The study aims to identify the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) hazard area, mitigation method, and possible sustainable development in a changing global climate. The critical environmental hazards are artificial light at night (ALAN) and air pollution with ambient PM2.5. People use nighttime outdoor environments for their needs, and the nocturnally migrating birds are attracted to urban ALAN during seasonal migration, which could increase the birds' exposure to PM2.5. A comparative study examines PM2.5 concentrations and the spatial correlation between ALAN and PM2.5 within urban versus rural areas. The author used the nighttime data of the artificial light on the Earth's surface and the PM2.5 level of concentration to estimate the extent of air pollution associated with PM2.5 in the ground-level atmosphere. The results can assist in determining the required PM2.5 control areas and designing and executing environmental conservation planning. Furthermore, the results of this study are not only beneficial to understanding accurately the regional differences of spatiotemporal PM2.5 emission dynamics and helpful for proposing alleviation policies in air pollution control and providing scientific support for regional sustainable development in changing climate. The integrated hazards of ALAN and air pollution are most significant and likely to increase within the urban and decrease within rural areas. This study was undertaken by the first author and built upon the context of the academic, scientific, and technological challenges to identify the PM2.5 concentration in urban and rural areas and the expected outcomes.

The conversion of caatinga vegetation areas into pastures in the Brazilian semiarid region has depleted soil fertility due to degradation. The natural regeneration of the caatinga has been the alternative adopted to restore soil fertility. However, the real effectiveness of this practice in re-covering organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient stocks is unknown. This work evaluated the effect of natural regeneration of the caatinga vegetation on the restoration of levels and stocks of SOC, N, and P as a strategy to maintain the sustainability of the environment. We collected soil samples every 5 cm, up to 20 cm deep, in areas of degraded pasture, caatinga in regeneration (10 years), and regenerated caatinga (35 years) to evaluate the levels and stocks of SOC, N, and P. The depth sig-nificantly affects the levels and stocks of SOC, N, and P. Stocks and levels of SOC, N, and P were higher in regenerated caatinga > regenerating caatinga > degraded pasture. The regenerated caatinga increased SOC, N, and P stocks by 115%, 110%, and 117%, respectively, compared to the degraded pasture. Although 35 years of regeneration of the caatinga has improved soil fertility, the levels and stocks of SOC, N, and P remain low.

This study investigates the environmental parameters contributing to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in historically built environments, focusing on Matera's Street Canyon. The primary objective is to enhance understanding of heritage centers' ecological sustainability and management frameworks. The study involves two main phases: the initial research and development phase, including a comprehensive literature review and methodology development, followed by the empirical data gathering and analysis phase, utilizing advanced techniques such as 3D laser scanning, satellite imagery, and meteorological data integration. Key findings reveal significant correlations between urban morphology, material properties, and UHI intensity, suggesting stra-tegic urban planning interventions to mitigate UHI effects. This research provides actionable in-sights for urban planners and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of balancing heritage preservation with modern sustainability needs.

This study examined the spatial-temporal distribution of sulfur and iron compounds (dissolved sulfide, iron sulfide, and ionized iron) in sediments from April 2015 to March 2016 at four stations in Mikawa Bay, Japan. Seasonal changes were observed in dissolved sulfide, iron sulfide, and ionized iron in the upper part of the sediment (0–4 cm depth) at all stations. The maximum concentration in the upper part of the central bay was 2.8 mmol L-1. The maximum values of dissolved sulfide (ranging from 1.4 to 8.1 mmol L-1) at stations located in a water way varied among stations. The iron sulfide concentration in the upper part of the sediment at a station where dissolved sulfide concentration in the waterway was relatively low exceeded that at other stations in the waterway during spring to summer. Ionized iron concentration was highest at the station where the dissolved sulfide concentration was low. The study results suggest that iron plays an important role in determining the magnitude of dissolved sulfide accumulation in sediments by binding with dissolved sulfide. The results imply the possibility of mitigating the accumulation of free sulfides, which causes extreme hypoxia, by artificially adding sufficient iron to the seabed.

Esterquats constitute a unique group of quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) that contain an ester bond in the structure of the cation. Despite the numerous advantages of this class of compounds, only two mini-reviews discuss the subject of esterquats: the first one (2007) briefly summarizes their types, synthesis, and structural elements required for a beneficial environmental profile and only briefly covers their applications whereas the second one only reviews the stability of selected betaine-type esterquats in aqueous solutions. The rationale for writing this review is to critically reevaluate the relevant literature and provide others with a “state-of-the-art” snapshot of choline-type esterquats and betaine-type esterquats. Hence, the first part of this survey thoroughly summarizes the most important scientific reports demonstrating effective synthesis routes leading to the formation of both types of esterquats. In the second section, the susceptibility of esterquats to hydrolysis is explained, and the influence of various factors, such as the pH, the degree of salinity or the temperature of the solution, was subjected to thorough analysis that includes quantitative components. The next two sections refer to various aspects associated with the ecotoxicity of esterquats. Consequently, their biodegradation and toxic effects on microorganisms are extensively analyzed as crucial factors that can affect their commercialization. Then, the reported applications of esterquats are briefly discussed, including functionalization of macromolecules, such as cotton fabric as well as their successful utilization on a commercial scale. The last section demonstrates the most essential conclusions and reported drawbacks that allow us to elucidate future recommendations regarding the development of these promising chemicals.

A crop-weed simulation model is presented to compare and evaluate Integrated Weed Management (IWM) strategies. Specifically, the model was parameterized for soybean crops in competition with Euphorbia davidii Subils. We used both, weed and crop demographic data surveyed in agronomic fields of the central zone of the Buenos Aires province, Argentina, throughout two crop cycles (2011/2012 and 2013/2014). The proposed model underwent a calibration process and subsequent validation with 70/30 % data split respectively (N=37). Two annual-based and one multiannual-based case studies were simulated to demonstrate the performance of the model. Different IWM strategies were compared under both, operational and tactical planning horizons through the evaluation of different model outcomes (i.e. crop yield, interspecific competition, economic return, and environmental impact). Our case studies results suggest that the inclusion of cultural management practices could reduce weed interspecific competition by 46 to 97 % and weed seed production by 40 to 89%. An increment in both expected crop yield, by 6 to 20%, and annual gross margin, by 44 to 199 US$.ha-1, were obtained in silico for similar levels of environmental impact.

In recent years, consensus algorithms have gained significant importance in the context of blockchain networks. These algorithms play a crucial role in allowing network participants to reach agreements on the state of the Blockchain without needing a central authority. The present study focuses on carrying out a systematic mapping of these consensus algorithms to explore in detail their use, benefits, and challenges in the context of blockchain networks. Understanding consensus algorithms is essential to appreciating how blockchain networks achieve the reliability and integrity of their distributed ledgers. These algorithms allow network nodes to reach agreement on the validity of transactions and the creation of new blocks on the Blockchain. In this sense, consensus algorithms are the engine that drives trust in these decentralized networks. Numerous authors have contributed to the development and understanding of consensus algorithms in the context of blockchain networks. For example, Satoshi Nakamoto's (2008) original paper on Bitcoin introduced proof-of-work (PoW) as a method of achieving consensus on the network. This revolutionary concept paved the way for numerous cryptocurrencies and blockchain systems. Despite advances in this field, significant challenges remain: centralization, fair token distribution, scalability, and sustainability. The energy consumption of blockchain networks, particularly those using algorithms such as Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Delegated Proof of Stake, Proof of Authority, and hybrid algorithms (Proof of Work/Proof of Stake), has raised concerns about their environmental impact, motivating the scientific and technological community to investigate more sustainable alternatives that promise to reduce energy consumption and contribute to climate change mitigation. Furthermore, interoperability between different blockchains and security in specific environments, such as IoT, are areas that still require significant research attention. This systematic mapping not only seeks to shed light on the current state of consensus algorithms in blockchain, but also their impact on sustainability, identifying those algorithms that, in addition to guaranteeing integrity and security, minimize the environmental footprint, promoting a more efficient use of energy resources, being a relevant approach in a context in which the adoption of sustainable technologies has become a global priority. Understanding and improving these algorithms are critical to unlocking the full potential of blockchain technology in a variety of applications and industry sectors.

Global warming and climate change have been the major concern for multiple disciplines. Population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are major contributing factors to such a problem by escalating the use of fossil fuels to meet their energy demands. The building sector has the largest share in using the total globally produced energy and emitting tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Emerging eco-friendly technologies such as solar and wind energy harvesting are being extensively explored but still, they are insufficient. Nature-inspired technologies can be the solution to our problem. For instance, algae are microorganisms that use water, light, and CO2 to produce energy and sustain life. Exploiting such characteristics in the built environment is termed algae building technology, a very efficient and green application for a sustainable future. Algae-integrated façades show great versatility through biomass and energy production, wastewater treatment, shading, and thermal and acoustic insulation. In this paper, algae will be introduced as a robust tool toward a greener and more sustainable future, The algae-building technology and its implementation will be demonstrated. Steps for applying this sustainable approach in Egypt will be discussed.

Mental Disorders are an important public health problem. The main of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Mental Disorders and Environmental Quality. Data on the Prevalence of Mental Disorders, Gross Domestic Product, and Median Years of Schooling from 178 countries were used. A positive association was observed and was independent of Gross Domestic Product and Median Years of Schooling.

Due to various industrial developments and artificial inputs, there are emerging environmental contaminats(ECs) of serious concern in a wide range of environmental media. With recent advancements in scientific knowledge and industrial technology, the definition of emerging environmental contaminats has expanded. Among them, emerging contaminants are typically present in trace amounts and pose serious ecological risks and potential hazards to human health, animals and plants, with cumulative effects on organisms. However, Traditional treatment techniques have proven ineffective in eliminating and preventing subsequent environmental problems from new pollutants such as microplastics, antibiotics and fluorocarbons. Consequently, extensive research has been conducted to address these issues. Effective removal methods prioritize not only removal efficiency, but also environmental friendliness and regenerative capacity. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the sources, forms of presence, environmental and human health hazards, and removal technologies of ECs, and to provide various examples of different sources.

Retiring coal power plants can reduce air pollution and health damages. However, the spatial distribution of those impacts remains unclear due to complex power system adjustments and pollution chemistry and transport. Focusing on coal retirements in Pennsylvania (PA), we analyze six counterfactual scenarios for 2019 that differ in retirement targets (e.g., reducing 50% of coal-based installed capacity vs. generation) and priorities (e.g., closing plants with higher cost, closer to Environmental Justice Areas, or with higher CO₂ emissions). Using a power system model of the PJM Interconnection, we find that coal retirements in PA shift power generation across PA and the Rest of PJM region leading to scenario-varying changes in the plant-level release of several air pollutants. Due to air pollution chemistry and transport and socio-demographics, these changes in turn give rise to a reduction of 10 to 182 PM_2.5-attributable deaths in PJM across the six scenarios, with most reductions occurring in PA. Scenarios that reduce more coal power generation yield greater aggregate health benefits due to air quality improvements in PA and adjacent downwind regions. In addition, vulnerable populations—in both PA and Rest of PJM—benefit most in scenarios that prioritize plant closures in PA near Environmental Justice Areas. These results demonstrate the importance of considering cross-regional linkages and socio-demographics in designing equitable retirement strategies.

Smart manufacturing encompasses a category of manufacturing that employs computer-integrated capabilities and technologies to enhance supply chain optimization, production efficiency, and recyclability. Yet limited studies have been conducted to optimize these prospects from the perspective of low resource countries where such innovative studies have not been adequately explored. This paper aims to examine the implications of smart manufacturing practices (Smart Procurement, Smart Supply Chain, Smart Production Planning and Control, Automation and Industrial Robot, and Supply Chain Configuration) on pro-environmental behaviour and develop a baseline moderated mediation model to explain the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour with a role of green dynamic capability, and environmental orientation. This study is anchored on quantitative research approach, deductive reasoning, and explanatory design. Cross – sectional survey data have been obtained from 382 manufacturing companies in Ghana. Our hypotheses have been tested using Structural Equation Modelling and SMART-PLS version 3.8.9. The study has revealed that smart manufacturing practices significantly and positively relate to pro-environmental behaviour. Moreover, green dynamic capability and environmental orientation moderate the relationship between smart manufacturing and pro-environmental behaviour. The implications of the study include the emergence of a baseline model to guide policymakers, practitioners, and academicians to explain the relationship between smart manufacturing and sustainable manufacturing in the context of developing countries. Again, the social implication of the study includes the realisation of decent job and economic growth, responsible consumption and production as well as actions taken to combat climate change.

