Search Results (36,063)

Agriculture 5.0 (Ag5.0) represents a groundbreaking shift in agricultural practices, addressing the global food security challenge by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, and big data analytics. To adopt the transition to Ag5.0, this paper comprehensively reviews the role of AI, machine learning (ML) and other emerging technologies to overcome current and future crop management challenges. Crop management has progressed significantly from early agricultural methods to the advanced capabilities of Ag5.0, marking a notable leap in precision agriculture. Emerging technologies such as collaborative robots, 6G, digital twins, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, cloud computing, and quantum technologies are central to this evolution. The paper also highlights how machine learning and modern agricultural tools are improving the way we perceive, analyze, and manage crop growth. Additionally, it explores real-world case studies showcasing the application of machine learning and deep learning in crop monitoring. Innovations in smart sensors, AI-based robotics, and advanced communication systems are driving the next phase of agricultural digitalization and decision-making. The paper addresses the opportunities and challenges that come with adopting Ag5.0, emphasizing the transformative potential of these technologies in improving agricultural productivity and tackling global food security issues. Finally, as Agriculture 5.0 is the future of agriculture, we highlight future trends and research needs such as multidisciplinary approaches, regional adaptation, and advancements in AI and robotics. Ag5.0 represents a paradigm shift towards precision crop management, fostering sustainable, data-driven farming systems that optimize productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Full article

Agroecosystems form a natural ecosystem component, allowing the proper classification of a regional biome at a global scale. It is important to view agroecosystems from a micro-environmental perspective given that they are characterised by a combination of factors, including the interaction of soil–plant–atmosphere conditions, which are largely responsive to human management practices. The published literature generally provides a limited explanation of the multidimensional nature of agroecosystems. In combination, agroecosystem practices promote efficient water use and nutrient cycling in defence of regenerative agriculture ethos. Sustainable agroecosystem practices can be combined to explain how to mitigate the risks to biodiversity. This study aims to present a review of predominant advances in sustainable crop production from the perspective of the agroecosystem. A hybrid methodology of data mining and interpretation was used to establish the meaning and relationships of the major research areas that have emerged over time and dominate the narrative of sustainable agroecosystem definition and practices. Crop diversification, sustainable soil management, integrated pest management, sustainable water resource management, and precision agriculture were selected using document summarisation and entity relation modelling to generate and explain relationships between various components of sustainable agroecosystems based on the existing literature. A major finding is the confirmation of comparable applications in different regions, whose explanation is enhanced by recent advances in data summation. This review concludes that sustainable agroecosystems are separable in meaning and impact. However, it is reasonable to recommend the need for future research into their integration for implementation and interpretation. Full article

Air pollution from volatile organic compounds poses significant environmental and public health issues due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. In this context, this experimental study explored photocatalytic degradation as a promising approach for the degradation of two polluting fatty acids, butyraldehyde (BUTY) and isovaleraldehyde, utilizing a TiO₂ photocatalyst-supported nonluminous textile within a continuous planar reactor. The impact of varying airflow rates (2 to 6 m³/h), initial pollutant concentrations (10 to 60 mg/m³), and air relative humidity (5 to 90%) on oxidation performance and removal efficiency were systematically investigated. The following optimal conditions were identified: an inlet concentration of 10 mg/m³, an airflow rate of 2 m³/h, a catalyst mass of 25 g/m², a UV intensity of 2 W/m², and 50% RH. The luminous textile photocatalytic degradation exhibited notable effectiveness for BUTY removal. To enhance our understanding, a mass transfer model using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood approach as a kinetic model was developed. This modeling approach allowed us to determine kinetic adsorption and degradation constants, reasonably agreeing with the experimental data. This study provides valuable insights into applying nonluminous textile-supported TiO₂ photocatalysts for environmental pollutant removal in continuous planar reactors. Full article

