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This review provides an overview on the fate and behavior of imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, in agricultural environments. The study focuses on four key aspects: adsorption and leaching of imidacloprid in soil, degradation and hydrolysis of imidacloprid in soil and water, uptake and persistence of imidacloprid in plants, and volatilization of imidacloprid to the atmosphere. The review presents the latest findings from research on each of these topics. While imidacloprid is highly effective at controlling pests, it is also known to persist in the environment, posing risks to non-target organisms such as bees, birds, and aquatic life. Moreover, there is increasing concern about its potential to accumulate in the soil and water systems, which may have long-term effects on the ecosystem. The review suggests that better understanding of the behavior and fate of imidacloprid in agricultural environments is essential for developing effective strategies to minimize its environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular spectroscopic and nonlinear features can indicate positive changes by solvent molecules. In this work, DFT and spectroscopic techniques were used to study the polarity effects of different solvent environments. Polarity-based models were used for studying solvent induced interactions on the optical features of new groups of biomolecules. Despite the significant contribution of general effects on the molecular absorption spectra, there is considerable competition between general and specific environmental effects on the molecular emission properties. Under this condition, strong hydrogen bonds tend to increase molecular nonlinear responses. The same results were observed for the low order (first and second order) nonlinearity of biomolecules. Therefore, the studies on the environment effects on the biomolecules' first order nonlinearity can give valuable information about higher-order optical responses. Moreover, 1-Indanone compounds with high nonlinearity can be considered as an effective element in designing optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a novel Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanocomposite was prepared by a simple ultrasonic method by combining Ti3C2 MXene and Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and was used for the remediation of malachite green (MG) dye, as an example of an organic pollutant, from the environment through photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation. A wide variety of techniques were used to characterize the synthesized Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanohybrid, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), surface area analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in addition to the optical properties and band gap analysis. The results showed that the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase's Al layer was successfully selectively etched, resulting in the two-dimensional layered Ti3C2 MXene (average diameter of 78 nm). Additionally, the results revealed the preparation of the cubic Fe3O4 phase (average particle size of 11 nm), which was distributed homogeneously on the Ti3C2 MXene surface, as indicated by XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis. Moreover, the Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanophotocatalyst exhibits good visible light absorption ability under visible light (> 420 nm) due to its huge surface area, excellent conductivity, and sufficient quantity of active sites, and the accessibility of all elements required for effective photocatalysis. Accordingly, under 300 min of visible light exposure, the Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanophotocatalyst successfully photodegraded MG dye more efficiently than the pure MXene with a removal percentage of 95.4% with 0.5 g/L loading. Overall, the current study has shown that the Fe3O4@Ti3C2 MXene nanophotocatalyst has the potential to be a valuable photocatalyst for exceptionally efficient wastewater treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass beads laid on the road, mainly used for better visibility, can contribute to harmful anthropogenic waste to the marine environment, and it is a prerequisite to distinguish the chemical properties associated with it. This is the first systematic approach and evaluation of the toxic and non-toxic characteristics of the glass beads from the Indian coastal region (Goa state), which originated from the wearing of road paint over a period. Glass beads ranging from a few hundred to ~ 1000 µm were found on various beaches far from the roadside throughout the coastal state. Examination of these glass beads revealed the possible contribution of toxic elements such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and barium beyond the global regulatory limit. Mercury and other analyzed elements are within acceptable limits. However, a quantitative assessment of their environmental impact indicates that glass beads can impact the marine ecosystem and increase the background level of environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has assessed total soil organic carbon (TOC) fractions, carbon management index (CMI), and carbon sequestration economic value under diverse land use systems (LUSs) of sub-humid Southern plains of Rajasthan, India. The study dealt with six LUSs: barren land (BL), agricultural land (AL), agri-horticulture (AH), horticultural land (HL), grassland (GL), and natural forest land (FL) were selected for the study. FL contained the highest TOC (13.04 ± 0.74 g kg−1), particulate organic carbon (POC) (2.2 ± 0.19 g kg−1), mineral-associated organic carbon (MAC) (10.84 ± 0.54 g kg−1), and CMI (230.36 ± 4.13), whereas BL had the lowest amount of TOC (3.53 ± 0.4 g kg−1), POC (0.47 ± 0.06 g kg−1), MAC (3.06 ± 0.32 g kg−1), and CMI (54.60 ± 4.2). The impact of LUSs on soil carbon lability index (LI) was minimal in all LUSs except FL exhibited statistically insignificant variations in LI. TOC stock showed the highest decline in BL (71.04%), AL (55.29%), AH (44.38%), and HL (25.92%) uses compared with the FL system. Different LUSs result in varying amounts of carbon stocks, representing the relative carbon credit gain. The maximum carbon credit was achieved by FL, which was roughly US $49,303 and 245% higher than BL. These results indicate the reinstatement of BL and AL towards HL and AH systems, and effective recycling of residues could improve the TOC storage in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the consumer decision-making process related to the disposal of goods. To achieve this, we developed an integrative model that combines theoretical approaches to consumer decision-making, a taxonomy of disposal decisions, and studies on the disposal behavior of goods with utilitarian, hedonic, and emotional value. Data for this study were collected through interviews using semi-structured scripts and the administration of forms. Subsequently, the collected data underwent content analysis, employing predefined and emergent categories, as well as descriptive statistics. The main outcome of this research is the proposed model of the consumer decision-making process for the disposal of goods. Specifically, the study emphasizes the importance of assigning residual value to goods as an intermediate step before selecting an alternative disposal method. Additionally, it identifies the post-discard evaluation, where individuals reflect on their decision and assess whether the outcome was satisfactory, leading to positive or negative feelings and emotions. Furthermore, this research sheds light on novel factors that influence the decision to discard goods. These factors encompass both environmental and individual influencers, as well as attributes associated with the goods themselves, such as altruism, visual discomfort, and the desire for a cleaner space. This article contributes to the field with its scientific value and originality, as it adopts an integrative approach to understanding consumer behavior regarding the disposal of goods. Notably, this study is the first of its kind conducted within public universities in a developing country. It specifically addresses the promotion of conscious consumption and responsible disposal of obsolete goods in the marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the linkage between real earnings management (REM); environmental, social, and governance performance (ESGP); financial performance (FP); and total enterprise value (TEV). This study employs multiple methods to accomplish its goals, such as the algorithm of PLS-SEM, regression analyses, and additional analyses. The results confirm that firms adopting the REM strategy are likely to have lower ESGP and TEV, whereas those adopting the ESG strategy are likely to have higher TEV and FP. Using moderated mediation analysis, we also find that ESGP and FP mediate the relationship between REM strategies and TEV. This finding underscores the significance of ESGP and FP as crucial aspects that should not be disregarded when seeking to enhance firm value. The results also suggest a moderate impact of FP on the connection between ESGP and TEV. This finding implies that FP plays a crucial role in enhancing the connection between a firm's ESGP and its TEV. This study contributes to the current literature by elucidating the effect of REM and ESG strategies on a firm's total value, which is a subject that has received limited attention thus far. Additionally, this study examines the moderated mediation effects, offering valuable insights to decision-makers in organizations. These insights can aid in the ongoing improvement