Environmental and Earth Sciences

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Liquan Zhong

Abstract: Deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) are a persistent safety and economic concern in Pennsylvania, yet quantitative tools for identifying high-risk locations at the road-segment scale remain limited. This study develops a Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling framework for DVCs on state-maintained roads, using PennDOT Public Crash Data linked to the State Road Segment (RMSSEG) inventory. Police- and driver-reported crashes from 2018–2024 were geocoded and matched to homogeneous state road segments, then aggregated to segment–quarter counts. Segment-level covariates included total paved width, lane count, an ordinal urban–rural classification, and annual average daily traffic (AADT), which entered the model as an exposure offset. Exploratory analysis showed that DVCs are rare and highly zero-inflated at the segment–quarter level, exhibit a stable seasonal pattern with peaks in the fourth quarter, and increase monotonically with traffic volume. We modeled DVC counts using negative binomial (NB) mixed-effects models with a shared log-linear predictor incorporating BYM2 spatial random components, a first-order temporal random walk, and an optional quarterly seasonal component. Model estimation utilized INLA, with performance assessed through DIC, WAIC, mean absolute deviance, and mean squared prediction error metrics. The NB specification including quarterly seasonality significantly outperformed an equivalent model lacking seasonal terms, while coefficient estimates for fixed effects showed consistency across models. The NB size parameter indicated strong overdispersion, and the BYM2 mixing parameter suggested that roughly 90% of residual spatial variance is structured along the segment adjacency graph. Comparison of empirical and model-based zero proportions showed that the NB model with spatiotemporal random effects adequately reproduced the extreme sparsity, making a zero-inflated NB specification unnecessary. Out-of-sample validation for 2024 demonstrated low bias and good predictive performance, and risk stratification revealed that a small fraction of highway corridors accounts for a disproportionate share of observed DVCs. The proposed framework provides a practical tool for generating seasonal DVC risk maps and prioritizing corridor-level mitigation measures such as wildlife fencing, crossing structures, and targeted speed management.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Oye Michael Ideki

,

Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa

,

Christopher B Boxe

,

Mark Barnes

Abstract: The study analyzed urban growth (UG) and land surface temperature (LST) of Asaba and Abuja in Nigeria from 1986 to 2022. Landsat 5 TM imagery of 1986, Landsat 7 ETM of 2000, and Landsat OLI/TIRS of 2022, of 30m resolutions, were obtained for the determination of both LST and UG analyses. The UG analysis was subjected to the supervised classification of the maximum likelihood module to generate the different land use/ land cover of the study area. Descriptive statistics involving the frequency and percentage were used for the data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that the mean LST, which was 33.38 °C in 1986, decreased to 28.25 in 2002 and subsequently 28.98oC in 2022, while the built-up Area representing urban development increased from 14% in 1986 to 65% in 2022. The UG was significantly increasing at the rate of 242% while LST increased at 7 °C within the period under consideration. The study concludes that the increase in the built-up area is responsible for the increase in the land surface temperature in Asaba and Abuja Metropolis. The authors recommend that LST parameters be taken into consideration for sustainable urban planning to be achieved in the city. Policymakers at all levels need to scale up measures to mitigate the adverse impact of urban heat islands by suggesting a clustered greening of the entire urban landscape. The study has also provided pathways in addressing the complexity of land surface temperature and the future urban development of the city of Asaba and Abuja.
Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Giovanni N. Roviello

Abstract:

Air pollution, soil contamination, and rising illness demand integrated, nature‑based solutions. Willow trees (Salix spp.) uniquely combine ecological resilience with therapeutic value, remediating polluted environments while supporting human wellbeing. This review synthesizes recent literature on the established role of Salix spp. in phytoremediation and growing contribution to forest therapy through emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). As urbanization accelerates and environmental pressures intensify globally, Salix surprising adaptability and multifunctionality justify the utilization of this genus in building resilient and health-promoting ecosystems. The major points discussed in this work include willow-based phytoremediation strategies, such as rhizodegradation, phytoextraction, and phytostabilization, contribute restoring even heavily polluted soils, especially when combined with specific strategies of microbial augmentation and trait-based selection. Salix plantations and even individual willow trees may contribute to forest therapy (and ‘forest bathing’ approaches) through volatile compounds emitted by Salix spp. such as ocimene, β-caryophyllene, and others, which exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties. Willow’s significantly extended foliage season in temperate regions allows for prolonged ‘forest bathing’ opportunities, enhancing passive therapeutic engagement in urban green infrastructures. Famously, the pharmacological potential of willow extends beyond salicin, encompassing a diverse array of phytocompounds with applications in phytomedicine. Finally, willow’s ease of propagation and adaptability make this species a convenient solution for multifunctional landscape design, where ecological restoration and human wellbeing converge. Overall, this review demonstrates the integrative value of Salix spp. as a keystone genus in sustainable landscape planning, combining remarkable environmental resilience with therapeutic benefit. Future studies should explore standardized methods to evaluate the combined ecological and therapeutic performance of Salix spp., integrating long-term field monitoring with mechanistic analyses of BVOC emissions under varying environmental stresses.

Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Xiwen Zhou

,

Haining Chen

,

Guoping Ding

Abstract: In the macro context of promoting sustainable development and achieving net zero emissions, the role of green technology innovation, renewable energy utilization and environmental policy is crucial. Based on the panel data of 35 OECD economies from 1990 to 2019, this study adopts the augmented mean group (AMG) as the main estimation method, and uses the common correlation mean group (CCEMG) for robustness test, and tests the causal relationship between variables through Dumitrescu-Hurlin method. The results show that both GTI and renewable energy consumption have a significant positive impact on CO 2 emission reduction. Environmental taxes are positively correlated with carbon emissions, but not statistically significant, and the CCEMG estimation results are consistent with AMG. The causality test further reveals that there is a significant bidirectional causality among the variables. Therefore, it is recommended that OECD countries give priority to expanding investment in green technologies and renewable energy infrastructure, and re-evaluate and optimize environmental tax policies to effectively promote the transition to a low carbon economy.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Plamen Georgiev

,

Marina Nicolova

,

Irena Spasova

,

Mihail Iliev

,

Ralitsa Ilieva

Abstract: Copper slag, a by-product of copper ore and concentrate smelting, is rich in non-ferrous metals; therefore, it has been considered a valuable raw material in recent years. This study aimed to compare the extraction of zinc, copper, and cobalt from two types of copper slag from a dump located near the village of Eliseyna, Bulgaria, which differ in mineralogical composition and chemical content, using indirect bioleaching with a spent medium of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium ochrochloron. Chemical leaching with sulphuric acid revealed that zinc and cobalt existed mainly as an acidic-soluble phase in both types of copper slag. In contrast, it contained 50-75% of the total copper content. Each fungal species was cultivated for one week, and the biomass and the spent medium were separated a week later. Owing to the production of citric acid at a higher concentration, A. niger facilitated more efficient base metal recovery. However, their effective recovery from the acidic-soluble phase required leaching at a 5% pulp density and supplementing the spent medium with sulphuric acid. The temperature played a secondary role. Conclusions: The non-ferrous metal extraction from copper slag exposed to weathering using a spent medium supplemented with sulphuric acid was achieved under milder leaching conditions and with better selectivity. In contrast, slag unaffected by weathering behaved as a refractory due to the worsened results of base metal extraction under similar experimental conditions.
Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Emiliano Hersch-González

,

Horacio Riojas-Rodríguez

Abstract: In Latin America, coffee is cultivated in distinct coffee agroecosystems (CAS), ranging from traditional agroforestry (“shade”) systems (CAFS) to intensive, unshaded (“sun”) monocultures (UCAS). While various socioenvironmental impacts of these systems have been studied, their implications have not yet been integrated within a Planetary Health perspective. This review of 146 studies applies the Planetary Boundaries and Nature’s Contributions to People frameworks and the DPSEEA (Drivers, Pressures, State, Exposure, Effects, Actions) model to map the relationships between socio-environmental drivers of change, different CAS, the state of natural systems at local and global scales, and human health and well-being. The analysis shows that conventional intensification, driven by low revenues for producers, climate change, and disease outbreaks, has accelerated deforestation, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, agrochemical use and leakage, and water pressures. These changes create health risks for coffee-growing communities, such as pesticide exposure and increased vulnerability to external shocks. Conversely, agroecological practices can mitigate environmental pressures while reducing exposure to health hazards and improving resilience, food security, and income stability. However, mainstreaming these practices requires addressing structural inequities in the global coffee value chain to ensure fairer revenue distribution, stronger institutional support, and the protection of coffee-growing communities.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Liliana Troncoso

