Search

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is seen as one of the key areas of sustainability for sport organizations. Although the rapid development of professional sport is evidenced, the evaluation and classification of CSR is still an under-researched area, especially in the eastern context. This study proposes a conceptual CSR model of the Chinese Super League (CSL) clubs, including five dimensions: economic, youth, community, environmental, and cultural responsibility. The establishment of the conceptual model is based on sound theoretical foundations, such as sustainable development, positive youth development, a sense of community, and globalization theories. Each dimension's validity is assessed while considering the uniqueness of Chinese Super League. This study provides theoretical evidence to support the multidimensional nature of CSR, which adds value to CSR research in the Chinese professional sport context. At a strategic level, it enlightens club managers and the Chinese Football Association to develop better CSR strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of great changes in the food industry, the aim of this research is to investigate if and how the implementation of 4.0 enabling technologies can enhance the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the food sector. A systematic literature review, using a combination of 12 keywords, was carried out on Scopus database with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to answer four selected research questions. Overall, 50 relevant papers were retrieved and analysed by Mendeley and Excel with descriptive statistics. VOSviewer was used for co-occurrence and co-authorship analysis. Results illustrate that the interest in the topic has grown, in particular in Italy, and resume the benefits achievable by the implementation of 4.0 technologies in food industries. Social impacts are new job positions, ergonomic design of workplaces, changes in educational institutions, improved nutrition and better animal welfare. Positive aspects are related even to economic growth, improving food chain performances and decreasing companies' costs. Finally, it allows energy, water, CO2 emissions and food savings. Overall, the work provides a helpful overview to food manufacturers and producers, recommending the introduction of I4.0 technologies to positively influence the sustainable development of the sector and remain competitive in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid the escalating environmental crises and economic disparities, Circular Economy (CE) has garnered recognition as a pragmatic mechanism for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response, several supply chain organisations are integrating CE strategies into their business operations and production processes. Despite these developments and since the introduction of Business Charter for Sustainable Development by the International Chamber of Commerce in 1991, the academic corpus comprehensively connecting CE research themes, catalysts, deterrents, practices with the SDGs has remained limited. To bridge this gap, we present a systematic literature review (SLR) of CE research in operations, supply chain and production management encompassing a time span of 31 years (January 1991 – June 2022), by sourcing, screening, and analysing articles obtained from multiple research databases. Our thematic coding analysis generated ten research themes, and subsequently linking them with relevant SDGs. Additionally, we interweaved CE catalysts and deterrents, establishing a connection with the SDGs. This is further enriched with CE strategies aimed at equipping business practitioners to enhance sustainable business performance and contributing to specific SDGs. Lastly, we delineate CE knowledge data management and priority actions frameworks to aid organisations to enhance employee capability and actively leverage digital technologies for implementing CE strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective operations of closed-loop supply chains (CLSCs) can help companies achieve sustainability goals and boost economic performance. In practice, CLSCs must collect used products, a complex process that is often constrained by collection station capacity. However, how collection station capacity influences the bullwhip effect and the dynamic performance of CLSCs remains unclear. Here, we develop a system dynamics model for CLSCs that integrates traditional manufacturing with remanufacturing and explore the effects of the stochastic capacity constraint of the collection station on the bullwhip effect of CLSCs. We find that, generally speaking, a collection station with looser or more stable capacity constraints tends to reduce bullwhip of CLSCs. However, pertinent interactions emerge between the relevant parameters; in some situations, reducing the capacity level of a collection station may be reasonable and beneficial when the stochastic capacity constraint is very stable, or when customer demand is highly variable. We also consider the partial backlog in return collection, a phenomenon associated with the stochastic capacity constraint of a collection station, and identify a new trade-off between CLSC sustainability and economic performance. Ultimately, our findings provide evidence that will guide managers' plans for the capacity management of return collection in CLSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practice, without clear evidence of the positive impacts of maintenance on sustainability, organisations/ companies are not encouraged to look at (or invest in) maintenance as an effective tool to enhance sustainability. Therefore, it is essential to show them that such evidence exists, which is the aim of this paper. The paper reviews and analyses evidence from the literature about maintenance's social, environmental, and economic impacts. It identifies the required sustainability-related indicators associated with these impacts and provides aggregate quantified percentages for them (positively or negatively), as shown in the reviewed papers. An evidence-based research is conducted in this paper to achieve this purpose. The search process results in a research sample of 58 publications that have been surveyed and analysed. Based on the conducted analysis, the results show that maintenance positively impacts economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Many reviewed cases appear in manufacturing and buildings (both residential and commercial) and primarily consider environmental and economic sustainability indicators. The cases with social sustainability indicators are limited. Regardless, these results bring adequate evidence to encourage researchers and practitioners to view maintenance as a practical approach to improve sustainability and to investigate more in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisations are having difficulty in determining and integrating Industry 4.0 technologies (I4.0T) to improve social dimensions of sustainable performance. We address this issue by showing how to identify the impact degree and path of I4.0T using the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). First, we