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Purpose: Learning and innovation networks for sustainable agriculture (LINSA) are considered drivers of innovation towards a more sustainable agri-food system. However, sustaining long-term funding remains a challenge for many networks. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive conceptualization of how funding relates to LINSA continuation and suggests a classification of relevant funding instruments. Design/Methodology/Approach: Being purely conceptual, this paper combines perspectives of strategic management and nonprofit finance with empirical insights from innovation network literature to develop a conceptual framework on LINSA funding. Findings: The conceptual framework suggests that thriving LINSA require both an appropriate funding mix, which corresponds with the benefits provided, and an anticipatory utilization of financial resources to build and maintain relevant intangible resources. The availability of funding instruments which incorporate these findings is crucial for successful LINSA. Practical Implications: The conceptual framework provides guidance to practitioners and policy makers who reflect on appropriate strategies and instruments for LINSA funding. Theoretical Implications: By integrating perspectives from different disciplines, namely the resource-based view and the benefits theory of nonprofit finance, this paper contributes to an increased understanding of funding in network organizations. Originality/Value: This is the first paper to offer an explicit conceptualization of how funding relates to LINSA development. It also provides a classification of relevant funding instruments.

Purpose: This study aims to identify a sustainable university's key features. It is an essential step in tracing the topics discussed in the context of a sustainable university and their evolution in the scientific discourse. Design/methodology/approach: This paper relies on a systematic literature review (SLR) conducted using two scholarly databases: Emerald and Scopus. The timeframe selected by the authors for reviewing the available sources spans from 2001 to 2021. Findings: The analysis distinguished seven sustainable university categories, each revealing critical features of sustainable higher education. Each of these categories represents an intriguing area for in-depth analysis. The SLR reveals gaps requiring further scientific exploration. Research limitations/implications: The performed literature review was determined by the choice of entries (keywords) to identify the scientific papers in the selected databases. Moreover, as the authors aimed to focus on peer-reviewed sources, this SLR did not include books and doctoral dissertations dealing with the studied issues. Practical implications: The results of the analysis can be used practically by both researchers and practitioners in the field of sustainable development (SD). Identified scientific gaps become a potential research field, and practitioners interested in the transition toward SD may contribute by accompanying universities in this journey. Collaboration and networking with business stakeholders are critical vectors for spreading the idea of SD. Social implications: Society's growing concern for climate change requires accurate and specific actions from institutions. As entities educating future generations, universities have a unique role in transforming toward SD. The findings allow us to get acquainted with the existing main activities undertaken by higher education institutions in this field and understand the importance of this topic for researchers. Originality/value: SLR is a cornerstone of research synthesis and helps integrate scientific evidence from qualitative and quantitative published studies. Conducted research presents knowledge about university sustainability and can help scientists find research gaps.

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the role of multidisciplinary course requirements in shaping student attitudes toward sustainability and education for sustainable development. Previous research indicates that students conceptualize sustainability based on their academic discipline; thus, this research investigates whether there is a difference in student attitudes toward sustainability at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, where students are encouraged to cross the borders of their academic disciplines. Design/methodology/approach: This research reports on the findings from a mixed-methods study to assess the impact of program requirements on student attitudes toward sustainability and education for sustainable development at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. In phase one, an anonymous survey was administered to students regarding their perceptions and attitudes toward sustainability and education for sustainable development. The survey yielded 100 usable responses. Phase 2 consisted of a series of 10 semi-structured expert interviews with key faculty and staff at Grenfell Campus and a representative from the City of Corner Brook, which gave further insights regarding sustainability programming and campus culture. Findings: Contrary to previous research, the results of this research indicate that the School of Study does not have a statistically significant impact on student attitudes toward sustainability. This may be attributed to Grenfell Campus's Breadth of Knowledge requirement within the School of Arts and Social Science and the School of Science and the Environment, which requires that students take elective courses from a broad range of subject matter to develop their holistic awareness of social, cultural, scientific and political issues. Practical implications: The results of this research indicate that students who are exposed to broad multidisciplinary requirements may be more likely to have positive attitudes toward sustainability than students who focus on a single discipline. Originality/value: A limited number of studies investigate the impact of core program requirements on student attitudes toward sustainability. This paper promotes an effective way of raising sustainability-literate young people/citizens in a Canadian higher education context.