process and promote sustainability. Furthermore, the results may affect trading processes and financing facilities because investors and financiers are expected to pay more attention to companies that care closely about sound strategies to achieve attractive financial yields from their investments or financing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cultured meat is produced by cultivating animal cells in a bioreactor in a culture medium that provides nutrients and growth factors. Among other animal sera, fetal bovine serum (FBS) has traditionally been the most common used in the culture medium of mammalian cell cultures, i.e., 10% FBS medium that contains 10% FBS and 90% DMEM/F12 (v/v). As the aim of cultured meat is to replace livestock production, animal component-free culture media needs to be developed. Methods: We analyzed the environmental impact of replacing the 10% FBS culture medium with serum substitutes, i.e., growth factors, Essential 8™, protein hydrolysates from egg-white, eggshell membrane, poultry residues, pork plasma, and pea concentrate, and Tri-basal 2.0 + ITS medium that contains fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), fetuin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and insulin transferrin selenium (ITS). Life cycle assessment with a cradle-to-gate approach was used to quantify global warming potential, freshwater and marine eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, land use, water consumption, fossil resource scarcity, particulate matter formation, cumulative energy demand, and ozone formation of preparing 1-L culture medium. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the impact changes under various production conditions including variations in the impact allocation strategy, production location, and energy sourcing. Results and discussion: The 2% FBS medium (2% FBS, 96% DMEM/F12, and 2% growth factors (v/v)) reduced all environmental impacts where marine eutrophication had the highest reduction (77%), while land use was the least affected with a reduction of 6%. The Tri-basal 2.0 + ITS and protein hydrolysates media reduced most of the analyzed environmental impacts. Protein hydrolysates from egg-white had the lowest environmental impacts reducing 81% global warming potential, 28% water consumption, 59% fossil scarcity, 87% eutrophying emissions, 91% terrestrial acidification, 82% particulate matter, and 70% ozone formation, compared to FBS-containing medium. Land use and energy demand were reduced the most by 17 and 37%, respectively, when the 10% FBS medium was replaced with the Tri-basal 2.0 + ITS medium. Conclusions: Changing the input of FBS in culture media from 10 to 2% (v/v) reduced all studied environmental impacts. Further reductions were achieved when FBS was totally replaced by basal media DMEM/F12, Essential 8™, protein hydrolysates, and recombinant growth factors. Land use was the least reduced, as it was driven by starch extraction to produce glucose for the DMEM/F12 basal medium. Culture medium with protein hydrolysates from egg-white achieved the highest impact reductions compared with the FBS-containing medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskites have recently emerged as a promising class of materials with a wide range of applications, including solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and catalysts. In addition, perovskites have demonstrated significant potential for water decontamination due to their tunable properties and facile synthesis. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of perovskites, including their preparation techniques, crystal structure, and electronic properties. The article also highlights the various applications of perovskites, with a particular focus on their use in water decontamination. The different types of perovskites for water decontamination, including simple, substituted, and doped perovskites, as well as nanoscopic and supported perovskites, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the article addresses the beneficial costs of perovskites and the environmental impacts associated with their use, including toxicity and end-of-life management. The aim of this review article is to provide a broad perspective on perovskites and their potential for water decontamination, as well as future prospects and challenges in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja, an endemic tree with a scattered distribution in subtropical China, are rich in flavonoids with beneficial, health-promoting properties. To understand the impact of environment and genetic similarity on the variation pattern of flavonoids in this species, we analyzed C. paliurus germplasm resources from 26 different populations previously sampled from the main distribution area. Environmental, genetic and biochemical data was associated by genetic structure analysis, non-parametric tests, correlation analysis and principal component analysis. We found that populations with higher flavonoid contents were distributed at higher elevations and latitudes and fell into two groups with similar genetic diversities. Significant accumulations of isoquercitrin and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside were detected in the higher flavonoid-content resources. In addition, the genetic clusters with higher flavonoid contents exhibited broader environmental-adaptive capacities. Even in the presence of environmental factors promoting C. paliurus flavonoid accumulation, only those populations having a specific level of genetic similarity were able to exploit such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of total polyphenol content (TPC) in the grain could provide insights into the conditions during maturation and might also serve as an indicator of the grain's ability to germinate in the malting process or as seeds in the field. Varieties with higher natural TPC content might exhibit better germination parameters both in the field and in the malt house. This study investigates the relationship between TPC and seed germination characteristics i.e. seed vigour in four spring barley varieties over two years, considering diverse environmental conditions and exposure to drought conditions. The evaluation of seed germination characteristics in barley, with a focus on the root length and average diameter under drought conditions (−0.5 MPa) and suboptimal temperature (10 °C), was conducted. Drought conditions were induced using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000). After durations of seven and fourteen days, the germinated seeds from the Petri dishes were scanned and subjected to analysis using WinRHIZO software following the metrics: Len 7, Len 14 (root length after seven and fourteen days in cm) and AvgD 7, AvgD 14 (root diameter after seven and fourteen days in mm). The findings support our initial hypothesis, indicating a variety-specific relationship between seed germination characteristics and increased TPC, where higher germination parameters might be associated with elevated TPC levels in some barley varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper solid waste management in urban and semi-urban areas has led to adverse impacts on the environment, public health, and the economic well-being of communities. Therefore, this study analyzes the status of household solid waste management practices and their effects in Logia Town, Afar, Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study utilizes both descriptive and econometric models (binary logistic regression model). The descriptive results of the study revealed that there is general awareness of the importance of solid waste management (SWM) and its impact on the environment, economy, and human health among the respondents. Regarding respondents' attitudes, the majority of households understand the responsibility of proper waste disposal and its impact. However, in terms of solid waste management practices, 80% of households do not properly segregate their waste, 59.3% do not separate solid waste (SW) before disposal, and 74% of households engage in improper disposal practices. About 95.9% of respondents were aware that improper waste management can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. Around 65% of the sampled households considered solid waste as a source of wealth, and, as a result, 56% of them reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. This indicates that solid waste has economic value for society. Regarding the environmental impact of SW, about 89% of respondents argued that SW adversely affects the environment by polluting rivers, lakes, wells, and air. This environmental impact negatively affects the well-being and economic status of the community. The binary logistic regression model found that having adequate solid waste landfills, access to door-to-door solid waste collection, knowledge of SWM rules and regulations, treating waste as a resource, and understanding the 3Rs (recycle, reuse, reduce) had positive and significant effects on the adoption of proper solid waste management practices in the study area. Therefore, to reduce undesirable effects and improve the value of SW, the relevant authorities should provide adequate solid waste landfills and door-to-door collection services, create awareness about SWM rules and regulations, and promote knowledge of the 3Rs. Article highlights: Most residents in Logia Town, Afar, have poor waste management habits, with many dumping waste improperly. Awareness of solid waste issues is high, but recycling and reusing practices are underutilized. Households with better waste facilities and services, or who view waste as a resource, manage waste more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade or so, international agencies and scholarly research have identified "ecopreneurship" as one of the key mechanisms to synchronously equalise the pace of economic, environmental and social development across countries. However, progress has been slow. Within this context, the current study identified and built on research on the crucial role of education in increasing environmental awareness and enabling and enhancing people's inclination towards ecopreneurship. Furthermore, given the ineffectiveness of current education systems in fostering ecopreneurship, this study unearthed the fundamental role of lifelong education and learning in influencing positive environmental behaviour in society. Employing constructivist grounded theory, and using semi-structured interviews, the study sought input from twelve women living in India, aged between 25 and 45, who had at least a graduate level of education. Women were selected as participants due to research which has found they generally have stronger pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour than men. While the study findings led the authors to propose a unique and functional lifelong education and learning model which is applicable to current societal structures, they also shed light on how other regulatory and non-regulatory changes could contribute to the success of the model. Overall, the findings can be used for framing country-specific policies aimed at cultivating and fostering positive environmental behaviour, hence promoting and enhancing ecopreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is vital for meeting global renewable energy demands efficiently. Perovskite optical absorbers hold significant potential for high efficiency, innovative optoelectronic devices. Current study provides a detailed computational analysis to explore Potassium tin bromide (KSnBr3) as a possible absorber material for hybrid photovoltaic cell and its module by using density functional theory (DFT), solar capacitance simulator SCAPS-1D and PVSyst software. The structural, electronic, and optical properties of KSnBr3 were explored using mBJ potential in Quantum ESPRESSO. The proposed perovskite absorber has an energy band gap (Eg) of ~ 2.27 eV, showing strong potential for optoelectronic applications supported by its capability to absorb wide electromagnetic spectrum. Based on the optoelectronic properties a hybrid double absorber solar cell, Au-CuSbS2-FASnI3-KSnBr3-TiO2-AZO was designed and simulated in SCAPS-1D, incorporating TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL), CuSbS2 as hole transport layer (HTL) Formamidinium (FA) tin iodide CH(NH2)2SnI3 and KSnBr3 as active absorbers. The device performance was evaluated and optimized through variation in layers thickness, interface defects, bandgap tuning, metal work function, and temperature. The optimally yielded electrical parameters include a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.37%, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 31.4521 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.9406 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 79.60%. Single cell refined parameters were used in PVSyst to analyze the solar module. The optimized input produced a power output of 547.50 watts from a 72-cell module. The findings of this study are expected to advance the development of high-performance, environmentally sustainable solar cells and their modules with better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current context of climate change, marked by severe drought and heat stresses, we hypothesized that the trait plasticity, opposite of stability, could be an important mechanism of reaching adaptability and therefore enhancing resilience. To assess this, we tested 10 promising genotypes under three environments (E1, E2, and E3) for yield and its components: Number of Spikes per m2 (NS/m2), Number of Spikelets per Spike (NSpk/S), Number of Grains per Spikelet (NG/Spk), Number of Grains per Spike (NG/S), Number of Grains per m2 (NG/m2); and Thousand Grain Weight (TGW). A highly significant effect (p < 0.01) of the environment (E) was observed for all traits. Additionally, a significant effect (p < 0.05) of genotype (G) was identified in all traits except TGW. While a significant effect (p < 0.05) of genotype by environment interaction (G×E) was noted for NSpk/S and TGW. The stability and plasticity criteria were reported as a positive way to achieve adaptability when they reflect a high yielding potential of stable or plastic traits. As depicted by GGE- analysis, the best stable genotypes with high performance were Kharouba for NS/m2, NG/S, and NG/m2, Amal for NG/S, 15/42, Malika, and 90-55-17 for NSpk/S, Achtar for NG/Spk, and 15/49 for TGW. While the plastic genotypes with high performance were 15/42 for NS/m2, Achtar for NG/S and NG/m2, Amal for NSpk/S and NG/Spk, and 90–55-17 for TGW. These genotypes that combine stability or plasticity criteria with high yielding performances hold promise as potential genetic resources in breeding programs aiming to achieve desirable yield component structure for better adaptability and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The intricate connections between health and the environment are often overlooked globally, yet they play a pivotal role in shaping our well-being. Results: Astonishingly, environmental risk factors contribute to nearly 24% of the global disease burden, underscoring the critical impact of our surroundings on health. At the crossroads of this issue lies Diabetes, a rapidly growing non-communicable disease that highlights the delicate balance between human health and environmental sustainability. This epidemic offers a unique lens through which to explore how environmental factors contribute to the prevalence of Diabetes, revealing the complex interplay at work. Despite growing awareness, healthcare systems worldwide face challenges integrating environmental threats into more effective diabetes care strategies Conclusions: This perspective highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts and innovative solutions that address the environmental dimensions of diabetes management. Doing so can build healthier communities and pave the way for a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical training in heat or hypoxia can improve physical performance. The purpose of this parallel group study was to investigate the concurrent effect of training performed simultaneously in heat (31 °C) and hypoxia (FIO2 = 14.4%) on anaerobic capacity in young men. For the study, 80 non-trained men were recruited and divided into 5 groups (16 participants per group): control, non-training (CTRL); training in normoxia and thermoneutral conditions (NT: 21 °C, FIO2 = 20.95%); training in normoxia and heat (H: 31 °C, FIO2 = 20.95%); training in hypoxia and thermoneutral conditions (IHT: 21 °C, FIO2 = 14.4%), and training in hypoxia and heat (IHT + H: 31 °C, FIO2 = 14.4%). Before and after physical training, the participants performed the Wingate Test, in which peak power and mean power were measured. Physical training lasted 4 weeks and the participants exercised 3 times a week for 60 min, performing interval training. Only the IHT and IHT + H groups showed significant increases in absolute peak power (p < 0.001, ES = 0.36 and p = 0.02, ES = 0.26, respectively). There were no significant changes (p = 0.18) after training in mean power. Hypoxia appeared to be an environmental factor that significantly improved peak power, but not mean power. Heat, added to hypoxia, did not increase cycling anaerobic power. Also, training only in heat did not significantly affect anaerobic power. The inclusion of heat and/or hypoxia in training did not induce negative effects, i.e., a reduction in peak and mean power as measured in the Wingate Test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste management is a major concern for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The rapid urban development and the accelerating population growth have made solid waste management a sincere challenge. Globally, recycling has proved to be efficient in managing solid waste. Recycling reduces the amount of waste dumped in landfills, offers a cheap source of raw materials, and aids in sustaining the environment. Household recycling is sadly not widely adopted in Saudi Arabia Eastern Province. The participation rate of the public in the Eastern Province in recycling activities is still limited. This research aims to investigate the barriers to household recycling and to provide insights into the potential causes of low local population engagement in local recycling programs. A survey was used to collect raw data. The barriers were rated, and the overall score for each barrier was assessed using the relative importance index (RII). The results show that the two most crucial household recycling barriers are the lack of official recycling programs (84.5% RII) and insufficient recycling bins (84.1% RII). An ISM model of the barriers is also developed to explore the interrelationships among barriers at a deeper level. The ISM model suggests that, in addition to the above two barriers, the lack of convenient infrastructure, inefficient curbside collection, and lack of incentives/penalties are the additional barriers driving the public away from recycling. This work should present a road map for the local authorities to initiate vital recycling initiatives capable of attracting public attention to the importance of recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies and explores the key factors influencing the Malaysian public’s energy-conserving behaviors from adopting Solar-Plus-Storage (SPS) technology and their roles as mediators towards sustainable electricity consumption. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect quantitative data to statistically test the hypotheses in this explanatory research. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling with SPSS and SmartPLS software was used to examine data from 188 responses received. The results of the direct effects indicate the significant influence of the behavioral, technical, and environmental factors on consumers’ energy-conserving behaviors, consumers’ energy-conserving behaviors on sustainable electricity consumption, and the behavioral, technical, and environmental factors on sustainable electricity consumption. Meanwhile, the results of the mediation effects reveal that consumers’ energy-conserving behaviors mediated the influence of behavioral, financial, and environmental factors on sustainable electricity consumption. The findings can pave the way for policymakers to recognize the affordable prices of batteries and solar panels can accelerate the market uptake of the Solar-Plus-Storage system. Future studies should consider the impact of consumer environmental awareness from technology usage and explore more variables that affect consumers’ energy-conserving behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated reporting (IR) represents a cutting-edge model for sustainability reporting. Despite gaining traction in several countries, its acceptance in China remains limited, with research exploring its implementation within the Chinese context being notably sparse. Whether IR is a universally applicable reporting approach is under debate, but the context is deemed to influence the universality of IR adoption. Regrettably, context-specific research, especially concerning emerging markets such as China, is noticeably absent. This paper endeavours to address this gap, responding to the requests of IR scholars by examining the suitability of IR for China through a thorough consideration of wide-ranging national-level factors. A conceptual model, rooted in institutional theory, is presented to theorize the feasibility and necessity of IR in particular nations. To achieve the objectives of this study, a contextual analysis, comprising political, economic, social, and technological (PEST) analysis, coupled with content analysis, is employed. The PEST analysis evaluates factors uniquely relevant to the local Chinese environment, including cultural, economic, political, legal, international, social, and environmental aspects. Concurrently, content analysis is used to assess the alignment of Chinese firms' corporate reports with the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF) for the years 2012 and 2020. The findings suggest that in the Chinese context, IR is both feasible and necessary, affirming its applicability within the country. This research offers guidance for future studies similar to ours and serves as a roadmap for further IR research within China. The implications of this study will be of interest to both practitioners and regulatory bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the variables that might affect the ecological footprint by using 1992–2015 data of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The common correlated effects' mean group test was employed under the assumption of cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity. In Brazil, an increase in energy consumption, technological development, and globalization decreased the ecological footprint by 0.043, 0.031, and 0.050 units, respectively, while an increase in urbanization increased the ecological footprint by 0.716 units. In Russia, on the other hand, no interpretation could be made because the coefficients were meaningless. In India, it had been observed that an increase of one unit in urbanization reduced the ecological footprint by 0.269 units. In China, it had been determined that a 1-unit increase in energy consumption reduced the ecological footprint by 0.043 units. In South Africa, the results could not be interpreted because the coefficients were insignificant. The results obtained vary according to the countries that revealed that local policies can also be effective on these variables. Therefore, countries have to act by examining the structures on their own to implement the policies they needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is considered a prospective free-floating aquatic plant potentially used to address current issues on food, energy, and the environment. It can grow quickly and easily in various tropical and subtropical environments as long as it has access to adequate light and water to support photosynthetic growth. Ecosystems are threatened by their invasive growth and remarkable capacity for adaptation. However, managing this plant can result in valuable products. This paper demonstrates particle technologies that might be used to utilize water hyacinths, including brake pads, fertilizer, bioenergy, animal feed, phytoremediation agents, bioplastics, and adsorbents. This study is accompanied by a discussion based on the conducted experiments and currently available literature, providing readers with a clearer understanding. Water hyacinth's capacity to absorb macro- and micro-nutrients, nitrogen, and phosphorus makes it a good plant for phytoremediation. The prospect of producing cellulose makes it prospective as a biomass energy source and livestock feeding. Further, it can be transformed into high-cellulose content particles for applications in bioplastics, brake pads, and adsorbents. The current reports regarding education of water hyacinth to student also were added. Finally, issues and suggestions for future development related to the use of water hyacinths are discussed. This study is expected to provide comprehensive knowledge on how to turn invasive water hyacinth plants into valuable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental risks in wetlands are considered with radionuclides and trace elements to understand pollution accumulation. In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of radiation and heavy metals in water systems and assess pollution configurations. Radionuclides (222Rn, 210Pb and 210Po) and trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were measured to evaluate anthropogenic factors. Water pollution in wetlands was indicated by mean concentrations of 66.2 mBq/L for 222Rn, 3 mBq/L for 210Pb, 42 mBq/L for 210Po, 41 ppb for Zn, 37 ppb for Ba, 190 ppb for Fe and 481 ppb for Sr. These pollutants may be related to industrial facilities in Kırklareli city, Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal contamination in soil poses a significant environmental concern worldwide, necessitating effective remediation strategies such as phytoremediation. The present study investigated the effects of EDTA dosage (1.5 and 3 mmol kg−1) and two Trichoderma species (T. harzianum and T. aureoviride) on copper (Cu) content and growth of maize plants grown in a Cu-contaminated soil, as well as Cu fractionation in the soil. In the absence of EDTA, only inoculation with T. harzianum led to a significant increase in shoot biomass. Combining fungal inoculum with EDTA only yielded a significant increase in shoot biomass when using T. aureoviride at a low EDTA rate, highlighting the interplay between fungal species and EDTA rates on plant growth. Results also indicated that EDTA application increased Cu bioavailability, enhancing Cu dissolution and root (not shoot) Cu concentrations. Conversely, inoculation with both Trichoderma species reduced Cu mobility and bioavailability in soil, thereby decreasing the shoot Cu concentrations of plants. When combined with EDTA, only application of T. harzianum resulted in an enhanced shoot Cu concentration, whereas combined application of T. aureoviride and EDTA did not make a significant change compared to the corresponding control (no fungal inoculation, no EDTA), possibly due to a lower compatibility of the T. aureoviride isolate with EDTA. Our results demonstrated that EDTA application, in both non-inoculated and inoculated treatments, increased Cu availability by facilitating its redistribution and transformation from less plant-available fractions (residual, Fe/Mn oxide-bound, and carbonate-bound) to the more readily plant-available forms (water-soluble and exchangeable fractions). In conclusion, although individual Trichoderma application proved beneficial for phytostabilization by reducing Cu content and mitigating Cu toxicity in plants, the combined application of EDTA and a compatible Trichoderma isolate (here, the T. harzianum isolate) holds promise for enhancing the phytoextraction capacity of plants. Although using maize has the advantage of being a food crop, to optimize phytoextraction, plant species with superior metal tolerance and phytoextraction capabilities should be selected, exceeding those of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use/cover (LULC) and governance are key elements in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. This study focused primarily on LULC changes in Benin City, Nigeria, from 1992 to 2022; to examine how urban growth affected vegetation cover across four time points: 1992, 2002, 2015 and 2022. Variable LULC classifications considered included: built-up areas, open spaces/bare lands, vegetations, waterbodies and wetlands. In three decades (1992–2022), increases in the built-up, open space/bare land and wetland LULC were observed and attributed to population increases and higher infrastructural demands whereas evident reductions in the sizes of vegetation and waterbody categories were ascribed to anthropogenic activities and climate events. The average annual rates of change in the built-up