Abstract: Increasing requirements for reducing energy consumption result in thermo-modernisation existing buildings. Modernized buildings have significantly lower transmittation coefficient; infiltration air rate slows down markedly, which may lower indoor air quality (IAQ) noticeable; one gauge with a vane probe measures the air velocity and temperature at a grille in the toilet; second gauge with IAQ probe located in a room measures the mole fraction of carbon dioxide, dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures, absolute pressure, and humidity; moreover there are estimated the measurements uncertainties of: the volume flow rate, mole fraction of CO2, temperatures, and humidity. IAQ in a dwelling after thermo-modernization is evaluated in a sixty-year old building; heating system ensures thermal comfort during heating season; ventilation performs poorly, for vapor condenses on the window; carbon dioxide concentration is too high, which curbs mental activity greatly.

Abstract: Energy performance certification systems are critical for achieving sustainable development goals and reducing carbon emissions in West Africa. Ghana and Nigeria face significant challenges in implementing effective energy certification frameworks despite growing energy demands and climate commitments. This study examines the current state, challenges, and future pathways for energy performance certification in both countries. A mixed-methods comparative analysis was conducted using three data sources: surveys of 100 energy professionals (50 from each country), semi-structured interviews with 20 key stakeholders across both nations, and comprehensive policy document analysis spanning 2010-2023. Data analysis employed thematic analysis for qualitative components and statistical comparisons for quantitative data to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities in certification systems. The findings revealed significant institutional and regulatory gaps in current certification frameworks. Ghana demonstrated stronger policy foundations but limited implementation capacity, while Nigeria showed fragmented regulatory approaches with inconsistent enforcement mechanisms. Key barriers included inadequate technical infrastructure (78%), insufficient professional capacity (65%), and weak stakeholder coordination (72%). Innovative digital certification platforms and regional harmonization initiatives emerged as promising solutions. Successful energy performance certification requires coordinated policy reforms, enhanced technical capacity building, and strengthened regional cooperation. The study recommends establishing unified certification standards, investing in professional development programs, and implementing phased regulatory frameworks to support sustainable energy transitions in both countries while addressing identified implementation challenges.

Abstract: Anthropogenic and climatic pressures can transform contiguous forests into smaller, less connected fragments. Forest biodiversity and ecosystem functioning can further-more be compromised or enhanced. We present a descriptive analysis of recent forest fragmentation in Bavaria, the largest federal state in Germany. We calculated 22 metrics of fragmentation on forest polygons, aggregated within administrative units and with respect to both elevation and aspect orientation. Using a forest mask from September 2024, we found 2.384 million hectares of forest across Bavaria distributed amongst 83,253 forest polygons 0.1 hectare and larger. XS patches (< 25 ha), outnumber all other size classes (25-160 ha, 160-789 ha, 789-3,594 ha, and 3,594-48,703 ha) by nearly 13 to 1. Edge zones, where microclimatic effects may distinguish an area up to 100m from the forest perimeter, accounted for more than 1.68 million hectares, leaving less than 703,000 remaining hectares as core forest. Although south-facing slopes dominated the state, the highest forest cover (~36%) was found on least abundant east-oriented slopes. Most of the area is located at 400-600 m.a.s.l. with around 30% of this area covered by forests, however, XL forest patches (> 3,594 ha) dominated higher elevations, covering 30-60% of land surface area between 600-1400 m.a.s.l. The distribution of the largest patches follows the higher terrain and corresponds well to protected areas.

Abstract: A reliable Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is an essential input for land use planning and risk management, particularly in floodplanes where low-resolution models often fail to represent subtle topographic variations. In many regions worldwide, high-precision elevation data are unavailable, making it necessary to develop methods for enhancing existing global DEMs. This study proposes a practical and replicable methodology to improve the vertical accuracy of global DEMs in flat terrains with limited data availability. The approach is based on correcting the altimetric differences between the DEM and GNSS-RTK-surveyed topographic points, incorporating land cover classification to refine adjustments. The methodology was tested in the Ranchería River delta in Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia, using two global DEMs: FABDEM and SRTM. Results showed a significant reduction in root mean square error (RMSE), with improvements of up to 53.03% for FABDEM and 59.07% for SRTM. The proposed method requires minimal computational resources and no advanced programming. Due to minimal data requirements, it makes it a scalable and replicable solution for similar floodplains environments. These enhancements in local altimetric accuracy can significantly improve the reliability of hydrodynamic modeling, with direct implications for flood risk management and decision-making in vulnerable flatland areas.

