Search Results (804)

In recent years, China has made strong national commitments to waste reduction and circular economy, including the implementation of mandatory municipal solid waste separation policies and the rollout of zero-waste city initiatives. These efforts represent a strategic shift toward systemic environmental governance. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020—and the subsequent implementation of the country’s stringent zero-COVID policy—led to an abrupt disruption of these programs. Under this policy, strict lockdowns, quarantine of both confirmed and suspected cases, and city-wide containment became top priorities, sidelining environmental initiatives such as waste separation and sustainable waste infrastructure development. This study investigates how Chinese residents’ motivations for waste separation evolved across three key phases: pre-pandemic, during the zero-COVID enforcement period, and post-pandemic recovery. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and pro-environmental behavior theory, we developed an extended model incorporating pandemic-related social, psychological, and policy variables. Based on 526 valid questionnaire responses collected in late 2023 in Shanghai, we conducted structural equation modeling and repeated-measures analysis. Findings reveal a significant shift from externally driven compliance—reliant on governmental enforcement and service provision—to internally motivated behavior based on environmental values and personal efficacy. This transition was most evident after the pandemic, suggesting the potential for sustained pro-environmental habits despite weakened policy enforcement. Our findings underscore the importance of strengthening internal drivers in environmental governance, especially under conditions where policy continuity is vulnerable to systemic shocks such as public health emergencies. Full article

High-altitude exposure poses significant health challenges to mountaineers, military personnel, travelers, and indigenous residents. Altitude-related illnesses encompass acute conditions such as acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and chronic manifestations like chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Hypobaric hypoxia induces oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades, causing alterations in multiple organ systems through co-related amplification mechanisms. Therefore, this review aims to systematically discuss the injury mechanisms and comprehensive intervention strategies involved in high-altitude diseases. In summary, these pathologies involve key damage pathways: oxidative stress activates inflammatory pathways through NF-κB and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes; energy depletion impairs calcium homeostasis, leading to cellular calcium overload; mitochondrial dysfunction amplifies injury through mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and apoptotic factor release. These mechanisms could be converged in organ-specific patterns—blood–brain barrier disruption in HACE, stress failure in HAPE, and right heart dysfunction in chronic exposure. Promising strategies include multi-level therapeutic approaches targeting oxygenation (supplemental oxygen, acetazolamide), specific pathway modulation (antioxidants, calcium channel blockers, HIF-1α regulators), and damage repair (glucocorticoids). Notably, functional foods show significant therapeutic potential: dietary nitrates (beetroot) enhance oxygen delivery, tea polyphenols and anthocyanins (black goji berry) provide antioxidant effects, and traditional herbal bioactives (astragaloside, ginsenosides) offer multi-targeted organ protection. Full article

The decarbonisation of district heating (DH) is an important component of the European strategy to cut greenhouse-gas emissions, yet its feasibility depends as much on social and economic conditions as on technological innovation. The objective of this study is to assess how public perceptions and socio-economic drivers shape acceptance of renewable energy sources (RES) in DH in Italy. Drawing on a survey of 1200 residents in Turin, we examine how public attitudes towards decarbonised heating options, the integration of renewables and demand-side flexibility are influenced by socio-economic characteristics. These characteristics include income, education, age, housing tenure, eco-awareness, trust in institutions, and technological affinity. Results show widespread support for the efficiency and comfort benefits of DH. However, the results also show a limited willingness to pay more for renewable heat, particularly among economically vulnerable groups. The study has important implications for policy strategies facilitating climate change mitigation and the transition towards adopting RES in DH. In particular, it contributes novel evidence on the social constraints that may limit the effective deployment of renewable DH and clarifies which levers—economic incentives, institutional trust, and clarity about benefits, as well as community engagement—can increase public acceptance. By identifying these conditions, the study shows how renewable DH can realistically support the EU’s decarbonisation agenda. Full article