,

F. Javier Torrijo

,

Luis Pilatasig

,

Elías Ibadango

,

Alex Mateus

,

Olegario Alonso-Pandavenes

,

Adans Bermeo

,

F. Javier Robayo

,

Lou Jost

Abstract: Complex landslides have characteristics and parameters that are difficult to analyze. The landslide on June 16, 2024, in the rural community of Quilloturo (Ecuador) caused severe damage (14 deaths, 24 injuries, and hundreds of affected families) related to the area's geological, social, and anthropogenic conditions. Its location in the eastern foothills of Ecuador's Cordillera Real (Royal Mountain Range) exacerbated the effects of a landslide involving various processes (mud and debris flows, landslides, and rock falls). This event was preceded by intense rainfall lasting more than 10 hours, which accumulated and caused natural damming of the streams prior to the event. The lithology of the investi-gated area includes deformed metamorphic and intrusive rocks overlain by superficial clayey colluvial deposits. The relationship between the geological structures found, such as fractures, joints, schistosity, and shear, favored the formation of blocks within the flow, making mass movement more complex. Geomorphologically, the area features a relief with steep slopes, where ancient landslides or material movements, composed of these colluvial deposits, have already occurred. At the foot of these steep slopes, on plains less than 300 meters wide and bordered by the Pastaza River, there are human settlements with less than 60 years of emplacement and a complex history of territorial occupation, characterized by a lack of planning and organization. The memory of the inhabitants identified mass movements that occurred since the mid-20th century, with the highest frequency of occurrence in the last decade of the present century (2018, 2022, and 2024). Furthermore, it was possible to identify several factors within the knowledge of the in-habitants that can be considered premonitory of a mass movement, specifically a flood, and that must be incorporated as critical elements in the decision-making, both individual and collective, for the evacuation of the area.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Maria Luiza Pereira Barbosa Pinto

,

Vinicius de Souza Oliveira

,

Jeane Crasque

,

Basílio Cerri Neto

,

Thayanne Rangel Ferreira

,

Carlos Alberto Spaggiari Souza

,

Antelmo Ralph Falqueto

,

Thiago Corrêa de Souza

,

José Altino Machado Filho

,

Lúcio de Oliveira Arantes

+3 authors

Abstract:

In the northern part of the state of Espírito Santo, in the municipality of São Mateus, the physiological, biochemical, and anatomical responses and recovery capacity of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.) PS-1319 grafted onto rootstocks TSH-1188, Cepec-2002, Pará, Esfip-02, and SJ-02 under flooding conditions were evaluated. The plants were subjected to flooding for 60 days and their recovery capacity was evaluated after this period. Gas exchange, relative chlorophyll content, stem and leaf anatomy, photosynthetic pigments, and carbohydrates were evaluated. The time of exposure to flooding caused limitations in gas exchange. There was a reduction in net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. During flooding, pigments were degraded and total soluble sugar was accumulated in the leaves. Lenticel formation was also observed on all rootstocks during the flooding period. After recovery, the rootstocks normalized their gas exchange, carbohydrates and anatomy.

Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Dina Popluga

,

Kaspars Naglis-Liepa

,

Ahmad Raza Khan

Abstract: The European Union (EU) Green Deal (EGD) aims to significantly transform and modernise the EU economy, while at the same time it envisages significant changes in agricultural production, especially in livestock farming. Most often, EU Member States implement specific measures that contribute to the achievement of various EGD objectives. Most often, they are part of the national strategies of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. At the same time, it is important to identify the available scientific information on measures that contribute to the achievement of the EGD goals and the multiple impacts of the toe. Usually, each individual measure or practice is aimed at achieving one of the ESD goals, for example, reducing GHG emissions, but in practice, it creates several side effects that can pro-mote or hinder the achievement of other sustainability goals. This study focuses on livestock sector and showcase how key manageable areas where intervention must occur: feeding, housing, grassland/pasture management, manure management, breeding and genetics - interacts and gives contribution to meet EGD targets. In the same time, it ensures a holistic view of the EGD demands on livestock. In this study authors use pictograms and a color-coding system that broadens the scope of impact communication. It translates complex, scientific data into a format that is accessible and easily understood by a wider audience. Results of this study reveal that systematic research is needed on livestock farming measures that could change agricultural policies in the long term, from supporting measures to creating appropriate sustainable farming systems.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Dina Popluga

