Conservation Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Reviewing the impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption

This review provides a succinct overview of the review on the impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption: Energy-efficient appliances play a pivotal role in mitigating energy consumption and promoting sustainability in households. This review examines the significant impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption patterns and energy usage. The review begins by elucidating the importance of energy efficiency in mitigating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. It underscores how household consumption accounts for a substantial portion of total energy usage, making it imperative to explore the role of energy-efficient appliances in curbing energy consumption. Key findings reveal that energy-efficient appliances offer substantial benefits, including reduced energy bills, lower environmental impact, and enhanced comfort and convenience for households. Through advanced technologies and design innovations, these appliances minimize energy wastage while maintaining optimal performance standards. Moreover, the review delves into the diverse range of energy-efficient appliances available to consumers, spanning from refrigerators and washing machines to HVAC systems and lighting fixtures. It examines the energy-saving features and efficiency standards governing these appliances, highlighting their role in promoting sustainable consumption habits among households. Furthermore, the review evaluates the economic and environmental implications of adopting energy-efficient appliances. It explores how energy savings translate into cost reductions for households, contributing to economic resilience and financial well-being. Additionally, it analyzes the environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of natural resources, associated with the widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances. Challenges and barriers to the widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances are also scrutinized, including upfront costs, consumer awareness, and market availability. Strategies to overcome these challenges, such as financial incentives, public awareness campaigns, and regulatory frameworks, are discussed to facilitate greater uptake of energy-efficient appliances among households. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative impact of energy-efficient appliances on household consumption patterns and energy usage. It advocates for continued efforts to promote the adoption of energy-efficient appliances through policy interventions, technological advancements, and consumer education initiatives, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for households worldwide.

Forest Community Spatial Modeling Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing Data

This study examines the application of unsupervised classification techniques in the mapping of forest vegetation, aiming to align vegetation cover with the Braun-Blanquet classification system through remote sensing. By leveraging Landsat 8 and 9 satellite imagery and advanced clustering algorithms, specifically the Weka X-Means, this research addresses the challenge of minimizing researcher subjectivity in vegetation mapping. The methodology incorporates a two-step clustering approach to accurately classify forest communities, utilizing a comprehensive set of vegetation indices to distinguish between different types of forest ecosystems. The validation of the classification model relied on a detailed analysis of over 17,000 relevés from the “Flora” database, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in matching satellite-derived vegetation classes with field observations. The study’s findings reveal the successful identification of 44 forest community types that was aggregated into seven classes of Braun-Blanquet classification system, demonstrating the efficacy of unsupervised classification in generating reliable vegetation maps. This work not only contributes to the advancement of remote sensing applications in ecological research, but also provides a valuable tool for natural resource management and conservation planning. The integration of unsupervised classification with the Braun-Blanquet system presents a novel approach to vegetation mapping, offering insights into ecological characteristics, and can be good starter point for sequestration potential of forest communities’ assessment in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Effect of rubberized concrete integrating uncoated and coated crumb rubber on the flexural behavior of the RC beams reinforced with steel and GFRP bars

In this investigation, crumb rubber (CR) was a viable substitute for concrete's conventional natural fine aggregate (FNA). This approach carries dual advantages: the conservation of natural resources and the environmentally conscious recycling of rubber waste, diverting it from traditional disposal methods. The study incorporated varying proportions of CR (5%, 10%, and 20%) by volume of the sand used in the mixtures. The primary study objective is to enhance the bond between CR particles and the surrounding concrete components by coating the CR with cement or fly ash slurry (CTR and FATR). For the limitation of the previous research discussed the CR effect on the beam’s behavior, fourteen beams were poured with different rubberized concrete (RuC) and tested in flexure. This comprehensive approach sought to assess the influence of diverse factors, including rubber content, treatment materials, and the nature of internal reinforcement, on the overall performance and characteristics of the beams. The results assumed that the compressive strength was raised by 6.0–11.0% and 13.0–22.0% for the mixes cast with CTR and FATR, respectively, compared to the corresponding mixes cast with UR. Consequently, the tensile strength of the RuC-integrated CTR and FATR was raised by 5.9–11.0% and 14.0–22.0%, respectively, compared to the mixes integrating uncoating CR. Moreover, the beams cast with FATR concrete experienced the highest flexural capacities among all the steel RC beams. Furthermore, using the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars as internal reinforcement for the RC beams showed the highest load capacities.

