Environmental Elements Research Articles

Street vendors as actors of a sustainable food system—The case of Mexico City

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the role of street vendors in enhancing access to sustainable food, using Mexico City as a case study. Through observational fieldwork, we quantify and spatialize the street food offer of two municipalities, which we compare to food offer in outlets (shops and restaurants). We use Mexican traditional food as a proxy for a sustainable diet. Street vendors represent 55% of the food retailers present in the study area. Over half of street vendors only sell traditional food (against 45% of food outlets), but most sell food to be consumed in moderation (e.g. tacos). A weak statistical correlation suggests that street vendors and food outlets tend to cluster in mixed‐use areas; as such, street vendors' role in the urban food system is mainly to provide an alternative food offer in well‐served areas, rather than providing a food offer in neighbourhoods where the formal offer is scarce. We conclude that street vending is a significant element of Mexico City's urban food environment and increases the availability of traditional food, thus enhancing food sovereignty and contributing to a sustainable food system. Street vending, as an unplanned, traditional daily practice that inadvertently contributes to a sustainable food system, is an example of ‘already existing sustainabilities’, which exploration can provide crucial insights to achieve sustainability transitions.

Educational trajectories individualization in high medical and pharmaceutical education: the particularities of representation and the perspectives of the subject-oriented educational environment construction

Introduction. Contemporary university is transferring from retranslation of knowledge in the frame of socially determined requirements to cultural universum, oriented to the formation of a student individuality and, moreover, subjectness. The student with his educational needs, which can be satisfied only in the terms of subject-oriented environment, is placed in the center of the system. The aim of the research is to identify the elements of educational trajectories individualization and to estimate the possibilities of construction of subject-oriented educational environment in medical and pharmaceutical high education in Russia. Research methods. The methodology is based on a combination of the system-functional and praxeological approaches with elements of socio-cultural analysis. The study includes a comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis, content analysis of the representations of the individualization of educational trajectories (websites and Internet materials) of medical and pharmaceutical universities subordinate to the Russian Ministry of Health. Research results. It was revealed that the information about individualization of educational trajectories is provided by the 30 % of the universities subordinated to the Ministry of Health. Individualization is widely represented through the choice of electives, courses of additional professional education and advanced training (59%), level differentiation of the content of disciplines (52%). Individualization is not as commonly represented as the student’s elite education trajectories (8.7%), individual practices, internships and the choice of a mentor / tutor (6.5%), involvement in the formation of soft skills based on competence centers (19.6%). Identified elements can be considered as the elements of the subject-oriented educational environment in the case of their digital integrated maintenance. Conclusion. The individualization of educational trajectories implementation in high education is related to construction of the subject-oriented environment that can be identified in medical and pharmaceutical universities through the particular elements represented various ways. The formation of the environment mentioned above perspectives closely connected not only with the complex approach to the individualization of educational trajectories elements but similarly with the integrated digital educational landscape of a university.

Workplace Well-Being and Classroom Space: An Exploratory Survey of K–12 Music Teachers

Abstract Kindergarten through 12th-grade (K–12) music teachers spend much of their professional lives occupying physical workspaces like classrooms and offices. Given that teachers occupy these spaces for extended periods of time, the impact of these spaces on teacher well-being should be considered. This exploratory survey study examined the relationships between K–12 music teachers’ workplace well-being and perceptions of the physical classroom spaces. A questionnaire was completed by 484 music teachers who were members of the National Association for Music Education. The questionnaire included the Workplace PERMA Profiler (a measure of workplace well-being) and the Structural, Physical, and Campus Environment Survey (a measure of teachers’ perceptions of their classrooms). Higher levels of well-being were positively correlated with favorable perceptions of classroom space. Scale and aesthetics, the visual environment, and spatial environment elements were the strongest predictors of well-being. Taking statistical and textual data together, specific features including windows, good natural light, quality and controllable lighting, aesthetically pleasant (e.g., decorations and colors) rooms, ample space and storage, comfortable temperatures, good organization, and control over the classroom space had the largest positive impact on well-being among the participating teachers.

