Policy Planning Research Articles

End-of-life management of electric vehicle batteries utilizing the life cycle assessment

ABSTRACT To achieve sustainable development in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, this study assesses the environmental impacts of retired electric vehicle batteries (EVBs) throughout the life cycle. The life cycle assessment (LCA) with the ReCiPe method is implemented with environmental impacts: CO2eq emissions, human toxicity, terrestrial acidification, particulate matter (PM) formation, metal depletion, and fossil depletion. Four EOL management scenarios, namely the landfilling, remanufacturing, repurposing, and recycling processes, are examined with the background data obtained from the Ecoinvent database v3.6 and data collected from secondary sources. The study results reveal that the landfilling scenario is highly harmful to humans and due to its highest environmental impacts, specifically CO2 emission (2,236 kg CO2eq) from the material extraction process. In contrast, the recycling scenario is the most environmentally friendly scenario, as it reduces the human toxicity (45,934 kg 1,4-DBeq), terrestrial acidification (425 kg SO2eq), and metal depletion (20,129 kg Feeq), achieving the lowest final impact score of -277. The study further examines the recycling scenario with different energy mixes, i.e. natural gas, coal, and renewable energy. The results suggest that the complete use of renewable energy could improve the final impact value to -281.1. The results also recommend the remanufacturing scenario as it reduces CO2eq emission by 1,193 kg CO2eq. The government may utilize the study results to enhance the circular economy of retired EVBs through various strategies to compete in the global market. A comprehensive evaluation of EOL management practices of retired EVBs offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to minimize the ecological footprint of the EV industry and support Thailand’s sustainability goals. A future study may be performed to compare the EOL management scenarios with actual practices and suggest suitable improvements. The policy-based simulations could be implemented to examine long-term impacts of EOL management practices in Thailand. Implication Statement The global warming issue has become critical and countries worldwide initiate policies and strategies to minimize waste and environmental impacts. The use of electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to reduce such impact; nevertheless, it leads to the issue of electric vehicle battery (EVB) waste. This study examines the environmental impacts of the end-of-life (EOL) management of the retired EVBs, specifically the remanufacturing, repurposing, and recycling processes. The results pinpoint several key impacts, namely CO2eq emissions, human toxicity, terrestrial acidification, particulate matter formation, metal depletion, and fossil depletion in the EOL management processes. It is clear that the current practice (i.e. landfilling) is highly harmful to humans and the environment, mainly from the material extraction process. In contrast, the most effective EOL strategy for retired EVBs is recycling, as it generates the lowest human toxicity, terrestrial acidification, and metal depletion. The remanufacturing scenario is the most suitable scenario when CO2eq emission is a major concern. The study also examines the recycling scenario’s different energy mixes (i.e. natural gas, coal, and renewable energy). The results suggest that at least half of the energy used in electricity production should be renewable to improve the final impact of this scenario further. A comprehensive evaluation of EOL management practices of retired EVBs offers valuable insights for the government and stakeholders to plan for sustainable EOL management policies to reduce the ecological footprint and achieve sustainable development in the long term.

Starting again: National spatial planning and the quest for compact growth in Ireland

In 2002, the Irish Government launched the National Spatial Strategy, aimed at achieving effective national spatial planning. A lack of political support and the primacy of localism in planning and development led to its demise in 2014. However, in 2018, the government launched the new National Planning Framework, which had compact growth at its core. It is supported politically by central government, is backed by legislation and must be adhered to by the regional and local layers of government. The National Planning Framework was accompanied by planning policies which sought to increase apartment development and to loosen restrictions on urban height, thereby creating the conditions for increasing residential densities. As the National Planning Framework sets out plans to 2040 and is subject to periodic revision, this article examines initial perceptions of its contents and the prospects for its implementation. Simultaneously, the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland impacts directly on planning policies, as the government introduces major market interventions to increase supply, which can conflict or undermine existing planning policies. This research is based on a critical reading of key compact growth planning policies and is augmented by semi-structured interviews with key players in policy implementation. These interviews analyse the viewpoints of senior built environment professionals who are involved in the implementation of compact growth policies in Dublin. The results indicate the complexity and difficulty of implementing compact growth policies where there has been a legacy of urban sprawl and where the attempts at centralisation lead to tensions with local planning. Starting again is not easy.