AI-based Environmental Sustainability: Transforming Conservation Efforts

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has the potential to enhance sustainability efforts in the face growing environmental issues, especially in the areas of resource management and climate change mitigation. This study focuses at how artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability interact, examining the various ways AI might help solve urgent environmental issues. AI provides innovative methods to maximize utilization of resources, predict environmental trends, and promote accurate decision-making processes through the use of advanced computational algorithms and data analytics. This study analyses multiple applications of AI in environmental sustainability, from pollution prevention and natural resource conservation to climate modelling and renewable energy optimization. In addition, an evaluation is done about moral implications and possible socio-economic effects of AI-driven environmental solutions. Using an in-depth review of the majority of current research by applying case studies, this research identifies significant challenges and opportunities for more research and application while highlighting the revolutionary potential of AI in achieving environmental sustainability goals. Ultimately, the paper encourages ethical application of artificial intelligence (AI) as important part of larger strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change and developing a future that is environmentally conscious.

Are crop insurance discount programs for cover crops effective? Evidence from Iowa

AbstractCover crops are promoted by agronomists and governments due to their on‐farm and off‐farm benefits. Incentive programs were created because high planting costs have hindered cover crop adoption in the United States. Crop insurance discount programs are novel incentives that subsidize farmers’ crop insurance premiums by $5 per acre ($12.36 ha−1) on cover cropped land. While this payment is smaller than those typically offered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state‐level cost‐share programs, crop insurance discount programs have the potential to reach a significant proportion of farmers who purchase crop insurance. This paper uses data from a survey of Iowa farmers to quantify whether participation in the Iowa Crop Insurance Discount Program (ICIDP) affects the area planted to cover crops. I find that 11% of the ICIDP area would not have been planted to cover crops in the absence of the program, which is similar to other programs after considering the lower payment rate.

Forest Management in an Ancient Indian Scriptures Prospective With Specific Reference to Ramayana – Literary Evidence

The relationship between ecological and culture is more apparent in ancient Indian texts, and this is mirrored in several scriptures. Ancient Indian scriptures including the Arthasastra, Sathapatha Bhramanas, Vedas, Manusmrti, Brhat Samhita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata all represented the sustainable ideas of forest ecology and conservation. The Vedic teachings demonstrate how deeply embedded sustainability was in the minds of the ancient Indians. For example, the Atharva Veda (Chand, 1997) hymn 12.1.11 reads: "O Earth! Pleasant be thy hills, snow-clad mountains and forests; O numerous coloured, firm and protected Earth! On this earth I stand, undefeated, unslain, unhurt." Another hymn from Atharva Veda (12.1.35) reads: "Whatever I dig out from you, O Earth! May that have quick regeneration again; may we not damage thy vital habitat and heart."In particular, our Indian Scriptures such as Aranyakas ("forest" works), Upanishad, and Smritis contains many descriptions on the uses and management of forests, and highlight sustainability as an implicit theme. According to the Vedic traditions, every village will attain wholeness only when certain types of forests are present. Some of these are, however, equivalent to the 'protected areas' and 'production forests' of today. The concept of participatory forest management, an important forest management paradigm today, also was prevalent in ancient India, as illustrated by the example of a village committee overseeing the maintenance of forests. In this context, Valmiki’s Ramayana is the most important source of botanical information. It is very useful in clarifying the botanical identity of various species of plAants and also their importance. It contains an extensive list of plants and also their specific geographical location. The epic also covers a vast area from Ayodhya to Lanka and thus gives an accurate account of different landscapes, mountains, river basins, forests and so on. When the Ramayana was being written, there were thick forests in Naimisharanya, Chitrakut, Dhandakaranya and Panchavati. The Bala kanda mentions the plants and forests of the region on the other side of the river Ganges, Kishkinda kanda discusses the geography and forestry and the biodiversity of the Pampa lake area; and the Aranya kanda describes the foliage of Sage Agasthya’s hermitage; Panchavati was a model of a modified ecology with fruit yielding and medicinal plants where cereals, millets and rice were found. The plants which are mentioned have an economic value, being sacred and utilitarian. Despite the prevailing notion that forestry as a "science" and "practice" originated in the Western Europe and further advanced in North America (Lewis, 2005), the principles of forest conservation and sustainable management were well entrenched in the pre-historic India. Forestry traditions have been documented in the Anciient Indian Scriptures for long. For example, the Vedas contain several descriptions on the uses and management of forests; environment consciousness, besides natural resource and biodiversity conservation, were intrinsic features of rituals and practices. Both productive as well as protective aspects of forest vegetation were emphasized .In this paper authors are making an effort to understand forest management from ancient scriptures perspectives. Vedas,Upanishand,Rmayana and Bhagwadgeeta has been used to understand. This paper is purely based on secondary, which is based on these research methodologies called Hermeneutics, which is the interpretation of ancient or classical literature (Ramayana,Vedas,Bhawadgeeta) Epistemology, which is knowing and understanding the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge.