and vegetation LULC increased (7.28%) and decreased (−3.02%), respectively, between 1992 and 2022; with the built-up area experiencing a 218% increase from 6493 to 20,672 (km2) whereas vegetation decreased by 90% from 23,445 to 2239 (km2). The corollary is that urban growth, exemplified by the built-up LULC, was progressive while vegetation cover was depleted, in the 30-year period. Changes in five other periods were also interrogated. Government and stakeholders-promoted afforestation and agroforestry programs are recommended as plausible solutions to check vegetation-cover depletion. Other solutions proffered include the support of relevant farmers' trainings in climate-smart and hydroponic agriculture, and the application of sustainable farming techniques. Policymakers and estate developers/managers should encourage sustainable land governance and cities with resilience and coping capacities; to tackle the problem of climate change, with high emphasis on green area developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a new red blood cell (RBC) metabolite extraction protocol, we performed a metabolomic analysis on RBCs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated or not with methotrexate (MTX), with the two following objectives: to compare the RBC metabolic profiles of MTX-naïve RA patients and healthy controls (HC), and to investigate whether RBC profiles before and after MTX treatment in RA differed between responders and non-responders. Plasma analysis was performed in parallel. Metabolites were extracted and identified in RBCs and plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We compared the metabolomic fingerprints of 31 DMARD-naïve RA patients and 39 HCs. We also compared the RBC and plasma metabolomes of 25 RA patients who responded or not to MTX therapy before (M0) and after a 3-month treatment period (M3). Significance was determined by Storey's false discovery rate (FDR) q-values to correct for multiple testing. RA patients and HCs differed in the metabolomic signature of RBCs. The signature mainly contained amino acids (AA). Eleven metabolites, including 4 metabolites belonging to the carbohydrate subclass and 2 amino acids (creatine and valine) showed accumulation in RBCs from RA patients. Conversely, citrulline (fold change = 0.83; q = 0.025), histidine (fold change = 0.86; q = 0.014) and ergothioneine (EGT) (fold change = 0.66; q = 0.024), were lower in RBC of RA patients. Five plasma metabolites, including succinic acid and hydroxyproline, were higher in RA patients, and 7 metabolites, including DHEA sulfate, alanine, threonine and ornithine, were lower. Among RA patients undergoing MTX treatment pre-treatment (M0), EGT values were significantly lower in non-responders. In conclusion, low RBC levels of EGT, a food-derived AA barely detectable in plasma, characterize DMARD naïve RA patients and lack of response to MTX treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Network analysis has become a crucial tool in genetic research, enabling the exploration of associations between genes and diseases. Its utility extends beyond genetics to include the assessment of environmental factors. Unipartite network analysis is commonly used in genomics to visualize initial insights and relationships among variables. Syndromic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, are characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of various signs, symptoms, and clinicopathological features. Metabolic syndrome encompasses hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia, and both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. Given that relevant data often consist of distinct sets of variables, a more intuitive visualization method is needed. This study applied multipartite network analysis as an effective method to understand the associations among genetic, environmental, and disease components in syndromic diseases. We considered three distinct variable sets: genetic factors, environmental factors, and disease components. The process involved projecting a tripartite network onto a two-mode bipartite network and then simplifying it into a one-mode network. This approach facilitated the visualization of relationships among factors across different sets and within individual sets. To transition from multipartite to unipartite networks, we suggest both sequential and concurrent projection methods. Data from the Korean Association Resource (KARE) project were utilized, including 352,228 SNPs from 8840 individuals, alongside information on environmental factors such as lifestyle, dietary, and socioeconomic factors. The single-SNP analysis step filtered SNPs, supplemented by reference SNPs reported in a genome-wide association study catalog. The resulting network patterns differed significantly by sex: demographic factors and fat intake were crucial for women, while alcohol consumption was central for men. Indirect relationships were identified through projected bipartite networks, revealing that SNPs such as rs4244457, rs2156552, and rs10899345 had lifestyle interactions on metabolic components. Our approach offers several advantages: it simplifies the visualization of complex relationships among different datasets, identifies environmental interactions, and provides insights into SNP clusters sharing common environmental factors and metabolic components. This framework provides a comprehensive approach to elucidate the mechanisms underlying complex diseases like metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, dental identification techniques are used to establish identity or assist in reconstructing an individual's biological profile. However, other aspects of identity, namely socioeconomic status (SES), can be estimated through teeth. This work aims to evaluate the influence of SES on third molar agenesis in a Portuguese population. X-rays from 448 subjects (223 belonging to a high and 225 to a low socioeconomic status) were assessed and demographic data (age, sex) and dental history were registered. Frequencies and associations between the variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. For each group, differences between third molar agenesis were studied using the Wilcoxon test. The significance level was 5%. X-rays displaying at least one agenesis were more common in females (in both SES groups). Differences between socioeconomic status were found in female subjects' upper right and lower left third molars, with a higher frequency of agenesis in the lower SES group. Agenesis of lower third molars displayed fluctuant asymmetry in both groups, whereas agenesis of upper third molars was also present in the lower SES group. These results suggest that socioeconomic status can affect third molar agenesis prevalence, and fluctuant asymmetry seems more prevalent in the lower SES, as it affects all third molars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malachite green dye, widely used in various industries, poses significant threats to aquatic life and human health when present in water bodies. Traditional dye removal methods have limitations, prompting the need for innovative and sustainable solutions. This study investigates the potential of nano-ceramic clays, nano-silica clay, nano-kaolinite, nano-montmorillonite, and nano-titanium dioxide for removing malachite green dye (MGD) from water and wastewater. These clays exhibit exceptional properties, including high surface areas, specific structural characteristics, and enhanced reactivity, making them highly effective adsorbents. Various characterization techniques, such as UV–Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR analysis, XRD, SEM, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and BET analysis, were employed to analyse the properties of the raw and activated nano-ceramic clays. Continuous flow column experiments investigated the impact of various factors on the adsorption process. Characterization revealed critical insights into the structure, morphology, and surface properties of the nano-ceramic clays. Adsorption experiments demonstrated their effectiveness, with nano-silica clay achieving an efficient adsorption capacity under optimal conditions (pH 5, particle size 50 nm, temperature 35 °C, bed height 15 cm, dye concentration 50 mg/L, flow rate 5 mL/min, and duration 14 h), leading to 99.9% dye removal. Mathematical modelling predicted breakthrough curves for designing full-scale adsorption systems and in kinetics obeys Clark's model and Sips isotherm model indicated that factors beyond diffusion influence the adsorption rate and type IV isotherm is obtained by the BET analysis. Regeneration studies with a 98.5% removal efficiency at the first regeneration validated the nano-ceramic clay as an effective agent dye removal, offering significant environmental benefits. Future research should focus on developing more economical synthesis methods to enhance the practical and sustainable application of nano-ceramic clays in water and wastewater treatment, thereby mitigating dye pollution effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How might irrelevant events infiltrate voting decisions? The current research introduces a new mechanism—regulatory focus—by which incidental environmental factors can affect vote choice. Regulatory focus theory proposes that there are two fundamental psychological orientations in how people navigate their worlds: A prevention focus tunes cognition towards security, safety, protection, and risk aversion, whereas a promotion focus orients attention toward achieving growth and positive outcomes. We present a model for how wind speed on Election Day affects voting by shifting the regulatory focus of voters. We propose that increased wind