Sustained Effort Research Articles

Meeting Report for the 2023 International Scientific Conference on Complex Lymphatic Anomalies

Objectives: Complex lymphatic anomalies (CLAs) are rare diseases with variable clinical manifestations caused by the abnormal development of lymphatic vessels. The Lymphatic Malformation Institute (LMI), Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham’s Disease Alliance (LGDA), and LGD Alliance Europe sponsored an international conference on CLAs so leaders in the field could discuss recent advances in research on CLAs. Methods: The conference occurred in Dallas, Texas, between September 29th and September 30th, 2023. The event had 22 distinguished speakers and 38 attendees. Additional researchers, clinicians, and patients attended the conference virtually. Results: In this article, we summarize the key takeaways from the meeting. The conference emphasized the crucial role of the patient voice in guiding research, and attendees heard stories from patients and parents of children with CLAs. The conference covered topics such as the genetic causes of CLAs, preclinical models, clinical advances, new technologies for CLA research, lymphatic imaging, and patient-centered research. Videos of all the presentations can be found on the LGDA website. Conclusions: The meeting revealed that while progress has been made, many challenges still exist surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of CLAs. Sustained research efforts are necessary to fill the gaps in knowledge and improve the care and quality of life of CLA patients.

Navigating the regulatory landscape: US environmental regulations pertaining to CO2 emissions

Amid growing apprehensions regarding climate change, regulatory frameworks governing carbon dioxide emissions play a crucial role in shaping industrial practices, energy policies, and environmental sustainability efforts. Through an examination of key regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and relevant legislation such as the Clean Air Act, this paper analyzes the intricate web of regulations governing CO2 emissions across various sectors. Additionally, the paper explores recent developments, including regulatory updates, policy shifts, and emerging trends, highlighting their implications for businesses, policymakers, and environmental advocates. By synthesizing complex regulatory information into a concise and accessible format, this paper aims to provide valuable insights for stakeholders navigating the dynamic landscape of US environmental regulations pertaining to CO2 emissions.

The intersection of faith and tourism: an exploratory study on halal tourism motivations among Indian millennials

Purpose This study aims to explore the motivations of emerging market millennial Muslims to partake in halal tourism, a developing sector of the travel industry that caters to the religious practices of Muslim tourists. Design/methodology/approach This study is qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were conducted with millennials aged 25–40 in India to gain an understanding of the factors that influence their decision-making and travel behaviour. Further, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings The findings emphasise the intricate interplay between faith, cultural and social factors in millennial Indians’ motivations for halal travel. The study found that religious motivations, such as the desire to fulfil religious duties and participate in spiritual experiences, were significant factors in halal tourism. Social motivations, such as the desire to interact with other Muslims and strengthen family ties, also played a significant role. The study also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and conservation efforts in the decision-making process of Indian millennials when choosing halal travel options. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on halal tourism by exploring the motivations of emerging-market millennial Muslims. The study is original in its focus on the Indian context and the inclusion of sustainability and conservation efforts in the analysis of motivations for halal tourism.

Sustainable water resource management by business organisations: empirical investigation applying stimulus-organism-response theoretical perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this research was to study sustainable water resource management using a stimulus-organism-response (SOR) perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis research study was an exploratory qualitative study. Thematic content analysis was used based on semi-structured interviews with 30 experts operating in the USA, representing 26 water-intensive organisations across different industries. The study was anchored in the theoretical foundations of SOR perspectives.FindingsThe results of this study revealed several fundamental factors, processes and forces that were considered by organisations for sustainable water resource management. Managers evaluated risks relative to water resources and developed strategic initiatives regarding water management. The authors found that often organisations considered water resources management aspects while deciding business operations. This was especially true for substantive water resource-consuming organisations with wide geographical operations.Research limitations/implicationsThrough this study, the authors explained how the interrelationship between organisations and water resources presented risks and challenges. The authors applied SOR theoretical perspective in this research study. This was while factoring in an organisation’s present considerations and future plans regarding sustainable water resource management. Thus, the study findings were expected to further interdisciplinary research at the intersection of organisational and environmental studies.Practical implicationsThe finding that water sustainability challenges and efforts could act as strong motivating forces for innovation and technology was significant. Water sustainability challenges could also be a catalyst for synergistic collaborations amongst organisations and diverse groups of institutions. The study insights were relevant to organisational scholars, the water management industry regulators and managers involved with organisational sustainability programmes.Originality/valueOrganisational challenges regarding sustainable water resource management have been influenced by growing populations and climate change. Furthermore, the increasing context of scarcity was compounded by increased pressures from numerous stakeholders. Although critical water management issues were recognised by organisations, relatively little was known about how organisational managers were planning for and responding to these issues. This research study contributed towards addressing the mentioned research gap.

