Use Of Resources Research Articles

Path Optimization of Container Multimodal Transportation Considering Differences in Cargo Time Sensitivity

To optimize the container multimodal transportation path selection problem with differences in cargo time sensitivity, this paper introduces the concept of mixed time windows and establishes an integer programming model from the perspective of carriers. The objective is to minimize the total transportation cost while meeting the customer’s on-time delivery requirements. The model imposes hard time window constraints on cargoes with on-time delivery requirements and soft time window constraints on general cargoes. A bi-level genetic algorithm is employed to solve the model. A case study is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Experimental results show that the bi-level genetic algorithm’s convergence ability, efficiency, stability, and global search capabilities are far superior to those of traditional single-level genetic algorithms. This indicates that the use of multi-stage solution approaches can mitigate the shortcomings of genetic algorithms in dealing with high-dimensional problems. In addition, when analyzing the effects of time penalty intensity and time window on decision-making results, it is found that the more time-sensitive cargoes are more likely to be affected by the time window setting, and will tend to sacrifice costs to ensure that the time demand is met. At the same time an increase in demand for time-sensitive services is accompanied by an increase in operating costs. Accurate assessment and classification of time sensitivity of cargoes can effectively prevent wasting resources in unnecessary areas, and ultimately maximize decision outcomes and ensure the most efficient use of resources.

Green HRM for Enhanced Environmental Performance: A Circular Economy Perspective Aligned with SDGs

This empirical inquiry explores the use of Green HRM as a strategic tool to improve environmental performance within the context of a circular economy. We chose 200 employees from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) based on data from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) index. The study employs Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 4) to examine the relationship between organizational policies and the implementation of circular economy principles within the framework of Green HRM practices. This research is supported by the circular economy, which is defined as a fundamental change in thinking that promotes the reuse of resources, reduction of waste, and efficient use of resources. The SEM-PLS 4 approach is used to validate the theoretical framework that proposes that Green HRM practices provide a significant contribution to the promotion of circular economy initiatives, which in turn lead to considerable gains in environmental performance metrics. Moreover, this method is employed to evaluate the complex causal links in action. Policymakers and business leaders may facilitate the integration of Green HRM into sustainability programs by utilizing the study's findings. It is expected that human capital management will play a crucial role in achieving the circular economy paradigm. This research not only improves our understanding of how Green HRM affects sustainability, but also provides firms with a strategic roadmap for implementing circular economy models.

Facilitation drives tree seedling survival at alpine treelines

Abstract Alpine treelines are considered ecological monitors recording the impacts of climate change on trees and forests. To date, most treeline research has focused on how climate change drives treeline dynamics. However, little is known about how biotic interactions mediate treeline shifts, particularly in the case of tree recruitment, a bottleneck of treeline dynamics. We hypothesized that interspecific and intraspecific facilitation determined the establishment and survival of tree seedlings at alpine treelines. To test this hypothesis, 630 Abies georgei var. smithii seedlings with different ages (4–6, 7–9, and 10–15 years old) were transplanted into three growth habitats (canopy-in, canopy-out, and meadow) across the alpine treeline ecotone (4300–4500 m) in the Sygera Mountains, on the southeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Microclimate, height growth, mortality rates, and leaf functional traits of transplanted seedlings were measured over three years. We found that the variations in leaf functional traits were driven by microclimate. After the transplantation, the leaf concentrations of soluble sugars and starch and C:P ratio increased, whereas leaf size decreased. The resource use of seedlings gradually shifted to a more conservative strategy as indicated by changes in non-structural carbohydrates and nutrient concentrations. Radiation, temperature, and moisture conditions, mediated by plants interactions, influenced seedling mortality and annual growth by affecting leaf morphological traits. Our findings illustrate how facilitation plays a crucial role in altering solar radiation and leaf trait functioning, determining seedling survival and growth at alpine treelines. We provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms for tree establishment and alpine treeline shifts in response to climate change.

