Found 12 results
Article
09 May 2025Modeling and Assessing Economical Feasibilities for Waste to Energy Conversion/Incineration Process in Context of Municipal Solid Waste
At the time of the study, most of the municipal waste, including solid municipal waste, in the city of St. Petersburg and in the connected larger Leningrad region is processed by landfilling. This sort of waste processing in open landfills causes environmental damage, uncontrollable landfill fires, bad and dangerous odors, nearby rivers/streams, groundwater pollution, CH4 and CO2 emissions, to mention a few. Additionally, landfilling is a waste of energy and material resources present in the content dumped into landfills. In this context, Waste-to-Energy (WtE) incineration is a process that we use to recover the energy the materials have back to usable form, which we use in the form of heat and electricity. Even though a lot of resources and energy are available in the (municipal solid) waste, it does not mean that recovering it would always make sense. Our study analyses and estimates the profitability of a WtE incineration plant(s) in the city of St. Petersburg and the connected Leningrad region. With the available data and following analysis, we have concluded that the WtE incineration is economically feasible in this specific region and city areas, given that the implementations follow more traditional (economically less expensive and easier) technical and process model solutions. As a note of results stability, it needs to be pointed out that the changes in estimates of gate fees, cost of electricity and heat, and so on do impact the economic feasibility a lot, and larger scale changes in the assumed revenues would have a high impact on the outcome of repeatability of the results.
Article
08 May 2025Vulnerability Assessment of Food Crop Production and Climate Change: Implication for Agricultural Productivity and Development in Nigeria
Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria, where the sector is highly dependent on vulnerable rain-fed farming systems. Extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, flooding, and rising temperatures threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. This study examines the vulnerability of food crops to climate change, focusing on smallholder farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies. Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from 480 smallholder farmers across selected agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. The study employed descriptive statistics and a crop vulnerability scale to assess the susceptibility of key food crops—maize, cassava, sorghum, rice, millet, soybean, and yam—to climate extremes. Findings reveal that drought is the most critical climate-induced stressor affecting food crops, with maize and cassava exhibiting the highest vulnerability indices. Flooding also presents a substantial risk, particularly to maize, while temperature fluctuations have relatively less severe immediate impacts. The study highlights the importance of climate information dissemination, cooperative memberships, and extension services in enhancing farmers’ resilience. However, limited access to climate information remains a significant barrier to adaptation. Given the observed variability in crop vulnerability, it is recommended to implement targeted climate adaptation strategies such as drought-resistant crop varieties, improved drainage systems, and early warning mechanisms. This study underscores the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural policies and resilience-building measures to safeguard food production and rural livelihoods in Nigeria amid escalating climate change threats.
Article
25 March 2025Integrated Habitat Assessment of a Protected Fish Species in the Upper Yangtze River, China: Connectivity and Suitability
In the context of anthropogenic climate change, dam construction, and other human activities, the biodiversity of freshwater fish is rapidly declining. The Upper Yangtze River Basin (UYRB) is a hotspot for hydropower development and is home to numerous endemic and rare freshwater fish species, most of which are on the brink of extinction. Schizothorax chongi is an endangered and protected fish species endemic to the UYRB, with significant economic and ecological value. However, the potential habitat of its wild population has not been reported, which hampers conservation efforts for this valuable species. This study utilized the Dendritic Connection Index (DCI) and Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to assess habitat connectivity in the UYRB and habitat suitability for S. chongi during the periods 1970–2000 and 2001–2020, respectively. The results show that S. chongi habitats underwent significant reduction during the 2001–2020 period, with the total length of medium and high suitability habitats decreasing by 51.7%. However, high suitability habitats in the southern section of the middle and lower Jinsha River, which is located in the upper and middle part of the UYRB, did not experience a noticeable reduction. Despite the relatively high habitat suitability maintained in the southern section of the middle and lower Jinsha River, connectivity has significantly declined. Restoring connectivity reduced by dam construction in this region is critically urgent. This study is the first to conduct a watershed-scale assessment of fish habitat integrating habitat suitability and connectivity providing valuable insights for local governments to develop specific conservation measures and plans. It can offer a valuable reference for researchers in the field of freshwater fish conservation.