Place Attachment, Awareness of Environmental Responsibility and Pro-Environmental Behaviour of Visitors in Protected Natural Areas

ABSTRACT This study explores the effects of domestic visitors’ place attachment and environmental responsibility awareness on pro-environmental behaviors at Biokovo Nature Park, Croatia. Leveraging the Norm Activation Model (NAM), it identifies essential mechanisms by which emotional and cognitive connections with nature drive sustainable action. Findings reveal that place attachment influences awareness of environmental responsibility, which in turn shapes pro-environmental behaviors. The investigation underscores the critical role of environmental responsibility awareness in mediating the relationship between place attachment and pro-environmental behaviors, suggesting that omitting this factor could lead to overestimating the influence of place attachment. By illuminating the psychological processes underpinning conservation-oriented actions in protected areas, the research advocates for management strategies prioritizing visitor engagement in environmental responsibility, thereby enhancing sustainability efforts.

Analyzing the Implementation of Green Industries Practice at PT. Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. Tuban Plant towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

This research examines the implementation of green industry practices at PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Tuban Plant and its contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a state-owned multinational corporation in the cement industry, PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Tuban Plant plays a significant role in integrating environmental sustainability into its business operations. Through a qualitative exploratory approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation study. The analysis revealed that the company has implemented various green industry practices across its operations, including the adoption of Alternative Fuel and Raw Material (AFR), Waste Heat Recovery Power Generation (WHRPG) technology, and community development programs. These practices align with several SDGs, particularly SDGs 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, focusing on clean energy, innovation, sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, and life on land. The research highlights PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Tuban Plant as a pioneering entity in environmental management and community empowerment within the cement industry, contributing significantly to sustainable development efforts.

Delineation of aquifer storage potential in response to regional groundwater development

Developing aquifers as part of sustainability efforts toward groundwater development is a tactical approach to meeting water demand and management objectives. Delineation of aquifer storage potential (ASP) and longitudinal conductance (SL\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${S}_{L}$$\\end{document}) is a good approach to protect and manage groundwater resources. A Schlumberger configuration was applied to delineate fifteen (15) vertical electrical sounding (VES) stations alongside a 2D electrical resistivity imagery (ERI) profile and regional borehole data to characterize the regional ASP. The results of the study show that the layer resistivity and thickness values of the regional aquifer unit range from 39.9–105 Ωm and 15–44 m, respectively, while the overburden thickness overlays the regional aquifer unit varied between 5–10 m corresponding to the regional borehole data. The weathered/fractured basemen, which constitute the regional aquifer unit were delineated, which consists of shallow, moderate, and deep aquifer zones. The deep aquifer zones fall within the depth of 30–44 m and are considered suitable for groundwater prospective. The weathered layer with appreciably low resistivity values with thick aquifer regolith has also been identified as most suitable for borehole siting. The weathered/fractured encountered within thick aquifer regolith were mapped as the region with a high ASP for groundwater development. In addition, the values of longitudinal conductance, SL\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${S}_{L}$$\\end{document} and transverse resistance, RT\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${R}_{T}$$\\end{document} estimated from aquifer parameters vary between 0.21-0.85Ω-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0.21-0.85 \\,{\\Omega }^{-1}$$\\end{document} and 1695-3124Ωm2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$1695-3124\\, {\\Omega m}^{2}$$\\end{document}, respectively. The SL\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${S}_{L}$$\\end{document} values show that the study area falls within moderate (0.20-0.69Ω-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0.20-0.69 \\,{\\Omega }^{-1}$$\\end{document}) and good (0.7-4.9Ω-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0.7-4.9 \\,{\\Omega }^{-1}$$\\end{document}), which invariably determined the regional aquifer protective capacity. Thus, the DC geoelectrical approach has been successfully employed in a lateritic-based environment to delineate aquifer-promising zones for regional groundwater development.

