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This study integrates circular economy (CE) metrics with machine learning techniques, specifically XGBoost and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), to forecast municipal solid waste (MSW) in the EU, analyzing data from 2010 to 2020. It examines key economic and consumption indicators, including GDP per capita and energy consumption, along with CE metrics such as resource productivity, the municipal waste recycling rate, and the circular material use rate. The model demonstrates high predictive accuracy, with an R2 of 99% for in-sample data and 75% for out-of-sample data. The results indicate a significant correlation between a higher GDP per capita and an increased gross municipal waste per capita (GMWp). Conversely, lower energy consumption is associated with reduced GMWp. Notably, the circular material use rate emerges as a crucial factor for sustainability, with increased use significantly decreasing the GMWp. In contrast, a higher resource productivity correlates with an increased GMWp, suggesting complex implications for waste generation. The recycling rate, while impactful, shows a more modest effect compared to the other factors. The culminating insights from this study emphasize the need for sustainable, integrated waste management and support the adoption of circular economy-aligned policies. They underscore the efficacy of merging CE metrics with advanced predictive models to bolster regional sustainability efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, research on regional revitalization has mainly focused on local culture and cultural industry. There is less research on the value composition of introducing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into local industries. Thus, we analyzed existing local characteristic industries and the composition of the industry value chain from a consumer perspective. The main observation factors were determined for the introduction of products with sustainable development, value creation networks, and the formation of a sixth industrial structure under SDGs. The value creation configuration of local industries was also analyzed. By applying the two-dimensional Kano model of quality, consumers' attitudes towards products with SDG indicators were determined in local traditional industries more precisely. The correlation between the design of products with SDG indicators and satisfaction was also obtained. There was a two-dimensional correlation between the different qualities and satisfaction, rather than just a linear correlation. The research findings suggested that the value of the SDG indicators influenced consumers and societal trends significantly. Therefore, the value composition of the SDG indicators is the main determining factor for consumer expectations. The result provides a reference for stakeholders of local industries to construct a sustainable ecosystem in the regional revitalization system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The daily oral activities may severely influence oral health of children with disabilities. In this survey, we analyzed the impact of dietary and tooth-brushing habits to dental caries in special school children with disabilities. This cross-sectional survey investigated 535 special school children with disabilities aged 6-12 years, 60.93% males, 39.07% females from 10 special schools in Taiwan. Oral examinations were carried out by dentists with a Kappa score of their inter-examiner agreement exceeding 0.8. Data on demographics, diet, and tooth-brushing habits of children with disabilities were collected using a standardized questionnaire completed by parents/caregivers. More than three quarters of the participants were combined with severe or profound disability. Children with profound severity in disability had a higher percentage (67.37%) in teeth-brushing by parents/caregivers compared to those children with mild/moderate severity in disability which had a higher percentage (81.60%) in teeth-brushing by themselves. Children whose teeth were brushed by parents/caregivers had a better dental health, and lower caries prevalence. The main risk factors related to decayed teeth of children with disabilities are frequency of sweets intake, ability to brush teeth and with plaque or not. The dental health education, prevention program and periodical oral check-up to children with disabilities and their parents/caregivers should be reinforced. Brushing skill should be taught to children according to their type, severity and individual characteristics of disability. (Contains 5 tables.)