Article
07 March 2025Constructing an Urban Spatial Resilience Assessment Framework Based on Public Service Facilities: A Case Study of Beijing
This paper takes Beijing as a research object to develop a framework for assessing urban public service facilities’ resilience, incorporating both macro and micro perspectives. Initially, the study utilizes spatial matching theory and coupling coordination models at the district and sub-district levels to analyze the spatial coupling between public service facility layouts and population distribution, thereby identifying regions exhibiting discrepancies in service supply and demand. Building on this foundation, the research further investigates at the neighborhood level the alignment between different types of public service facilities and residents’ daily activity patterns through the living circle theory and accessibility analysis models. From a macro perspective, research findings indicate that the layout of Beijing’s public service facilities exhibits a radial structure of centralized clustering and polycentric dispersion and that the resilience of these facilities diminishes from the city center outward. Microanalysis in three outlier sub-districts of Chaoyang District reveals that the accessibility to cultural and social welfare facilities in Daitou Sub-district is below the regional average and exceeds the typical 15-min walking distance accessible to the average person. Based on these findings, the paper proposes specific policy recommendations, including prioritizing the establishment of multifunctional public service facilities in densely populated and underserved peripheral areas and reserving adequate land for facilities in newly developing areas to ensure the sustainability of urban growth. Additionally, it is recommended that urban planners utilize dynamic data updating mechanisms to adjust the distribution of public service facilities, thereby better accommodating changes in population structure. This study not only highlights the dual role of public service facilities in enhancing urban resilience and living quality but also provides theoretical support and empirical evidence for creating a human-centered urban resilience spatial structure.
Article
26 February 2025Life Cycle Assessment of Tensile Specimens of Stainless Steel Obtained by Additive Manufacturing versus Conventional Manufacturing
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of additive manufacturing (AM) evaluates the environmental impacts associated with each stage of the process, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Unlike conventional manufacturing, AM offers significant advantages, such as reduced material waste, optimized designs for lightweight structures, and localized production, which can decrease transportation emissions. However, its environmental benefits are context-dependent, as energy-intensive processes like laser powder bed fusion or high reliance on specific materials can offset these gains. LCA provides a comprehensive framework to assess these trade-offs, guiding sustainable decision-making by identifying hotspots in energy use, material efficiency, and recyclability, ultimately driving innovation towards greener AM practices. This research conducted a cradle-to-gate study of a cylindrical dog-bone tensile specimen. The life-cycle inventory data were obtained from Ecoinvent for conventional manufacturing, while data from the literature review and our research were employed for laser-based powder bed fusion. The results obtained show that the additive manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly. Although the environmental impact is minor, this process consumes a large amount of energy, mainly due to the atomization process and the high laser power. Regarding the mechanical response, AM reduced the ductility but increased the yield strength and achieved the same fracture strength.
Article
20 December 2024The Sum of One’s Parts: Exploring Bone and Dental Age Assessment in Age Estimation Methods
Age estimation (AE) is a fundamental aspect used to establish the biological profile of both living and deceased individuals. This study evaluates AE methods to determine if bone development (BD) methods yield similar results to dental development (DD) and whether methods using samples with similar geographic origins, socioeconomic status (SES), chronology, data specificity, and/or anatomical regions yield consistent results. We hypothesized that BD and DD methods differ in age estimations, although these differences would be minor when methods have similar variables. The sample consisted of 11 immature skeletons from the Hospital Real de Todos os Santos’ collection (18th-century, Lisbon, Portugal) and applied 56 AE methods. The results were compiled into individual-based diagrams, facilitating both within- and between-individual comparisons, including stress-induced changes. This showed that BD methods tended to underestimate age compared to DD methods. BD methods closely aligning with DD methods were mainly based on individuals from lower to middle SES, focusing on areas like the iliac crest and medial clavicle. Findings also suggest that physiological stress might influence AE outcomes. This study emphasizes the importance of combining BD and DD methods alongside a detailed pathological and/or chronic stress assessment of human remains when estimating AE to minimize interpretative errors. This care applies to any discipline aiming to profile living or dead individuals, highlighting the importance of controlling for confounding variables, such as disease, in any AE estimation.