Data Plants: Growing Insights in Agriculture through Data Science

Data Science blends different scientific methods to extract valuable insights from large sets of data. Agriculture is crucial for India's economy because more than half of its population relies on it as their main source of income. Research and Extension systems are key in developing and spreading agricultural technologies to boost farmers' earnings. Recently, the use of data has become a game-changer in farming, transforming traditional practices and promoting sustainability efforts. This paper investigates how data-driven methods like machine learning, remote sensing, and predictive analytics are reshaping farming operations and decision-making processes. It also discusses the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of data-driven approaches in farming, such as data security issues and lack of infrastructure. Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities for further exploration and innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across disciplines and policy interventions to maximize the benefits of data-driven approaches for sustainable food production. In summary, this study highlights the significant role of data in farming and its importance in addressing global food security and environmental sustainability challenges.

Efficient Expansion Algorithm of Urban Logistics Network for Medical Products Considering Environmental Impact

As society continues to age, people are becoming more concerned about their health care. This has led to an increase in the demand for medical products in urban areas, emphasizing the need for regular and prompt deliveries. However, the existing logistics centers are located in the suburbs of Seoul, a metropolitan city, which makes it challenging to ensure timely delivery. To address this issue, this study aims to establish new logistics centers in urban areas, particularly in Seoul, while minimizing CO2 emissions from delivery vehicles in alignment with sustainability efforts. The scientific gap addressed in and the novelty of this paper is that the input parameters are prepared based on actual data from a medical company in Korea to reflect reality, and the mathematical model-based optimization technique is applied to determine the optimal location of a new logistics center. The genetic algorithm is developed to solve the proposed mathematical model by deriving optimal or near-optimal solutions. Furthermore, the numerical experiment examined the impact of establishing a new logistics center in one of the candidate areas of local governments in Seoul by considering environmental impact. As a result, the new logistics network can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 66.74% compared to the existing logistics network.

Morphological Characteristics of Propane–Hydrogen Diffusion Flame: Experiments and Correlations

ABSTRACT This study investigated the flame height and liftoff height of turbulent diffusion jet flames of the Propane–Hydrogen mixed gas. A series of experiments have been conducted to examine their flame height and liftoff height with different concentrations of propane and hydrogen. The experimental results show that the flame height decreases with the increase in hydrogen concentration. The accuracy of the Froude number for the prediction of flame height has been verified. The liftoff height is proportional to the propane flow rate, while it was inversely proportional to the hydrogen concentration due to the increased laminar flame speed. A theoretical model incorporating laminar flame speed, heat release rate, and fuel exit velocity has been obtained. These investigations are crucial for enhancing safety in hydrogen-enriched pipeline systems, which is helpful for the use of hydrogen in energy systems and global sustainability efforts.

Carbon Emission Analysis and Reporting in Urban Emissions: An Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Inventories and Climate Action Plans in Sarıçam Municipality

