Corporate Sustainability has garnered increasing attention within the business community, as corporates communicate to influence its stakeholders for building sustainable relationships. There has been a surge in research exploring its connection to firm performance but, existing studies lack a cohesive and concentrated approach. This study employs scientometric and bibliometric methods to analyse scientific production which signals a scarcity of research from developing countries, indicating a need for greater investigation. Focussing on specific subfields of Corporate Sustainability and Firm Performance, we analyze and narrow down the scope of our study to a focussed sample. Employing use of structured methods and PRISMA Protocol, this scientifically rigorous study, points towards identification of research themes linking sustainability practices to firm performance for achieving business excellence. It goes beyond mapping of literature, thereby establishing linkages to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our analysis reveals clusters centered on Environmental Performance, Firm Performance, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Social Performance and Green Supply Chain Management with significant citations related to various SDGs. We make use of time series analysis to determine the future trends of research in the field. This scientometric and bibliometric analysis study contributes to a more focused understanding of the linkages between corporate sustainability and firm performance, emphasizing the need for cohesive research approaches to address the complexities of sustainable business practices and their implications for financial performance and the economy.

This qualitative research explores the dynamics of collaborative marketing and supply chain strategies for enhanced product lifecycle management. Through in-depth interviews with industry stakeholders, key themes, challenges, and implications of collaboration emerge. Trust, communication, technology, strategic alignment, and sustainability are identified as critical factors driving successful collaboration. The study highlights the transformative potential of collaboration in driving innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Despite challenges such as aligning objectives and ensuring data security, collaborative strategies offer significant opportunities for value creation and differentiation. The findings underscore the importance of building trust, leveraging technology, and integrating sustainability considerations in collaborative efforts. Strategic alignment and cultural fit among partners are essential for overcoming differences and achieving common goals. The implications of the research extend to practitioners seeking to enhance collaboration in their organizations and researchers exploring collaborative practices in different industries and contexts. Future research could further explore the impact of collaboration on stakeholder perspectives and outcomes. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, organizations can maximize the benefits of collaborative marketing and supply chain strategies to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today's dynamic business landscape.

The ubiquitous nature of polymers have led to a widespread demand for sustainable polymers in numerous industrial applications. However, lack of well laid out guidelines, product development pathways and certifications have resulted in a lot of commotions and confusions within the polymer value chain. Herein, a meticulous review is conducted on the topic of polymer sustainability shedding light on the standards, product declarations, biobased-biomass concepts, product carbon footprint etc. It is critical that companies significantly contribute on such sustainability efforts in lieu of market readiness and competitive advantages. Any discussion within the sustainability horizon references a couple of terms/ abbreviations/concepts. In this article, such key terminologies and concepts related to polymer sustainability are reviewed with a holistic outlook on the widespread approaches within the polymer sustainability horizon.

Methodologies for future-oriented research are mutually beneficial to highlight different methodological perspectives and proposals for extending higher education didactics towards sustainability. This study explores how different augmented reality applications can enable new ways of teaching and learning. It systematically investigates how student teachers (n=18) in higher education experienced ongoing realities while designing learning activities for a hybrid conference and interconnecting sustainability knowings via didactic modelling and design thinking. This qualitative study aims to develop a conceptual hybrid framework concerning the implications of student teachers incorporating the design thinking and inner transition into their professional work with future-oriented methodologies on didactic modelling for sustainability commitment. With a qualitative approach data was collected during and after a hackathon-like workshop through student teachers’ reflections, post-workshop surveys, and observation field notes. The thematic analysis shed light on transgressive learning and a transition in sustainability mindset through activation of inner dimensions. Findings reinforcing sustainability commitment evolved around the following categories: being authentic (intra-personal competence), collaborating co-creatively (inter-personal competence), thinking long-term-oriented (futures-thinking competence on implementing didactics understanding), relating with creative confidence (values-thinking competence as embodied engagement), and acting based on perseverant professional knowledge driven change (bridging didactics) by connecting theory-loaded empiricism and empirically loaded theory. The results highlight some of the key features of future-oriented methodologies – and approaches to future-oriented methodologies feature collaboration, boundary crossing and exploration – and show the conditions that can support or hinder methodological development and innovation.

Developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), are exceptionally vulnerable to climate change due to their distinct geographical and environmental characteristics. The impacts of climate change extend across their ecosystems, water resources, and vital economic sectors, such as food systems, health, education, and energy. Escalating sea levels and heightened salinity levels imperil freshwater reserves, while warmer ocean temperatures and acidification disrupt water demand, tourism, health services, and fisheries. Furthermore, developing countries bear the brunt of water shortages, flooding, and deteriorating water quality. Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds of the global population experience severe water scarcity for at least one month annually, with the majority residing in developing countries. By 2025, half of the world's population could inhabit areas grappling with water scarcity, predominantly concentrated in developing nations. In this context, innovative adaptation strategies, notably transformative wastewater projects, are imperative for fostering sustainability and resilience in these regions. However, significant barriers impede progress, creating a stark disparity between current financing capabilities and the imperative to fund water security initiatives. Compounding these challenges, developing countries find themselves ensnared in a burgeoning debt crisis, marked by escalating interest rates and inflation, which threatens to impede developmental progress and curtail investments in adaptation and mitigation endeavors. Consequently, there arises a critical necessity to harness innovative financial mechanisms to transform these debts into assets that facilitate climate action. This paper meticulously explores the potential of debt-for-climate swaps as a catalyst for advancing transformative wastewater projects, with a focused lens on their strategic deployment to underpin critical initiatives. Through rigorous examination of case studies and empirical evidence, the paper elucidates how debt-for-climate swaps can effectively bolster sustainable wastewater management systems in developing countries. Furthermore, it delineates best practices for leveraging these mechanisms to fortify environmental sustainability and resilience. Additionally, the paper delineates the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including governments, policymakers, the private sector, communities, and climate financial institutions. By amalgamating theoretical insights with tangible examples, this paper furnishes a comprehensive framework for harnessing debt-for-climate swaps to enhance water security and resilience in developing countries. It endeavors to furnish actionable strategies for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to navigate the complex terrain of climate change and engender sustainable development.

This qualitative research investigates the effectiveness of certification programs in ensuring supply chain sustainability within the renewable energy sector. Through interviews and content analysis, the study explores stakeholder perceptions, challenges, and impacts of certification initiatives. Findings reveal diverse motivations driving certification adoption, including regulatory compliance, market differentiation, and corporate social responsibility. However, challenges such as greenwashing and limited transparency undermine the credibility and effectiveness of certification programs. Despite these challenges, certification initiatives drive incremental improvements in environmental performance and stakeholder engagement, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Multi-stakeholder collaboration and context-specific approaches are essential to address regional disparities and promote sector-wide transformation. Strategies for improvement include strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, integrating emerging technologies, and aligning certification standards with broader sustainability goals. Overall, certification programs offer a pathway for promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices within the renewable energy supply chain, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

The tourism economy plays an essential role in supporting and driving tourism development. Therefore, studying its resilience is crucial for promoting sustainable and high-quality tourism development. Based on the core essentials of economic toughness, this paper constructs the tourism economic toughness evaluation index system, uses the entropy weight TOPSIS method to measure the tourism economic toughness of 10 counties and cities in the Yili River Valley in 2010-2019, analyzes its spatio-temporal evolution characteristics through the standard deviation ellipse, the traditional Markov chain, and the spatial Markov chain, and uses the grey correlation analysis method to analyze the driving factors of the tourism economic toughness. The results show that: (1) the economic resilience of tourism in the Yili River Valley shows a "W"-shaped time-series dynamic development trend with an average index of 0.28394, in which it experienced a decline from 0.28 to 0.27 during 2012-2013 and 2015-2016; (2) Spatial Pattern: The Yili River Valley tourism economic resilience is characterized by a clear uneven spatial distribution. The city of Yining, representing the northwestern region, exhibits a high level of resilience, while the southwestern region, endowed with rich tourism resources, demonstrates a medium level of resilience. Conversely, the central to southeastern counties and cities, such as ChabuchaerXibo Autonomous County and other counties and cities, are characterized by a lack of developed tourism facilities, which has resulted in a lower level of resilience and a weak development situation; (3) In terms of spatial and temporal evolution, the standard deviation ellipse is stabilized year by year pointing to "northwest-southeast", the clustering tendency is gradually enhanced, and five tourism economic resilience convergence clubs are identified, whose internal transition probability is significantly affected by spatial location, and which show obvious stability and neighborhood effects; (4) Regarding the driving factors, the impact of each driving factor on the resilience of the tourism economy reaches the statistical significance threshold of 0.77 or above. Among them, the number of employees in the tertiary industry, especially the input of high-quality talents in the tourism industry, plays a key role in improving the quality of tourism services and strengthening the industry's ability to withstand risks and development potential.

The major issue of raw materials depletion and more specifically of phosphorous (an important fertilizer) has currently become an emergent aspect, due to expected depletion problems, needing immediate handling. This was the reason for the implementation of PhoReSe project that aimed to remove and recover phosphorus from the secondary (biologically treated) effluent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP “AINEIA”, located near Thessaloniki, N. Greece), treating the wastewaters of the nearby touristic area. Regarding the phosphorous supplementary removal and recovery treatment options, two methods mainly examined, initially in laboratory scale (batch experiments), i.e. (1) the adsorption of phosphorous, and (2) the chemical precipitation of phosphorus. Both methods further applied in pilot-scale, by performing initially the adsorption of phosphorous onto the AquAsZero commercial sorbent, which is a mixed manganese iron oxy-hydroxide, followed by the chemical precipitation of phosphorous, implemented after the de-sorption process of previously saturated adsorbent. The final precipitate of this procedure examined as an alternative/supplementary fertilizer, returning with this way phosphorus into the natural cycle. These experiments, as applied successfully in pilot-scale, set the basis for the larger-scale relevant application for similar WWTP facilities.

Recent research has specifically targeted the decision-making process of eco-friendly individuals, emphasizing the significance of recycling and its impact on sustainability. Our study extends this inquiry by examining the correlation between recycling participation and pro-environmental behavior among consumers, integrating the concepts of self-efficacy, feelings of pride, and social pressure into our analysis. Utilizing Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we aimed to explore the intricate relationships that underpin these behaviors. Results suggest that self-efficacy and feelings of pride significantly influence individuals' recycling behaviors, highlighting the role of psychological and social factors in promoting environmental sustainability. Interestingly, it was concluded that social pressure did not have the expected moderating effect on increasing consumers' feelings of pride and self-efficacy toward recycling activities.This study not only sheds light on the underlying mechanisms that drive pro-environmental actions but also contributes to understanding sustainability promotion through recycling and offers insights for policymakers and environmental advocates to foster environmental responsibility and behavior change.

The protection and regulation of international trade of Australia’s native species is legislated by its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999. In response to overwhelming evidence that the Act is ineffective at protecting biodiversity, the Australian Government is currently reforming its environmental laws. One problematic component of the Act is in cases where threatened species interact with multiple regulatory and management frameworks, such as commercially fished marine species that are traded as seafood. Here, we analyzed international seafood trade data and found that Australia exports four threatened fish species listed under the Act and additional species acknowledged as globally threatened. In light of our analysis, we have three recommendations for Australia’s new environmental legislation: 1) apply the same precautions to commercially harvested species as to other threatened species; 2) review the status of all threatened species annually; and 3) assess species listed on global conservation conventions. These recommendations will help ensure that Australia’s marine biodiversity is protected, despite its commercial value.

In the past decade, a growing demand for sustainable cosmetic ingredients has yielded numerous biodegradation protocols. While OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) aquatic assays are suitable for water-borne chemicals, it is crucial for the personal care industry to consider the persistence of plastics in soil, compost, and municipal sludge. Adopting this cradle-to-grave holistic approach would strengthen product appeal, while increasing the accuracy and ethical integrity of green-product labeling. Our study employs quantitative CO2 detection and thermophilic composting protocols specified in ASTM D5338, along with pass level criteria outlined in ASTM D6400, to assess the mineralization of plastics commonly formulated into personal care products. The results indicate that many cellulose ethers, cationic guars, starches, and labile polyesters demonstrate satisfactory disintegration, biodegradation, and seed germination rates to secure an ASTM D6400 compostability claim. In contrast, macromolecules designed with carbon-carbon backbones resisted acceptable mineralization in composting experiments, suggesting that unadulterated municipal compost lacks the microbial diversity to enzymatically digest many synthetically derived resins. Additionally, polymers that demonstrated acceptable biodegradability in internal and published OECD aquatic studies—including chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol—exhibited limited fragmentation in local municipal compost; hence, untested correlations between aquatic, soil, and compost testing outcomes should never be assumed.

Water sustainability has become one of the most severe issues in the 21st Century due to dramatic urban population growth and climate change. This paper reviews some of the critical key water issues that need to be considered/incorporated in the quest for water sustainability for the upcoming decades. The purpose is to recognize the critical circumstances for maintaining water sustainability and recognize that many regions in the world have passed the ‘tipping point’ of balancing their water sustainability and failing to realize that restoring sustainability will be extremely difficult. From the water quantity perspective, several examples are used to demonstrate situations which, in hindsight, have been initially shown to be effective but highly problematic in the long term. The review considers, amongst others, the 1960s India example shows that an agricultural ‘success’ starting in the 1960s has subsequently become an environmental disaster. Additional issues, including the impacts of dietary adjustments, upstream diversions raising downstream shortfalls, and transfers of water from agriculture to urban areas, are examples that demonstrate that to achieve water sustainability, lessons must be learned from the past, and adaptive measures must be adopted to help humanity avoid adverse and irreversible environmental tragedies. Government authorities can learn from this critical review of some approaches and realize their responsibility to proactively promote better water resource management strategies (domestic and international collaborations) and strictly regulate water use practices to better manage water sustainability.