A Framework Analyzing Climate Change, Air Quality and Greenery to Unveil Environmental Stress Risk Hotspots

Rapid urbanization has resulted in increased environmental challenges, compounding worries about deteriorating air quality and rising temperatures. As cities become hubs of human activity, understanding the complex interplay of numerous environmental elements is critical for developing effective mitigation solutions. Recognizing this urgency, a framework to highlight the hotspots with critical environmental issues emerges as a comprehensive approach that incorporates key criteria such as the surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII), heat index (HI) and air quality index (AQI) to assess and address the complex web of environmental stressors that grip urban landscapes. Employing the multicriteria decision analysis approach, the proposed framework, named the environmental risk hotspot mapping framework (ERHMF), innovatively applies the analytic hierarchy process at a sub-criteria level, considering long-term heat island trends with recent fluctuations in the HI and AQI. Climate change impact has been symbolized through rising temperatures, as reflected by surface urban heat island intensity trends over two decades. The robustness and correctness of the weights have been assessed by computing the consistency ratio, which came out as 0.046, 0.065 and 0.044 for the sub-criteria of the SUHII, AQI and HI, respectively. Furthermore, the framework delves into the nexus between environmental stressors and vegetation cover, elucidating the role of green spaces in mitigating urban environmental risks. Augmented by spatial and demographic data, the ERHMF adeptly discerns high-risk areas where environmental stress converges with urban development, vulnerable population concentrations and critical vegetation status, thereby facilitating targeted risk management interventions. The framework’s effectiveness has been demonstrated in a regional case study in Italy, underscoring its ability to pinpoint risk hotspots and inform specific policy interventions. The quantitative study undertaken at the sub-administrative level revealed that approximately 6,000,000 m2 of land in Bologna are classified as being under high to extremely high environmental stress, with over 4,000,000 m2 lying only within the extremely high stress group (90–100). Similarly, 1,000,000 m2 of land in Piacenza and Modena have high levels of environmental stress (80–90). In conclusion, the ERHMF presents a holistic methodology for delineating high-risk urban hotspots, providing essential insights for policymakers, urban planners and stakeholders, with the potential to enhance overall urban resilience and foster sustainable development efforts.

A Comparative Analysis of E-commerce Consumer Purchasing Decisions: Taobao in Shanghai and Daraz in Dhaka

There is a lot of potential for expansion for the e-commerce business, but only if we can figure out what makes people buy online. Findings from this study shed light on the e-commerce decision-making process and the ways in which cultural, social, individual, and environmental elements influence it, with a focus on the Chinese market. We surveyed a total of 150 people in Shanghai and 100 people in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using questionnaires. The findings highlight two obstacles that have a negative effect on the online retail industry and customer choice when purchasing goods online. The study compares Taobao and Daraz, focusing on their respective operational systems, market positioning, and distinctions. The study also looks ahead to potential trends and suggests ways businesses might change their business models and create consumer and retailer regulations. Businesses that are just starting out in the e-commerce space can greatly benefit from these insights. The results demonstrate the importance of understanding the elements that influence customer choices and online purchasing behavior.

From data acquisition to digital reconstruction: virtual restoration of the Great Wall’s Nine Eyes Watchtower

This article presents the virtual restoration of the Nine Eyes Watchtower, a significant cultural heritage site along the Great Wall. By applying the Seville Charter and digital technology, a detailed virtual restoration workflow is developed. The methodology involves acquiring data from multiple sources, including physical evidence, historical data, and comparative data. Advanced survey technologies, architectural knowledge, historical research, and computer modelling techniques are integrated to accurately capture the architectural and historical significance of the Nine Eyes Watchtower. The virtual restoration process follows a systematic approach, combining evidence interpretation and explicit deduction steps. The main outcome is a comprehensive virtual restoration model that accurately represents the architectural features and historical context of the Nine Eyes Watchtower. The virtual scene includes environmental elements, with potential for immersive exploration. By bridging the gap between interpretation and deduction, this study advances the scientific understanding and presentation of virtual restorations. The project contributes to ongoing research, education, and appreciation of the Great Wall's cultural legacy, ensuring its continued relevance for future generations.