The urban carbon footprint (UCF) is an important tool for assessing an organization’s ecological impacts and in guiding sustainability efforts. This calculation is usually measured in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq). Calculations provide important data to determine strategies to reduce the carbon footprint and establish sustainability targets. Various standards and protocols guide UCF calculation, and many organizations aim to make these data transparent to their stakeholders and the public. This study aims to calculate the UCF of Sarıçam Municipality (SM) in the Adana Province of Türkiye. This study includes the greenhouse gas emission inventories resulting from all activities of the SM main service building, guest house, construction site service building, Cultural Center service building, and additional service buildings between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2022. The calculations include generator fuel consumption, electricity consumption, the refrigerant gas leaks and refills resulting from these activities, the fuel consumed in vehicles owned by the company or whose fuel consumption is under company control, emissions originating from personal travel, emissions originating from customers and visitors, emissions originating from business travel, purchases, etc. Emissions from products purchased and emissions from waste transportation are included. The findings show that, in 2022, the total UCF of SM was equal to 10,862.46 tons of CO2-eq. The Paris Agreement aims to reduce the per capita emissions to approximately two tons of CO2-eq by 2030. The carbon footprint per employee within the municipality was calculated at 12.43 tons of CO2-eq, as derived from the analyzed data. The results reveal the importance of implementing sustainable practices and strategies within SM, such as energy efficiency measures, waste reduction, and the adoption of renewable energy sources, to mitigate its carbon footprint. This study plans to provide a basis for SM’s reduction efforts by keeping greenhouse gas emissions under control.

U.S. beef producer perspectives on “sustainable beef” and implications for sustainability transitions

Beef production systems are at the center of ongoing discussion and debate on food systems sustainability. There is a growing interest among beef producers, consumers, and other beef supply chain stakeholders in achieving greater sustainability within the industry, but the relationship of this interest to general sustainability issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, livelihood risks, and animal welfare concerns is unclear. Specifically, there is very little research documenting how beef producers define and view the concept of sustainability and how to achieve it. Producer perspectives are critical to identifying constraints to sustainability transitions or to help build agreement with other producers about the shared values such transitions may support. Through a secondary analysis of survey data of U.S. beef producers (n = 911) conducted in 2021 by the Trust in Food division of Farm Journal, a corporation that provides content, data, and business insights to the agricultural community (e.g., producers, processors/distributors, and retailers), we investigated what “sustainable beef” means to U.S. beef producers, highlighting the key components and constraints they perceive to achieving desirable sustainability outcomes. Leveraging the three-pillar model of sustainability as a framework for analysis, we identified key themes producers use to define “sustainable beef.” We found that producers collectively viewed sustainability as: (1) multidimensional and interconnected; (2) semi-closed and regenerative; (3) long-lasting; and (4) producer-centered, although an integrated perspective uniting these aspects was rare. We discuss how these perspectives may be the basis for sustainability efforts supported by producers and raise future research considerations toward a shared understanding of what sustainability is and what is needed for enduring sustainability solutions in the U.S. beef industry.

Hidden curriculum: Voices of Chinese rural migrant children

AbstractUnited Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 emphasises the need to ‘reduce inequality within and among countries.’ In line with this goal, this study focuses on the educational experiences of five rural migrant children from an urban village in China. Using the concept of hidden curriculum (HC), the study explores whether these children have encountered social exclusion in their schools. Through interviews and observations, the study shows that the HC is not easily discernible but subtly influences students, teachers, and parents, resulting in a certain degree of social exclusion within various educational facets. Reducing inequalities through education presents significant challenges, requiring sustained efforts.

Using Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPT) for Electricity Price Trend Forecasting in the Spanish Market

The electricity market in Spain holds significant importance in the nation’s economy and sustainability efforts due to its diverse energy mix that encompasses renewables, fossil fuels, and nuclear power. Accurate energy price prediction is crucial in Spain, influencing the country’s ability to meet its climate goals and ensure energy security and affecting economic stakeholders. We have explored how leveraging advanced GPT tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT to analyze energy news and expert reports can extract valuable insights and generate additional variables for electricity price trend prediction in the Spanish market. Our research proposes two different training and modelling approaches of generative pre-trained transformers (GPT) with specialized news feeds specific to the Spanish market: in-context example prompts and fine-tuned GPT models. We aim to shed light on the capabilities of GPT solutions and demonstrate how they can augment prediction models by introducing additional variables. Our findings suggest that insights derived from GPT analysis of electricity news and specialized reports align closely with price fluctuations post-publication, indicating their potential to improve predictions and offer deeper insights into market dynamics. This endeavor can support informed decision-making for stakeholders in the Spanish electricity market and companies reliant on electricity costs and price volatility for their margins.