Abstract: [Objectives] The major sugarcane-producing region of Guangxi represents a critical agricultural zone in China. Investigating the mechanisms of land use change and carbon storage dynamics in this area is essential for optimizing regional ecological security and promoting sustainable development.[Methods] Based on four-phase land use data (2011–2022), this study employed a land use transfer matrix and the Geodetector model to analyze spatiotemporal changes in carbon storage (assessed using the InVEST model) and identify key driving factors and their interactive effects.[Results] (1) From 2011 to 2022, total carbon storage in the study area fluctuated between 1,627.03 and 1,644.17 million tons, exhibiting a northwest-high, southeast-low spatial pattern, with high-value zones concentrated in mountainous regions and low-value areas in economically active lowlands. (2) Land use patterns significantly influenced carbon storage: forests remained the dominant contributor (>85% of total storage), while cropland and bare land initially declined before recovering. Grassland and water bodies showed sustained carbon loss, whereas construction land expansion drove carbon increases. (3) Land urbanization rate (q > 0.647) and cropland proportion (q > 0.656) were the primary drivers of spatial heterogeneity, followed by nighttime light index and forest coverage (q > 0.511). (4) Interaction analysis revealed strong synergistic effects among NDVI, forest coverage, and cropland proportion, with some factor combinations yielding q-values > 0.9, confirming multi-factor control over carbon storage changes.[Conclusions] Carbon storage in the Guangxi sugarcane-producing region is shaped by land use patterns and multi-factor interactions. Future strategies should optimize land use structures, strengthen forest conservation, and balance urbanization with ecological protection to enhance regional carbon sequestration.

Abstract: Soil degradation and declining fertility threaten sustainable agriculture and crop productivity. This study evaluates the effects of CFMI-8, a co-fermented microbial inoc-ulant comprising eight bacterial strains selected through genomic and metabolic mod-eling, on soil health, nutrient availability, and corn performance. Conducted in a ran-domized complete block design at Findlay Farm, Wisconsin, the field trial assessed soil biological activity, nutrient cycling, and crop yield responses to CFMI-8 treatment. Treated soils exhibited significant increases in microbial organic carbon (+224.1%) and CO₂ respiration (+167.1%), indicating enhanced microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. Improvements in nitrate nitrogen (+20.2%), cation exchange capacity (+23.1%), and potassium (+27.3%) were also observed. Corn yield increased by 28.6%, with corresponding gains in silage yield (+9.6%) and nutritional quality. Leaf micronu-trient concentrations, particularly iron, manganese, boron, and zinc, were significantly higher in treated plants. Correlation and Random Forest analyses identified microbial activity and nitrogen availability as key predictors of yield and nutrient uptake. These results demonstrate CFMI-8’s potential to enhance soil fertility, promote nutrient cycling, and improve crop productivity under field conditions. The findings support microbial inoculants as viable tools for regenerative agriculture and emphasize the need for long-term studies to assess sustainability impacts.

Abstract: The United Kingdom's legislated commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 necessitates urgent decarbonisation across all economic sectors. The residential housing sector presents a particularly significant opportunity, accounting for approximately 20% of national greenhouse gas emissions. A substantial portion of the UK housing stock comprises post-1950 dwellings constructed during periods of rapid expansion, when resource efficiency and thermal performance were subordinated to addressing immediate housing shortages. These buildings emerged in an era characterised by perceived energy abundance and limited awareness of environmental consequences, resulting in unanticipated energy performance deficiencies that now challenge contemporary climate objectives. While energy-efficient retrofitting has become integral to national decarbonisation policy, current initiatives predominantly emphasise technological interventions—such as thermal insulation, fenestration improvements, and heating system upgrades—often without adequately addressing broader sustainability imperatives or natural resource stewardship. This research proposes a paradigmatic reorientation through the systematic integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into residential retrofit practices. CE approaches—characterised by material circularity, waste minimisation, adaptive design strategies, and comprehensive lifecycle assessment—offer enhanced environmental sustainability and economic resilience compared to conventional retrofit methodologies. The investigation employs a multi-methodological approach encompassing systematic literature analysis, comprehensive policy review, stakeholder engagement, and critical evaluation of retrofit implementation across diverse UK contexts. This research identifies significant barriers to CE integration, including regulatory constraints, workforce capability gaps, and supply chain fragmentation, while also recognising potential enablers for transition. Building upon this analysis, the study develops an evidence-based decision-making framework that systematically aligns retrofit interventions with CE principles. This integrative framework is designed to inform policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers in conceptualising and implementing retrofit strategies that simultaneously enhance energy performance, optimise material circularity, minimise embodied carbon, and strengthen long-term environmental and economic resilience. The findings advance a holistic, systems-oriented approach to residential retrofitting that positions the housing sector as a critical catalyst in the UK's transition toward a circular, low-carbon built environment.