Precision Agriculture: Assessment of Ergonomic Risks of Assisted Driving System

Background: the precision agriculture field optimizes resource use, enhancing performance. However, this leads to exposure to ergonomic risks for operators, in particular, tractor drivers, potentially causing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study investigates how the display position in a semi-automatic tractor system influences operator comfort and muscle activation during harrowing operations. Methods: the assessment of muscular strain involved the use of surface electromyographic devices, while posture was evaluated throughout the analysis of the distribution of pressure exerted by the operator’s body on the seat, which was observed using two barometric pads, each positioned on the backrest and base of the seat. Finally, infrared thermography (IRT), a non-invasive tool to assess muscle activation, was used to measure the surface temperature of the driver’s back. The results showed a significantly greater muscular activation display for the position of display in semi-automatic driving at 50° and 80°. Conclusions: this study showed how the position of the display on the vehicle negatively influences posture, exposing workers to the risk of developing fatigue and, therefore, discomfort, with the potential onset of MSDs. The combined use of sEMG and IRT allowed for a non-invasive, cheap, and repeatable mechanical and functionality analysis.

Self-control, peer assistance, and satisfaction of online learning among Chinese social work students

ABSTRACT Online learning is a new type of learning practice based on information and communication technologies. It has gained great popularity in higher education in China in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, because it can reach more students over long distances and achieve cost-benefit maximization. Compared with the traditional classroom-based learning model, online learning reduces the control of instructors, thus highlighting the students’ self-management ability and peer assistance. Based on the data collected from an online learning survey of undergraduate (BSW) and graduate social work (MSW) students in China in 2022, this study reveals the effects of social work students’ self-control and peer assistance on online learning satisfaction. The results show that 72.95% of BSW and MSW students have participated in online learning in the previous academic year, and they are generally satisfied with their online learning. Students’ self-control ability significantly affects their satisfaction with online learning. At the same time, peer assistance is a significant mediating variable. It is suggested that in addition to promoting students’ self-control ability and self-study management, making full use of online resources to promote peer assistance and communication among students is also a way to improve social work students’ satisfaction with online learning.

Assessment of Nature Reserve Park Management for Sustainable Development: Insights from Idanre Hills in Ondo State Southwest, Nigeria

Despite Nigeria is gifted with a wealth of natural resources and rich cultural heritage, is still backward in terms of economic development. Therefore, ecotourism has therefore been identified as a vital regional approach for harmonizing economic growth and conservation. Thus, the study empirically evaluates the current state of ecotourism in Oke Idanre hills in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary and secondary data were collected and sourced with the aid of questionnaire and scheduled Interviews. The data involved qualitative analysis using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that although ecotourism is still at an early stage, some socioeconomic benefits for the Idanre community exist such as the employment of locals as tourist guides and other investments as a result of this destination. The finding shows the use and access of resources by the locals in the Idanre community as logging and poaching have become the order of the day. Also, Idanre locals have had to cope with reduced access to some parts of the hills especially during the day since the site was listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The dilapidated site resort has brought about revenue loss to the community. The site offers rich cultural artefacts and a tour guide is usually attached to educate the tourists. Hence this study is necessary to ascertain the current state of ecotourism in Idanre hills looking from the community perspective, the practices, administration, and management of Idanre hills, also recommendations offered are centered on the study of the findings.

Country-Specific External Costs of Abiotic Resource Use Based on User Cost Model in Life Cycle Impact Assessment.