identify the SDGs associated with I4.0 and establish an evaluation framework. Second, we introduce an evaluation method that integrates hesitant fuzzy sets, rough sets, decision-making, trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretative structural modelling methods to identify the impact degree and path of I4.0T on SDGs. Third, we confirm the effectiveness of our framework and method using secondary case data from World Economic Forum reports. The case results show that I4.0T have varying direct and indirect influences on SDGs. Policy makers should consider that 'Big Data and Analytics' and 'Cloud Computing' are central I4.0T that link other technologies and SDGs. The prioritisation of I4.0T can lead to contributions to addressing 'Responsible consumption and production' and indirectly improve SDGs. The findings set an initial stage to help sequence investment in various technologies depending on SDGs. We identify sequential paths that can aid in planning for and investing in adopting I4.0T to better achieve SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developments and innovations in green miniaturized technologies suggest that a complete miniature approach (MA) to determine organic carbon (OC) and phosphorus (P) in soils may enable handling a large number of samples. In comparison to the conventional approach (CA), this approach also reduces waste generation and analysis costs. Here we have miniaturized all the steps of the conventional analytical procedures for OC and P analysis and carried out an in-depth validation of MA on various aspects, including linearity, biases, precision, inaccuracy, and imprecision. This rigorous assessment aimed to delineate the effect of miniaturization on the quality of determination along with its associated benefits and limitations. The findings revealed a strong correlation between the MA and CA in the OC test, indicating an R2 >0.84, with the Deming regression producing a model equation demonstrating a highly significant slope and an intercept closely approximating zero. Similarly, the P values obtained by MA and CA exhibited a correlation with an R2 > 0.99, alongside the Deming regression displaying a minimal intercept and a slope approaching one. The Bland–Altman analysis indicated a mean bias of 0.01 (95% CI, −0.51 to 0.54) for OC values and −1.7 (95% CI, −9.04 to 5.57) for P values. This cross-validation study highlights the applicability and limitations of the MA in estimating OC and P levels across a diverse range of soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present era, digital literacy is becoming a necessity. The fast development of technologies and their appropriations is taking over our everyday lives. As such, there is a need to adopt and have prerequisite digital skills. In developing countries, especially in Africa, the advocacy of digital literacy is important if the digital divide gap has to be bridged. Therefore, it is imperative to share knowledge through various collaborations and partnerships by establishing appropriate strategies to explore the efficiency of enhancing digital literacy as a social and cultural capital that can reduce the gaps between societies. This paper reviews the significant position of collaboration and partnership in developing countries and how they can initiate and participate in the development of digital literacy. Besides, it explores the difference between digital literacy and its impact and how it changes users’ behaviours. Furthermore, it tackles how collaborations and partnerships enhance digital literacy by creating new opportunities for sustaining digital literacy knowledge. This paper carefully reviews existing literature in order to identify common conflicts or tensions that undermine collaboration and exacerbate digital literacy disparities between developing and developed countries. This paper also provides recommendations on how to effectively implement digital literacy initiatives. Finally, the paper explores the important roles the library and other digital literacy collaboration facets play in the sustainability and development of a country’s digital literacy society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its numerous mineral resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) finds itself ranked among the poorest nations in the world, which fuels the paradox of ‘richer but poorer’. This work aims to highlight the relationship between the evolution of the mining sector and the economic growth of the country in order to respond to this paradox while formulating some recommendations for the sustainable development of the country. To do this, we acquired data from the annual reports of the mining cadastre and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative which we used to evaluate the evolution of the mining sector. Fraud, corruption, and mining smuggling are at the root of the shortfalls experienced by the Congolese government, but also the lack of appropriate tools and technologies for the local processing of natural resources in order to give them added value. To achieve concrete results for the sustainable development of DR Congo, the ministry of mines will have to act through its technical services for the control of the mining sector in order to resolve all the problems. It will also be important to implement a circular economy policy to maximize revenue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rise in e-commerce demand and the increase in urban population growth, the complexity of grocery product distribution has increased, leading to adverse effects on city inhabitants. To address these issues, we propose a two-echelon city logistics system that incorporates urban consolidation center located outside the city. This system aims to restrict the entry of heavy commercial vehicles during shopping hours while promoting the use of electric light commercial vehicles. We develop a two-echelon location routing problem model to minimize total costs and reduce carbon emissions while determining the optimal composition of vehicle fleets and routes. The model was solved using the particle swarm optimization with differential evolution method. Our findings indicate that a combination of heavy and electric light commercial vehicles is most effective in minimizing economic and environmental impacts. This research contributes a novel approach to urban logistics, providing integrated solutions for economic and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whyalla, an old steel town in the Upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia, has had a chequered history. Steel production has been precarious for a decade and more. Now, the promise of ‘Green Steel’ and a local major Hydrogen Hub holds out the hope of regional security. In this article, I trace the history of Whyalla, the region, and its steel works and outline the promise of a new future based on renewable industries. I start by outlining the importance of stressing both time and place in analysing the process and pattern of regional development. Insodoing, I question the validity of much ‘place-based’ analysis and point to Deep Place analysis