A sintaxe espacial como ferramenta de análise de ocupação urbana

The lack of planning and effective housing policies has encouraged the search for housing in informal settlements, generally located on the outskirts of cities and segregated by urban sprawl. Space syntax is an important tool for analyzing urban configuration, allowing us to understand the geographical space as a whole, with its limitations and potential, capable of understanding the levels of integration and segregation, improving its flow and connectivity possible. This article analyzes connectivity and integration, using the spatial syntax of vulnerable occupation areas in the city of Erechim/RS (southern Brazil). This study was divided into five stages: a) bibliographical research; b) identification of the areas of occupation in Erechim; c) preparation of an axial map of the city; d) axial analysis using the Detphtamp 0.50 software and, finally; e) cross-referencing the information using the Qgis software. We identified the presence of occupations in green areas, mostly on the outskirts of the city, segregated to the other regions of the city, with a general average integration of 1.514 pixels, where the areas with the best economic value (between 1,720.01 and 5,231.01 reais) have the best connectivity.

Disease Pattern and Clinical Profile of Admitted Patients in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chattogram

Background: The care of critically ill children remains one of the most demanding and challenging aspects in the field of pediatrics. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) aims at promoting early intervention and quality care for achieving good results and better prognosis. With the advancement in intensive care facilities, there is a dramatic increase in survival of critically ill children. It is usually offered to patients whose condition is potentially reversible and who have a good chance of surviving with intensive care support. Since these patients are critically ill, the outcome of intervention is sometimes difficult to predict. This study is aimed to assess the clinical profile of critically ill children presenting to the pediatric emergency room and then their admission pattern to the pediatric intensive care unit. This may help to assist intensivist and planners to pay due attention for better utilization of healthcare facilities. Better understanding leads to better management. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Chattagram Maa Shishu-O-General Hospital from January to June of 2019. A total of 100 admitted cases were recruited and their symptoms and signs, clinical findings and diagnosis were recorded accordingly. All the patients were aged within 28 days to below 14 years. Results: Among the 100 study subjects, 66 were male and 34 were female. The mean age was 1.73 ± 2.6 years. Most children were admitted with respiratory distress though there were other accompanying signs and symptoms. The symptoms subjects commonly presented with were respiratory distress(76%), tachycardia(70%), lung crepitations (69%), tachypnea (68%), fever (67%), lethargy (59%), feeding difficulty (59%), convulsions (48%), low blood pressure (24%), hepatomegaly (19%), cyanosis (14%), edema (6%), congenital anomalies (4%). The clinical findings that led them to PICU admissions were bronchiolitis (4%), bronchopneumonia (42%), respiratory failure of any cause (4%), heart failure (7%), cyanotic congenital heart disease (8%), acyanoticcongenital heart disease (7%), meningitis (13%), encephalitis (12%), cerebral palsy with seizure disorder (21%), status epilepticus (2%), Gullein Barre Syndrome (3%), hyponatremic dehydration (6%), acute kidney injury (2%), acute leukemia (2%).In this study, neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy with seizure disorder and encephalitis and meningitis were among the top five in the diagnosis list. Septicemia with shock was also a very common finding promoting admission to PICU. GCS was found to be significantly lower in the above-mentioned disease conditions making admission to the ICU quite plausible. Conclusion: Children admitted to PICU may have multiple clinical findings and disease patterns. However, some diseases predominate the patient population admitted to PICU.The knowledge of clinical spectrum and epidemiological profile of critically ill children plays a significant role in the planning of health policies that would mitigate various factors related to the evolution of diseases prevalent in these sectors. Descriptive epidemiology focuses on identifying and reporting the pattern and frequency of events related to the health of a population. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 7(1), June 2024; 44-49