The industrial metaverse paradigm is generally a virtual environment that integrates various technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) to enhance business operations and processes. It aims to streamline workflows, reduce error rates, improve efficiency, and provide a more engaging experience for employees. The promise of the industrial Metaverse to drive sustainability and resource efficiency is compelling. Utilizing advanced technologies like the Industrial Metaverse is essential for staying competitive in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. However, the environmental impact of the technologies underpinning the industrial metaverse, like data centres and network infrastructure, should not be overlooked. The ecological footprint of these technologies must be considered in the sustainability equation. Researchers have warned that by 2025, without sustainable AI practices, AI will consume more energy than the human workforce, significantly offsetting carbon-zero gains. As the metaverse persists in evolving and gaining momentum, it will be necessary for companies to prioritize sustainability and explore new ways to balance technological advancements with environmental stewardship. However, recent studies have conjectured that the Metaverse holds the potential to reduce carbon emissions, as digital replacements for physical goods become more prevalent and physical activities like mobility and construction are reduced. However, the specific extent to which this substitution can alleviate environmental concerns remains understudied, presenting a knowledge gap in understanding the real-world impact of digital replacements. Thus, the objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the industrial metaverse as well as explore the environmental impact of the industrial metaverse. The methodological approach is that of integrative literature review design wherein multiple sources from web science and databases such as ACM library, IEEE Library, and Google Scholar, were analysed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the developments in the industrial metaverse. Specifically, firstly by considering the Industrial metaverse architecture we elucidate the concept of the "industrial metaverse" and the associated enabling technologies. Secondly, an exploration through discussion, of the prevalent use cases and deployment of the emerging industrial metaverse. Thirdly, exploration of the impact of the industrial metaverse on the environment. In the fourth instance, we address novel security and privacy risks as well as upcoming research challenges, keeping in mind that the industrial metaverse is based on a strong data fabric. Results point to the Industrial Metaverse as having both positive and negative environmental effects by energy consumption, e-waste, and pollution. Overall research, however, indicates that most industrial metaverse applications have a positive environmental impact and subsequently trend toward sustainability. Ultimately for sustainability in the industrial metaverse, enterprises may consider utilizing renewable energy sources and cloud services. Furthermore, examining the effects of products on the environment as well as creating a circular economy.

This investigation aimed to knowledge of the presence of Brucella spp .in the samples from Babylon province and the relationship with environmental factors. The seasonal collection of animal soil samples for various villages in the middle, south, and north of Babylon province, Hilla City, Iraq, with physicochemical parameters (air and soil temperature, pH, EC, TDS, salinity, TOC), as well as heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb). The results showed the presence of Brucella species in some of soil samples and its percentage varies according to the four seasons, where the highest percentage of Brucella spp. was in summer season and the lowest in winter season and these percentages were related to seasonal environmental indicators. After sending the positive bacterial samples isolated from the soil for sequencing analysis, it was found that the bacterial samples isolated from the soil have new strains recorded in Genbank as following: five strains for Brucella intermedia and one strain for Brucella rhizosphaerae, Also, phylogenetic analysis was for the drawing of phylogenetic tree and the determination of phylogenetic relationship for Knowledge the degree of convergence between species and their source. Through our research, we concluded that proportion of Brucella spp. presence in summer was high and also environmental factors which included (Air and Soil temperature, pH, EC, TDS and Salinity) were high, except TOC was lower in summer season whereas heavy metals for Cu, Fe, Cd were lower in summer except Pb was high. This indicated that differences of seasons affect to Brucella ratio in soil. The findings of sequencing for the bacterial samples from soil demonstrated that B. intermedia was found in both the spring and fall seasons while B.rhizosphaerae found in the spring season , These types of Brucella had genetic variations. Also concluded that during phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences indicated that B.intermedia was nearest to Pakistan and other strain of B.intermedia was nearest to Russia while B.rhizosphaerae was nearest to Ukraine and Pakistan.

The Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), conceptualized by Architect Kengo Kuma and inaugurated in 2019 in Eskişehir, stands as a testament to the historical significance of the timber trade in the region. The deliberate choice of wood as the primary construction material serves as a tribute to this historical narrative. The conspicuous incorporation of wooden lath materials into both the external and internal spaces signifies a conscious reference to the region's historical heritage and aligns with sustainability principles in design. The timber used to construct OMM was sourced from exhausted industrial pine forests. The creation of exhibition spaces at diverse scales involved the assembly of boxes of varying dimensions, illustrating OMM's inclination towards a formative structure characterized by “Addition and Integration.” This architectural methodology involves juxtaposing two or more primary forms to achieve a partial amalgamation. Factors such as form characteristics, dimensional distinctions, spatial arrangements, and extent of surface interactions collectively contribute to the compelling effect of this integrative approach. Within the confines of the museum, unconventional partitioning is implemented, and the strategic arrangement of masses results in multiple façades, even in the absence of overt wooden surfaces. The discernible visibility of the building's façade from an internal vantage point underscores the pivotal role played by wood in the architectural design of the OMM. The exterior impact of the wooden shell complements its interior application. The voluminous void at the heart of the structure allows for the infiltration of natural light into the internal spaces, and the wooden facade facilitates the transmission of light. The use of glass to segregate the cafeteria area from the museum entrance preserves a visual continuity between these spaces. The fundamental research inquiry in this study revolves around the user experience of wood, a material that actively influences diverse facets, including structural elements, contextual considerations, interior arrangements, and external aesthetics. To address this inquiry, a comprehensive case study and survey were conducted with the objective of elucidating the functional, sensory, perceptual, and psychological impacts of wood, the primary material in the museum's spatial configuration, on the overarching user experience.

Food fraud (often called fake food in South Africa), the deliberate misrepresentation or adulteration of food products for financial gain, is a growing problem in South Africa (SA) with severe public health and financial consequences for consumers and businesses. The recent public outcry against food fraud practices, especially in communities that have lost loved ones due to the consumption of allegedly unsafe foodstuffs, highlights the grave danger that food fraud poses to consumers and the potential for significant reputational damage to food manufacturers. Despite the risks, food fraud often goes undetected, as perpetrators are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The precise magnitude of food fraud remains obscure, as incidents that do not cause consumer illnesses are frequently unreported and, as a result, are not investigated. Food fraud costs the global economy billion annually. This cost is borne by consumers, businesses, and the government. Food fraud can occur at any stage of the food supply chain, from production to processing to retailing or distribution. This is due in part to the limitations of current analytical methods, which are not always able to detect food fraud. This systematic literature review of food fraud in SA looks at several factors that may be contributing to epidemic of food fraud (fake food), including lenient penalties, inadequate government commitment, a complex labelling regulations, emerging threats such as e-commerce, and a shortage of inspectors and laboratories. The review recommends establishing a single food control/safety authority, developing more food safety laboratories, and adopting innovative technologies to detect and prevent food fraud. SA faces a serious food fraud crisis unless decisive action is taken.

The recent advancements in communication technology have facilitated the widespread deployment of electronic communication equipment globally, resulting in the pervasive presence of electromagnetic pollution. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to develop a thin, lightweight, efficient, and durable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material, capable of withstanding severe environmental conditions, and possessing a scalable production method. In this paper, we proposed an innovative and scalable method for preparing EMI shielding films with a tunable sandwich-structure. The film possesses a nylon mesh (NM) backbone, with AgNWs serving as the shielding coating and aramid nanofibers (ANFs) acting as the cladding layer. The prepared film was thin and flexible, with a thickness of only 0.13 mm. AgNWs could easily form a conductive network structure with excellent performance, and the film had a high EMI shielding efficiency, up to 50.6 dB with 1.0mg/cm2. Due to the outstanding thermal resistance, acid and alkali resistance properties of aramid fibers, the NAAANF film demonstrates remarkable robustness in the face of complex usage environments. Such a thin, efficient and environmentally resistant EMI shielding film provided new ideas for the broad EMI shielding market.

Nano-nitrogen fertilizers (NNFs) have emerged as a promising technology in the field of agriculture, offering potential solutions to improve nutrient uptake efficiency, enhance crop productivity, and reduce environmental impacts. The NNFs showed superior characteristics and performance on crops and therefore, became a potential alternative to conventional nitrogen (N) fertilisers. These fertilizers enhance plant uptake while simultaneously reducing environmental losses. Additionally, their small particle size increases crop acclimation and decreases the application rate. With all these beneficial traits of NNFs, they potentially contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review article summarises the materials used in NNFs formulation, methods of preparing NNFs, and their crop responses. This review also highlights the limitations identified in the research studies and provides research recommendations for the future. Further, this review provides a critical assessment of the current state of NNFs and their prospects for revolutionizing modern agriculture to attain SDGs.

The contractual relationship between the processing firm and the broiler smallholder presents incessant conflicts of interest and inequality due to technical and economic discrepancies, leading to an undervaluation of the producers' remuneration. This study aims to deepen the discussions in searching for a more balanced monetary exchange between processing firms and broiler smallholders based on scientific aspects. For this, the Emergy theory and its concepts were used in considering a representative broiler production system at Concórdia, Santa Catarina, Brazil. This study suggests the inclusion of cultural information in the Emergy-based model calculation. For the broiler smallholder, cultural information showed the highest Emergy contribution (62.95%; transformity = 1.73 ×10^8). However, only considering cultural information was not sufficient to increase the sustainability of the broiler production system. The results highlight an imbalance of the monetary exchange between agroindustry and broiler smallholder payment for both the economic and Emergy-based payment. Both estimated payments were higher than the practiced payment value (0.24 USD/broiler as well as 0.32 USD/broiler and 1.62 EmUSD/broiler, respectively). Thus, evaluating the “(eco)cost” in Emergy-based accounting recognizes that production depends not only on tangible physical resources but also on knowledge, skills and information (“iceberg of value” thinking). Policy and decision makers must, therefore consider the promotion of public policies that subside initiatives, including social and environmental welfare programmes.

Integrated cultivation strategies can significantly improve rice yield. However, it is unclear how integrated cultivation practices improve soil microbial diversity and its related mechanism in rice field. Therefore, four integrated cultivation practices i.e., no N application (N0), local farmers’ practice (FP), high-yield and high-efficiency practice (HYEY), and super-high-yield cultivation practice, impacts on soil properties and structure composition of microbial community were explored. Compared with N0, SHY treatment, significantly increased soil alkaline nitrogen and organic matter contents. HYHE and SHY treatments significantly altered soil fungal community and Alpha diversity. Based on Venn diagram analysis, the composition of bacterial communities under all treatments was similar, but with different compositions of fungal communities. Cluster analysis indicates that the Proteobacteria was the absolute dominant group of bacterial communities, and Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria were the dominant group. Different cultivation methods also led to changes in the main factors affecting soil bacteria and fungi composition. Available potassium and organic matter were the main environmental factors that affected bacteria, with the strong of available potassium on the soil. To sum up, SHY and HYEY were beneficial management options in terms of improved soil fertility Alpha diversity of the soil bacterial community respectively.

Loneliness, as a well-established risk factor of mental health, has been strongly associated with low subjective well-being (SWB). However, less is known about potential boundary conditions that may ameliorate this ‘dark side’ of loneliness. Social connections are critical to well-being from the standpoint that the lack of belonging was detrimental to human survival in the evolutionary past. We thus hypothesized that loneliness would exert a more pronounced influence on people’s SWB when the need for others (social resource) is perceived to be high–the presence of environmental harshness. With a particular focus on urban (i.e., Seoul) residents who are presumed to be more vulnerable to loneliness, two studies examined whether feeling lonely matters less to SWB under favorable environmental conditions. As expected, loneliness was less harmful to the SWB of individuals who perceived their surroundings as relatively secure and favorable (Study 1). We then experimentally replicated the results by exposing people to cues of either a harsh (e.g., images of scarcity) or a favorable environment (Study 2).

The increasing environmental and human health concerns associated with medical waste have led to the development of environmental biotechnology as a means of mitigating its negative effects. This review paper discusses the various types of medical waste generated in healthcare facilities, as well as the potential environmental and health impacts of improper handling and disposal. It also provides an overview of the different environmental biotechnologies that have been developed to treat medical waste, including bioreactor systems, microbial treatment, and composting. The benefits and drawbacks of these technologies are also discussed. Bioremediation is a promising environmental biotechnology that can be used to treat medical waste contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Case studies from around the world demonstrate the successful application of environmental biotechnologies to medical waste management. These case studies highlight the challenges encountered, the methods used, and the results obtained. The findings of this review paper highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy for managing medical waste that includes environmental biotechnologies. Further research and development are needed to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of medical waste management.

Maternal obesity is increasingly prevalent and is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality rates in both mothers and children. As the interface between the mother and fetus, the placenta has mediates the impact of the maternal environment on fetal development. Most of the literature data on the effects of maternal obesity on placental functions do not exclude potential confounding factors like metabolic diseases (e.g. gestational diabetes). Moreover, it is now clear that the placental response to maternal environment depends on the fetal sex. In this context, we reviewed how maternal obesity (in the absence of gestational diabetes) affects the human placenta in terms of (i) endocrine function, (ii) morphological characteristics, (iii) nutrient exchanges and metabolism, (iv) inflammatory/immune status, (v) oxidative stress, and (vi) transcriptome, with a focus on fetal sex specificities. A better understanding of sex-specific placental responses to maternal obesity is crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes and the health of mothers and children.

The potential effect of implementing environmental regulations on economic growth is a controversial issue for a long time. As portrayed by Porter hypothesis, environmental regulations may impact on economic growth by reconstructing the economic structure. A number of previous literature proved the connections between the above three parties. With the intention of exploring the nature of this mechanism, it is important to understand the internal inter-relation of the three parties, requiring data from a large economy experiencing the transition in economic structure. By constructing a panel containing data from 30 Chinese provinces over 10 years (2008-2019), this paper investigate the dynamic inter-relation of the three parties by introducing PVAR model with Granger Test. Results reveal that environmental regulations give a “U” shaped impact to economic growth. In return, economic growth promotes the development of economy with a weakening strength. In addition, results also support the hypothesis that economic structure is the intermediate of economic growth and environmental regulations. There is a rooftop for the effect of economic structure to environmental regulations. The rooftop may signify the best optimization of primary structure.