Associations between the built environment and travel to higher-order centers in Chinese rural areas

Encouraging travel to higher-order centers is important for enhancing the quality of life of rural residents and promoting rural development. Although the literature shows that the built environment influences travel behavior, few studies have explored the relationship between the built environment and the frequency of travel to higher-order centers, particularly in rural contexts. Even less attention has been given to the synergetic effects that occur across built environment elements and county heterogeneity. Using data from 659 respondents in three Chinese counties collected between 2019 and 2020, we applied multilevel ordered logistic models to explore the associations between the rural built environment and travel frequency to higher-order centers (including townships, counties, and city centers). The results show that rural residents' travel frequency to higher-order centers decreases with increasing distance from such centers. The relationships between built environment elements and travel frequency to higher-order centers differ according to the level of such centers. Moreover, built environment elements exert synergetic impacts on travel frequency to higher-order centers. The association of the built environment with travel frequency to higher-order centers is moderated by the developmental levels of counties. These findings suggest that interventions in the rural built environment are important for ensuring the enhancement of rural resident travel behavior and access to better services, which, in turn, benefits rural revitalization.

Environmental, social, and governance and hierarchical network data envelopment analysis firm efficiencies of Japan Airlines' supply chain

AbstractAlthough environmental, social, and governance (ESG) have been recognized for its overall impact on firm efficiency, research on the effects of the three main and multiple sub elements of ESG, especially in the airline industry, has been lacking. Thus, we analyze the impacts of overall ESG, its three main elements, and each sub elements of ESG on the firm efficiency of 29 suppliers, partners, and customers of Japan Airlines over the period of 2013–2022. First, we employ a two‐stage hierarchical network data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique that assesses the interrelationships and interdependencies among the supply chain players in contributing toward achieving their respective operating and profitability efficiencies. Second, we run ordinary least squares regression analyses with 5000 bootstrap replications and determine that overall ESG and its three main elements are positively linked with firm efficiencies. The sub elements of ESG have different impacts on firm efficiencies. That is, resource use and environmental innovation under the Environmental element and human rights and product responsibility under the Social element show significantly positive associations with firm efficiencies. All Governance sub elements positively affect firm efficiencies. The outcomes of this study will be valuable for managers at Japan Airlines and other policymakers within its supply chain because it highlights the importance of focusing on the three main and sub elements of ESG and employing the accurate firm efficiency measurement method when interrelationships and interdependencies of decision‐making units exist.

Enhancing Arabic Language Learning in Class VIII MTsN 5 Jombang: An Evaluation Using the CIPP Model

This qualitative study used CIPP model to assess Arabic language learning for Class VIII at MTsN 5 Jombang. Data collection was carried out by interviews, observation and documentation. The research respondents consisted of 3 Arabic teachers and 29 students of Class VIII-F, including 15 boys and 14 girls. Analysis of the findings including contextual, input, process and product dimensions. The results show that Arabic learning is enhanced by a supportive environment, good infrastructure, and cultural elements with rich Islamic cultural heritage. The program is supported by a balanced curriculum and well-equipped facilities. However, the curriculum must be updated following the latest national curriculum, Emancipated Curriculum, and teachers must be trained to remain relevant. Constant supervision is required to improve the quality of teaching and student engagement. The results of the evaluation showed that 80% of students met the minimum competency standards. However, more interactive teaching for speaking skills need improvement.

SKIN HEALTH PARAMETER MONITORING SYSTEM

Skin conditions, influenced by both internal bodily factors and external environmental elements, affect millions worldwide. Among these, environmental factors play a vital role, impacting skin health in many ways. In response to this issue, the prototype system provides real-time data on environmental parameters crucial for skin wellness. It integrates sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, UV radiation, and skin moisture, all connected to a microcontroller. This data is displayed on an LCD screen and transmitted to a website and mobile application (APK). Users receive alerts when sensor readings exceed predefined thresholds, suggesting necessary precautions. Additionally, the system features an IP webcam for capturing skin images, which are analysed to provide insights and skincare recommendations. This innovative approach bridges the gap between environmental factors and skin health, promoting proactive measures against environmental stressors. By providing real-time data and actionable insights, the prototype empowers users to make informed decisions about their skincare regimen. The system represents a significant advancement in skincare technology, offering comprehensive monitoring and management of environmental conditions and skin health. With its real-time functionality, recommendations, and proactive alerts, the system has the potential to greatly enhance users’ skincare routines and overall skin health. Key Words: Skin health, environmental monitoring, real time data, sensor integration, image analysis, proactive measures