Gender differences in the effects of urban environment on nighttime exercise behaviours: a qualitative study

ObjectiveWith the acceleration of urbanization, nighttime exercise behaviours have rapidly emerged. Existing research indicates a correlation between urban environments and physical activity; however, studies focusing specifically on nighttime are still insufficient, particularly regarding gender differences. This study aims to identify the key factors in urban environments that influence residents’ nighttime exercise behaviours and to explore the gender differences within these influences.MethodsPurposeful sampling was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews with 30 residents who regularly engage in nighttime exercise. All transcribed interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological data analysis method.ResultsThe findings revealed that physical environment and environmental perception are the two primary factors influencing nighttime exercise behaviour. These factors are further divided into 10 specific sub-themes: lighting, green spaces, site facilities and layout, traffic coherence, entertainment facilities, smart sports equipment, sense of safety, convenience, pleasure, and sense of belonging.ConclusionFemales demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to the perception of the physical environment, placing greater emphasis on the feelings and experiences it provides. Males, on the other hand, focus more on the direct impact of the physical environment, such as its specific effects on exercise performance. Future urban planning and public policy should give greater consideration to gender differences in the use of urban exercise facilities, ensuring that nighttime exercise environments meet the needs of residents of different genders. This approach will contribute to enhancing overall community vitality and improving residents’ health.

The Importance of Implementing Sustainable Practices in Municipalities of the Araguaia River Valley, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Objective: The present work aims to identify and analyze strategies for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in municipalities in Vale do Araguaia in the state of Mato Grosso - Brazil, as well as their benefits and challenges, providing recommendations for promoting sustainable development at the local level. Theoretical Framework: The text addresses essential strategies for implementing sustainable practices in local communities, such as solid waste management, conservation of water resources, use of renewable energy and promotion of sustainable agriculture. Highlights include recycling and composting to reduce waste, water reuse systems and renewable energy, such as solar, for energy self-sufficiency. Sustainable agriculture strengthens the local economy, while conscious consumption is encouraged by educational campaigns. Community participation and government support are crucial for balancing economic development, social justice and environmental preservation. Method: This comparative case study analyzed the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 25 municipalities in Mato Grosso, in the Araguaia river basin. Different municipal strategies and contexts were examined, using data from public sources such as the Water and Sanitation Institute and the Sustainable Cities Development Index – Brazil (IDSC-BR). The analysis was organized in a table and the average of the results made it possible to evaluate the level of sustainable development of each city. Results and Discussion: The research points out that, although the implementation of sustainable practices in municipalities is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the results are still below expectations. Only three municipalities achieved average rates, and none achieved satisfactory results. This reveals structural challenges, such as a lack of adequate public policies and budget limitations. The research highlights the need for greater coordination between government spheres, the private sector and civil society, in addition to more concrete and inclusive planning to promote sustainable development. Research Implications: The practical implications of this study suggest the need for greater integration between government spheres and the private sector to optimize the implementation of the SDGs in municipalities, highlighting the importance of effective public policies and investments in priority areas. Theoretically, the study offers insights into the structural challenges faced by cities, contributing to the debate on sustainable urban management and the development of policy models that can accelerate the achievement of global sustainability goals. Originality/Value: The originality of the study lies in its detailed analysis of the implementation of the SDGs in municipalities, revealing the specific structural challenges that limit their progress. The value lies in providing a practical overview of the gaps in public policies and local management, in addition to highlighting the need for greater intersectoral coordination to achieve sustainable development, offering valuable guidelines for future urban planning and sustainability policies.