This study is follow-up of the steel shot transformation under the influence of environmental factors research (Lisin et al., 2022) and is the initial stage of investigating the iron behavior in soils during steel shot corrosion under a number of factors: the metallic lead in soils, atmospheric precipitation, excess organic matter. The results obtained show that corrosion of steel ammunition is a continuous process, including the formation of a poorly soluble rust crust on the surface of the steel and the mineralization of the metal until it is destroyed. As a result, the metal transformed into rust form, is a constant source of iron ions and dispersed rust particles migrating in soil waters and accumulating in soils. In addition, the aggregation of corrosion products of steel ammunition is the cause of a change in physical and mechanical properties of soils, which leads to a violation of the air and water migration regime of soils and an increase in surface runoff from the territories of shooting activity. The highest environmental risks are observed when steel ammunition is used on shooting areas where metallic lead intensifies steel shot corrosion rate, while the deposited steel shot activates the deterioration of previously encapsulated metal and — if steel and lead ammunition are used at the same time — slows down the encapsulation of newly deposited metallic lead, which catalyses the accumulation and migration of lead in environmental components.

Lycoriella species (Sciaridae) are responsible for significant economic losses in greenhouse production (e.g. mushrooms, strawberry, and nurseries). Current distributions of species in the genus are restricted to cold-climate countries. Three species of Lycoriella are of particular economic concern in view of their ability to invade across the Northern Hemisphere. We used ecological niche models to determine the potential for range expansion under climate change future scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) in distributions of these species of Lycoriella. Stable suitability under climate change was a dominant theme in these species; however, potential range increases were noted for key countries (e.g. USA, Brazil, and China). Our results illustrate the potential for range expansion in these species in the Southern Hemisphere, including some of the highest greenhouse production areas in the world.

This paper presents a study on the development of the cross-curricular learning outcome (CCLO) "Ethical, environmental and professional responsibility" by the students of different Bache-lor’sDegrees taught at Universitat Politècnica de València. The work and development of this learning outcome entails great complexity, given the double dimension of responsibility that it involves. At the end of their training at the university, students are expected to show ethical, en-vironmental, and professional responsibility towards themselves and others. Interviews have been conducted with lecturers who work and assess this outcome in their subjects, most/all of them related to science and engineering. The objective was to identify the learning approach used at the different subjects to guarantee the acquisition of this CCLO by the students. A focus group has also been carried out with students to determine the importance they give to this learning outcome, and to know their degree of satisfaction with the training received. The methodology used to obtain the data from lecturers and students and to process the information to get a precise diagnosis is fully described in the paper. Results are satisfactory to some extent: most of the lecturers carry out appropriate activities and most of students achieve the expected proficiency level. Finally, recommendations are given to improve the development of this cross-curricular learning outcome.

Abstract：This paper uses the balanced panel data from 29 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China for a total of 17 years from 2000 to 2016 as a research sample, and establishes an empirical model to examine the impact of environmental regulations and technological innovation on the quality of economic growth. Then this paper test technological innovation as a threshold variable, in which play a regulatory role. Taking the provincial balanced panel data as a research sample, a fixed effect model, a system GMM model, and a panel threshold model were established for empirical testing and the robustness test. Based on the empirical results, this article draws the following conclusions: from a national perspective, environmental regulations and technological innovation can significantly promote the quality of economic growth; from a regional perspective, there are regional differences in impact effects. Under the constraints of environmental regulations, the promotion effect of technological innovation on the quality of economic growth will be reduced; the impact of environmental regulation on the quality of economic growth will have a "threshold effect", and environmental regulation can significantly promote the quality of economic growth only after crossing the threshold and the threshold of technological innovation.

The interest in spatial analysis has been growing in recent years, mainly due to communication technology advance, economic globalization, and the development of new statistical and econometric methods. The main aim of this article is to contribute to the dissemination of spatial econometric applications by presenting some basic theoretical aspects and a literature review of articles that address the socio-economic drivers that lead to environmental pollution. Three spatial regression models are reviewed here: the spatial lag model (SLM), the spatial error model (SEM), and the spatial Durbin model (SDM). A literature search was conducted using specific terms of interest in eight databases, from 1996 to February 2021, where 22 articles were considered for analysis. The results showed that most articles studied environmental problems in China. The most used exploratory spatial analysis model was Moran Index and the most used explanatory spatial analysis models were SDM and SLM.

The idea of replacing the broken linear economy with circular forms to help address the current sustainability crisis is gaining world-wide traction in policy, industry, and academia. This article presents results from an international interview study with 34 repair practitioners and experts in different fields. The article aims to improve understandings of the potential of repair so as to contribute to a more just, sustainable, and circular economy. Through a five-step qualitative method the results reveal and explore three tensions inherent in repair: first, repair activities constitute different forms of subjectivity; second, repair entails different and sometimes contested temporalities; and finally, even though repair is deeply political in practice, the politics of repair are not always explicit, and some repair activities are actively depoliticized. The opportunities and obstacles embodied in these tensions are generative in repair practices and debates, but poorly reflected in contemporary circular economy discourse. We conclude that a richer, more inclusive and politicized understanding of repair can support environmental justice in the implementation of CE and provide greater opportunities for just and transformational sustainability strategies and policies.

The Matāura River is the sixth largest river system in New Zealand and has long been subject to agricultural, industrial, and residential land use activities. The catchment has geographic and economic value and is of great cultural importance for local Māori, who have concerns over potential adverse impacts that anthropogenic stressors exert on the health of the river. There is a dearth of information on the impacts of these stressors towards the health of native species such as the longfin eel Anguilla dieffenbachii. This study assessed the environmental status of the Matāura River using biological and chemical methodologies incorporating A. dieffenbachii as a bioindicator species for exposure to combined anthroprogenic stressors. A range of biomarker endpoints were measured in caged and wild-caught eels (when available) to characterize site-specific responses to combined anthropogenic stressors. While there was no clear indication of cumulative impacts moving from pristine headwaters to the lower reaches of the Matāura River biomarkers of xenobiotic metabolization were induced in A. dieffenbachia and there was evidence of chemical contamination in sediments and tissues.

The Neotropical region is one of the most diverse regions of the globe in terms of macro-organismic species. Regarding the microbial world, however, little is known about the diversity and biogeography patterns of micro-organisms in the Neotropics. In this context, the study of several microbial taxonomic groups is still missing and/or incomplete, such as the protists. Our goal here was to summarize the available information of Neotropical protists, focusing on molecular data from environmental continental samples, to explore what these data evidence on their ecology and biogeography. For this, we reviewed the findings from all articles that focused on or included the terrestrial protists using metabarcoding approach and identified the gaps and future perspectives in this research field. We found that Neotropical protists diversity patterns seem to be, at least in part, congruent with that of macro-organisms and, different than plants and bacteria, just weakly explained by environmental variables. We argue that studies with standardized protocols including different biomes are necessary to fully characterize the ecology and biogeography on Neotropical protists. Furthermore, dismember evolutionary lineages and functional guilds of protists are important to better understand the relationship between diversity, dispersal abilities and functionality of particular taxa of protists in their habitats.

Evidence has shown that the state of the patient care environment has a direct impact in heightening the risks of hospital acquired infections among patients admitted in hospitals. And in view of the sub-optimal standard of cleanings by housekeeping staff, the quest for a better approach to reliably disinfect environmental surfaces in healthcare facilities. The ultraviolet light has been known for its antimicrobial property, and have been used in water treatment, food processing and in-duct cleaning of ventilations. A recent introduction of its use for surface decontamination has raised interest among hospitals.However, studies have shown that, in spite of its relative success in other applications, there is doubt in its efficacy in decontaminating shadowed areas of the room, and therefore, would not be seen as justifying its capital intensiveness.

From physics to the social sciences, information is now seen as a fundamental component of reality. However, a form of information seems still underestimated, perhaps precisely because it is so pervasive that we take it for granted: the information encoded in the very environment we live in. We still do not fully understand how information takes the form of cities, and how our minds deal with it in order to learn about the world, make daily decisions, and take part in the complex system of interactions we create as we live together. This paper addresses three related problems that need to be solved if we are to understand the role of environmental information: (1) the physical problem: how can we preserve information in the built environment? (2) The semantic problem: how do we make environmental information meaningful? And (3) the pragmatic problem: how do we enact environmental information in our daily lives? Attempting to devise a solution to these problems, we introduce a three-layered model of information in cities, namely environmental information in physical space, environmental information in semantic space, and the information enacted by interacting agents. We propose forms of calculating entropy in these different layers, and apply these measures to archetypal urban cases and simulated scenarios. Our results suggest that ordered spatial structures and diverse land use patterns encode information, and that aspects of physical and semantic information affect coordination in interaction systems.

Inadequate data linking geology and health in Developing Countries contributes immensely to the challenges to identify sources and causes of many of the emerging diseases. Deficiencies and toxicities of trace elements generally impact human and animal health. The review of the geology of Ghana suggests the presence of oxides and sulphide minerals that are released into the natural environment during the geological process of weathering which introduce both essential and, potentially harmful elements. Of great concern is the fact that majority of the Ghanaian population eat locally cultivated food and expect to be nourished from the diet. Furthermore, archived reports on Ghana rural drinking water indicates most of the aquifers are enriched in As and F while deficient in Mg. Medical geology, the emerging discipline that attempts to address the environmental health issues emanating from geological processes is known in developed nations but not much of its activities are recognized in Ghana. This review has identified the concentrations of a number of elements in different geological settings and have linked these concentrations with health issues. There is therefore a need for medical geologists to work together with other disciplines to devise preventive as well as mitigative techniques in addressing many geology related health issues in Ghana.

Over the years, the Egyptian temples at Luxor city have been intensely investigated, but most of these studies just focused on the classical sides of the archaeological and historical descriptions. Many of the environmental problems are inevitable results of the unplanned urban crawling around the monuments temples. This paper aims at assessing the environmental changes around some temples of Luxor City using Remote sensing and GIS techniques. In particular, a historical database made up of Corona and Landsat TM data have been investigated along with the new acquisitions of Quickbird2 and Sentinel2. Results from our investigation highlighted rapid changes in urban and agricultural areas, which adversely affected the Egyptian monumental temples causing serious degradation phenomena. Using the information obtained from our RS&GIS based analysis, mitigation strategies have been also identified for supporting the preservation of the archaeological area.

The article focuses on mining of non-energy mineral resources with minimum environmental impacts. It issues from research results of a project Competence Centre for Effective and Ecological Mining of Mineral Resources implemented at the Faculty of Mining and Geology at VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Geological Survey, a company Watrad ltd., a state enterprise Diamo, a company RPS Ostrava plc and a company Sedlecký kaolin plc. The paper starts with a partial analysis of the existing legal norms related to mining and processing of mineral resources. Next, it analyses mineral resource mining options free of negative environmental impacts. The fundamental tool to assess potential environmental impacts of mining is the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for a given mineral resource. In the Czech Republic environmental impact assessment is carried out by course of Act 100/2001 Coll. Its important amendment is Act 39/2015 Coll. claiming, inter alia, that the environmental impact assessment is rigidly connected with other permits and procedures, such as the zoning process and building construction permits. The article describes the environmental impacts of mining of non-energy mineral resources, including the following factors: appropriation of land, impacts on surface water, ground water and soil, noise, influence on the landscape character, and air pollution. The paper also includes a case study summarizing information on the environmental factors that may play a role in potential underground mining of graphite in the deposit Český Krumlov - Městský Vrch and the deposit Lazec - Křenov.

Remote sensing technologies may play a fundamental role in the environmental assessment of open-cast mining and the accurate quantification of mine land rehabilitation efforts. Here, we developed a systematic geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) approach to map the amount of revegetated area and to quantify the land-use changes in open-cast mines in the Carajás region situated in the eastern Amazon. Based on high-resolution satellite images from 2011 to 2015 from different sensors (GeoEye, WorldView-3 and Ikonos), we quantified forests, cangas (natural metalliferous savanna ecosystems), mine land, revegetated areas and water bodies. Based on the GEOBIA approach, threshold values were established to discriminate land cover classes using spectral bands, and the NDVI and NDWI indices and LiDAR digital ground and slope models. The overall accuracy was higher than 90%, and the Kappa indices varied between 0.82 and 0.88. During the observation period, the mining complex expanded; for that, canga and forest vegetation was converted to mine land. At the same time, the amount of revegetated area increased. Thus, we conclude that our approach is capable of providing consistent information regarding land cover changes in mines, with a special focus on the amount of revegetation necessary to fulfill environmental liabilities.

