Many actions are underway at global, national, and local levels to increase plastics circularity. However, studies evaluating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of such a transition are ...lacking at regional levels in the United States. In this work, the existing polyethylene terephthalate and polyolefin plastics supply chains in Michigan were compared to a potential future (‘NextCycle’) scenario that looks at increasing Michigan’s overall recycling rate to 45%. Material flow analysis data was combined with environmental and socio-economic metrics to evaluate the sustainability of these supply chains for the modeled scenarios. Overall, the NextCycle scenario for these supply chains achieved a net 14% and 34% savings of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy impacts, when compared with their respective baseline values. Additionally, the NextCycle scenario showed a net gain in employment and wages, however, it showed a net loss of revenue generation outside of Michigan due to the avoided use of virgin resins in Michigan.
Extensive literature is available on the diversity and magnitude of impacts that alien species cause on recipient systems. Alien species may decrease or increase attributes of ecosystems (e.g. total ...biomass or species diversity), thus causing negative and positive environmental impacts. Alien species may also negatively or positively impact attributes linked to local human communities (e.g. the number of people involved in a given activity). Ethical and societal values contribute to define these environmental and socio-economic impacts as deleterious or beneficial. Whilst most of the literature focuses on the deleterious effects of alien taxa, some recognise their beneficial impacts on ecosystems and human activities. Impact assessment frameworks show a similar tendency to evaluate mainly deleterious impacts: only relatively few, and not widely applied, frameworks incorporate the beneficial impacts of alien species. Here, we provide a summary of the frameworks assessing beneficial impacts and briefly discuss why they might have been less frequently cited and applied than frameworks assessing exclusively deleterious impacts. Then, we review arguments that invoke a greater consideration of positive and beneficial impacts caused by alien species across the invasion science literature. We collate and describe arguments from a set of 47 papers, grouping them in two categories (value-free and value-laden), which span from a theoretical, basic science perspective to an applied science perspective. We also provide example cases associated with each argument. We advocate that the development of transparent and evidence-based frameworks assessing positive and beneficial impacts might advance our scientific understanding of impact dynamics and better inform management and prioritisation decisions. We also advise that this development should be achieved by recognising the underlying ethical and societal values of the frameworks and their intrinsic limitations. The evaluation of positive and beneficial impacts through impact assessment frameworks should not be seen as an attempt to outweigh or to discount deleterious impacts of alien taxa but rather as an opportunity to provide additional information for scientists, managers and policymakers.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Root chicory (
L. var.
) is used to extract inulin, a fructose polymer used as a natural sweetener and prebiotic. However, bitter tasting sesquiterpene lactones, giving chicory its known flavour, ...need to be removed during inulin extraction. To avoid this extraction and associated costs, recently chicory variants with a lower sesquiterpene lactone content were created by inactivating the four copies of the germacrene A synthase gene (
) which encode the enzyme initiating bitter sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis in chicory. In this study, different delivery methods for CRISPR/Cas9 reagents have been compared regarding their efficiency to induce mutations in the CiGAS genes, the frequency of off-target mutations as well as their environmental and economic impacts. CRISPR/Cas9 reagents were delivered by Agrobacterium-mediated stable transformation or transient delivery by plasmid or preassembled ribonucleic complexes (RNPs) using the same sgRNA. All methods used lead to a high number of INDEL mutations within the
-S1 and
-S2 genes, which match the used sgRNA perfectly; additionally, the
-S3 and
-L genes, which have a single mismatch with the sgRNA, were mutated but with a lower mutation efficiency. While using both RNPs and plasmids delivery resulted in biallelic, heterozygous or homozygous mutations, plasmid delivery resulted in 30% of unwanted integration of plasmid fragments in the genome. Plants transformed
Agrobacteria often showed chimerism and a mixture of
genotypes. This genetic mosaic becomes more diverse when plants were grown over a prolonged period. While the genotype of the on-targets varied between the transient and stable delivery methods, no off-target activity in six identified potential off-targets with two to four mismatches was found. The environmental impacts (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and primary energy demand) of the methods are highly dependent on their individual electricity demand. From an economic view - like for most research and development activities - employment and value-added multiplier effects are high; particularly when compared to industrial or manufacturing processes. Considering all aspects, we conclude that using RNPs is the most suitable method for genome editing in chicory since it led to a high efficiency of editing, no off-target mutations, non-transgenic plants with no risk of unwanted integration of plasmid DNA and without needed segregation of transgenes.
