Search

The world production of plastic exceeded 360 million tonnes in 2020 alone, a considerable amount of which is not properly disposed of. The significant pressures and damages posed by conventional plastic to human and environmental health suggest that alternatives are urgently needed. One of them is "bioplastic", which is defined as bio-based plastic that is (or not) biodegradable. This paper reports on a study on the perceptions of bioplastics among consumers in 42 countries to identify their levels of information and concerns. The results suggest that most respondents have positive expectations regarding the future of bioplastics to replace conventional plastics fully or partially, especially for food containers, kitchenware, and boxes and bags for packaging. They also reported that the low costs and increased availability of bioplastic products on the market are likely to be the main drivers for their wide-scale adoption. However, many participants are unsure whether they would buy bio-based and biodegradable products if they are expensive. Overall, whereas a rather positive attitude to bioplastics has been identified, greater efforts are needed to address the many information needs of consumers towards upscaling the adoption of bioplastics. Relevant policies are therefore needed to encourage investments in the large-scale manufacture and market uptake of bioplastics. The paper reports on an initial study of consumer behavior, in a sample of countries spread across all geographical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand how habitat management influences agricultural production, the present study investigated whether the vicinity of mixed (six annual herbaceous species) or monospecific ( Diplotaxis tenuifolia) floral margins can improve seed production in coriander., Potted coriander plants under field conditions were used to test: (i) the contribution of insect pollination (open versus bagged umbels) to coriander seed production and (ii) the contribution of floral margins (mixed or monospecific) to pollinator visitation to coriander., Although coriander showed the capacity to self-pollinate, bagged umbels (no insect pollination) produced significantly less seeds than open-pollinated coriander umbels., In the vicinity of floral margins (mixed or monospecific), coriander plants were more frequently visited by pollinators than control plants (no margins), which consequently improved seed production and quality (seed weight and germination rate)., Finally, the present study showed that the presence of both mixed and monospecific margins can improve the production of coriander seeds by more than 220% and, in addition, conserve local pollinators within agro-ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat management, with the aim of conserving pollinators in agro-ecosystems, requires the selection of the most suitable floral species in terms of their attractiveness to pollinators and a simplicity of agronomic management., A randomized block design including 12 herbaceous plants was used to study their attractiveness to pollinators (insect visitation), their attractiveness efficiency (a combination of duration of flowering and insect visitation), their response to two different agronomic management practices (growing in mixed versus mono-specific stands; tillage versus no-tillage) and their potential weediness., The flowers of Borago officinalis, Echium plantagineum, Phacelia tanacetifolia and Diplotaxis tenuifolia were attractive to bees, whereas Calendula arvensis, Coriandrum sativum, D. tenuifolia and Lobularia maritima were attractive to hoverflies., A floral mixture resulted in a lower attractiveness efficiency to pollinators than D. tenuifolia, but higher than when compared with most of the mono-specific stands. On the other hand, although some of the most attractive plant species ( P. tanacetifolia and C. arvensis) showed potential weediness, their self-seeding was reduced by tillage treatment., Diplotaxis tenuifolia was the only plant with a high attractiveness efficiency to pollinators and efficient self-reproduction. Therefore, D. tenuifolia is highly recommended species for attracting bees and hoverflies in agro-ecosystems of Central Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild rocket,Diplotaxis tenuifolia(L.) DC. (Brassicaceae), is one of the three cultivated rocket species, the demand and production of which have recently increased in Mediterranean countries where irrigation water is scarce. Besides its use as a crop,D. tenuifoliahas been observed to flower for a long period and to be attractive to pollinators. In this study we assessed the effect of drought stress and moderate- and severe-deficit irrigation on growth, flower development, and attractiveness to pollinators inD. tenuifolia. The results showed that in greenhouse conditions, pottedD. tenuifoliacould be without irrigation for 4 days without affecting its growth, flowering, and attractiveness to pollinators. However, lack of irrigation for 8 days or longer significantly reduced the vegetative growth, number of open flowers, total floral area, flower diameter, corolla tube diameter, and corolla tube length ofD. tenuifolia. This study shows that regulated-deficit irrigation can improve water use efficiency, and depending on the purpose of growingD. tenuifolia, as a crop or as a beneficial plant to attract pollinators, it can reduce water consumption from 40% to 70% without affecting its vegetative and floral development and without reducing its attractiveness to pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research took place in rural central Mozambique, within N'hambita Village, located in the buffer area of Gorongosa National Park. The focus of the study was to assess the agricultural and domestic water usage by local people. Due to the fact that women of the households are mainly responsible for the water collection and the agricultural activities, the investigation has been conducted among the women of the village. In order to collect the social and environmental data, the methodology of the research was based on interviews, questionnaires, GPS mapping of water sources and observation of the water use. The people of the village rely on the three different water sources: boreholes, wells and the river Ripisse, which passes through the village. The Ripisse River is described like the seasonal river stream, which leaves the local people to irrigate their cultivations only from the wells and boreholes water. This research assesses the present water management practices of the village members, and investigates the potentials for the sustainable improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists aim to promote health, prevent various diseases and help people in their rehabilitation processes. So far, there is a paucity of understanding of the big picture of how the new paradigm of planetary health (PH) is connected to the education and practice of these professionals. Methods: This research aimed to address this gap by investigating and deploying a bibliometric analysis to elucidate the pivotal role of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in addressing PH challenges. The ultimate goal is to construct a comprehensive framework crosschecking the bibliometric analysis and the collection of 10 case studies selected by experts to outline how best practices in occupational therapy and physiotherapy, related to the three pillars of sustainability and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), can contribute to increasing PH. Results: The bibliometric analysis revealed four major research strands: 1) enhancing patient care and quality of life; 2) integrating sustainability in health care and rehabilitation; 3) professional development and clinical competence; and 4) evidence‐based practice and quality improvement. Moreover, further temporal analysis revealed how the topic evolved, from advancing evidence‐based practice and clinical effectiveness, exploring the strengthening of health care and person‐centred practices, to connecting the topic to aspects also predicted by the SDGs, such as integrating environmental and climate concerns in therapy and addressing psychological and self‐care impacts on health. The case studies confirmed this trend, and a framework of PH in occupational therapy and physiotherapy through the lens of the SDGs was developed to support future research and practitioners in advancing this research field. Conclusions: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists are essential players in public health and can integrate sustainability at every level of practice, from using resources during therapy sessions to advocating for more sustainable lifestyles. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists aim to promote health, prevent diseases and help people recover. However, there is uncertainty about how they could contribute to the planetary health paradigm in their education and practice. This research aimed to investigate the role of occupational and physiotherapists in addressing planetary health challenges, utilising a bibliometric analysis and case studies to show how best practices can improve planetary health. The analysis showed four ways that a contribution can be made: 1) improving patient care and quality of life, 2) integrating sustainability in health care and rehabilitation, 3) developing clinical competence and professional skills, and 4) using evidence‐based practices and quality improvement. The research also shows that the topic evolved from evidence‐based practice and clinical effectiveness to connecting the topic to aspects predicted by the Sustainable Development Goals. The case studies confirmed this trend, and a framework of planetary health in occupational therapy and physiotherapy was developed. In conclusion, occupational therapists and physiotherapists play an essential role in planetary health and can integrate the paradigm into every level of practice, by using resources during therapy sessions and advocating for more sustainable lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban environment is characterised by many pressures caused by population growth, transport (and its related emissions), and the damage to green areas. Yet, there is a variety of ecosystem services available in urban areas, which may be deployed to ameliorate the current problems and foster their sustainability. This paper reviews the role of ecosystem services as tools for sustainability, based on an urban setting. It also describes a series of multi-country case studies, where an assessment of their functions using a set of benefits valuation approaches such as health benefits, economic benefits, social benefits and benefits to climate resilience, are provided, along with an appraisal of their role in up-keeping the overall quality of the urban environment in the studied areas. Policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the role of ecosystem services, and fostering sustainability in the sampled sites -and beyond-are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize the lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production in greenhouses and to evaluate how a usage of mulching and covering plants with woven agrotextile affects its yields, N content, nitrate, Zn and vitamin C in lettuce leaves, a 2-yr experiment was established. In the experiments, black and white plastic foils were used for mulching before planting, and woven agrotextile for plant covering after planting. The effect of each, as well as combination of them, on lettuce growth and productivity was evaluated. The experiment involved six treatments: control (without mulch), polyethylene black plastic mulch, polyethylene white plastic mulch, polyethylene black plastic mulch and woven agrotextile, polyethylene white plastic mulch and woven agrotextile, and woven agrotextile. In the first growing season the yield was 23% higher when polyethylene black plastic mulch was used compared to the control. In the second growing season the yield was 29% higher when polyethylene black plastic mulch was used compared to the control. Nitrogen content decreased 9% when the woven agrotextile was used compared to the control. Polyethylene black plastic mulch and polyethylene black plastic mulch with agrotextile reduced Zn content compared to the control. Vitamin C content increased 21% when woven agrotextile was used compared to the control. The overall effect of mulching and covering plants with woven agrotextile