Abstract: Extracting the irregular and complex shapes of individual tree crowns from high-resolution imagery can play a crucial role in many applications, including precision agriculture. We evaluated three CNN models - MASK R-CNN, YOLOv3, and SAM - and compared their tree crown results with OBIA-based reference datasets from UAV imagery for seven dates across one growing season. We found that YOLOv3 performed poorly across all dates; both MASK R-CNN and SAM performed well in May, June, September, and November (Precision, Recall and F1 scores over 0.79). All models struggled in the early season imagery (e.g., March). MASK R-CNN outperformed other models in August (when there was smoke haze) and December (showing end of season red leaf senescence). SAM was the fastest model, and as it required no training, it could cover more area in less time; MASK R-CNN was very accurate and customizable. In this paper, we aimed to contribute insight into which CNN model offers the best balance of accuracy and ease of implementation for orchard management tasks. We also evaluated their applicability within one software ecosystem, ESRI ArcGIS Pro, and showed how such an approach offers users a streamlined, efficient way to detect objects in high resolution UAV imagery.

Abstract: A geodesic or geodetic line on a sphere is called the orthodrome. Research has shown that the orthodrome can be defined in a large number of ways. This article provides an overview of various definitions of the orthodrome. We recall the definitions of the orthodrome according to the greats of geodesy, such as Bessel (1826) and Helmert (1880). We derive the equation of the orthodrome in the geographic coordinate system and in the Cartesian spatial coordinate system. A geodesic on a surface is a curve for which the geodetic curvature is zero at every point. Equivalent expressions of this statement are that at every point of this curve the principal normal vector is collinear with the normal to the surface, i.e. it is a curve whose binormal at every point is perpendicular to the normal to the surface, and that it is a curve whose osculation plane contains the normal to the surface at every point. In this case, the well-known Clairaut equation of the geodesic in geodesy appears naturally. It turns out that this equation can be written in several different forms. Although differential equations for geodesics can be found in the literature, they are solved in this article, first, by taking the sphere as a special case of any surface, and then as a special case of a surface of rotation. At the end of this article, we apply calculus of variations to determine the equation of the orthodrome on the sphere, first in the Bessel way, and then by applying the Euler-Lagrange equation. All together the paper elaborates a dozen different approaches to orthodrome definitions.

Abstract: The recent removal of Canada’s national consumer carbon tax has eliminated a tool that could help guide meaningful reductions in national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Personal lifestyle choices contribute up to 75% of national emissions and yet the GHG inventories included in the National Inventory Report (NIR) of Canada provide a limited window into these choices. Carbon footprint calculators, widely used to estimate individual emissions, vary in their input parameters, output data, and calculation methods. This study assessed five current calculators for compatibility with the NIR to determine which might best support it. A qualitative literature review identified criteria for evaluating each calculator’s ability to inform lifestyle changes and align with the NIR. The selected calculators were then scored quantitatively based on the type and depth of their output data. Results revealed significant disconnects between calculator outputs and the NIR. Most calculators used a consumption-based approach, while the NIR follows a territorial framework. Additionally, many calculators lacked critical data categories, such as the purchase of goods and services, needed to fully understand individual carbon footprints. Overall, the calculator with the strongest opportunity to work in tandem with the NIR was determined to be that offered by Carbon Footprint Ltd.

Abstract: Total Electron Content (TEC) allows to evaluate the state of the ionosphere. Radio waves like GNSS signals traversing the ionosphere suffer delays and refraction. Ionospheric plasma irregularities may be generated in the equatorial regions after sunset and extend to low latitudes forming large plasma depleted regions named ionospheric bubbles. Signature of these bubbles can be observed at TEC maps. Inside plasma bubbles smaller scale size irregularities are generated causing scintillation in GNSS signals. This work compared TEC maps from some sources, with different temporal and spatial resolutions/coverage. Significant differences were found. For each source, there are differences in the treatment and preprocessing of raw data in order to get the absolute TEC values, which are interpolated to get grid values of the map. Even for the same source there are significant differences in the density of monitoring stations according to the region. A case of study concerning scintillation is also analyzed using the corresponding TEC and scintillation maps. TEC maps employed here encompass the years from 2022 to 2024, in the growing phase of the current solar cycle 25. The months of March, June, September and December were selected to take into account the TEC seasonal variation.

