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Hereu-Morales J, Vinardell S, Valderrama C. Towards climate neutrality in the Spanish N-fertilizer sector: A study based on radiative forcing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174131. [PMID: 38909810 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural systems in the 21st Century face the double challenge of achieving climate neutrality while maintaining food security. Synthetic fertilizers rich in nitrogen (N-fertilizers) boost agricultural production at the expense of increasing climate impact. Public policies, such as the Farm-to-Fork (F2F) Strategy, aim to reduce the extensive use of N-fertilizers with the ultimate goal of achieving a climate neutral European Union (EU). However, the strong link between N-fertilizers and GHG emissions (i.e., CO2, CH4 and, especially, N2O) highlights the need to better understand the climate impact of this sector. The present study conducts a climate impact analysis of Spanish N-fertilizer sector for two periods: (i) from 1960 to 2020 using real data and (ii) from 2021 to 2100 considering five forecasted scenarios. The scenarios range from business-as-usual practices to a full accomplishment of the goals pursued by the EU's F2F strategy. The system's climate stability and neutrality are analysed for the different scenarios based on radiative forcing (RF) metrics. Additionally, the study evaluates the short-term impact of the EU decarbonization goals on the climate impact of the Spanish N-fertilizer sector. The results of the study illustrate that the long-lasting climate impact of N2O and CO2 emissions compromise the capacity of N-fertilizer sector to achieve climate stability and approach climate neutrality. However, the decarbonisation of transport and N-fertilizer production activities is an important driver to substantially reduce the life cycle CH4 and CO2 emissions in the Spanish N-fertilizer sector. The results also highlight that more severe reductions on N-cycles than those suggested by the EU's F2F are required, especially to reduce the long-lasting N2O emissions in the N-fertilizer sector. Overall, the study concludes that using RF-based metrics increases robustness and transparency of climate assessments, which is necessary for a higher integration of climate science within public policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Hereu-Morales
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)-BarcelonaTECH, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sergi Vinardell
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)-BarcelonaTECH, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, BarcelonaTECH, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - César Valderrama
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)-BarcelonaTECH, C/ Eduard Maristany 10-14, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, BarcelonaTECH, Campus Diagonal-Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain.
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Amoussouhoui R, Arouna A, Ruzzante S, Banout J. Adoption of ICT4D and its determinants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30210. [PMID: 38694104 PMCID: PMC11061747 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Various Digital Agricultural Technologies (DAT) have been developed and implemented around the world. This study aims to estimate the overall adoption rate and identify the determinant factors for a better adoption perspective after decades of innovation and dissemination. A systematic review was conducted on published studies that reported adoption rates and determinant factors using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We used meta-regression and the partial correlation coefficient to estimate the effect size and establish the correlation between socioeconomic characteristics and the adoption of various technologies reported. Fifty-two studies with 32400 participants met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The results revealed an overall pooled adoption rate of 39 %, with the highest adoption rates in developing countries in Africa and South America. Socioeconomic factors such as age, education, gender, and income were found to be the main determinants and should be considered when designing technology for sustainable adoption. The study also found that young farmers were more susceptible to adoption. Moreover, farmers with higher income levels and educational attainment are more likely to use technology linked to agricultural production, market access, and digital advising, implying that high-income farmers with more education are more tech-savvy. However, this does not exclude low-income and low-educated farmers from adopting the technologies, as many models and strategies with socioeconomic considerations were developed. It is one of the reasons behind the underlying enthusiasm for digital agricultural adoption in low and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Amoussouhoui
- Department of Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Science in Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aminou Arouna
- Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2551 Bouake 01, Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire
| | - Sacha Ruzzante
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC, V8P 3E6, Canada
| | - Jan Banout
- Department of Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Science in Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
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Garske B, Holz W, Ekardt F. Digital twins in sustainable transition: exploring the role of EU data governance. Front Res Metr Anal 2024; 9:1303024. [PMID: 38515644 PMCID: PMC10954793 DOI: 10.3389/frma.2024.1303024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Digital twins can accelerate sustainable development by leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to simulate state, reactions and potential developments of physical systems. In doing so, they can create a comprehensive basis for data-driven policy decisions. One of the purposes of digital twins is to facilitate the implementation of the EU's Green Deal-in line with internationally binding climate and environmental targets. One prerequisite for the success of digital twins is a comprehensive, high-quality database. This requires a suitable legal framework that ensures access to such data. Methods Applying a qualitative governance analysis, the following article examines if the EU's strategies and legal acts on data governance are paving the way for digital twin projects which promote sustainability. Results Results show important starting points for open and fair data use within the growing field of EU digital law. However, there is still a lot of progress to be made to legally link the use of digital twins with binding sustainability objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Garske
