Environmental and Earth Sciences

Abstract: The current system of state land cadastral valuation relies predominantly on economic indicators, overlooking natural and environmental hazards in its calculations. Ignoring these local risks severely distorts the objective value of land parcels in complex territo-ries such as the Bostandyk District of Almaty. Determining fair property values re-quires implementing a methodology capable of mathematically accounting for tectonic faults, zones of 9- and 10-point seismic intensity, and environmental discomfort indi-cators. A GIS-based spatial analysis of 62 cadastral blocks, utilizing up-to-date seismic microzoning maps, enabled the calculation of an integrated risk coefficient for each specific location. Mathematical modeling demonstrated the impact of negative exter-nalities on land pricing. Accounting for geological hazards results in a proportional 20–45% reduction in the unit cadastral value for the most vulnerable areas. This new valu-ation paradigm shifts the focus toward urban environmental safety and restores the so-cial equity of the cadastre. Establishing objective, discounted prices creates a natural economic barrier against urban densification in hazardous zones. The developed ana-lytical algorithm is universal and can be scaled to other seismically active regions in Central Asia.

Abstract: Salinity is a major abiotic constraint that limits maize productivity by disrupting plant growth, photosynthesis, nutrient homeostasis, antioxidant defense, and rhizosphere functioning. This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), cellulose-wicked biochar (CWB), silicon-enriched biochar (SEB), and cellulose-wicked silicon-enriched biochar (CWSEB) on maize grown under naturally non-saline (2.56 dS m−1) and saline (5.21 dS m−1) field conditions. Two salinity environments and eight treatments (control, AHL, CWB, CWB + AHL, SEB, SEB + AHL, CWSEB, and CWSEB + AHL) were evaluated with four replicates. Salinity markedly impaired maize growth, photosynthesis, and productivity, whereas the combined application of CWSEB + AHL produced the strongest mitigation response. Under saline conditions, CWSEB + AHL increased plant height by 14.57%, root length by 82.89%, photosynthetic rate by 33.14%, and grain yield by 31.03%, and biological yield by 85.67% relative to the saline control. The combined treatment also enhanced rhizosphere AHL concentration, exopolysaccharide production, and ACC deaminase activity by 33.33%, 30.56%, and 29.56%, respectively, while substantially increasing total soluble proteins and free amino acids. These coordinated responses indicate that CWSEB + AHL alleviated salinity stress by simultaneously improving plant physiological performance and rhizosphere functional activity. In conclusion, integrating CWSEB and AHL proved to be the most effective strategy for alleviating salinity stress in maize under non-saline and naturally saline soil conditions. Future studies should validate the long-term performance of CWSEB + AHL across diverse agroecological conditions and elucidate the underlying molecular and rhizosphere microbial mechanisms responsible for salinity tolerance.

Abstract: Background: Microplastics are increasingly detected in human tissue, and electromagnetic/magnetic fields (EMF/MF) are common occupational exposures, yet whether these two exposure types could interact biologically has received little systematic attention. Purpose: To update and substantially expand a prior 53-source evidence map into a comprehensive evidence-mapping review evaluating whether circulating microplastics and EMF/MF exposure plausibly converge on shared biological pathways relevant to occupational health, and whether cumulative-exposure risk-assessment methods can formalize this as a research agenda. Methods: A structured evidence-mapping approach was used, expanding the literature bank to 108 sources through searches of PubMed-indexed literature, major publisher databases, and institutional/regulatory sources, covering microplastic toxicology, human biomonitoring, EMF/MF exposure and bioeffects, oxidative stress and inflammation biology, and occupational cumulative-exposure methodology. Sources were coded across eight evidence-type categories and sixteen mechanistic themes using a documented keyword procedure applied uniformly to all sources. Results: Microplastic exposure (70 of 108 sources) and oxidative stress/reactive oxygen species (34 of 108) were the dominant themes. Two mechanisms absent from the original map are now populated: genotoxicity/DNA damage (10 sources) and mitochondrial dysfunction (4 sources). Human detection evidence expanded from 7 to 10 tissue/fluid types, including brain, artery, and reproductive tissue. EMF/MF biological-effect evidence (26 sources) remained inconsistent. A new occupational/cumulative-exposure framework category (7 sources) was added. No study directly tested combined microplastic-EMF/MF exposure. Conclusions: The proposed interaction remains biologically plausible but empirically unconfirmed. Its practical value lies in identifying specific occupational settings, biomarkers, and a methodology for cumulative risk assessment for future testing, rather than in any confirmed health effect.