This Paper delves into the critical role played by fossil fuel-based polymers in promoting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the face of challenges brought about by swift population growth, suburbanization, and mechanization. It sheds light on the environmental and energy security recompences of converting plastic waste into biofuels and other valuable energy resources through state-of-the-art processes such as thermochemical conversion and pyrolysis. Besides, the research investigates the utilization of polymers in solar energy, energy storage, and low carbon transportation, emphasizing the inevitability of a dual approach that combines advancements in bio-based polymers and recycling technologies. It highlights the significance of collaborative endeavors involving governments, industries, and communities to overcome the technical, economic, and regulatory complications in transitioning towards a sustainable and circular plastic economy. Eventually, it showcases the potential of fossil fuel-based polymers in fostering a sustainable energy landscape, conducive to decarbonization efforts, and endorsing environmental sustainability.

This research aims to explore the complex interplay between supply chain resilience (SCR), digital supply chain (DSC), and sustainability, focusing on the moderating influence of supply chain dynamism. The goal is to understand how these elements interact within the framework of contemporary supply chain management and how they collectively contribute to enhancing sustainability outcomes. The sample size is 300 CEOs and managers. The study approach integrates quantitative research methods. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is utilized to quantitatively analyze the direct and indirect effects of SCR and DSC on sustainability. The numerous surveys we conduct among supply chain ecosystem stakeholders provide a rich picture of practical implications and contextual nuances. In sum, our early findings generally support a positive relationship between SCR and sustainability in and of itself decrying the need for more resilient supply networks for sustainability. We further find the beneficial impact of digital technologies in promoting sustainability via enhancing environmental control and controlling for efficiency in supply chains. We also offer evidence to show that supply chain dynamism compounds the positive logic between SCR and DSC and sustainability. As a final word, it must be noted that our work speaks to the burgeoning Supply Chain Dynamism as moderator literature by examining the direct and contingent effects of SCR and DSC on not only performance but sustainability. By shedding light on the moderating role of dynamism, the study provides fresh insights into the multifaceted nature of supply chain management and sustainability practices. The study's findings enhance theoretical understanding by elucidating the synergistic effects of SCR, DSC, and sustainability in dynamic supply chain settings. It augments existing theoretical frameworks by integrating concepts of resilience, digitalization, and sustainability into a comprehensive model. Practical and economical, the research offers actionable guidance for organizations aiming to improve sustainability performance through resilient and digitally advanced supply chains. By acknowledging the role of supply chain dynamism, managers can tailor strategies to manage disruptions effectively and leverage digital innovations. Economically, adopting sustainable practices can result in cost savings and competitive advantages. The research emphasizes the importance of aligning supply chain strategies with sustainability goals to drive long-term value and societal impact.

Sustainable continuous cover forestry is defined and analyzed in several ways. The differential equation representing growth of the basal areas of individual trees, motivated by fundamental biological production theory by Lohmander (2017a), is analyzed and extended in different directions. From the solution of the differential equation, the basal area and the tree diameter are obtained as explicit functions of time. The diameter is a strictly increasing function of time. In the absence of competitors, the diameter increment is shown to be a strictly decreasing function of time. Hence, the diameter increment can also be interpreted as a strictly decreasing function of the diameter. Alternative forms of adjustment of the differential equation, with consideration of competition, are defined. If the competition is strong, with large trees in the vicinity of a particular tree, then the basal area increment, and the diameter increment, are reduced. The growth of a large tree is less sensitive than the growth of a small tree, to competition from other trees. Under strong competition, the basal area increment, and the diameter increment, are strictly concave functions of the size of the tree. The unique maximum of the diameter increment occurs at a higher diameter, if the competition increases. In dynamic equilibrium, the tree size frequency distribution is stationary. If natural tree mortality can be avoided via the harvest strategy, the tree size frequency distribution is a function of the size and competition dependent growth function, and the harvest strategy. Empirical tree size frequency data are used to simultaneously estimate parameters of a size and competition dependent growth function and the applied harvest strategy, via nonlinear optimization. The properties of the estimated growth function are consistent with the corresponding properties of the production theoretically motivated hypothetical function, and the properties of the estimated harvest strategy confirm the corresponding hypotheses. The R2 of the nonlinear regression exceeds 0.97. With access to an empirically estimated equilibrium tree size distribution, it is possible to: 1. Estimate size frequency relevant parameters of tree size and competition dependent growth functions for individual trees. 2. Estimate the applied harvest strategy. 3. Explain and reproduce the empirically estimated tree size equilibrium distribution.

This article addresses the urbanization model in valley bottom areas in the city of São Paulo, an-alyzed in its urban planning and socio-environmental aspects, and examines the hydrological impacts triggered by its implementation. It argues that sustainable occupation of urbanized hy-drographic basins should be based on environmental criteria in order to attain a sustainable water management regime that can ensure urban and environmental resilience. In the “Introduction,” the article emphasizes that urbanization in São Paulo has neglected the natural features of river basins, promoting the channeling of watercourses, which resulted in floods and inundations. “Theoretical Basics” brings in key concepts related to the environmental approach of drainage infrastructure with gray and green-blue systems. “Methods” details our qualitative research, bibliographical analyzes, referential case studies, and cartographical analyzes (geoprocessing), focusing on a case study in the Jaguaré creek basin. “Results” includes guidelines and recom-mendations for an urbanization model adjusted to valley bottom areas, applicable to new patterns of urban occupation or to the adjustment of existing patterns. “Discussion” explores the concept of “local sustainable self-development,” and “Conclusions” highlights the importance of an inte-grated, multisectoral, and sustainable planning, adjusted to the characteristics of river basins in valley bottom areas, promoting a socially responsible urban occupation, especially in the face of climate change.

The foraging behavior of ruminating ungulates significantly impacts forest ecosystems due to their nutritional requirements. This study focuses on inter-specific comparisons of bark browsing (stripping) between Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Field measurements were conducted at the previously established research-demonstration site "Husárik" in the Javorníky Mountains, north-western Slovakia. We didn’t only measure the sizes of wounds on stems but also assessed the dimensions of unrecovered parts of wounds, subsequently calculating areas of recovered bark patches. Then, the total areas of wounds, recovered patches, and unrecovered parts were determined. Additionally, the percentages of wound areas, recovered areas, and unrecovered areas were expressed as their proportions to the total bark surface. Influencing factors such as the position of wounds along the vertical stem profile and stem diameter class were analyzed using two- and three-way ANOVA followed by Fisher's LSD test. The results demonstrate the susceptibility of both tree species to bark browsing by ruminating ungulates, primarily red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in our study site. Douglas fir exhibited slightly less intense browsing compared to silver fir, while silver fir had a slightly higher recovery rate. Specifically, 17.0% of the bark surface in Douglas fir and 21.5% in silver fir were browsed. The proportions of recovered areas on wounds were 62.5% and 69.6% in Douglas fir and silver fir, respectively. Regarding the vertical stem profile, the most intense browsing occurred at a height of 101-125 cm from the ground level, with rates of 40.7% in Douglas fir and 47.0% in silver fir. Browsing intensity showed negligible variation among diameter classes, which were classified as up to 35 mm, 35-50 mm, and over 50 mm. Our findings suggest that, as an introduced species, Douglas fir is not any suitable substitute for other commercially significant tree species in European countries where ruminating ungulates are overabundant.

Human resources management (HRM) development aims at career sustainability. Work-related flow, as originated and defined by Csikszentmihalyi, is a process experienced by those optimally challenged by their work, considered the optimal work-related experience. Happiness is a judgment-dependent state of a pleased satisfaction with one’s current experience that one hopes will continue. PERMA (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) represents five measurable factors of positive psychology that constitute well-being. As the optimal work-related experience, flow determines career sustainability compared with either happiness or PERMA factors. HRM development programs focused on happiness or PERMA factors thus represents risk factors regarding an inability to develop career sustainability. Established from this publisher’s founding ongoing concern with sustainability, articles published in MDPI journals with the keywords “flow, Csikszentmihalyi, work” were searched, excluding those pertaining to education, health, leisure, marketing, non-workers, and spirituality. Of 628 results returned, 28 reports were included for potential assessment. Although current studies on flow represented only three, the results regarding flow position it as the best indicator of career sustainability, contrasted to either happiness or PERMA. Consequently, HRM is advised to concentrate on developing practices for assessing and encouraging employees’ engagement with work-related flow in its aim of career sustainability.

Customer satisfaction is the process of reaching a customer's expectations to generate delightful experiences with a product or a brand. Delight involves delivering an unforgettable experience to users by focusing on their requirements, desires, and interests. Delighting Customers is crucial for organizations’ economic growth worldwide, especially in the airline industry. This study aims to determine if safety measures, ticketing policies, and the cost of air travel impact among the airline passengers’ satisfaction post-COVID-19 in Malaysia. A research framework is designed to present an in-depth understanding of the mentioned variables. In this study, a comprehensive survey using online questionnaire was used and 388 valid responses were obtained from airline passengers in Malaysia. Data were analyzed by employing data reduction technique and multivariate data analysis. The results revealed that safety appears to be the most essential aspect of airline customer satisfaction among Malaysians, while cost is perceived as a significant factor. Moreover, as the cost of living rose because of the pandemic, many of the income earners in the lower category are less inclined to take vacations. In a nutshell, the study recommends that airlines implement a conscious practice that contributes to the happiness of passengers, which in turn increases profitability and ensures sustainable growth of the airlines.

This research review paper comprehensively assesses the environmental impacts of diverse energy sources and proposes sustainable solutions. Fossil fuels contribute to pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy offers cleaner alternatives but faces challenges in manufacturing and disposal. Nuclear power has low emissions but poses risks in waste management and radiation. Biomass can be sustainable if responsibly sourced, but unsustainable practices lead to deforestation and emissions. Solutions include renewable technologies, energy efficiency, carbon capture, and sustainable transportation. Effective policies, incentives, and individual actions are crucial for a greener future. This review highlights the urgency of addressing energy-related environmental impacts and offers valuable insights for policymakers and individuals to take decisive actions for a sustainable energy future that protects the environment and promotes well- being.

In an era driven by technology and connectivity, where the sphere of learning goes beyond conventional classrooms, e-Service-Learning (e-SL) merges the possibilities of technology with the principles of experiential education in a powerful blend [1]. Service-learning (SL) is an educational proposal that has been cited by UNESCO [2] as an innovative educational tool through which to address the complex challenges of our society. The Sustainable Development Goals [3] provide a framework around which to structure the SL projects and thus develop the skills needed to act on the full range of goals. Embedding digital means open a debate on the intricate relationship between technology, education, and societal impact [4]. By analyzing two focus groups involving faculty, students and community partners, this contribution aims to explore the potential of combining SL and digital empowerment (DE). The focus group participants discussed the opportunities for innovation, the expected impact on them and the society at large, their needs and the pre-conditions needed to make SL and DE successful, and limitations. The results are presented according to the six principles of sustainability education in the university environment, highlighting the transformative potential of combining these principles within SL and DE.

At the Rio Conference in 1992, the sustainable development agenda promised a new era for natural resource management, where the well-being of human society would be enhanced through the sustainable use of natural capital. Several decades on, economic growth continues unabated at the expense of natural capital, as evidenced by biodiversity loss, climate change and further environmental issues. Why is this happening and what can be done about it? In this research, we present three Agent-Based Models that explore the social, economic and governance factors driving (un)sustainability in complex social-ecological systems. Our modelling results reinforce the idea that the current economic system does not protect the natural capital on which it depends. This is due to a disjunction between the economic and environmental elements upon which the sustainable development paradigm is founded. Additionally, various factors appear to enhance social-ecological system unsustainability: the role of financial entities and monetary debt; economic speculation; technological development and efficiency; lack of long-term views and late government interventions; inefficient tipping point management; and the absence of strong top-down and bottom-up conservation forces. Interestingly, alternative scenarios showed that these same factors could be redirected to enhance sustainable development. The current economic system may, therefore, not be inherently unsustainable, but rather specific economic mechanisms, agents’ decision-making, and the kinds of links between economic and natural systems could be at the root of the problem. We argue that short- and medium-term sustainability can be enhanced by implementing mechanisms that shift capitalist forces to support environmental conservation. Long-term sustainability, however, requires further paradigm change: where the economy integrates, and fully accounts for, externalities and recognises the actual value of natural capital.

The pursuit of an environmentally sustainable manufacturing process advocates for the substitution of harmful reagents for less damaging and recyclable solutions. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of using cellulose microfibrils synthesized via different hydrolysis reactions as reinforcing agents in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at varying con-centrations. The investigation explores the morphology, thermal properties, and chemi-cal behavior of the cellulose particles. The cellulose microfibrils (CMF) produced using citric acid exhibited the highest yield and aspect ratio. Notably, particles from organic acids demonstrated greater thermal stability, with oxalic acid-derived particles displaying the maximum thermal degrada-tion temperature. Subsequently, cast films of PVA reinforced with the cellulose microfibrils underwent comprehensive analyses, including Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal degradation temperature (Td), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile strength tests. The thermal behavior of cast films experienced notable changes with the addition of cellulose particles, evidenced by increased melting and crystallinity temperatures, along with a rise in the degree of crystallinity. The incorporation of cellulose particles led to a substantial improvement in mechanical properties. Films containing CMF dis-played higher Young’s modulus, and the sample incorporating 5% CMF derived from citric acid exhibited the most significant increase in modulus.

In this work, a modeling technique utilizing the P-Graph framework was used for a case 1 study involving biomass-based local energy production. In recent years, distributed energy systems 2 gained attention. These systems aim at satisfying energy supply demands, supporting the local 3 economy, decreasing transportation needs and dependence on imports, and in general obtaining a 4 more sustainable energy production process. Designing such systems is a challenge, for which novel 5 optimization approaches were developed to help decision-making. Previous work used the P-Graph 6 framework to optimize energy production in a small rural area, involving manure, intercrops, grass, 7 and corn silage as inputs, and fermenters. Biogas is produced in fermenters, and Combined Heat 8 and Power (CHP) plants provide heat and electricity. A more recent result introduced the concept of 9 operations with flexible inputs in the P-Graph framework. In this work, the concept of flexible inputs 10 was applied to model fermenters in the original case study. A new implementation of the original 11 decision problem was made both as a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model and as a 12 purely P-Graph model by using the flexible input technique. Both approaches provided the same 13 optimal solution, with a 31% larger profit than originally reported.