Purpose: Student engagement has become increasingly significant in sustainability education for engineers because it enables future engineers to develop competencies, knowledge and values relevant to acting for sustainability. Therefore, this paper aims to examine characteristics of student engineer engagement with sustainability and to discuss the meanings of this concept. Design/methodology/approach: To build a more holistic picture of student engineer engagement with sustainability, this study followed a literature review approach to search, screen and appraise relevant journal articles on this topic. As a result of this research, 30 articles were identified as eligible. Findings: Based on the theoretical framework for student engagement with sustainability, newly synthesized here, and the content analysis of the 30 papers included in this study, four patterns of engagement were identified: intrapersonal engagement, inter-relational engagement, engagement as connection and disconnection and situated engagement. Practical implications: This review provides practical recommendations about how to support the engagement of student engineers with sustainability at the levels of the individual, staff, educational programmes and associated curricula. Future research directions are also discussed. Originality/value: This study contributes a theoretical framework synthesizing student engagement theory with sustainability education. It also describes current characteristics of student engineers' engagement with sustainability.

This paper addresses the discussion on the Anthropocene in environmental education research. It aims to enrich and widen the debate about the appropriateness of humanist approaches to environmental education and sustainability. In response to criticism about anthropocentric responses to human-made environmental destruction, the authors introduce a version of Eastern humanism: Tu Weiming's 'Anthropocosmism'. This idea of a non-anthropocentric humanism embedded in the cosmic order is strikingly different from the anthropocentric separatism typical of Western humanism. Moving beyond a blanket condemnation of humanism, this paper explores what a specific, non-Western form of humanism may have to offer in response to anthropogenic ecological crises. The argument is developed that Anthropocosmism can help us fully recognize humans' exceptional ethical responsibility in light of these crises without falling into the mistake of Western humanism's dominant discourse that connects this exceptionalism to forms of human superiority over and domination of other-than-human nature.

Purpose: There is a widely held belief that sustainable development (SD) policies are essential for universities to successfully engage in matters related to sustainability, and are an indicator of the extent to which they are active in this field. This paper aims to examine the evidence which currently exists to support this assumption. It surveys a sample of universities in Brazil, Germany, Greece, Portugal, South Africa and the UK and the USA to ascertain the extent to which universities that are active in the field of sustainable development have formal policies on sustainable development, and whether such policies are a pre-condition for successful sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved 35 universities in seven countries (five universities respectively). A mixed-methods approach has been used, ranging from document analysis, website analysis, questionnaires and interviewing. Findings: Although only 60 per cent of the sampled universities had a policy that specifically addressed SD, this cannot be regarded as an indicator that the remaining 40 per cent are not engaged with substantial actions that address SD. Indeed, all of the universities in the sample, regardless of the existence of a SD formal policy, demonstrated engagement with environmental sustainability policies or procedures in some form or another. This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities. Despite this, it is one of the largest research efforts of this kind ever performed. Research limitations/implications: This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities. Practical implications: The findings provide some valuable insights into the connections between SD policies on the one hand and the practice of sustainable development in higher education institutions on the other. Social implications: Universities with SD policies can contribute to models of economic growth consistent with sustainable development. Originality/value: The study is the one of the largest research efforts of this kind ever performed.