Balancing Emerging Risks Considering the Life-Cycle Perspectives of Submerged Floating Tunnels for a Resilient Future Infrastructure

Infrastructure expansion considerably contributes to greenhouse gas emissions causing the critical global issue of climate change. In recent years, submerged floating tunnels (SFTs) have thus been developed as a sustainable and efficient solution for crossing large water bodies instead of resource-demanding superstructures (e.g., cable stayed bridges). This research delves into a comparative analysis of two SFT design alternatives: SFTs with pontoons and SFTs with tethers centered on environmental sustainability and long-term viability. By incorporating life-cycle assessments and quantitative risk analysis methodologies, our study aims to ascertain the optimal SFT design for real-world application. Our study embarks on detailed investigations into SFTs and then gathers data on material quantities and LCA studies, identifying potential hazards and comparing life cycle performance. Our new findings highlight the significant advantage of the SFT with a tethered design, which has a lower dependency on materials, particularly steels, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, in terms of risk, the SFT with tethers has a lower risk profile in general, especially in situations, including environmental elements, like rising water levels, potential tsunamis, and storms. This design is a promising solution for sustainable and resilient infrastructure development, coinciding with global objectives to cut down carbon emissions and enrich potential benefits in the face of increasing climatic uncertainties. Not only does this study scrutinize the risk and environmental aspects of both SFT designs, but it also opens the path for future infrastructure projects that emphasize engineering robustness and environmental sustainability.

A New Era in Defense Planning Approaches: Digital Transformation Era

The primary environmental elements that countries encounter shape and change defense planning. Each planning phase is honored with the primary element needed to implement the change. Because of this, the period of polarization and nuclear threat is named the Threat-Based Planning Approach. Similar to this, emphasis was placed on the Capability-Based Planning Approach and the Scenario-Based Planning Approach in order to foresee the growing uncertainties following 9/11 due to the increasing relevance of talent after the Cold War. With the idea of “Industry 4.0,” the world has undergone a rapid transformation, and the idea of “digital transformation” has gained fundamental interest from people, businesses, and nations alike. With this idea, planning and development started to take shape. As a result, this circumstance also has an impact on defense planning strategies. The article’s major point is, rather than bringing about minor adjustments, to highlight how digital transformation, which has a transformative effect, starts a fundamental transition in military planning methodologies and introduces a new perspective on planning.

ANALISIS PENGUNGKAPAN INFORMASI LINGKUNGAN DALAM LAPORAN KEUANGAN PDAM KABUPATEN BONDOWOSO : PERSPEKTIF GREEN ECONOMI DAN TANGGUNGJAWAB SOSIAL PERUSAHAAN

This research aims to analyze the disclosure of environmental information in the financial statements of the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) of Bondowoso Regency, considering the perspectives of green economy and corporate social responsibility. The disclosure of environmental information is increasingly important in the context of environmental protection and business sustainability. A qualitative approach is used to analyze the financial statements of PDAM Bondowoso Regency with a focus on environmental information disclosure elements. Findings from this research are expected to provide new insights into environmental information disclosure practices in the public sector, especially in regional companies such as PDAM. The implications of this analysis can contribute to the development of green economy and corporate social responsibility in Bondowoso Regency and encourage other companies to improve transparency and accountability in disclosing environmental information in the financial statements of PDAM Bondowoso Regency. In conclusion, the management of waste by PDAM Bondowoso Regency still has shortcomings, such as suboptimal waste treatment, gaps in handling various types of waste, technological limitations, and lack of awareness or understanding. The disclosure of environmental information in financial statements is also constrained by factors such as lack of awareness, resource constraints, and regulatory uncertainty. This results in suboptimal disclosure of prevention and detection cost allocations and environmental failure costs. Steps are needed to enhance transparency, such as improvements in disclosing cost allocations and detailed operating costs for waste management. Thus, stakeholders can better understand PDAM's efforts to maintain environmental sustainability and public health