Voices from the ground: Qualitative perspectives on Ugandan national mental health system strengths, challenges, and recommendations

Mental health capacity building is a growing priority in Ugandan healthcare systems. Despite increased governmental attention to community mental health and mental healthcare needs, no empirical assessments document qualitative perspectives from stakeholders in the Ugandan mental health system. The goal of the current needs assessment study was to systematically explore stakeholders’ perceptions of strengths, challenges, and recommendations for enhancing capacity in the national mental health system in Uganda. Using ethnographic research methods, data were collected from 15 key informant interviews and four community focus groups with a total of 44 stakeholders involved in mental healthcare in Uganda. Thematic analyses of data yielded several themes in each domain, including 1) system strengths reflected in the existing policy and action plan, free medications, growing private sector, and partnerships and collaborations; 2) system challenges including socioeconomic constraints, stigma, and limited family engagement; and 3) recommendations surrounding enhanced education and training, integrating systemic approaches, and policy advocacy. We describe clinical, research, and policy implications that can inform systemic mental health efforts in Uganda and comparable global settings.

Pathways in the governance of shipping decarbonization from perspective of balancing the conflicting interests

The shipping industry is featured by high carbon emissions. The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships sets forth the global goals of shipping decarbonization. Shipping decarbonization involves complicated issues of economy, technology, policy and law etc., and implies the conflicts between economic interests and environmental interests, between individual interests and public interests, between individual States’ interests and international common interests and between current interests and long-term interests. This research suggests that balancing such conflicting interests need to follow the principle of prioritizing the international public environmental interests while taking into account the other interests because protection of environmental interests should be taken as the basic value orientation in shipping decarbonization governance and the principle of collaborating governmental intervention and market mechanisms by reference to the theory on the relationship between government and market in economics. Under the guidance of these principle, by reference to the equilibrium analysis method in economics and following the progressive decision theory in management, this research demonstrates that the main pathways in achieving such balance may include: making strategic plan and basic policy for reducing GHG emissions from ships by the government, implementing economic incentive policies such as tax incentives and fiscal subsidies, implementing ship energy efficiency measures, prudently implementing shipping carbon emissions trading mechanism, accelerating the establishment of alternative marine fuel supply chain, innovating alternative marine fuel technology and ship propulsion technology, and actively engaging in international cooperation.

More or Less Ice? Shipping in the Russian Arctic and the Role of Climate Change

Melting sea ice has often been presented as a primary driver for development of Arctic shipping, but what role has it played for policies to develop the Northern Sea Route? It may look paradoxical that Russia has embarked on an ambitious icebreaker construction program, given climate change. In Russia, there have been contradictory assessments of further climate developments in the Arctic. Representatives of the nuclear icebreaker fleet have argued that a new cooling period will soon occur, whereas Russian climate science is dominated by unidirectional climate change. Nevertheless, there is agreement that more icebreakers are needed, since shipping activity is expected to increase, and an extended navigation season is an indisputable goal. Nuances in Russian climate science do not seem to play any role in policy planning for Arctic shipping. Shipping through the Arctic emits less greenhouse gases than navigation on conventional southerly routes, which may be used as an argument in favor of the Northern Sea Route. It is doubtful, though, that this will change priorities of international shipping companies, especially as long as international shipping is not subject to emissions standards. Many other considerations will have precedence. Obviously, Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ensuing international tension is affecting trade patterns and investments in the Russian Arctic. In this situation climate change plays less of a role in the development of shipping in the Russian Arctic. But even before the war climate change was less important than often assumed in the international literature.