Abstract: This study evaluates the quality and usability of disclosed environmental, social and governance (ESG) information in Bulgaria and Moldova through data gaps, multiview Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) and environmental-security relevance. A purposive corpus of 36 organisations (18 per country), spanning corporate, financial and public-sector entities, was assessed using a Data Gap Matrix with 15 ESG indicators and five dimensions: availability, granularity, auditability, LCSA relevance and environmental-security materiality, the latter treated as diagnostic rather than observed. The matrix generated 540 indicator-level coding units. Medians, interquartile ranges and score frequencies were used descriptively, while country and sector differences were tested using organisation-level non-parametric procedures with Holm adjustment. Availability and granularity recorded medians of 2.00, whereas auditability was weakest, with a median of 1.00. Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions represented the most critical indicator-level gap. Environmental-security materiality was higher in Bulgaria (U = 247.5; adjusted p = 0.034; rank-biserial correlation = 0.528), though not reproduced in the median-based sensitivity analysis. No sector-level difference remained significant in the primary mean-based analysis; a difference emerged only under the median-based sensitivity check, driven by the public-financial comparison. Findings are exploratory and aggregation-sensitive, highlighting insufficient disaggregation, evidential quality and assurance readiness in emerging CSRD/ESRS-aligned reporting environments.

Abstract: Forest ownership fragmentation represents a major constraint to sustainable forest management in many European countries, particularly in Italy, where private forests are often divided into small and spatially dispersed holdings. This study evaluates the potential of cadastral data to support forest owner aggregation through a graph-based spatial network analysis implemented within the Forest Sharing® platform. The analysis was conducted on 29,549 cadastral forest parcels voluntarily registered by 910 private forest owners across Italy. Parcels were represented as nodes in a spatial network and connected using four aggregation-distance thresholds (100, 250, 500, and 1000 m). Connected components were interpreted as potential forest management clusters. Only clusters including at least 30 ha of forest area and a minimum of two owners were retained. The proposed methodology successfully identified aggregable forest management units under all scenarios. Increasing aggregation distances substantially increased both the number of eligible clusters and the total forest area available for collective management. The number of clusters increased from 5 at the 100 m threshold to 48 at 500 m, while the aggregable forest area increased from approximately 700 ha to more than 12,000 ha at the 1000 m threshold. Most clusters involve two and five owners, indicating that substantial aggregation opportunities can be achieved without excessive ownership complexity. The study highlights the potential of cadastral information and spatial network analysis to support forest owner associations, collective management initiatives, and forest policy measures aimed at overcoming ownership fragmentation.