Change of vegetation cover and land use of the Pómac forest historical sanctuary in northern Peru

AbstractThe dry forests of northern Peru, in the regions of Piura, Tumbes, Lambayeque, and La Libertad, have experienced significant changes as a result of deforestation and changes in land use, leading to the loss of biodiversity and resources. This work analyzed for the first time the changes in vegetation cover and land use of the Pómac Forest Historical Sanctuary (PFHS), located in the department of Lambayeque (northern Peru). The employed approach was the random forest algorithm and visually interpreted Landsat satellite images for the periods 2000–2002, 2002–2004, and 2004–2008. Gain and loss rates were computed for each period, and the recovery process was assessed using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). Results indicate an expansion of agricultural land during each period, resulting in the deforestation of 102.6 hectares of dense dry forest and 739.9 hectares of open dry forest between 2000 and 2008. The degree of reforestation in the cleared areas was measured using the NDVI and EVI indices, revealing an improvement from 0.22 in NDVI in 2009 to 0.36 in 2022, and from 0.14 to 0.21 in EVI over the same period. This study is expected to pave the way for executing land management plans, as well as the use and conservation of natural resources in the PFHS in a sustainable manner.

Assessment of the Sustainability of Productive Systems in Nariño, Colombia

Human development must ensure the welfare and survival of an ever-growing population. To assess the impact of agroecosystems on sustainability in Nariño (Colombia), variables related to sustainable development were evaluated through a semi-structured survey conducted with 122 producers from 6 municipalities in the Nariño department. The association between the categorical variables associated with the pillars of sustainability was analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). From the MCA, 23 indicators were selected, representing quantitative information on the economic, social, and environmental characteristics of the participants. The municipalities were characterized according to the needs and strengths of the producers. Five groups encompass most characteristics of the producers, which are largely independent of geopolitical conditions. On the other hand, the population characterization indicates that the economic well-being of fruit growers can promote the conservation of natural resources. Finally, a principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was conducted to construct the General Sustainability Index (GSI). A network graph for each municipality revealed that the indicators of the production systems are in an unfavorable environment in almost all aspects related to sustainability. The GSI values reveal unstable agroecological conditions that are causing environmental deterioration, with critical levels in the municipalities of Arboleda, Sandoná, and Providencia. Social investment and public policies must be implemented to improve the economic conditions of the producers, accompanied by legislation on the proper management of natural resources.

Experimental investigations on sustainable mortar containing recycled seashell powder as cement partial replacement

Creating sustainable mortar containing recycled seashells is an innovative approach that can contribute to environmental conservation and reduce waste. The use of seashells as a partial replacement for traditional raw materials in mortar can have several benefits, including conservation of natural resources, waste reduction, and improved material properties. The current study uses Marsh Clam seashells after crushing the cleaned seashells into powder. Heated ( up to 600C°) and unheated seashells were considered in the experimental investigation. In both batches, a seashell powder (heated and unheated) was replaced with OPC cement in proportions of 6, 9 and 12% in the mixing process. XRD, SEM, EDS and mechanical tests were employed to determine the crystal structure and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, and structural characteristics of the substance. The study concluded that the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that is nature chemical form of seashells was turned to calcium oxide (CaO) during the heating process and the resulted product was highly reactive with water, improved microstructural properties of the concrete. It also promotes better particle packing, reduce porosity, and create a denser, more uniform concrete matrix and enhancing the overall performance of the material.

Industry 4.0 and Sustainability: a Study on the Applicability of Additive Manufacturing as a Tool for Minimizing Environmental Impacts on Production Processes

Objective: The present research sought to analyze the applicability of additive manufacturing as a tool for minimizing environmental damage in production processes.
  