as a possible alternative. I examine the limits and possibilities of the current transition and suggest that the future may not yet be entirely secure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for tourism to change so to make a more meaningful contribution to sustainable development, including action on climate change. To achieve such a sustainable tourism transition, an effective enabling environment, supported through appropriate governance arrangements, is required, However, our understanding of what suitable governance modes look like to support tourism's climate actions are limited. To address this gap, this study applies a qualitative approach to investigate the link between enabling drivers and different types of governance. Drawing on meta-governance thinking and 23 interviews with tourism experts from the Asia Pacific region, the opportunity for transformational change is assessed. Experts do not believe transformational change is possible but hope for incremental changes. The analysis demonstrates that activating a wide range of enabling drivers across four types of governance mode will be necessary to catalyse change. Three examples of tourism governance highlight that polycentric governance modes have greater potential for strengthening the enabling environment for a low carbon transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new scientific decade (2023-2032) of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) aims at searching for sustainable solutions to undesired water conditions – whether it be too little, too much or too polluted. Many of the current issues originate from global change, while solutions to problems must embrace local understanding and context. The decade will explore the current water crises by searching for actionable knowledge within three themes: global and local interactions, sustainable solutions and innovative cross-cutting methods. We capitalise on previous IAHS Scientific Decades shaping a trilogy; from Hydrological Predictions (PUB) to Change and Interdisciplinarity (Panta Rhei) to Solutions (HELPING). The vision is to solve fundamental water-related environmental and societal problems by engaging with other disciplines and local stakeholders. The decade endorses mutual learning and co-creation to progress towards UN sustainable development goals. Hence, HELPING is a vehicle for putting science in action, driven by scientists working on local hydrology in coordination with local, regional, and global processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating levels of environmental degradation along with escalating conflicts and incidents of trade disputes among regional powers can exert a detrimental influence on the prospects for achieving sustainable development (SUD). Prior empirical works have tended to overlook the contributions of trade globalization and external conflicts to the SUD. Furthermore, prevailing studies on SUD often rely on various environmental metrics, economic growth measures, or adjusted net savings as proxies, which fall short in measuring the multifaceted essence of the SUD concept. Thus, this research work assesses the heterogeneous effects of trade globalization, external conflicts, and financial development on a comprehensive SUD index based on environmental, economic, and social factors from 1992 to 2019 in the twenty highest CO2 emitters. The results derived from the application of the method of moment quantile regressions (MM-QR) reveal that trade globalization exerts a negative impact on SUD but its negative effect shows a diminishing trend when moving from the 10th to 90th quantile. Financial development likewise impedes SUD, with the degree of hindrance diminishing as quantiles ascend from lower to upper percentiles. External conflicts hinder SUD only at higher quantiles with the negative effect demonstrating an increasing trend. Furthermore, mineral resources and fossil energy pose detrimental effects on SUD, and these adverse effects exhibit a mounting trajectory as one moves from lower to upper quantiles. Finally, the policy implications of these novel outcomes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of investment freedom, technological innovation, renewable energy, and economic growth on load capacity factor (LCF) within the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13 for a group of high investment freedom countries (Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Chile, Singapore, New Zealand, United States of America, Belgium, Finland, Uruguay, Latvia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland). Furthermore, this research assesses the impacts of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The data set covers the years between 1995 and 2019. Moreover, the validity of the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis is analyzed in all countries. Long-run coefficients are estimated using the Regularized Common Correlated Effects (rCCE) estimator, and the robustness analysis is performed using Common Correlated Effects (CCE) estimators. The overall assessment of the panel reveals that the LCC hypothesis is invalid in the selected nations, with the exception of Belgium. Other findings indicate that investment freedom reduces the LCF for New Zealand. However, investment freedom increases LCF, improving environmental quality in Latvia. Technological innovation decreases LCF for Singapore and increases it for Germany. Renewable energy increases LCF for the UK and Spain. Finally, policy implications for improving environmental quality are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a novel financial instrument, green bonds require further research to understand their causal effects and theoretical mechanisms on sustainable development fully. This paper constructs a theoretical model that characterizes the issuance of green bonds as the extent to which social planners prioritize environmental benefits in bond markets. In this model, we define sustainable development as the geometric mean of environmental factor inputs and final production output. By maximizing consumer utility, this model elucidates the direct and non-linear relationship between green bonds and sustainable development. The paper empirically investigates this proposition using data from 19 European countries between 2018 and 2022. The results indicate that: (1) Green bonds significantly promote sustainable development. This financial instrument, designed to raise funds for environmental projects, can indeed promote sustainable development through clean and green resource allocation. (2) The promotional effect of green bonds on sustainable development increases significantly with improvements in innovation efficiency, industrialization rates, and savings rates. This finding elaborates on the conditions under which the positive impact of green bonds on sustainable development is enhanced. (3) Green bonds only promote sustainable development when a country's factor endowment structure reaches a specific threshold. Beyond this threshold, as the factor endowment structure becomes very high, the country's sustainable development gains sufficient momentum, diminishing