- Research Unit Sustainability and Climate Policy, Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty for Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, Rostock University, Rostock, Germany
| | - Wilmont Holz
- Research Unit Sustainability and Climate Policy, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felix Ekardt
- Research Unit Sustainability and Climate Policy, Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty of Law and Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, Rostock, Germany
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Fernandez-Zamudio MA, Zarzo I, Pina T, Soriano JM, San Onofre N. Assessment and Solutions to Food Waste at Congress Events: A Perspective of the MagNuS Project. Foods 2024; 13:181. [PMID: 38254482 PMCID: PMC10814255 DOI: 10.3390/foods13020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Addressing global food waste is a formidable challenge, requiring comprehensive efforts across the food supply chain, particularly in sectors prone to waste like HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering). In MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism, where gastronomy is a major attraction, overlooked meal services during working meetings contribute significantly to food waste. The MagNuS (Magnitude, Nutritional value, and Sustainability) project aims to assess and address food waste during conference events at the Valencia Conference Center in Spain. This study quantifies waste, categorizes it by food groups, estimates the potential number of individuals that could be fed with discarded food, and assesses energy and nutritional values. Across three events, 104.4 kg of food waste was documented, with cereals having the highest wastage, followed by legumes, fish, and others. Acknowledging potential underestimation due to reliance on cooked values, this study suggests using residues for vermicomposting or composting as sustainable waste management alternatives. These findings have implications for future initiatives, advocating diverse strategies to minimize food waste during congress events, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. The MagNuS project contributes valuable insights to sustainable practices in MICE tourism, informing policies and operational decisions to reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Fernandez-Zamudio
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Agricultura Sostenible, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Zarzo
- University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy, Lluís Alcanyís Foundation-University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Valencia, Spain;
| | - Tatiana Pina
- Department of Experimental and Social Sciences Education, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Valencia, Spain;
| | - Jose M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (J.M.S.); (N.S.O.)
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe-University of Valencia, 46026 Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nadia San Onofre
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain; (J.M.S.); (N.S.O.)
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
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Zhang W, Gao P, Chen Z, Qiu H. Preventing Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution in China: The Effect of Environmental Regulation with Digitization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4396. [PMID: 36901405 PMCID: PMC10002442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental regulation (ER) is essential to preventing agricultural non-point source pollution (ANSP). Prior research has focused on the effect of ER on agricultural pollution (AP), but little is known about the impact of ER following digitization on preventing AP, particularly ANSP. Based on the spatial heterogeneity, the effect of ER was examined using a geographic detector tool with provincial panel data from 2010 to 2020 in rural China. The results show that ER is a driver in preventing ANSP, primarily because of the constraint on farmers' behavior. Digitization positively affects the prevention of ANSP, as the new impetus for the infrastructure, technology, and capital is supported. The interaction between ER and digitalization forms a driving effect on the prevention of ANSP, indicating that digitalization constitutes the path dependence of farmers' rule acquisition and perception and addresses the "free riding" dilemma of farmers' participation, thereby enabling the incentive of ER to make agricultural production green and efficient. These findings indicate that the endogenous factor of digitization allowing ER is essential to preventing ANSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikun Zhang
- School of Social and Public Administration, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- School of Management, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Peng Gao
- School of Management, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- School of Economics & Finance, Zhanjiang University of Science and Technology, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hailan Qiu
- School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330044, China
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Heyl K, Ekardt F, Roos P, Garske B. Achieving the nutrient reduction objective of the Farm to Fork Strategy. An assessment of CAP subsidies for precision fertilization and sustainable agricultural practices in Germany. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1088640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Farm to Fork Strategy of the EU aims at sustainable food systems. One objective of the Strategy is to reduce nutrient losses by at least 50% resulting in at least 20% less fertilizer use by 2030. To this end, Member States are expected to extend digital precision fertilization and sustainable agricultural practices through the Common Agricultural Policy. In this context, this article applies a qualitative governance analysis which aims to assess the extent to which the measures proposed by the Farm to Fork Strategy, i.e., digital precision fertilization and sustainable agricultural practices, contribute to the nutrient objective of the Farm to Fork Strategy. The article analyses how these measures are implemented through the Common Agricultural Policy in Germany and Saxony. Results show that the nutrient objective of the Farm to Fork Strategy itself offers shortcomings. Germany offers some, yet overall limited, support for sustainable agricultural practices and digital precision fertilization. Hence, the Common Agricultural Policy will to a limited extend only contribute to the objective of the Strategy. The results furthermore highlight some general shortcomings of digitalization as sustainability strategy in the agricultural sector including typical governance issues (rebound and enforcement problems), and point to the advantages of quantity-based policy instruments.