 Methodology: The research was conducted through an integrative literature review. Academic platforms such as SciELO and Google Academic were consulted, using specific keywords related to the theme. Inclusion criteria were established to select complete articles, in Portuguese and Brazilian languages, directly associated with the research theme, published between 2020 and 2024.
  
 Results and data analysis: The revised studies emphasize the growing importance of additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing technology in transforming production processes towards more sustainable and efficient practices. MA's ability to produce complex parts accurately and personalized, significantly reducing raw material waste through layer-by-layer manufacturing, stands out as a crucial tool to minimize environmental impacts on production. In addition, the integration of MA in the early stages of product development promotes efficiency in production, although more in-depth studies on its environmental and energy impacts are needed.
  
 Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that additive manufacturing is an essential tool for more sustainable and innovative practices in the industry, promoting the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of waste and the creation of adaptable and customized solutions. It is therefore up to companies and society to exploit and develop these technologies in search of a more sustainable and competitive future.

ФОРМУВАННЯ ЗАСАД УПРАВЛІННЯ ДОХОДАМИ ТА ВИТРАТАМИ МИСЛИВСЬКИХ ГОСПОДАРСТВ

Formulation of the problem. The article is devoted to the study of the problems of management of expenses and incomes of hunting farms. The topicality of the research topic is due to the difficult financial situation of enterprises in the industry. The aim of the research is to establish the basic principles of the formation of income and expenses of hunting farms. The object of the research is a set of factors that affect the efficiency indicators and costs of enterprises. Methods used in the research: analysis and synthesis, grouping, observation and comparison, empirical and hypothetical-deductive. Hypothesis: a complex approach to the formation of the principles of improving the management of income and expenses of hunting enterprises will allow to ensure effective activity and sustainable development. Presenting main material. Ensuring a balance between hunting and conservation of natural resources is a key task for the further development of hunting. formation of expenses and income of hunting enterprises is the basis of any economic activity. expenditure is a supporting aspect of activity and is an important task for practitioners and scientists. The proposed comprehensive approach to the formation of the principles of income and expense management consists of budgeting, systematic analysis of expenses, inventory control, monitoring of activity indicators, income diversification, and marketing. It should create a basis for effective management of income and expenses of hunting enterprises. Originality and practical significance of the research. The presented approach is a promising management strategy. It should create conditions for financial and ecological stability, balance of costs and income of hunting farms. Conclusions and prospects significance of the research. Ensuring a balance between hunting and conservation of natural resources is a key task for the further development of hunting, therefore the issue of cost and income formation is the basis of their activity. Prospective for further development are the issues of ensuring effective management of costs and revenues of hunting farms as objects of tourist business.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF SERVICE INNOVATION FACTORS INFLUENCING TO ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF MUNICIPALITY IN THAILAND

Introduction: The development of Local Authoritative Organizations (LAO) in Thailand has continued for a long time, amid efforts to centralize power especially since the civil service reform and national political factors in each period have always affected changes in Local Authoritative Organizations (LAO). According to the decentralization plan of the Act on Decentralization Plans and Procedures for Local Administrative Organizations, there are guidelines for transferring missions to local authoritative organizations in 6 areas: 1) infrastructure, 2) quality of life promotion, 3) community organization, society and maintaining peace and order 4) investment, commerce and tourism promotion 5) management and conservation of natural resources and the environment 6) arts and culture, traditions and local wisdom. Currently, there are a total of 7,848 local authoritative organizations, excluding Bangkok Metropolitan and Pattaya City.
  
 Method: To examine the conceptual framework of Service innovation factors influencing to organizational performance of municipality in Thailand.
  
 Results: The findings revealed that Innovative organization and Innovative capability affect to Performance Management through Operational performance and Innovative capability and Service Innovation affects to Organizational Performance
  
 Conclusion: This study concluded that Conceptual framework of Service innovation factors influencing to Organizational performance of Municipality in Thailand consisted of Innovative Organization, Innovative Capability, Service Innovation related to Performance Management and Organizational Performance. Research on Factors in innovation and organizational management that affect the performance of local government organizations in the type of municipality. The researcher created a model by analyzing a total of 5 latent variables, divided into 3 external latent variables: innovative organizations; Innovative capabilities and service innovation As for the internal latent variables, there are 2 variables: performance management and organizational performance, as shown in Figure 6 Conceptual Framework.