Aluminum (Al), making up a third of the Earth's crust, is a widespread toxic contaminant, particularly in acidic soils. It impacts crops at multiple levels, from the cellular to the whole plant. This review delves into aluminum's reactivity, including its cellular transport, involvement in oxidative redox reactions, development of specific metabolites, and the influence of genes on the production of membrane channels and transporters, as well as its role in triggering apoptosis leading to senescence. It discusses the involvement of channel proteins in calcium influx, vacuolar proton pumping, the suppression of mitochondrial respiration, and the initiation of programmed cell death. At the cellular nucleus level, the effects of Al on gene regulation through alterations in nucleic acid modifications, such as methylation and histone acetylation, are examined. The review in addition outlines the pathways of Al induced metabolic disruption specifically citric acid metabolism, regulation of proton excretion, induction of specific transcription factors, modulation of Al-responsive proteins, changes of citrate and nucleotide glucose transporters and overall metal detoxification pathways in tolerant genotypes. It also considers the expression of phenolic oxidases in response to oxidative stress, their regulatory feedback on mitochondrial cytochrome proteins, and their consequences on root development. Ultimately, the review focuses on the selective metabolic pathways that facilitate Al exclusion and tolerance, emphasizing compartmentalization, antioxidative defense mechanisms, and the control of programmed cell death to manage metal toxicity.

The recent detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in feces has led to speculation that it can be transmitted via the fecal-oral/ocular route. This review aims to critically evaluate the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, the quantity and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in feces and urine, and whether these pose an infection risk in sanitary settings, sewage networks, wastewater treatment plants, and the wider environment (e.g. rivers, lakes and marine waters). Overall, severe GI dysfunction is only evident in a small number of COVID-19 cases, with 11 ± 2% exhibiting diarrhea and 12 ± 3% exhibiting vomiting and nausea. In addition to these cases, SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in feces from some asymptomatic, mildly- and pre-symptomatic individuals. Fecal shedding of the virus peaks in the symptomatic period and can persist for several weeks, but with declining abundances in the post-symptomatic phase. SARS-CoV-2 RNA is occasionally detected in urine, but reports in fecal samples are more frequent. The abundance of the virus genetic material in both urine (ca. 10²-10⁵ gc/ml) and feces (ca. 10²-10⁷ gc/ml) is much lower than in nasopharyngeal fluids (ca. 10⁵-10¹¹ gc/ml). There is strong evidence of multiplication of SARS-CoV-2 in the GI tract and infectious virus has occasionally been recovered from both urine and stool samples. The level and infectious capability of SARS-CoV-2 in vomit remain unknown. In comparison to enteric viruses transmitted via the fecal-oral route (e.g. norovirus, adenovirus), the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 being transmitted via feces or urine appears lower due to the lower relative amounts of virus present in feces/urine. The biggest risk of transmission will occur in clinical and care home settings where secondary handling of people and urine/fecal matter occurs. In addition, while SARS-CoV-2 RNA genetic material can be detected by in wastewater, this signal is greatly reduced by conventional treatment. Our analysis also suggests the likelihood of infection due to contact with sewage-contaminated water (e.g. swimming, surfing, angling) or food (e.g. salads, shellfish) is extremely low or negligible based on very low predicted abundances and limited environmental survival of SARS-CoV-2. These conclusions are corroborated by the fact that over eight million global cases of COVID-19 have occurred, but exposure to feces or wastewater has never been implicated as a transmission vector.

Today, numerous studies have shown that the physical environment in hospitals can significantly influence patients' well-being, comfort, and recovery. However, this is currently neglected in hospitals in the Global South. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase the awareness to make it more applicable worldwide. Thus, this study focuses on improving the healing environment standards, by exploring the impact of evidence-based design and patient-centred care in hospitals for cancer patients; particularly the architectural space quality, on patient health outcomes as well as hospital staff health and wellbeing. In Global North countries, such as the UK, the Achieving Excellence Design Evaluation Toolkit (AEDET), is used by its National Health Services, to assess the effectiveness of various environmental attributes. However, these toolkits have not been designed for and do not work well within Global South countries, such as Northern Cyprus. To examine and compare the effectiveness of different physical environmental attributes and to evaluate user responses, the Post-Occupancy Evaluation Method and the AEDET toolkit have been used in the study. These were applied to both public and private hospitals in Northern Cyprus, involving cancer patients, staff, and professionals (n=220). The findings reveal the strength and weaknesses in terms of environmental comfort based on the aspects of evidence-based design of the hospitals such as natural light, air quality, noise, view, infection control, etc., to create a more optimal physical environment for better psychological outcomes. This is the first study to propose an adaptation of the AEDET toolkit to assist architects in designing healthcare facilities that are responsive to the requirements of hospital patients and staff; and to promote the quality of healing environment for improved health and well-being outcomes.

Salmonella Typhimurium is a typical Gram-Negative bacterium associated with food-borne illness threatening public health. This pathogen is reported to have caused millions of infections and thousands of hospitalizations yearly in the United States alone. Salmonella Typhimurium has a sophisticated array of virulent factors, including its flagella, which contributes significantly to its pathogenicity. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, has attracted the interest of many researchers recently because of its antimicrobial properties. With the growing interest in exploring CBD’s antimicrobial properties, we, in this study, have delved into unravelling how prolonged exposure of Salmonella Typhimurium to CBD influences the expression of the flgA gene. We hypothesized that the exposure of Salmonella Typhimurium to CBD may result in flgA upregulation, causing the bacteria to withstand various stresses and potentially enhance its survival rates and pathogenicity. We have employed several assays, such as mRNA expression, motility assays, pH induction assays, nutrient starvation interventions, and biofilm analysis, to explore the influence of CBD on the pathophysiology of Salmonella Typhimurium. Our findings reveal that CBD-resistant strains exhibit enhanced resilience to extreme pH levels and motility and survive poorly under nutrient starvation, with more robust biofilm formation compared to the susceptible strains. The results contribute to the broader comprehension of CBD resistance mechanisms in bacteria. This work provides insight into the potential therapeutic interventions for controlling CBD-resistant bacterial infections. This study also underscores the essence of exploring novel alternative antimicrobial agents to tackle the ever-persistence of bacterial antibiotic resistance.

Quantifying different stocking rates effects in three study areas placed at Mediterranean forest (Cuenca, Spain) was conducted by applying a multiparametric soil quality index, SQI, developed in undisturbed forest soils (> 40 years). The main objective is to advance in the development and application of multiparametric indexes which allow for soil condition assessment. For it, is analyse the effectiveness of a multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) as an indicator livestock impacts on the soil in mediterranean forests. Control areas without stocking rates were compared in forest stands with different age (Thicket forest stand, < 30 years; High polewood forest stand, 30-60 years; Old growth forest stand, > 60 years); with various intensity grazing areas (permanent livestock passage: inactive sheepfold for 2-3 years, and active sheepfold; intermittent livestock passage: bare soil, pine stand, scrubland). The multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) applied sensitive to changes in forest ecosystems depending of different stocking rates. However, for even more preci-sion to assess cattle alteration, multiparameter index recalibrated, creating a new one; Soil Status Index by Livestock (SSIL). Correlation between quality ranges obtained with both indexes in dif-ferent study areas suggest that SSIL can be considered a livestock impact reference indicator in Mediterranean forest soils.

This study evaluated the use of filtration and UV-A photocatalysis for the reduction of particulate matter (PM) and airborne bacterial pathogens in swine barns. Two MERV filters (8 and 15) were used to mitigate PM concentrations measured at the PM 1, PM 2.5, respirable PM, and PM 10 ranges. Filtration was also used to generate different levels of airborne pathogens to be treated by UV-A. Results show that MERV 8 and 15 filters effectively reduced PM concentrations (96-98%) in air exhausted from a swine barn (p ranged from < 0.01 to 0.04). UV-A photocatalysis did not mitigate PM concentrations. UV-A photocatalysis treatment reduced measured colony-forming units (CFUs) by 15-95%. The CFU percent reduction was higher when airborne PM concentration was low. The numeric results suggested a real mitigation effect despite p-values that did not meet the usual statistical cut-off of <0.05 for significance due to the large variability of the CFU control samples. Normalization of measured airborne pathogen concentrations by smaller PM size range concentrations led to emerging significant treatment differences for CFUs. A significant decrease (~60% reduction; p < 0.03) in the concentration of viable airborne bacteria was shown for all PM below the 10-micron range.

We introduce a total energy and environmental evaluation method in the manufacturing industry. The method gives us a series of descriptive indexes to assess the overall environmental effect level on materials, energy, wastes and products in the life cycle process. Meanwhile, the method uses partial indexes, environmental effect factors, and correction offsets into the quantitative model to analyze the learning process and rebound effect on the energy and environment at each procedure. In this work, we choose S-shaped learning curves to describe how to decrease energy consumption and improve the technical learning by doing for recent 30 years. Also, we draw the different rebound effect curves of the total energy-environmental evaluation with technical learning method, which use the annual industrial production growth rate to show that it's significant to estimate its effect on technology changes. The ideas about the interaction of energy and production environment from material flows to energy consumption, direct us to build an example to estimate quantitatively the results with different condition factors, and realize the process improvement and develop new products.

Building information modeling (BIM) is the digital representation of physical and functional characteristics (such as geometry, spatial relationship, and geographic information) of a facility to support decisions during its life cycle. BIM has been extended beyond 3D geometrical representations in recent years, and now includes time as a fourth dimension and cost as a fifth dimension, as well as such other applications as virtual reality and augmented reality. The Internet of Things (IoT) has been increasingly applied in various products (smart homes, wearables) to enhance work productivity, living comfort, and entertainment. However, research addressing the integration of these two technologies (BIM and IoT) is still very limited, and has focused exclusively on the automatic transmission of sensor information to BIM models. This paper describes an attempt to represent and visualize sensor data in BIM with multiple perspectives in order to support complex decisions requiring interdisciplinary information. The study uses a university campus as an example and includes several scenarios, such as an auditorium with a dispersed audience and energy saving options for rooms with different functions (mechanical/electric equipment, classrooms, and laboratory). This paper also discusses the design of a common platform allowing communication among sensors with different protocols (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), the use of Dynamo to accept sensor data as input and automatically redraw visualized information in BIM, and how visualization may help in making energy-saving management decisions.

Investors are currently obliged to take ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) issues into consideration as part of their fiduciary duty. As such, it becomes increasingly important to identify sustainable investments that hold financial value as well. A sector where this is especially underdeveloped is real estate. This has a lot to do with the obfuscated conceptualization of ESG. The article identifies key gaps in literature and practice, and provides a framework to further the understanding of how ESG factors can add societal and financial value in the real estate sector. A key premise of the article is that the user in the building is grossly overlooked. Drawing on insights from behavioral social science and environmental psychology, the paper explains the role of the user in improving buildings’ ESG, also taking into account the investment value. To conclude, the article makes the case that the transition to user-centered smart real estate is the solution to improving both the environmental (E) and social (S) sustainability of buildings, as well as their investment value. Therefore, practitioners and academics are encouraged to critically evaluate and contextualize the ESG framework they are using, as well as the extent to which users are considered and smart technology is employed.

The Minamata Disease in Japan was one of the most notorious public nuisance cases in the 1960s and 70s, but is still ongoing “unfinished business” in terms of victims’ protection even after several decades of struggles. The world standard of epidemiological causation has still been applied in limited cases. However, it has been pointed out in the international report that, in recent years, mercury contamination has decreased in countries in the Global North, except the Canadian Indigenous peoples’ case, at the same time that it has increased in the Global South. In the Amazon, many Indigenous peoples, most prominently, the Munduruku people in Para state and the Yanomami people in Roraima state, suffer from the Brazilian Minamata Disease due to mercury contamination differently as a typical case of global environmental injustice issues. This paper discusses the comparative difference of the Minamata Disease between inside and outside Japan: In Japan, accumulated mercury contamination in Shiranui Bay of Kyushu due to the poisonous waste release by a big corporation named Chisso Co. was serious, while in the Amazon, contamination due to gold mining by ASGM has been much broader and more diffused. Thus, civil law damages litigation has historically worked despite some challenges in Japan, while it’s practically impossible to stop numerous small scale gold mining by judicial approach in the Amazon. Instead, the administrative regulation under the Lula administration contrasted to the Bolsonaro administration might be especially important, although it’s still limited, considering the global demand for gold and related continuous gold mining activities. Minamata Disease symptoms among the Indigenous peoples along the Amazon are generally minor compared to the Japanese case, but they should also be considered the case from the liberal standard that criticizes the traditional stringent standard such as the Hunter=Russell criteria. However, facing the worsening situation of mercury contamination, the challenges in the Global South are serious: The effective measures for their global health are limited except for dietary education to avoid poisonous carnivorous fishes as opposed to herbivorous fishes. International assistance for providing clean water is also imminent agenda.

This study presents a comprehensive examination of the transformative potential of Islamic finance in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs). It underscores the unique position of Islamic finance, with its ethical and moral foundations, to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic development. The paper highlights innovative financial instruments like Zakat, Waqf, and green Sukuk, which not only align with but also actively promote SDGs. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it advocates for a paradigm shift towards integrating sustainability into the core of financial systems. The analysis includes challenges in harmonizing Human Development Indexes (HDIs) with Ecological Footprints (EFs), proposing strategies for sustainable development, ecological conservation, and educational reforms. This study is pivotal for policymakers, financial institutions, and educators, providing a roadmap for leveraging Islamic finance towards achieving a balanced, sustainable, and inclusive global economy.