Abiotic resources are indispensable in society, but there are concerns regarding their depletion, scarcity, and increasing prices, resulting in potential economic damage in the future. To address these concerns, it is effective to consider the external costs of resource use. Although resource availability is different among mining sites, and local conditions are relevant in assessing resource scarcity, previous studies have assessed external costs and potential impacts of abiotic resource use globally. This study provides country-specific characterization factors (CFs) of abiotic resource use in life cycle impact assessment based on the user cost model, which represents the external costs of abiotic resource use to reflect country-specific resource scarcity. We demonstrate considerable variations in the CFs depending on the mining country, suggesting that the choice of mining country can affect external costs. The global external cost of abiotic resource use in 2020 was estimated at 1.9 trillion $, with a major contribution from the extraction of fossil fuels in the United States. Historical trends of the CFs and relevant parameters showed temporal fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of regularly updating the data underlying the calculation of the CFs. Country-level assessments of the external costs of resource use can contribute to discussions on the responsibilities of consuming countries by incorporating material footprint studies.

Transformation of Energy Resources in the Visegrad Group: Strategies, Results, and Climate Effectiveness

The climate challenges posed by the European Union are particularly difficult for emerging and developing economies. This causes reluctance to undertake them and even denial of their validity. For this reason, this article seeks to answer the question of whether it is possible to carry out an effective transformation of energy resources in the developing economies of the Visegrad Group. Analyses in this area are conducted in a long-term, 58-year research perspective (1965–2022) and concern the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The effectiveness of the examined transformation is assessed in two dimensions as follows: (1) resource and (2) emission, which are then synthesized using a multi-criteria analysis. This research shows that an effective resource transformation aimed at a zero-emission economy is possible even in emerging and developing economies, although it undoubtedly requires time and consistency in the implementation of the once-chosen energy policy. Hungary—a leader in assessed climate effectiveness—has systematically decarbonized while reducing the use of total non-renewable resources. The Hungarian resource transition strategy assumed the use of nuclear energy and an increase in the share of renewable resources. The result of these activities is a quite diversified energy mix, which is greater resource self-sufficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions. The Czech Republic also achieved a similar strategy and results. Poland and Slovakia coped much worse with the climate challenge: although they gave up coal, they replaced it largely with other non-renewable resources. It is worth emphasizing that Poland has managed to significantly increase the use of renewable resources, and nuclear energy and hydropower have also appeared in the Slovak mix. Nevertheless, this did not allow for achieving good climatic results.

Impact of blood salvage therapy during oncologic liver surgeries on allogenic transfusion events, survival, and recurrence, an ambidirectional cohort study.

The use of autologous blood transfusions in oncologic surgeries is somewhat controversial due to the potential risk of disease dissemination through the salvage process. On the other hand, autologous blood transfusion can prevent the potential negative effects of allogenic blood transfusions and reduce use of valuable resources. This study included 106 adult patients who underwent oncologic liver surgery at our institution between December 2015 and June 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: the Cell Saver® group (operated between January 2018 and June 2019) and the control group (operated between December 2015 and December 2017). The Cell Saver® device was present in the operating room for the Cell Saver® group, and blood was re-transfused if a certain amount of blood loss occurred. Data analysis focused on outcomes such as blood transfusion requirements, overall survival, recurrence-free survival, hemoglobin levels, hospital stay, and complications. Patient records provided relevant information on demographics, surgery details, pathology, and outcomes for both groups. Autologous blood transfusion was found to reduce the amount of blood units needed (4.0 units (control group) versus 0.4 units (Cell Saver® group) P=0.029. Kaplan-Meier curves showed no difference for both overall survival 471.6 days (Cell Saver® group) versus 468.3 days (control group) (P=0.219) and 488.9 days (Cell Saver® group) versus 487.2 days (control group) (P=0.993) and disease-free survival (P=0.553) and (P=0.735) for primary hepatic tumours and hepatic metastasis respectively between the Cell Saver® and control groups. Overall survival regardless of the type of tumour was similar to the control group (485.4d vs. 481.9d) (P=0.503). Survival was significantly lower for minor hepatectomies (516.0d vs. 517.4d) (P=0.050) in the Cell Saver® group, major hepatectomies showed no difference in overall survival (470.2d vs. 466.4d) (P=0.868). No impact on disease recurrence was found between patients who received autologous blood transfusions versus those who did not. The use of Cell Saver® should not be avoided in oncologic surgeries of the liver. Use of Cell Saver® for major hepatectomies might be more beneficial as OS was significantly lower for the Cell Saver® group for patients who underwent minor hepactomies. Further research is needed to explain this conflicting result. Nonetheless, the use of Cell Saver® in autologous blood transfusions can reduce the use of valuable resources and the risks associated with allogenic blood transfusions.