Abstract: As a commonly present organophosphorus flame retardants and persistent organic pollutant 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) has been observed to be genotoxic in cultured human hepatoma (HepG2) cells which depended on CYP activities. Yet, its impact on hepatic Cyp expression, hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity in intact mammalians remain unidentified. In this study, adult male C57BL/6J mice received EHDPP by gastric gavage at doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg (b.w.)/d for 7 d, then the hepatic expression of several Cyp proteins, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR) was analyzed by Western blotting; hepatoxicity was determined by serum ALT/AST activities and hepatic histological examination, while genotoxicity by comet assay, phosphorylated histone (γ-H2AX) protein, micronucleus test, and Pig-a assay. Micronucleus test in mouse hepatoma (Hepa1-6) cells in vitro was employed to observed the modulating effect of PCB 126 (100 nM)/BAY-218 (700 nM) (Ahr-Cyp1a1 activator/inhibitor). The results indicated that EHDPP induced hepatic Cyp1a1, 2e1, AhR, Cyp1a2, Cyp3a4 and PXR proteins and histologic liver damage at 50 mg/kg/d or higher doses, while at the highest dose (150 mg/kg/d) with hepatic DNA damage and micronucleus formation in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes. The result of Pig-a assay (at 14 and 28 d) was negative. In Hepa1-6 cells EHDPP induced micronucleus marginally; however, this effect was enhanced by PCB 126, while abolished by BAY-218. This study suggests that EHDPP may enhance protein expression of hepatic Cyp1a1, Cyp2e1, AhR and PXR, and induce liver damage and DNA/chromosome damage in mouse; Cyp1a1 might be a major activating enzyme.

Abstract: Point-of-interest (POI) recommendation in location-based social networks (LBSNs) predicts a user’s next visit using check-in records. As critical factors influencing user decision-making, geographic and social contexts are incorporated to deliver higher-quality recommendation services. While current methods suffer from two limitations: geographical modeling is confined by distance thresholds, ignoring long-range spatio-temporal transitions; and social graphs remain static, failing to capture dynamic behavioral similarities among unconnected users. To address these gaps, we propose GSTRDFA (Global Spatio-Temporal Relationship- and Dynamic Friendship-Aware), a novel model comprising three layers. First, we construct spatio-temporal KGs (STKGs) that encode four relationship types: global spatio-temporal and local geospatial POI-POI links, dynamic user-user friendships, and static social ties. Second, four dedicated encoders—STSEncoder (spatio-temporal state embedding), GeoEncoder (geographical convolution), DFEncoder (graph attention network), and SocEncoder (GraphSAGE)—propagate and aggregate user and POI embeddings along these STKG relations. Third, a GRU-based sequence predictor uses the fused embeddings to match candidate POIs to the user. Evaluations on Foursquare datasets (NYC, JK, CA) show that GSTRDFA outperforms existing methods, improving Acc@1/5/10 and MRR by 2.79-6.67%. Key contributions include: (1) unifying spatial, temporal, and dynamic social signals via STKGs; (2) jointly modeling global spatio-temporal transitions and dynamic friendships; and (3) enabling balanced short-/long-range and short-/long-term transition prediction.

Abstract: This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of climate potential productivity and its correlation with changes in maize productivity in four agroclimatic zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) using Thornthwaite Memorial models and Mann–Kendall Trend Analysis from 1960 to 2024. Climate potential productivity showed contrasting trends between agroclimatic zones. In the Haut-Katanga and Tchuapa zones, the precipitation showed a strong positive relationship with climate potential productivity, emphasizing that water availability from rainfall is the primary driver of agricultural productivity. In Kongo Central and South Kivu zones, both precipitation and temperature indicated a positive relationship with climate potential productivity, highlighting that agricultural productivity in these zones, is highly sensitive to tropical climate variability. The climate resource utilization efficiency demonstrates markedly divergent trends across agroclimatic zones, possibly due to distinct agroclimatic conditions. Climate resource utilization efficiency indicated a fluctuating positive relationship with per-unit maize yield in the four agroclimatic zones. During the studied period, maize yield declined by 19.68%, 17.48%, 13.40%, and 15.65% in the agroclimatic zones of Haut-Katanga, Kongo Central, South Kivu, and Tchuapa, respectively. These findings can help in mitigating climate-related risks and contributing to agricultural resilience and food security.