speed shifts voters toward selecting prevention-focused options (e.g., restricting immigration, rejecting Brexit, rejecting Scottish Independence) over promotion-focused options (e.g., promoting immigration, favoring Brexit, favoring Scottish Independence). We further argue that wind speed only affects voting when an election clearly offers a choice between prevention and promotion-focused options. Using a mixed-method approach—archival analyses of the "Brexit" vote, the Scotland independence referendum, and 10 years of Swiss referendums, as well as one field study and one experiment—we find that individuals exposed to higher wind speeds become more prevention-focused and more likely to support prevention-focused electoral options. The findings highlight the political importance of incidental environmental factors. Practically, they speak to the benefit of absentee voting and expanding voting periods beyond traditional election days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was an extremely destructive event in Aceh, Indonesia, killing over 160,000 people and destroying infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods over miles of coastline. In its immediate aftermath, affected populations faced a daunting array of challenges. At the population level, questions of how the disaster affected children’s and parents’ aspirations for education and whether it permanently disrupted schooling progression are critical in understanding how shocks affect human capital in the short and long term. We use longitudinal data from the Study of the Tsunami Aftermath and Recovery (STAR) to examine how disaster exposure affects educational aspirations and eventual attainment. We find that damage to one’s community depresses aspirations in the short term but that this weakens with time. With respect to educational attainment 15 years after the event, children’s aspirations, parents’ education, and family socioeconomic status are more important determinants of whether children complete high school and go on to tertiary schooling than is disaster exposure. While these results likely reflect, at least in part, the successful post-tsunami reconstruction program, they also establish enormous resilience among survivors who bore the brunt of the tsunami. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides political analysis of the extent to which new state strategies of involvement in climate technologies have shaped the green markets in both China and the United States. Using rational choice institutionalism and comparative case studies, this article analyzes state involvement in novel governance techniques and green industrial policy competition related to climate technologies in the United States and China. The guiding research question asks to what extent green industrial policy and its related incentives are useful for understanding the transition to green energy in the two countries. This study further explores the ways in which both countries enhance the competitiveness of national industries for science and technology in alternative energy. The rivalry between China and the US has accelerated, to some extent, the process of strengthening regulatory intervention in knowledge creation, public financing for climate technologies, and other domestic economic interests, while the emergence of green industrial policy has become part of the win‒win rhetoric and practices to facilitate a green economy. This research contributes to the comparative understanding of the proliferation of mission-oriented innovation initiatives, as well as the challenges in reorganizing them with new green industrial policy concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, a state analysis of the organic carbon-containing additives use in fire fighting has been carried out. Negative environmental effects when using fluorine-containing short- and long-chain surfactants, which can act as both a fire extinguishing agent and its decomposition product, have been noted. As an important direction for further evolution in the field of fire extinguishing agents, the use of oxysilanes and gel systems based on liquid glass as environmentally friendly compounds has been noted. The prospects and environmental friendliness of the use of acoustic effects in extinguishing fires have been noted. The addition of small amounts of inorganic and organic compounds is regarded as an inexpensive and effective method to increase the fire fighting properties of water. In this work, the ecological characteristics of a number of organic compounds used in fire fighting as thickeners of aqueous solutions and the reduction of their surface tension were studied. Alginic acid has been shown to be the most environmentally friendly water additive among the investigated organic carbon-containing compounds used in fire fighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1980's, the growing involvement of private consultancy firms in the public sector worldwide has instigated concerns about the outsourcing of public policy advising to market-driven actors. Although these firms participate in spreading policy ideas, their roles have not received sustained attention, despite being observed by a few scholars. Against this background, the aim of this paper is threefold. First, from established policy concepts relating to policy diffusion, we identify the potential roles that consultancy firms may take on in spreading policy ideas. Second, we use a systematic literature review to collect and distil what is currently known about what different roles consultancy firms fulfil, and what kinds of tensions arise in their interactions with both clients and other actors. Third, we draft an agenda for future research on consultancy firms' impact in governance processes. To focus our study, our review hones in on environmental governance, more specifically water governance, a significant area of activity for such firms where they play an important in-between role in providing policy ideas. We found indications that consultancy firms possess six types of capabilities (trusted facilitators, reactors to environmental policies, shapers of environmental policies, market drivers, interest navigators, and managers of public participation), and face various dilemmas around biases, decontextualized global practices, market interests, and manipulative practices. We conclude that more attention should be given to empirically refining capabilities involved in shaping policies and markets and to further highlighting how consultancy firms impact the diffusion of governance ideas in and beyond the water and environmental sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V-active VCI® is a new class of corrosion inhibitors that utilize water as a propagation medium, enabling the development of cutting fluids with the addition of such inhibitor. Consequently, in addition to the necessary characteristics of a cutting fluid, they are capable of providing corrosion protection for both the metal workpiece and the machine, thereby avoiding the use of intermediate protective oils and subsequent degreasing, reducing the number of process steps, and lowering environmental impact. Additionally, the fluids in question pose no risks to humans and are biodegradable. Furthermore, the minimum quantity lubrication technique combined with wheel cleaning has been yielding excellent results for the grinding process. These results stem from various factors: quality of the produced workpiece, reduced environmental impact, preservation of operator health, and reduction of production costs. Therefore, in the present study, it was found that incorporating the benefits of V-active VCI® into the minimum quantity lubrication technique with cleaning brings excellent results for the grinding process. The performance of a base fluid and two fluids with corrosion inhibitor was compared in the grinding process of AISI 4340 steel with aluminum oxide wheel using the MQL technique (with and without wheel cleaning), comparing with the results obtained by the same fluids in conventional lubri-cooling. The tests evaluated: surface roughness, roundness errors, wheel diametral wear, power consumption, acoustic emission, cost analysis, and pollution. The results show that grinding using cutting fluids with volatile corrosion inhibitors was beneficial to the process for all three lubri-cooling conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this reply, I respond to Joshua C. Gellers’ commentary on my article “Not Relational Enough? Towards an Eco-Relational Approach in Robot Ethics” (Puzio, 2024a), in which I present a deeply relational, “eco-relational approach”. This approach asserts that it is necessary to consider the relationality with non-human entities such as animals and technology on a deeper level than has been done in robot ethics so far. This disrupts traditional ethical concepts. In his commentary “Not Ecological Enough: A Commentary on an Eco-Relational Approach in Robot Ethics” (2024), Gellers raises criticisms of my method and the consequences of the eco-relational approach. In this reply, I address these criticisms and focus especially on the ecological responsibility of the eco-relational approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP), biomedical sciences have moved away from a gene-centred view and towards a multi-factorial one in which environment, broadly speaking, plays a central role in the determination of human health and disease. Environmental exposures have been shown to be highly prevalent in disease causation. They are considered as complementary to genetic factors in the etiology of diseases, hence the introduction of the concept of the "exposome" as encompassing the totality of human environmental