Proton Therapy in Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcomas of Children and Adolescents.

This paper provides insights into the use of Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) in pediatric patients with non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS). NRSTS are a heterogeneous group of rare and aggressive mesenchymal extraskeletal tumors, presenting complex and challenging clinical management scenarios. The overall survival rate for patients with NRSTS is around 70%, but the outcome is strictly related to the presence of various variables, such as the histological subtype, grade of malignancy and tumor stage at diagnosis. Multimodal therapy is typically considered the preferred treatment for high-grade NRSTS. Radiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of children and adolescents with NRSTS. However, the potential for radiation-induced side effects partially limits its use. Therefore, PBT represents a very suitable therapeutic option for these patients. The unique depth-dose characteristics of protons can be leveraged to minimize doses to healthy tissue significantly, potentially allowing for increased tumor doses and enhanced preservation of surrounding tissues. These benefits suggest that PBT may improve local control while reducing toxicity and improving quality of life. While clear evidence of therapeutic superiority of PBT over other modern photon techniques in NRSTS is still lacking-partly due to the limited data available-PBT can be an excellent treatment option for young patients with these tumors. A dedicated international comprehensive collaborative approach is essential to better define its role within the multidisciplinary management of NRSTS. Shared guidelines for PBT indications-based on the patient's age, estimated outcome, and tumor location-and centralization in high-level referral centers are needed to optimize the use of resources, since access to PBT remains a challenge due to the limited number of available proton therapy facilities.

Needs assessment in long-term care: expression of national principles for priority setting in service allocation

BackgroundLong-term care services for older adults are characterised by increasing needs and scarce resources. Political strategies have led to the reorganisation of long-term care services, with an increased focus on “ageing in place” and efficient use of resources. There is currently limited research on the processes by which resource allocation decisions are made by service allocators of long-term care services for older adults. The aim of this study is to explore how three political principles for priority setting in long-term care, resource, severity and benefit, are expressed in service allocation to older adults.MethodsThis qualitative study uses data from semi-structured individual interviews, focus groups and observations of service allocators who assess needs and assign long-term care services to older adults in Norway. The data were supplemented with individual decision letters from the allocation office, granting or denying long-term care services. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe allocators drew on all three principles for priority setting when assessing older adults’ long-term care needs and allocating services. We found that the three principles pushed in different directions in the allocation process. We identified six themes related to service allocators’ expression of the principles: (1) lowest effective level of care as a criterion for service allocation (resource), (2) blanket allocation of low-cost care services (resource), (3) severity of medical and rehabilitation needs (severity), (4) severity of care needs (severity), (5) benefit of generous service allocation (benefit) and (6) benefit of avoiding services (benefit).ConclusionsThe expressions of the three political principles for priority setting in long-term care allocation are in accordance with broader political trends and discourses regarding “ageing in place”, active ageing, an investment ideology, and prioritising those who are “worse off”. Increasing attention to the rehabilitation potential of older adults and expectations that they will take care of themselves increase the risk of not meeting frail older adults’ care needs. Additionally, difficulties in defining the severity of older adults’ complex needs lead to debates regarding “worse off” versus potentiality in future long-term care services allocation.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Diet composition and variation in four commonly landed and threatened shark species in Maharashtra, India