showed positive effect on lettuce production. The results obtained could assist lettuce growers in selecting most effective production technologies in order to achieve highest yield and nutritional value in this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study evaluated the effect of heat stress during anthesis on the summer maize grain formation. • The failure of the crop to complete pollination could incommode the farmers just when they are waiting for a reasonable yield. • Providing the probability maps to forecast adverse events could help farmers in decision-making. • Maximum temperature showed no limitation for maize cultivation. • It is highly recommended to consider the temperature for pollination of corn kernels. Dealing with high temperatures during the anthesis stage is an important factor that can affect summer maize. Here, the possibility of heat stress injury (HSI) in the summer maize-grown fields of Golestan province was investigated. A multi-criteria weighted overlay procedure was used to determine the suitability of arable land for maize cultivation. Using the CERES-Maize model and long-term meteorological data, the map of the days with Tmax > 35 °C from three days before to seven days after anthesis was provided. The results showed that the irrigated corn fields in the study area have suitable degrees for corn cultivation and different conditions in the field of HSI experience around pollination. Although most of the fields were located in highly suitable areas, probable HSI (as described by PDT35) affected the final suitability. Also, more reliable sowing dates were introduced. The results revealed that on 18th of June, maize could be sown at all suitable areas except in some arable lands of Kalaleh where the PDT35 was more than 40%. The results showed that HSI should also be considered around the pollination stage to obtain reliable results from land suitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local squares function as open spaces where people can conduct many activities and where many social events take place. While squares in Iran have had a historical role in urban life, in recent years they have lost their place as social nodes of neighborhoods. They are losing their sustainability due to diminishing social roles in residential neighborhoods. The primary aim of this research was to investigate social sustainability dimensions in the squares of Narmak neighborhood located in the east of the metropolitan city of Tehran. The research method was descriptive, and 140 questions in seven dimensions were asked from 378 respondents aged 12+, who were selected randomly in 2018. The results showed that social sustainability variables differ in all five types of squares, particularly in terms of sense of place. However, equality was ranked on average as low in all types of squares. This study concluded that social sustainability in residential squares is very sensitive to a rapid urbanization process that has imposed mass apartment blocks, traffic flow, and lack of place identity. As a result, the process has led to social unsafety, low urban security, and weak maintenance of squares, particularly larger squares, as well as the transformation of their role as residential squares to mostly traffic squares and parking spaces. Additionally, this study concluded that small squares are socially more sustainable than larger ones because respondents felt that small squares were safer, more secure, and full of a sense of place. Urban policy-makers can use the results of the present study to evaluate the effects of their executive strategies on urban livability, social sustainability, and the satisfaction of residents. • This study aimed to investigate social sustainability dimensions in squares. • Residential squares social sustainability is sensitive to urbanization process. • Social sustainability differs in all types of squares in terms of sense of place. • Small squares are socially more sustainable than larger ones. • Equality was ranked as low in all types of squares averagely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 50 years, conventional fossil-based plastics have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Apart from their low production costs, this is due to a number of their unique properties, including durability, strength, lightness, electrical and thermal insulation, resistance to chemicals and corrosion. The production of plastics has increased from 1.5 million metric tons in 1950 to 359 million metric tons in 2018. Of this total, 61.8 million metric tons were produced in Europe. There are various problems associated with plastic use and disposal that pose a serious threat to both the physical environment and human health. Since public behaviour plays a key role when it comes to the use of plastic, this paper reports on a study that focused on an assessment of attitudes towards plastics and bioplastics in Europe. The results showed that packaging is the most frequent modality of plastic used among participants. In addition, majority of participants are aware that plastic waste can affect environment and human health and therefore segregate and properly dispose plastics. Also, even though most respondents were aware of the environmental problems related to plastic use and showed a positive inclination towards using bioplastic materials, their limited availability and lack of relevant information about bioplastics pose a problem for wider use. Departing from the assumption that the public attitude is a determining factor in the consumption of plastics as a whole and bioplastics in particular, this paper also sheds some light on the current situation, identifying some trends and information gaps which should be addressed in order to encourage a more rational use of plastics in Europe. Unlabelled Image • Plastic use and inefficient plastic disposal pose a serious threat to the physical environment and to human health. • Many Europeans are aware of the problem and segregate and properly dispose plastics. • Packaging is the most frequent modality of plastic use. • Even though a positive inclination towards using bioplastic materials exists, their limited availability poses a problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]