Increasing levels of chloride in surface water are associated with detrimental effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health. Numerous mass-balance studies have inferred watershed transport processes by interpreting chloride inputs and outputs, but few represent internal dynamics explicitly. We constructed a coupled water/chloride mass balance model to gain insights into storage, residence time, and transport processes in a 10-km² urban watershed. The model, which operates over a 10-year period at a daily time scale, represents storage in a dynamic soil-moisture reservoir, quick-flow runoff from storm events, and slow-flow runoff that sustains streamflow in dry weather. The calibrated model accurately represented (a)the observed transition from a streamflow enrichment regime in cold months to a dilution regime in warmer months, (b) the observed tendency for late-summer concentrations to be higher after winters with heavy snowfall, and (c) a period-of-record downward trend in chloride concentration likely associated with a downward trend in annual snowfall. Estimated chloride inputs averaged 195 metric tons per year, while the average output was 270 metric tons per year. In contrast, estimated storage was only 107 metric tons. The estimated mean residence time in groundwater was 1.27 years. This short residence time indicates that efforts to reduce inputs will manifest as decreased concentrations in streamflow on a management-relevant time scale of several years. The coupled mass balance model yielded insights into internal watershed dynamics that would not be possible from simple input/output analysis; such models can be useful tools for gaining insight into small watershed hydrology and pollutant transport. Full article

Promoting the green transition of the energy structure is crucial for achieving climate mitigation and safeguarding public health. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, this paper takes the New Energy Demonstration City pilot (NEDCP) program as a quasi-natural experiment to empirically examine energy transition’s impact on residents’ health. The results show that the NEDCP program significantly improves residents’ health, with benefits that are almost equal to those of regular physical exercise. This finding remains robust after a series of robustness and endogeneity checks. Mechanism analyses indicate that the NEDCP program promotes the substitution of traditional fossil energy with new energy, improving environmental quality, and thereby enhancing residents’ health. Moreover, rising carbon prices and stricter urban environmental regulation further amplify these health benefits. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that the impact of the NEDCP program on residents’ health is more pronounced among vulnerable populations, including smokers and older adults, as well as in resource-dependent, economically underdeveloped, and environmentally underregulated cities, highlighting the NEDCP program’s positive role in advancing health equity across different demographic groups and regions. This study offers valuable insights into how the NEDCP program promotes public health and advances health equity. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates how consumers decide to adopt alternative proteins—specifically insect-based, cultured meat, and plant-based options—as part of a transition towards environmentally sustainable diets. Building on an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the analysis adds personal moral norms and environmental concerns to better capture the ethical and normative drivers of food choice. Methods: Survey data from 948 residents of the Campania region (southern Italy) were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the relationship among classical TPB constructs, personal moral norms, environmental concerns, and behavioural intention towards alternative protein consumption. Results: Personal moral norms emerge as the strongest predictor of behavioural intention, directly and indirectly influencing attitudes and environmental concerns. Subjective norms also affect intention, primarily by reinforcing moral norms and perceived behavioural control, although their direct impact is not significant. Classical TPB constructs show limited direct effects. Conclusions: The findings suggest that consumers’ sustainable food intentions are more strongly shaped by moral identity and the surrounding social context than by attitudes alone. The evidence supports the development of culturally sensitive strategies designed to strengthen moral and normative motivations and foster the adoption of alternative proteins. Full article

Public attitudes toward renewable energy sources (RES) have been widely studied at the household level. However, less is known about how citizens differ in their broader perceptions, knowledge, and behavioral orientations toward renewable energy. This study explores such heterogeneity within Polish society using survey data from a representative sample of 974 respondents. An exploratory factor analysis identified six dimensions of renewable energy attitudes: environmental concern, knowledge and awareness, social and economic support, perceived ease of use, perceived benefits, and behavioral intentions. Using these attitudinal dimensions, cluster analysis revealed two distinct consumer segments that differ in their overall level of engagement with renewable energy. The first cluster comprises pro-green and engaged individuals who express strong concern for environmental issues, have a greater awareness of the benefits of renewable energy, and are more ready to adopt such technologies. The second cluster represents respondents who are less engaged or skeptical, with weaker environmental and behavioral commitment. The comparison of sociodemographic characteristics across clusters showed no statistically significant differences in gender, age, education, or place of residence, and only a marginal effect for income. The findings suggest that support for renewable energy in Poland is not driven by demographics but somewhat shaped by cognitive and value-based factors, offering valuable insights for policymakers and communication strategists promoting the energy transition. Full article