In recent years, change in behaviour towards the environment has gained prominence as a policy tool to influence positive environmental value. Simultaneously, the role played by social identity in promoting pro-environmental action is gaining recognition. Within this work, the intersection between collective group identity and environmental behaviour has received very little attention. Group norms are considered a strong predictor of pro-environmental behaviour, yet the influence of social identity and collective action on environmental action has not been adequately investigated in a multi-ethnic setting. Within this context, this study examines the affective component of social identity influence on pro-environmental action. More succinctly, this study demonstrates how outgroups and in-groups’ relations and broader socio-cultural structures, values, interest, and norms impact environmental and sustainability transitions behaviours. Through interviews with participants across the four dominant social groups in South Africa, this study provides compelling evidence that country wide expressions of social identity and in-group dynamics shapes the individual behaviour regarding environmental and sustainability concerns and further strengthen the individual’s perspective for social environmental transformation. This study advances the need for a social-identity centred approach to foster pro-environmental and sustainability outcomes.

This paper delves into the multifaceted domain of the aerospace industry, examining its evolution, current challenges, and imperative focus on quality management and process integration. The aerospace sector, driven by technological advancements and a burgeoning global demand for air travel and freight transport, necessitates a thorough analysis of its industrial fabric and operational intricacies. This research endeavors to analyze the dynamics of the aerospace industry, pinpoint its challenges, and propose an integrated approach to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability. The primary goals encompass understanding the evolving industry landscape, identifying critical challenges, and offering innovative solutions by amalgamating principles of Industry 4.0 into quality management and processes within the aerospace sector. Through an in-depth exploration of various facets, this research underscores the pivotal role of efficient processes and integrated quality management in achieving sustainable growth and competitiveness in the aerospace industry. By aligning with the paradigm of Industry 4.0, organizations can optimize their operations and contribute to the industry's advancement, delivering safer and more cost-effective aerospace products. The study adopts a multifaceted approach, incorporating extensive literature review, critical analysis of industry trends, examination of quality management frameworks, and a thorough evaluation of the integration potential of Industry 4.0 technologies. The research also involves case studies and expert insights to validate the proposed approach. The investigation reveals that by leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies and embracing an integrated approach to quality management, the aerospace industry can significantly enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and overall sustainability. The seamless integration of processes and the implementation of advanced quality frameworks pave the way for a more competitive and future-ready aerospace industry, meeting the evolving demands of a globalized world.

This article conceptualises the link between firms’ value chains and distribution networks and the requirements for double materiality assessments in contemporary reporting regulations worldwide. The new European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the standards for sustainability reporting issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), called IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, require companies to report their own direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as GHG emissions in their value chains and distribution networks (both scope 3). However, GHG emissions comprise just one dimension of information that is relevant to understand when assessing, managing and reporting the footprints and impacts of a firm and are, therefore, only a fraction of the key performance indicators (KPIs) related to ESG that should be disclosed. Through a case study, this article demonstrates the connection between the due diligence analysis of firms’ value chains and distribution networks, the analysis of the competitive parameters of the business model, the identified impacts, risks and opportunities, and the double materiality perspective. The double materiality perspective prioritises actions based on probability and significance, creating a natural space to identify KPIs. The article concludes by applying the REGS model and illustrating how it can assist firms in identifying relevant KPIs based on double-materiality assessments.

Soil resilience has become a central theme in research aimed at understanding the impacts of human activities on the environment and mitigating the negative effects of soil disturbance. To evaluate how soil management practices affect soil resilience, 26 small farms were studied in a mountainous district of Lebanon. Farms were categorized into conventional (C), neutral (N), and regenerative (R), based on the practices adopted including tillage, amendments, rotation, cover crops, residues management, and pest control. Common practices included intercropping (85%), residue retention (73%), cover crops (61%), and organic amendments (46%). Qualitative assessment of soil health used indicators from Latin American Society for Agroecology (SOCLA) as well as from ‘Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation’ of the FAO. The indicators aligned with the classification of farms into their respective C/N/R groups. The sustainability scores were 4.28 (Low) for conventional, 6.34 (Moderate) for neutral, and 7.88 (Good) for regenerative farms. Quantitative analysis determined for 15 selected farms showed significant differences in soil organic matter (1.86% C, 2.75% N, 3.32% R), soil respiration (156C, 296N, 380R mg C-CO₂. week⁻¹), and earthworm abundance/liter (2.92C, 4.24N, 5.72R). The Soil Quality Index (SQI) provided an accurate representation of the current soil health condition, with increment from 0.05, 0.27 (low), to 0.49 (good) in conventional, neutral, and regenerative farms, respectively. The research highlights that soil resilience is influenced by a combination of intricate factors, encompassing biotic interactions, as well as physical, chemical, and biological processes. Particularly in regions like the Mediterranean basin, adopting sustainable soil management practices contributes to enduring productivity while preserving the functional integrity and resilience characteristics of the soil.

Considering future tasks in soil health, resources management and environmental protection, farmers are challenged to develop sustainable strategies for managing soil and land resources. In this study, the long-term sustainability of two fertilization strategies, - current, with synthetic fertilizers (SYN) vs conservative, with organic sources of nitrogen (organic amendments plus green manure with a legume - CONS) - was assessed in a processing tomato/durum wheat rotation. The EPIC model was used, validated with field data then run to simulate the management for 30 years under 3 current and future climates. Yield, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock change, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrate leaching were considered as sustainability indicators. Under all the future climate scenarios, tomato yield increased in CONS, remaining almost stable in SYN. Wheat yield increased both in CONS and SYN, but the average yield in CONS was considerably lower than in SYN. NUE and nitrate leaching followed the same trend, both decreasing in CONS, while WUE was higher in CONS compared to SYN. The effect of CONS on SOC was always positive. Thus, the alternative N fertilization strategy proposed can be a favorable option for maintaining soil health and a sustainable crop production.

Introduction The climate crisis is essentially a public health crisis. Response is imperative to prevent economic and social crises associated with the growing burden of climate impacts on human health and the health care sector. Green Podiatry Pillars By adopting the three pillars of Exercise, Evidence, and Everyday changes, podiatrists can contribute to more sustainable health and health care. Discussion Educating our patients to use their feet for low carbon active transport, eliminating interventions not supported by evidence, and reducing fossil fuel driven supply chains and energy use, are three impactful measures that all podiatrists, and indeed, all health and medical personnel, need to adopt. The avoidable suffering, enormous and costly use of resources for diabetic foot disease, is a scourge that must realise its preventable potential. It is too late, too costly, too polluting, and too sad, to continue to direct health care and research efforts and budgets, to an expensive modifiable diabetes disease process, potentiated by poor food and physical inactivity. Affected patients require skilled support, to avert such chronic disease processes, often not of their making. Conclusions Healthcare contributes 5 to 8% of green house gases (GHG), and non-communicable diseases (NCD) are increasing, so healthcare must lead on primary health. As citizens and health professionals, we must advocate for better community health, and educate our patients. Future Directions All health and medical personnel need to consider planetary health and sustainable healthcare within their daily work. Healthcare must act to address climate change, and realise benefits for people and planet.

The current regeneration mode of public space in the old city of Guangzhou is ineffective, thus necessitating supplementation with a more systematic methodology. The “plug-in design” targets sustainable regeneration while preserving the overall urban texture and context, i.e., has little impact on the spatial qualities of the old city. The ultimate goal is to activate the public space of the old city of Guangzhou point-to-area through the insertion of various plug-ins. In this study, the methodology is applied to Xudi Gaodi Street, the core area of the old city of Guangzhou, to explore its effects on sustainability. The internal public space is isolated and supplied with rigid and flexible plug-ins from multiple dimensions, which not only improves the spatial environment but also injects new urban formats. This work provides a specific solution for regeneration in Guangzhou’s old city while enhancing empirical knowledge of the plug-in design to support urban regeneration theory and further practical development.

As urban populations and transport demand expand, Pakistani metropolitan centers face traffic congestion and environmental challenges. This research aims to assess carpooling (CP) to alleviate traffic congestion, fuel demand, and pollution. This study was conducted in Islamabad, a fast-growing city with a high percentage of personal cars in Pakistan, to assess the travelers’ perceptions, and public acceptance of CP and determine the effects on traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. The investigation of travelers' perceptions towards CP was conducted through a stated preference questionnaire survey. A total of 700 responses from one million population of Islamabad were collected as per Sloven's Formula. SPSS and Smart PLS software were used for data analysis. Various factors influencing peoples’ travel perceptions, mode choice, and tendency to carpool, were categorized to evaluate the relationship between travelers’ perception and the tendency to carpool in the presence of mode choice as a mediating variable. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in SMART PLS to refine the number of scale items for each variable. One-way ANOVA, step-wise and mediated multiple regression analysis was conducted in SPSS to check the direct and mediating relationship between different variables. Moreover, the probability of reducing traffic congestion and assessing fuel reduction resulting from CP was also analyzed. The findings imply that travelers’ mode choice acts as a mediator between the relationship between travelers’ perception and tendency to carpool. Furthermore, results predicted that CP might reduce 0.25 million cars on the road, about 33.6% of the total private vehicles. Thereby, saving up to 546,810 barrels per year, about 3.42% of Pakistan's total petrol consumption. The findings of this study could be helpful for transport planners, environmentalists, and policymakers to implement carpool systems. Thus, reducing traffic congestion and harmful CO2 emissions and maintaining a sustainable environment.

This paper investigates the physical/virtual dynamics when constructing an immersive environ-ment for medieval courtyard houses in Historic Cairo. Using a VR Lab at a university campus, the paper analyzes a courtyard that symbolizes social resilience and community bonding at the newly rehabilitated Bayt Yakan. The courtyard is reconstructed as a Mixed Object through 3D documentation and scanning the space to develop a photogrammetry and VR experience. The results show that the sense of presence is perceived through a combination of factors and juxta-positions of the real and the virtual including: 1) architectural aesthetics, 2) intangible elements and 3) socio-cultural activities in space. Based on the pilot case study, the paper concludes with proposing a “Geospatial Framework for Immersive Environments and Social Sustainability” that is transdisciplinary, pluralistic and expansive in nature to encompass the multiple narratives of the contested past, and overlay the material and immaterial sustainable features embedded in historical contexts, where the Mixed Reality paradigm becomes an enabler for multiple voices, tools and mediums.

Consumption is thus fundamentally related to sustainably because every decision pertaining to what to buy, what quantity the buy, how many to consume, or how to dispose of things has a direct influence on the natural world and the generations to come, and the overall impact of every single the customer's purchase is disastrous. A framework-based systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to better comprehend the body of research on digital innovation and sustainability driving consumer behavior. This was done in order to acquire a deeper understanding of the studies that have already been done in this area. to provide (i) a comprehensive review of the current research landscape and (ii) a rich roadmap for future research. This study evaluated the literature especially in terms of theory, context, traits, and methodology. A total of 107 research articles published between 2013 and 2022 were found using scientific methods in the Scopus database. The findings showed that most research appears to have employed qualitative methodologies and was grounded in the setting of China and Italy. This review could help scholars better grasp the relationship between digital innovation and sustainability, opening the door for additional study and advancement in the field. Additionally, by extending the literature study and emphasizing the elements that can improve digital innovation and sustainability, practitioners will be given a better overall understanding of how to approach the problem.

Identifying productive, profitable and less risky cropping systems is important for sustaining farm-based livelihoods in the context of climatic uncertainties and market volatility in many developing nations. Reductionist field crop research identifies the best-bet solutions based on treatment replicates at a single point in time, which may not account for price instability under climatic uncertainties and volatile markets. Keeping this in mind, we estimated productivity, profitability and weather-related risk from eleven different rice-based cropping systems (eight existing and three potential systems) in the coastal region of West Bengal, India. Information on the crop management practices, yield and prices of the component crops of these eleven cropping systems, under ’best,’ ’normal’ and ‘worst’ situations (scenario), were collected through a ques-tionnaire survey on50 farms of Gosaba Block, West Bengal, India. Irrespective of the scenarios, the rice-lathyrus systems, followed by rice-onion and rice-lentil systems recorded the lowest rice-equivalent yields and system yields. However, the highest rice-equivalent yields and system yields were recorded for rice-chilli systems, followed by rice-tomato and rice-potato-green gram systems. Per hectare total paid-out cost (TPC) of rice-tomato systems was higher, followed by rice-chilli, rice-potato-green gram and rice-potato systems. However, irrespective of seasonal conditions (best, normal and worst), rice-chilli systems gave a higher net return followed by rice-tomato and rice-potato-green gram systems. The rice-fallow system recorded the lowest value for both parameters. Under the worst seasonal conditions, the rice-onion system gave a negative net return. Under all the scenarios, the highest B:C ratio was observed for rice-chilli, rice-tomato, rice-potato-green gram and rice-potato systems. The cumulative probability distribution of the rice-tomato system showed first-degree stochastic dominance over other systems and the rice-chilli system showed second-degree stochastic dominance over the rest of the systems. Only the rice-onion system had a small chance (< 1%) of a negative net return, while the rest of the cropping systems were highly likely to get a positive net return. Taking productivity, economics, and risk assessment of different rice-based systems into account, rice-vegetable systems, especially rice-tomato and rice-chilli among the existing systems and rice-potato-green gram system among the potential systems, can be recommended for sustainable intensification in these coastal saline tracts of the region. We also discuss additional socio-economic factors explored by in-depth in-terviews with the farmers, which might influence the adoption and upscaling of these cropping systems in the region.