Abstract: This study evaluated the dose dependent effects of a nodule associated bacterial isolate subsequently identified by whole genome sequencing as Kosakonia cowanii on nodulation, nitrogen status, growth, phenology and yield components of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Centenario) under greenhouse conditions in northern Ecuador. A randomized complete block design with five treatments and three replicates was used, including three inoculation doses (6×109, 6×104·5 and 6×102·25 CFU mL−1), a non-inoculated control and a nitrogen-fertilized control. Significant differences were detected for plant height, SPAD index, phenological development, nodulation and 100 seed weight. The lowest inoculation dose (T3) produced the strongest biological response, reaching 227.67 nodules plant−1, approximately 6.5 times more than the non-fertilized control, and the highest SPAD value at 60 days after sowing (41.16), exceeding both the non-fertilized control (26.84) and the nitrogen-fertilized treatment (33.14). T3 also achieved the greatest plant height (80.31 cm) and accelerated flowering and pod formation by up to two days compared with higher inoculation doses. Although grain yield did not differ significantly among treatments because of high experimental variability and limited statistical power, inoculated plants-maintained yields comparable to the nitrogen fertilized control while improving seed filling. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the identity of the dominant genome as K. cowanii (ANI = 96.73%; completeness = 99.03%; contamination = 0.63%), supporting the interpretation that this bacterium acts primarily as a plant growth promoting and nodule associated bacterium rather than a classical nitrogen fixing symbiont. These findings highlight the potential of native K. cowanii as a component of sustainable biofertilization strategies for Andean bean production systems.

Abstract: The European Union Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods has created new opportunities for the valorization of marine by-products within the framework of the circular bioeconomy and sustainable blue economy. Refined shrimp peptide concentrate (RSPC), obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis of Pandalus borealis shells and heads, represents a relevant case study for examining the interaction between food innovation, regulatory assessment, sustainability, and value-chain development. This study analyzes the EFSA scientific opinion on RSPC and reviews available compositional, toxicological, allergenicity, and clinical evidence, contextualizing the ingredient within European policies on circular economy, resource efficiency, and sustainable food systems. The assessment indicates that RSPC consists mainly of low-molecular-weight peptides with demonstrated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and potential applications in blood pressure management. Beyond its functional properties, the valorization of shrimp processing by-products offers opportunities to reduce waste generation, increase resource efficiency, and create new economic value within the seafood sector. The case study highlights how the novel food regulatory framework can support the safe market introduction of innovative marine-derived ingredients while contributing to circular economy objectives. Although challenges related to allergenicity management, consumer acceptance, and industrial scalability remain, RSPC demonstrates the potential of marine by-product valorization to foster more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable food systems.

Abstract: This study presents a GIS-based approach for developing a 3D model to visualize flood dynamics in Binh Chanh area during the 2020–2024 period. The study integrates field survey data, topographic maps, land subsidence data from InSAR, rainfall and tidal records, cadastral spatial data within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was generated using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method, while flood-prone locations were identified through field surveys and overlaid with spatial datasets to construct flood maps. These datasets were subsequently integrated into ArcScene to develop a 3D model representing terrain, subsidence, and flood-affected areas. The results indicate that flooding in Binh Chanh has increased significantly in frequency, depth, and spatial extent, with flooded locations rising from 12 in 2020 to 34 in 2024, maximum flood depths reaching approximately 1.0 m. Areas experiencing moderately high subsidence rates (10–15 mm/year) accounted for the largest proportion of the study area, further increasing flood vulnerability. The developed 3D model effectively visualizes flood dynamics and supports spatial analysis of flood-prone zones. It provides a practical and data-efficient tool for urban planning and flood management in data-scarce environments. The study also proposes strategic solutions to enhance the application of 3D modeling for flood mitigation and sustainable land fund development.