the role of green bonds. This finding suggests that the positive impact of green bonds on sustainable development is contingent upon certain properties reflecting the economic basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how perceived crowding stimulates tourists' emotional reactions and affects their experience quality as well as satisfaction. Based on Stimulus-Organism-Response theory, it examined and verified relationship between perceived crowding and tourist satisfaction with mixed-methods approach. The qualitative study was conducted to establish research model, and multigroup analysis was conducted with data collected from hot springs and coastal destinations. The results indicated that human crowding is no longer a positive signal in both sites. Experience quality mediates relationship between emotional reactions aroused by perceived crowding and tourist satisfaction. The findings deepen understanding of crowding and provide effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of land to foster peace, stability, and socioeconomic development makes "good" land governance a pathway through which cities can attain sustainable development. However, for land governance to achieve most of its objectives, it has to meet the demands of vulnerable populations, particularly women, since they also need to meet their housing needs. By employing importance-performance analysis (IPA), this study examines the importance of land governance attributes to women in the Ibadan urban periphery, as well as the corresponding performance of the attributes. One hundred and eight seven questionnaires, randomly administered to women across neighbourhoods in the sampled peripheries, were recovered for analysis. Results revealed that performance was unsatisfactory and inconsistent with their expectations. In particular, attributes under transparency, equity, and corruption resistance in land administration, though highly important, significantly underperformed. These attributes were recommended as areas to prioritise to protect women's interests and, by extension, promote gender equality in the urban periphery of Ibadan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the intersection of women's empowerment and water management throughout Africa, examining the diverse roles women undertake in water governance through the lens of case studies and initiatives showcasing their contributions to sustainable development. Utilising interdisciplinary perspectives, the paper scrutinises policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and challenges confronting women in water management, emphasising the necessity of gender-responsive approaches and collaborative efforts to foster equitable and resilient water systems. Through empowerment, innovation, and partnership, women emerge as pivotal catalysts for change in navigating the intricate landscape of water governance across the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional polyurethane coating is prepared by combining isocyanate and polyol, but isocyanate is toxic, which is not conducive to the sustainable development of ecological environment. In this paper, dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) was used as catalyst to synthesize dicyclic carbonate from four different acids and glycerol carbonates. Then, it was gradually polymerized with isophorone diamine (IPDA) and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl disulfide ether to synthesize self-healing non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU). The effects of different acid types on coating forming and self-healing properties of NIPU were studied. Then, polypyrrole modified carbon nanotubes were prepared and physically blended with NIPU to obtain a responsive NIPU gel coating. The results show that NIPU has excellent scratch repair performance at 70°C by optical microscopy; Through the dissolution and re-formation of NIPU by N, N-dimethylformamide, it is proved that the material has repeatable processability and is conducive to the sustainable development of ecological environment; The high precision multimeter proved that NIPU has the responsiveness under different chemical environment of acid, alkali, oxidation and reduction. The coating has broad application prospects in biomimetic technology, biology, electronics and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon are establishing their own autonomous territorial governments to protect their land and resources. Olivia Bisa, the president of the Autonomous Territorial Government of the Chapra Nation, has faced threats and persecution for her activism against illegal economic activities and oil spills in her territory. These autonomous territorial governments represent a new model of territorial governance, aiming to protect their territories and resist extractive activities driven by the state. However, they face challenges in gaining recognition from the Peruvian government and conventional Indigenous organizations. Adriana Castro, a lawyer with expertise in Public International Law, has studied this issue. [Extracted from the article]

The article urges for the strengthening of neurodiagnostics in Africa and mobilization of students in research and workforce for sustainable impact to improve care for individuals with epilepsy. Topics discussed include challenges in neurodiagnostic access for epilepsy management, strategies for strengthening neurodiagnostics, and the need for collaboration to advance research on epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

This paper explores the effectiveness of regional intervention strategies aimed at enhancing 'low-tech' SMEs' sustainable competitive advantage and innovation activities, employing the food sector in Wales (UK) as a case study. It utilizes the triple helix model to analyse these interventions, emphasising collaboration between government, academia, and industry to stimulate knowledge-based economic development. The food sector represents an ideal subject for innovation-focused regional development policies because of its global importance, sustainability concerns, health impact and economic outcomes. A mixed-methods longitudinal case study approach was taken, evaluating a series of intervention programmes over an extended period (12 years in total), all funded by the European Union via the Welsh Government. Data sources included program reports, management committee reports, interviews, and case study testimonials. Frequent intervention activities included quality systems development, technical support, and skills training. They notably improved product and processing innovation for SMEs, key performance indicators revealing over 1,800 new products, safeguarding around 2,300 food sector jobs, and supporting 64 new business start-ups. Findings emphasized the value of consistent policies over an extended time period, albeit with the potential for lock-in effects. Future programme goals should be adapted for broader sustainable development outcomes – these are not uniquely Welsh challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book "Tourism Planning and Development in Western Europe," edited by Konstantinos Andriotis, Carla Pinto Cardoso, and Dimitrios Stylidis, offers a comprehensive guide to the tourism landscape in Western Europe. It covers various topics, including stakeholder participation, infrastructure design, transportation, and the impact of climate change on tourism. The book emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism planning and provides in-depth country analysis and inter-country dynamics. While the book is a valuable resource for policymakers and academics, its geographical focus on Western Europe may limit its applicability to a global audience, and its relatively high cost could restrict accessibility. Additionally, the book could benefit from more explicit definitions and a closer examination of emerging challenges such as climate change and digital transformation in the tourism industry. [Extracted from the article]