Guiding industries to produce in an effective and environmentally sustainable manner has become a key issue for governments around the world. Over the past 15 years, series of regional and industrial development policies have been introduced by the Chinese government. This has influenced the geographical distribution and energy efficiency performance of China’s industries. This paper quantifies the influence of enterprises geographical distribution on energy efficiency improvement in the paper industry and aims at providing some helpful suggestions on industrial development to policy makers. The main results show that, firstly, the paper industry in eastern China shows obvious characteristic of agglomeration. The average location quotient is 1.2278. However, following the industrial and regional development policies, the characteristic of agglomeration is weakening. Secondly, only when agglomeration reaches a certain level (location quotient is above 0.5447) will industrial agglomeration positively impact on industrial energy efficiency improvement (a 1% increase in agglomeration will increase dynamic energy efficiency by at least 0.23%). Thirdly, the regional development policies carried out by the government slow the pace of energy efficiency improvement in China’s paper industry. The empirical results indicate that the government needs to consider regional characteristics and consciously guide industrial enterprises to concentrate in the dominant area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of an exploratory experimental study to manufacture eco-friendly lightweight bricks through binary mix of paper mill sludge (PMS) and soil. The pre-manufacture activities include mineralogical, chemical, thermal and index properties characterisation of two kinds of soils (laterite and alluvial) and PMS. The mix ratio between PMS and soil was varied (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and two firing temperatures 850 °C and 900 °C were tested in order to emulate the typical conditions of a kiln. The performance of incorporating PMS into the mix was tested by evaluating properties such as linear shrinkage, compressive strength, water absorption, mass loss on ignition, and bulk density of bricks as recommended by the relevant Indian and ASTM standard codes. X ray diffraction results confirmed that the addition of PMS does not show any phase transformation and only enhances the porosity thereby leading to weight reduction. Based on the results, an optimum mix of 10% PMS with both soil types was found suitable for brick production at a firing temperature of 900 °C. Results obtained in this study will be helpful to brick industry for commercial production of PMS incorporated bricks leading to sustainable use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Papermaking enterprises are currently under both environmental pressure and economic pressure for sustainable development in China. Thus, the efficiency, effectiveness, and benefits of resource utilization need to be improved. High-consumption and high-pollution companies should manufacture paper using sustainable methods. This study highlights a resource value flow analysis from the circular economy perspective, developing an extension of material flow cost accounting and modifying it by accounting for environmental damage as well as economic benefits. With reference to the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, this specific case study was conducted to verify the comprehensive utility of resource value flow analysis by establishing decision-making prioritization according to the dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss–external environmental damage costs." In general, applying a resource value flow analysis can both reduce resource consumption and minimize environmental damage, enhancing the sustainable development of a process industry with limited resources. Highlights • Material flows and value flows form an interactive unit in the resource value flow analysis model. • The resource value flow analysis model extends the environmental dimension of material flow cost accounting. • A dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss and external environmental damage costs" can achieve both economic profits and environmental benefits. • The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle was introduced to strengthen the practical application of the resource value flow analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the role of libraries in the development of Open Educational Resources (OER) and, more specifically, the impact and level of implementation of UNESCO's (2019) OER Recommendation in Higher Education libraries. This study, the result of a joint undertaking between a national R&D project and SPARC Europe, is based on an online survey, disseminated amongst the European Network of Open Education Librarians (ENOEL) and uses a descriptive research methodology. The results highlight the implementation actions being taken by university libraries (n = 136) in each of the five areas of action of UNESCO's Recommendation. We find that the main contributions are being made in the areas of capacity building and Open Education policies, but that considerable work has yet to be done in terms of promoting inclusiveness and the sustainability of OER. Thus, the full implementation of UNESCO's recommendation requires a greater commitment on the part of librarians to joint actions undertaken via international networks and projects, as well as greater institutional commitment and the building of interdepartmental alliances.

Involving the global issues as listed in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education is necessarily done in the education process, especially in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. Exposure to global issues is known to improve students' understanding, awareness, and ability to solve urgent issues faced by global society. This paper aims to find out the trend of research on the coverage of SDGs in students' learning process. This systematic literature analysis was done by applying Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Method. A total of 25 studies were recognized through a systematic search by using Sustainability, SDGs, and EFL as keywords. The result shows that the trend of associating SDGs with EFL settings was done mostly in Indonesia. In the recent year 2022, it reached the highest number of studies in the particular matter with 7 total of research. It was also found that the study involving SDGs on EFL learning was mostly done in the tertiary setting, compared with K-12, junior high school, secondary, high school, and other educational institutions. It was also discovered that the specific area of study enhances EFL students' learning achievement, environmental awareness, global citizen values, as well as students' levels of self-norms, beliefs, and self-value.

This study explores the transformative journey of higher education towards smart universities, emphasizing integrating cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and biometric systems. This evolution responds to the evolving demands of society, aiming to significantly enhance the educational experience while reimagining campus life and community involvement. It sheds light on the creation of immersive, interactive, and personalized learning landscapes that accommodate a diverse array of student requirements, including those with disabilities, setting a new standard in educational inclusivity. The discourse extends to the pivotal role of smart campuses, which are instrumental in forging safer, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable educational realms. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of digital platforms in nurturing social bonds and community engagement, especially through the potent medium of alumni networks. By transitioning into centers of innovation and technological excellence, universities are equipping students for a future shaped by technology. The review highlights the transition's challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need to balance technological advancements with human-centric values, ensure equitable technology access, and maintain privacy. It presents the rise of smart universities as a pivotal step towards more interconnected, intelligent, and sustainable communities, significantly influencing education and societal development.