Malaria imposes an economic burden for human populations in many African countries, and this burden may be reduced through house screening initiatives. We use a randomized controlled trial to measure ...the economic impacts of house screening against malaria infection. We use a sample of 800 households from 89 villages in rural and peri-urban Zambia to collect baseline data in August 2019 and endline data in August 2020. The main outcome variables are (self-reported) malaria prevalence rates, labor supply, and income, and consider individual and household-level outcomes. House screening reduces malaria prevalence, the number of sick days due to malaria, and the number of malaria episodes. Impacts on adults are more pronounced than on children. In terms of economic impacts, house screening increases labor supply and (household) income. We find particularly large effects on labor supply for women household members. A cost-benefit analysis, based on estimated benefits and measured costs, suggests that the private benefits of house screening exceed the costs. While not all houses are suitable for house screening, we conclude that screening is a promising and cost-effective approach to reduce malaria infections.
•We organize an experiment to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of house screening in Zambia.•House screening reduces the prevalence of malaria.•House screening increases household labor supply and raises household income.•The discounted income gains of house screening exceed the costs.•The impact of house screening are heterogeneous across gender and age groups.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has made a big difference in the lives of all countries around the world. This study is the first part of a 9-months student research work started in 2021 ...February, based on literature research. Its aim is to present and summarize the major economic and social impacts of the coronavirus epidemic on the macroeconomy and industrial sectors during a one-year period. Our research is mainly based on secondary research methods – and accompanied by data from the most up-to-date statistical databases and other current research studies, we drew conclusions based on our own calculations in connection with the 27 member states of the European Union including Romania and Hungary. As a result of epidemiological measures in national economies, the role of certain sectors has shrunk, while other sectors have undergone tremendous development. The unprecedented spread of teleworking, the reduction in working hours in almost all sectors and the consequent lower wages, and the increase in the unemployment rate, have led to a decline in the value of gross domestic product for all nations, compared to the same period of the previous year. In order to save their country from the collapse of the economy, those responsible for managing them, were also forced to introduce measures that increased the country’s state debt and worsened their public finance position. Certain sectors of the economy have been hit hard by the effects of the past year, but there have also been those that have flexibly adapted to the changes. The sectors responded in different ways in each country. It can be argued, however, that the entertainment industry, performing arts and other services that require a personal form of presence have suffered the most from the constraints of the past year. But in the field of information and communication, there have been positive developments in many countries using the opportunities offered by information technology. However, changes during the pandemic period have led to a further increase in wealth inequalities in our world. As a result, unfortunately, more and more people are falling into deep poverty and the number of wealthy people is also increasing. The transformation of consumers’ values and income situation is having an impact on all sectors of the national economy. The question arises: when will declining companies be able to recover, will they be able to make the profits typical of their pre-epidemic management, and if so, when? Can we live in the future the way we lived in the past? Whether humanity will realize, that the growing differences between continents, countries, people are only creating larger controversies, and at last we do not only realize, but act in a responsible way for the sake of equality for all.
The paper explores the scope of transportation infrastructure appraisal approaches for capturing in-process (during design/development and construction) socio-economic impacts. In-process ...socio-economic impacts are explored through the case of a major road infrastructure improvement programme in South Wales, United Kingdom. The study posits that monitoring in-process benefits can provide a more holistic understanding of impacts to better inform appraisal approaches, addressing concerns over existing appraisal transparency and accountability. Advancing monitoring and appraisal in this way means that more unexpected socio-economic outcomes for regional economies can be understood. These impacts are illustrated through the labour market, skills and wider supply side legacy benefits resulting from direct project activity. The paper reveals the potential outcomes of capturing these in-process socio-economic benefits when supporting local economies in lagging regions.
•Infrastructure construction (in-process) development benefits are often overlooked.•In-process outcomes contribute to longer-term regional development gains.•Monitoring allows labour market gains and supply side legacies to be advanced.•In process socio-economic outcomes are valuable for lagging regions.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The goal of this paper is to evaluate the advantages achieved through the adoption of low impact energy saving strategies for an independent natural gas fired boiler heating system in a recently ...built residential building in Rome. For this purpose, an existing apartment was selected as a case study and dynamically simulated in TRNSYS with which the model was validated. Low impact retrofit solutions and heating system management were considered as possible solutions to achieve energy savings. The chosen retrofit solutions consist of envelope elements replacements and building automation controls improvement while heating system management depends on occupants' behavior. Overall, 36 scenarios were considered, starting from the combination of 3 comfort temperature set-points, 2 insulation levels for transparent components, 2 types of zone comfort set-point control with 3 dead-band temperatures. Each case is evaluated in terms of energy results and economic results. The simulation results provide energy savings up to 44% when windows are replaced lowering their transmittance nearby 32%. The choice of a proportional control for zone temperature set-point compared to a simple on-off control guarantee energy saving up to 39% when temperature set-point is low (19 °C) and controls dead-band is 0.5 °C. The effect of different temperature control dead-bands is higher when proportional controls are adopted (up to 40% passing from 2 to 0.5 °C dead-band for 19 °C set-point). Energy consumption reductions up to 63% are achieved if the indoor temperature set-point is lowered 2 °C, underlining the importance of occupants’ behavior. At last, an analysis on socio-economic impacts was performed, based on the results of a previous study focused on the externality costs due to pollutants emissions.
