Road traffic noise presents a significant environmental challenge as it affects human health. This study examined the timbre attributes of road traffic sounds captured in Nairobi city to highlight tambourine-like zills (jingles). This was done by employing a unique perceptual metaphor, likening them to the blended resonant and shimmering elements of a tambourine. Utilizing audio recordings from 42 sampled sites across Nairobi’s road network, the study processed about 2,185 segments to compute essential acoustic parameters such as spectral centroid, spectral roll-off, Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), and zero-crossing rate (ZCR). These metrics were linked to equivalent sound levels (Leq) from on-site assessments and passenger car unit (PCU) indicators to reveal timbre differences influenced by vehicle categories and flow patterns. Findings demonstrate that heavy vehicles like trucks and buses feature modest spectral centroids (800–1100 Hz), limited spectral roll-off (1200–1600 Hz), and lower ZCR (0.04–0.07), resembling the sustained, foundational tone of a tambourine’s drum surface, especially in elevated Leq scenarios (e.g., 84.2 dBA along Thika Road). On the other hand, motorcycles and low-capacity passenger service vehicles (PSVs) present higher spectral centroids (approximately 1800 Hz), expanded spectral roll-off (2200–3200 Hz), and increased ZCR (0.09–0.14), akin to the crisp, metallic accents of tambourine cymbals, more common in moderate Leq contexts (e.g., 68.7 dBA near Uhuru Park). The MFCC evaluations highlighted unique spectral shapes, with reduced averages for heavy vehicles denoting subdued timbres and greater deviations for motorcycles, thereby suggesting abrupt changes. A graphical representation of spectral roll-off across vehicle groups illustrated a gradient from deep resonance to sharp percussion. In conclusion, findings provide practical guidance for noise reduction strategies. This is particularly important for guiding the modulation of the acoustic soundscape for inclusive, human-centered noise abatement planning. This resultant "tambourine model" is a tool for noise perception.
Wind erosion is a critical soil degradation process affecting 77% of Mendoza, Argentina. This study quantifies the 'shelter effect' of forest belts in San Rafael vineyards using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Employing the DPMFoam solver in OpenFOAM, a two-phase air-sediment flow was modeled within a 3D domain at a 1:100 scale. The simulation utilized a coupled Euler-Lagrange approach, solving RANS equations with the k-ϵ turbulence model to track particle transport (density: 2600 kg/m³). Two scenarios were evaluated under a constant wind speed of 10 m/s: an unprotected vineyard and one shielded by a triple-row forest barrier with 28.26% optical porosity. By maintaining Stokes Number (Stk) similarity, the model ensured a realistic representation of particle inertia. Results indicate that shelterbelts create a significant leeward velocity reduction zone, facilitating sediment deposition and retaining 4.95% of total particles. In contrast, retention in the unprotected scenario was negligible. These findings validate CFD as a robust tool for agroforestry design and confirm that triple-row shelterbelts are an effective strategy for soil conservation in vulnerable viticultural regions.
This paper examines the concept of the “blue economy” as a strategic approach for the sustainable use of ocean and sea resources to promote economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Particular emphasis is placed on the link between the blue economy and food security, especially in the context of coastal cities that depend on marine resources for food and income. Key challenges are described, including pollution, climate change, overfishing, and degradation of marine ecosystems. Solutions are proposed through sustainable fishing, development of responsible aquaculture, innovative marine technologies, and maritime spatial planning. The emphasis is on implementing environmental and management innovations to ensure the long-term stability of marine ecosystems and sustainable access to seafood. The European Union plays a key role in this transition through policies such as the “Green Deal”, the “Blue Growth” strategy, and mechanisms for the greening of the maritime economy. Bulgaria is actively involved through programmes for sustainable aquaculture, maritime spatial planning, and the fight against illegal fishing, especially in the Black Sea region. The article highlights the need for an interdisciplinary and international approach based on scientific evidence and sustainable policies. The conclusion is that the blue economy is not just an economic concept, but an integrated strategy for the future of coastal societies and global food security.
Non-tax state revenue (NTSR) plays a major role in Indonesia revenue generation, yet many government assets remain underutilized despite substantial capital expenditure. This study examines the contribution of workplace asset value (WAV) to NTSR derived from public asset utilization in the Eastern Region of Indonesia (ERI). As relatively marketable assets, workplace assets are expected to enhance revenue generation. Using panel data from 18 regions over 2018–2022, this study applies panel regression and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), incorporating controls for unemployment, poverty, and GDP. The results show that WAV significantly increases NTSR, with stronger effects when socioeconomic factors are included. Furthermore, regions with greater public asset holdings tend to generate higher NTSR. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing asset management policies to improve fiscal outcomes, particularly in less-developed regions such as ERI.