Ensuring equity in education is a goal for sustainable development. Among the factors that hinder equity, socioeconomic status (SES) has the highest impact on learning Mathematics. This paper addresses the issue of equity at the secondary school level by proposing an approach based on adopting automatic formative assessment (AFA). Carefully designed mathematical activities with interactive feedback were experimented with a sample of 299 students of grade 8 for a school year. A control group of 257 students learned the same topics using traditional methodologies. Part of the sample belonged to low SES. The learning achievement was assessed through pre-and post-tests to understand if the adoption of AFA impacted learning and whether the results depended on the students' SES. The results show a positive effect of the experimentation (effect size: 0.42). Moreover, the effect size of the experimentation restricted to the low-SES group is high (0.77). In the treatment group, the results do not depend on SES, while in the control group, they do, suggesting that AFA is an equitable approach while traditional instruction risks perpetuating inequalities.

The accelerated adoption of distance learning in post-pandemic times has resulted in increasing research publications and review studies in a short time. This necessitates the exploration of a large corpus of academic publications for effective distance learning and learning strategies. As distance learning stakeholders have assimilated the transactional approach to understanding distance learning, transactional distance theory (TDT) is relevant to understand ways to reduce the distance between learners and educators for maximum effectiveness of distance learning. Our study applies TDT to review distance learning from a supply perspective and as a tool to ensure the improved quality of distance learning. This paper has two key contributions: we have presented evidence synthesis and conducted a foresight exercise. Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, 275 documents published between 1994 and 2022 were identified for review. Our analysis revealed patterns, relationships, and trends in the application of TDT in various distance learning contexts. Most TDT research is conducted in social sciences (83.7%), with computer science accounting for 42.6% of the studies. The course materials' structure and design have also received considerable attention, with around 40.0% of the research focused on this area. For distance learning, studies revolve around factors such as student engagement, satisfaction, and TDT, which examine the distance between learners and instructors in various learning environments. Through systematic review and metaanalysis, we identify the three thematic areas in TDT research on distance learning. We have chartered themes on the effect of alternate design distance learning platforms on learner success, pushing the development boundaries in distance learning success through TDT, and the practical processes for designing successful distance learning courses via TDT-based pedagogical frameworks. In doing so, we streamline research in TDT and distance learning thematically and provide insight into further work. In addition, this study analyzed the relationships between sustainable development goal (SDG) and TDT literature. The co-citation analysis suggested that the strongest links were observed between education and innovation (SDG 4 and SDG 9), followed by education and gender equality (SDG 4 and SDG 5).

English education in Japan has traditionally focused on grammar over communication, and the country has struggled to compete internationally in terms of English proficiency scores. As the country works toward the internationalization of higher education, improving English education is an important issue. One potential solution is the use of topics that elicit students' interest and make them feel like part of the international community. This paper explored the use of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a topic due to their global importance and position, along with English, as a key to furthering the global citizenship of Japan's youth. Because of the substantial number of SDGs, not all goals can be realistically addressed in a single course. Therefore, to find topics tailored to students' interests in sustainability, this study examined the relationship between student interest in sustainability, International Posture (IP), and personal connection to SDGs. A survey was given to 266 first-year university students in general education English classes. A separate multiple regression analysis was conducted for the target variable, "Topic Interest" within English class for each goal, to determine how the effects and significance of variables differed for each SDG. Results showed that the IP subscale, "Intergroup Approach Tendency," was significant for 14 and "Personal Value" was significant for 16 of the goals. For internationally minded students engaged in the study of English as a foreign language, the SDGs could be a useful motivational tool.

The review article presents an analysis of the literature on environmental literacy in sustainable development. By utilizing techniques to examine multiple documents published between 2013 and 2023, including citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, subject area analysis, and keyword analysis, this study aims to provide valuable information and insights into the research landscape surrounding environmental literacy and its contribution to promoting sustainable development. A systematic search was conducted to gather several scientific articles, conference papers, and publications from the Scopus database from 2013 to 2023. The findings of this analysis shed light on authors, influential institutions, and active research groups that contributed to the study of environmental literacy and sustainable development. This comprehensive review offers an understanding of the state of research in this field while identifying areas for further exploration and research gaps. The insights gained from this study can be highly beneficial for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to advance knowledge and take action toward promoting literacy's role in sustainable development. This analysis is a foundation for advancing our understanding of literacy's significance while emphasizing its vital role in sustainable development efforts.

