Support For Sustainable Development Research Articles

Entrepreneurial universities and integrated sustainability for the knowledge-based economy: self-perception and some structural challenges in the Gulf region

Innovation and the promotion of entrepreneurship are requirements of the transition towards knowledge-based economies. Universities are assigned a key role in advancing entrepreneurship through the restructuring of teaching, research, and governance with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability. In the Gulf region, universities are increasingly adopting reforms aimed at redefining their missions towards entrepreneurial education. This study examines the impact of university-based innovation and entrepreneurial models on progressing towards knowledge-based economies, with Qatar University serving as a case study. It qualitatively assesses recent university reforms and contextualizes these reforms within limitations in the national context and the political economy of the rentier states in the Gulf. The findings suggest that for Gulf region universities to effectively become entrepreneurial and support sustainable development, they must cultivate an entrepreneurial culture and mindset. This requires structural and cultural shifts that resonate with national context, institutional values, and the global sustainability goals. The study indicates that a top-down approach to developing entrepreneurial universities is less effective. It advocates for policies and incentives that motivate universities to become entrepreneurial. Ultimately, the study’s insights aim to guide policymaking to develop knowledge economy frameworks in Qatar towards a sustainable future.

Implication of Institutional Frameworks Governing Land Tenure Security in Social-Economic Dynamics: Experience from Iringa District in Tanzania

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the implication of institutional frameworks governing land tenure security in socioeconomic dynamics in the Iringa district. The study used the case of the Iringa district to investigate the institutional framework that provides implications for the governance of land tenure security in Tanzania. Methodology: The study employed phenomenography by collecting primary data from 16 key informants selected from village and district levels. Data from key informants were complemented by documentary review with perception considered deductively.   Findings: Findings confirmed the existence of two principal institutional frameworks; the Land Act No. 5 of 1999 and the Village Land Act No. 4 of 1999. Nonetheless, bureaucracy, inadequate policy dissemination, and poverty emerged as primary causes of deviations in land policy implementation in the study area. This study concludes that the successful implementation of Tanzania's land policy in the Iringa District Council has significantly facilitated land tenure security through the issuance of a Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy. Establishing a robust institutional framework and clear land use rules has been central to this success. However, challenges such as complex Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy acquisition procedures, bureaucracy, inadequate policy dissemination, and prevalent poverty in rural areas have been identified as impediments. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was guided by Institutional Theory which describes the interaction of human beings with existing natural resources, the institution involves the regulation of formal rules from constitutions, status laws, and other legal frameworks controlling the interaction and relationship of human behavior. The study contributed to the theory by establishing the relationship between the organization and enforcement of policy and regulatory framework that governs land tenure. Also, the study recommends expanding the Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy issuance, strengthening local land administration, simplifying land use regulations, facilitating easier access to Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy especially for impoverished households, and implementing strategies to reduce bureaucracy and enhancing policy understanding at the grassroots level. These measures aim to enhance land tenure security and support sustainable development in rural communities.

Sustainable dairy sector of an emerging economy: An empirical quest based on India

CONTEXTThe dairy sector has been poised for fierce competitiveness due to the commercialization of the dairy sector and the presence of a global market size of 893 billion dollars. It has received a new dimension with the challenge of environmental sustainability. OBJECTIVEConsidering all these challenges, the present research paper studies the major growth factors and the sustainable approach to dairy development in an emerging economy like India. METHODSFifteen major dairy-developed states of India have contributed 90% of the milk production of the country examined from 2001 to 2019. The significance of key growth factors for dairy farming and the dairy value chain is assessed. The opportunity for sustainable dairying is examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe authors have found that the growth factors of dairy farming and dairy value chain are significant by 1% through the fixed effect (FE) model and random effect (RE) model respectively. Indian dairy farming practices and their approach create optimism about environmental sustainability. SIGNIFICANCEThe present study has observed a series of operational activities that are conducive to the triple bottom approach. With that, this study has mentioned strategies that can steer growth momentum and support sustainable Indian dairy development in the coming times.