Data centres, though a necessary part of modern society, are being stigmatised for consuming vast amounts of electricity for their operational and cooling needs. Due to Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels to meet the increased energy demand of data centres, the data centres are contributing significantly to Ireland’s total carbon emissions. As much of this energy is expelled from data centres as waste heat energy, the potential for recycling some of this wasted heat energy was explored using environmentally friendly systems from recent publications. The recovered waste heat energy was applied in a vertical farming system, and the benefits of this waste heat to the vertical farm were analysed and quantified in two scenarios. Using conservative estimates, it was predicted that each vertical farm could be between 5-23% the size of the data centre and produce enough food to feed between 14-61 adults their daily calorie needs, and between 13-58 people their daily fresh produce requirements, depending on the scenario applied. For a more accurate prediction, each vertical farm would have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, there was not enough data available on Irish data centres to perform these calculations.

Fresh water is an increasingly scarce resource in both urban and rural developments. As a response to this challenge, non-potable water reuse is on the rise. This research explored a potential off-grid system for water purification, consisting of a staircase wetland with terracotta pot plants working as a filter for greywater. The study further investigated the physicochemical properties of the greywater and the soil before and after the wetland purification. Results showed that the filtered water satisfied all requirements for water reuse, e.g., pH, turbidity, and total coliforms. The research then uniquely investigated the effect of greywater on the soil biodiversity and soil biomass using soil DNA extraction and the tea bag index testing method. The filtered greywater absorbed by soil decomposed the soil faster and stabilized it better compared to tap water-absorbed soil or unfiltered greywater. The DNA generation sequencing revealed no significant differences in alpha diversity between control and treatment samples. The beta diversity differences were significant. This nature-based solution can lead to reduced load on the sewage system, resulting in less wastewater generation.

The Textile and Clothing (T\&C) value chain is one of the most polluting in the world and one that produces the most waste. It is, therefore, important to encourage the Circular Economy (CE) model in this sector, to reduce pollution and mitigate the effects of waste production, and consequently increase environmental sustainability. For that, the involvement of the final consumer is essential. And, the final consumer's use of an Eco-gamified application for registering and promoting Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) and Consumer-to-Business (C2B) activities, which extends the life time of textile products, is of utmost importance. In this article, we survey gamification frameworks for analyzing system design level techniques that enable engaging the final consumer in the CE process. Then, we select and use one of such frameworks, Gameful Design Heuristics (GDH), for defining the gamification structure needed to implement on a Business-to-Consumer-to-Consumer (B2C2C) context of a circular economy. As result, we present a B2C2C circular business process model for the T\&C value chain, and propose the design model of a gamified platform for the final consumers, which allows them to register the C2B and C2C activities, from the circular value chain's business process, and benefit from a game-like experience. All model features have been mapped to GDH framework heuristics, validating that it is possible to support a set of defined heuristics of applied gamification for promoting CE in the T\&C value chain.

The basic constitutional freedoms and rights of a person and citizen are in principle unlimited: the full scope of their exercise is the rule, and the restriction determined by law can only be an exception based on explicit constitutional authority and the legitimate aim of the restriction determined by the Constitution. That being so, the restrictions - in addition to being based on constitutional authority and pursuing constitutional objectives - should be commensurate with the needs to achieve these objectives. This means that restrictive legal rules must be suitable for achieving the legitimate aim pursued, must not be stricter than necessary and must be balanced between the constitutionally guaranteed subjective right of the individual and the interests of society. In this scholar paper, the authors point out the economic and legal consequences of the violation of individual privacy and data protection rights caused by the public disclosure of personal data of people who, at a certain time, were obliged to self-isolate due to suspicion of Covid-19 virus infection.

Phosphorus (P) is the most important substance in inorganic fertilizers used in agriculture industry. In this study, a multi-product and multi-objective model is presented considering economic and environmental concerns to design a renewable and sustainable P-fertilizer supply chain management (PFSCM). To handle complexities of the proposed model, an ensemble knowledge-based three-stage heuristic-metaheuristic algorithm utilizing heuristic information available in the model, whale optimization algorithm, and variable neighborhood search (named H-WOA-VNS) is proposed. At first, a problem-dependent heuristic is designed to generate a set of near-optimal feasible solutions. These solutions are fed into a population-based whale optimization algorithm which benefits from both exploration and exploitation strategies. Finally, a single-solution metaheuristic based on variable neighborhood search is applied to further improve the quality of the solution using local search operators. The objective function of the algorithm is formulated as a weighted average function to minimize total economic cost, while increasing crop yield and P use efficiency. Experimental results over five synthetic datasets and a real case study of the P-fertilizer supply chain confirm the superiority of the proposed method against the state-of-the-art techniques. The results demonstrate that the proposed method performs well in optimizing both the economic cost and environmental issues.

Entomopathogenic fungi perform important functions in the ecosystem as natural antagonists of insects, which can be used in agriculture. Interestingly, recent studies showed a significant promotion of tested plants growth in the presence of fungi. We hypothesize that some of various compounds produced by entomopathogenic fungi can positively affect plant development. To test this hypothesis, fungal extracts of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana were prepared at different conditions of temperature and pH. In addition to determination of the ammonium nitrogen content, the composition of extracts was analyzed by elemental ICP-OES. Then, their effect on the wheat germ growth was studied using various extract concentrations. After experiments, tested plants were measured, weighed, and the chlorophyll content was determined. Finally, the impact of extracts on the selected G+ and G- bacteria growth was examined to exclude the possibility of interference with soil microorganisms. The highest length of the wheat shoot was obtained for the use of 10-times diluted extract (10%) at pH 10 obtained at 20°C. In contrast, addition of 10% extract (pH 10) obtained at 75°C resulted in the shortest shoot. Generally, the extracts obtained at 75°C showed phytotoxic properties leading to lower values of shoot length and fresh weight in comparison to the control group. Our preliminary results are the first confirming the potential of fungal water extracts as factors promoting plant growth. Further detailed study should be carried out to confirm the effects in real environment conditions. Also, the consistency of the plant growth stimulation across different entomopathogenic fungi, and agriculturally used plant species should be tested.

The main intention of the present work was to investigate the ability of cellulose-degrading enzymes (C-DE) to release fatty acids (FAs) from complex matrices of cereal by-products during enzymatic hydrolysis (EH). For this purpose, three types of cereal bran (CB), i.e., wheat, rye, and oat were used as a lignocellulose substrate for three commercially available hydrolytic enzymes, i.e., Viscozyme L, Viscoferm, and Celluclast 1.5 L. The yield and composition of FAs after EH was assessed and confronted with the yield obtained after either conventional Soxhlet extraction or alkaline-assisted hydrolysis (A-AH) with 10% KOH in 80% MeOH and subsequent liquid-liquid extraction. The experimental results demonstrated that up to 6.3% and 43.7% higher total FAs yield can be achieved within EH of rye bran using Celluclast 1.5 L than by A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. However, the application of Viscoferm for EH of wheat bran ensured up to 7.7% and 13.4% higher total FAs yield than A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. The concentration of essential linolenic acid (C18:3) in lipids extracted after EH of rye bran with Celluclast 1.5 L was up to 24.4% and 57.0% higher than in lipids recovered by A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. In turn, the highest content of linolenic in wheat bran lipids was observed after EH with Viscoferm and Viscozyme L, ensuring 17.0 and 13.6% higher yield than after A-AH, respectively. SEM analysis confirmed substantial degradation of CB matrix promoted by the ability of C-DE to act specifically on 1,4-β-D-glycosidic bonds in cellulose and on 1,2-α-,1,3-α-, and 1,5-α-L- arabinofuranoside and 1,4-β-D-xylosidic bonds in arabinoxylans, arabinans, and other arabinose-containing hemicelluloses. Structural alteration in cells integrity greatly contributed to the release of bound FAs and their better transfer into the extraction solvent. It has been shown that the proposed process of EH can be used for the efficient release of FAs from the CB matrix more sustainably and with a safer profile, thereby representing the further sustainable production of FAs for certain purposes.

This paper is part of a study of earthen mixtures for 3D printing of buildings. To meet the ever-growing environmental needs, the focus of the paper is on a particular type of biocomposite for the stabilization of earthen mixtures—the rice husk-lime biocomposite—and on how to enhance its effect on the long-term mechanical properties of the hardened product. Having assumed that the shredding of the vegetable fiber is precisely one of the possible ways to improve the mechanical properties, we compared the results of uniaxial compression tests performed on cubic specimens made with both shredded and unaltered vegetable fiber, for three curing periods. The results showed that the hardened earthen mixture is not a brittle material in the strict sense, because it exhibits some peculiar behaviors, anomalous for a brittle material. However, being a “designable” material, its properties can be varied with a certain flexibility to get as close as possible to the desired ones. One of the peculiar properties of the hardened earthen mixture deserves further investigation, rather than corrections. This is the vulcanization that occurs (in a completely natural way) in the long term, thanks to the mineralization of the vegetable fiber by carbonation of the lime.

Attracting and retaining international students has been widely discussed in higher education settings. Increasing the number of international students has become an indispensable strategy for national and global competition. This study focuses on effective strategies and international students' issues regarding satisfaction in the most popular STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs. We designed a structural equation modeling (SEM) method to determine the effect of institutional mediation between push factors and satisfaction factors for the development of better strategies by which to attract and retain international students. Taking Taiwan as an example, this study employed a self-designed questionnaire to collect data: 485 degree-seeking international students in STEM programs were invited and successfully participated in this study during spring 2021. IBM SPSS 26 and AMOS 26 (Analysis of Moment Structure) were used to carry out the data analysis. We employed reliability, factor, and SEM analyses. This study assumed that the impact of push factors can be modified by institutional situations and result in international students’ satisfaction with their learning and environment and regarding migration policy. The results revealed that the predictors, mediation, and criteria were significant at the 0.05 or 0.01 levels. The findings suggest that push factors impact international students’ satisfaction when using institutional leadership and international strategy. The results of the bootstrap with a generalized least square method showed that the SEM model fit in 2000 bootstrap samples. The effect of institutional mediation can provide useful information for STEM programs to boost their future recruitment and retention strategies. This study provides an innovative approach to the detection of issues among international students in specific programs. These findings can enrich our knowledge regarding attracting and retaining global students in higher education settings.

Water reuse for irrigation is increasingly recognized as an essential and economical strategy in areas with water scarcity. A simple, low-cost, low-maintenance, and highly efficient Pond-In-Pond (PIP) treatment system can be used for wastewater reuse. PIP is a treatment technology in which two types of ponds -- anaerobic and aerobic -- are combined into a single pond and consist of a deeper inner section entirely submerged within the outer pond. Previous studies on PIPs and PIP-like systems have reinforced the potential for reuse through promising performance results with BOD removal over 80% and a reduction in land area requirements by approximately 40%. Yet, no prior efforts have been made to understand the performance mechanism of such systems. This study makes use of two, 2-D modeling tools in developing a fundamental understanding of PIP flow dynamics and the expected performance. The modeling results showed that the PIP configuration offers improved flow diversion along with reduced flow velocity. Additionally, the PIP retained approximately 17% more (p<0.05) particles than the traditional pond with most of the particles concentrated within the inner pond. Lower velocity and the higher solids retention in the PIP thus allowed for better treatment performance compared to traditional ponds. The findings from this study can be used as preliminary data for future in-depth investigations of the PIP system leading toward effective and optimal designs. This will help address the major societal concern of water scarcity with low-cost and effective wastewater treatment.

The virtual airport hub business model is an innovative solution supported by digital technologies, the implementation of which in continental air transport may lead to a reduction in energy consumption and to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The prerequisites for the implementation of the described solution are: striving to implement the GHG emission reduction strategy laid out in the Paris Agreement (2015) and the European Green Deal (2019) as well as the EU digitalization strategy (2020). The use of predictive analitics to identify the mobility needs of population and operational capabilities of the sector, gives an opportunity to plan travel flows and to create an appropriate set of direct connections among regional airports every day. The results of the analysis of data from 2019 on the amount of energy consumption and GHG emissions indicate that in Europe, it would be possible to achieve reduce GHG emissions by 5% without reducing the number of passengers using air transport. The study was prepared after conducting literature studies, data analysis and using the method of formulating scenarios. The proposed solution has the features of an innovative business model, the implementation of which allows for obtaining more favorable effects using already available resources.

We have an aversion to density in America. Density is a continual trope in this country, blamed for all of the ills of urban life, from crime and racial unrest in the middle of the 20th century to public health concerns today. In the early stages of the COVID pandemic density was the culprit, even though we’ve subsequently seen outbreaks in rural areas and sprawling cities across the United States. This paper will look into the root of America’s problems with density and argue that density is not the problem but the solution to the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s cities. As we deplete the resources of the planet, density is our most direct pathway to recover some balance with nature. Dense living is more efficient, less carbon intensive and more environmentally sustainable. As geospatial differentiations matter less due to advances in communication technology, it's the density of people and ideas that will continue to fuel innovation. Finally, in a world that is increasingly dominated by pluralism, denser living promotes openness, tolerance and diversity.

City Marketing has a strong tradition in Berlin, with two organisations, Berlin Partner and Visit Berlin, responsible for designing and implementing relevant strategies. Sustainability has been on and off the city marketing agenda, almost exclusively in its environmental dimension. In this article we examine the current representations of Berlin as a “sustainable city” in the official City Marketing strategies. We look at how sustainability is used and instrumentalized to create a specific city profile, and also to attract particular target groups in tourism. We propose an analysis of sustainable planning in Berlin since reunification, to show how it has moved into different directions over time and how this has (or has not) been followed by City Marketing. In this endeavour we move between the existing, and as we argue deeper and more sophisticated, environmental planning of the city on the one hand, and the reductions and simplifications of City Marketing representations on the other. Finally, we argue that there are inherent contradictions in marketing a sustainable city, where both in terms of tourism and economic development, the concept of growth seems to be reaching environmental limits.