Corporate Social Responsibility: Environmental Concern Through the Application of Communitarian Citizenship Thinking

Environmental awareness is an integral part of the sustainability of ecosystems worldwide that are starting to be damaged due to rapid industry. The rise of industrial companies in Indonesia impacts environmental damage and has drawn criticism from the community, so corporate social responsibility was formed, which is a form of corporate commitment to its social environment to maintain environmental sustainability and empowerment of the surrounding community. Ideologically, environmental damage is inseparable from the muscular liberalism that pays little attention to ecological elements. This paper seeks to raise an alternative study of communitarian CSR that understands environmental awareness. Communitarianism focuses on the social reality that must be maintained and cared for to raise collective consciousness, including environmental elements. This paper uses a literature study to examine the understanding of communitarianism. The knowledge gained from the literature search is that communitarianism provides a different perspective from liberalism regarding self and environment, so it is interesting to apply communitarian thinking in companies to implement environmental awareness as an alternative to solving environmental problems where this condition indicates the need for a movement based on communal awareness in reforestation. The more communal awareness of nature is built on the impact of community pressure on the government to make a rule that pays attention to environmental problems.

«Такой остров»: образ Татарской слободы в Томске у ее местных жителей

One of the outcomes of urban space utilization is the emergence of local vernacular narratives about it. Relying on such narratives, I examine the subjective perceptions of the residents of Tatarskaya Sloboda in Tomsk regarding the urban space where their daily lives unfold. The structure of the article is determined by overlaying the collected interviews on elements of the urban environment. Accompanied by research commentary, the article describes the residents’ perceptions of Tatarskaya Sloboda’s space characteristics, borders, as well as the streets and alleys used as pathways. The analysis of interviews and mental maps allows us to conclude that the primary source for constructing the vernacular image is not only associations and memories related to Tatarskaya Sloboda but also, to a significant extent, the presence of everyday practices associated with its space.

Integrated assessment of trace elements in a marine ranching area based on multi-species and multi-level biomarkers: a case study in China’s national-level marine ranching demonstration area

The goal of this study was to evaluate the trace element pollution in a marine ranching area in China based on molecular responses (expression of metallothionein and antioxidant enzyme genes), and biochemical biomarkers (metallothionein content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and malonaldehyde level) in four indicator species. We collected samples of two fish (Lateolabrax maculatus and Sebastes schlegelii), one crustacean (Charybdis japonica), and one gastropod (Rapana venosa) from the western Furong Island marine ranching area and from an adjacent area in March 2022 and measured the trace element content in these indicator species as well as in the seawater and sediment. We found that the bioaccumulation characteristics of trace elements and the response patterns of biomarkers were species specific. Moreover, not every biomarker was significantly correlated with environmental trace element content. We then established two biomarker combinations indicative of trace element pollution in seawater and sediment, respectively, based on the correlation between biomarkers and trace element contents. The selected biomarkers were integrated using integrated biomarker response version 2 (IBRv2). IBRv2 values in the studied marine ranching area were lower than those in the adjacent area. Additionally, these values were consistent with the bioaccumulation of trace elements in the indicator species, the integrated trace element pollution index for seawater, and the potential risk index for sediment. These results show that this multi-biomarker and multi-species IBRv2 approach provided a comprehensive diagnosis of trace element pollution in the marine ranching area. Therefore, its application may be beneficial for marine environmental monitoring and management in view of the ecotoxicological impact of pollutants on organisms.