•Energy advantages achieved through the adoption of low impact energy saving strategies for an independent gas fired boiler were evaluated.•An existing apartment of a modern residential building in Rome was selected and dynamically simulated in TRNSYS.•36 energy saving scenarios were considered.•Each case was evaluated in terms of energy and economic results.•An analysis on socio-economic impacts was performed, based on the externality costs due to pollutants emissions.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Population growth and development are associated with increased water demand that often exceeds the capacity of existing resources, resulting in water shortages, particularly in urban areas, where ...more than 60% of the world's population resides. In many developing communities, shortages often force households to depend on water tankers amongst other potential sources for the delivery of water for domestic and/or potable use. While water tankers have become an integral part of the water supply system in many countries, the sector is often unregulated and operates with little governmental supervision. Users are invariably unaware of the origin or the quality of purchased water. In an effort to better assess this sector, a field survey of water vending wells and tankers coupled with a water quality sampling and analysis program was implemented in a pilot semi-arid urban area (Beirut, Lebanon) to shed light on the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the water tanker sector. Total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride (Cl−), and microbial loads exceeded drinking water quality standards. While TDS and Cl− levels were mostly due to saltwater intrusion in coastal wells, tankers were found to be a significant source of total coliforms. Delivered water costs varied depending on the tanker size, the quality of the distributed water, and pre-treatment used, with a markup of nearly 8–24 folds of the public water supply and an equivalent economic burden of 16% of the average household income excluding environmental externalities of water quality. The study concludes with a management framework towards consumer protection under integrated supply and demand side measures.
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•Reliance on water tankers is an adaptation measure in areas with chronic shortages.•The sector is often unregulated and operates with little governmental supervision.•Strong evidence suggests that water tankers contribute to total coliform contamination.•Delivered water costs showed a markup of 8–24 folds of the public supply system.•Economic burden of 16% of household income excluding environmental externalities.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Symbiosis, mainly due to the advances in -omics technology and to the microbiome revolution, is being increasingly acknowledged as fundamental to explain any aspect of life existence. Previously ...considered an exception, a peculiar characteristic of few systems like lichens, corals and mycorrhizas, symbiosis is nowadays recognized as the rule, with the microbiome being part of all living entities and systems. However, our knowledge of the ecological meaning and functioning of many symbiotic systems is still limited. Here, we discuss a new, integrative approach based on current findings that looks at commonalities among symbiotic systems to produce theoretical models and conceptual knowledge that would allow a more efficient exploitation of symbiosis-based biotechnologies. The microbiome recruitment and assemblage processes are indicated as one of the potential targets where a holistic approach could bring advantages. Finally, we reflect on the potential socio-economic and environmental consequences of a symbiotic view of the world, where co-dependence is the matrix of life.
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•Symbioses share mechanisms across different associations and the mutualism-parasitism continuum.•Looking at communalities among systems is the way to understand symbiotic mechanisms.•Theoretical models of symbiosis can promote biotechnological exploitation.•Re-thinking the relationships between organisms has environmental and social impacts.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
One-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tons per year. An updated review of global food loss and waste (FLW) is presented, as ...well as the related environmental, social and economic impacts, based on existing data and peer-reviewed literature. The authors reflect on the different food waste patterns and challenges faced by diverse regions around the world. The scale of FLW throughout the food value chain is analyzed, from agricultural production down to household consumption and disposal. FLW represent a waste of resources used in each production stage, such as land, water and energy; FLW also contributes to unnecessary increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The environmental and socio-economic impacts of FLW are analyzed based on reviewed life cycle assessments. Providing insights into key concepts around FLW, this article highlights the scale of the problem at a global and regional level. It also reflects on the main challenges for implementing strategies to reduce FLW and the implications for policy-making.
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