Abstract: In this study, we investigate a methodology for urban scale seismic damage scenarios simulation which incorporates the cumulative effects of earthquake sequences. The approach models the progressive accumulation of damage in buildings and the consequent evolution of their seismic vulnerability under repeated ground shaking. This work deepens a previous study by the same authors which integrated instrumentally-derived macroseismic intensity maps with information from observed buildings damage records produced by the L’Aquila 2009 seismic sequence. The obtained results showed that the method was able to simulate a building damage scenario in good agreement with the distribution of real observed damage, when accounting for not only the mainshock but also the events of magnitude greater than a chosen threshold. In this study, we present new results on the calibration procedure, and on the application of the methodology to the seismic sequences of Garfagnana-Lunigiana 2013 and Central Italy 2016-2017. By comparing these case studies, the analysis explores how differences in seismic sequences and building characteristics influence damage evolution. This comparison also provides insight into the potentialities and limitations of this methodology as a tool for interpreting damage data and eventually supporting seismic risk mitigation strategies.

Abstract: Universities possess a unique capacity to influence a more sustainable future through both educational content and operational practices. This study examines how students at Cypriot universities experience, perceive, and engage with environmental sustainability and energy efficiency on their campuses. To gain insight into student perspectives, a survey was conducted with 149 students from five public and private higher education institutions, assessing their awareness of and attitudes toward campus sustainability and energy-saving initiatives. Our findings reveal that while students care deeply about environmental issues and support the idea of greener campuses, many are not fully aware of the sustainability efforts, energy management systems, or environmental strategies that their universities have already put in place. Limited communication and the low visibility of these initiatives seem to make it harder for students to get involved or participate meaningfully. Based on the survey, it is evidenced that universities can foster a stronger culture of sustainability by making their efforts more visible, improving communication, and actively involving students in projects around campus. Integrating sustainability into courses, encouraging hands-on participation, and introducing practical tools like real-time energy monitoring could help students develop more environmentally responsible habits.

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of mechanical homogenization on the structure and performance of nopal mucilage in a real cyanidation barren solution. The aqueous ex-tract obtained from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes was processed with a household blender for 0, 30, and 60 s before spray drying, yielding powders designated as CA, CB, and CC, respectively. These powders were characterized by physicochemical, thermal, microstructural, and FTIR analyses, and were reconstituted in water to evaluate hy-drodynamic size, ζ potential, rheology, and coagulant flocculant capacity. Homogeni-zation reduced water activity, decreased the hydrodynamic size of reconstituted mu-cilage from 1.8 to 1.3 μm, and significantly modified the ζ potential. Rheological anal-ysis showed a frequency dependent viscoelastic response, consistent with changes in chain association and hydrocolloid network continuity. The reconstituted mucilages removed more than 98% of Pb, Ni, and As at all evaluated concentrations, including 200 mg·L⁻¹, whereas Cd showed more variable removal. FTIR analysis of recovered flocs revealed a hybrid matrix with a signal near 2104 cm⁻¹ compatible with C≡N groups, suggesting retention of cyanide related species. Overall, these findings show that reconstituted nopal mucilage can act as a sustainable hydrocolloid coagulant for real, chemically complex cyanidation effluents, while mechanical homogenization primarily modified its structural, colloidal, and rheological features.

Abstract: Australia is a country endowed with natural resources such as coal, lithium, rare earths amongst other high-level commodities, which attract global trade opportunities viable for boosting its economy. Amidst its natural resources, Australia has been viewed as a prosperous nation in view of its standing in the Commonwealth of Nations. Nonetheless, the country still faces numerous challenges ranging from floods, heatwaves, bushfires, cyclones, and drought amongst other forms of hazards. While such hazards reverse hardly-won strides of development, other inter-related aspects of vulnerability which limit attributes of social capital poses tremendous challenges which impact on pre, during and post disaster interventions. By using causal loop diagrams, this study takes a systemic approach towards exploring emerging system structures; interdependence and interconnectivity; and institutional pressures, to unravel factors influencing Australia’s vulnerability to hazards with the aim of facilitating concerted interventions for reducing vulnerability and ultimately, the risks impeding sustainable development.