The objective of this article is to determine as conclusively as possible if the implementation of a UBI (universal basic income) would lead to a significant reduction in the working age population labour supply. If this were true, implementation of a UBI would be unsustainable. To do this, we will compile empirical evidence from studies over the last few decades on the effects of implementation of a UBI on employment. We apply the PRISMA methodology to better judge their validity, which ensures maximum reliability of the results by avoiding biases and making the work reproducible. Given that the methodologies used in these studies are diverse, they are reviewed to contextualize the results taking into account the possible limitations detected in these methodologies. While many authors have been writing about this issue citing experiences or experiments, the added value of this article is that it performs a systematic review following a widely tested scientific methodology. Over 1,200 documents that discuss the UBI/employment relationship have been reviewed. We found a total of 50 empirical cases, of which 18 were selected, and 38 studies with contrasted empirical evidence on this relationship. The results speak for themselves: despite a detailed search, we have not found any evidence of a significant reduction in labour supply; instead we found evidence that labour supply increases globally among adults, men and women, young and old; and the existence of some insignificant and functional reductions to the system such as a decrease in workers from the following categories: children, the elderly, the sick, those with disabilities, women with young children to look after, or young people who continued studying. These reductions do not reduce overall supply because it is largely offset by increased supply from other members of the community.

Because of the significant enabling role smart meters can play in securing the transition towards sustainable energy distribution, the paper provides insights to support smart meters implementation projects. Energy utilities must propose adequate solutions to manage grid-upgrading projects and, in the meantime, increase efficiency levels. Based on empirical data analysis the paper provides insights aimed at maximize probability of success of smart meters projects. Results show common patterns of variables that may support project undertakers, policymakers and scholar when it comes to analyze projects to predict to maximize opportunities. For smart meters projects to succeed, regulatory stability is essential as long-period investments grids produce benefits for energy utilities, and for society.

We examined how combinations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities lead to high performance in Korean companies. This study addressed two related questions to expand our limited knowledge in this area. The first was what combinations of CSR activities achieve high performance. The second was to identify how CSR activities form an interdependent system, depending on different corporate situations. Korean Economic Justice Institute index data, from 2012 to 2018, were used with fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, and the results revealed several effective CSR activity factor combinations under given strategies and management environments. Companies with high performance exhibit complementarity between social contribution, environmental management, fairness, and employee satisfaction. By contrast, companies with low corporate performance show no complementarity between relatively unrelated activity factors. For companies whose CSR activities lead to low financial performance, most of the causal pathways focused only on activities at the primary stakeholder level, with weak diversity of CSR activities’ combinations at the primary and secondary stakeholder levels. These results indicate not only the appropriateness of CSR activity factor combinations for companies’ strategy and management environment contexts, but also their effectiveness, and are expected to provide companies with significant implications for CSR activities.

Can ‘restoration and therapy in design’ signify something more than the places like hospitals and healing gardens? Can those restorative environments be brought inside the working and living environments to mitigate the psychological problem at the source? The main objective of this paper is to look at the strategies and developments of Biophilic design with respect to therapy and restoration in order to achieve sustainability in terms of quality of life within the immediate built-environment. The paper explores the mental health issues under the domains of built-environment and indoor environment with respect to their connection with nature. Biophilic design has gained a favourable momentum within the last four decades and is now visualised as a medium that bridges the gap between humans and the nature. Out of a variety of measures of sustainable environmental design, biophilic design focuses on the end-results of naturally nurtured or inspired habitats and workplaces. It embodies strategies of Green and Intelligent buildings, works as a mitigation strategy for foul indoor environment and establishes the vision that veristic sustainability can only be achieved if there is qualitative control over human physiological prosperity and psychological health. In context of work efficiency, preference and productivity within the indoor environment, it is seen as a promoter of constructive thoughts and enhancer of creativity. The paper aims to enlist biophilic design and retrofitting strategies, which can improve cognitive function, reduce stress and provide mental peace within the built environment.

Sustainable agriculture is essential to provide food security for a growing world population without further sacrificing the integrity of the environment. To make progress towards agricultural sustainability we must consider ecological and socioeconomic processes within the agricultural socio-ecosystem and involve stakeholders in the research process. We propose an innovative experimental approach for examining how natural regulation of ecosystems may provide an alternative to increasing external inputs in agriculture while improving the socio-economic welfare of farmers. These “social-ecological experiments” go further to participatory action research by not only involving stakeholders in the research process but also by manipulating simultaneously socioeconomic and ecological processes under real field conditions to give a faster route to sustainability. Social-ecological experiments are undertaken in real field conditions, explicitly involving stakeholders, and help untangle the drivers of social-ecological dynamics under various land management and farming practices. Social-ecological experiments are distinct from adaptive management and scenario-planning approaches as they highlight the interactions between ecological and social processes, manipulate the social and ecological processes shaping the system and show causal links between patterns and processes. As an example, we describe a social-ecological experiment for reducing herbicide use. Social-ecological experiments offer great opportunities for increasing stakeholders’ acceptance of environmental policies implemented through adaptive management. These experiments may help to identify management practices that optimize multiple objectives, deliver a portfolio of ecosystem services and satisfy key stakeholders.

This article analyzes the emergence of partnerships between corporations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) through voluntary product labeling schemes. The economics, management, and business literatures are reviewed to highlight cross-checking, consistencies, and complementarities among these disciplines. The objective is to identify and analyze the motives, risks, and joint benefits of partnering via voluntary product labeling, using examples from the agri-food sector. This study is an attempt to offer a framework of corporate-NGO partnerships by showing that the drivers and risks of each partner merge because each takes a step into the sphere of the other. The main risks – namely, a loss of profitability, credibility and legitimacy – are related to the financial and existential dependency and the asymmetric information between the partners in favor of corporations, inducing an ``NGO-capture'' risk.

In 2016, the global environmental impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was 49.3 gigatons CO₂ equivalent. Worldwide, the transportation sector is responsible for 14% of GHG. Electric vehicles (EV) powered by less-polluting energy sources are one way to reduce the environmental impact of the transportation sector, but immediate transportation demands cannot be met by existing EV technology. Use of less polluting biofuel in place of petroleum-based gasoline or diesel fuel to power the existing transportation fleet is a widely accepted transitional solution, including in the Republic of Korea. The purpose of this research is to investigate approaches to biofuels in the US and the UK in order to evaluate Korea’s current energy policies related to use of biofuels and to make recommendations for strengthening Korea’s energy policy. This article addresses only policies for use of biodiesel rather than ethanol (widely used in the US) because ethanol is not used in Korea. This research shows that Korea calculates GHG using the principle that biofuel is carbon neutral, but energy policies in the US and the UK treat biofuel as not entirely carbon neutral. Korea should examine how to calculate GHG from biodiesel according to the standard set by the UK in order to work toward a more environmentally sustainable energy policy.

The IPAT equation provides a simple but powerful model for understanding sustainability, particularly from the challenge posed by the Anthropocene—how to reduce personal or societal impact. Impact is calculated by multiplying population, affluence and technology, and a ‘reduction coefficient’ e is used to explore targeted reductions in impact of different entities to cap total (summed) impact. The model offers two solutions. First, that all three factors are essential in determining total impact; a focus on just one or two is not justifiable without credibly addressing the other(s). Second, by presenting reduction of impact as a proportion of current activity, the solution becomes accessible to an individual actor (e.g., an individual, family, organization, or country). Application of the model is illustrated based on household weekly food consumption from cultures around the world. The model helps unify a) disparate perspectives on population, affluence and technology, which currently oppose one another from a basis of belief or dogma, and b) different sectors (e.g., food production, energy, climate impacts and others), as well as actors, so they can jointly identify strategies to resolve their contributions to approaching larger scale sustainability.

Low carbon cities are increasingly forming a distinct strand of sustainability literature. Models have been developed to measure the performance of low carbon cities. The purpose of this paper is to formulate a strategy-based model to evaluate current performance and predict future conditions of low carbon cities. It examines the dynamic interrelationships between key performance indicators (KPIs), induces changes to city plan targets and then instantly predicts the outcome of these changes. Designed generic and flexible, the proposed model shows how low carbon targets could be used to guide the transformation of low carbon cities under four strategies: (1) passive intervention, (2) problem solving, (3) trend modifying and (4) opportunity seeking. Further, the model has been applied to 17 cities and then tested on 5 cities: London, New York, Barcelona, Dubai and Istanbul. The paper concludes with policy implications to realign city plans and support low carbon innovation.

Land price sustainability issues have been addressed by many authors in the past. Most of these researchers used land prices (from land price maps) as the primary data source in their studies. Only a few papers analysed official land price maps, which are available very rarely. For this reason, we studied the spatial and temporal changes of land prices in the city of Olomouc based on an analysis of official land price maps from 1993 to 2017. We proposed several research hypotheses to confirm some general statements about land price development. We concluded that some macroeconomic indicators had a significant impact on changes in land prices. In the residential and commercial areas and historical centre, land prices are significantly higher than in other monitored aspects (land-use types). We also concluded that no link existed between land-use stability and land price stability. Surprisingly, no long-term stable areas were found in the area of interest. The analysis also confirmed that land price and its change over time varied in different spatial aspects. Surprisingly, the smallest influence was reflected in the economic aspect. Regarding natural events in recent decades, we observed a significant drop in land prices in the vicinity of watercourses threatened by flooding. These findings can assist in better understanding local development and changes in land price.

Green ICT has received significant attention in organizations to reduce global warming since last decade. Several maturity models have been proposed for tracking green ICT practices in organizations. Current literature shows that SMEs around the world try to follow some common strategies such as virtualization, consolidation of devices, energy efficiency and disposal of ICT equipment for greening ICT. The increasing interest for green ICT practices in organizations is not only due to the desire to attain environment-friendly atmosphere but mainly because of sustaining business goals such as cost reduction, competitive advantages and stakeholders’ pressure. Nevertheless, due to the lack of green ICT knowledge, organizations, specially SMEs, tend to ignore those practices. Therefore, this research proposes a framework that provides combination of existing green and sustainable ICT maturity models by mapping them with the strategies the businesses are already following. Out of this framework, a web application has been developed that provides questionnaire for SMEs to identify their present situation of green ICT practices and guidelines for improvement. The results have been analyzed by testing the application in some SMEs of Finland and Bangladesh. Finally, a survey has been conducted to attain SMEs’ perception about the possibility of sustainable development of businesses through this application.

This paper presents an experimental scenario aimed at bridging the gap between the cities we have and the cities we need, not only in the 21^st century but also beyond, using the integrated tools of development control and holistic land development model to achieve a planner-led vision of city sustainability. Due to scathing criticisms against the development control system, the paper contends that planners as development approving officers and public interest specialists are better positioned than allied professionals to increase city sustainability through a holistic development process that benefits from the concept of strong sustainability posited by ecological economists. The paper adopts a seven-stage, 56-cell land development matrix (model) to simulate the development of the typical high-rise residential condominium in Ontario, supported with secondary data and the author’s ground experience as a planner and realtor with condominium customer service experience across Toronto and Mississauga cities between 2008 and 2017. Findings reveal that planners can seize the opportunity of being leaders of the development team to synergize the risks and value creation in land development that are key drivers of strong sustainability. The paper suggests some policy implications for averting disasters like fire hazards and terror attacks in high-rise residential buildings.

Green spaces in residential community is important, yet understudied, feature as an urban ecological system. While large urban parks and remnant wildlands in urban areas tend to receive a public attention from conservation and management perspectives, less is known for the importance of spatial and ecological characteristics of the community-scale landscapes. This study investigates natural elements in four planned communities in Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona, two of which represent conventional type of neighborhood and the other two exemplify the community development with a proclaimed vision of sustainability. These distinct type of communities, which capture variations in age, location, open space type, and a cross-section of housing density, are compared with regard to landscape connectivity as a means of gauging ecological condition for community sustainability. Using Geographical Information System and landscape connectivity indices, each community’s landscape features including size, physical connectedness and ecological potential were examined. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was performed to examine the perceptional differences between the two types of community residents. The findings demonstrate that the green spaces in conventional communities are more physically connected than the counterparts, but the naturalness and ecological quality manifested by the amount of the land that may serve as potential urban desert habitats were higher in the sustainable communities. The results of the survey indicated that the respondents inhabiting in sustainable communities possess a higher level of satisfaction than the people in conventional type of community due mainly to the amount of, easy access to, and perceived ecological values of, green spaces in their neighborhoods and surrounding areas. The study concludes that careful community design with ecological consideration can help create sustainable communities which can benefit both site-scale ecosystems and perceived human well-being.

Land use and cover change (LUCC) is an important method to investigate the causes of global environment change. We utilized the emergy ecological footprint (EEF) model to construct a land-use change model to be used as a systematic measuring tool for monitoring sustainable development trends. In particular, we estimated the eco-security of the Cing-jing region as a case study so that responsible agencies can use it to maintain a balance between ecological preservation and tourism development. The results indicated the following: First, the ecological environment of the Cing-jing region satisfied the safety standard in 2008–2014; however, the related indices increased considerably. Second, the grey model predicted a decrease in 2015–2024 ecological carrying capacities of Cing-jing and a large increase in capita EFs, resulting in a larger ecological deficit and higher EFI. The eco-security from 2015–2024 was higher compared to 7 years ago and is predicted to reach the Grade 2 intermediate level in 2022; thus the Cing-jing region is gradually becoming ecologically unsustainable. Strengths of our study included the use of EEF theory in a quantitative analysis of slope lands for the effective evaluation of ecological security. Finally, we expanded our research to include ecological security issues.