Article
16 December 2024Exploring the Values of Sustainability and the Cost of Going Green: A Case of Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
Despite the expansion of BREEAM and the benefits of adopting sustainable building practices, there are concerns that the cost of going green may outweigh the benefits. Whilst previous studies have not provided adequate clarity in this regard, there is consensus among scholars that BREEAM provides indirect benefits that can be considered as added value. This paper aims to investigate the potential cost implication and benefits of sustainable building practices from the lens of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) in the UK. Adopting survey research strategy, questionnaires, and interviews with 34 construction industry professionals in Southeast England were conducted to investigate their perceptions of BREEAM, the extra value it contributes to projects, and the possible limitations hindering its wider adoption. Findings show that while there is an upfront investment associated with achieving BREEAM certification, the benefits of such certification include added values such as improved environmental performance, increased market appeal, improved indoor air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and lower operational costs. This study validates the need to encourage wider adoption of sustainable building practices and promote the use of the BREEAM methodology in the UK. This research provides a foundation for future research and development in this area, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.
Article
06 December 2024Population Dynamics and Stock Assessment of the Spottail Mantis Shrimp Squilla mantis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the North Aegean Sea, Greece
In Greek waters, the spottail mantis shrimp Squilla mantis (Linnaeus, 1758) presents significant ecological and low to moderate economic value. This study investigates the population dynamics and stock assessment of the species in the north Aegean Sea. A total of 856 individuals were collected using commercial bottom trawls between April 2021 and April 2023. Key population parameters such as size distribution, sex ratio, growth, size at maturity and spawning seasonality were assessed. Results indicate a relatively stable population with a slight male dominance and peak spawning activity occurring in late spring to early summer. Growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth model, revealing moderate growth rates and a maximum length slightly higher than previously recorded for this species in other Mediterranean regions. Stock assessment, conducted through yield-per-recruit analysis, suggests that the current exploitation levels are approaching sustainable limits. However, potential overfishing risks necessitate continuous monitoring and the implementation of adaptive management strategies. This study underscores the importance of integrative approaches combining biological and fisheries data to ensure the sustainable management of S. mantis populations in the Aegean Sea.
Case Report
11 June 2024Early Experience Using Implanted Hemodynamic Monitor (CardioMEMs) for Hemodynamic Assessment during Exercise in Pediatric Patients with Fontan Circulation
Assessment of Fontan pressures during exercise has been previously challenging. We report our experience with 4 children, in whom implanted hemodynamic monitor was utilized to assess Fontan pressures during exercise. Data was used to modify treatment in one case. The device provided useful insight into exercise-related changes in Fontan patients.
Review
01 April 2024Desperately Seeking Sustainable Human Well-Being: A Review of Indicators, Concepts, and Methods
Evaluating progress in human development and well-being is imperative for policymakers to assess the impact of their policies. Traditional measurement methods focus mostly on economic growth and socio-economic objectives, often neglecting vital components of the natural environment, particularly the ecological determinants essential for the sustainability of human well-being. The tension between sustainability and development becomes apparent as the recognition of the dependence of human well-being on the natural environment and ecosystem services is crucial for safeguarding the environment for present and future generations. This highlights the necessity for indicators that capture the intricate relationship between human well-being and environmental changes while addressing the challenges posed by the tension between sustainable practices and traditional development models. This paper presents a literature review examining the domains, dimensions, and indicators related to the sustainability of human well-being regarding economic, social, and natural environments. Emphasizing the multidimensional nature, this paper highlights the drawbacks of relying solely on socioeconomic indicators for assessment. The review explores diverse concepts and methodologies proposed to evaluate the components and multidimensional factors influencing the sustainability of human well-being. Ultimately it offers a holistic understanding serving as a foundation for further research and policy development.