Abstract: Water deficit is one of the main limiting factors for crop establishment and productivity, particularly affecting seed germination and early seedling growth. This study aimed to evaluate the biostimulant effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on maize (Zea mays L.) seeds subjected to osmotic stress induced by PEG-6000.Three independent bioassays were conducted under controlled conditions. First, osmotic potentials ranging from 0 to −0.8 MPa were tested to determine stress levels. In the second assay, seeds were treated with increasing doses (0 to 2 mL kg⁻¹) of a commercial seaweed extract and its isolated mineral fraction. In the third assay, selected doses were evaluated under no stress, moderate stress, and severe stress conditions. Germination percentage, normal and abnormal seedlings, radicle and epicotyl length, and vigor index were assessed. Osmotic stress significantly reduced germination and seedling growth, particularly at −0.6 and −0.8 MPa. Seed treatment with A. nodosum did not affect final germination but improved seedling growth and vigor, showing a dose-dependent response. Maximum efficiency was observed at intermediate doses (~0.45–0.66 mL kg⁻¹), which increased the percentage of normal seedlings and promoted root and shoot development. Under water stress conditions, the complete extract outperformed the mineral fraction, indicating that the beneficial effects are mainly associated with bioactive organic compounds. These findings demonstrate that A. nodosum extract is a promising strategy to mitigate water stress effects during maize seed germination, provided that optimal doses are used.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the extra-phosphoric effect of increasing doses of bacte-rial phytase (RONOZYME HiPhos) in corn and soybean meal-based diets on perfor-mance, carcass yield, and meat quality in pigs during the nursery, growing, and fin-ishing phases (GT). Two hundred and fifty pigs, castrated males and females, with an initial weight of 6.08 ± 0.748 kg and 21 days of age, were subjected to 5 treatments: PC: positive control diets, supplemented with inorganic phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), meeting their full nutritional requirements; NC: negative control diets, with re-duced available phosphorus (-0.18%) and calcium (-0.16%); 1000FYT: NC + 1,000 FYT/kg of feed; 2000FYT: NC + 2,000 FYT/kg of feed; 3000 FYT: NC + 3000 FYT/kg of feed. Average daily gain (ADG) in the nursery phase did not differ between the groups supplemented with 1,000; 2,000 and 3,000 FYT/kg (0.430 kg, 0.441 kg and 0.428 kg respectively) and PC (0.481 kg), but was higher (P< 0.05) than NC (0.398 kg). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the same phase was similar between PC (1.546) and the groups supplemented with phytase (1.516; 1.535; 1.519), all being better (P< 0.05) than NC (1.676). The quadratic effect for phytase was verified for FCR in the phase, with the best inclusion of 2,320 FYT/kg of feed. In the GF phases and in the overall experi-mental period (21 to 156 days), the results for daily feed intake (DFI), ADG and FCR favored PC and the groups supplemented with phytase compared to the NC (P< 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed for FCR considering the entire GF phase, with the best inclusion of 1,923 FYT/kg of feed. Groups supplemented with phytase and PC obtained better carcass results compared to NC (P< 0.05). Linear effects were observed to percentage and quantity of lean meat in the carcass. There was no difference be-tween treatments for meat quality. Supplementation with phytase in corn and soy-bean meal-based diets with severely reduced inorganic P and Ca improved pig per-formance at all stages, with optimized inclusion values of approximately 2,200 FYT/kg of feed, and dose-dependent benefits on carcass characteristics.