Effectiveness of Ayush Rasayana A and B on the Quality of Life of Older Adults: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

With advancing age among older adults, the associated debilities increase, indicating a deteriorating health status as there is a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and functionality. Ayush Rasayana A and B are coded Ayurvedic medicines developed from herbal extracts. This study has been planned to prevent debilitating conditions and improve the quality of life (QOL) in older adults. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Ayush Rasayana A and B on the QOL, quality of sleep, and functionality of older adults, along with the tolerability of the intervention. This was a multicenter, open-label, cluster randomized controlled trial conducted with 720 participants aged 60 to 75 years. The participants were divided into 2 groups (intervention and control), with both receiving Ayurvedic ancillary treatment for 3 months. The intervention group additionally received 10 g of Ayush Rasayana A orally once daily at bedtime for 6 days, followed by 1.5 g of Ayush Rasayana B orally twice daily before food for the remaining 84 days. The assessment criteria included the Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire Brief, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, and shoulder and scapular movements. Any change in hematological and biochemical parameters and occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events were also assessed during the study period. The recruitment of the participants started in December 2023, and the final follow-up was completed in April 2024. Out of the total 720 enrolled participants, 686 (95.3%) completed the study up to the last follow-up. This study may provide evidence-based data to establish preventive treatment protocols for enhancing the QOL and functionality among older adults. The study results may also be helpful for the planning of interdisciplinary health policies for improving the health conditions of different populations. DERR1-10.2196/58186.

The management methods in the sphere of state security in conditions of social transformation

The article is dedicated to the investigation of management methods in the field of state security during periods of social transformation. It addresses the importance of adapting governance strategies to contemporary challenges, especially in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis and global instability. Emphasis is placed on the development of comprehensive management approaches that not only react to current threats but also anticipate future challenges. The relevance of the study is underlined by the need for strategic planning and proactive implementation of policies to safeguard national interests and ensure long-term stability. The article emphasizes the necessity of effective cooperation between public administration entities to guarantee the resilience of the national security system. The author notes that the success of state security management heavily depends on the integration of political, legal, and organizational mechanisms. The focus is on how these mechanisms contribute to the implementation of Ukraine’s National Security Strategy, aiming to protect the country’s territorial integrity and facilitate its European integration efforts. Special attention is given to the reform of public administration, stressing the importance of transparency and professionalism in law enforcement and strategic management. The author indicates that effective governance in the security sector requires enhanced coordination among various governmental bodies. The importance of information exchange, joint training, and the development of new technological solutions is highlighted as key methods for addressing modern security threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and organized crime. The study also points out the need for continuous professional development and reform in public administration to ensure that national security objectives are met in a timely and effective manner. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between different state institutions and the importance of coordinated efforts to respond to security threats. The article underscores the need for a dynamic and adaptable governance system, one that can respond swiftly to both domestic and international challenges. This includes the development of innovative approaches to governance, strategic planning, and the use of cutting-edge technologies. Ultimately, the study calls for the continuous improvement of public administration in the security sector, to build a sustainable and secure future for Ukraine.

Effects of the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) On For-Profit Organizations

Objective: The general objective of the study is to analyze which technical and administrative measures are necessary for accounting organizations to comply with the provisions of the LGPD, with this general objective being divided into three specific objectives: a) identify the technical and administrative measures relevant to the LGPD; b) establish privacy policies on the data made available and c) define the stages of technical and administrative measures so that organizations comply with the provisions of the Law. Theoretical Framework: This topic presents the main concepts and theories that underpin the research. The General Data Protection Law - LGPD (LAW 13.709/2018) stands out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research is applied, descriptive, bibliographical and documentary, with a qualitative approach. The unit of analysis was 5 managers from 5 for-profit organizations located in the northwest region of RS during the month of May 2023. Data collection was carried out through bibliographic, documentary and interview research, using documentary and descriptive analysis techniques. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that criteria adopted for the protection of people's data were defined for the companies surveyed, considering the administrative department of the companies, where data considered sensitive is handled, divided basically into three sectors: Accounting sector, Tax sector and Human Resources sector and Personnel Department. It was found that there is a need to implement technical and administrative measures in the processes and invest in training on the subject within the organizations, in order to avoid infractions and fines as punishment for non-compliance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Law. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the General Data Protection Law - LGPD (LAW 13.709/2018), highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of the General Data Protection Law - LGPD. These implications may include the deepening of knowledge, as well as from a practical point of view, since it offers a concrete solution to a specific demand of the company investigated in this study. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by discussing the topic General Data Protection Law - LGPD (LAW 13.709/2018. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by providing guidance to organizations on how to prepare the Privacy Policy and Contingency Plan, with the purpose of adapting to the LGPD.