The diets of Carcharhinus limbatus, Scoliodon laticaudus, Chiloscyllium arabicum and Ch. Griesum from the west coast of India were investigated. We compared trophic resource use and overlap across and within benthic and pelagic habitat guilds, between the two sympatric species belonging to family Hemiscyliidae, and between the life stages of S. laticaudus. It was observed that there was a significant difference in the diet composition of benthic and pelagic shark species. There was no difference in the diet of the two sympatric Chiloscyllium species. S. laticaudus showed an ontogenetic dietary niche shift from an invertebrate-rich to an ichthyophagous diet. Specifically, C. limbatus showed an ichthyophagous diet while S. laticaudus showed a diet consisting of both benthic and pelagic prey. C. arabicum, C. griesum, and S. laticaudus were less dependent on teleosts and displayed similar diet composition. The study also found that several of the prey species were commercially important fish species caught in the fisheries of Malvan. Thus a change in the relative abundance of either prey or predators due to fishing pressure could influence coastal food webs, leading to impacts both on ecosystems and fisheries.

Utilizing Wheel Washing Machine Sludge as a Cement Substitute in Repair Mortar: An Experimental Investigation into Material Characteristics.

The construction industry strives for sustainable solutions to tackle environmental challenges and optimize resource use. One such focus area is the management of industrial byproducts and waste materials, including fugitive dust control through wheel washers. While wheel washers play a pivotal role in dust management, they generate a challenging byproduct known as wheel washer sludge (WWS). The disposal of WWS is complicated due to its composition and potential hazards. Recent research explores reusing WWS in construction materials, particularly in repair mortar, aiming for sustainability and circular economy principles. This study investigates the incorporation of WWS into repair mortar formulations, evaluating mechanical properties, durability, and environmental implications. Results show that WWS enhances workability but prolongs setting time. Mechanical strength tests reveal improvements with WWS addition, especially when pretreated. Water absorption rates decrease with pretreated WWS, indicating enhanced durability. Chemical attack tests demonstrate resistance to carbonation and chloride penetration, especially with modified WWS. Freeze-thaw tests reveal improved resistance with WWS addition, particularly modified. Microstructure analysis confirms hydration products and denser matrices with WWS inclusion. Environmental hazard analysis shows WWS contains no harmful heavy metals, indicating its suitability for use in repairs. Overall, this study highlights the technical feasibility and environmental benefits of incorporating WWS into repair mortar, contributing to sustainable construction practices.

OPTIMIZING RESOURCE-USE EFFICIENCY OF YAM PRODUCERS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA: A PATH TO ENHANCED FOOD PRODUCTION

Resource utilization inefficiency poses a significant barrier to enhancing food production in Nigeria. This research assessed the efficiency of resource use among yam cultivators in the Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, through a study involving 100 yam farmers chosen at random. Information was gathered using interview schedules and a systematically organized questionnaire. The analysis employed descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and multiple regression models. Findings indicate that the mean age of the farmers surveyed was 55.35 years, with 60% boasting over 30 years of agricultural experience. A majority (84%) were male heads of households, and 85% were married. Approximately 63% of the participants reported having households of 6 to 10 members, indicating relatively large family sizes. Around 79% had received primary education or had no formal schooling. The average farm size was found to be 0.70 hectares, with 79% managing no more than 1 hectare, categorizing them as small-scale farmers. The research also uncovered that yam cultivation is financially viable, yielding an average gross margin and net income per hectare of N94,636.13 and N83,491.60, respectively. The primary challenges faced by these farmers include insufficient funding, inadequate storage facilities, and the elevated costs of planting materials. Consequently, the study suggests that the government should formulate and implement agricultural policies aimed at ameliorating these challenges to boost yam production in the region. Keywords: Agricultural Policy, Yam Production, Resource Efficiency, Small-Scale Farmers, Nigeria.