Clusters can play an important role in helping regions to address transformative innovation policies in Europe focusing mainly on (i) sustainability (ii) smart specialization, promoting diversified specialization and (ii) reshoring/regionalization of value chains to secure economic sustainability and resilience. Clusters can be considered key change agents in aligning cluster policies with transformative policies and repositioning their role in the innovation policy landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal is one of the important energy sources; however, the direct combustion of raw coals is discouraged due to their low calorific value and the production of harmful gases. Microbial transformation of coal is an eco-friendly method to convert raw coal into clean and cost-effective valuable products like humic, fulvic acids, and other complex organic compounds. In present study, out of 51 bacterial isolates, 05 isolates, designated as ANK-4, AN-25, ANK-30, BD4, and Mn-250 were selected based on their degradation/solubilization activity for lignite as well as bituminous coal samples. All the isolates showed ligninolytic activity as determined by Azure-B decolorization and Manganese oxidation assays as well as by Guaiacol and α-Naphthol tests. For the bio-treated lignite and bituminous coals, the Z-average size was 434.2 to 187.5 and 587.6 to 280.2 nm and zeta potential was −35.2 to −29.3 and −32.6 to −23.8 mV, respectively. Morphological and molecular studies showed that the isolated bacteria belong to genus Bacillus and Kocuria. The coal solubilization/degradation and ligninolytic activities as well as size and zeta potential studies indicated that the isolated bacteria could be potential candidates for development of green technologies for conversion of coal into valuable products for fuel and non-fuel applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation was to define criteria for environmental, economic and social sustainability practices at all stages of the institutional restaurant meal production process.The method was based on an initial 35 criteria model relying on the literature, and subdivided into three dimensions: natural resources, stages of the meal production process, as well as certification and training programs for employees. This model was sent to 36 specialists for the application of the Delphi Technique, through an online form, using the 5-point Likert scale, considering the relevance and difficulty of the execution of each of the criteria.The criteria that reached an average greater than or equal to 3.5 in relation to the level of relevance were considered accepted. After the analysis of the dimensions by the investigation participants indicated that the 35 criteria were approved and two new ones were included. The 37 criteria are arranged in order of relevance and levels of difficulty. This order is intended to help to instruct managers and nutritionists in assessing and determining priority actions in institutional restaurants, in order to achieve sustainable practices. The 37 defined criteria can help institutional restaurants determine priority actions for sustainability practices. In addition, it can be inferred that the 37 criteria defined and validated by experts can support the design of programs or policies related to FNS (Food and Nutritional Security) and to sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused serious challenges for healthcare workers (HCWs) and HIV-related healthcare services. This study assessed the effects of the invasion on HCWs wellbeing and on continuity of HIV services, using in-depth interviews with HCWs from facilities offering HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine. A directed content analysis, with both inductive and deductive approaches, was conducted. Ten HCWs (6 [60%] doctors, 4 [40%] nurses; 9 [90%] female) were interviewed. Six respondents were displaced from their homes and worksites, and all described stress and threats to emotional wellbeing. HCWs used online consultations, encrypted mobile communication, and multi-month dispensing to support continuity of ART and PrEP services. They noted immediate needs for psychological and financial support, and access to laptop computers and mobile communications to ensure continuity of HIV services. Priorities for restoration of services include repair of health facilities, restoration of laboratory services and supply chains, and return of personnel and patients. HCWs made innovative, rapid adaptations to HIV services to keep ART and PrEP services running, demonstrating the resolve of Ukrainian HCWs to maintain continuity of HIV services despite the disruptions of war. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PA) often adopt buffer zone program to share PA benefit with local people and improve community support for conservation. However, the effectiveness of such policies is still unknown. By utilizing household survey data from six PAs (n = 2,121), we assessed contribution of Nepal's Buffer Zone Program in conservation and sustainable development. While the residents showed limited knowledge about the program's specific details and perceived that the funds were too minimal to have a substantial development impact, those who were aware valued the program. Perceived effect was greater on increasing conservation awareness and improving park-people relationships than reducing human-wildlife conflict or funding development projects. Trust, satisfaction, and perception of the program's contribution varied significantly relative to proximity to PA, history of wildlife damage, PA income, minority status, gender and education. Effectiveness of such programs may be enhanced by investing the fund in mitigating wildlife damage than funding development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAV), or robotaxis, are expected to be commercially available within this decade. This new transport mode has the potential to revolutionize travel, offering a level of service comparable to traditional taxis with much lower prices. This may attract travelers currently using other modes, impacting the economic sustainability of public transport as well as car ownership levels. We investigate this potential demand using a scalable SAV simulation framework. We do not establish a future equilibrium considering the