Abstract: As global pressure to reduce emissions intensifies, China is increasingly turning to digital technologies to drive sustainable industrial development, aiming to boost pro-duction while keeping carbon emissions in check. This study takes a micro-level ap-proach by dividing the industry into 17 sectors and applying an Environmental-ly-extended input-output (EEIO) model combined with structural decomposition analysis (SDA) to quantify the impact of digital transformation on carbon emissions across sectors. The results indicate that: (1) Technological improvements driven by digitalization play a key role in reducing industrial carbon emissions; and (2) While high-carbon sectors show substantial emission reductions due to digital transfor-mation, industries such as textiles—where digital adoption is more challeng-ing—exhibit only limited improvements. These findings underscore the need to fur-ther advance technological upgrading and transformation in less digitally integrated sectors.

Abstract: For the first time, zircons from thin volcanic ash layers interbedded within organic-rich Domanik facies (hydrocarbon source rocks) at the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary have been dated using the U–Pb LA-ICPMS method. The studied material derives from core samples of two boreholes located in the axial and marginal zones of the Kama–Kinel Trough System within the Volga–Ural Petroleum Province. In the axial zone, the base of the Siphonodella quadruplicata conodont zone yielded a concordant U–Pb age of 358.3 ± 1.7 Ma. In the marginal zone, the upper part of the Palmatolepis gracilis expansa Zone provided a concordant U–Pb age of 360.0 ± 1.2 Ma. These ages agree, within analytical uncertainty, with the current conodont-based chronostratigraphic framework and allow refinement of the onset of the Hangenberg Event in the studied basin.

Abstract: A reliable geothermal risk assessment methodology is key to any business decision. To be effective, it must be based on widely accepted principles, be easy to apply, be auditable and produce consistent results. In this paper we review the key characteristics of a geothermal project and propose a novel approach derived from risk and uncertainty definitions used in the hydrocarbon industry. Ac-cording to the proposed methodology, the probability of success is assessed by estimating three different components. The first, the geological Probability of Success (PoS), is the likelihood that the key fundamental geological elements are present. The absence of one or more of these will lead to the inevitable failure of the project. The second, the temperature threshold PoS, is defined as the probability that the fluid is above a certain reference value. Such a reference value is the one used to design the development. Such a component therefore depends on the end use of the geothermal resource. The third component is the commercial PoS and estimates the chance of a project being commercially viable using the Reverse Enthalpy Methodology (REM). Geothermal projects do not have a single parameter that represents their value. Therefore, in order to estimate it, it is necessary to make an initial assumption that can be revisited later in an iterative manner. REM works with either the capital expenditure (CAPEX) of the geothermal facility (power plant or direct thermal use) or the drilling CAPEX as the initial assumption. Varying the other parameter, it estimates the probability of having a Net Present Value (NPV) higher than zero.

Abstract: As cities globally transition toward sustainability, renewable energy integration has emerged as a strategic priority in urban planning. This research provides a case study investigation on how Dubai South, a unique aerotropolis combining aviation, logistics, and residential sectors, can implement a comprehensive renewable energy strategy aligned with the UAE’s clean energy goals. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Sustainable Strategic Management (SSM) and Energy Management Systems (EMS), and informed by global best practices and cutting-edge technological innovations, this study proposes a strategic roadmap specifically designed to address the unique energy demands and urban dynamics of Dubai South. Using the Dubai South HQ solar deployment as a baseline, the research explores technical, regulatory, and economic barriers as well as key enabling factors. The contribution lies in developing a scalable strategy for renewable energy integration in aerotropolis settings, offering practical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and developers seeking to advance sustainability in rapidly developing logistics-based cities.

Abstract: The rapid proliferation of electronic waste, driven by the short lifecycle of smartphones and planned obsolescence strategies, presents escalating global environmental challenges. To address these issues from a systems perspective, this study develops an agent-based modeling (ABM) framework that simulates consumer decisions and stakeholder interactions within the smartphone reuse and recycling ecosystem. The model incorporates key behavioral drivers—privacy concerns, moral norms, and financial incentives—to examine how social and economic factors shape consumer behavior. Four primary agent types—consumers, manufacturers, recyclers, and second-hand retailers—are modeled to capture complex feedback and market dynamics. Calibrated using empirical data from Jiangsu Province, China, the simulation reveals a dominant consumer tendency to store obsolete smartphones rather than engage in reuse or formal recycling. However, the introduction of government subsidies significantly shifts behavior, doubling participation in second-hand markets and markedly improving recycling rates. These results highlight the value of integrating behavioral insights into environmental modeling to inform circular economy strategies. By offering a flexible and behaviorally grounded simulation tool, this study supports the design of more effective policies for promoting responsible smartphone disposal and lifecycle extension.