Microbiomes of urban trees: unveiling contributions to atmospheric pollution mitigation

Urban trees are crucial in delivering essential ecosystem services, including air pollution mitigation. This service is influenced by plant associated microbiomes, which can degrade hydrocarbons, support tree health, and influence ecological processes. Yet, our understanding of tree microbiomes remains limited, thus affecting our ability to assess and quantify the ecosystem services provided by trees as complex systems. The main hypothesis of this work was that tree microbiomes concur to hydrocarbon biodegradation, and was tested through three case studies, which collectively investigated two tree micro-habitats (phyllosphere and tree cavity organic soil—TCOS) under various conditions representing diverse ecological scenarios, by applying different culture-based and molecular techniques and at different scales. The integration of all results provided a more comprehensive understanding of the role of microbiomes in urban trees. Firstly, bacterial strains isolated from the phyllosphere of Quercus ilex were characterized, indicating the presence of Plant-Growth Promoting bacteria and strains able to catabolize PAHs, particularly naphthalene and phenanthrene. Secondly, naphthalene biodegradation on artificially spiked Hedera helix leaves was quantified in greenhouse experiments on inoculated and untreated plants. The persistence of the inoculated strain and community structure of epiphytic bacteria were assessed by Illumina sequencing of V5–V6 hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA gene. Results showed that naphthalene degradation was initially faster on inoculated plants but later the degradation rates became similar, probably because bacterial populations with hydrocarbon-degrading abilities gradually developed also on non-inoculated plants. Finally, we explored bacterial and fungal biodiversity hosted by TCOS samples, collected from six large trees located in an urban park and belonging to different species. Microbial communities were characterized by Illumina sequencing of V5–V6 hypervariable regions of bacterial gene 16S rRNA and of fungal ITS1. Results indicated TCOS as a distinct substrate, whose microbiome is determined both by the host tree and by canopy environmental conditions and has a pronounced aerobic hydrocarbon degradation potential. Overall, a better assessment of biodiversity associated with trees and the subsequent provision of ecosystem services constitute a first step toward developing future new microbe-driven sustainable solutions, especially in terms of support for urban green planning and management policy.

Resilience through Mobility: Urban Residents’ Adaptation Strategies in Conflict-Affected Bamenda, Cameroon

The global phenomenon of human population displacement during environmental stressors and socio-political crises has far-reaching impacts. In urban areas, residents' mobility is often driven by various factors. This study investigates urban residents' mobility as a resilience strategy in response to the Anglophone socio-political crisis in Bamenda, Cameroon. Employing a case study design and purposive sampling, the research selected five neighborhoods based on the extent of residential changes as a result of the ongoing socio-political crisis in the region. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 105 respondents and focus group discussions to explore residential mobility as a resilience mechanism. The findings revealed that five specific population groups were affected by the socio-political crisis, prompting them to relocate within Bamenda. Among those displaced, 60% were households led by individuals aged 26-32. Key reasons for displacement included ongoing violence, loss of life, family disconnection, property destruction, disrupted economic activities, halted education, and increased internally displaced persons in the region. The study also found that residents with higher financial status could relocate to safer areas, while vulnerable individuals often fled or temporarily sought refuge in forests. The prolonged crisis, over seven years now, has severely impacted Bamenda residents, escalating forced displacement rates. Consequently, the study recommends that the government implement targeted urban planning policies to enhance resilience strategies, focusing on affordable social housing, resettlement structures, and improved access to basic services for displaced residents, while fostering peace and stability in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions.

