• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2013.01a
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• pp.42-46
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• 2013

California's heartland, the Great Central Valley, is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. However for many years the valley has been struggling with a broad range of social, economic, and environmental challenges. Some significant concerns include water resources, air pollution, poverty rates, housing issues, etc. Another strike against the valley is the relative reluctance to embrace widespread sustainable building practices. This paper discusses the long-term and profound impact of the built environment has on the aforementioned socioeconomic and environmental issues facing the valley. It reviews exemplary practices in other states and regions regarding policy-making and regulation in the building industry as well as sustainable community development. The paper further explores viable options specifically for the Fresno metropolitan area (the largest in the Central Valley) to combat its unique multifaceted challenges.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.8_spc
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• pp.1256-1265
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• 2019

The aim of this review is to show the evolution of the dairy goat sector in Europe from all perspectives. Starting from the current situation, the challenges and future potential of this livestock system are presented, as well as strategies to overcome the difficulties faced. Europe holds 1.9% of the world goat population and produces 15.1% of goat milk recorded worldwide. The goat species plays a fundamental economic, social and environmental role in many regions of Europe. The wide diversity of production systems and autochthonous breeds makes the sector very heterogeneous. In order to improve viability, a number of strategies need to be adopted to solve the current problems such as a low profitability, absence of generational change and a little or no recognition of the social and environmental role of the sector. Some strategies to improve the situation of the European goat sector include: i) generating market value that will recognise the diversity of the dairy goat sector (breeds, feeding models, derived products${\ldots}$); ii) promoting and raising awareness of the functional attributes of goat milk and derived products so as to increase consumption; iii) assigning an economic value to environmental and social functions; iv) improving working conditions through technological innovation to make goat farming more attractive to young people; and v) processing more milk into cheese or other dairy products in production areas.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.246-255
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• 2016

The study of public health systems is an important, but very difficult task. The concept and functions of public health systems are influenced by the views, interests, and influence of the various stakeholders belonging to public health systems and broader social, economic, political, and environmental sectors. To define public health system with conceptual clarification, we must take into account the dynamic and complex aspect of the public health system. This paper reviews health systems and public health systems literature to suggest the concept, goals, and functions of public health systems. In addition, this paper recognizes some challenges, such as leadership and management, resource development, economic support, and service delivery to strengthen public health systems for improving health and well-being of population.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.432-438
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• 2017

Slum settlement, a direct result of the rapid worldwide urbanization is a common site in most developing countries. Uganda is among the top African countries with high number of slums. The status of Katanga slum located in the low-lands between Mulago national hospital and Makerere University is a typical of many other slums within Uganda. This project proposal seeks to tackle urbanization challenges by specializing in slum upgrading as a sustainable way of curbing the menace. An integrated toilet, biogas, poultry and backyard gardening project is proposed as a channel of boosting the Katanga slum dwellers' economic, sanitation and domestic energy status. Designed to serve up to 30 households, the project will utilize residual wastes from poultry houses and toilets to produce biogas and slurry. The biogas yield will provide clean cooking fuel and energy for lighting, while the slurry used as organic fertilizers to improve vegetable yields. The social, economic and environmental impacts of the project will empower the vulnerable women and children within the slums and reduce water pollution and land degradation. This affordable project can be applied in developing countries experiencing slum settlement challenges as a strategy for reducing urbanization pressure.

• STI Policy Review
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.11-24
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• 2011

S&T policy has been traditionally regarded as a sector policy; however, it is now evolving into an infrastructure innovation policy that forms the foundation of diverse types of policies. Simultaneously, environmental and energy policies formerly considered as sector policies are now being expanded and integrated into a higher level policy for sustainable development. With these changes underway, the importance of policy integration has increased. Efforts are being made to minimize contradictions between environmental, social, and innovation policies that emphasize proactive linkage among policies or place the highest priority on environmental policy following the theory of Environmental Policy Integration (EPI). Confronted with these policy changes, the Lee Myung-bak government announced "Low-Carbon Green Growth" in 2008 as national agenda for development that focus attention on environmental and energy issues. Economic policy and environmental policy have been traditionally seen in a conflicting relationship with different paths of policy development. However, the administration of President Lee is now emphasizing the synergy effects between the environment and economic growth with the concept of green growth. The green growth policy of the Korean government has great significance as it has built a momentum for incorporating social goals such as environmental values or sustainable development into economic growth-oriented policies; however, there remain many challenges due to the legacy of the development period that has dominated Korean society. The Korean government says it reflects "EPI" or "environmentalism" in policy goals; however, in reality it prioritizes development over the environment.

• Analyses & Alternatives
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.5-31
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• 2019

How can we reconcile our aspirations for more economic growth or prosperity with the constraints of a finite planet? One of the high-income countries, Japan, makes us wonder if we can deal with two different challenges simultaneously: overcoming economic recession and solving environmental degradation. This study investigates the supply-side perspective which highlights the productive capacity and efficiency of the economy through economic lenses and the demand-side perspective which highlights the Japanese personal lifestyles through social lenses. This study aims to answer the question, if Japan's sustainable consumption behavior is counter to economic development whilst environmentally proactive. It finds that translating individual practices and cultures of sustainability into the macro- scopic economic growth path is key to a sustainable and healthy Japan.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.899-908
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to identify challenges related to social, economic and environmental change for fishing villages and suggest the developmental direction of fishing village to actively respond to new changes. This study mainly focuses on fishing village fraternities. Its current problems are summarized as follows: shortage of labor, population aging, entry barrier against newcomers, insufficient guidance and supervision functions, lack of funds of new projects and inadequate statistics and data. The fishing village community in the modern meaning of the term can be understood as an economic and flexible social-cultural community based on openness, cooperation instead of exclusiveness and closeness, which aligns fisheries with local industries. Thus, in order for the fishing village community to improve, the followings areas required. First, strengthening capacity of the fishing village community. Second, establishing the database system and the third, reorganizing the fishing village community into a sea village community.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.3-3
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• 2017