Abstract: IIron-carbon micro-electrolysis and combined process were used to treat printing and dyeing wastewater, which was formulated with direct Big Red 4BE dye (concentration of 1500mg/L, chromaticity of 80,000 times, and salt content of 20g/L). The optimal conditions were determined by one-factor experiments, with a reaction time of 110 min, an initial pH of 5, and an iron and carbon mass ratio of 1:2. Under the optimal conditions, the concentration was reduced to 14.51mg/L, the chromaticity was reduced to 3,000 times, and the decolourization rate reached 99.03%. In order to further reduce the chromaticity of the wastewater, coagulation and Fenton oxidation were used to treat the wastewater in depth after the iron-carbon micro-electrolysis, respectively. The total decolorization rate of the dye wastewater reached more than 99.7%, and the treated wastewater met the emission standard of 80 times the chromaticity in the "Discharge Standard of Water Pollutants for Textile Dyeing and Finishing Industry" (GB4287-2012). The combination of iron-carbon micro-electrolysis and coagulation sedimentation or Fenton oxidation had a good effect on the treatment of direct Big Red 4BE dye wastewater.

Abstract: Dyes are widely used in various industries, but their removal from wastewater remains a challenge due to their resistance to biodegradation. While substantial research exists regarding the removal of individual dyes, there is much less about the removal of their mixtures. The aim of the research was to determine the possibility of using the immobilised mycelium of Pleurotus ostreatus strains to remove three-component mixtures of dyes from different classes. Efficiency of the removal in the continuously aerated reactor was similar to that obtained in a periodically aerated reactor and was over 90% at the end of each cycle. Despite the addition of subsequent portions of dyes, no increase in the toxicity of post-process samples was observed, and even a decrease of zootoxicity was noticed. The results of the study therefore indicate that an immobilised biomass can be used to remove the dyes, without the need to constantly inject air into the reactor.

Abstract: This study explores the use of deep learning models with attention mechanisms for predicting multiple soil properties from multi-temporal Sentinel-2 satellite images. We developed and tested two convolutional neural network architectures: one with a shared attention layer for all target properties, and another with separate attention layers for each property. The models were trained and evaluated on data from 45.000 locations across the United States. The main goal was to analyze which satellite bands and months are most relevant for soil property regression, as identified by the learned attention weights. In additional experiments, we excluded the most important bands to test their impact on prediction accuracy. The results show that attention mechanisms help highlight relevant input features and that removing key bands generally reduces model performance. To the best of our knowledge, such a direct integration of attention mechanisms with regression models for multi-temporal Sentinel-2-based soil property mapping has not been previously reported. This approach provides insight into model behavior and may support future applications in remote sensing-based soil analysis.

Abstract: The periphery of Lomami National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is under increasing hunting pressure, driven by both local subsistence needs and growing urban demand for bushmeat. This alarming context highlights the urgent need to understand wildlife population dynamics, particularly through the lens of local actors. This study aimed to assess hunters’ perceptions of the current availability of mammalian fauna around the park, in the absence of comprehensive ecological data. From October to December 2023, a snowball sampling method was used to conduct surveys with 60 hunters from nine villages surrounding the park. Sociodemographic profiles and hunting practices were analyzed using relative frequencies and Fisher’s exact test. Frequently cited species were used to assess perceived abundance and disappearance, and species similarity between near and distant zones was evaluated using the Jaccard index. Findings reveal that hunting is an exclusively male activity, predominantly carried out by individuals aged 30–40 years. Firearms are the primary hunting tools, and hunting is strongly influenced by seasonal patterns. It is practiced both in the park’s buffer zones and within its core protected area. This activity has led to the disappearance of key species such as Loxodonta cyclotis, Syncerus caffer, and Panthera pardus pardus, and to the significant decline of several Cephalophus species, once abundant in the region. These findings highlight a persistent pattern of overexploitation, resulting in a marked reduction in wildlife availability and posing serious threats to both biodiversity and local livelihoods. Urgent action is required, including enhanced monitoring, stricter enforcement of anti-poaching laws, improved ranger support, and the active involvement of local communities. This should be achieved through awareness-raising and the promotion of sustainable alternative livelihoods such as livestock farming, aquaculture, and agroforestry.