A machine learning and quantile analysis of FINTECH and resource efficiency in achieving sustainable development in OECD countries

This study aims to examine the impact of fintech investments and resource efficiency on sustainable development in OECD countries between 2010 and 2019. Various estimation techniques, including the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQREG), machine learning-based Kernel Regularized Least Squares (KRLS), and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), have been utilized in this study. MMQREG and KRLS are both estimators that examine the relationship between variables in several qunatiles, increasing the reliability of the findings. The research results indicate that fintech investments and resource efficiency support sustainable development. Additionally, institutional quality, environmentally friendly technologies, and foreign trade are found to have a positive impact on sustainable development. These findings suggest that financial technology and resource management can play a significant role in promoting both economic and environmental sustainability.

Urban regeneration and placemaking: a Digital Twin enhanced performance-based framework for Melbourne’s Greenline Project?

ABSTRACT This paper explores the integration of Urban Digital Twin (UDT) technology in Melbourne’s Greenline Project, focusing on a performance-based framework that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and city-specific sustainability objectives. Recognising the complexities of urban ecosystems while anchoring on human-centric ‘placemaking’ – a participatory process involving the planning, design, and management of public spaces – the key capabilities and challenges in developing, implementing and applying UDTs and related technologies to achieve these objectives are reviewed and synthesised. Challenges in data collection and/or access, their use and integration into decision-making processes and capturing the dynamic interaction between physical and virtual environments, including updating UDT models are highlighted. The review emphasises the role of urban planners and stakeholders in driving UDT development and applications by better understanding and stating objectives, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration for effective technology application, crucial for robust data management, analytics, and community contribution. International examples illustrate the potential utility of Digital Twins in enhancing urban planning, design, and operational management. The paper presents a preliminary framework to guide the further development of the Greenline Project and inform future research that is needed for improved and effective deployment and use of UDTs in other urban revitalisation projects. Practitioner pointers Urban planners have a central role in directing Urban Digital Twin technologies to address socio-economic and sustainability challenges facing cities and communities. Interdisciplinary collaboration, skills development, user-friendly technologies and sharing of real-time spatial data will drive innovation and support sustainable urban development. Developing performance frameworks will enhance planning and design practice, project monitoring and management and communications related to sustainable urban regeneration.

Analysis of Youth Empowerment Policies in Supporting Sustainable Development in Developing Countries

This research aims to analyze policies for youth empowerment in supporting sustainable development in developing countries. Through a literature review method, this study explores key factors influencing the effectiveness of youth empowerment policies, evaluates implemented strategies, and formulates relevant policy recommendations. Findings reveal that access to education and training, poverty alleviation and unemployment, as well as political participation and social engagement are crucial aspects of youth empowerment. Holistic, inclusive, and integrated policies are required to ensure effective and sustainable youth empowerment. Policy recommendations include expanding access to education and training, developing locally-based poverty alleviation programs, and strengthening political participation and social engagement of youth. The implementation of these policies necessitates cross-sectoral and intergenerational collaboration.

Induction and characterization of induced tetraploid, mixoploid and control diploid teak seedlings (Tectona grandis L.f.) from shoot cultures treated with oryzalin*

Teak, known for its high-quality timber and economic value, holds significant potential as the major component of an agroforestry system to combat climate change and support sustainable development goals. The challenge of slow teak growth can be addressed by introducing fast-growing teak varieties amenable to vegetative propagation. Furthermore, the improvement of teak through somatic cell genetics, such as inducing polyploidy, can result in more vigorous, faster-growing, and drought-tolerant trees. While a report exists on a tetraploid teak accession with enhanced less water tolerance, information on the induction and characterization of tetraploid teak is lacking. In this study, we report the induction of polyploid teak by immersing 1 – 1.5 cm nodal stem segments and shoot tips obtained from teak shoot cultures in a modified MS liquid medium containing 5 − 30 µM oryzalin for one week, followed by subculture for 6 passages. The resulting shoots were acclimatized and grown in the nursery for 10 months. Based on flow cytometry for ploidy analysis of pre-selected plants having morphologies typical of polyploid followed by chromosome counting, we identified two tetraploid plants from one accession and 18 mixoploid teak plants from four accessions. Chromosome counting analysis confirmed that a diploid plant had a chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 36, tetraploid plant had a chromosome number of 2n = 4x = 72, and mixoploid plant exhibited both chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 36 and 2n = 4x = 72 in root tip cells. Morphological characterization revealed that tetraploid and mixoploid teak plants displayed typical polyploid characteristics, such as larger, thicker, and greener leaves, increased root diameter, increased cell size in root tip region, and larger stomata size but with reduced density. The development of tetraploid teak holds the potential to provide faster-growing and more drought-tolerant varieties, facilitating breeding efforts, including the development of triploid varieties.