Ecosystem-based spatial modeling: Assessing the supply of hydrological services in a watershed in Southern Brazil

Hydrologic services describe the way terrestrial ecosystems affect freshwater resources. This study employed an ecosystem-based approach and spatial models to assess the significance of ecosystems in providing hydrological services in a Watershed in southern Brazil. The environmental systems and hydrological services were characterized and evaluated for the significance weights assignment by expert opinion dynamics. Spatial and tabular data generated were applied in an ecosystem services model (InVEST-Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs) for a relative importance analysis. Map algebra was performed to integrate relative importance with runoff values, resulting in an importance index (II), which enabled the identification of the most important ecosystems for the hydrological services provision. Among the environmental systems, riparian forests (0.2457), forests (0.2455), wetlands (0.2332), and fields with livestock (0.2291) demonstrated the highest II values. Ranking environmental systems and their vegetation cover based on their performance in terms of eco-hydrological functions and hydrological services has the potential to support management actions on land use in the pursue of sustainability regarding water resources use.

Developing Strategies For Mitigating Losses in The Water Supply System of The Jerimum Site in Missão Velha-Ce: A Focus on The Relationship Between Water and Society

Objective: It is intended to analyze the efficiency of the use of water resources in the Water Supply System (SAA) of the Jerimum Site in Missão Velha-CE, through the monitoring of water losses in the distribution system, in order to propose mitigation measures and control of waste.   Method: This qualitative and exploratory study used a bibliographic procedure to investigate the effectiveness of the distribution system of the SAA of the Jerimum Site managed by the Integrated Rural Sanitation System (SISAR). Data collection was carried out through meetings with community leaders and the general population served by the system, analysis of the Loss in Distribution index (IPD) in the period from 2018 to 2022, consultation of the SISAR spreadsheet related to loss control and inspection of the SAA.   Results of the research and discussions: The results obtained revealed that the distribution system of the SAA of Sítio Jerimum is considered inefficient, as it does not meet the minimum limit established for IPD of up to 25%, as determined by Ordinance No. 490/2021. The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied in the field of SAA management, specifically rural ones.   Research Implications: The research contributes to the literature for its practical propositions about the fight against water losses. In addition to implying the awareness of the population of Sítio Jerimum, Missão Velha-CE, to reduce losses in their SSA.   Originality/value: The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by identifying that an efficient management to combat losses requires attention in the technical, inspection and socio-environmental pillars. Thus, this research offers environmental managers tools to verify the efficiency of SAA in terms of water loss control, and consequently ways to reduce loss rates.

Aboveground Biomass Inversion Based on Object-Oriented Classification and Pearson–mRMR–Machine Learning Model

Cities play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Measuring urban aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for evaluating carbon sequestration. Satellite remote sensing enables large-scale AGB inversion. However, the apparent differences between forest and grassland biomass pose a significant challenge to the accurate estimation of urban AGB using satellite-based data. To address this limitation, this study proposed a novel AGB estimation method using the eastern part of the Zhahe mining area in Huaibei City as the study area, which integrates land cover classification, feature selection, and machine learning modelling to generate high quality biomass maps of different vegetation types in an urban area with complex feature distribution. Utilizing the GEE platform and Sentinel-2 image, we developed an object-oriented machine learning classification algorithm, combining SNIC and GLCM to extract vegetation information. Optimal feature variables for forest and crop-grass AGB inversion were selected using the Pearson–mRMR algorithm. Finally, we constructed nine machine learning models for AGB inversion and selected the model with the highest accuracy to generate the AGB map of the study area. The results of the study are as follows: (1) Compared with the pixel-based classification method, the object-oriented classification method can extract the boundaries of different vegetation types more accurately. (2) Forest AGB is strongly correlated with vegetation indices and physiological parameters, while agri-grass AGB is primarily associated with vegetation indices and vegetation physiological parameters. (3) For forest AGB modelling, the RF-R model outperforms other machine learning models with an R2 of 0.77. For agri-grass AGB modelling, the XGBoost-R model is more accurate, with an R2 of 0.86. (4) The mean forest AGB in the study area was 4.60 kg/m2, while the mean agri-grass AGB was 0.71 kg/m2. High AGB values were predominantly observed in forested areas, which were mainly distributed along roads, waterways, and mountain ranges. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the health of local urban ecosystems and provides valuable insights for ecosystem protection and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Improving Digital Communication Skills for Members of Pringsewu Police Resort