Fires at the wildland–urban interface (WUI) result in the release of ash into the atmosphere that can be transported for long distances and deposited on land and in oceans. Wildfire ash has the potential to increase phytoplankton biomass in the open ocean by providing both major nutrients and trace metals. However, fires that originate at the WUI contain potentially toxic concentrations of metals such as Ti, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, especially in coastal oceans close to WUI fires, where ash deposition rates are high. Here, we investigated the impact of fire ash from different sources originating from vegetation, structures, and vehicles on growth of the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (T. weissflogii). The diatom was exposed to ash suspensions containing equimolar concentrations of 10 and 50 µM Fe. The concentration of potentially toxic metals (e.g., Ti, Cu, and Zn) in the exposure suspensions decreased following the order vehicle ash suspension > structural ash suspension > vegetation ash suspension. Growth rates (GR) of T. weissflogii were between 0.44 d⁻¹ and 0.52 d⁻¹ in the controls, and varied with ash types, following the order vegetation (GR = 0.40 d⁻¹ to 0.48 d⁻¹) > vehicle (GR = 0.06 d⁻¹ to 0.46 d⁻¹) > structure (GR = 0.02 d⁻¹ to 0.31 d⁻¹) ash. Two ash samples (A 131 and A136) completely inhibited the growth of T. weissflogii, possibly due to high Ti, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the form of (nano)particles. Overall, this study showed that structural and vehicle ash, with high concentrations of potentially toxic metals, significantly suppress the growth of T. weissflogii, whereas vegetation ash with high concentrations of Fe and Mn but low concentrations of potentially toxic metals had no significant beneficial or suppressive effect. High concentrations of the metals Ti, Cu, and Zn in the form of nano(particles) in structural and vehicle ash are possible sources of toxicity to diatom growth. This study provides valuable insights into the potential impacts of WUI fires on aquatic ecosystems and can inform management strategies aimed at reducing these impacts. Full article

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a potent greenhouse gas, and agriculture represents more than fifty percent of total anthropogenic emissions. The production of N₂O in soil is biogenic through nitrification, denitrification, chemonitrification, nitrifier denitrification, etc., which are processes influenced by the soil pH, temperature, moisture, oxygen concentration, organic carbon, and soil nitrogen. Higher N₂O emissions from the soil result in lower nitrogen use efficiency and higher environmental pollution in terms of global warming. Therefore, an understanding of different pathways for N₂O production in soil and the affecting factors is essential to mitigate N₂O emissions from soil to the atmosphere. Nitrification inhibitor application has been reported in many studies, but the impact of nitrification inhibitors in different perennials (orchards) and biennials (rice, wheat, maize, etc.) is not lacking. In this study, we develop an understanding of different N₂O production pathways and different influencing factors. The role of the different nitrification inhibitors was also developed to achieve low N₂O emissions from soils to the atmosphere. Full article

The job values of college graduates are rapidly changing, but a mismatch between industry expectations and young chefs’ values has emerged. To capture the heterogeneity in job values that traditional variable-centered approaches may overlook, this study employed Latent Profile Analysis, a person-centered method, to classify the job value profiles of culinary arts graduates and examine their impact on major–job match and subjective well-being. A total of 386 culinary arts graduates, extracted from the Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey, were classified into six latent profiles. First, the most prevalent profile (Profile 4) emphasized environmental and developmental values, and was associated with a higher proportion of women and a greater likelihood of unemployment. Second, graduates who valued job attributes across all dimensions (Profile 1) were more likely to secure employment in or outside their field than those in Profiles 2, 3, and 5 were. Third, negative emotions increased the likelihood of belonging to Profiles 2, 3, and 5 compared to Profile 1. Finally, higher life satisfaction reduced the probability of belonging to Profiles 4, 5, or 6 compared to Profile 1. These findings emphasize the importance of aligning HR policies with graduates’ job values. Such alignment can enhance employment within graduates’ academic disciplines and improve their subjective well-being. Full article

The revolution in biotechnology at the end of the 20th century has improved agricultural productivity, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced food nutrition. However, genetically modified food (GMF) consumption remains low, particularly in the European Union, including Spain. This study develops a GMF acceptance model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, incorporating five key variables alongside gender and age as control factors. Attitude-related variables include perceived benefit (PB) and perceived risk (PR). Perceived control factors involve food neophobia (PHOB) and knowledge (KNOWL) about GMFs. Additionally, subjective norm (SN) is considered. Using a sample of 728 Spanish consumers, the model was validated, explaining 70% of the variance and demonstrating strong predictive capability. The results so PB, KNOWL, and SN positively influence GMF acceptance, whereas PR and PHOB have negative effects. PB and SN emerged as the most influential variables, which are also highlighted as priorities in the importance–performance map analysis (IPMA). Based on these findings, strategies have been proposed to enhance perceived benefits and influence subjective norms, potentially increasing GMF acceptance. This study provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and offers guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders to promote the adoption of GMFs. Full article