‘Green icing on the Gray Cake?’ Green infrastructure in federal enforcement action

ABSTRACT A growing number of local governments are adopting Green Infrastructure (GI) as a strategy for urban stormwater management. In the United States, GI has gained particular momentum through federal initiatives. Previous studies have identified regulatory factors playing a pivotal role in the adoption of GI at the local level. However, the integration of GI with federal enforcement actions has received limited research attention. This study examines the first generation of federal consent decrees with GI provisions to provide insights into federal GI policy and local GI planning. The findings reveal inconsistency in GI requirements, with some cases merely encouraging GI adoption, while others mandating a more specific approach to planning and implementation. Drawing on existing GI scholarship, the results of this study suggest the establishment of universal requirements, such as piloting projects, defining success criteria, and incorporating equity considerations into local GI planning.

Modeling the distribution of cultural ecosystem services based on future climate variables under different scenarios

With the far-reaching consequences of worldwide climate variationon ecosystems and human societies, understanding and predicting changes in cultural ecosystem services (CES) is essential for sustainable development policy and resource planning. Past studies have focused on changes and impacts on natural ecosystems, while relatively few studies have been conducted on predictions of CES. This study combines POI datasets with future climate variables under different scenarios into the Maxent model for forecasting the spatial and temporal distribution of CES, which provides strong support for future decision-making. The results indicate that: (1) Under the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, the CES values in the northern, western, central, and northeastern parts of the study area are relatively high, while those in the southwestern, southern, and southeastern parts are relatively low. (2) Under the SSP126 scenario, the total CES shows an increasing trend from 2021 to 2040, but slightly declines from 2061 to 2080. In contrast, under the SSP585 scenario, the total CES significantly decreases from 2021 to 2040, especially in the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Zhejiang, and Anhui. (3) Temperature has a significant impact on CES predictions, with the annual mean temperature (Bio1) positively correlated with total CES, contributing between 0.75 and 0.78 to the distribution of CES across different years and scenarios. Additionally, the maximum temperature of the hottest month (Bio5) and the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (Bio8) also significantly influence CES under different scenarios and years. These findings reveal the regional characteristics and variations in CES distribution under different climate scenarios, providing crucial scientific evidence for future policy-making, resource management, and climate adaptation strategies. They also offer important insights into the impact of global climate change on ecosystems and human society, serving as a valuable reference for future national decision-making.

Comparative Analysis of Household Residential Preferences Across Neighbourhood Densities in Nairobi, Kenya

Rapid urban growth in Nairobi city outstrips demand and provision of adequate housing. The demand for housing in an area is dependent on the satisfaction of the resident’s needs and wants. This paper examines the residential preferences of residents in three residential estates, low, medium, and high densities in Nairobi City, Kenya. Data was collected by use of questionnaires that were administered to 267 households. Primary data was collected for this study. The data collected was analysed using factor analysis and ordinal regression. Data was presented in the form of tables. The results indicate residential preferences among high, medium and low-density areas vary. The most preferred factors for low-density residents were safety and security, open spaces and facilities; while the residents in high-density areas preferred housing diversity, local employment and close proximity to the workplace. The least preferred factor for low-density residents was close proximity to work place since they own cars hence they are more willing to commute while high-density residents prioritize proximity to work to minimize transportation costs. Residential preferences varied by density, age, gender, education and years lived in an estate. Preference for safer neighbourhoods with open spaces and facilities was high for residents in low-density areas while preference for neighbourhoods with housing diversity, local employment and close proximity to workplaces was high among the residents in high-density estates. These insights underscore the importance of addressing the varied needs and preferences of different demographic groups in urban planning and housing policy to create more equitable and livable communities in Nairobi in order to limit housing mismatch. This study contributes to the planning studies by firming up empirical evidence from developing countries that have high populations in urban areas

Towards a Conceptual Approach on the Connections of Urban Metabolism and Entropy with the Human Habitat