,

Kaspars Naglis-Liepa

,

Arnis Lēnerts

,

Ksenija Furmanova

Abstract: This paper aims to give an analytical assessment of country’s level experience in moving towards agricultural decarbonization – from the idea of potential decarbonization measures to the assessment of their potential, the inclusion of the measure in political goals and practical implementation success. This paper is based on 10-year cycle that highlight main steps in building decarbonization awareness and an approach that can be used for monitoring, quantifying and evaluating the contribution of agriculture to climate change mitigation. This approach is based on the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC), which serves as a convenient and visual tool for evaluating the effectiveness of various agriculture greenhouse gas emission reduction measures and for climate policy planning. This study reveals the experience to date and the main directions in developing the MACC approach, which serves as a basis for analysing the potential of one specific European Union Member state, i.e., Latvia, agriculture for moving towards decarbonization. The results of the study are of practical use for the development of agricultural, environmental and climate policy or legal framework, policy analysis and impact assessment. As well findings of this study are useful for educating farmers and the public about measures to reduce GHG and ammonia emissions.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Fengzi Li

,

Lei Liu

,

Long Hai

,

Hongwei Yang

,

Kai Zhao

,

Qiuming Di

,

Zhibo Wang

Abstract: Sustainable forest management requires a comprehensive understanding of how stand density regulates soil ecological processes. This study investigated the effects of stand density on soil properties and microbial communities in a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation by combining high-throughput sequencing with soil physicochemical analysis to identify the optimal density regime for maintaining soil health. Results demonstrated that moderate-density (MD) management best balanced the stability of soil ecosystem structure, showing superior water retention, organic carbon content, and microbial diversity in the 0-30 cm soil layer. The mechanism underlying these improvements can be attributed to the moderately open canopy structure in MD stands, which facilitated efficient litter decomposition and drove functional complementarity between Basidiomycota (enhancing cellulose degradation capacity) and Acidobacteriota (adapted to oligotrophic conditions). Redundancy analysis revealed that soil pH and available nutrients (AK, AP) were key environmental factors driving microbial community restructuring: Actinobacteriota dominated in neutral, phosphorus-rich environments, while Acidobacteriota thrived under acidic, phosphorus-limited conditions. Fungal communities showed high sensitivity to management intensity, with significant shifts between Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, whereas bacterial communities remained relatively stable due to functional redundancy. We recommend the adoption of moderate-density management as a sustainable practice to enhance soil nutrient cycling and maintain microbial diversity, thereby providing scientific support for sustainable plantation management.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Ameet Kumar

,

Wenxu Dong

,

Xiuwei Liu

,

Chungsheng Hu

Abstract: Enhancing winter wheat yield in early spring relies on optimal soil temperature (ST) conditions and robust root systems, particularly in cold and dry areas. However, the long-term combined effects of conservation tillage and plastic film mulching (PFM) on the crop root system during early spring (the period of rejuvenation and jointing) remain unstudied. Based on a 22-year field experiment involving two long-term conservation tillage methods: mouldboard ploughing with crop residue incorporation (MC) and no-tillage with crop residue cover (NC). The main treatments were further divided by applying black (B) and white (W) plastic films to each, resulting in MC with black (MCB) and white (MCW), and NC with black (NCB) and white (NCW) films. ST was recorded at depths of 0–40 cm during the afternoon, evening, and morning, while root characteristics (RCs) were measured at the peak flowering stage at depths of 0-60 cm, and crop yield and attributes were recorded at harvest during the 2023-2024 cropping season. Compared with MC and NC, MCB and MCW increased afternoon ST by 2.5 °C and 0.94 °C, and evening ST by 1.94 °C and 1.87 °C, while NCB and NCW decreased ST. MCB and MCW also increased accumulated ST during overwintering (131–161 °C). PFM on MC increased the root length and weight densities by 10–17% and 25–32%, respectively; NCB and NCW decreased RCs by 8–15.2% across the soil depth. Additionally, afternoon and evening STs at 5–20 cm positively correlated with RCs and yield attributes (r > 0.84), whereas morning ST and a 40 cm depth were negatively correlated (r < –0.77). Compared with MC and NC, MCW and MCB increased grain yield (10–12%) and biomass (31–38%), whereas NCB and NCW decreased them (16–12%) and (14-3%), respectively. FPM improved STs, RCs, and yield under tilled but not in no-till systems, highlighting the need for supplementary practices to optimize ST in no-till systems.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Osama Marzouk