The lungs play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by facilitating gas exchange and serving as a structural and immune barrier. External factors, including nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, profoundly influence normal lung function and contribute to the development, progression, and prognosis of various respiratory diseases. Deficiencies in key micronutrients, such as vitamins A, D, and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can impair the integrity of the epithelial lining, compromising the lungs’ defense mechanisms and increasing susceptibility to injury and disease. Obesity and physical inactivity further disrupt respiratory function by inducing structural changes in the chest wall and promoting a pro-inflammatory state. Environmental pollutants further worsen oxidative damage and activate inflammatory pathways. Addressing these modifiable factors through interventions such as dietary optimization, physical activity programs, and strategies to reduce environmental exposure offers promising avenues for preserving lung function and preventing disease progression. This review examines the molecular pathways through which nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental influences impact lung homeostasis. Full article

The high-quality development of specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative enterprises (SRDIEs) is essential for advancing an innovation-driven strategy. This paper investigates the impact of financial technology (Fintech) on sustainable innovation within SRDIEs that face financing challenges, analyzing it from supply-side, demand-side, and environmental perspectives. We utilize fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fSQCA) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) to explore the configurational paths and complex causal effects of Fintech in facilitating the innovation of SRDIEs amid financing challenges. By employing a combination of NCA and fsQCA, this study identifies several effective pathways through which Fintech enhances the innovation efficiency of SRDIEs. We develop an integrative model to enhance innovation inputs, outputs, and sustainability. The key findings include the following: (1) Fintech significantly enhances innovation output, supported by business efficiency and digital intelligence; (2) two distinct pathways for achieving high-innovation inputs are identified, driven by Fintech intensity and effective credit allocation, with specialization and financial mismatches serving as auxiliary factors; (3) the core conditions of Fintech intensity and the financing environment, along with competitive banking, promote innovation motivation and sustainability in highly specialized enterprises. The conclusions of this study provide both theoretical and practical insights for SRDIEs to tackle innovation challenges characterized by an “inability to innovate”, a “lack of willingness to innovate”, and “ineffectiveness in innovation”, enabling their transition from merely being “able to innovate” and “daring to innovate” to becoming “proficient in sustainable innovation”. These findings offer differentiated sustainable innovation solutions for enterprises through three avenues: capacity building on the demand side, channel optimization on the supply side, and ecological cultivation on the environmental side. Full article

This study examines research on the impact of climate change (CC) on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) using bibliometric analysis, topic modeling, and content analysis. Articles published in the Web of Science database between 2000 and 2024 were analyzed. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were used for bibliometric analysis and Python for topic modeling. In addition, the 50 most cited articles were content analyzed. The results show that there has been an increasing number of publications over time and that the research originates predominantly from high/very high Human Development Index (HDI) countries, especially China and the United States, rather than from low HDI countries. These countries also have strong international cooperation networks. Topic modeling shows that high/very high HDI countries work on a balanced range of topics, while low HDI countries focus primarily on environmental impacts. Thematic analysis shows that research topics are evolving, diversifying, and deepening. As a result, the literature on CC-NCDs is expanding and deepening, thus providing evidence-based information for global public health interventions. However, in countries with low HDI and the most vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, the volume of publications, thematic diversity, and international cooperation are significantly low. Unfortunately, from a public health policy perspective, global climate change is far from being a problem that any country can solve alone. Global cooperation is, therefore, essential. Full article

If global warming persists, new strategies will be necessary to keep high-yielding dairy cows’ reproduction at a thermo-neutral level. In this study, two years of data from around 2000 cooled cows from a dairy farm in northeastern Romania were analyzed. In both years, an automated cooling system was used to maintain the temperature–humidity index (THI) within the range of 65–75 when environmental conditions exceeded the upper limit of this range. The univariate analysis shows that there may be a potential association between parity and the heat detection rate (p < 0.25). Additionally, the analysis suggests possible associations between conception rate and season, parity, and 4 + AIs (p < 0.25). These findings warrant further investigation through multivariate analysis. Summer season had the biggest impact (p = 0.001) on poor conception rate, according to the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Notably, the effects on conception rates extended into autumn (p = 0.004) in cooled high-yielding dairy cows. As expected, repeat breeding (4 + AIs) and parity (3 + lact.) impacted reproduction (p = 0.05). However, there was no association between OvSynch and OvSynch + GnRH on day 5 after AI and conception rate (p > 0.05). According to data from the current study, we concluded that the current cooling systems need to be improved to maintain reproduction at a thermo-neutral level for high-yielding dairy cows. Full article