Mangrove Ecosystem Management Strategy to Support Sustainable Development Goal 14

Sustainable mangrove management plays a pivotal role in advancing various sustainable development goals (SDGs). These encompass poverty and hunger eradication, fostering livelihoods and economic growth, countering the impacts of climate change, and protecting biodiversity. To investigate this matter, our study employed participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and focus group discussion (FGD) techniques. The study engaged with local government officials, fishermen, farmers, non-governmental organizations, women leaders, community leaders, and the general public actively involved in mangrove forest regions. The purposive sampling method ensured a representative sample. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, integrating SWOT analysis and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The findings revealed several key strategies: promoting the development of the potential of economically and sustainably valuable mangrove ecosystems through environmentally friendly planting and harvesting; empowering communities through farmers, fishermen, and women’s groups to generate household-scale mangrove-based industries; providing all necessary facilities and infrastructure for mangrove ecotourism visitors; expanding the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in improving community awareness and knowledge on the management of mangroves; and providing training to increase the diversification of mangrove economic products.

The Workshop on Cattle Breeding and Fattening in an Effort to Increase the Human Development Index in Sijunjung Regency

The Human Development Index (HDI) is an important indicator to measure a country's progress in improving the welfare of its people. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia's HDI is still low. To improve Indonesia's HDI, the livestock sector, especially cattle breeding and fattening, can contribute significantly. ICMI (Indonesian Muslim Scholars Association) in collaboration with the Department of Agroindustry developed a high-quality and sustainable cattle breeding and fattening program. The goal of this collaboration is to improve cattle breeding and raising skills and support sustainable agricultural development. The solution of this collaboration is the improvement of participants' knowledge and skills on better livestock technology so as to increase the productivity and quality of beef cattle especially in Sijunjung Regency.

Change Management in Agriculture 4.0: SAP-LAP Model in Support of Sustainable Development and Food Security

Change Management in Agriculture 4.0: SAP-LAP Model in Support of Sustainable Development and Food Security

Tourism as a Catalyst for Supporting Sustainable SMME Development

Globally, entrepreneurship is evident in the tourism industry, primarily receiving policy support and donor-assisted funding in developing countries. The South African Minister of Tourism reported that foreign direct spend on tourism for the first quarter of 2023 was R 25.3 billion increasing by 143.9% from the same period the previous year. This highlights the amount of tourist footfall that happens in South Africa. This can be seen as a huge boost to entrepreneurs and support rising unemployment. While research in entrepreneurship education has been extensively explored, entrepreneurship within the fashion domain has been largely overlooked, with significantly less existing literature in South Africa. Nonetheless, understanding the role of entrepreneurship in tourism development remains limited in academic discussions. Tourism serves as a crucial source of revenue for any economy, contributing not only from tourism itself but also through various associated industries. This includes locally-made products that attract tourists seeking souvenirs as gifts after their travels. To remain competitive, overcome challenges, and avoid unattractive product offerings, the tourism sector must embrace innovation. This research, conducted using a qualitative approach with university students, engaged with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) producing souvenirs for tourists, encouraging them to employ innovative and cost-effective methods in their product creation. The study's findings revealed five distinct categories of innovation, namely: product innovation, process innovation, managerial innovation, management innovation, and institutional innovation. Among these, process innovation and product innovation were the most frequently implemented innovations to promote locally-made products in the market.
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

How accurate are the machine learning models in improving monthly rainfall prediction in hyper arid environment?