The question of how to establish sustainable agricultural systems has become as prominent as questions related to water, energy and climate change. High input/high output agriculture has brought with it many adverse effects; the massive deterioration of soil and water in both quantity and quality, increased greenhouse gas emissions and an increased prevalence of unsafe foods. Additionally, urbanization and climate change has worsened the shortage of farmland and reduced the supply of agricultural water. Given these challenges, maintaining, conserving and efficiently using agri-environmental resources, through fostering of sustainable agriculture, have emerged as key tasks in solving these problems. What is needed therefore is research, based on systematic and comprehensive empirical analyses, that can propose plans and methods for establishing an appropriate sustainable agricultural system. The empirical analysis of sustainable agricultural system is approached separately from economic, environmental and social aspects. An analysis of environment effect reveals that the available phosphate level is 1.3~2.1 times greater than the optimal amount in rice paddies, upland fields and orchards. Further examination has revealed that the excess nutrient is polluting both ground water and surface water. Analytical results for economic feasibility show that factors of production have been invested heavily in the rice crop. Under these conditions, sustainable agriculture, including low-input agriculture, appears to be a possible alternative that will facilitate simultaneous improvements in both economic feasibility and environment effects. Analysis results for sociality reveal that social factors include the value of producer, association and interior networks. Social conditions are comprised of leadership, consumers' awareness, education and conflict solutions. In addition, analysis as to the degree investments contribute to improving agricultural value added has revealed that the direct payment program is the most effective instrument. Experts confirm that economic feasibility can be improved by scientific and well-reasoned nutrient management on the basis of soil testing. Farmers pointed to 'economic factors' as being the largest obstacle to switching to the practice of sustainable agriculture. They also indicate 'uncertainty with regards to sustainable agriculture technology' as an impediment to practicing sustainable agriculture. Even so, farmers who believe environmental and regional issues to be the most pressing problems have expanded their practice of sustainable agriculture. The keys to establishing sustainable agriculture system are classified into the following four aspects. Firstly, from an economic aspect, the research indicates that agricultural policy needs to be integrated with environmental policy and that the function of market making based on the value chain needs to be revitalized. Secondly, from an environmental aspect, there is a need for an optimal resource management system to be established in the agricultural sector. In addition, sustainable agriculture practice will need to be extended with attendant environmentally-friendly and sustainable intensive technology also requiring further development. Thirdly, from a social aspect, green agriculture management needs to be fostered, technology and education extended, and social conflict mediated. Lastly, from a governance aspect, it will be necessary to strengthen good governance, assign and share suitable roles and responsibilities, build a cooperation system and utilize community supported agriculture.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.1-7
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aims to explore the significance and potential strategies for revitalizing local currency systems. Designed for use within specific regions or communities, local currencies play a crucial role in supporting and revitalizing local economies. By promoting local consumption and supporting local businesses, local currencies contribute to economic growth and job creation at the community level. Research design, data and methodology: The research methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature and various case studies to analyze the effectiveness and sustainability of local currencies. The literature review investigates the theoretical background and diverse implementation cases of local currencies, while the case studies identify the success factors and challenges faced by actual local currency initiatives. Results: This paper confirms that local currencies contribute to economic growth and job creation at the community level by promoting local consumption and supporting local businesses. Additionally, this study investigates the economic, social, and environmental impacts of local currencies. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study analyzes the challenges faced by local currency systems and proposes strategies to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. These strategies are expected to provide practical assistance in the development and implementation of local currencies, contributing to the revitalization of local economies and the sustainable development of local communities.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.110-122
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• 2023

Over the last few decades, various innovative technologies have emerged that have significantly contributed to making life easier for humans. Various information and communication technologies (ITCs) have emerged as a result of the global technological revolution, including big data, IoT, 4G and 5G networks, cloud computing, mobile computing, and artificial intelligence. These technologies have been adopted in urban planning and development, which gave rise to the concept of smart cities in the 1990s. A smart city is a type of city that uses ITCs to exchange and share information to enhance the quality of services for its citizens. With the global population increasing at unprecedented levels, cities are overwhelmed with a myriad of challenges, such as the energy crisis, environmental pollution, sanitation and sewage challenges, and water quality issues, and therefore, have become a convergence point of economic, social, and environmental risks. The concept of a smart city is a multidisciplinary, unified approach that has been adopted by governments and municipalities worldwide to overcome these challenges. Though challenging, this transformation is essential for cities with differing technological and social features, which all have the potential to determine the success or failure of the digital transformation of cities into smart cities. In recent years, researchers, businesses, and the government have all turned their attention to the emerging field of smart cities. Accordingly, this paper aims to represent a thorough understanding of the movement toward smart cities. The key themes identified are smart city definitions and concepts, smart city dimensions, and smart city architecture of different layers. Furthermore, this article discusses the challenges and some examples of smart cities.