PM_2.5 pollution has intensified with rapid urbanization and industrialization, raising concerns about its health and environmental impacts. Both meteorological factors and urban forests play crucial roles in influencing PM_2.5 concentrations. However, limited attention has been given to the direct impact of canopy structure on PM_2.5 levels at a larger scale. This study analyzes the temporal variation of PM_2.5, including seasonal and diurnal patterns, across different functional zones (park, traffic, and residential zones) in a subtropical region. It also investigates the seasonal responses of PM_2.5 to meteorological factors (temperature, humidity, and precipitation) and canopy structure characteristics, including canopy diameter (CD), canopy thickness (CT), canopy area (CA), canopy volume (CV), canopy height ratio (CH), leaf area index (LAI), and tree canopy cover (CO). The results show that among different functional zones, PM_2.5 concentrations were the highest in park zones, followed by traffic zones. Seasonal variations in PM_2.5 concentrations were the highest in winter (84.00 ± 45.97 μg/m³), with greater fluctuations, and the lowest in summer (36.85 ± 17.63 μg/m³ µg/m³), with smaller fluctuations. Diurnal variation followed an “N”-shaped curve in spring, summer, and autumn, while a “W”-shaped curve was observed in winter. Correlation analysis indicated significant negative correlations between PM_2.5 and humidity, temperature, and rainfall, while CD, CA, and CV showed positive correlations with PM_2.5. Notably, PM_2.5 exhibited greater sensitivity to changes in canopy structure in winter, followed by autumn. Despite these findings, the influence of canopy structure on PM_2.5 concentrations was considerably smaller compared to meteorological factors. In particular, every 1 m² increase in canopy area could raise PM_2.5 levels by 0.864 μg/m³, whereas an average increase of 1 mm in rainfall could raise PM_2.5 by 13.665 μg/m³. These findings provide valuable guidance for implementing protective measures, improving air quality, optimizing urban greening strategies, and enhancing public health outcomes. Full article

In the context of climate change, the increasing urgency to mitigate environmental impacts has driven firms to adopt green supply chain strategies. Existing research primarily focuses on either carbon tax or emission trading schemes, leaving a gap in understanding the combined impact of hybrid carbon policies. This study addresses this gap by developing a dual-tier supply chain model with a manufacturer and retailer, exploring the effects of a carbon tax, emission trading, and a hybrid policy on emission reduction strategies and pricing decisions. Using a reverse inductive method within a Stackelberg game framework, we identify optimal strategies for emission reduction and profit maximization under each policy scenario. Results indicate that the hybrid policy achieves the lowest unit carbon emissions when the manufacturer’s initial pollution level is below a critical threshold. This research contributes to the literature by providing actionable insights into the strategic advantages of hybrid carbon policies for firms seeking both profitability and sustainability in green supply chains. Full article

This paper, based on an analysis of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for forest quality and carbon emissions in economic systems, explores effective pathways for carbon emission reduction through the symbiosis between forest quality and economic growth. The findings suggest that, without considering forest quality, the overall EKC for China presents an inverted U shape. However, when forest quality is integrated into the model, the overall EKC demonstrates an upward trend, indicating a positive impact on reducing carbon emissions. Geographically, the EKCs in the northwest, northeast, and central-southern regions display an inverted U shape, while those in the north and southwest show a U shape, and the eastern regions exhibit an approximately linear upward curve, reflecting regional disparities in carbon emission trends and environmental management. The synergy between forest quality and economic development significantly contributes to climate change mitigation, with enhancing the carbon emission suppression coefficient of both forest quality and economic systems being the most effective pathway for carbon reduction. The main contribution of this paper lies in the evaluation for forest quality based on entropy weights, and the application of a symbiotic model to analyze the EKC of carbon emissions in relation to forest quality and climate resilience. Full article

The body’s physiology during physical injuries and diseases depends heavily on the function of acute inflammation. On the other hand, many variables, including iatrogenic, immune system deficiencies, lifestyle, and social and environmental factors, are significant in developing systemic chronic inflammation (SCI). SCI is a major contributor to many diseases and a global cause of death and disability. Therefore, in the present article, we suggest integrative strategies for preventing SCI by addressing receptor overexpression and promoting health improvement. With the objective of reducing chronic inflammation by regulating cytokines, chemokines, and receptor modulation to try to reduce the risk of developing systemic chronic inflammatory diseases (also known as chronic-degenerative diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and psychiatric disorders), the strategies we suggest are dietary modifications, exercise, and meditation. Accordingly, the prevention of SCI can be approached holistically with the help of the previous strategies, which may substantially impact public health. Full article