interaction between all users on a detailed road network, but establish the potential demand for a large metropolitan area. Travelers can choose between their current mode and the new SAV mode, with fare and waiting times which depend on real-time demand. For our input data we train a statistical model on a large transport survey from Germany for an urban region, allowing us to generate a large number of trips with realistic characteristics. We conduct a sensitivity analysis to study the effect of several key parameters on the modal shift. We find that SAVs can be attractive to many active mode and public transport users unless regulations are put in place. Our results also show that due to SAV fleet constraints, changes in incentives for travelers currently using cars may have significant consequences on the behavior of other travelers. We further calculate key economic indicators for the fleet, which can inform the discussion on the fleet size and fare level that operators are likely to choose when maximizing their own profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop evidence-based policies and infrastructure for diverse Hajj pilgrim needs, aligning with SDGs. Hajj, Islam's fifth pillar, is mandatory for physically, socially, and spiritually capable Muslims, despite ranking the last. Among Indonesians, completing the Hajj holds profound significance. To support the pilgrimage, the government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has established the Integrated Hajj Information System for Saudi Arabia pilgrim coordination. However, the system hasn't fully accommodated people with disabilities (PwDs), a significantly growing number, and primarily aged pilgrims with health issues. Thus, the Indonesian government must endorse tailored provisions, infrastructure, and services respecting PwDs' human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research indicates that Building Information Modeling (BIM) serves as a digital platform for integrating pertinent data across all stages of construction, enhancing data management capabilities. This is notably crucial during initial investment planning and throughout project execution, facilitating efficient engineering information management, practice, quality assurance, and cost control concurrently. BIM contributes novel insights into green building development while posing significant challenges. The complexity of optimizing multiple performance indicators using BIM has hindered its widespread adoption in design practice, confining its application primarily to academic research. Therefore, this paper reviewed 168 previous studies from the past ten years, conducted an in-depth review and comparison, and provides suggestions for possible future research direction for BIM research. Specifically, the paper systematically reviews the application of BIM in design, construction, operation and maintenance, retrofit and demolition, and all the assessment phases of green buildings, and discusses the advantages of the BIM application in green buildings as well as an analysis of the current research gaps. This research enhances practitioners' understanding of BIM and green buildings' current trends and development status. It elucidates BIM's role in fostering green building development, guiding future industry professionals and researchers in effectively integrating BIM into sustainable construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals stipulate that persons with disabilities have equal rights to access and safely use transport systems. The aim of the current study is to explore stakeholders' perspectives of the relationship and prioritization between safety and accessibility in the Swedish discussion of disability and transport. The data consist of interviews with 15 informants from the National Council for Disability and Transport and other key stakeholders. Reflexive thematic analysis led to identification of four themes: basis for priorities is a matter of governing; challenges to measuring and evaluating different values; importance of knowledge and building forums; and a universal system of accessibility and safety is a challenge. The results indicate the road ahead for a possible holistic and sustainable governance in the transport systems. However, how this will be put into practise is not yet defined. Points of interest: According to several regulations, persons with disabilities have equal rights to safety and accessibility in the transport system. However, there are challenges to combining different concepts and perspectives. Lack of mandates for institutions to address both safety and accessibility leads to goal conflicts and a risk that focuses become entrenched with clearly defined boundaries. There are challenges in evaluating different values and perspectives in relation to accessibility. A facilitating aspect for sustainability regarding safety and accessibility is to create opportunities and systems to allow for the exchange of knowledge. Integration of safety and accessibility may be encouraged by the use of existing sets of holistic approaches (i.e. Vision Zero and Universal Design). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vast variety of chemical compounds have been fabricated and commercialized, they not only result in industrial exposure during manufacturing and usage, but also have environmental impacts throughout their whole life cycle. Consequently, attempts to assess the risk of chemicals in terms of toxicology have never ceased. In-silico toxicology, also known as predictive toxicology, has advanced significantly over the last decade as a result of the drawbacks of experimental investigations. In this study, ProTox-III was applied to predict the toxicity of the ligands used for metal–organic framework (MOF) design and synthesis. Initially, 35 ligands, that have been frequently utilized for MOF synthesis and fabrication, were selected. Subsequently, canonical simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) of ligands were extracted from the PUBCHEM database and inserted into the ProTox-III online server. Ultimately, webserver outputs including LD50 and the probability of toxicological endpoints (cytotoxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, immunotoxicity, and ecotoxicity) were obtained and organized. According to retrieved LD50 data, the safest ligand was 5-hydroxyisophthalic. In contrast, the most hazardous ligand was 5-chlorobenzimidazole, with an LD50 of 8 mg/kg. Among evaluated endpoints, ecotoxicity was the most active and was detected in several imidazolate ligands. This data can open new horizons in design and development of green MOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, researchers have paid increasing attention to the embodiment of education for sustainable development (ESD) in early childhood education (ECE) policies in various countries, but there is a lack of relevant research in China. Therefore, this study adopts the ESD analytical framework to analyze some representative ECE policies in China. It was found that although these policies did not explicitly mention ESD, they contained related concepts, such as educational content covering