The influence of consumer behavior on sustainable marketing efforts

This concept paper explores the dynamic relationship between consumer behavior and sustainable marketing efforts. As consumers increasingly prioritize environmental and social responsibility, businesses are adapting their marketing strategies to meet these evolving demands. The paper provides insights into the influence of consumer attitudes, beliefs, and values on sustainable purchasing decisions, highlighting the growing market for environmentally friendly products and the importance of transparent communication about sustainability efforts. Through a review of existing literature, the paper identifies key trends, challenges, and opportunities for businesses seeking to align their marketing strategies with sustainability goals. It proposes a model for understanding the influence of consumer behavior on sustainable marketing efforts, emphasizing the role of marketing strategies in shaping consumer perceptions of sustainability and influencing purchasing behavior. While businesses face challenges such as the high cost of sustainable production and the complexity of supply chains, the paper also highlights opportunities to differentiate themselves in the market and build stronger relationships with environmentally conscious consumers. By understanding consumer preferences and values, businesses can develop marketing strategies that resonate with their target audience and drive positive change. In conclusion, consumer behavior has a significant impact on sustainable marketing efforts, and businesses must adapt their strategies to meet the demands of an increasingly socially and environmentally conscious consumer base. The paper provides a foundation for further research and offers practical insights for businesses looking to integrate sustainability into their marketing strategies and achieve long-term success in a rapidly changing market landscape.. Keywords: Consumer Behavior, Sustainability, Marketing.

AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Balancing Advancements and Safeguards

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues its rapid evolution, its profound influence on cybersecurity becomes increasingly evident. This study delves into the pivotal role of AI in fortifying cybersecurity measures, emphasizing its capacity for enhanced threat detection, automated response mechanisms, and the development of resilient security frameworks. However, alongside its promise, recognition of AI's susceptibility to exploitation in sophisticated cyber-attacks exists, underscoring the imperative for continual advancements in AI-driven security solutions. This research offers a nuanced perspective on AI's impact on cybersecurity, advocating for the proactive integration of AI strategies, sustained research efforts, and formulating ethical guidelines. Adopting supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms like decision trees, support vector machines, and neural networks aims to harness AI's potential to bolster cybersecurity while concurrently addressing associated risks, paving the way for a secure digital landscape. Regarding accuracy, the neural network outperforms other models by 98%.

Biomarkers of mussel exposure to Vibrionaceae: A review

AbstractFor more than a century, bacterial infections caused by Vibrio spp. have affected various species of mussels around the world, with limited insights into the responses implemented by mussels against these infections. A combination of chemical analyses and carefully selected biological endpoints from haemolymph and tissues can be used to identify the welfare status of mussels and potentially protect aquatic ecosystems from catastrophic health threats. Recent developments in biomarker identification tools, such as omics and bioinformatics, have been successfully applied to evaluate the effect of environmental pollutants and other chemicals on mussels. However, the application of biomarkers to assess mussel health is limited. This review describes the available scientific literature on biomarker research for Vibrio-mussel interactions, and those aspects related to mussel health and disease assessment, grouped as biomarkers of exposure, effects, and susceptibility. From the review, it is clear that when integrated biomarkers are used, they can provide a deeper understanding of the relative health and potential susceptibility of mussels for better management practices. Furthermore, health biomarker data can be used to build resilience in mussels against climate change conditions, strengthen biosecurity management programs, improve farming and processing efficiency, and add value in terms of market-desirable traits. These data hold promise for advancing sustainability efforts within the aquaculture industry. Graphical abstract

Climate Literacy in the Age of Global Climate Change: A Critical Inquiry into Shaping Climate –Literate Society for a Sustainable Future