Natural capital accounting for sustainability: Bibliometric analysis and explainable artificial intelligence modeling for citation counts

Natural capital accounting plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. This paper aims to contribute to this field by conducting a bibliometric review of 1,400 articles and employing explainable artificial intelligence modeling (XAI) to identify and predict the factors that influence the impact of natural capital accounting (NCA) research, especially in terms of citations to this research. The findings revealed that the Journal of Cleaner Production is the leading publication in this field, with the highest h-index of 37. The XAI found that age of publication and number of references significantly impacted the likelihood of a paper receiving many citations. This study offers an innovative and practical framework for forecasting citation counts and provides effective strategies for authors and editors to enhance the citation impact of their work.

Biobanks as a way to conserve biodiversity in the context of the continuing decline in the species diversity of wild flora and fauna

To date, human actions have significantly changed 75% of the Earth's surface. This has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the rate of biodiversity loss in human history. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, over the past 500 years, as a result of direct or indirect influence of the anthropogenic factor, 774 animal species and 123 plant species have become extinct. To prevent further loss of biodiversity, in the context of the ongoing «crisis of biodiversity», all over the world, including Kazakhstan, there is a need for reliable conservation of the available genetic resources of plants and animals, primarily rare and endangered species. In this regard, specialized biobanks of organized collections of living biomaterials are successfully used worldwide for the conservation and restoration of populations of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The article presents information about some of the largest biobanks and their importance in solving this global problem. The experience of scientific centers of Kazakhstan in the field of biobanking of biomaterials of wild flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species, is given, and the results of the National Center for Biotechnology in this area are summarized.

Selectivity in snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) pot fishery: Effect of escape gap shape and size for conservation of fishery resources

Conical pots are commonly used fishing gear for capturing snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio). In these fisheries, optimal snow crab size selection is important for reducing unintended mortality of undersized individuals aiming at conserving fisheries resources and reducing sorting time onboard fishing vessels. Size selection in snow crab pot fisheries commonly takes place through pot netting meshes during deployment. The diamond mesh netting has varying opening angles affecting retention of snow crab of different sizes, and often large proportions of catches consist of undersized crab challenging natural resource conservation. Some commercial snow crab fisheries use rigid escape gaps in addition to mesh selection to improve size selectivity. In this study, we predict the size selection potential of escape gaps with different shape and size and investigated whether such additional size selection mechanism can have a potential to improve selectivity compared to mesh selection. Results showed that circular escape gaps have potential to provide sharper size selection compared to netting meshes and thus could be used to limit the capture of undersized snow crab which is relevant for management and conservation of snow crab resources. However, a similar positive effect cannot be obtained to the same extent with elliptical and rectangular escape gaps.

Leveraging Next‐Generation Satellite Remote Sensing‐Based Snow Data to Improve Seasonal Water Supply Predictions in a Practical Machine Learning‐Driven River Forecast System

AbstractSeasonal predictions of spring‐summer river flow volume (water supply forecasts, WSFs) are foundational to western US water management. We test a new space‐based remote sensing product, spatially and temporally complete (STC) MODSCAG fractional snow‐covered area (fSCA), as input for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) operational US West‐wide WSF system. fSCA data were considered alongside traditional SNOTEL predictors, in both statistical and AI‐based NRCS operational hydrologic models, throughout the forecast season, in four test watersheds (Walker, Wind, Piedra, and Gila Rivers in California, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico). Outcomes from over 200 WSF models suggest fSCA‐enabled accuracy gains are most consistent and explainable for short‐lead, late‐season forecasts (roughly 10%–25% improvements, typically), which in operational practice can be challenging as snowlines rise above in situ measurement sites. Gains are roughly proportional to how thoroughly spring‐summer runoff is dominated by snowmelt, and how poorly in situ networks monitor late‐season snowpack. fSCA also improved accuracy for long‐lead, early‐season forecasts, which are similarly problematic in WSF practice, but not for WSFs issued around the time of peak snow accumulation, when in situ measurements reasonably characterize mountain snowpack available for upcoming spring‐summer snowmelt. The AI‐based hydrologic model generally outperformed the statistical model and, in some cases, better‐capitalized on satellite remote sensing. Additionally, preliminary analyses suggest reasonable WSF skill in many cases using fSCA as the sole predictor, potentially useful in sparsely monitored regions; and that combining satellite and in situ products in data‐driven hydrologic models using genetic algorithm‐based predictor selection could help guide new SNOTEL site selection.