Arid regions like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face a dire challenge of scarce water resources and unpredictable climate patterns. This study investigates the efficacy of advanced Machine Learning (ML) techniques in enhancing rainfall prediction within hyper-arid environments. Leveraging an extensive 30-year dataset from 1991 to 2020, this study harnessed the power of XGBoost, LSTM, Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boost (GB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Linear Regression (LR), and ensemble methods to significantly enhance the prediction accuracy of monthly rainfall over UAE. In the initial univariate analysis, focused solely on rainfall as the predictor, the ML models displayed encouraging performance during the training phase, achieving an impressive correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.88 for both XGBoost and the ensemble models. However, their predictive efficacy witnessed a decline during the testing phase, where the maximum CC reached 0.45. In contrast, traditional models like Linear Regression and SVM, yielded subpar results in both training and testing, exhibiting correlation values lower than 0.3. To address these limitations, a multivariate analysis is conducted by incorporating additional meteorological parameters, including wind speed, temperature, humidity, and evapotranspiration. This augmentation proved highly beneficial as it substantially enhanced the models' predictive capacities during the testing period. The XGB achieves a CC of 0.76, LSTM improves from 0.21 to 0.71, and stacked models exhibit promising behavior jumping from an average of 0.44 to 0.82 during the testing periods. Additionally, we performed a sensitivity analysis utilizing LASSO regression, which revealed that wind speed and minimum temperature emerged as the most influential parameters for monthly rainfall prediction in the arid context. These two meteorological factors exerted a substantial impact on the accuracy of our predictive models, underscoring their significance in understanding and forecasting rainfall patterns in hyper-arid regions, such as the United Arab Emirates. The identification of these key drivers further strengthens the foundation for effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in such challenging environments. This study provides valuable insights for water resource planning, agriculture, and climate resilience strategies in hyper-arid regions. Further research can build upon these results to enhance rainfall prediction models and support sustainable development in arid regions.

The Existence of Mandiri Lestari Waste Bank Management in Supporting Sustainable Development of Mapanget District, Manado City

Waste that is not managed properly will have an impact on the environment and also on public health. Waste Management is a systematic, comprehensive, and sustainable activity that includes reducing and handling waste. The aims of this research are: 1) to find out, describe, and analyze Waste Management at the Mandiri Lestari Waste Bank; 2) to find out and describe waste bank management in supporting sustainable development in Mapanget District, Manado City. This research uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The research results show that 1) Mandiri Lestari Waste Bank management is not optimal, this can be seen from inadequate management, facilities, and governance that are not in accordance with existing regulations; 2) The management of the Mandiri Lestari Waste Bank is not yet supported by all groups, including the community, government and waste bank managers. Good waste bank management will improve the economy and development for the communities involved and can improve the quality of life with a clean environment.

BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE GREATEST NUCLEAR DISASTERS: WHAT IS KNOWN SO FAR AND WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS?

Abstract. The high potential of nuclear power to combat climate change and support sustainable development plays a critical role in achieving the goal of the Paris Agreement. Moreover, with the ever-increasing demand for electricity, it is essential to consider nuclear power as a reliable source of energy. However, it should be noted that although the risk of a radiological accident is small, it always exists, and therefore it is crucial to have a complete understanding of the management of nuclear power. Herein, we present a statistical review of nuclear accident research at Chernobyl and Fukushima Nuclear Power Plants using bibliometric analysis to identify key patterns in scientific results and current issues in accident research. More than 10,000 articles have been collected from the SCOPUS database covering the periods 1986–2022 and 2011–2022 on Chernobyl and Fukushima, respectively. The results were obtained from two perspectives: first, we identified stages through which pre- and post-accident researches have evolved, and then we analysed the spatial correlation between energy-economic performance and scientific literature for the leading productive countries. From the analysis of research trends, it was found that the number of articles increased sharply immediately after the accident and slightly decreased over time. Among the most attractive subject categories in terms of the largest number of publications and received citations were environmental sciences, medicine and energy policy. The productive country ranking was mostly topped by the country in which the accident occurred. Spatial statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between the scientific productivity and energy-economic performance of the leading countries.

The RiskTole Model for Future Financial Inclusion-Literacy?

Without proper planning, individual face financial hardship when reach golden age. Financial planning is a dynamic scenario, whereby complex integration both external setting and internal consideration. Therefore, academician and practitioners confront challenge to comprehensive framework integration. This study intent to develop an inclusive framework, in which integrate financial planning and behaviour, to accommodates human-life cycle objectives. This study data collection used mixed method convergent design multiple sources. To support the development of RiskTole framework, model consists of financial planning, hierarchy of needs, and financial behaviour model is being discussed. The framework incorporates three elements, namely time period, anticipated events, and risk tolerance. The framework includes two layer, whereby inner layer includes four core assets (asset management, protection, accumulation and distribution), subsequent identify of six financial planning areas. Outer layer layout financial decision choice for the planning. Finally, four supplement recommendations by respondents, comprises rebalancing EPF-collateral profit rate, financing repayment incremental, bi-weekly operation transaction, and sinking fund creation. The framework offers originality by providing body of knowledge from new dimension, and support Sustainable Development Goals 2023 financial inclusion initiative. Nevertheless, the success implementation entails public and private long-term support, accessibility inclusion of proper financial tools, and knowledgeable practitioner to serve.