Autonomous navigation decision-making for ships in complex estuarine waters: Methodology and validation

This study focused on key scientific issues in the autonomous navigation for ships, including constraints on environmental and navigation rules, limitations on ship maneuverability, and collision avoidance mechanisms, to address the challenges of autonomous navigation decision-making for ships in complex estuarine waters and validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed methodology. A novel autonomous navigation decision-making method that can dynamically adapt to residual errors in a system and the random movements of target ships was proposed. The predictive model used to calculate decision plans and the simulation model used to execute and validate decision plans were separated. Environmental constituent elements were classified and modeled to digitize the environment. A navigation scenario was constructed based on the fusion of virtual and real information. The control and process prediction methods were proposed based on the nonlinear ship maneuvering characteristics. Navigation rules were summarized, analyzed, and integrated into the decision-making and execution process. The collision avoidance mechanism and calculation method for feasible course and speed range were studied. Simulation experiments were conducted using the North Channel of the Yangtze River Estuary as an example. The results demonstrated that the proposed method can accurately make autonomous navigation decisions, safely avoid collisions, and timely track routes in nearly realistic scenarios.

Sustainability Assessment in Mining: A CSR-Based Analysis Model for Social and Environmental Impact

AbstractA simple approach is proposed to study the main factors related to the mining activity’s impact on society, through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) qualitative analysis based on the type of raw materials extracted, either by mine site or firm. A CSR index is defined by 30 environmental and socioeconomic elements and, subsequently, it is weighted by three primary factors; the recycling rate, the transition to green energy, and geographical conditions. The proposed method is adaptable to any change in raw material needs over time and, depending on the analyzed country or region, is applicable to any type of mineral resource. The system can be used to drive engagement with the different stakeholders, add value to a project, and establish a CSR continuous improvement system.

Psychological Impacts of Urban Environmental Settings: A Micro-Scale Study on a University Campus

The environment’s psychological impacts on humans have been long studied, but many questions remain unanswered. We conducted a micro-scale study to examine the relationships among the objective characteristics of urban environmental settings, people’s subjective perception of such settings, and the related psychological responses. We employed a geo-enabled survey tool to gather data on individuals’ perceptions of the immediate environment within their daily activity space. The psychological processes assessed included emotional and affective states such as perceived stress and happiness. The data points were mapped on a high-resolution aerial image, which was classified to derive quantitative properties to examine the dose-response relationship between environmental exposure and psychological responses. Our results showed negative correlations between the momentary stress level and the amount of environmental elements such as water, trees, and grass. Positive correlations were detected between stress level and the amount of parking lot and barren land, as well as the distance to buildings. In terms of perceived happiness, positive environmental factors included water, trees, and artificial surfaces, with all other elements having negative correlations. Most of the correlations examined were not strong correlations. This could be due to the significant differences in how individuals respond to environmental stimuli.

Utility of 3D modelling of the patient's living environment as perceived by occupational therapists.

Visiting a patient's living environment is important for occupational therapists, albeit costly and time consuming. MapIt is a mobile app producing a 3D representation of a home with the possibility of taking measurements. The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of a 3D representation of a patient's home for the clinical practice of occupational therapists. Case study in which the unit of analysis was the utility of MapIt as defined by ISO 9241-11:2018 and as perceived by occupational therapists in four different occupational therapy clinical settings (Canada). Onsite observations with 10 occupational therapists (and their patients) were triangulated with data from interviews, diaries, and logbooks. Inductive thematic condensation led to emerging conclusions for each clinical setting, fuelling the next case data collection and analysis. Inter-case analysis was corroborated by additional occupational therapists, through crowdsourcing and expert review. Occupational therapists' clinical reasoning was supported by the MapIt app, enhancing and streamlining their work and inducing adjustments to treatment plans. Occupational therapists saw and measured the patient's environment remotely, to better match person-environment-occupation and promote occupational engagement. MapIt's 3D representations were judged useful to communicate between occupational therapists and stakeholders, to educate, allow continuity, optimise resources, minimise the patient's time on a waitlist for homecare, and save time for everyone. MapIt allowed occupational therapists who performed home visits to bring a little of the patients' home to their office, whereas occupational therapists without access to the home could see it and take measurements. MapIt's utility was confirmed for practice in clinical settings and for better continuity of care between settings. MapIt makes it possible for occupational therapists to 'walk around' the patient's home remotely, but the possibility of measuring environmental elements is a 3D model's true added value over currently used photos or short videos.