This article analyses Europe’s experience in pursuing a just transition towards sustainable development and derives practical lessons applicable to the Vietnamese context. Based on the theoretical foundations of Political Economy, Marxist–Leninist Philosophy, and Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, the study emphasises the relationship between social justice, green development, and political education in the context of international integration. In addition to systematising the European Union’s policies and practical experiences, the paper proposes the application of these findings in teaching political science students as well as the broader student body at Vinh Long University of Technology Education. Such integration aims to enhance students’ awareness of sustainable development, social responsibility, and modern political thinking. The study’s outcomes also open new interdisciplinary research directions linking political economy, environmental studies, and higher education in Vietnam. These findings hold both theoretical and practical significance, serving as a foundation for developing a “Green University” model and cultivating green human resources that meet the demands of international integration and sustainable development in Vietnam.
The Wabula indigenous people of Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, practice a traditional system of agriculture called shifting cultivation. Even though such a method is usually deemed to cause deforestation, if it is carried out using customary law, it can bring benefits to the sustainability of the ecosystem and the conservation of soil. This paper aims to study legal pluralism’s dynamics in the shifting cultivation practice as well as the role of customary law in sustainably managing natural resources. This research employed the socio-legal approach and analyzed how the state law and indigenous law interact. Results indicate that the Wabula indigenous people have their own customary law on the usage of land to maintain the balance of the ecology, encompassing the principles of kaombo, omo, and pangkolo. Even so, the relationship between the state law and the customary law is still imbalanced, hampering such customary agricultural activities. Therefore, the state must formulate regional regulations that protect the traditional shifting cultivation practice by using the Wabula customary community’s laws as a reference. This is to guarantee the legal certainty of land preservation management rights using the shifting cultivation method.
Cross-border Cooperation (CBC) represents common action plans between European cross-border regions. Land-Use and Land-Cover (LULC) changes are constantly one of the main themes in sustainable development and regional studies, particularly in cross-border territories. Therefore, we designed and implemented a comprehensive methodology of LULC analysis for the Oresund region, comprising the cities of Copenhagen and Malmo. Moreover, this study represents critically analyzed factors in CBC, LULC analysis, and policy recommendations. These guidelines could be used as the best practices among successful CBC in Europe. Besides, they offer capacity-building policies to develop visions and actions in CBC and LULC planning.
This study aims to analyze the effect of work-life balance on employee productivity at PT. MPI considers the role of work flexibility as a moderator variable and work stress as a mediator variable. The research uses a mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data were collected through a Likert scale questionnaire on the entire employee population of respondents and analyzed using SEM-PLS. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews to reinforce quantitative findings. The results of the study show that work-life balance has a positive and significant effect on employee productivity and work stress. Work flexibility has a direct effect on productivity, but it does not play a role as a moderator in the relationship between work-life balance and productivity. Work stress has not been shown to mediate the relationship. These findings underscore the importance of organizational policies that focus on improving work-life balance to drive employee productivity and well-being in a sustainable manner.
In this study date pits with potential applications as effective local waste were selected as biosorbents to remove Methyl orange. For the first time, the date pits waste was chemically treated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4, 85%) and carbonized in a muffle furnace at 600 °C for 3 hours. Batch adsorption experiments for methyl orange were performed, and the experimental parameters such as contact time, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dose have been varied in order to evaluate their effect on the sorption. It was found that the optimal value of the pH was 7.0, and the adsorption capacity for Methyl orange (MO) is 3 mgg-1. Adsorption at equilibrium was best described by the empirical Freundlich model. The kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-first-order model. This study demonstrated that date pit waste has a high sorption capacity to remove methyl orange in aqueous solution.
The article aims to investigate the relationship between urbanization and economic growth in Albania, with a special focus on the elements of the labor market. The hypothesis is examined through the data panel from 2012 to 2022 acquired by the official institutions, such as Instat and Statista. The results of the regression model do not reveal any impact of urbanization on the economic growth of the country. The employment of the agricultural sector is an important factor. Pearson correlation between urbanization and economic growth estimated at 0.342 indicates a weak to moderate positive relationship. According to the results of the model and the problems that the active labor force in the country faces, the potential to be developed rapidly seems not yet present. In the future, the mutual influence of the two variables is poised between the Tirana and Durrës regions, leveraging the potential through investments in infrastructure.