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South Asian region is extremely vulnerable to climate change which hampers its attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study explores how sustainable development of South Asian nations is affected by the clean or renewable energy consumption, globalization, population growth and deliberative democracy. To tackle the effects of shocks within the cross-sectional units as well as to account for endogeneity, this study utilizes Common Correlated Effects Mean Group-Generalized Method of Moments (CCE-GMM) estimation technique proposed by Neal (2015). Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCE-MG) of Pesaran 2006 and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) by Eberhardt and Teal (2010) and Eberhardt and Bond (2009) techniques are also utilized as robustness checks. The empirical results reveal that the consumption of renewable or clean energy can significantly and positively affect sustainable development, implying that deploying clean energy technologies is helpful to achieve SDG agenda in South Asia. Population growth is found to be hampering sustainable development while deliberative democracy ensures this development. The impact of globalization on sustainable development was found to be negative yet insignificant. Bidirectional causal relationship was discovered between sustainable development and renewable energy, between population and sustainable development, between deliberative democracy and sustainable development and between deliberative democracy and globalization. Finally, the study provides policy directions to achieve sustainable development in South Asia via enhanced integration of renewable energy in the region's energy mix., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

As a typical practice of regional innovation policy, national innovation demonstration zones (NIIDZ) plays an important role in empowering green technology innovation. Analyzing the internal logic between NIIDZ and green technology innovation is of great practical significance to enhance China's independent innovation capability and accelerate the ecological civilization construction. Based on the panel data of 280 cities from 2005 to 2020, we use the difference-in-difference model (DID) to evaluate the policy effect of NIIDZ on green technology innovation from the dual perspective of quality and quantity. The results show that NIIDZ effectively contributes to the quantity of green technology innovation (GTI) and the quality of green technology innovation (GTQ), especially GTI. The conclusion is still valid after robustness tests like PSM-DID and eliminating the pilot interference of innovative cities. The test of the intermediary mechanism shows that regional innovation policy can not only directly drive GTI and GTQ but also indirectly promote them through accelerating talent gather, driving industrial clusters, and increasing government financial support. Spatial heterogeneity analysis indicates that the effectiveness of regional innovation policy demonstrates a decreasing trend from east to west, and this positive effect is more significant in cities with a higher level of financial development. Our results provide important policy insights for the Chinese government to further stimulate the effectiveness of green innovation in the NIIDZ, accelerate the construction of an innovative country, and achieve high-quality green economic development., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

It is extremely difficult for emerging economies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in order to close this policy gap, a comprehensive policy framework is needed. The purpose of this research is to determine the proportional impacts of domestic and foreign capital to environmental degradation in newly industrialized nations (NICs). For this reason, panel data methodology is used to evaluate, for the years 1991 to 2018, how the ecological footprint is affected by stock market capitalization, foreign direct investment, economic growth, urbanization, and energy intensity. Using the squared terms of stock market capitalization and foreign direct investment, respectively, it is also looked at whether domestic and foreign capital may have non-linear effects on the environment. According to the empirical findings, whereas local capital growth worsens the environment, increasing international capital prevents environmental degradation. There is an inverted U-shaped link between domestic capital and environmental degradation in the event of non-linearity, but foreign capital has a monotonically declining effect on environmental degradation. The study outcomes are utilized to design a policy framework to address the objectives of SDG 7, SDG 11, and SDG 13., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Every country intends to enhance national production by achieving sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to examine whether there exists any long-run association among environmental deterioration measured by territorial emissions in CO 2 , demographic factors (total population, population density, and urban population) and some other variables, namely, energy use, per capita income, energy intensity, and industrial value added for the 16 countries from the Middle East and North African (MENA) over 1990-2018. We implemented the generalized method of moments (GMM), fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), robust least square estimators, and panel Granger causality techniques for estimation. The empirical estimates reveal that there exists a long run cointegration among the series. Results also exhibit that energy use, per capita income, energy intensity, industrial value added, population density, total population, and urban population have positive effects on CO 2 emissions. Furthermore, in each panel, there is bi-directional causality between population density and CO 2 emissions, total population and CO 2 emissions, and urban population and CO 2 emissions. These findings suggest that the policymakers need not exclusively to focus on the transformation of rural labor from an agricultural-based model to urban regions with powerful, dominant industry and services sectors but also related to the changing of rural establishments into urban spaces is required. These changes in demographics involve changes in the demand for additional transportation services, food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Under the sustainability strategy, a company's ability to enhance its financing capacity through improvements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance is crucial for fostering high-quality development. This study empirically examines the impact of corporate ESG performance on commercial credit financing (CCF) using data from China's A-share listed companies between 2009 and 2021. The findings of the panel regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between a company's ESG performance and CCF. Further analysis of the influencing mechanisms indicates that a company's ESG performance can increase its likelihood of obtaining CCF by reducing environmental, social, and governance risks. Specifically, we found that ESG performance facilitates access to CCF by promoting green innovation, enhancing social reputation, and mitigating operational risk. This study expands and enriches the theory of informal financing of enterprises while incorporating the more comprehensive assessment criteria for sustainable development., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