exposures, from conception onwards (Wild in Cancer Epidemiol Biomark Prev 14:1847–1850, 2005), and the launch of the Human Exposome Project (HEP) which aims to complement the HGP. At first sight, and seen as complementary to the genome, the exposome could thus appear as contributing to the rise of novel postgenomic deterministic narratives which place the environment at their core. Is this really the case? If so, what sort of determinism is at work in exposomics research? Is it a case of environmental determinism, and if so, in what sense? Or is it a new sort of deterministic view? In this paper, we first show that causal narratives in exposomics are still very similar to gene-centred deterministic narratives. They correspond to a form of Laplacian determinism and, above all, to what Claude Bernard called the "determinism of a phenomenon". Second, we introduce the notion of "reversed heuristic determinism" to characterize the specific deterministic narratives present in exposomics. Indeed, the accepted sorts of external environmental exposures conceived as being at the origins of diseases are determined, methodologically speaking, by their identifiable internal and biological markers. We conclude by highlighting the most relevant implications of the presence of this heuristic determinism in exposomics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past opportunities for developing an environmental sociology were passed up. Now the need is both intellectually and politically urgent to move forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India being more focused on its agricultural development requires information on energy input requirements for agro-based industries, where most of the energy is consumed by post-harvest operations. This study evaluates energy consumption by both the conventional method and the non-conventional method of agro-processing of maize on a small scale with the objectives of effective management of the limited resources in the agriculture, finding energy and cost-saving solutions for the two most energy- and cost-intensive post-harvest processes, providing energy-saving recommendations with suggestions for minimizing the involved cost of operation by focusing on the use of eco-friendly renewables in the agro-processing sector. Energy auditing with the help of energy tools and experimentally collected data was used for the energy analysis of the processes, and break-even analysis was used to find out the new selling price of the product using alternate energy sources for processing. The net energy and cost savings obtained through solar drying and solar milling were 545.38 GJ/yr, 50,017.50 GJ/yr, and USD 7,146.68, and USD 3,880, respectively. The findings reveal that drying and milling when accomplished by using solar energy offer perfect solution to much of the problem for small farm holders as well as for the environment by reducing 39.8 kg of CO2 emission. This research work will help to understand the use of energy analysis and the ways of its implementation in agro-based industries for the development of sustainable agriculture strategy. Policy directions provided help to improve policy regarding the integration of renewable energy in post-harvest processing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the impact of personal norms, perceived value, perceived behavioural control, financial incentive policies, and subjective norms on the behavioural intention to adopt electric vehicles (eVehicles) in India. This study further validates the impact of actual use on sustainability dimensions, namely perceived environmental, social, and economic impacts. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire from EV users in India. The sample comprised 487 respondents who used eVehicles. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to assess and validate the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that personal norms positively impacted behavioural intention to adopt eVehicles. However, the financial incentive policy is insignificant. Because of the intricate relationships between diverse socio-psychological components allied with the purchase of eVehicles, this study validates norm activation theory (NAM) and theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as theoretical undertakings to arrive at a holistic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian textile industry, a significant contributor to economic growth, is interconnected with trade, gender and environment. However, it generates significant waste, particularly for women, who bear a disproportionate burden of environmental degradation, given their positioning within the textile manufacturing chain. Trade policies that promote sustainable practices and gender equality can mitigate environmental risks and provide economic opportunities for women. Initiatives like fair trade and eco-labels can ensure women's labour is valued and environmental standards are upheld. Policies that promote women's access to resources, such as land and credit, can contribute to more sustainable and equitable economic development outcomes. India is promoting sustainable trade practices to minimize environmental impacts, including stringent environmental regulations, eco-friendly products and circular technologies. This thematic review of literature study analyzes existing studies on the Indian textile sector, focusing on female workforce, employment types and the relationship among gender, trade and environment. The main finding is the ambiguous linkage among trade and the socio-economic condition of female employees in the Indian textile sector, given its environmental underpinnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent development of what may be called biological philosophy of science, scholars have proposed that aligning notions of research environments with biological concepts of environment holds great promise for understanding the socio-material contexts in and through which science happens. Here, I explore the prospects and potential shortcomings of building sound research environment concepts by contrasting them with biological environment concepts. In doing so, I emphasize the importance of adhering to two central desiderata: the need to clarify what is being environed (i.e., what the counter relatum of an environment is) and what is doing the environing (i.e., what type of environmental partition is instantiated). Subsequently, I juxtapose two biological construals of environment—organismal environments and population environments—with possible articulations of what ‘research environments’ might stand for, and I maintain that each presents distinct epistemic upshots and limitations. More generally, I argue that there are two broad relations that could exist between biological and research environments: ontological parallels and ontic discordance. Finally, employing the visual metaphor of epistemic parallax, I conclude by conveying some lessons and cautionary notes arising from these comparisons and the importation of biological environment concepts into philosophy of science. While environment concepts may come with epistemic purchase, we should be careful when ontologizing them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality geospatial data are required to examine how the places in which we reside, work and play determine health outcomes; however, seldom is the quality of nationwide geospatial data reported. We examined the quality of geospatial data of public drinking water distribution zones (WDZ) across all territorial authorities in Aotearoa New Zealand to investigate structural inequities in data quality. In our national dataset of WDZ, we identified several differences in the quality of geospatial information that are associated with the population, area-level deprivation, ethnicity and most of all urban/rural classification. Our research highlights structural data inequity, which may undermine efforts to reduce health inequity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Politics and science are inextricably connected, particularly in relation to the climate emergency and other environmental crises, yet science education is an often overlooked site for engaging with the political dimensions of environmental issues. This study examines how science teachers in England experience politics—specifically political participation—in relation to the environment in school science, against a background of increased obstruction in civic space. The study draws on an analysis of theoretically informed in-depth interviews with eleven science teachers about their experiences of political participation in relation to environmental issues. We find that politics enters the science classroom primarily through informal conversations initiated by students rather than planned by teachers. When planned for, the emphasis is on individual, latent–political (civic) engagement rather than manifest political participation. We argue that this is a symptom of the post-political condition and call for a more enabling environment for discussing the strengths and limitations of different forms of political participation in school science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fires represent a significant threat to the environment, infrastructure, and human safety, often spreading rapidly with wide-ranging consequences such as economic losses and life risks. Early detection and swift response to fire outbreaks are crucial to mitigating their impact. While satellite-based monitoring is effective, it may miss brief or indoor fires. This paper introduces a novel Perceived Risk Index (PRI) that, complementing satellite data, leverages social media data to provide insights into the severity