This study aimed to find alternative feeds or supplementary feeds that can perform similarly to the existing commercial feeds thereby reducing farmer expense and cutting down their cost of production and increasing their profitability. The formulations for the study included four grow-out treatments mainly: control (commercial feed), taro+control (powdered Colocasia esculenta+commercial fish feed), bloodmeal (formulated fish feed based on bloodmeal), banana stem+control (chopped banana stem+commercial fish feed). A total of 12,000 fingerlings initially weighing 16 g (TL=10 cm) individually were assigned randomly to the four treatments (3000 in each cage measuring 6 x 6 m). The result of the study showed no significant differences between feed treatments from 6^th week onwards, whether with weight [MS=0.130, df=3, F=1.14, P=0.333] or total length of the treatments [MS=0.008, df=3, F=0.40, P=0.75]. The FCR ratio showed bloodmeal (1.60) as lowest, followed by the control (1.65), and taro+commercial (1.71) and then banana stem+commercial (2.18). In terms of weight gain, fish from the bloodmeal treatment gained the highest (236.97 g), followed by control (223.33 g), then taro (217.67 g) and banana stem (196.99 g). As a result, we find that any of the tested treatments can serve as an alternative feed to using purely commercial fish feeds. Cost-benefit analysis showed that a better gross profit margin of 42% and cost-benefit ratio of 1.37 was observed in taro+commercial feed diet.

Water stable proteins may offer a new field of applications in smart materials for buildings and infrastructures where hydraulic reactions are involved. In this study, cement mortars modified through water-soluble silk fibroin (SF) are proposed. Water-soluble SF obtained by redissolving SF films in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) showed the formation of a gel with β-sheet features of silk II. Electrical measurements on SF indicate that calcium ions are primarily involved in the conductivity mechanism. By exploiting the water solubility properties of silk II and Ca2+ ion transport phenomena and its trapping effect over water molecules, SF provides piezoresistive and piezocapacitive properties to cement mortars, thus enabling self-sensing of mechanical strain which is quite attractive in structural health monitoring applications. SF/cement-based composite introduces the capacitive gauge factor that surpasses the traditional resistive gauge factor reported in the literature by threefold. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrated SF cement mortars possess memcapacitive behavior for positive potentials around +5 V, attributed to an interfacial charge build-up modulated by the SF concentration and the working electrode. Electrical square-biphasic excitation combined with cyclic compressive loads revealed memristive behavior during the unloading stages. These findings along with the availability and the sustainability of SF pave the way for the design of novel multifunctional materials, particularly for applications in masonry and concrete structures.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are highly efficient tools for underwater exploration, capable of carrying various payloads to perform specific missions as needed. To ensure the success of these missions and the spatiotemporal accuracy of sampled data, integrated navigation systems and appropriate filtering algorithms are essential. These systems process and merge motion data to provide accurate positioning information. The most commonly used algorithms in integrated navigation systems are Kalman filter and its nonlinear derivatives. Of these, the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is particularly notable for its ability to handle nonlinear systems by incorporating Monte Carlo methods. This study proposes an enhanced adaptive EnKF algorithm to improve the smoothness and accuracy of the filtering process. Instead of the conventional Gaussian distribution, this algorithm employs a Laplace distribution to construct the system state vector and observation vector ensembles, enhancing stability against non-Gaussian noise. Additionally, the algorithm dynamically adjusts the number of vector members in the ensemble using adaptive mechanism by specifying thresholds during filtering, to adapt the requirements of real-world observational settings. Using measured data from field trials, including DVL, GPS, and electronic compass data, we examine the effects of various parameter settings on the algorithm's performance. Optimal parameter settings are identified to fine-tune and verify the filtering algorithm as well as its adaptive capability. The results demonstrate that the enhanced adaptive EnKF algorithm exhibits superior filtering performance in terms of both accuracy and smoothness compared to the conventional EnKF and EKF algorithms. This indicates the significant advantages of our proposed algorithm for AUV navigation.

Breathing in fine particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM_2.5) has greatly increased an individual’s risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. As climate change progresses, extreme weather events, including wildfires, are expected to rise, exacerbating air pollution. The 2023 Canadian wildfires highlighted the growing threat of PM_2.5 as smoke spread across U.S. cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. This research investigates the application of data augmentation techniques to improve the accuracy of PM_2.5 concentration forecasts in these urban environments. Models trained on imbalanced datasets often struggle to capture extreme pollution events, underestimating high PM_2.5 levels due to the model’s focus on more frequent, low-value samples. To address this, we implemented cluster-based undersampling and trained transformer models using various cutoff thresholds (12.1 µg/m³ and 35.5 µg/m³) and partial sampling ratios (10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50). Our results demonstrate that the 35.5 µg/m³ threshold, coupled with a 20/80 partial sampling ratio, provides the best performance regarding RMSE and R², particularly in capturing high PM2.5 events. Overall, models trained on augmented data significantly outperformed those trained on original data, highlighting the importance of resampling techniques in improving air quality forecasting accuracy, especially for high-pollution scenarios. These insights significantly contribute to a better understanding of PM_2.5 pollution with the hopes of more informed public health and environmental policies.

Living systems are capable on the one hand, of eliciting a coordinated response to changing environment (aka adaptation) and on the other hand, they are capable of reproducing themselves. Notably, adaptation to environmental change requires the monitoring of the surroundings, while reproduction requires monitoring oneself. These two tasks appear separate and making use of different sources of information. Yet both the process of adaptation as well as that of reproduction are inextricably coupled to alterations of genomic DNA expression, while a cell behaves as an indivisible unity in which apparently independent processes and mechanisms are both integrated and coordinated. We argue that at the most basic level, this integration is enabled by the unique property of the DNA to act as a double coding device harboring two logically distinct types of information. We review biological systems of different complexity and infer that inter-conversion of these two distinct types of DNA information represents a fundamental self-referential device underlying both systemic integration and coordinated adaptive response.

Background: Previous studies have highlighted that copper supplementation at 200% of the recommended daily dietary allowance modified vascular contraction and relaxation through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin formation, which modified the antioxidant status of middle-aged Wistar rats. Methods: In this study, young (1 month old) male Wistar rats (n/group = 10) received a diet supplemented with 6.45 mg copper/kg (100% of daily recommendation—Group A) for 8 weeks. The experimental group received 12.9 mg copper/kg of diet (200% of the daily recommendation—Group B). Results: Experimental supplementation with 200% copper modified the copper concentration in the blood (1.21-fold, p = 0.04), liver (1.15-fold, p = 0.032), and kidneys (1.23-fold, p = 0.045), potentiated the ROS formation in the aortic rings, and enhanced the sensitivity of the aortic rings to the vasodilator acetylcholine. We observed an increased participation of nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in vascular contraction and a decreased net effect of vasodilator prostanoids derived from cyclooxygenase-2 in vascular relaxation. In rat kidneys, the concentrations of potassium (1.08-fold, p = 0.001) and iron (1.13-fold, p = 0.046) were higher, while, calcium (0.88-fold, p = 0.001) and chromium (0.77-fold, p = 0.005) concentrations were lower. In the rat liver, magnesium (1.06-fold, p = 0.012) was higher. No differences were observed in the concentrations of sodium, zinc, manganese, selenium, cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium. The antioxidant activity of water- and lipid-soluble compounds; total antioxidant status in the blood; and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels in the heart did not change. Conclusions: In young rats, prolonged supplementation with 200% copper had a lesser effect than anticipated on oxidative stress and vascular reactivity. Detailed data on the status of trace elements and their interactions in patients of different age groups are strongly required for effective nutritional and therapeutic intervention.

The Notch signaling pathway plays a major role in embryological development and in the ongoing life processes of many animals. Its role is to provide cell-to-cell communication in which a Sender cell, bearing membrane -embedded ligands, instructs a Receiver cell, bearing membrane- embedded receptors, to adopt one of two available fates. Elucidating the evolution of this pathway is the topic of this paper, which uses an orthologs approach to build a firm base for such a study. Using BLAST searches, orthologs were identified for all of the 49 listed components of the Notch signaling pathway. The time course of the integration of these proteins as animal evolution proceeded was elucidated. Insofar as cell –to-cell communication is only of relevance in multicellular animals, it is not surprising that the Notch system reached a fully-working configuration only with the evolutionary appearance of the Metazoa, the first multicellular animals The roles of the Notch system’s 49 components in contemporary descendants of the ortholog-contributing ancestors were ascertained from a survey of the literature. A single protein, the protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) of the protozoan Ministeria vibrans was identified as a possible pre-Metazoan ancestor of the DLL, JAG, and NOTCH proteins. A scenario for the evolution of the Notch signaling pathway is presented and described as the co-option of its components, clade by clade, in a repurposing of genes already present in the ancestral unicellular organisms.

The interaction between gut-residing microorganisms plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD), where microbiome dysregulation can alter immune responses leading to unresolved local inflammation. The aim of this study is to analyze the immunomodulatory properties of our recently developed probiotic+amylase blend in the SAMP1/YitFc (SAMP) mouse model of CD-like ileitis. Four groups of SAMP mice were gavaged for 56 days with: 1) probiotic strains + amylase (concentration: 0.25 mg/100 uL PBS); 2) only probiotics; 3) only amylase; PBS (vehicle-treated controls). Ilea were collected for GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) analysis and histological evaluation. Histology assessment for inflammation indicated a significantly reduced level of ileitis in mice administered probiotics+amylase blend. DSP analysis showed decreased abundance of neutrophils and increased abundance of dendritic cells, innate lymphoid cells and macrophages, with a significant enrichment of five intracellular pathways related to apoptosis, in probiotics+amylase treated mice. Increased apoptosis occurrence was confirmed by TUNEL assay. Our data demonstrate a beneficial role of the probiotic and amylase blend, highlighting an increased apoptosis of innate immunity-associated cell subsets, thus promoting the resolution of inflammation. Hence, we suggest that our recently developed probiotic blend may be a therapeutic tool to manage CD and therefore could be a candidate compound to be tested in clinical trials.

A comprehensive study (monitoring, thermodynamic modeling) of natural and anthropogenically polluted waters of the Lovozero Massif has been carried out. A thermodynamic study of the weathering of the Lovozero Massif within the “water-rock-atmosphere” system at a temperature of 5°C showed that the elements contained in the rocks of the studied massif influence the formation of the chemical composition of natural waters. It has been established that an increase in the degree of “water-rock” interaction leads to an increase in the concentrations of F, Cl, SО42-, HCO3- in the solution. This affects the mobility of lanthanum, cerium and other elements due to the formation of complex compounds with them. The relatively high content of fluorine, phosphorus, HCO3- (weak and medium acids) in the solution promotes the dissolution of silicates while Si, Al, P are released into the solution. Monitoring of water from a flooded mine in which there is an increase in the degree of interaction of water with rock showed higher pH values for the concentrations of Na, HCO3-, F-, P, Al, Si, V, U, La, Ce. The conclusions are relevant in the context of groundwater extraction for drinking water supply purposes. The obtained information is useful to evaluated the health of the population of the region under study.

As Aotearoa-New Zealand faces increasing cyber threats, this paper comprehensively analyses the nation’s current cybersecurity landscape, revealing novel opportunities and challenges. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the study integrates social, cultural, and technological dimensions—providing a fresh perspective that has been underexplored in previous research. A key focus is integrating cultural values, particularly those of the indigenous Māori, into cybersecurity practices. This not only strengthens the effectiveness and trustworthiness of security measures but also fosters a more inclusive and resilient digital environment, demonstrating our deep respect for the unique contributions of Māori culture. Additionally, this paper introduces critical insights into the country's cybersecurity talent gap, with a special focus on the challenges of developing and retaining cybersecurity expertise in remote regions. Our study also uncovers underexplored opportunities for cross-sector collaboration between private enterprises, government agencies, and indigenous communities, promoting an inclusive and resilient approach to cybersecurity. By positioning Aotearoa-New Zealand as a potential leader in regional cybersecurity innovation, we provide forward-looking recommendations that leverage its distinctive cultural and technological strengths. This research contributes fresh insights to the global discourse on cybersecurity, offering practical strategies tailored to the specific needs of smaller nations.

Integrating ecosystem services (ESs) to delineate ecological functional zones (EFZs) is a fundamental work in terrestrial spatial planning and ecosystem management. However, existing studies have largely overlooked the refinement of EFZs at local scales, which hinders targeted and multi-scale ecosystem management. This study introduced a "two-step refinement zoning method" to address this gap, first using the self-organizing feature mapping method to delineate EFZs based on ESs at a township scale, and then applying hotspot overlay analysis to identify hotspots of dominant ESs within EFZs at a village scale. By overlaying the outcomes of these two steps, EFZs can be further graded by designating villages with hotspots of dominant ESs as level I and those without as level II. The proposed method was applied in Wuhan City, dividing it into five types of EFZs with different ESs combinations and land use compositions. Furthermore, 5.23% of villages were identified as Level I of EFZs, serving as advantageous areas of dominant ESs in the study area. On this basis, diversified management strategies and conservation priorities were proposed. This study provides a theoretical and methodological reference for terrestrial spatial planning and sustainable ecosystem management.

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining is a widely adopted method for pipeline renewal, offering advantages such as rapid installation and cost-effectiveness. However, concerns regarding the environmental impacts of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during the installation process have raised issues regarding the CIPP method. The literature review conducted in this paper indicated the need for stringent monitoring and management practices to mitigate adverse effects, emphasizing the importance of safe installation protocols. This paper presents the initial results of a case study focusing on VOC emissions, specifically investigating non-styrene polyester resins and water curing. To capture emissions from CIPP activities, the methodology involved air sampling using various equipment, including photoionization detectors (PID), summa canisters, passive worker sampler sorbent tubes, and method 13 cartridges. The preliminary findings indicate that non-styrene polyester resins do not exceed the exposure limits set out by the OSHA and USEPA. The future phases of this project will explore different resins and curing methods.

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an evergreen tree that occupies 19% of the woody crop area and is cultivated in 67 countries on five continents. The largest olive production is concentrated in the Mediterranean basin, where the olive tree has had an enormous economic, cultural and environmental impact since the 7th century BC. In the Mediterranean region, salinity stands out as one of the main abiotic stress factors significantly affecting agricultural production. Moreover, climate change is expected to lead to increased salinisation in this region, threatening olive productivity. Salt stress causes combined damage by osmotic stress and ionic toxicity, restricting olive growth and interfering with multiple metabolic processes. A large variability in salinity tolerance among olive cultivars has been described. This paper aims to synthesize information from the published literature on olive adaptations to salt stress and its importance in salinity tolerance. The morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of olive tolerance to salt stress are reviewed.