The assessment of an organization/product's environmental footprint is based on the protocols developed by the Joint Research Centre of the European Union, which take into account 16 impact categories. Among the categories covered are toxicity to freshwater ecosystems and to humans. Standard protocols use only chemical parameters as input data, preventing the true impact of entire complex mixtures, such as emissions discharged into the environment, from being determined. Biological assays allow us to bridge this gap: in the current study, assays were used to determine baseline toxicity towards aquatic organisms (green algae, luminescent bacteria, and crustaceans) as well as specific toxicity (mutagenicity and carcinogenicity). Expected impacts were compared using two approaches (standard and bioassay-centered results obtained are not always in line and, in general, the traditional method underestimates impacts). This demonstrates the importance of these assays and suggests that they be used in LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) protocols as well.

From ancient Mesopotamia, medicinal plants have been important to human health. Their use in Iraq is traced back to early cuneiform tablets and relies on local flora for health advantages. Despite its rich history, Iraq confronts environmental deterioration, socio-political instability, and insufficient research resources that threaten plant sustainability. Modern medicine employs Iraqi and worldwide plants. Illegal business and weak policies hinder resource management. Medical plants, worldwide business, offer Iraq economic promise. Land and water management and value-added product development may boost the economy. The assessment recommends better market analysis and policymaking to promote sustainability and economic growth. Traditional healers, academics, and governments must work together to conserve Iraq's medicinal plant history and improve health. Research and community engagement will preserve these resources by integrating traditional and modern science.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is an important mechanism to limit the negative environmental impact of traffic pollution in an urban area. Car traffic in the zone is strictly regulated to meet certain technical and environmental criteria. Such solutions of urban environment protection are gaining popularity, especially in European conurbations. Nowadays there are above 300 zones in Europe, mostly established in Italy and Germany. So far there are no LEZs in Eastern and Central European countries. However, the Warsaw authorities are just discussing launching of a LEZ in the city in 2024. According to the ongoing project, the zone is to be launched gradually, in five phases between 2024 and 2032, with the traffic criteria being tightened accordingly. The progressive emission reductions of the predominant pollutants in LEZ in consecutive phases were estimated on the basis of the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test, carried out in 2020 by the ICCT. The gradually reduced emissions of NOx and PM were subsequently utilized as the input dataset for the regional CALPUFF model predictions, to calculate concentrations of these main traffic-induced pollutants within the LEZ area. The direct effect of the zone activation is reduction of air pollution in the urban center, which is mostly exposed to the pollution risk due to heavy traffic. Computer simulations reveal that implementation of the zone in the case of Warsaw will result in a quite significant reduction of NOx concentrations within the LEZ, such that its mean concentration in the zone becomes comparable to the rest of the conurbation. However, it will bring only a slight reduction of PM2.5 concentrations. This situation is due to the long-standing dominance of coal combustion in the Polish economy, which also applies to the urban municipal sector. As a consequence, particulate matter emissions of this sector are clearly predominant over the road traffic contribution. Balance can be achieved once the ongoing de-carbonization of the national economy has been completed.

The contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the pathophysiology of cerebral aneurysms in monozygotic twins is under-reported and presents ambiguous arguments. The morphology and hemodynamics of neurovascular arteries in a pair of monozygotic twins (MTs) were investigated to reveal the underlying mechanisms. Four arterial models were reconstructed for the twin A-right brain and left brain, twin B-left brain, and B-left brain without anterior cerebral arteries based on preclinical scanned information. Subsequently, the dimensions, configurations and outlined curves of the three-perspective geometries were compared between the MTs. Adopting an in-vitro validated numerical cerebral aneurysm model, hemodynamic patterns were investigated and compared in the MT models, respectively. Morphological comparisons of the MTs show the size and shape of cerebral arteries exist significant differences, despite of the expected genetic similarities. These differences can be attributed to variations during embryological development and external environmental influences. Qualitatively and generally, numerical results indicate the MTs have some hemodynamic similarities (e.g., time-averaged pressure (TAP) distributions (~13400 Pa), and oscillatory shear index (0~0.49), but present significant differences in specific local arteries due to morphological variances. Specifically, the difference in the volumetric blood flow rate in corresponding arteries between the MTs is from 16% (smallest) in anterior choroidal artery (AChA) to 221% (largest) in the ophthalmic artery (OphA), varying with specific compared arteries. Also, the registered hemodynamic indicators, such as the maximum time-averaged wall shear stress (TWSS) (53.6 Pa vs. 37.8 Pa), and different local OSI distributions were observed between the MTs. The findings revealed that morphological variations in MTs could be generated by embryological and environmental factors, thus assuming they share the identical morphology in cardiovascular and neurovascular systems may lead to significant misevaluations in hemodynamics quantifications and further lesions.

This research project aimed to address the growing concern about methane emissions from seaweed by developing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model capable of accurately predicting these emissions. The study used PANDAS to read and analyze the dataset, incorporating statistical measures like mean, median, and standard deviation to understand the dataset. The CNN model was trained using the ReLU activation function and mean absolute error as the loss function. Model performance was evaluated through MAPE graphs, comparing the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between training and validation sets and between true and predicted emissions, and analyzing trends in yearly greenhouse gas emissions. The results demonstrated that the CNN model achieved a high level of accuracy in predicting methane emissions, with a low MAPE between the expected and actual values. This approach should enhance our understanding of methane emissions from Sargassum, contributing to more accurate environmental impact assessments and effective mitigation strategies.

Crop digital twin is redefining traditional farming practices, offering unprecedented opportunities for real-time monitoring, predictive and simulation analysis, and optimization. This research embarks on an exploration of the synergy between precision agriculture, crop modeling, and regression algorithms to create a digital twin for augmenting farmers the concentration and composition prediction-based crop nutrient recovery. This captures the holistic representation of crop characteristics, considering the intricate relationships between environmental factors, nutrient concentrations, and crop compositions. However, the complexity arising from diverse soil and environmental conditions makes nutrient content analysis expensive and time-consuming. This paper presents the result of a predictive digital twin case study that employs six regression algorithms namely Elastic Net, Polynomial, Stepwise, Ridge, Lasso, and Linear Regression to predict rice nutrient content efficiently, particularly considering the coexistence and composition of multiple nutrients. Our research findings highlight the superiority of the Polynomial Regression model in predicting nutrient content, with a specific focus on accurate nitrogen percentage prediction. This insight can be used for nutrient recovery intervention by knowing the precise amount of nutrient to be added into the crop medium. The adoption of the Polynomial Regression model offers a valuable tool for nutrient management practices in the crop digital twin, potentially resulting in higher-quality rice production and a reduced environmental impact. The proposed method can be replicable in other low-resourced crop digital twin system.

The present study investigates the decision-making process of investors on the Pakistan Stock Exchange with regard to portfolio construction, explicitly focusing on the incorporation of ESG concerns. The present study employed SmartPLS and structural equation modeling (SEM) to quantitatively assess data received from a sample of 393 out of 400 respondents. Based on the available data, investors participating in the Pakistan Stock Exchange are notably impacted by ESG aspects. The findings of this study hold significance for emerging economy firms, regulators, and investors, both in terms of theoretical and practical ramifications. The study's findings demonstrate a clear indication of investors' significant emphasis on ESG matters. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for stakeholders who are involved in the ever-evolving realm of sustainable finance within developing countries

The increasing regulatory pressure to monitor and reduce GHG emissions and air pollutants requires cost-effective methods for their surveillance. The most common technique used for scientific investigations on gas concentration monitoring in barns are accurate but expensive and with a complex maintenance. This research study analysed the potential use of a low-cost portable measurement devices for the measurement of ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in an open dairy barn. A comparison between gas concentrations acquired at different heights from the floor by using portable devices and those acquired by a photoacoustic infrared multigas spectroscope (i.e., reference measurement) in the same sampling locations was carried out to determine the precision of the low-cost portable devices. The performance of low-cost portable devices was statistically analysed by the application of the one-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results showed a significant difference between gas concentration values at various heights from the floor for both NH3 and CO2. The correlations between concentrations acquired by the low-cost portable device and the INNOVA were statistically significant (r=0.83; P&lt;0.001) for gas concentrations monitored at 0.4 m from the floor. Compared with the reference measurement device, the low-cost devices were effective in the monitoring of NH3 concentrations at 0.40 m from the floor though it underestimated them in the barn at increasing of the height from the floor, whereas the device was not adequate for CO2 concentrations. In detail, the relative measurement error of the low-cost devices compared to INNOVA was reduced close to the floor during NH3 concentration measurements. Within these limitations, this device could be useful for monitoring NH3 concentration in the barn and to assess variation in NH3 concentrations mainly related to the animal occupied zone. Further efforts are needed in this field of research to identify low-cost device that could simplify emission estimation from open dairy barns.

The oil and gas industry in Nigeria, a vital contributor to the nation's economy, has long been associated with significant environmental challenges. Pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions have raised global concerns about sustainability and corporate responsibility. This empirical study explores the relationship between environmental accounting practices and the financial performance of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. We investigated eight oil and gas companies that are publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market (NGX) as of January 17, 2022, from 2011 to 2022. The study employs Driscoll-Kraay standard errors and reveals that environmental accounting had significant effects on returns on assets, earnings per share, and liquidity ratio. The study revealed that the implementation of environmental accounting practices had diverse effects on the performance of oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The findings encourage policymakers and stakeholders in the sector to utilise the insights and design more effective regulations and incentives that promote environmental corporate responsibility. Also, valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with adopting environmental accounting practices, and influencing the decision-making processes of corporate stakeholders were provided to ensure sustainability in terms of improved financial performance of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

Syanyonja village in the gold district of Busia, South East of the Republic of Uganda contain geologically epigenetic gold quartz vein deposits in carbonate-altered mafic metavolcanic rocks, deposited as quartz reefs in mineralized shear zones. In supracrustal rocks, alluvial gold is obtained from weathered auriferous quartz veins, which are of late orogenic granitic activity. The Syanyonja gold deposits have long been subjected to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) by the locals for livelihood. This study determined the amount of mercury discharged with tailings into Namukombe stream, a major water body in Syanyonja village and investigated the impacts of ASGM on the mining population and the environment. Quantitation of mercury discharged with tailings was done by mass balance method. Field survey at the mining sites was done followed by administration of questionnaires to 50 stampeders in the village. The study indicates that about 8% of mercury mixed with auriferous materials are lost in tailings, accounting for an annual mercury release of about 1.757 kg into the environment. Socio-demographic results indicate that the majority of the mining population (64%) are male and ASGM have left health and environmental footprints, which directly or indirectly affects the population. The most common health problems among miners are malaria (36%) and abdominal pain (20%). The standard of living of the miners are evidently low, and most mines are characterized by school dropouts, prostitutes and thieves. Mining sites have deplorably poor hygiene, with evident burning of amalgams to recover gold. ASGM have been accompanied by wanton mowing down of vegetation, land degradation as well as mercuric pollution of water, air, land and aquatic ecosystems. It is suggested that the Ugandan government should re-enforce committees to follow up on ASGM activities, train artisans on sustainable gold mining using borax, magnets, sluice boxes as well as take up farming actively as an alternative.

Globally, habitat fragmentation has increased the proximity between wildlife, humans, and emerging predators such as free-ranging dogs. In these fragmented landscapes, encounters between primates and dogs are escalating, with primates often falling victim to dog attacks while navigating patchy landscapes and fragmented forests. We aim to investigate how these primates deal with the simultaneous threats posed by humans and predators, specifically focusing on the adaptive strategies of Central Himalayan Langur (CHL) in the landscape of fear. To address this, we conducted a behavioral study on the CHL in an agro-forest landscape, studying them for a total of 3912 hours over two consecutive years. Our results indicate that, compared to their most common resting behavior, CHL allocate more time to feeding and locomotion, and less time to socializing in the presence of humans and predatory dogs. Additionally, they exhibit increased feeding and locomotion and reduced social behavior in agro-forest or open habitats. These behavioral patterns reflect adaptive responses to the landscape of fear, where the presence of predators significantly influences their behavior and resource utilization. This study suggests measures to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife through the integration of effective management strategies that incorporate both ecological and social dimensions of human-wildlife interactions.

The fishmeal production industry is essential for providing protein for animal feed in the aquaculture sector. However, the industry faces challenges related to energy consumption and environmental sustainability. This study evaluates the energy efficiency and environmental benefits of waste heat recovery (WHR) technologies in a fishmeal production plant in Vietnam. Data were collected from the plant between 2016 and 2022, and a specific energy consumption (SEC) indicator and a comprehensive methodology were utilized. Implementing an economizer as a WHR technology resulted in a 55.5% decrease in SEC compared to the state before installation. The enhanced energy efficiency also translated to reduced energy consumption per output unit. Moreover, the economizer contributed to annual energy savings of 4,537.57 GJ/year and cost savings of $26,474.49. Additionally, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with producing one ton of fishmeal decreased by 58.37%. These findings highlight the potential for WHR technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of fishmeal production. The study's results provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers in promoting energy efficiency practices and reducing environmental impact in the industry.