There has been a call on policy makers in the African continent to formulate and implement initiatives that help to realise some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), due to the low performance of the continent in terms of meeting the targets of the SDGs. Because of this, the study sought to investigate how banks' financial outreach and intermediation contribute to sustainable development in the continent. Information was collected on 34 African economies for a period of 11 years spanning from 2010 to 2020. The study employed the two-step system generalised method of moments technique to estimate the findings. It was discovered that financial outreach has a significant positive and negative relationship with sustainable development, depending on the indicator used to measure outreach. On various dimensions, financial outreach had a negative influence on carbon dioxide emissions, a positive impact on economic sustainability, and an inverse relationship with social sustainability. It was also revealed that financial innovation has a significant negative link with sustainable development in Africa. Additionally, the findings revealed that both financial outreach and innovation serve as moderating variables in the finance/development nexus. The study recommends that governments and policy makers in various African countries work together with financial service providers to ensure fair, flexible, and alluring interest rates on loans to the underprivileged, disadvantaged ones in society, and vulnerable businesses to smooth their consumption and boost their businesses., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) enable the affordable, easy, rapid, and reliable detection of a range of analytes at the point-of-care. Cellulose is a versatile substrate for antibody attachment. However, how immunoreagents are immobilized onto cellulose plays an important role in assay performance. To provide an overview of the different antibody immobilization strategies used for developing PADs, we here critically review the existing literature from the last decade (2013–2023). First, we introduce cellulose as a substrate and summarize the different fabrication techniques for developing PADs. Thereafter, we delve into how antibodies are immobilized onto cellulose passively, covalently, or by affinity linkage. Affinity-based immobilization is further explored in a case study focused on using recombinant bifunctional proteins with cellulose-binding modules to anchor immunoreagents to cellulose. The final section discusses the validation and sustainable development of PADs addressing the existing and future challenges associated with developing such devices. [Display omitted] • Strategies for antibody immobilization onto cellulose substrates are reviewed. • Immobilizing antibodies in a site-selective manner improves analytical performance. • Cellulose requires modification before antibodies can be covalently attached to it. • Cellulose-binding modules facilitate antibody attachment onto unmodified cellulose. • Future challenges of developing sustainable paper-based immunoassays are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In school systems around the world, there is an increasing focus on students' academic achievement. The challenge of how to improve schools is an important issue for all levels in the school system. However, a central question of both practical and theoretical relevance is how it is possible to understand why (or why not) school-development efforts are successful. The purpose of this article is to explore the ecology of local school development through the case of a medium-sized municipality in Sweden, based on empirical data from two follow-up research projects. The analytical framework draws from organisational theory and new institutional theory, where focus is directed towards how different sub-systems of the school organisation interact with and respond to aspects of development work and the implications for outcomes of school-development initiatives. Findings show that great investment of resources from the central level in the local school organisation necessarily does not lead to changes in teaching practice. School-development initiatives are unlikely to be successful unless they engage and re-couple the involved sub-systems. Finally, we discuss how the introduction of Expert Teachers as a new sub-system has the ability to work as a link between other sub-systems and to promote school development.