This study investigates the transformative impact of ChatGPT, a cutting-edge AI language model developed by OpenAI, on the financial sector. We explore ChatGPT's applications in financial analysis, focusing on its ability to perform tasks traditionally handled by human analysts. By creating a set of multi-step and advanced reasoning financial tasks, and establishing several task-specific evaluation metrics, our experimental results demonstrate that ChatGPT-4o can effectively perform both basic and some complex financial analysis tasks comparable to those executed by humans. However, our empirical evaluation reveals limitations in its performance on complex tasks that require comprehensive understanding and critical thinking. The study highlights the necessity for meticulous task formulation and robust evaluation to achieve consistent functionality. While ChatGPT enhances efficiency in financial analysis, its integration with human expertise remains crucial for effective decision-making. This study contributes to the understanding of AI's role in finance and provides insights into its potential and constraints, guiding future integration of AI technologies in financial practices.

Using assembly theory, we investigate the assembly pathways of binary strings of length N formed by joining bits present in the assembly pool and the strings that entered the pool as a result of previous joining operations. We show that the string assembly index is bounded from below by the shortest addition chain for N, and we conjecture about the form of the upper bound. We define the degree of causation for the minimum assembly index and show that for certain N it features regularities that can be used to determine a shortest addition chain. We show that a string with the smallest assembly index for N can be assembled by a binary program of length equal to this index if the length of this string is expressible as a product of Fibonacci numbers. We conjecture that there is no binary program that has a length shorter than the length of the string having the largest assembly index for N that could assemble this string. The results confirm that four Planck areas provide a minimum information capacity that corresponds to a minimum thermodynamic (Bekenstein-Hawking) entropy. Knowing that the problem of determining the assembly index is at least NP-complete, we conjecture that this problem is NP-complete, while the problem of creating the string so that it would have a predetermined largest assembly index is NP-hard. The proof of this conjecture would imply P ≠ NP, since every computable problem and every computable solution can be encoded as a finite binary string.

Danyore Valley area is a new prospect of copper-gold mineralization in the Gilgit-Baltistan province, Kohistan terrane, northern Pakistan. The mineralization is Cu-Au vein-type, localized within quartz veins and controlled by a fracture system mainly trending NW and NE. The host units belong to the Ladakh-Kohistan arc terrane, which covers northern Pakistan and north-western India and mainly comprises Precambrian basement units, Paleozoic to Cenozoic magmatic rocks, and sedimentary strata. The mineralized wall rocks consist of Mesozoic gabbro and diorite, which have undergone an intensive hydrothermal alteration. The study area, Danyore Valley, has yet to be explored. The geological background and mineralization type in literature are scarce. Moreover, the tectonic setting, petrogenesis, age, and magmatic evolution of the gabbro-diorite hosting unit still need to be better understood. Furthermore, the sources of metals and mineralized fluids and the types of mineralization and alteration are also unexplored. This research's contribution presents the field investigation, microscopic observations, whole rock geochemistry (major, trace, and REE), mineral analysis (EPMA), in situ LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb age dating, and zircon trace elements data for Danyore Valley Cu-Au prospect of Kohistan Batholith. The current research work's objectives are to (a) constrain the emplacement ages of the Danyore Valley host rocks, (b) determine the petrogenesis and tectonic environment of the gabbro-diorite wall rocks, and (c) identify the mineralization style and alteration patterns of Cu-Au occurrences. The U-Pb isotopic data of studied zircons from Danyore Valley diorite specimens yielded concordia ages from 111.60 ± 0.90 Ma to 112.18 ± 0.74 Ma. Correspondingly, the gabbro rock sample displayed a concordia age of 110.21 ± 0.99 Ma, indicating the crystallization time of the host bodies is mainly the early cretaceous period (∼110 Ma). The findings of this study reveal that the calc-alkaline affinity and arc-like geochemical characteristics of the gabbro and diorite rocks have been characterized by a significant enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements and an apparent depletion in high-field strength elements. The parent magma probably originated from a partial melting process of mantle depletion, and geochemical traits are characteristic of magmas associated with subduction zones. The Danyore Valley area of Kohistan terrane is defined by the existence of several mineralized quartz veins, which are mainly sulfide assemblages. The sulfide ore is mainly comprised of chalcopyrite, pyrite, and bornite, with a smaller amount of covellite and sphalerite and significant traces of gold, which are distributed mainly in sulfides. Copper and gold mineralization of Danyore Valley is associated with phyllic, propylitic, and carbonatization alteration assemblages. Metal-rich quartz veins exhibit a spatial correlation with diorite and gabbro rocks. The discovery of several surface Cu-Au vein-type mineralized areas accompanying outcrops of copper supergene enrichment at the Danyore Valley prospect is significant evidence (predictor patterns) of porphyry-style deposits in the Gilgit district, Kohistan terrane, northern Pakistan. This work also advocates the importance of the Danyore Valley prospect and Kohistan Batholith region for further detailed geological studies.

Corrugated board is a composite material characterized by strong orthotropy in both the elastic and plastic phases. Additionally, due to its layered structure, which consists of alternately arranged flat and wavy layers of paper, its mechanics becomes complicated. Therefore, a precisely selected set of laboratory tests is needed to correctly identify all the necessary material parameters of cardboard. The work attempts to define a full set of laboratory tests in order to determine material parameters describing the linear-elastic, orthotropic behavior of cardboard and the basic parameters defining popular plasticity criteria, such as the asymmetric orthotropic Hoffman criterion. For this purpose, sensitivity analysis and numerical models of several selected basic laboratory tests were used. Since the aim of the work is to choose appropriate laboratory tests necessary to correctly determine the material parameters of corrugated board (not its individual layers), the numerical models do not contain detailed cardboard geometry, but only its homogenized representation in the form of the flat shell models. All numerical models are based on the nonlinear finite element method and constitutive modelling in the form of UMAT subroutines implemented in the ABAQUS software. Based on the analyses, appropriate measurements and laboratory tests were indicated that are most sensitive to the material parameters sought.

Sorghum grain processing can improve the nutritional content by promoting dietary properties that contribute to food security and economic development. The quality, nutritional content, and processing properties of sorghum bicolor grain can greatly affected by the inbred line races and variance in pericarp colour.The current study assessed the influence of the Husking Fraction Time Units (HFTU) process, which employed set time units per second (S), on the variation in the nutritional profile of fifty-one inbred line sorghum varieties based on distinct pericarp colours. When the assessment of the nutritional profile was involved: dry matter, total protein besides, namely mineral (P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, and Mn). The variety groups showed a significance value of (P < 0.05), indicating the study hypothesis's truth.The results demonstrated substantial impacts implied by the Husking Fraction Time Unit (HFTU) technique. This occurrence was noted when the dry matter percentage was increased in the husked products, specifically the endosperm (grits) and bran. The protein percentage redistributed by 19.2% compared to the whole grain and bran content. In comparison, the ratio of N/S was 14:1 in the S. bicolor and 12:1 in the kafirin in the bran part. Moreover, a strong correlation was observed among the examined minerals of S.bicolor and kafirin, such as the correlation between Ca: P, K: Na, and Fe: Zn attributed 80 (S) time unit, with correlation coefficients of R = 0.784 and R = 0.586, R= 517, R= 0.884, R= 0.745, and R = 0.893, respectively. At the same time, the 80 (S) time unit showed a significant effect on the colour property profile.The study results could benefit breeders and nutrition specialists in developing genotypes and processing sorghum grains, promoting research, and aiding several industrial sectors owing to the grain's adaptability and nutritional properties.

Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticle (CdS-LA hybrid nanoparticles) was synthesized here by a green approach using the precursor cadmium acetate and sodium sulphide along with the extract of a plant Lathyrus aphaca L. containing the phytochemicals which were responsible for surface modification of nanoparticles. The nanoparticle was used to evaluate their inhibition potential against species of bacteria and fungi. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD which demonstrates the hexagonal crystal structure. SEM confirms the homogenous surface appearance of the CdS-LA hybrid crystalline structure. EDX analysis confirms surface modification of nanoparticles by phytochemicals. FTIR confirmed the Cd-S linkage laterally with the related functional groups and the presence of metabolites on the surface of nanoparticles. The UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the peak at the characteristic wavelength range but a slight shift occurred in the peak of the CdS nanoparticles due to the presence of the phytochemicals. This study particularly provides an environment-friendly strategy to synthesize the CdS nanoparticles capped by Lathyrus Aphaca L. extract that are biologically active due to the mediation of the plant extract. CdS-LA hybrid nanoparticles have shown inhibition potential against various species of bacteria and fungi and realize the biological importance of the green synthesis of nanoparticles especially mediated with the plant extract.

Precision farming is transforming how antibiotics get used on farms. It fights the overuse that creates superbugs and harms nature. Farmers now have high-tech tools to use antibiotics ultra-precisely. Drones, AI, and advanced watering equipment help them pinpoint only sick plants and animals needing treatment. This shields crops while avoiding environmental damage. More careful antibiotic use makes livestock healthier and boosts harvests too. And it prevents resistant germs, where antibiotics stop working altogether. The approach helps farms in multiple ways, using fewer resources for even better results. There are some growing pains, like high costs for small farms. And questions around data privacy also cause concern. But overcoming these hurdles could help precision farming spread far and wide. This technology promises safer, greener, and more productive agriculture. Targeted use of antibiotics protects both crops and people from drug-proof germs. And nature benefits when less medicine spreads into soil and water. The future looks bright for farming with precision.

Prospecting for a future breeding site is an essential component of informed dispersal. It allows individuals to reduce the uncertainty of their environment by gathering personal and social information about the local quality of alternative breeding areas, and to make informed emigration and settlement decisions. Although this process has been studied in territorial and social animal species for decades, it is still not well-understood and spatial patterns of prospecting movements are hard to generalize over taxa or even species due to substantial intra and inter-specific variability. Using 124 empirical studies which have explicitly described prospecting in a context of breeding habitat selection in birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates, I review why, how, when and which individuals prospect depending on their life history traits and sociality. From this synthesis, I identify persisting knowledge gaps which explain why prospecting is still understudied and sometimes overlooked. I finally propose key objectives and research directions, to shed light on prospecting movements and their consequences on informed dispersal strategies, individual fitness and population dynamics, both empirically and theoretically. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying prospecting, their causes and their consequences will fully reveal how prospecting could constitute a powerful adaptive response to environmental changes for many social and territorial species which will help them persist on the long-term. It will also significantly enhance our ability to predict species responses to environmental changes and thus, inform more effective management plans for threatened species

Artifact metrics is a technology for authenticating artifacts based on their unique characteristics. The artifact-metric system offers "clone resistance," i.e., it makes it highly improbable to create another object exhibiting the same measured values as a genuine artifact. However, determined adversaries may still attempt to create imitations or clones with close physical characteristics to those of registered products, even if they cannot perfectly replicate the genuine product. Such clones serve to deceive users into believing they are genuine rather than counterfeits. Thus, in this study, we consider a scenario in which we measure raster-scanning-generated clones via a non-raster scanning method. Further, we employ image processing techniques to generate image data representing the clones and theoretically assess the filtering effects on these images. Our findings reveal that applying filters to specific frequency components in the spatial frequency domain can effectively highlight differences between raster-scanning-created clones and the corresponding genuine artifacts. Thus, we demonstrate directional emphasis filtering in artifact metrics as an effective approach for rejecting raster-scanning-created clones.

With the increasing prominence of renewable energy sources providing flexibility to the power grid, there is a growing recognition of the need to expand virtual Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to replace traditional ESS, which faces challenges in terms of supply and scalability. Grid-connected microgrids can supply power stably and are being built, so they can be used as virtual ESS to provide flexibility to the power system. This study proposes an approach to determine the optimal Power Conversion System (PCS) and battery capacity for a Virtual Energy Storage System(VEES) based on a grid-connected microgrid incorporating Photovoltaic (PV) and ESS. In this paper, it is assumed that microgrids can provide flexibility to the grid by participating in the energy trading market, there are corresponding profits and penalties for order. Numerical examples are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Abstract: Intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA) may commonly arise following complicated gastrointestinal tract infections and, on occasion, from infections within the urinary system. Many of these IAA are initiated as a consequence of post-surgical complications. These abscesses have a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. As a result, it is crucial to diagnose and treat them promptly to minimise these adverse outcomes. Therefore, radiological modalities play a vital role in diagnosing, localising, and detecting associated complications of IAA, as sometimes other investigations could be less reliable and non-specific. Radiological modalities are pivotal in achieving an accurate diagnosis, localising the abscesses, and identifying associated complications. This is especially important since alternative investigative methods may be misleading in certain situations. Radiological techniques such as ultrasound scans (USS), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), and even magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are immensely helpful in diagnosing these conditions. These imaging tools guide clinicians in determining the most appropriate patient management strategies. In this article, we compile a case series involving tubo-ovarian abscess, appendicular abscess, diverticular abscess and infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis, paying particular attention to radiological features in the diagnosis. Furthermore, we reviewed the existing literature to delineate characteristic radiological features related to the cases we discussed.