Maritime transport is a major source of environmental pressure in coastal and port cities. It affects air quality, underwater noise, and, more broadly, urban ecosystems. Although Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is widely available today, its use for continuous and transparent environmental monitoring at the urban scale is still limited. This paper explores how AIS-derived port traffic data can be used in a more open and interpretable way to support what we refer to as urban environmental intelligence. The analysis combines high-resolution AIS data with environmental indicators to examine how vessel activity evolves and how it differs across vessel types and seasons. The study examines how these traffic patterns relate to potential environmental pressures. Attention is also given to transparency and data openness to make results understandable and usable beyond expert communities. The findings suggest that transparent AIS-based monitoring can help identify periods and areas of increased environmental pressure.
This study evaluates an imidazolium ionic liquid (IL) additive for the recycling of waste PET containers. An investigation into how different percentages of this additive and relevant processing parameters affect material properties was conducted. Thermal and mechanical analyses were performed, including calorimetry, thermal degradation, IR spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. Melted composites exhibited thermal properties similar to those of virgin PET, indicating that the additive does not reduce stability. Moreover, mechanical analysis from hardness and modulus also indicates that virgin PET's superior properties are retained at low percentages of the additive. Spectroscopic results suggest that the PET polymer structure is largely unchanged. blending with the IL additive improved recycled PET performance, but excessive amounts compromises properties. Thus, the results support the feasibility of additive-induced modification as a means of improving reclaimed materials from recycled PET waste for optimized reuse; however, further adjustment of additive percentages is necessary for optimal performance.
This study aimed to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis to examine the structural consistency of sustainable tourism business development with empirical data. The sample consisted of 400 tour business operators in Thailand. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument, with an overall reliability coefficient of 0.90. The statistical methods applied included exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and second-order confirmatory factor analysis. The findings revealed that sustainable tourism business development comprises four components based on the 4M theory: Machine, Material, Manpower, and Method, with factor loadings ranked in descending order. The results of the first-order confirmatory factor analysis indicated that all model fit indices met the acceptable criteria. Similarly, the second-order confirmatory factor analysis also showed that all indices met the required standards. The factor loadings were positive, ranging from 0.83 to 0.95, and were statistically significant at the 0.01 level. Among the components, Material had the highest factor loading at 0.95. The model fit indices demonstrated a good fit with the empirical data (p = 0.089, CMIN/DF = 1.312, GFI = 0.976, RMSEA = 0.028). Tourism business operators can apply this model in practice by placing a strong emphasis on the Machine component. Investments in pertinent machinery or technology can improve the quality of services and provide customers with more value.
The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of retirees in Jouf region of Saudi Arabia. It shows how their culture, health and economic status impact their well-being. A model was employed that shows that these factors positively affect the quality of life of retirees, and a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 117 seniors. The research is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which is centered on a healthy quality of life. It shows that socio-cultural elements are very needed in determining retirees’ quality of life and the importance of community participation, observance of cultural traditions and family support in improving retirement satisfaction. Health measures and quality of life had an inverse relationship but it was not statistically significant. This suggests that strong social and cultural support systems may help people to deal with health problems. More efforts were needed to provide better services to older people. Improve pension system and financial aid; improve community cultural and volunteer programs for seniors; provide mental health and social support in national senior healthcare. Creating senior-friendly infrastructure and programs with local governments and organizations.
This study aims to analyze the traditional knowledge model based on community empowerment in stunting prevention efforts in Bireuen Regency. Types of research is qualitative descriptive research. The analysis process begins by listening to the results of the interview in audio form, then transcribing into written data and literary studies collected. The results of this study found that the traditional knowledge model is used in stunting prevention efforts in Bireuen Regency. It can be concluded that traditional knowledge owned by the people of Bireuen Regency has a significant role in efforts to prevent stunting. The traditional knowledge model that has been implemented so far can reduce stunting through strategies for efforts to reduce stunting through several approaches, namely institutions, human resources, and financing. Community knowledge about preventing stunting can be combining local knowledge so that the management of medicinal plants and can produce more effective interventions in overcoming malnutrition.