Preface to the Proceedings of the 10th Asian Physics Symposium (APS) 2023

The 10th Asian Physics Symposium 2023 (APS 2023) was held on 3-4 October 2023, in Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia with the theme of “The Role of Physics in Supporting Sustainable Development Goals” and was implemented in a hybrid manner in purpose of increasing sustainability of this scientific event, accessibility and also increasing participants engagement. This event provides the widest possible opportunities for the young Indonesian scientists to present the latest research results in the physics and its related fields, to foster research collaborations with well-known overseas scientists and to extend international research networking in the future.The 10th APS 2023 is organized by the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, in collaboration with Physical Society of Indonesia (PSI). The program of APS 2023 features 7 invited talks in 45 minutes for each plenary session and 116 contributed oral presentations in 15 minutes of presentation including the Q&A session, which come from several countries: Japan, Malaysia, Turkey and Indonesia. All abstracts and papers have been reviewed by selected reviewers from the APS committee.I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Prof. Wahyu Srigutomo, Dean of Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (FMIPA) ITB for the support and advice in preparing this scientific event and to Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM) ITB Support Program for organizing the Year International Conference 2023.I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. David Andrew Bradley (Sunway University, Malaysia), Assoc. Prof. Seda Aksoy Esinoglu (Istanbul Technical University, Turkey), Prof. Alexander Iskandar (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Kayoko Yamamoto (University of Electro-Communications, Japan), Prof. Fumiyuki Ishii (Kanazawa University, Japan), Dr. Hijaz Kamal Hasnan (University of Malaya, Malaysia), and Prof. Nandang Mufti (University of Malang, Indonesia) as the Keynote speaker for sharing the knowledge and research to all the participant in APS 2023. I would like to say my deepest thanks to Prof. Agung Nugroho (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Dr. Ahmad Ridwan Nugraha (National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia), Prof. Camelia Panatarani (Padjadjaran University, Indonesia), Prof. David Marpaung (University of Twente, the Netherland), Prof. Ding Lu (Institute of Materials Research and Engineering- A*Star, Singapore), Dr. Dwi Irwanto (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Fatimah Arofiati Noor (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Dr. Freddy Haryanto (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Halim Kusumaatmaja (Durham University, England), Prof. Husin Alatas (Institut Pertanian Bogor, Indonesia), Prof. I Made Joni (Padjadjaran University, Indonesia), Prof. Khairurrijal (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Mitra Djamal (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Rizal Kurniadi (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Dr. Satria Zulkarnaen (Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan), Prof. Sidik Permana (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Triyanta (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Umar Fauzi (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Prof. Widayani (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia), Dr. Yuliati Herbani (National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia), Prof. Yudi Dharma (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia) and Prof. Zaki Su’ud (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia) for their willingness as an advisory board to give guidance and advice for the implementation of this scientific event.Finally, I would like to say thanks to all the organizing committee members and reviewers for their excellent work and all of authors for their valuable contributions in APS 2023.Bandung, January 2024Chairman of APS 2023,Dr. Eng. Priastuti WulandariFaculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandungpwulandari@itb.ac.idList of Advisory Board of the 10th Asian Physics Symposium (APS) 2023, Technical Committee of the 10th Asian Physics Symposium (APS) 2023 are available in this Pdf.

Carbon emissions in China's urban agglomerations: spatio-temporal patterns, regional inequalities, and driving forces.

Urban agglomerations are the centers of carbon emissions. However, research on sector-specific carbon emissions in different urban agglomerations is still limited. Drawing on the data of China's six urban agglomerations in 2005, 2010, and 2015, this study investigates the spatio-temporal patterns, regional inequalities, and driving forces of total, industrial, transportation, and residential carbon emissions. The study found that Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei was the total and sectoral emission center among the studied urban agglomerations. Additionally, regional carbon inequalities gradually decreased, implying a growing regional synergistic carbon pattern. The driving forces of carbon emissions, including population, GDP, energy intensity, secondary industry, tertiary industry, foreign investment, urbanization, and green coverage, varied across sectors and regions. Notably, foreign investment could lead to lower carbon emissions in less developed agglomerations like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Central Plains, and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, whereas more developed agglomerations like the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta benefited less from foreign investment. Besides, ChengYu has good ecological conditions and sustainable development modes, which linked urbanization and green space to reduced carbon emissions in the industrial sector. The findings can help formulate differentiated carbon policy and support sustainable development.