Climate Change is a multidimensional challenge in the twenty-first century. The challenges venting out of the consequences of climate change are mainly due to a lack of information and knowledge to combat it. It is important to build a climate-literate society to address and combat the consequences of ecological catastrophe. There is a need for cutting-edge knowledge on understanding the nuances of critical components of climate science, which is the need of the hour. Henceforth, climate literacy is an understanding of anthropogenic impact driven by human activities that have led to planetary crisis; cultivating ecological skills and thought processes, with a pragmatic vision of providing a tool to build a sustainable world in the era of climate change world. The role of educators and academic institutions in nurturing environmental stewardship becomes a vital for taking a step forward to a sustainable future in the cocoon of sustainable development goals. This paper will explore and address the vision of cultivating climate literacy as a framework for sustainable development and addressing climate resilience in the age of global climate change. The aim of the study is to identify the efficacy of Climate Change Education (CCE) initiatives and to trace few of the best practices and methods for developing a climate-literate society. As we introspect into the future outcome of the present study, it will envision climate literate society and decision-making processes at individual, institutional, and governmental levels for promoting sustainability and millennium development goals. Thus, it calls for action, emphasising the urgency of humanising climate literacy to empower current and future generations to contribute meaningfully to the global environmental sustainability and resilience effort.

Co-occurrence and abundance of pollinators and pests in horticultural systems in Africa using an integrated Earth observation-based approach

ABSTRACT Flower-visiting insects that are pollinators play a critical role in promoting biodiversity in agroecosystems and agricultural food production through their pollination ecosystem service. However, several factors affect the survival of these pollinators and flower visitors, including the heavy and indiscriminate application of agrochemicals to control crop insect pests, which is impacted by various cropping patterns in a landscape and by shifting environmental conditions. Thus, this study focused on investigating the influence of cropping patterns on the spatial distribution of pollinators (Apis mellifera, Hymenoptera other than A. mellifera, and Syrphidae), flower visitors (Calliphoridae), and pests, i.e. fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) and false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) of the avocado, a pollinator-dependent crop. Cropping patterns, earth observation data and relevant environmental variables were used as the predictor variables for modeling the potential distribution and abundance of avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests in one of the leading regions in avocado production in Kandara, Maragua, and Gatanga sub-Counties in Murang’a County, Kenya. In specific, species distribution modeling (SDM) and species abundance modeling (SAM) techniques, i.e. the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model (presence-only data) and negative binomial (NB) distribution in a generalized linear model (GLM) (abundance data) were used, respectively. Additionally, the spatial distribution probability of the co-occurrence of the pollinators, flower visitors and pests was also analyzed. This study revealed that cropping patterns was the most consistent influential predictor variables for the distribution of avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests. A large area of Kandara and some parts of Maragua and Gatanga sub-Counties showed a high spatial distribution probability of the studied avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests. However, only the majority of Kandara sub-County had a high spatial distribution probability score of the potential co-occurrence of the avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests. Further, A. mellifera was the most abundant flower-visiting pollinator compared with the other studied pollinators, while B. dorsalis was the most abundant avocado pest compared with T. leucotreta. In addition, GLM analysis indicated that no environmental variable was significant in explaining the abundance of the studied avocado pollinators, whereas precipitation and elevation derivatives of aspect and hillshade were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) in explaining the abundance of B. dorsalis. Solar radiation was significant in explaining only the abundance of T. leucotreta. Our study revealed that SDM and SAM modeling outputs can be used to inform decision-making for the implementation of sustainable management efforts regarding pollinators, flower visitors, and insect pests.

Economies of Inequality? Polycentric Metropolitan Governance and Strategic Sustainability Choices

This article examines the relationship between the political fragmentation of cities in metropolitan regions, the distribution of social vulnerability, and the city-level economic and social sustainability strategies they adopt. Strategies emerge from prevailing community norms, and polycentric governance arrangements can support conditions in which both economic and social sustainability strategies emerge as compliments, contrary to the concern that fragmentation spurs zero-sum competition. Combining surveys of U.S. cities with social vulnerability data and text analysis of planning documents, we find that greater fragmentation has a negative impact on the sustainable development strategies cities adopt. However, growth and sustainable development strategies tend to develop alongside social sustainability efforts to address human needs. We conclude that development strategies emerge in polycentric systems in relation to the degree of fragmentation which exists, and that subsequent work should continue to focus on identifying these entropic thresholds in order to effectively address lingering inequities.