Abstract: This study aims at delineating specific proven features of climate change in the Sultanate of Oman since 1950, and also highlighting potential features of the climate change in the Sultanate of Oman up to 2150 under the worst future scenario of SSP5-8.5 (the unsustainable Fifth Shared Socioeconomic Pathway “Fossil-fueled development - Taking the highway”, coupled with a high radiative forcing of 8.5 W/m2 in 2100), and under the best future scenario of SSP1-1.9 (the sustainable First Shared Socioeconomic Pathway “Sustainability - Taking the green road”, coupled with a low radiative forcing of 1.9 W/m2 in 2100). The study is primarily based on public data from the CCKP (Climate Change Knowledge Portal of the World Bank Group), which in turn utilizes a set of climate simulation tools or datasets, such as CMIP6 (Sixth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project), ERA5 (fifth generation ECMWF ReAnalysis for the global climate and weather), and N-SLC (NASA's Sea Level Change). The study shows that the warming trend in the mean average air temperature of the surface in the Sultanate of Oman based on historical data between 1971 and 2020 is 0.025 °C/year (100% statistically significant), or a 1 °C increase every 40 years. However, this country-level overall warming rate varies spatially, being highest in Buraimi (0.048 °C/year, or 1 °C increase every 21 years) and lowest in Duqm (0.017 °C/year, or 1 °C increase every 59 years). These warming rates within Omani lands may escalate (for a projection period of 2051-2100) to between 0.064 °C/year and 0.074 °C/year according to the SSP5-8.5 scenario, or weaken to only 0.01 °C/year according to the SSP1-1.9 scenario. Compared to the 40.96 °C historical value (as a reference level for the period between 1995 and 2014), the average maximum air temperature of the surface in June is expected to reach about 48.07 °C in the year 2099, according to the framework SSP5-8.5 (reflecting an increase of 7.11 °C). The mean sea level (MSL) at the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Oman may rise by 1.39 m in 2150 (relative to the level of 2005) according to the SSP5-8.5 scenario. This is attenuated to only 0.57 m according to the SSP1-1.9 scenario. No proven precipitation anomaly has been observed so far in Oman. Tropical cyclone data show very rare occurrences, and this is mostly limited to the least-damaging class of tropical storms.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Piero Chiacchiaretta

,

Fernanda Prestileo

,

Eleonora Maria Stella

,

Eleonora Aruffo

,

Pasquale Simeone

,

Paola Lanuti

,

Silvia Di Lodovico

,

Mara Di Giulio

,

Simone Guarnieri

,

Piero Del Boccio

+8 authors

Abstract: The atmosphere plays a pivotal role in modulating the interactions between microorganisms and their surrounding environments, influencing ecological cycles, heritage conservation, and providing opportunities for novel applications. Recent studies have highlighted the role of microbial responses to atmospheric conditions as indicators of environmental change. This study highlights the role of climate change, particularly rising temperatures, on the growth of cyanobacteria and, consequently, the impact of this on the conservation of cultural heritage, as in the case study of the rock paintings of the Majella Massif (Lama dei Peligni - Abruzzo Region, central Italy). The region’s rock art, characterized by red and black schematic motifs, is increasingly impacted by microbial colonization, driven by climate-induced temperature variations. These impacts are consistent with broader research demonstrating the link between microbial growth patterns and climatic factors. Laboratory analyses were carried out on cyanobacteria samples collected near the rock paintings at the study site in the Majella National Park. Results revealed a significant increase in growth rates at the higher temperature, demonstrating their sensitivity to climatic shifts. These findings underscore the dynamic role of atmospheric factors in shaping microbial survival and propagation. Consequently, certain atmospheric parameters appear to play a crucial role in the deterioration of fragile cultural assets. Indeed, the enhanced growth of cyanobacteria due to rising temperatures also poses a challenge: their proliferation can degrade cultural heritage sites, threatening their preservation. This research advocates for interdisciplinary approaches that integrate atmospheric sciences, microbial ecology, and heritage studies to explore the role of temperature in affecting cyanobacteria growth and the conservation of a peculiar cultural heritage in the Majella Massif. By leveraging their biological traits, cyanobacteria can provide valuable insights into climate dynamics while emphasizing the urgency for proactive strategies to mitigate environmental impacts on vulnerable ecosystems and heritage sites.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Yasuko Seta