Abstract: Research and Development (R&D) represents a strategic pillar of the petroleum industry, where technological innovation drives competitiveness, and the transition toward sustainable and cleaner energy systems. However, measuring the performance of R&D projects remains a complex challenge because their outcomes are often intangible, uncertain, and multidimensional. Traditional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)—such as cost, time, and number of deliverables—provide only a partial view of effectiveness. R&D performance assessment must therefore consider the intrinsic nature of the activity. Reverse engineering emphasizes replication and adaptation of existing technologies, while innovation-driven R&D seeks to create novel solutions. Accordingly, the selection of performance indicators must differ across these categories. To avoid biased evaluation, the framework integrates B. Roy’s (1996) Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, enabling prioritization of criteria aligned with each project’s objectives and complexity (Martinsuo et al., 2022). Moreover, in R&D environments, traditional indicators such as cost and time act as strategic signals rather than mere management metrics. Cost data guide managerial decisions on partnerships, external funding, and open innovation when internal resources are limited. Similarly, adherence to schedule directly influences technological relevance—delays may result in obsolescence, missed market windows, or loss of first-mover advantage (Tsinopoulos & Al-Zu’bi, 2023). To move beyond simple cost and time metrics, this study revisits the meaning of “performance” in R&D and explores multi-dimensional evaluation tools capable of capturing both tangible and intangible value creation, by integrating five novel dimensions: knowledge creation and diffusion, innovation velocity, dynamic strategic alignment, team and organizational health, and resilience under uncertainty. Beyond its conceptual formulation, the framework has been numerically applied to a portfolio of 10 ongoing R&D projects spanning renewable energy, digitalization of upstream processes, advanced materials, and industrial decarbonization. Each project was scored on a standardized 0–10 scale across the five dimensions, allowing for fine-grained benchmarking and identification of strengths and gaps. For example, Projects 3 and 7 achieved high innovation velocity scores (≥ 9) but lagged in resilience metrics (< 5), indicating exposure to external risks. Conversely, Projects 5 and 9 showed strong knowledge diffusion and team health (scores of 8–10) but slower strategic alignment (< 6). The analysis demonstrates how the proposed framework can generate actionable dashboards for managers, enabling more balanced resource allocation, improved project selection, and proactive mitigation of weaknesses. Applications in industry, academia, and public R&D contexts are also explored, illustrating how this systemic, ecosystem-aware approach moves performance management beyond a narrow project-level perspective to a dynamic, portfolio-wide view. The results provide both theoretical contributions and practical tools for R&D managers seeking to measure and enhance the multidimensional value of their projects.

Abstract: Urban areas are increasingly affected by geological and climate-driven processes that influence their safety, functionality, and long-term resilience. Conventional sustainability indicators mainly focus on anthropogenic impacts on the environment, while the role of subsurface conditions and physical processes shaping urban vulnerability remains underrepresented. To address this gap, the Urban Geo-climate Footprint (UGF) introduces an inverse perspective, assessing how geological and climatic factors exert pressure on urban systems. The methodology is based on the breakdown of geological effects into five drivers, Geology, Deep Geological Processes, Surface Processes, Exogenous and Climatic Processes, and Subsurface Anthropogenic Pressure. These drivers, in the derived tool, are articulated into 22 parameters evaluated from public datasets and expert judgment. These parameters are combined into a synthetic, standardised, reproducible and comparable index, the UGF Score Index (UGF-SI), ranging from 0 to 500 which enables direct comparison across cities and contexts. The application to 21 Italian cities highlights distinct spatial patterns, dominant drivers, and groups of cities facing similar geo-climatic challenges. The UGF framework represents a significant advancement in urban geoscience, supporting urban planning, risk awareness, and climate adaptation strategies by enhancing the understanding of subsurface-related pressures and promoting informed decision-making.

Abstract: Nursery producers and tree giveaway hosts must do their best to anticipate demand for the wide range of species and traits available. When trying to gauge customer response to various product design choices, companies often employ conjoint analysis to determine what features garner the most customer interest. For this study, we used the method to assess various tree attributes ranging from mature size to hurricane resistance. Our findings indicate that large nursery trees significantly deter consumer interest, though it remains unclear whether this is due to their cost or physical bulk. Similarly, consumers preferred trees that grew to small- and medium-stature at maturity over large-stature trees. Trees labeled as Florida-Friendly, native, or hurricane-resistant had a strong positive effect on purchasing interest among Florida residents.