Milk is considered a complete meal that requires supervision to determine its suitability for human consumption. The development of sustainable devices that evaluate food properties has gained importance due to the necessity of integrating these instruments into the production chain. However, the materials employed to develop it, such as polymers, semiconductors, and glass, lack sustainability and require specialized equipment to fabricate them. Different chemical techniques have been used to miniaturize these detection systems such as microfluidics, which have been used in milk component detection using colorimetry. In this work, a cantilever beam paper-based microfluidic system is proposed to evaluate differences in milk, according to nutritional information, using its electromechanical response. A 20-microliter milk drop is deposited in the system, which induces hygroexpansion and deflection due to liquid transport within the paper. Likewise, a conductive path is added on the beam top surface to supply a constant current that induces heat to evaporate the solution. According to the results obtained, it is possible to point out differences between trademarks with this microfluidic system. The novelty of this system relies on the paper electromechanical response that integrates the hygroexpansion-induced displacement, which can be used for further applications such as milk microtesters instead of colorimetric tests that use paper as a property-evaluation platform in combination with chemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The raison d'être for psychotherapy 1 is to address individual suffering and distress. The sustainable development goals address suffering and distress on a global scale in the context of threats to the survival of our communities and planet., Objective: We propose scaling up therapeutic principles for collective impact and nurturing therapist commitment beyond the therapy room, to activate and sustain compassion-in-action at the community system level., Design: The SDGs represent the strength of collective human concern and action coming together. At the half-way point, we are falling dangerously short of our targets, requiring an urgent response. The tenet of this paper is that the weakest link in our journey is not technical capability or finances, or even the impact of multiple intersecting crises, but our ability to collaborate for sustained action-it is the human factor-hence, we need a psychologically informed response., Method: Notably, least 'visible' is SDG17, the umbrella goal designated means of implementation, through partnership. Partnership has been treated as a transactional element of SDG projects, rather than the vital heartbeat connecting daily actions to the 2030 vision. Partnership is about investing in relationships and a commitment to working together with a common purpose-the bailiwick of psychological therapists., Results: We propose an architecture to support the development of courageous partnerships and compassionate systems., Conclusion: Compassion uniquely potentiates global action on wicked problems., (© 2024 The Authors. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The British Psychological Society.)

The main rule included in IPPC directive (Directive 96/61/EC) obligating installation owners to operate in the sustainable way in order to reduce the impact on the environment. Water resources are limited, therefore many industries, in particular in water-stressed areas, must invest in water-saving programs. In particular, this problem applies to paper plants, which should limit their consumption of fresh water. However, the main environmental consequence in the production of pulp and paper refers not only to the consumption of water resources, but also to the emission of wastewater resulting from the production process. This paper focuses on the concept of sustainable management of water and wastewater. The proposed approach is demonstrated with a case study. The different treatment facilities option has been tested to find the optimal solution to minimalize consumption of fresh water and reduce effluent loads. The optimal water-wastewater configuration was found by testing several configurations. We concluded that striving for a nearly full circulation loop closure is not always justified by sustainable development and should be assessed in an integrated way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of lignin-based admixtures (LBAs) for cement-based composites is an alternative to valorizing residual lignins generated in biorefineries and pulp and paper mills. Consequently, LBAs have become an emerging research domain in the past decade. This study examined the bibliographic data on LBAs through a scientometric analysis and in-depth qualitative discussion. For this purpose, 161 articles were selected for the scientometric approach. After analyzing the articles' abstracts, 37 papers on developing new LBAs were selected and critically reviewed. Significant publication sources, frequent keywords, influential scholars, and contributing countries in LBAs research were identified during the science mapping. The LBAs developed so far were classified as plasticizers, superplasticizers, set retarders, grinding aids, and air-entraining admixtures. The qualitative discussion revealed that most studies have focused on developing LBAs using Kraft lignins from pulp and paper mills. Thus, residual lignins from biorefineries need more attention since their valorization is a relevant strategy for emerging economies with high biomass availability. Most studies focused on production processes, chemical characterizations, and primary fresh-state analyses of LBA-containing cement-based composites. However, to better assess the feasibility of using different LBAs and encompass the multidisciplinarity of this subject, it is mandatory that future studies also evaluate hardened-sate properties. This holistic review offers a helpful reference point to early-stage researchers, industry professionals, and funding authorities on the research progress in LBAs. It also contributes to understanding the role of lignin in sustainable construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global push for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires countries to adopt sustainable energy sources, address energy poverty and promote energy security. Nigeria is grappling with an energy crisis, and the recently enacted Climate Change Act 2021 offers the prospect of addressing this while advancing energy sustainability. The study evaluates the Act's potential in promoting energy security and global net-zero carbon emissions. Nigeria faces challenges in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and combating climate change, prompting countries to take domestic and international measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through doctrinal legal research and conceptual analysis, the study examines Nigeria's Climate Change Act, proposing solutions to enhance its commitment to global net-zero carbon emissions. It conducts a comparative legal analysis of climate change frameworks in Kenya, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing insights and suggesting reforms to Nigeria's Act for Energy Security. While the existing laws are adequate, weak enforcement by regulatory agencies and a lack of political will hinder compliance. Public awareness regarding individual contributions to climate change is also lacking. The study recommends increased funding for regulatory institutions and proactive public awareness. Complying with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal 13 is vital for a sustainable energy future., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: This pilot study sought to map the alignment of publications in JBI Evidence Synthesis to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (global health and well-being) and to understand JBI authors' awareness of and engagement with the goals. This will contribute to a larger-scale analysis to assist the JBI Collaboration in engaging with and working toward achieving the SDGs., Introduction: In 2015, the United Nations agreed on 17 SDGs as the central framework for sustainable development worldwide. However, in the wake of the global pandemic, the 2030 SDG agenda is in jeopardy due to multiple cascading and intersecting crises. The Global Commission on Evidence has urged the evidence community to consider how it might more meaningfully contribute to the evidence architecture. As we pass the midway point to the SDG 2030 target date, it is timely to reflect on the contribution of those in the evidence synthesis community to achieving these important global objectives., Methods: A 2-phase study was conducted utilizing desktop audit methods. SDG 3 targets were mapped across systematic and scoping reviews published in JBI Evidence Synthesis using established key terms, followed by a brief author survey and thematic analysis., Results: The results of this pilot study indicate that 28.5% of syntheses published in JBI Evidence Synthesis address 11 of the 13 targets of SDG 3. SDGs are not currently a priority consideration for most JBI Evidence Synthesis authors, but there is a desire to learn more and integrate the goals into their prioritization processes., Conclusions: While this was only a small pilot study, it is indicative of a need to reset and recommit to mutual global agendas to transform the evidence ecosystem, and to maximize the limited resources available in order to truly have a global impact on health outcomes., (Copyright © 2023 JBI.)