The complexity of urban areas has motivated the search for integrative approaches. This paper addresses three topics—human habitat, urban metabolism, and urban entropy—to explore their links within the context of urban territory and sustainability. The lack of approaches, outlooks, and synergies motivates the search for an integrated conceptual framework, what I originated as a review of published works to contribute an interdisciplinary and multiscale outlook. From reviewing 41 articles, published from 1960 to 2020, definitions were extracted, original concepts were identified, synthetic definitions were formulated, and basic elements were identified to be integrated into a first synthetic approach, both illustrative and schematic. Eighteen binding key concepts, which were derived from 83 definitions, were incorporated into the proposed conceptual framework. We suggest that the human habitat, urban metabolism, and urban entropy are strongly interrelated, confirming the utility of the proposed conceptual framework and showing the potential to generate methodological approaches that integrate one or several conceptual elements that comprise it. Demonstrating the explicit bond between definitions, concepts, and components integrated systematically into the proposed conceptual framework is innovative in the field of scientific investigation, considering its applicability to public policy, resource management, or sustainable urban planning.

Depopulation and Changes in Habitat Type in Rural Areas in Aragón (Spain)

Objective: The study aims to examine recent transformations in rural habitats undergoing depopulation in Aragón, Spain, between 2010 and 2018. It seeks to verify changes in habitat concentration patterns and identify the underlying factors. Theoretical Framework: Drawing upon theories of rural exodus and demographic shifts, the research employs the Colas Index (Colas, 1945) to analyze habitat types—dispersed or concentrated. It recognizes the influence of agricultural changes, service provision challenges, and territorial dynamics on rural settlement patterns (Escolano and de la Riva, 2003; Nuninger et al., 2021). Method: The investigation focuses on depopulated municipalities in Aragón, utilizing a comparative analysis of the Colas Index from 2010 to 2018. Administrative boundaries define the study's territorial units, enabling the quantification of habitat changes and an assessment of their direction. The analysis integrates demographic and settlement dynamics to understand habitat evolution. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate varied habitat transformation processes across municipalities, confirming the heterogeneity of the rural landscape (Pinilla and Sáez, 2017). While transformations are not universal, they challenge the traditional link between depopulation and habitat concentration. The Colas Index proves valuable for characterizing habitat dispersion levels, yet its limitations in concentrated areas are acknowledged. Methodological constraints related to administrative boundaries and the complexity of rural-urban continua are also discussed. Research Implications: This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of depopulation impacts on rural habitats, informing territorial planning and demographic policies. It underscores the need for tailored strategies that consider local habitat variability and the potential for revitalization efforts in select areas. Originality/Value: By highlighting the diversity of habitat transitions amidst depopulation, the research offers fresh insights into rural settlement dynamics. Its value lies in demonstrating that depopulation no longer universally leads to habitat concentration, thus updating the scholarly discourse on rural transformation in Spain.

Revitalizing Agricultural Economy Through Rural E-Commerce? Experience from China’s Revolutionary Old Areas

Many of the world’s less developed regions may not be able to improve the well-being of rural residents through agricultural revitalization because of their remoteness from agricultural markets. Using the county-level data set of China’s underdeveloped old revolutionary base areas from 2010 to 2021, this paper takes the policy planning of rural e-commerce as event intervention to investigate the driving role of the digital product market on agricultural economic development. Empirical results show that rural e-commerce planning policy has significantly promoted the agricultural added value of the pilot counties, and the digital market is the key driving factor of the agricultural economic growth in these underdeveloped areas. Both food production and livestock output have increased significantly as a result of e-commerce policies. Considering the potential bias of the bidirectional fixed effect estimators of staggered differences-in-differences (DID), this study uses heterogeneous robust estimators to verify the growth effect of the agricultural economy. Specifically, digital agricultural markets have significantly promoted agricultural mechanization and significantly improved agricultural total factor productivity. Moreover, empirical evidence does not support transmission mechanisms for off-farm employment and agricultural entrepreneurship. The findings can help less developed countries and regions develop policies to expand the agricultural markets with digital dividends, thereby promoting the development of the agricultural economy.