This qualitative research investigates sustainable procurement practices, focusing on the integration of environmental and social criteria in supplier evaluation processes. The study explores how organizations, ranging from large multinational corporations to smaller enterprises, navigate sustainability challenges and opportunities within their procurement strategies. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with procurement professionals and sustainability managers across diverse industries. Themes identified include varying organizational commitments to sustainability, from structured policies and resource allocation in larger firms to reactive approaches constrained by resource limitations in smaller entities. Effective supplier relationship management emerged as crucial, facilitating collaborative partnerships aimed at improving environmental and social performance across supply chains. Motivations for sustainable procurement practices encompass regulatory compliance and responding to consumer demands for eco-friendly products, shaping procurement decisions to enhance market competitiveness and stakeholder satisfaction. Environmental and social criteria integration in supplier evaluations highlighted strategies such as lifecycle assessments and sustainable sourcing practices, aimed at minimizing environmental footprints and promoting ethical labor practices. Benefits included cost savings and enhanced brand reputation, tempered by challenges such as higher procurement costs and supplier resistance. Leadership commitment and organizational culture were identified as critical enablers of sustainable procurement, influencing strategic alignment and fostering a culture of sustainability within organizations. The study underscores the transformative potential of sustainable procurement in achieving organizational resilience and contributing to global sustainability goals.

Heavy metals represent a class of chemical elements that includes metalloids, bases and transition metals, lanthanides and actinides. They are distinguished for their toxicity in small concentrations and for their negative effects on the environment and human health. They are present in various samples, mainly in water, industrial waste and food. The determination of heavy metals is carried out mainly by analytical methods, using spectroscopy, spectrometry and electroanalysis, while studies are being carried out for the development of new and faster methodologies and techniques for their analysis, with particular emphasis on voltammetry. This review deals with the determination of heavy metals mainly in environmental samples (water) using voltammetry. In particular, the methods of their determination are evaluated in terms of sensitivity, selectivity and applicability.

This work aims to produce a cartographic model that identifies areas with a greater probability of finding karstic caves - the endokarst potential - in the northern sector of Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal). Geological, topographic, hydrogeological, and vegetation cover data were collected, processed, and integrated into a spatial database using a geographic information system (GIS). The location of known cave entrances in the study area was also identified from the records of local public institutions and speleological teams. Four conditioning factors were extracted from the collected data, including lithostratigraphic units, fracture density, relief energy, and land cover. In a multi-criteria decision-making analysis framework, each previously chosen conditioning factor and respective classes/categories were weighted using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). With an agreement of 81.9%, the results of the cartographic model constructed in GIS seem to be promising, considering that the entrances of the known caves are mainly located in areas classified as having high to very high endokarst potential. This prototype of the endokarst potential map for the study area can be used in strategic and operational environmental planning (at least on a local scale), as it can assist decision-makers, competent authorities, and local speleological teams in a more accurate and thoughtful definition of the areas that should be investigated, providing a substantial reduction in times and costs field prospecting.

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been identified as one of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Due to its massive production (over 700,000 tons per year) and the extensive use of BPA-based plastics (i.e., polycarbonate and epoxy resin) in Taiwan, it was thus included into a toxic substance by the Ministry of Environment. This work surveyed the updated information about the production of BPA and its environmental distributions in Taiwan over the past decade. Furthermore, the regulatory strategies and countermeasures for managing the environmental risks of BPA by the Taiwan government were summarized to show the cross-ministerial efforts under the relevant acts, including the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (TCCSCA), the Food Sanitation Management Act (FSMA) and the Commodity Inspection Act (CIA). The findings showed that most of the monitoring data showed far below the acceptable risks. However, the people may pose an adverse threat to the aquatic environment and human health via ecological and food chains. In addition, some countermeasures were further recommended to echo the international actions on environmental endocrine disruptors in recent years.

The commercialization of historic streets constitutes a pivotal aspect of urban cultural heritage, and the comprehension of their visual perception serves as a valuable asset to urban planning and cultural conservation efforts. However, current research concerning the disparities in visual perception among diverse demographics within historic streets, as well as their spatiotemporal dynamics, remains insufficient. This study aims to utilize mobile eye-tracking technology to delve deeply into the visual perception characteristics of diverse demographics within commercialized historic streets, while also analyzing their spatiotemporal dynamics. We explore the disparities in visual perception of historic streets among groups with varying degrees of architectural knowledge and professional literacy. Through meticulous observation using mobile eye-tracking technology, we elucidate the visual perception patterns of different demographic characteristics through statistical analysis and spatiotemporal modeling. The findings reveal significant discrepancies in visual attention and perception among various groups. Participants with a higher understanding of architecture tend to focus more on architectural details and structures within the streetscape compared to those with a lower understanding, who exhibit greater interest in elements such as shops and signage. Moreover, during the process of perceiving the streetscape, participants’ eye movements transition from surrounding landscapes and historical edifices upon initial entry to the district, gradually shifting towards the commercial activities and distinctive architecture within the district. This study delves deeply into the visual perception characteristics and spatiotemporal dynamics of commercialized historic streets, providing invaluable insights for urban planning and cultural preservation endeavors. By revealing the impact of different demographic characteristics on the visual perception of historic streets, it offers new insights for urban planning and cultural heritage conservation.

Background: The study aimed to investigate the association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and the risk of wheezing among rural and urban preschool children in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, an area associated with poor air quality. Methods: In this study, parents/caregivers of preschool children (n=3145) completed a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regression models. Results: The overall prevalence of Wheeze ever was 15.14%, with a higher prevalence in urban pre-schoolers than rural pre-schoolers (20.71% vs 13.30 %, P<0.000). Moreover, the total prevalence of asthma ever was 2.34%. The prevalence was greater in urban pre-schoolers than in rural pre-schoolers (3.92% vs 1.81%, P<0.001). In the final adjusted model, both urban and rural area children who lived with one or more people who smoked in the same household (WE: OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.11-1.86) (CW: OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.38-3.16) and (AE: OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.12-5.54) were found to have an increased likelihood of having Wheeze Ever, Current Wheeze and Asthma Ever as compared to those who lived with non-smokers. Conclusions: The implementation of smoking limits and prohibition is crucial in areas that are frequented or utilized by children. Hence, it is imperative for healthcare providers to actively champion the rights of those who do not smoke within the society, while also endorsing legislative measures aimed at curtailing the extent of tobacco smoke exposure.

Di(2-ethhylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common plastic rubberizer. DEHP leaches from plastic matrices and is under increasing scrutiny as numerous studies have linked it to negative human health manifestations. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB) is a human pathogen that typically causes subclinical infections but can sometimes cause severe diseases such as pancreatitis, myocarditis, and meningoencephalitis. Though CVB infections are common, severe illness is relatively rare, and it is unclear what factors mediate severity of disease. Here we show that DEHP drastically increases CVB infection in a variety of human cell types. While not entirely clear what cellular processes underly DEHP’s proviral properties, we observe that DEHP may subvert CVB-induced interferon signaling and elevate levels of interferon-induced transmembrane proteins which appear to bolster CVB infection. We hypothesize that DEHP may represent a major environmental factor associated with the severity of CVB infection. Further understanding how DEHP exacerbates infection may better elucidate its potential role as a proviral environmental factor.

Laboratories generate various forms of wastes which contribute to a complex network of profound and multifaceted environmental challenges and associated public health issues if not properly managed.Traditional laboratory practices particularly in developing countries, often lead to excessive waste generation, chemical contamination and resource depletion, coupled with inefficient waste management which poses risks to both ecosystem and public health. As the environmental impact of laboratory waste escalates, the need for effective waste management becomes increasingly important and urgent for safeguarding environmental health. This review examines the impact of laboratory waste management practices on environmental health and explores sustainable laboratory medicine as a mitigating response. Sustainable laboratory medicine adopts practices such as green laboratory principles involving waste minimization, resource conservation, the use of eco-friendly materials as well as energy-efficient protocols and innovative waste segregation and treatment technologies. This approach complies with regulatory standards as well as emphasizes proactive orientation towards environmental stewardship, operational efficiency and innovation while maintaining scientific integrity. Sustainable laboratory medicine appears to be a crucial framework that mitigates the environmental health impacts associated with laboratory-derived waste. This review advocates for a paradigm shift towards sustainable laboratory operations and emphasizes the need for comprehensive training, institutional commitment, and regulatory support.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct diagnostic criteria but significant overlap in symptoms and comorbidity. This article explores the relationship between ADHD and ASD, examining their common neurodevelopmental origins, shared features, and distinct trajectories. Both disorders are highly heritable, with genetic studies identifying shared genetic variants and neurobiological abnormalities. Environmental factors, including prenatal and perinatal exposures, also contribute to their etiology. Despite these commonalities, ADHD and ASD exhibit distinct developmental trajectories, cognitive profiles, and long-term outcomes. Understanding the interplay between these disorders is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms and developing targeted interventions for individuals with comorbid ADHD and ASD.

In recent decades, reports of deforestation, mass extinctions, biodiversity loss, and emergencies like floods and droughts have clearly highlighted the impact of human activities on these outcomes. This underscores the need for significant lifestyle changes to mitigate this impact. Pro-environmental behavior (PEB) change involves adopting actions that protect the environment and reducing environmentally harmful activities. While qualitative research may provide unique insights into PEB barriers that are challenging to capture through quantitative methods, reports of qualitative studies are scattered across different literatures with little integration. With the present review, we bring together insights from qualitative studies on PEB barriers and examine whether those studies reveal barriers compatible with existing barrier frameworks from environmental psychology. We identified 38 qualitative studies on barriers to PEB change. Our analysis revealed that most of the barriers to individual pro-environmental action identified in qualitative studies align with environmental psychology frameworks. These barriers were experienced not only by individuals in their role as consumer or citizen, but also by community-level actors (e.g., seeking to implement pro-environmental policies) and industrial decision-makers (e.g., aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of their business activities). Our findings underscore the multifaceted nature of barriers to PEB change and emphasize the importance of addressing structural and institutional factors alongside individual-level interventions.

Environmental responsibility is crucial in both consumption and production processes. Increasing environmental concerns of societies require eco-innovative and nature-based solutions (NBS) for entrepreneurs. Young people's intentions as potential innovators and entrepreneurs on eco-entrepreneurship with mediating effects have not been investigated is a shortcoming in the literature. This study was conducted with 920 respondents from a public university (Düzce University) students to determine the underlying motivations of eco-entrepreneurship intentions using structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrap methodology. SEM results show that environmental concerns have a positive direct effect (β=0.62) on students’ eco-entrepreneurship intention. This study can serve the several sustainable development goals (SDGs) making suggestions for the efficient and effective use of production factors in terms of environmentally responsible behavior. Study results provide data for sustainable business applications and eco-innovative thinking. Study results intend the direction of modern environmental governance, policy makers and SEM developers.

By sinking and storing carbon from the atmosphere via photosynthesis, forests play a significant role in combating climate change. Global warming is currently the most pressing global issue. Forests play an important role in the global carbon cycle, covering 30% of the world's terrestrial land area and conserving 81% of the earth's terrestrial carbon biomass. The aim of the study was to quantify and map the Carbon Sink and Stock Values of the Yeraba state forest ecosystem. Primary and secondary data sources were used in this study. Primary data such as plot length and width, DBH (diameter at breast height), soil data, and ground control point (GCP) were obtained in the field using a Garmin 72 GPS, a clinometer, and a diameter tape. Diameter tape, caliper and Soil ogre materials. Beside from this sentimental 2 satellite image, there was also another important primary data. In addition to the primary data source, secondary data sources were used. It includes published books, journals and studies, reports, website sources, and other materials that are publicly available. The systematic sampling technique for identifying each intersection point in the area at regular intervals was the most appropriate sampling design for this study. The study used data from four forest carbon pools, including AGB, BGB, soil, and litter, to calculate the carbon sink and stock values of the Yeraba state forest ecosystem. A total of 17 quadrats, each measuring 20m x 20m and spaced 428 m apart, were used to collect vegetation data. For litter and soil sample collection, five 1 m x 1 m sub-quadrats were established at each quadrat's four corners and center. This data was correlated with five Sentinel 2A level 1c imagery data derived vegetation indices of 2023 to obtain a model and estimate of AGB and AGC at the study site. The total mean carbon stock density of Yeraba state Forest was 404.895 t/ha, with 223.656t/ha, 58.15t/ha, 3.41t/ha, and 119.679 t/ha in the above ground carbon, below ground carbon, litter carbon, and soil carbon pools, respectively. The three environmental factors that influence the distribution of different carbon pools in the forest are altitudinal gradient, slope, and aspect. Standing from the result and inputs the researcher recommended that, Future research may find that using LiDAR and Radar imageries, which can address the saturation and canopy penetration issues, will increase the accuracy of carbon stock estimation.

Environmental chemicals, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), pesticides, industrial chemicals, and consumer products, commonly exist as mixtures. These substances are frequently exposed or co-exposed in varying concentrations, leading to potentially hazardous health effects such as cancer in humans. Thus, understanding the dose-dependent toxicity of chemical mixtures is important for assessing health risks. In this context, comprehensive methods for assessing the toxicity and identifying the mechanisms of harmful chemical mixtures are currently lacking. Here, the dose-dependent toxicity assessments of chemical mixtures are performed in three methodologically distinct phases. In the first phase, we evaluated our machine learning method (AI-HNN) and pathophysiology method (CPTM) for predicting toxicity. In the second phase, we integrated AI-HNN and CPTM to establish a comprehensive new approach method (NAM) framework called AI-CPTM, targeted at refining prediction accuracy and providing a comprehensive understanding of toxicity mechanisms. The third phase involved experimental validations of the AI-CPTM predictions. Initially, we developed binary, multiclass classification, and regression models to predict binary, categorical toxicity, and toxic potencies, using nearly a thousand experimental mixtures. This empirical dataset was expanded with virtual mixtures compensating the lack of experimental data and broadening the scope of the dataset. For comparison, we also developed additional machine learning models based on RF, Bagging, AdaBoost, SVR, GB, KR, DT, KN, and Consensus methods. The models achieved overall accuracies of over 80% with AUC values exceeding 90%. The regression models achieved an R2 >0.88. In the second phase, we innovatively integrated HNN-derived toxicity predictions with Z-scores from CPTM, resulting method called AI-CPTM. In the final phase, we demonstrated the superior performance of AI-CPTM through rigorous literature and statistical performance validations. Additionally, the predictive capability of AI-CPTM, including for PFAS mixtures and their interaction effects, was demonstrated by experimental validations using dose-response zebrafish embryo toxicity assays. Overall, the AI-CPTM approach significantly improves upon the limitations of standalone models and has shown extensive enrichments in the identification of toxic chemicals and mixtures. Further experimental studies involving human cell models, patient-derived xenografts, and investigations into the toxicity of multiple mixtures are currently underway.