Moving object detection plays a crucial role in various applications, particularly in traffic surveillance and collision warning systems. However, the high cost of training and slow detection pose significant challenges to the practicality and real-time performance of existing methods. These challenges hinder the practicality and real-time performance of existing methods. The need for a reliable and efficient moving object detection system prompts the search for cost-effective strategies. Enhancing detection speed without sacrificing accuracy is crucial for real-time applications. Overcoming these challenges is essential to advance the field of moving object detection and improve its applicability in various domains. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on moving object detection, proposes novel strategies to overcome the challenges of high training costs and slow detection. The study emphasizes the importance of reliable speed monitoring systems and advancements in control systems to enhance driver assistance on urban highways. Each frame in the dataset undergoes YOLOv6 processing to detect and classify objects, generating bounding box predictions and class probabilities. Optical flow, specifically the Lucas-Kanade method, is then utilized to compute motion vectors between consecutive frames. These motion vectors facilitate object tracking across frames, enabling refined bounding box positions and improving overall object tracking accuracy. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique in reducing training costs, improving detection speed, and maintaining a high level of accuracy when compared to existing methods. The paper concludes by summarizing the findings and highlighting the potential of the proposed strategy for precise and reliable moving object recognition in real-world traffic scenarios

Few studies have examined the pros and cons of integrated TB and HIV service delivery in public healthcare facilities, and even fewer have proposed conceptual models for improved integration. This study intends to fill that vacuum by outlining the development of a facility-based paradigm for integrating TB, HIV and patients services. The design of the proposed model were in stages that involved the evaluation of existing TB-HIV integration model and synthesis of both quantitative and qualitative data from the study sites which were selected public healthcare facilities at both rural and peri-urban settings in Oliver Reginald (O.R) Tambo District Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Secondary data on 2009-2013 TB-HIV clinical outcomes were obtained from multiple sources for quantitative analysis. Qualitative data involved focus group discussions among patient and heath care staff, which was thematically analysed. The development of a possibly better model and validation of this model show that the district's health system was reinforced by the model's guiding principles, which placed a strong emphasis on inputs, processes, outcomes, and integration effects.The model is adaptable to different healthcare delivery systems but will require support from healthcare stakeholders and professionals to be successful.

Anomaly Detection in real time data is accepted as a vital research area. Clustering has effectively been tried for this purpose. As the datasets are real time, the time of generating of the data is also important. In this article, we introduce a mixture of partitioning and agglomerative hierarchical approach to detect anomalies from such datasets. It is a two-phase method which follows partitioning approach first and then agglomerative hierarchical approach. The dataset can have mixed attributes. In phase-1, a unified metric defined on mixed attributes is used. The same is also used for merging of similar clusters in phase-2. Also, we have kept the track of time attribute of each data instance which produces the clusters with their lifetimes in phase-1. Then in phase-2, we merge the similar clusters. While merging, the similar clusters, the lifetimes of the corresponding clusters with overlapping cores are to be superimposed producing fuzzy time intervals. This way, each cluster will have an associated fuzzy lifetime. The data instances either belonging sparse clusters or not belonging to any of the clusters can be treated as anomalies. The efficacy of the algorithms can be established using both complexity analysis as well as experimental studies.

The growing concern over heavy metal contamination in environmental and industrial settings has intensified the need for sensitive, selective, and cost-effective detection technologies. Electrochemical sensors, due to their high sensitivity, rapid response, and portability, have emerged as promising tools for detecting heavy metals. Recent years have seen significant progress in utilizing biopolymer-based materials to enhance the performance of these sensors. Biopolymers, derived from renewable raw materials, have garnered considerable interest in both science and industry. These biopolymer-based composites are increasingly recognized as superior alternatives to conventional non-biodegradable materials because of their ability to degrade through environmental exposure. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in biopolymer-based electrochemical sensors for heavy metal detection. It discusses various types of biopolymers and bio-sourced polymers, their extraction methods, and chemical properties. Additionally, it highlights the state-of-the-art in applying biopolymers to electrochemical sensor development for heavy metal detection, synthesizing recent advances and offering insights into design principles, fabrication strategies, and analytical performance. The review underscores the potential of biopolymer-based sensors as cost-effective, eco-friendly, and efficient tools for addressing the pressing issue of heavy metal contamination in water and discusses their advantages and limitation. It also outlines future research directions to further enhance the performance and applicability of these sensors.

African cities face critical challenges in delivering essential services due to limited financial re-sources and vulnerabilities to climate change impacts, such as floods and water and energy in-security. Many cities lack adequate stormwater drainage infrastructure and capacity, hindering their ability to implement environmental sustainability projects. Reports show that two-thirds of sub-Saharan African cities are "at extreme risk" from climate change, threatening local infra-structure and development. Climate change mitigation and adaptation require integration across all sectors, as development without environmental considerations can exacerbate vulnerabilities. This study evaluated how selected African cities have incorporated environmental sustainability into their development plans, using the OECD mainstreaming framework for assessment. The research employed a qualitative approach through thematic content analysis, examining both successes and challenges in mainstreaming environmental sustainability. Findings indicate var-ying success levels, with some cities excelling in integrating certain environmental sustainability dimensions, while others face significant barriers. The study identifies key enablers and im-pediments to effective incorporation of environmental sustainability into urban development, concluding that while some aspects of environmental sustainability mainstreaming are well ad-dressed, others remain inadequately integrated. These findings underscore the need for a more systematic and comprehensive approach to embedding environmental sustainability within ur-ban development policies and practices across African cities.

This study investigates the relationship between shipping connectivity, environmental quality, financial development, and economic growth among 14 countries in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) from 2006 to 2019. Using panel-corrected standard error, Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression, and Driscoll-Kraay estimation methods, the analysis reveals that shipping connectivity significantly contributes to financial development and economic growth, while also exerting a negative impact on environmental quality. These findings underscore the dual role of shipping connectivity in fostering economic prosperity and increasing environmental challenges, highlighting the trade-offs between growth and sustainability. The study also emphasizes that as trade between RCEP countries grows, driven in part by the removal of customs tariffs, shipping activities—and consequently environmental pollution—will likely increase. To achieve sustainable development in the maritime sector, policymakers must devise strategies that maximize economic benefits while mitigating environmental harm. These strategies include promoting environmentally friendly green ports, adopting low-carbon and advanced technologies, and strengthening policies to control emissions and marine pollution. Collaboration among shipping companies, local governments, and environmental organizations is also essential.

Objective: This study explores the impact of public policies that promote social equity and rights to nature on subjective well-being (SWB). The focus is on how sustainability policies, particularly on environmental protection and poverty reduction, have influenced life satisfaction in Ecuador. Design/methodology/approach: The research uses ordinal logistic regression models to analyze data from the National Survey of Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment of Ecuador. Life satisfaction is the dependent variable, while independent variables include income, education, job satisfaction, concern for the environment, and regional differences. Findings: The results indicate that the implementation of public social investment policies increases life satisfaction, particularly in regions such as the Coast. After the implementation of the policy, income, higher education, job satisfaction, and concern for the environment were associated with higher levels of subjective well-being. However, disparities persist, with lower life satisfaction among indigenous groups, women, the elderly, and those living in poverty. Originality/value: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between sustainable policies and subjective well-being, highlighting Ecuador's unique constitutional framework. It offers lessons for other developing nations seeking to balance social equity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in pursuit of improving overall quality of life.

Recycling of composite materials has become a very important topic to develop sustainable solutions for the management of waste generated by industries that use composite materials. This paper presents a bibliographical review on the main recycling methods of composite materials such as: mechanical, chemical, thermal and hybrid. In mechanical recycling, the material is crushed or ground, generally using the resulting material as filler, which causes limitations in the applications due to the type of resulting fibers (short, long, non-uniform). On the other hand, chemical recycling breaks down polymers through a chemical reaction and recovers fibers, so in some cases the mechanical properties of the fibers are affected. Thermal recycling uses high temperatures to break down materials, transforming them into energy or reusing them in other products. Finally, hybrid recycling uses two or more processes as a means to recover the material; among the most used methods in this category is the mechanical process combined with the thermal process. This review describes the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as the environmental impact. Although each type of recycling offers special characteristics for the material obtained, it is necessary to continue researching and developing technologies for recycling processes that promote recycling and reuse of composite materials in a better way.

This study investigates the innovative use of natural porous clays from the Bejaad region in Morocco as a support matrix for the encapsulation and controlled release of lemon essential oil (Citrus limonum, EOCL), a natural compound with well-documented insecticidal properties. The research aims to address the inherent challenges of essential oils, particularly their high volatility and rapid degradation, by improving their stability and insecticidal efficiency against the grain pest Sitophilus granarius. By anchoring EOCL onto clay matrices, the study seeks to achieve a sustained and controlled release of the active components, thereby enhancing their practical application as biopesticides. The clays were comprehensively characterized using advanced analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These techniques revealed the mineralogical composition, thermal properties, and morphology of the clays, demonstrating their suitability for effectively adsorbing and retaining EOCL. The insecticidal performance of the clay/EOCL composites was rigorously tested under controlled conditions, revealing a marked improvement in efficacy, with significantly lower lethal doses required to achieve high mortality rates in Sitophilus granarius. The diffusion of EOCL through the clay matrix was modeled using Fick law of diffusion, and the results were further refined through statistical optimization to identify key parameters that influence the release and effectiveness of the active compounds. Complementing the experimental approach, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the molecular interactions between limonene, the primary active component of EOCL, and target proteins in insects. This theoretical investigation provided insights into the potential mechanisms of action, reinforcing the empirical findings. The study concludes that encapsulating EOCL within porous clay matrices not only enhances the stability and controlled release of the oil but also significantly boosts its insecticidal effectiveness. This approach presents a promising, environmentally sustainable strategy for crop protection, integrating material science, theoretical modeling, and bioinformatics to develop more efficient and durable biopesticides.

Natural wood is generally perceived as expensive, while wood-based boards are cheap, but re-search has yet to explain definitively why these two materials receive such disparate evaluations. This study aimed to uncover the reasons behind this phenomenon by proposing an emo-tion-driven approach to material research. We collected 10 types of natural wood and artificial boards as experimental samples and tested 20 subjects' subjective evaluation of the samples and physiological indicators (electroencephalography and electrodermal activity). Through data analysis, we identified the relationships between the subjective and physiological data and the impact of material composition on these data. Specifically, we observed significant correlations between subjective and physiological data; however, no correlation was found between subjective and physiological valence. We also discovered that the components of materials significantly influence participants' subjective and physiological emotions. For example, materials with a rough texture elicited higher positive affectivity than those with a smooth texture, materials with coarse and mixed textures elicited higher positive affectivity than those with fine textures, and the brighter materials evoke more positive emotions in participants. This study revealed how material components influence participants' emotions and, more importantly, analyzed the processing techniques behind these components, providing a theoretical basis for the future development of high-value-added products made from wood-based boards.

This study addresses the challenge of evaluating circularity within the procurement-to-waste sys-tem boundaries, exemplified by single-use in-flight drinking cups provided on SWISS International Air Lines Ltd. flights. A comprehensive review of academic literature, market-based tools, and po-litical regulations highlights the absence of adequate methodologies for assessing circularity within these specific system boundaries. Existing approaches, primarily designed at the product level, are often either excessively complex or focused solely on waste management. To address this gap, the research proposes an extension to the Circularity Mass Utilisation Index (CMU), currently imple-mented at the European Union level. The traditional CMU does not account for circular inflow, thereby neglecting procurement decisions. In response, this study introduces an extended version of the CMU, expressed as: CMU Extended = (Circular Inflow + Circular Outflow) / (2 * Total Material Use). This modification enables a more holistic evaluation of circularity by incorporating both in-flows and outflows of materials in relation to total material use. Empirical testing demonstrated the applicability of this extended CMU in the context of SWISS, allowing for an efficient assessment of circularity for single-use in-flight drinking cups. From these initial results, we hypothesize that this ratio is expected to be broadly applicable beyond the airline industry, providing a valuable tool for businesses seeking to measure circularity within similar system boundaries.

Most of the management in retail and sports facilities about tennis balls is subjective and leads to early disposal, further contributing to environmental waste. This paper discusses a machine learning-based framework to optimize tennis ball usage by providing an accurate forecast of their lifetime, using data-driven insights. We develop and test several predictive models using Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, and Neural Networks based on holistic datasets that include data on bounce dynamics, material composition, usage frequency, and environmental conditions. The framework also allows real-time monitoring and decision-making for the replacement of the tennis balls, in addition to identification of the key factors that influence performance degradation. Our results show that this could significantly extend the life of tennis balls, which again can help reduce the overall waste and support sports industry sustainability efforts. The proposed open-access framework is scaling up a solution for tennis clubs/stores in order to improve operational efficiency with a low environmental impact while contributing to the circular economy at the same time.

The increasing focus on environmental sustainability has prompted the healthcare sector, including dentistry, to reconsider waste management practices. Dental offices generate various waste streams from outdated technologies, including single-use plastics, hazardous materials, and digital waste. This scoping review explores how integrating circular economy principles with lean management practices can enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in dental clinics. Using the PRISMA methodology, the review identifies 30 articles that passed 1) the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and b) the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist from 2000. Circular economy principles focus on reducing waste and maximizing resource reuse, while lean management seeks to improve efficiency and minimize process waste. Together, these approaches can significantly reduce resource consumption and enhance recycling efforts in dental practices. However, barriers include high costs of sustainable technologies, regulatory challenges, and limited recycling infrastructure. The study also highlights case studies of healthcare and dental clinics successfully implementing these strategies, showing how they can overcome challenges and improve environmental and operational outcomes. Collaboration between dental professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders is essential for promoting the adoption of these sustainable practices.

The impact of climate change is undeniable: considering the significant carbon footprint of surgical activity, there is an urgent need to pursue sustainability in the operating room as well. At the Breast Surgery Clinic of the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino in Genoa, a prospective study was conducted from September 2023 to May 2024 to evaluate the effectiveness of a series of measures aimed at reducing the environmental impact in the operating room. 34 women affected by invasive breast cancer T1-2, cN0 underwent quadrantectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB): 17 according to a standard, high environmental impact approach; 17 according to a green approach based on the "5 R rule" (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, research). The implementation of measures such as the use of indocyanine green (ICG) for SNLB, the use of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, the minimization of waste production, the use of reusable gowns, drapes and surgical instruments and the separate collection of non-infectious plastic waste resulted not only in a reduced environmental impact, but also in benefits for patients, who were spared a hospital admission the day before surgery, the administration of a radiotracer, and, in 58.8% of cases, an overnight stay. Considering the alarming data regarding the threat to our health, it is both possible and necessary to adopt virtuous behaviors in the operating room that reverse the current trend of emitting greenhouse gases.