County-wide distributed rooftop photovoltaic (DRPV) systems, as an emerging form of renewable energy development, constitute a critical component for the low-carbon energy transition and carbon reduction. However, the pilot implementation in China has faced many challenges, with resistance from rural residents being a key issue requiring urgent resolution. This study aimed to investigate the underlying factors influencing their participation in DRPV and identify the key determinants. The topic modeling and evolutionary analysis were first conducted based on the multi-platform online textual data. The theoretical model was constructed combining the antecedent variables identified by the online textual analysis and the classic Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. This model was validated through questionnaire surveys and structural equation modeling. The results revealed that facilitating conditions were the core determinant of rural residents’ participation in DRPV systems. Government-led safeguard mechanisms served as the primary enhancer of perceived convenience. Additionally, effort expectancy (0.301), performance expectancy (0.253), and social influence (0.424) all positively correlated with participation intention, with social influence exhibiting the strongest impact. Notably, rural residents equally prioritize environmental benefits and economic returns from DRPV systems. These findings provided policy insights for promoting DRPV projects in the future. Full article

Background: Understanding public acceptance of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is essential for cities transitioning toward smart mobility systems. Dubai aims to transform 25% of trips to autonomous mode by year 2030, yet little is known about residents’ readiness. Methods: An online survey (N = 302; 2024/2025) measured awareness, perceived benefits/risks, trust, cybersecurity concerns, and behavioral intention (BI). Constructs were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression. Results: Cybersecurity concern was the strongest negative predictor of BI, while perceived usefulness (accident reduction) showed a weak, marginal positive effect. Gender, age, and cost effects were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Public acceptance is shaped more by trust, safety perception, and perceived system reliability than by demographics or cost. Policy actions should focus on transparent regulation, cybersecurity audits, and public AV pilots. Full article

During China’s transition toward negative population growth, spatial differentiation in demographic change has become increasingly pronounced, revealing deep-seated disparities that challenge sustainable development efforts. This study examines patterns of population growth and decline in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2000 to 2024 at the provincial level and for 2010–2020 at the city and county levels. Using decennial population census data together with annual series from provincial and municipal statistical yearbooks, the analysis combines population growth rates with inequality indices and spatial autocorrelation measures to identify disparities and redistribution dynamics. The results show a marked deceleration of overall growth, with natural growth turning negative and mechanical growth becoming the dominant driver. They also reveal a pronounced core–periphery structure in which core metropolitan areas and urban districts continue to attract residents, while many ordinary counties and peripheral cities experience persistent shrinkage. Population inequality remains modest between provinces but widens within provinces, driven mainly by divergence between cities and counties. These findings are consistent with SDG 10 and SDG 11 on reducing spatial disparities and promoting inclusive, sustainable urbanization, underscoring the need to balance metropolitan concentration with policies that strengthen demographic resilience in shrinking regions. Full article

The effectiveness of national energy transitions increasingly depends on public support for state-led measures; yet little is known about societal expectations regarding government assistance for renewable energy-oriented businesses. This study examines public expectations regarding state support for renewable-energy-oriented enterprises in Poland. Using a nationwide survey of 1000 adults (N = 974 valid responses), we developed a latent construct measuring attitudes toward pro-RES business policies. Overall public support is high (M = 3.73; median = 3.86). Women express significantly stronger support than men (median 3.86 vs. 3.71), and Baby Boomers score higher than younger generations (median 4.00 vs. 3.57–3.71). The most notable differences relate to respondents’ experience with RES: Individuals already using renewable energy at home report substantially higher support (M = 4.03) than non-users (M = 3.67). Similarly, those planning to adopt RES within three years show stronger approval (M = 4.07) compared with those not planning adoption (M = 3.43). Education, income, and place of residence do not significantly differentiate attitudes. The findings indicate broadly favorable public sentiment toward state-led support for green entrepreneurship, especially among specific demographic groups and those personally engaged in RES. These insights provide actionable guidance for designing socially legitimate and politically robust sustainability policies. Full article