the three domains of sustainable development, focusing on cultivating children's cooperation and problem-solving skills and advocating the principles of child-centeredness and multiple synergies. This is closely related to the theoretical foundation of China's ECE. However, there are also some deviations in the current policy. In the future, policies should be adjusted to focus on children's relationship with the multidimensional world, enrich relational thinking in curriculum development, transform children's learning styles and promote the sustainable development of ECE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are promoted as a global action plan for transformational change. Through calls to localise the global agenda, local governments have been made key actors in implementing the agenda. In Norway, the government ascribes municipalities a formal role in the national effort to implement the SDGs. Drawing on the concept of policy translation, we explore localisation processes at the strategic level of planning in Norwegian municipalities. Through analysis of municipal master plans and interviews with planners, we find that municipalities use a selective approach, prioritising goals that largely support existing policies, while more challenging goals become lost in translation. We argue that while the Norwegian planning system provides an institutional framework for implementing and following up on the SDGs, new rounds of translation will be needed to also handle difficult goals, if the SDGs are to create actual and much-needed policy change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) and its member states are the world's largest development donor, but the European financial architecture for development suffers from well-documented problems of fragmentation. EU member states' decision to convene the Wieser Group in April 2019 raised expectations over rationalising the roles of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). However, the Council of the EU showed little enthusiasm for the group's call to create a single entity for external development finance. Twelve months later, member states endorsed Team Europe, an alternative approach which mobilises the resources of the EIB, the EBRD, the European Commission and national development finance institutions in support of shared development goals. This article seeks to explain why the Council ultimately preferred Team Europe's coordinated approach to the Wieser Report's centralised vision of a European Climate and Sustainable Development Bank. In keeping with new intergovernmentalism, we find that member states' willingness to cooperate but reluctance to delegate, and the aim of EU institutions to protect their turf, favoured Team Europe. We see few reasons to expect radical changes in this domain despite continued doubts over the effectiveness and coherence of European development finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the transition from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the concept of development has shifted from development to inclusive development. This motivates authors to include not only growth and inequality but also poverty, which will represent our concept of inclusive development. The literature on trade and its impact on inequality and poverty is ambiguous and heterogeneous, reflecting the need for more empirical analyses to enable effective policy targeting and implementation. The study examines the dynamic linkages between trade and the GIP triangle (economic growth, poverty, and inequality) in 18 emerging countries from 1991 to 2020. As a contribution to the existing literature, the study emphasizes direct and indirect linkages between trade and the GIP triangle. Using the panel ARDL approach for panel data, the study finds that trade promotes growth. Trade also helps in deteriorating income inequality, while it is not a factor of poverty eradication in emerging economies. The study recommends that to maximize the effectiveness of trade policies; they must be complementary and implemented in tandem with trade reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of supplemental light has been proven to be effective in growing plants in controlled environments. These light sources have been proven effective in influencing both, developmental and phytochemical pathways. Among artificial/supplemental lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs) offer several advantages and unique properties. Consequently, the use of this novel technology has gained popularity in indoor plant cultivation. In this review, recent achievements and progress related to the preharvest application of LED technology are discussed, starting from the selection of appropriate LED wavelengths to varying photoperiod to enhance crop growth, yield, and phytochemical concentrations. The review further summarises the recent developments in the use of LED technology for cultivating crops hydroponically and the economic implications of LED usage is briefly discussed. Lastly, the future prospects and research directions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from USPTO, CEADs, the Chinese Statistical Yearbook, and spatial econometric models for the panel of the 30 Chinese provinces for the period 2000∼2019, this study explores and compares the impact of green and non-green innovation on CO2 emissions. The findings reveal a significant spatial correlation in CO2 emissions across provinces, validating the appropriateness of spatial econometric models for this analysis. The results indicate that both green and non-green innovations significantly reduce CO2 emissions, with green innovation having a more pronounced effect despite its lower prevalence. Additionally, patents and their citations notably enhance environmental quality in neighboring provinces through indirect effects. The empirical results highlight that China should focus on: (1) spatial spillover effects of technological, especially green, innovation; (2) removing barriers to green patent invention and citation; (3) transitioning from an energy-driven to a green innovation-driven economy; and (4) enhancing environmental quality by mitigating CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: De manière agrégée, les PME sont de grandes consommatrices d'énergie et ont des impacts environnementaux considérables au niveau mondial. Malgré cela, elles attirent encore peu l'attention des chercheurs et des responsables des politiques publiques. Pourtant, sans leur contribution, l'atteinte des cibles nationales en matière énergétique et environnementale est improbable. En ce sens, il devient essentiel de mieux comprendre ce qui les incite à devenir plus mature au niveau énergétique. La présente étude adopte une analyse multiniveau en considérant les aspects individuel, organisationnel, contextuel pour identifier les déterminants de la maturité énergétique des PME. Une étude menée auprès de 409 PME québécoises permet d'établir que ce sont les facteurs organisationnels intangibles qui sont les principaux déterminants de la maturité énergétique dans les PME québécoises. Les facteurs contextuels n'ont pas d'influence et un seul