As a result of increased energy consumption, global trade has surged, and serious environmental problems have arisen. The problem is made more complicated by the fact that either environmental damage or economic advancement cannot be compromised. The elements contributing to environmental contamination must be identified and dealt with accordingly if we are to have a healthier future. In this study, what causes CO₂ emissions in Malaysia are examined using the Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model using time series data from 1995 to 2020. The paper also examines the impact of energy use and economic complexity on CO2 emissions. Firstly, it is noted that the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory holds in Malaysia. Furthermore, energy consumption has a detrimental impact on reducing CO2 emissions. Furthermore, it has been noted that a greater degree of economic complexity leads to an elevated amount of CO2 emissions over an extended period. The findings suggest significant environmental policy implications for reducing CO2 emissions in Malaysia.

In the recent past, the number of invasive species around the world has increased significantly due to increased globalization and climate change. Understanding biological invasions under climate change is crucial for sustainable conservation of biodiversity. The insect pest Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) can cause damages to plants, resulting in leaf yellowing, leaf defoliation, and reduced plant growth. A serious attack by this insect post can even lead to the entire plant withering and dying, bringing huge economic and ecological losses. Despite these damages, the potential distribution range and management strategies for this insect pest are poorly understood. Based on historical distribution data and environmental factors, the present study predicted the potentially suitable areas for P. viburni spread under different climate change scenarios using MaxEnt (maximum entropy). The results showed that precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19), precipitation seasonality (Bio15), and mean temperature of the wettest quarter (Bio8) were the most important environmental factors determining the distribution of P. viburni. Under the current climate conditions, its potential suitable areas are southern China, the whole of Japan, North America (especially the eastern part of the United States), the southwestern part of South America, the Mediterranean coast and most of Europe, the central part of Africa i.e., the south of the Sahara Desert and most of the southern coast of Australia. The total area of habitats suitable for this insect pest is predicted to be increased in the future. In order to prevent P. viburni transmission and spread, there is a need to strengthen the monitoring and quarantine measures against this pest at the Southern ports.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) contamination is the primary environmental issue in industrial areas and where geological mining occurs. The oxidative dissolution of sulphide minerals causes AMD, natural ecosystems depend on microbial diversity and functioning at their best. This review presents the long-term effects of AMD water such as pollution from heavy metals (HM) on humans and plants, and the solution to the problem of heavy metal pollution by microbes metal interactions.

High-rise buildings represent technological, urban and life-style trends of the modern urban landscape, yet there are limited data regarding their embodied carbon and environmental impacts, particularly when compared to low- or mid-rise buildings. Given that the projected growth of the global urban population by 2050 requires cities with higher density and potentially greater number of high-rise buildings, it is crucial to develop a clear understanding of the embodied carbon and environmental impacts of high-rise buildings. This article utilizes the building in-formation modelling (BIM) based life cycle assessment (LCA) in Revit and Tally to examine the embodied carbon and environmental impacts of an actual high-rise building structure case-study in Chicago that uses hybrid concrete steel structure. The results show that the embodied carbon and environmental impacts of the high-rise building structure are dominated by the impacts of the product stage in the building life cycle, and concrete as the main structural material. Specifically, this study reveals that concrete constitutes a substantial 91% share of the total mass of the building structure, with 74% contribution to life cycle global warming potential, 53% to acidification po-tential, 74% to eutrophication potential, 74% to smog formation potential, and 68% to non-renewable energy. On the other hand, steel accounts for 9% of the building structure mass, estimated to constitute 26% of the global warming potential, 47% to acidification potential, 26% to eutrophication potential, 26% to smog formation potential, and 32% to non-renewable energy.

The agricultural ecological environment provides an important resource guarantee for social development. The extensive management mode of agriculture in China has not fundamentally changed; the contradiction between production and governance is still prominent, and the management of agricultural surface pollution has a long way to go. Based on the data of 547 rural households in Jiangxi province, this paper uses the Ordered Logit, 2SLS, and moderation effect model to analyze the mechanism between social norms (SNs) and rural households’ (RHs) disposal of pesticide packaging waste (PPW) and to test the moderation effect of environmental regulation (ER) in the influence path of SN to RHs’ disposal of PPW. The results show that (1) descriptive and directive norms can promote RHs not to litter PPW. However, the role of surrounding crowd supervision (directive norms) is more obvious than the behavior of the surrounding crowd (descriptive norms). The consistent conclusion was still obtained after the robustness test and endogeneity treatment. (2) The results of the moderation effect test showed that reputational incentives strengthened the promotional effect of directive norms on RHs' behavior of not littering PPW; punitive regulation hindered the promotional effect of descriptive norms on RHs' behavior of not littering PPW. Based on the findings of the study, the following policy recommendations are put forward: continue to strengthen the guidance and soft binding force of informal institutions such as SNs; accurately locate the target groups and formulate differentiated measures; pay attention to the complementary nature of formal and informal institutions, and reasonably formulate environmental regulations to fit in with SNs.

To explore the forage quality of wild oat populations under different growth environments, the basic nutrient composition and forage quality of five wild oat populations in Israel were compared. Ash, crude protein, and soluble sugar content of oats were significantly (P<0.05) related to some forage quality and possible environment of population origin. Among them, the environmental factors of origin had significant effects on the indicators of ash, crude protein, and soluble sugars of oat straw, but less on the contents of crude fat, total phosphorus, and total potassium. Meanwhile, the annual rainfall and the number of days of rainfall in the country of origin greatly influenced the cellulose content. Finally, we investigated the similarity of feeding values of different populations using PCA analysis. The results showed that, in conclusion, the higher variability of wild oat populations may be a new possibility brought by feeding oats.

Decapod crustaceans are important components of the fauna of soft bottom habitats. In this work, biogeographical updates of decapod crustaceans are provided through the analysis of a large soft bottom benthic macroinvertebrates data set of the central Mediterranean Sea. Decapod crustacean assemblages were collected in the last twenty years by a Van Veen grab on 42 study sites located along the Italian coasts at depths ranging from the surface up to 120 meters. Spatial distribution of the crustaceans examined, which include 123 species belonging to 40 families, has been investi-gated according to the biogeographical zones identified in the Italian Seas. Spatial distribution of 39 species has been updating, comparing the ISPRA decapod crustacean dataset with the most recent Italian checklists. For the species updated, number of specimens and environmental data, such as bathymetric range and habitat details, are provided for each site investigated. Data are discussed and compared with the existing literature, also referring to what is reported in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), with the aims to contribute to the knowledge of biodiversity of the marine species provide useful data to assist the insiders to update checklists and registers at national and global scale and information on species ecology.

These years, disease-causing and disabling diseases have caused great concern. Neurological, musculoskeletal disorders are diverse and affect people of a wide range of ages. And the lack of comprehensive diagnostic methods places a huge burden on healthcare systems and social economies. In this paper, the current status of clinical research on neuromuscular diseases is introduced, and the advantages of magnetic field measurement compared with clinical diagnostic methods are illustrated. The paper makes a comprehensive description about the related technology of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), magnetic field detection noise suppression scheme, the development trend of sensor detection system, and the application and model establishment of neuromuscular magnetic field. The current researches and developments in the worldwide are compared simultaneously in this paper and finally the conclusions and outlook are put forward. This review will be very interesting and helpful to the scientific community.

In response to the problem of increasing climate change and energy security, investment in renewable energy sources has increased significantly both in Europe and globally. Wind and solar power plants are expected to be the largest contributors to global decarbonization, ranking first and second in projected capacity by 2050. Since all power plants have some impact on the environment, this also applies to photovoltaic power plants. Because of the large capacities projected for PV installed capacity, their environmental impacts should be evaluated. The environmental impacts of PV power plants change over time. Improving the manufacturing technology of PV system components, increasing the efficiency of solar cells, and using materials that are less harmful to the environment will reduce these impacts. Manufacturing PV system components is a highly energy-intensive process that involves greenhouse gas emissions. As new renewable energy capacity is built, the amount of "green" electricity on the grid increases, reducing CO2 emissions per kWh consumed. The objective of this paper is to analyze the current status of the environmental impact of PV power plants under these changing conditions in terms of CO2 emissions, land use, pollutant and noise emissions, and water consumption. The capacity installed to date will reach the end of its lifetime by 2050, which means that the amount of waste associated with it will increase over time. This can have a significant impact on the environment, which is why part of the work is dedicated to this problem. In addition to the available information from the literature, in the part related to land use, the authors also made their own estimates based on data on newly installed PV power plants and PV modules available on the market. The results of the analysis show that there is enough land both in Europe and worldwide to install the planned capacities of rooftop and ground-mounted PV power plants. CO2 emissions are at the same level as for concentrated solar power, with a decreasing trend. Pollutant emissions, noise and water consumption are not a major problem compared to other types of power plants. Overall, it can be concluded that the expansion of PV capacity has a very positive impact on the environment.

Edcraft, a recycling and upcycling event for Malaysian secondary school students, particularly in the Klang Valley area in 2020. The event's goal was to look into gamified solutions to encourage recycling and upcycling among the students’ age group. Lectures, talks, practical exercises and games were used to teach students about climate change and environmental preservation. According to a post-event survey, the percentage of participants who recycle has climbed significantly: 76% now recycle, compared to only 24% previously. The study discovered that gamification-based activities could effectively facilitate recycling and upcycling behaviours. Such solutions can be applied to encourage behavioural changes in different contexts. By interviewing 15 Edcraft students in a focus group study setting, researchers could better understand the motivations. Themes such as 'social connections are vital', 'convenience and rewards are significant motivators', 'gamified activities help attract and engage teens' and 'environmental knowledge is crucial to prolonging recycling' emerged from the thematic analysis. This manuscript proposes gamified activities to induce a behavioural change in upcycling, and the findings yield helpful insights to fuel pro-environmental behaviours.

Nowadays, determining the socioeconomic factors' influence on environmental quality is a crucial issue for policymakers. We aim to explore the impact of socioeconomic factors i.e., ethnic conflicts inform ethnic fragmentation, institutions quality effectiveness, and energy consumption on environmental quality by testing the various hypotheses (Pollution Halo Hypothesis, IPAT, and EKC) in 40 selected Asian countries throughout 1993-2019. We also use a set of control variables which are gross domestic product per capita, foreign direct investment inflows, and population growth to determine their impact on environmental quality. We use the Panel Quintile Regression Method of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 to analyze the results. We find ethnic conflict negatively affects the environmental quality at all quantiles. The institution's variables regulatory quality and rule of law negatively influence the environmental quality. Our result supports Porter's hypothesis because the effect of direct foreign investment on the amount of CO2 emissions is negative and significant at 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 quantiles which states that foreign direct investment in the host country supports environmental quality. Furthermore, our results support the IPAT hypothesis in selected Asian countries.

Research on green-certified buildings has often been focused on the benefits of green standards, such as energy efficiency, smart growth, resource conservation, and health protection. Recent studies suggest the adoption of a reductionist sustainability planning language can turn green-certified houses into luxury goods, attracting White, prime-age, college-educated households with some pro-environmental attitudes who replace existing long-term, lower-income residents in core urban areas. While many factors may work together in driving neighborhood change and gentrification in cities, the question this study aims to address is to what extent the supply of green-certified units can affect neighborhood change and gentrification? We use Central Virginia’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) housing market transactions data and the U.S. Census Bureau’s socioeconomic data to present the differential effect of new construction of market-rate, green-certified units in a natural experiment using difference-in-differences estimates. We find that neighborhoods that include new, green-certified units have experienced a statistically significant increase in population, supporting new construction and positively affecting house prices. We also detect some negative effects on minorities and minority owners, but these effects have not yet reached statistical significance. This study finds strong evidence of green housing providing the conditions that make areas ripe for gentrification, but more studies should follow up to better measure and generalize this finding.

Today, air quality is one of the global concerns that governments are facing. One of the main air pollutants is the particulate matter (PM) that affects human health. This article presents the modeling of a purification system by means of negative air ions (NAIs) for air pollutant removal, using computational intelligence methods. The system uses a high voltage booster output to ionize air molecules from stainless steel electrodes; its particle-capturing efficiency reaches up to 97%. With two devices (5 x 2 x 2.5 cm), 2 trillion negative ions are produced per second, and the particulate matter (PM 2.5) can be reduced from 999 to 0 mg / m3 in a period of approximately 5 to 7 minutes (in a 40 x 40 x 40 cm acrylic chamber). This negative ion generator is a viable and sustainable alternative to reduce polluting emissions, with beneficial effects on human health.