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Xu J, She S, Liu W. Role of digitalization in environment, social and governance, and sustainability: Review-based study for implications. Front Psychol 2022; 13:961057. [PMID: 36533022 PMCID: PMC9748610 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.961057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Digitalization gives people access to a vast network of untapped data, which has the potential to help society and the environment. Smart systems connected to the internet can systematically provide a unique opportunity to solve difficulties related to long-term sustainability. The goals are to create an egalitarian, ecologically sustainable, and healthy society. Technological resources are envisioned as game-changing instruments. Three key concerns integration benefits are highlighted here: (i) sustainable development goals, (ii) socio-economic development, and (iii) the role of digital technology in environmental sustainability. This viewpoint describes the potential that digitization can create a future sustainable society. The technological network would unite the urban and rural worlds under a shared banner of sustainable development, keeping all social elements in the loop. Nations that take a comprehensive strategy will be able to provide equitable growth and an efficient, sustainable, and digital existence for their citizens. As a result, digitization provides better living conditions, active public involvement, clean governance, and transparency in public welfare programs and processes. People who are well-informed, self-aware, and digitally equipped will be better learners, thinkers, reformers, participators, and change and growth agents, marching forward on sustainable progress. The advantages of digitization in hastening the transition to sustainable industrial processes and improving people's health and happiness are explored. Finally, the perspective encapsulates the advantages of digitization by offering a holistic vision of how technology could aid in addressing major challenges such as endangered world biodiversity and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Xu
- School of Economics, Management and Law, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China
- School of Economics and Management, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shengxiang She
- School of Business Administration, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Economics, Management and Law, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China
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Yin S, Wang Y, Xu J. Developing a Conceptual Partner Matching Framework for Digital Green Innovation of Agricultural High-End Equipment Manufacturing System Toward Agriculture 5.0: A Novel Niche Field Model Combined With Fuzzy VIKOR. Front Psychol 2022; 13:924109. [PMID: 35874394 PMCID: PMC9304958 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.924109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital green innovation (DGI) is the core factor that affects the digitalization and decarbonization strategy of agricultural high-end equipment manufacturing (AHEM) system. Although AHEM enterprises actively cooperate with academic research institutes to develop agricultural high-end equipment, there are many obstacles in the process of DGI. Moreover, the integration of digital technology and green innovation from the perspective of partner matching for the AHEM system has not been fully introduced in current literature. Hence, this study aimed to (i) establish a suitable framework system for the AHEM system in general, (ii) quantify the selection of DGI by academic research institutions based on niche theory, and (iii) propose an extended niche field model combined with fuzzy VIKOR model. First, a theoretical framework consisting of three core elements of technology superposition, mutual benefit, and mutual trust, and technological complementarity was constructed based on niche intensity and niche overlap degree. DGI ability superposition of technology, mutual trust, and technical complementarity are beneficial for transferring DGI knowledge from academic research institutes to the AHEM industry. Second, triangle fuzzy number and prospect theory combined with the VIKOR method were introduced into the field theory to construct the complementary field model of DGI resources. The niche field model has been successfully applied to practical cases to illustrate how the model can be implemented to solve the problem of DGI partner selection. Third, the results of a case study show that the criteria framework and the niche field model can be applied to real-world partner selection for AHEM enterprises. This study not only puts forward the standard framework of niche fitness evaluation based on niche theory but also establishes the niche domain model of innovation partner selection management based on niche theory. The standard framework and novel niche field model can help enterprises to carry out digital green innovation in the development of high-end agricultural equipment. The study has the following theoretical and practical implications: (i) constructing a criteria framework based on niche theory; (ii) developing a novel niche field model for DGI partner selection of AHEM enterprises; and (iii) assisting AHEM enterprises to perform DGI practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yin
- College of Economics and Management, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
- School of Economics and Management, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Shi Yin,
| | - Yuexia Wang
- College of Economics and Management, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
- Yuexia Wang,
| | - Junfeng Xu
- College of Economics and Management, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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Rao P, Liu X, Zhu S, Kang X, Zhao X, Xie F. Does the Application of ICTs Improve the Efficiency of Agricultural Carbon Reduction? Evidence from Broadband Adoption in Rural China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137844. [PMID: 35805502 PMCID: PMC9265305 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Based on the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, this paper examines whether rural broadband adoption affects agricultural carbon reduction efficiency (ACRE), using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2019. This paper achieves a measurement of ACRE by taking the carbon sink of agricultural as one of the desired outputs and using a Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) model and the global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) index. The results show that: (1) Rural broadband adoption has a positive effect on ACRE. The relationship between the income of rural residents and ACRE was an inverted U-shaped, which confirms the EKC hypothesis. (2) Land transfer has a significant promoting effect on the relationship between rural broadband adoption and ACRE. When the land transfer rate is high, the positive effect of broadband adoption is obvious. (3) The positive effect of broadband adoption on ACRE was more obvious when farmers invested more in production equipment, that is to say, it has a significant positive moderating effect. As farmers in many developing countries suffer from increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, we believe that the results of this study also have implications for the implementation of agricultural carbon reduction and smart agricultural equipment roll-out in many countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Rao
- School of Management and Economics, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.R.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaojin Liu
- School of Management and Economics, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.R.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Shubin Zhu
- Institute of Rural Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (F.X.)