Utilizing gamification to promote pro-sustainable behavior among information technology students

AbstractHigher education institutions (HEIs) have made substantial strides towards incorporating sustainability into their curricula. However, the methodology of education for sustainable development (ESD) needs to be more performance-oriented and grounded in practical experience in order to foster behavioral changes towards environmental protection. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a gamification-driven strategy in encouraging students of information technology (IT) to adopt sustainable practices. The data was gathered from the digital records and survey responses of 75 information technology (IT) students as a component of their English language course. The results of the study suggested that the gamified method successfully encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices in their personal lives and future workplaces. The students' viewpoints regarding the accountability of individual employers and citizens for the well-being of our planet underwent a substantial transformation in support of sustainable development. The method described is applicable to various academic fields, including the humanities, sciences, medical studies, and others.

Assessment of the association between health problems and cooking fuel type, and barriers towards clean cooking among rural household people in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries, households mainly use solid fuels like wood, charcoal, dung, agricultural residues, and coal for cooking. This poses significant public health concerns due to the emission of harmful particles and gases. To address these issues and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopting cleaner cooking fuels like electricity and gas are acknowledged as a viable solution. However, access to these cleaner fuels is limited, especially in rural areas.MethodsThis study conducted a face-to-face survey with 1240 individuals in rural Bangladesh to explore the link between health issues and cooking fuel type, as well as barriers to transitioning to clean cooking. Using a convenient sampling technique across four divisions/regions, the survey gathered socio-demographic and health data, along with information on clean cooking barriers through a semi-structured questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were then employed to identify significant associations between cooking fuel type and health problems.ResultsThe study revealed that a majority of participants (73.3%) relied on solid fuel for cooking. The use of solid fuel was significantly correlated with factors such as lower education levels, reduced family income, location of residence, and the experience of health issues such as cough, chest pressure while breathing, eye discomfort, diabetes, asthma, and allergies. Economic challenges emerged as the foremost obstacle to the adoption of clean cooking, accompanied by other contributing factors.ConclusionThe use of solid fuel in rural Bangladeshi households poses substantial health risks, correlating with respiratory, eye, cardiovascular, and metabolic issues. Lower education and income levels, along with specific residential locations, were associated with higher solid fuel usage. Economic challenges emerged as the primary obstacle to adopting clean cooking practices. These findings emphasize the need for implementing strategies to promote clean cooking, address barriers, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets for health and sustainable energy access in Bangladesh.

Integrated municipal management of waste from tree pruning and removal

Urban forests generate a significant amount of waste from leaf fall, pruning and removal of trees. This lignocellulosic material is typically used for composting, burned (with or without energy generation) or disposed in landfills. Despite its potential use for environmentally friendly purposes, access to the material is still limited, mainly due to the lack of knowledge about its generation and quantity, difficulties in sorting, and issues related to the transport and storage of this waste. Thus, this article characterizes an urban afforestation system, quantifies the generation of waste, and proposes an integrated municipal system for the use of this waste material. After describing the procedures and operations performed for tree pruning and removal, we report a case study of the city of Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil, covering a period of 15 months. We adjusted empirical equations (Log Spurr, Spurr, and Schumacher-Hall models) to estimate the volume of waste produced, serving as a basis for the development of waste quantification methods. The city was estimated to generate an average of 180 tons of afforestation waste per month, composed mainly of leaves and thin branches (69%). Composting alone was considered an inefficient use of the material (about 31% of waste is not beneficially utilized). This material can be applied for the production of different products with high added value. Models to predict the generation of waste can contribute to the planning of municipal waste management. The Schumacher-Hall and Log Spurr models produced the best results. In general, the results indicated that adequate urban planning can help reduce waste disposal and burning by local governments. Additionally, carrying out the quantification of waste and exploring the use of new recovery measures of waste from urban afforestation can help support sustainable local development.