Blood and/or urine levels of 27 heavy metals were determined by ICPMS in 41 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 29 presumably healthy subjects from the Katanga Copperbelt (KC), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After adjusting for age, gender, education level, and renal function, DCM probability was almost maximal for blood concentrations above 0.75 and 150 µg/dl for arsenic and copper, respectively. Urinary concentrations above 1 for chromium, 20 for copper, 600 for zinc, 30 for selenium, 2 for cadmium, 0.2 for antimony, 0.5 for thallium and 0.05 for uranium, all in μg/g of creatinine, were also associated with increased DCM probability. Concurrent and multiple exposures to heavy metals, well beyond permissible levels, are associated with increased probability for DCM. Study findings warrant screening for metal toxicity in case of DCM and prompt public health measures to reduce exposures in the KC, DRC.

It is often difficult to extract data on material and energy wates and related costs in the value chain of conventional production units. Many organizations are not fully aware of the actual cost of material and energy waste. For this purpose, advanced costing methods should be used. This study uses material and energy flow cost accounting to determine material costs, losses, and waste management. The case study of this research is the construction of turbine blades in Iran Power Plant Company. In this study, using the extracted data, the construction costs of turbine blades have been studied. The conventional method of making a turbine blade is the machining method, which we will see has a huge amount of wastes of materials and energy. By studying different methods, we will find that there is an alternative method called forging, which reduces losses and costs. Finally, the costs of the two methods are compared. Engineering economics techniques have also been used to compare two methods on a long-term planning horizon.

Sustainable Development Goal 12 requires countries to achieve responsible consumption and production patterns without exceeding safe environmental limits for natural resource use. However, little is known about how cropland impacts from the agri-food sector contribute to the exceedance of national environmental limits for consumption and production. Using a multi-regional input-output model, we linked the cropland impacts of agri-food production to countries of consumption while considering the exceedance of production-based and consumption-based environmental limits. We defined national consumption-based environmental limits via the fair-share approach and quantified national production-based environmental limits according to the biophysical limit of available arable land. We then classified countries into quadrants according to their exceedance of consumption and/or production environmental limits. We found that the USA, Australia and other high-income countries were exceeding both consumption-based and production-based environmental limits. High-population but low-income countries such as India and China were within safe consumption-based environmental limits but exceeded production-based environmental limits. Brazil and other countries of the Americas incurred substantial environmental costs due to the conversion of forests into cropland to produce food for export. We identified patterns in international trade relationships that could inform national-level responsible agri-food consumption and production patterns across the global supply chain, thereby contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 12. More stringent regulations and commitments in national and international policies are required to reduce the exceedance of consumption-based and production-based environmental limits and avoid exceeding the global land-system change planetary boundary.

A decade after environmental scientists integrated high-throughput sequencing technologies in their toolbox, the genomics-based monitoring of anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems is yet to be implemented by regulatory frameworks. Despite the broadly acknowledged potential of environmental DNA and RNA to cost-efficiently and accurately monitor biodiversity, technical limitations and conceptual issues still stand in the way of its routine application by end-users. In addition, the multiplicity of potential implementation strategies may contribute to a perception of the methodology as being premature or “in development”, hence restraining regulators from binding these tools into legal frameworks. This review focuses on the strengths and limitations of genomics-based strategies that have emerged over the past ten years and have been classified for this purpose into three broad strategies: (A) Taxonomy-based approaches that focus on known bio-indicators or the diversity of taxonomically described taxa, (B) De novo approaches that do not require well-established taxonomy, and (C) Function-based approaches that rely on community-wide metrics, where taxa are interchangeable, or on functional profiles instead of compositional turnovers. We finally propose a roadmap for the implementation of environmental genomics into routine monitoring programs that leverage recent analytical advancements, upon which some critical limitations are alleviated.

Analyses of the Environmental Kuznet's Curve (EKC) hypothesis have largely focused on economy level data with occasional analyses exploring sector level data. This paper exploits a new data set which contains sector level data on greenhouse gas emissions from the US energy sector as well as subsector data from six disjoint subsectors which together comprise the entire energy sector. The data contained in this data set is annual data at the state level from 1990 through 2011. By using differenced data we specify an econometrically sound EKC model and compare it against a model containing only a linear GDP per capita term. We find that by using a subsector level modelling approach, evidence for the EKC hypothesis is virtually nonexistent. Moreover, we find that aggregated subsector level estimates outperform sector level estimate on in-sample accuracy. These estimated models are then used to forecast emissions for the energy sector. We find evidence that US greenhouse gas emissions from energy production are at or near a peak.

Between 2011 and 2016 small-scale farm trials were run across three dairy regions of New Zealand (Waikato, Canterbury, Otago) to compare the performance of typical regional farm systems with farm systems implementing a combination of mitigation options most suitable to the region. The trials ran for at least three consecutive years with detailed recording of milk production and input costs. Nitrate leaching per hectare of the milking platform (where lactating cows are kept) was estimated using either measurements (suction cups), models, or soil mineral nitrogen measurements. Post-trial, detailed farm information was used in the New Zealand greenhouse gas inventory methodology to calculate the emissions from all sources; dairy platform, dairy support land used for wintering non-lactating cows (where applicable) and replacement stock, and imported supplements. Nitrate leaching was also estimated for the support land and growing of supplements imported from off-farm using the same methods as for the platform. Operating profit (NZ$/ha/year), nitrate leaching (kg N/ha/year), and greenhouse gas emissions (t CO₂-e/ha/year) were all expressed per hectare of milking platform to enable comparisons across regions. Nitrate leaching mitigations adopted in lower-input (less imported feed and N fertiliser) farm systems reduced leaching by 22 to 30 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions by between nine and 24 percent. The exception was the wintering barn system in Otago where nitrate leaching was reduced by 45 percent but greenhouse gas emissions were unchanged due to greater manure storage and handling. Important drivers of a lower environmental footprint are reducing nitrogen fertiliser and imported feed. Their effect is to reduce nitrogen surplus and feed flow through the herd and drive down both greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching. Emission reductions in the lower-input systems of Waikato and Canterbury came at an average loss of profit of approximately NZ$100/t CO₂-e (three to five percent of industry average profit per hectare).

Environmental accounting should be performed by both private companies and local governments. However, it may be difficult for government agencies to objectively measure their current environmental impact, and there is currently no internationally standardized methodology of environmental accounting for local governments. This study therefore attempts to incorporate life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) into the calculation of environmental loads for administrative divisions. In LCIA, environmental loads for several impact categories, such as “Climate change” and “Land use,” are integrated into a simple indicator expressed in terms of monetary units. This study leverages the LIME-3 assessment theory, one of the endpoint-type and global-scale LCIA methods. Annual environmental loads for administrative divisions in 42 countries were measured in a tentative assessment. Results showed that the annual damages for the 42 countries to be USD 10.5 trillion. Assessment results are shown on the world map to highlight the regionality of the damages in the 42 countries’ administrative divisions. This study seeks to provide new knowledge that local governments around the world can use in environmental accounting.

This review paper is intended to exhibit the interplays between environmental change and rapid population growth in developing countries. In the course of discussion, the impacts of rapidly population growing on the environment have been discussed, and evidence, from various parts of the world have been traced. Studies on the impacts of population pressure on environment have been critically reviewed. It is revealed that all across the developing countries, farm size is shrinking as farmers continue to subdivide holdings among their children. In countries such as Malawi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Haiti, Nepal and Bangladesh, population growth rates are high, and the non-farm sector is still in its early stages of development. Demographic pressure, land scarcity, and land fragmentation drive greater rural vulnerability and poverty, marked by decreased food security, inadequate response to such natural disasters such as drought or pest infestations, weakened resilience to shocks, and poor health. It is not just the supply of food, fodder, and fuel wood but the resource base itself and the lives that depend upon it are being affected. The evidences pinpoints that man through his non-sustainable production and consumption patterns, is placed at the heart of environmental changes. However, contradictory view, and practices are also in place that the population growth has positive impacts environmental restoration and improvements, while other evidences show insignificant effect of population on the environment. This contradicting scenario puts scholars in argument, and still need further research. Hence, it would be a blind generalization to draw conclusion from this relationship alone, rather, another factor that acts beyond population pressure must also be considered to justify the impact of population on environmental changes.

According to Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions, cultures differ in cultural values and norms; values and norms that may influence differences in trendsetting, creative traits and behaviors, and pro-environmental behaviors. Further, because men and women have been socialized within particular cultures, gender differences may exist in trendsetting, creative traits and behaviors, and pro-environmental behaviors. Trendsetters have characteristics that are interrelated with creative traits and behaviors, perhaps inclining them to endorse pro-environmental behaviors. However, the interrelationships among these variables remain unexplored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine these three variables among college students in South Korea and the United States, specifically looking at cultural and gender differences. Participants were 225 Korean college students and 221 U.S. college students. Questionnaires included demographic items and scales measuring trendsetting, creative traits and behaviors, and pro-environmental behaviors. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha reliability, MANOVA, ANOVA and SNK posthoc test. Results show that U.S. (vs Korean) students indicated greater trendsetting and creative traits and behaviors but not greater pro-environmental behaviors. Fashion trendsetting groups in both Korea and the U.S. differed in creative traits and behaviors and pro-environmental behaviors. Among Korean trendsetting groups, reluctant adopters scored lowest on creative traits and behaviors and pro-environmental behaviors. Among U.S. trendsetting groups, trendsetters scored highest on creative traits and behaviors and pro-environmental behaviors; reluctant adopters scored lowest on pro-environmental behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are provided for researchers and marketers.

Mexico´s inhabitants have approximately 7 million dogs and cats as pets, of which there is no accurate information about their environmental impacts as a result of their feeding and comfort requirements. The objective of this study is to compare the environmental footprint between a dog and a cat in a family environment. For this purpose, a life cycle analysis was performed including, among other factors, its feeding and waste management in one year of life. Different environmental indicators including the carbon footprint were considered. It was found that the equivalent CO2 emission of a dog is twice that estimated for a domestic cat and that the main contribution is due to the food production. The ecological footprint that is generated when satisfying the requirements for pet´s well-being impacts in the environment contributes primarily to the carbon footprint.

In the present work, a portable device system applied in the detection and classification of different metallic ions was proposed and developed, aiming at its application in the monitoring of hydrological systems like rivers, lakes and groundwater. Considering the system features, a portable colorimetric system was developed by using a multispectral optoelectronic sensor. All the technology of quantification and classification of metallic ions using Optoelectronic Multispectral sensors was fully integrated in the embedded hardware FPGA technology and software based on virtual Instrumentation (NI LabView ®). The system was used as a colorimeter by using the chromogen reagent of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) as an indicator and the results obtained together with the signal processing and pattern analysis using the method of the linear discriminant analysis, allowed to obtain excellent results in detection and classification of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Ni(II) ions, with almost the same level of performance in relation to those obtained from the UV-VIS spectrometers of high spectral resolution.

The global usage of veterinary antibiotics is significant. These antibiotics can be released into the aquatic environment and exert toxic effects on non-target organisms. To explore the physiological effects of tetracycline antibiotics on aquatic life, the growth characteristics of and toxin release from the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) were studied. Results showed that the toxicity order of the three target antibiotics was TC (tetracycline) > CTC (chlortetracycline hydrochloride) > OTC (oxytetracycline) in terms of inhibition occurrence time and the EC₁₀ and EC₂₅ values. Further, the target antibiotics regulated the production of MC-LR (microcystin-LR) to different degrees. CTC destroyed the M. aeruginosa cells and resulted in a decreased MC-LR release but stimulated the ability to synthesise MC-LR. OTC had a relatively weaker toxicity compared with CTC, while TC was the most toxic among the three antibiotics. Therefore, TC is friendly to the aquatic environment because it simultaneously reduced the intracellular and extracellular MC-LR content. These results aid our understanding of the effects of tetracycline antibiotics on Microcystis aeruginosa, which is important for environmental evaluation and protection. These results are also helpful for guiding the application of veterinary antibiotics in agricultural settings.

Every day around 93% of children under the age of 15 (1.8 billion children) breathe outdoor air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. Due to the pandemic, however, ventilation of buildings using outdoor air has become an important safety technique to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With the mounting ev-idence suggesting that air pollution is impactful to human health and educational out-comes, this contradictory guidance may be problematic in schools with higher air pol-lution levels, but keeping kids COVID-19 free and in school to receive their education is now more pressing than ever. To understand if all schools in an urban area are ex-posed to similar outdoor air quality and if school infrastructure protects children equally indoors, we installed research grade sensors to observe PM2.5 concentrations in indoor and outdoor settings to understand how unequal exposure to indoor and out-door air pollution impacts indoor air quality among high- and low-income schools in Salt Lake City, Utah. Based on this approach, we found that during atmospheric inver-sions and dust events, there was a lag ranging between 35 to 73 minutes for the out-door PM2.5 concentrations to follow a similar temporal pattern as the indoor PM2.5. This lag has policy and health implications and may help to explain the rising concerns re-garding reduced educational outcomes related to air pollution in urban areas. These data and resulting analysis show that poor air quality may impact school settings, and the potential implications with respect to environmental inequality.