| | - Xiaolan Kang
- Institute of Rural Development, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China;
| | - Xinglei Zhao
- School of Management and Economics, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; (P.R.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Fangting Xie
- College of Economics and Management, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Research Academy for Rural Revitalization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Correspondence: (S.Z.); (F.X.)
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Potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Applications in Biodiversity Conservation, Managing Forests, and Related Services in India. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14127154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recent advancement in data science coupled with the revolution in digital and satellite technology has improved the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the forestry and wildlife sectors. India shares 7% of global forest cover and is the 8th most biodiverse region in the world. However, rapid expansion of developmental projects, agriculture, and urban areas threaten the country’s rich biodiversity. Therefore, the adoption of new technologies like AI in Indian forests and biodiversity sectors can help in effective monitoring, management, and conservation of biodiversity and forest resources. We conducted a systematic search of literature related to the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms (ML) in the forestry sector and biodiversity conservation across globe and in India (using ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar). Additionally, we also collected data on AI-based startups and non-profits in forest and wildlife sectors to understand the growth and adoption of AI technology in biodiversity conservation, forest management, and related services. Here, we first provide a global overview of AI research and application in forestry and biodiversity conservation. Next, we discuss adoption challenges of AI technologies in the Indian forestry and biodiversity sectors. Overall, we find that adoption of AI technology in Indian forestry and biodiversity sectors has been slow compared to developed, and to other developing countries. However, improving access to big data related to forest and biodiversity, cloud computing, and digital and satellite technology can help improve adoption of AI technology in India. We hope that this synthesis will motivate forest officials, scientists, and conservationists in India to explore AI technology for biodiversity conservation and forest management.
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Milošević I, Arsić S, Glogovac M, Rakić A, Ruso J. Industry 4.0: Limitation or benefit for success? SERBIAN JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/sjm17-36413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The fourth industrial revolution is a significant driving force framing companies' digital, social, and economic needs. This concept considerably influences the outcomes of businesses by increasing cost-effectiveness, quality, and effectiveness. However, studies on performance outcomes of Industry 4.0 in Serbia are still scarce. The available literature mainly deals with papers that observe Industry 4.0 from only one point of view, most often positive or negative effects on business success. A literature gap was observed that would fulfil the observed Industry 4.0 from two opposite aspects, positive or negative. To overcome the literature gap, this paper aims to observe if Industry 4.0 is perceived as facilitating or limiting for business success. The study provides a more objective approach to observing and decision-making in Industry 4.0 acceptance. To support this contribution, the paper provide a deeper analysis of the factors that impact the financial, operational, and strategic performance outcomes associated with Industry 4.0. Considered factors are attitude toward digitalization, limitations of digitalization, and expected benefits of digitalization. The results gathered through 134 valid questionnaires are evaluated using Structural Equation Model. These results show that all relationships and impacts are confirmed except the influence of internal limitations on performance outcomes. These findings are encouraging for companies wanting to transfer to Industry 4.0.
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Rural Broadband and Precision Agriculture: A Frame Analysis of United States Federal Policy Outreach under the Biden Administration. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Global food security requires sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural production. Precision agriculture may provide the tools needed to intensify agricultural production while prioritizing sustainability; however, there are barriers such as initial investments, knowledge gaps, and broadband access that may hinder adoption. Many rural areas in the United States lack the appropriate infrastructure for broadband access needed for precision agriculture, indicating government policies are needed to expand broadband access. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to develop a conceptualization of the current frames used by the Biden administration in communications related to rural broadband and precision agriculture. The methodological framework used was frame analysis. Data were initially analyzed inductively for overall gestalt and subsequently analyzed with abductive coding. Five overarching frames were identified during the data analysis process: broadband access and economic issues, garnering support for broadband expansion, urgency and equity surrounding broadband, expanding beyond the rural, and broadband infrastructure and the agricultural sector. The findings revealed broadband access associated with the Biden administration expanded beyond rural areas, recognizing that cities also face broadband access and affordability issues. There was a lack of discourse, however, surrounding rural broadband policy and precision agriculture, which may downplay its importance in agricultural sustainability.
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Effective biodiversity monitoring could be facilitated by networks of simple sensors and a shift to incentivising results. ADV ECOL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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