of fire events. In the light of the results of statistical analysis, the PRI incorporates the number of fire-related tweets and the associated emotional expressions to gauge the perceived risk. The index's evaluation involves the development of a comprehensive system that collects, classifies, annotates, and correlates social media posts with satellite data, presenting the findings in an interactive dashboard. Experimental results using diverse datasets of real-fire tweets demonstrate an average best correlation of 77% between PRI and the brightness values of fires detected by satellites. This correlation extends to the real intensity of the corresponding fires, showcasing the potential of social media platforms in furnishing information for emergency response and decision-making. The proposed PRI proves to be a valuable tool for ongoing monitoring efforts, having the potential to capture data on fires missed by satellites. This contributes to the development to more effective strategies for mitigating the environmental, infrastructural, and safety impacts of fire events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban life is crisscrossed and affected by events and matter in various scales, of which the microscopic has been only partly addressed in scholarship and policymaking. In this article, I propose that it is urgent to incorporate new materialist ethics for a better urban governance of technomolecular flows, that is the multiple ways anthropogenically induced microscopic elements are affecting cities. Chemicals, minerals, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other forms of life and matter affect human and environmental health as well as the shape and materials of the built environment. Coastal cities are particularly prone to such flows of chemical-, mineral- and bio-materials because of their location between sea and land. Existing legal and institutional frameworks tend to lag behind the uses of microscopic elements by industry and urban dwellers. A new materialist ethics would help rethink institutional architectures and responses to existing entanglements and the emerging risks they pose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a significant health emergency to adverse impact on environment, and human society. The COVID-19 post-pandemic not only affects human beings but also creates pollution crisis in environment. The post-pandemic situation has shown a drastic change in nature due to biomedical waste load and other components. The inadequate segregation of untreated healthcare wastes, chemical disinfectants, and single-use plastics leads to contamination of the water, air, and agricultural fields. These materials allow the growth of disease-causing agents and transmission. Particularly, the COVID-19 outbreak has posed a severe environmental and health concern in many developing countries for infectious waste. In 2030, plastic enhances a transboundary menace to natural ecological communities and public health. This review provides a complete overview of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental pollution and its anthropogenic impacts to public health and natural ecosystem considering short- and long-term scenarios. The review thoroughly assesses the impacts on ecosystem in the terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric realms. The information from this evaluation can be utilized to assess the short-term and long-term solutions for minimizing any unfavorable effects. Especially, this topic focuses on the excessive use of plastics and their products, subsequently with the involvement of the scientific community, and policymakers will develop the proper management plan for the upcoming generation. This article also provides crucial research gap knowledge to boost national disaster preparedness in future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on an analysis of carbon indicators in the environment during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It aims to provide an outlook for the future development of global carbon neutrality in the post- pandemic period.The research on the carbon index during the COVID-19 epidemic is a new scientific work, which is of great significance for the future development of environmental science. Therefore, it is necessary to write a review report on past events before fully conducting this study. It utilized various climate models, initially 232 papers, but eventually narrowing it down to 49 papers for the final context and examination. By examining the carbon neutrality of different phase of the pandemic (pre-pandemic, mid-pandemic, and post-pandemic), as well as considering various climate scenarios, we aim to generate diverse research findings. As the result, the epidemic has had a global impact, posing threats not only to human health and lives but also having far-reaching economic and environmental implications. In the short term, the pandemic has had some positive impacts on advancing carbon neutrality goals. However, in the long-term, it could lead to a slowdown or delay in the achieving global carbon neutrality due to various challenges. These challenges include diverting more resources towards pandemic response and reducing investment in clean energy. Pandemics contribute to global health and economic crises, necessitating significant societal resources such as medical equipment, medicines, human and financial resources to control transmission and treat infected individuals. Consequently, other vital environmental issues like climate change may be neglected or postponed. Ultimately, the financial constraints faced by many countries and businesses during the pandemic may compel them to reduce investments in clean energy as a means to save money and cut costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation is among the most prevalent, challenging, and complex sectors that significantly influence energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and economic dynamics. So, it is critical to identify effective strategies to lessen its detrimental consequences. The conventional signalized intersections, which use pre-programmed schedules to control traffic flow at junctions, are one of the most used systems and one of the biggest high Energy consumption rates creators. The study focuses on reducing fuel consumption and enhancing traffic flow by utilizing advanced technologies such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), communication technologies, adaptive traffic systems, and coordination techniques. The study incorporates manually collected real-world data with an average time step of 15 min through various simulation scenarios. The aim is to develop adaptive coordination strategies for signalized intersections using intelligent communication technologies (ICT) and uncover the importance of coordination techniques combined with ICT. Additionally, the study investigates the effects of these technologies on traffic flow, energy consumption, and air pollution emissions. The results show that using adaptive traffic lights only reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 8%, while applying coordination techniques can increase the percentage up to 25%. In addition, by implementing ICT combined with coordination technique, fuel consumption and emissions, average queue length, and waiting time decreased by around 48%, 63%, and 41%, respectively while increase the average vehicle speed by 46% compared to the pretimed isolated intersections. The findings highlight the developed strategy capability in enhancing traffic flow, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, leading to a cleaner environment, and transportation sector cost savings. Highlights: Adaptively coordinated traffic lights combined with V2X outperformed other regulation strategies. Proposed strategy decreases fuel consumption and emissions, average queue length, and waiting time by 48%, 63%, and 41%, respectively. Proposed strategy enhances the vehicle average speed by 46% compared to isolated intersections. Adaptively coordinated traffic lights combined with V2X presents a sustainable solution for traffic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological connectivity in river systems facilitates the movement of animals across riverine landscapes and influences fish habitat but is threatened by climate change and water resource developments. We studied fish assemblages across a large wet–dry tropical river system in northern Australia that is under consideration for new agricultural and water resource developments, which are expected to alter hydrological connectivity. We explored relationships between the environment and several biotic variables; fish taxonomic composition, species turnover, and species trait presence, quantifying how they were related to hydrological connectivity. Environmental dissimilarity of sites was influenced by hydrological connectivity variables, including flow, elevation, and river distance. Environment characteristics and hydrological connectivity together were important predictors of fish taxonomic composition. Fish species turnover was highest in headwater sites, and species presence absence was related to feeding and reproductive traits. Our results suggest that habitat specialists and species with reproductive traits that depend on hydrological connectivity, such as diadromous species, are most vulnerable to declines in relative abundance following a reduction in connectivity, which would lead to range contractions within catchments. Maintaining habitats that support taxonomically and functionally unique fish assemblages, such as wetlands and headwater streams, is important for maintaining biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]