascading inter-related One Health threats of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, degraded indoor and outdoor air quality, chemical pollution, and shifting migration and border dynamics. These each unfold at different timings. A structured synthesis for Jamaica and other Caribbean Small Island Developing States is provided by integrating systems thinking, One Health, and the PESTHEEL framework. Immediate and lagged risk pathways are identified, and practical risk reduction actions are proposed to support anticipatory, multisectoral recovery: enhanced syndromic, laboratory, wastewater, vector, and rodent surveillance; resilient WASH and shelter systems; non-insecticidal and integrated vector management; biosecure aid and border protocols; environmental toxicology monitoring; and climate–health intelligence. Full article