Institutional Transformation of Proactive Environmental Characteristics of State Procurement into Imperative Ones: The Regional Case

Ensuring sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and conservation of natural resources are the top priorities of the new edition of the "National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation". One key aspect highlighted in the strategy is the significance of green public procurement, which plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of human activities and promoting environmentally responsible behavior among companies. The lack of established regulatory mechanisms and the ongoing debates surrounding the concept of "green procurement" have prompted the research objective of identifying the factors influencing the successful implementation of green public procurement through econometric modeling. The goal is to assess how well public contractors are currently implementing green procurement practices and to develop strategies to enhance their adherence to these practices by 2023, particularly within the Southern Federal District. An analysis of existing literature has revealed gaps in scientific knowledge, particularly in the realm of comparing the actualization of green economy institutions in regional strategies and monitoring the implementation of green procurement within the Southern Federal District. These research issues will guide the comparative assessment of green economy institutions, monitoring of green procurement practices, and structuring of data within the study. The study will rely on statistical data obtained from the Unified Information System for procurement, using keywords related to the environmental sustainability of purchased goods to analyze the trends in green public procurement practices. Through this research, recommendations for the institutional transformation of green procurement practices into a must-follow standard for public contractors will be developed.

Nature-Based Tourism in National and Natural Parks in Europe: A Systematic Review

Considered among the fastest-growing industries in the world, tourism brings immense benefits but also creates certain challenges. Conservation of natural resources is a stringent necessity, without which the extraordinary ecosystems’ attributes that create the premises for nature-based tourism would reduce, alter, and subsequently disappear. The aim of the present review is twofold: gaining a general understanding of what nature-based tourism is and providing a systematic literature review of articles on nature-based tourism in European national and natural parks, with emphasis on their applicability. The articles included in the present review were selected based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The review accounts for research conducted between 2000 and 2021 and is divided into two sections: articles aimed at understanding tourists’ behaviour and articles that are focused on other stakeholders or have the local communities in the foreground. While many studies are aimed at understanding tourists’ behaviour as a means of improving parks’ management, participatory strategies including local communities are often indicated as beneficial. The results of this paper can facilitate future research in the field and provide valuable knowledge to policymakers and any interested parties.

Driving forces behind the adoption of IEQ principles in building design: evidence from Nigerian quantity surveying firms

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to evaluate the driving forces behind the adoption of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles in building designs from the perspectives of Nigerian quantity surveying firms.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was used which involved administering a well-structured questionnaire to a sample of 114 quantity surveyors. The collected data were analyzed using various statistical methods, including frequencies, percentages, mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsThe top five ranked drivers were climate change mitigation, conservation of natural resources, reduction of waste and pollution, use of sustainable building materials and development of new materials and building systems. Based on the factor analysis, the study identified five clusters of drivers: (1) health and well-being drivers (2) economic drivers (3) environmental drivers (4) innovation and technology drivers and (5) regulatory drivers.Practical implicationsThe findings from this study suggest that to effectively integrate IEQ principles, quantity surveying firms should consider developing comprehensive guidelines and checklists that align with the identified drivers and clustered categories. These resources can serve as practical tools for project teams, facilitating a structured and holistic approach to the incorporation of IEQ factors throughout the project lifecycle.Originality/valueThe study’s identification of the top drivers and the subsequent clustering of these drivers into five distinct categories contributes to the existing body of knowledge on IEQ. This approach provides a structured framework for comprehensively understanding the factors influencing IEQ adoption, offering a valuable tool for researchers, policymakers and industry practitioners.

Unveiling the botanical treasures of the amazon: the magnificent legacy of the fabaceae family

The Amazon, as one of the most diverse and vitally important ecosystems on the planet, remains a crucial focus of study to understand the richness of plant biodiversity. In this study, we conducted a survey of botanical diversity in the Amazon region, to understand the richness and distribution of plant species present. We identified a remarkable variety of species adapted to the Amazon environment. We analyze the diversity and distribution of local flora. The main finding highlights the significant role of the Fabaceae botanical group in the ecology and structuring of Amazonian ecosystems. This study contributes to the understanding of the Amazon flora and reinforces the importance of deepening knowledge about biodiversity in the region. The data presented offer valuable support for the conservation and management of natural resources in the Amazon, highlighting the continued need for environmental preservation policies and studies in the region.