The use of digital technology has become an integral part of everyday life, including in the fields of security and law enforcement such as in the Pringsewu Police Resort. However, challenges in adopting and utilizing digital communication skills are still faced by many members of the Pringsewu Police Resort. Therefore, this community service aims to enhance the digital communication skills of Pringsewu Police Resort members through a series of training sessions. The methods used in this service include observation/interview methods, lecture methods, training methods, and the use of relevant digital resources. The results of this community service are highly effective in providing value in terms of knowledge, understanding, and application of digital communication skills by Pringsewu Police Resort members. They become more proficient in using various platforms and digital tools to communicate effectively, both internally and externally. Furthermore, active participation of members in the training demonstrates a high level of concern and enthusiasm for self-improvement and service to the community. By enhancing the digital communication skills of Pringsewu Police Resort members, it will directly contribute to the positive impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement tasks and service to the community. The next step is to maintain continuity and expand the scope of the program to ensure sustainability and maximize the benefits obtained.

GEODESY IN SOLVING PROBLEMS OF SUSTAINABLE CITY DEVELOPMENT: ANALYSIS OF URBAN TERRITORY PLANNING

The article focuses on the creation and implementation of a geodetic planning system aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of urban areas. The main emphasis is on the use of open and accessible software, integration of full-fledged GIS and DBMS components. The process of determining the most suitable GIS platform for GSP included a detailed analysis of various GIS systems taking into account their functionality, which allowed to choose QGIS as the optimal solution due to its high functionality in the field of geodata management, support for various data formats, user interface and dynamic development. The structure of the GSP is based on two main platforms: the QGIS GIS system for cartographic data presentation and analysis, and the Microsoft Access DBMS for performing all data operations. Interaction between these platforms is provided through the eVis module built into QGIS, which allows for efficient planning of urban area surveys and land use management. The main tasks solved with the help of GSP are the planning of primary surveys to identify target plantations, detailed taxation of plantations with the creation of samples according to specified parameters, obtaining point maps of the distribution of various types of vegetation, planning sample surveys with specific geospatial conditions, as well as geo-information and tax analysis in in solving the problems of sustainable development of cities. The implementation of GSP provides significant advantages for planning the sustainable development of urban areas, allowing more efficient use of land resources, optimizing urban management processes and intensifying scientific research in this field. The development and integration of modern digital technologies in the field of urban planning play a key role in achieving the goals of sustainable development. 

Use of sludge from water treatment decanter in cement composites

The objective of this manuscript is to present a sustainable alternative for the use of waste from Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), specifically water treatment sludge (WCS), in civil construction. The proposal is to use water treatment sludge as a construction material, more specifically in the partial replacement of cement in self-compacting mortars (SCC). Due to the significant use of natural resources in civil construction and the consequent environmental degradation, the use of water treatment sludge (WCS) as a construction material may be an option. However, the low quality of river water and the need for drinking water force water treatment plants to use greater quantities of chemical compounds, resulting in a significant waste known as WCS. The methodology used for dosing self-compacting concrete (SCC) follows the process described by the Gomes method, which is applicable to both concrete and self-compacting mortars. In this study, the partial replacement of cement at 2.5% and 10% with water clarification mud (WCS) in self-compacting mortars (SCC) was analyzed and it was found that the compressive strength increased from 27.3% to 30%  for the specimens, with the addition of 2.5% and 10% of WCS, respectively. A life cycle assessment was carried out to prove the environmental benefits of replacing cement with WCS. The results preserve the feasibility of applying WCS in civil construction while at the same time highlighting the need for additional research on the topic.