Universities are rethinking their teaching and research programs and their whole third mission in response to the framework provided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But how do universities walk the talk? What are the main strategies and activities undertaken by universities to implement the 2030 Agenda? While the higher education literature has documented the growing number of practices and strategies around SDGs, there have been few attempts to synthesize these scholarly resources. Moreover, the knowledge base revolves around an array of activities, which makes the literature seem fragmented. To fill this gap, the present paper conducts a systematic literature review and derives a method of categorizing activities that can support further knowledge growth. We classified 130 selected papers based on the type of university activities considered (research, teaching, third mission, and managing operations) and the level of the implemented action (macro, meso, and micro). Subsequently, we identified the main gaps in the literature and discussed future research avenues for addressing higher education's role in accomplishing SDGs.

Purpose - Demanding customers, legislation and raw materials shortages in the modern world have forced companies to minimize the system's environmental impact. The paper seeks to analyze the economic impact of blending in sustainable paper industries in countries such as India. Design/methodology/approach - A linear programming model for a paper supply chain is proposed to minimize paper manufacturing cost by optimally blending wood pulp and after-use paper under various conventional supply chain constraints. The issues of quality, environmental concern and reusability in the paper industry have also been taken into account. Findings - Improving quality of after-use paper by proper recovery network reduces the manufacturing cost. Increasing proportion of wood fiber in the finished paper decreases the cost, even at the cost of degradation in the environment. Thus, it is up to the manufacturer to reflect its degree of environmental concern to the government and society by assigning appropriate environmental and quality opportunity costs in the model. Research limitations/implications - Difficulty in obtaining the estimates of the environmental and quality cost is a major limitation of the study. Practical implications - This research provides manufacturers with a simple mathematical model to compare the economic feasibility of blending wood pulp and after-use paper depending on the market situation. Originality/value - The major contribution of the model is its capability to study the economic impact of blending by considering some of the important sustainable development issues like environment, quality, shortage, and reusability under one objective function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of Education for Sustainable Development is a complex social phenomenon. This research aims to suggest ways to strengthen the implementation of ESD, identifying the factors affecting pre-service teachers' intention of implementing ESD. To this end, the author focused on revealing the different combinations of conditions predicting Korean pre-service teachers' intention to implementing education for sustainable development (ESD). The research method is the fuzzy sets qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) using the set-theoretic relations, starting from the premise that social phenomena have causal complexity characteristics. An analysis of 245 valid questionnaires from Korean pre-service teachers resulted in three main findings. The author suggested that teacher education institutions need to include content related to ESD in the teacher education curriculum so that pre-service teachers can cultivate positive attitudes toward ESD and improve their self-efficacy in student engagement and instruction in the context of ESD. [This paper was presented at the 7th International Conference on Lifelong Education and Leadership for All (ICLEL).]