,

Hajime Yamakawa

,

Tomoko Okayama

,

Kohei Watanabe

,

Maki Nonomura

Abstract: Food waste is a global issue, and approximately half of all food waste occurs at the consumer stage. In this study, we focused on refrigerator management behaviors in Japan. We conducted an intervention study targeting 126 households using the MOA framework to reduce household food waste. Four target behaviors were established: “search” for food that should be eaten quickly, “move” the food that should be eaten quickly to a visible place, “use” the food that should be eaten quickly, and “finish meals”. To promote behaviors that help reduce food waste, an intervention was implemented using a gamified self-monitoring app. To measure food waste at home, a cloud-based automatic weighing system was used, and participants were asked to separate avoidable food waste and to dispose of it in dedicated bins. The average weekly food waste per household decreased by 190 g (45%) in the intervention group and, in a two-way mixed ANOVA, the interaction effect was marginally significant (p < 0.10). Interactions were significant for various target behaviors, indicating that the intervention had some effect. Over 90% of the intervention group used the app five or more days per week. Participant evaluations also revealed increased motivation and reduced burden, demonstrating the effectiveness of the gamified app.
Article
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Jhenifer Sara Pinheiro Favacho

,

Paulo Sergio Silva Lima

,

Isabela Cristina Milla

,

Lucas Emannuel Ferreira

,

Vanessa Kelen Nunes

,

Isabella da luz de Souza

,

Hirasilva Borba

Abstract:

Egg quality loss during storage is a major concern in the poultry industry, particularly for eggs from older hens, which are more susceptible to shell thinning, albumen liquefaction, and yolk weakening. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of biofilms based on whey protein, Aloe vera, and carnauba wax in preserving the internal quality of eggs from 86-week-old laying hens stored at room temperature for 21 days. Eggs were obtained from a commercial flock and immersed in biofilm solutions; uncoated eggs served as controls. A completely randomized design with four treatments (three biofilms and one control) and four storage periods (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) was applied, with 15 replicates per treatment. Internal quality parameters, including Haugh units, yolk index, albumen pH, and yolk color (CIELab system), were measured throughout the storage period. Biofilms containing whey protein and Aloe vera were most effective at maintaining albumen viscosity and reducing pH increases, with whey protein consistently outperforming other coatings across all storage times. Carnauba wax provided intermediate protection, reducing moisture and CO₂ loss but preserving albumen structure less effectively. Yolk color remained relatively stable in the whey and Aloe vera treatments, while control and carnauba wax eggs exhibited increasing yellowing over time, suggesting oxidative changes. These findings indicate that edible protein and polysaccharide coatings can effectively mitigate quality deterioration in eggs from mature hens, offering a sustainable, residue-free approach to extending shelf life. The application of such biofilms can benefit both table eggs and industrial processing, reducing storage losses and improving product quality in older flocks.

Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Sarisa Manopinives

,

Eain Dray Aung

,

Nophea Sasaki

Abstract: The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was adopted in 2023 to reduce deforestation and forest degradation linked to global trade in forest risk commodities, including cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood. Under the regulation, operators and traders must exercise due diligence—comprising information collection, risk assessment, and mitigation—to ensure that commodities placed on the EU market are legally produced and deforestation-free. However, concerns remain regarding how developing-country exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can comply with these requirements given financial, technological, and institutional constraints. This study examines the differentiated impacts of the EUDR on Thai businesses by firm size through a mixed-method approach integrating literature review, business surveys, expert interviews, and case studies of Sri Trang Agro-Industry (STA) and Thai Eastern Group Holdings (TEGH). The findings reveal that large enterprises leverage digital traceability platforms, polygon-based mapping, and smallholder training to transform compliance into a competitive advantage, while SMEs face significant challenges due to fragmented supply chains and limited digital infrastructure. The study concludes that without targeted policy support and inclusive governance, the EUDR may unintentionally reinforce trade inequality. It proposes coordinated interventions by the Thai government, the European Union, and private industry to ensure that deforestation-free trade advances both sustainability and equitable participation.
Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Américo Ferraz Dias Neto

,

Raffaella Rossetto

,

Danilel Albiero

Abstract: Soil compaction from repeated mechanized traffic in sugarcane cultivation reduces porosity, root growth, water infiltration and nutrient availability. Pre-consolidation stresses (σP) in sugarcane soils (70–210 kPa) are frequently exceeded by machine loads up to 595 kPa, producing bulk density (b) above 1.65 Mg m-3 and soil resistance to penetration (SR) beyond 2.0 MPa within the upper 0.40 m; approximately 80% of root biomass concentrates in this zone. Conventional whole-area subsoiling is energy-intensive, destabilizes soil structure and accelerates re-compaction, limiting long-term efficacy. This review proposes integrating strip soil tillage (SST) with controlled traffic farming (CTF) via a multifunctional implement that performs selective subsoiling, in-row chemical correction and targeted input application. The system is designed to mobilize 53% of the area, preserve inter-row structure, reduce fuel consumption by 43.5%, decrease CO2 emissions by 163-315.4 kg ha-1 and lower operational costs by 53.5% relative to conventional approaches. The implement features adjustable-depth subsoiler shanks with dedicated input dispensers, rotary hoes for organic amendment incorporation and GNSS-guided autopilot for precise in-row operations. Expected outcomes include improved soil physical quality, enhanced root development beyond 1.30 m, increased input-use efficiency and sustainable productivity gains under CTF–SST management. A literature review search up to 31 May 2025 supported the integration of SST and CTF as a viable strategy for sustainable soil management in sugarcane production.
Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Shabu Jemal Abakorma

Abstract: The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement represented a pivotal setback in global climate governance, disrupting established funding streams, undermining emission reduction targets, and eroding multilateral trust. This systematic review synthesizes empirical and policy analyses to evaluate the political, economic, and scientific consequences of U.S. disengagement, with particular attention to disparities between developed and least developed countries (LDCs). Findings reveal three critical trends: (1) a substantial decline in reliable climate finance, disproportionately affecting LDCs; (2) weakened accountability mechanisms for major emitters; and (3) increased fragmentation in diplomatic negotiations. This paper argues that COP30 in Brazil (2025) must prioritize decentralized leadership models and robust, equitable climate finance mechanisms to restore momentum. Future research should explore quantifiable metrics for translating global stocktake outcomes into actionable national policies for high-emission economies and assess the efficacy of non-state actors in addressing identified governance gaps.
Review
Environmental and Earth Sciences
Other

Larisa Caisin

,

Elena Scripnic

Abstract: The global poultry sector is one of the fastest growing branches of agriculture, playing a crucial role in ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and reducing poverty worldwide. Poultry products, with their short production cycles and efficient conversion of agri-food by-products, represent an important source of protein, energy, and micronutrients, while also serving as a vital income source for rural households. However, the rapid expansion of poultry production is accompanied by significant challenges, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability, as the sector relies heavily on land, water, and feed resources, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient imbalances, and water pollution. This study focuses on the Republic of Moldova, where the poultry industry is an essential component of the agricultural economy. Based on recent statistical data and scientific literature, the article reviews production dynamics, farm structures, and technological adoption, providing a comprehensive picture of the sector’s current state. The findings reveal both the sector’s critical role in strengthening food security and rural livelihoods, and its vulnerability to resource constraints and environmental pressures. The analysis underscores the importance of implementing precision livestock farming technologies, enhancing biosecurity, and promoting environmentally friendly practices as key pathways toward sustainable development. These insights are intended to support policymakers and stakeholders in designing strategies for a resilient and competitive poultry sector in Moldova.

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