Due to the increasing environmental challenges faced globally, sustainability has emerged as a key focus in the policies and future strategies of various sectors, particularly in higher education institutions. Energy conservation is becoming a vital component of universities' approaches to sustainability, which can be best understood through collaboration between universities and their students. This study investigates students' attitudes toward energy and their reported environmental behaviors related to energy consumption, in addition to their views on their university's energy-saving initiatives, using an electronic survey. The sample included 134 male and female students from the Applied Science Private University, representing different colleges within the university. Female students comprised 59% of the sample, while male students accounted for 41%, with the majority being over 20 years old at a rate of 66.4%. The findings indicated high averages concerning the handling of appliances and light bulbs, routine maintenance of electrical devices, thermal insulation of homes, and the adoption of modern methods for energy conservation. The results did not reveal a statistically significant relationship between students’ energy consumption behaviors and the variables of gender, age groups, colleges, or parents' education levels. However, ANOVA analysis indicated statistically significant differences favoring students whose parents had an average income of 500-1000. The university has made considerable investments in the renewable energy sector. Analyzing and understanding elements such as curriculum, community, and campus will assist in evaluating their characteristics to enhance the effectiveness of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This paper investigates a pollution model for a closed system consisting of three physically interconnected lakes. The pollutant source enters the first lake, while the exchange of contaminants among the lakes is described by a coupled system of first-order differential equations. To obtain accurate numerical solutions, the Smooth Composite Shifted Legendre Pseudospectral Method is applied. The contamination levels in each lake are examined under three pollutant loading scenarios: impulsive, exponentially decaying, and periodic inputs. The convergence and error of the method are analyzed. Numerical results and residual errors are compared with those obtained from established methods in the literature to assess the accuracy and stability of the scheme. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach yields reliable and efficient approximations, indicating that it can serve as a practical numerical tool for modeling pollutant transport in interconnected lake systems and supporting water quality assessment studies.
Sustainable tourism and ecotourism play an important role in areas where nature and people coexist together, like Durrës Beach in Albania. The main idea here is to find a balance between tourism and the environment. People should be able to identify how many tourists should be entertained and the type of fun activities that can be carried out at the destination, and all this could be achieved by knowing the carrying capacity. The method follows the carrying capacity concept and tests it by verifying different factors such as carrying capacity, environmental quality, and tourists’ perceptions. The estimated carrying capacity for the three beaches in the Durrës coast in Albania is 50,661 tourists per day, while for Durrës city beach the figure is 6,985 tourists per day. It is very important to monitor the carrying capacity for tourism in such a way that sustainability is achieved in all aspects. The study’s multidisciplinary approach and assessment method make useful recommendations a reality for the sustainable development of the Albanian coastlines. Furthermore, by using a multi-criteria analysis method, the opinions of the stakeholders for Durrës Beach can be obtained. Following the recommendations given by very prominent and early thinkers in the subject and carrying out the recommendations given by such renowned researchers can help Albania maintain its high ecosystems while improving the quality of life for its citizens.
The development of a blue economy that is sustainable in nature necessitates the presence of effective governance systems that can effectively translate the aspirations of national policies into the local sphere, especially in the less developed, frontier, and outermost regions of Indonesia. The EMMIE (Effect, Mechanisms, Moderators, Implementation, Economic) framework has been employed as a tool to analyze the policy implementation of coastal tourism in Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, through the application of qualitative case studies that incorporate in-depth interviews, field studies, and document analysis to reveal the presence of a multidimensional policy failure in all five EMMIE aspects of the policy in the region. The presence of Law 23/2014 as a “meta-moderator” that limits the powers of local governments in the management of marine resources has also been revealed in the research, which has also developed four policy strategies that can be employed in the region, including the development of inter-governmental co-management agreements, the development of a Blue Economy Financing Facility, the development of a permanent Community & SME Empowerment Hub, and the development of a diversified blue economy strategy that focuses on the value chain of seaweed farming as well as community-based tourism development.
Choosing express logistics service providers is a tough decision that affects costs, the quality of service, delivery reliability, and customer satisfaction. While multicriteria decision-making methods are usually used in supplier selection, most studies focus on traditional criteria such as price and lead time. In this paper, a PROMETHEE-GAIA based decision support model is proposed that incorporates two additional dimensions into traditional logistics performance indicators: sustainability, evaluated through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) alignment, and consumer reputation, measured using indices derived from a public complaint platform. By using quantitative and qualitative criteria, the model gives a more complete and transparent evaluation of providers operating in Courier, Express, and Parcel markets. The model tested with five express transport providers shows that ESG and complaint-based metrics affect supplier rankings and improve decision robustness under sensitivity analysis. The framework improves PROMETHEE applications and offers logistics managers a more general, stakeholder-oriented tool for supplier selection.