Based on structural equation modeling, the influence paths and group differences in residents’ low-carbon living behaviors and consumption behaviors were explored in six low-carbon pilot cities in China from the perspectives of low-carbon policy perception and low-carbon information dissemination. The results showed that residents in different pilot cities significantly differed in their low-carbon intention and low-carbon behavior, especially in Hangzhou and Chengdu, which had high low-carbon intention and low-carbon behavior. Low-carbon intention was the core driving force that promoted residents’ low-carbon behavior. Low-carbon policy perception and information dissemination impacted residents’ low-carbon intention and low-carbon behavior, with differences among different pilot cities. Residents in Chengdu and Wuhan showed a significant positive correlation in the direct and indirect paths of low-carbon policy perception on low-carbon behavior. In contrast, residents in Hangzhou showed a significant positive correlation in the impact path of low-carbon information dissemination on low-carbon consumption behavior. In addition, groups with different demographic characteristics significantly differed in the influence paths of their low-carbon behavior. Finally, targeted recommendations were proposed to promote differentiated strategies for implementing low-carbon behaviors, aiming to enhance public awareness and action capacity and support China’s low-carbon transition and carbon reduction goals. Full article

Urban densification intensifies urban heat islands (UHIs), leading to higher temperatures in cities which negatively affect residents’ health and comfort and increase energy consumption for air conditioning, thereby raising carbon emissions. Reducing UHIs is therefore essential. Phase change materials (PCMs) are a promising solution, as they can store and release significant amounts of thermal energy during phase transitions. Selecting paraffins with suitable properties is crucial for effective application. In this study, three paraffins (RT28HC, RT31, and RT35HC) with phase change temperatures of 28 °C, 31 °C, and 35 °C were characterized to evaluate their potential for summer UHI mitigation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and measurements of thermophysical properties and density were performed. Results showed that RT28HC and RT35HC exhibit relatively simple and efficient phase transitions, while RT31 has a more complex mechanism with a wide phase change temperature range. During limited summer day–night temperature variations, RT31 may not fully crystallize, reducing the effective utilization of stored energy. These findings highlight the importance of selecting paraffins with appropriate phase change temperatures and thermal properties to optimize the performance of PCMs for urban heat mitigation. Full article

Despite its economic profitability, fur farming in Europe, responsible for half of global production, faces a growing ethical backlash. Animal welfare concerns, particularly regarding mink, foxes, and raccoon dogs kept in restrictive cages, have intensified due to advocacy, scientific reviews, and COVID-19 outbreaks. In response, several EU nations have implemented bans or stricter regulations. However, limited research exists on EU public opinion. This study analyses data from Eurobarometer 533 (March 2023), surveying 26,368 citizens across 27 EU countries, to assess attitudes toward fur farming. Respondents selected from three policy preferences: a full ban, EU-wide regulation, or acceptance of current practices. Multinomial logistic regression and chi-square tests revealed significant socio-demographic and ideological influences. Older individuals were more supportive of current practices (p = 0.001), while higher education levels correlated with support for a ban or stricter regulation (p = 0.003). Income positively influenced support for regulation (p = 0.002), and women (p = 0.008), urban residents (p = 0.001), and those with regular animal contact (p = 0.007) were more likely to support reform. Right-leaning respondents (p = 0.012) and residents of countries without fur farming bans (p < 0.001) were less supportive. These findings suggest that values, demographics, and national legislation significantly shape public opinion. Aligning policy with evolving societal values requires integrated legislative reform, public engagement, and equitable transition strategies to ensure meaningful and sustainable improvements in animal welfare across the EU. Full article

Entity resolution in real-world datasets remains a persistent challenge, particularly for identifying households and detecting co-residence patterns within noisy and incomplete data. While Large Language Models (LLMs) show promise, monolithic approaches often suffer from limited scalability and interpretability. This study introduces a multi-agent Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework that decomposes household entity resolution into coordinated, task-specialized agents implemented using LangGraph. The system includes four agents responsible for direct matching, transitive linkage, household clustering, and residential movement detection, combining rule-based preprocessing with LLM-guided reasoning. Evaluation on synthetic S12PX dataset segments containing 200–300 records demonstrates 94.3% accuracy on name variation matching and a 61% reduction in API calls compared to single-LLM baselines, while maintaining transparent and traceable decision processes. These results indicate that coordinated multi-agent specialization improves efficiency and interpretability, providing a structured and extensible approach for entity resolution in census, healthcare, and other administrative data domains. Full article