facteur individuel, l'âge du dirigeant, exerce une influence limitée. Cette reconnaissance de la prépondérance des facteurs organisationnels intangibles est un apport aux écrits sur le sujet qui ne font pas cette distinction lorsqu'ils considèrent les freins et accélérateurs des pratiques d'efficacité énergétique. Cela procure aussi un enseignement pratique important: l'acquisition de compétences et d'attitudes proactives dans les PME envers l'efficacité énergétique est un levier d'action à prioriser. In an aggregate manner, SMEs are very large consumers of energy and have significant environmental impacts worldwide. Nevertheless, they still attract little attention from researchers and public policymakers. Yet, without their contribution, the achievement of national energy and environmental targets is unlikely. In this sense, it becomes essential to better understand what motivates them to become more energetically mature. This study adopts a multi-level analysis that considers individual, organizational, contextual aspects to identify the determinants of SME energy maturity. A study of 409 Quebec SMEs shows that intangible organizational factors are determinants of energy maturity in Quebec SMEs. Contextual factors have no influence and only one individual factor, the age of the leader, has a limited influence. This recognition of the preponderance of intangible organizational factors is a contribution to the literature on the subject, which does not make this distinction when considering the obstacles and the accelerators of energy efficiency practices. It also provides an important practical lesson: the development of proactive skills and attitudes in SMEs towards energy efficiency is a lever of action to prioritize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's government has launched the innovative city pilot (ICP) policy since 2008 and taken green development as the principle goal of innovative city construction. However, whether or not the ICP policy shapes green development remains largely unknown. Leveraging variation in the timing of the ICP policy implementation across cities, we investigate the causal impact of innovative city construction on green development, as measured by green total-factor productivity (GTFP). Our staggered difference-in-differences (DID) estimator shows that cities which implement the ICP policy experience a 5.3% increase in GTFP. This effect appears one year after the introduction of ICP policy and shows an upward trend over time. Our mechanism analysis further confirms that the ICP policy effect is driven by green innovation effect, which is realized through the support of innovation policy and increased investment in innovation. Finally, substantial heterogeneity is explained by geographic location, environmental constraint, resource endowment, city size and different levels of innovation. Our paper underscores the pivotal role of innovative cities in promoting green development, which warrants nationwide expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) pollution in water poses a significant threat to the ecological environment and human health. Meanwhile, the resource utilisation of coal gangue is of utmost importance in ecologically sustainable development. Thus, the FeOOH@coal gangue composite (FeOOH@CG) was synthesised for As(V) adsorption in this study. The results showed that α-FeOOH, β-FeOOH and Schwertmannite loaded on the surface of FeOOH@CG. Moreover, the adsorption behaviour of As(V) by FeOOH@CG was investigated under different reaction conditions, such as pH, contact time, initial concentration and co-existing anions. The optimum adsorption conditions were as follows: initial As(V) concentration of 60 mg/L, pH of 3.0 and adsorption time of 180–240 h. The adsorption capacity of FeOOH@CG for As(V) was pH-dependent and the maximum adsorption capacity was 185.94 mg/g. The presence of anions (${\rm H}_ 2{\rm PO}_4^-$ H 2 PO 4 − , ${\rm HCO}_3^-$ HCO 3 − and ${\rm C}{\rm l}^-$ C l − ) decreased the adsorption efficiency of FeOOH@CG for As(V). The adsorption process of FeOOH@CG for As(V) could be well-described by the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption process mainly depended on chemical adsorption. The thermodynamic analysis suggested that the adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process. In addition, according to the analyses of XRD, FTIR and XPS, the dominant mechanisms of As(V) adsorption by FeOOH@CG were electrostatic attraction, complexation and precipitation. In conclusion, FeOOH@CG has great potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbent for As(V) adsorption from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain highways are linearly complex, with extensive curves and high accident injury rates, how to improve driving safety is the key to traffic safety management on mountain highways, and it also meets the need for harmonious and sustainable development of the society. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of different guardrail color configurations on the driving behavior of different styles of drivers when driving on mountainous curves from the perspective of improving road aids – guardrails. A virtual reality experiment was designed using a driving simulator and VR technology, and 64 subjects were recruited to participate and complete the experiment. Drivers with non-adaptive driving styles (Reckless, Angry, Anxious) traveled at significantly higher speeds than subjects with adaptive driving styles (Cautious) on mountainous roads; drivers with Cautious styles had better lane-keeping ability when passing through different radii of curves as compared to non-adaptive drivers; and the red and yellow guardrails were more effective in decreasing the speeds at which drivers passed and in increasing the stability of lane-keeping. The results of the study show that the effectiveness of red and yellow guardrails is better, which provides a reference for the traffic management department to propose a standardized color setting of guardrails in mountainous areas, which is conducive to the development of more precise traffic management measures to reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Poultry feed manufacturing refers to processing various raw materials to meet birds' nutrient requirements, based on knowledge of animal nutrition and mechanical engineering. Since the advent of feed mills, many technologies have been utilised to implement various feed manufacturing techniques, which are helpful to sustainably produce well-balanced, cost-effective and high-quality feed. Efforts have been made to further strengthen the environmental, social and economic sustainability of feed manufacturing via a variety of technological innovations over the years. The integration and application of new technologies will be helpful to further improve poultry feed manufacturing in the future as well. By increasing the precision and uniformity of the final feed, and reducing the risk of errors, these advancements will ultimately result in more efficient manufacturing of animal products, optimising both the nutrition supplied and the energy used. This paper will review recent advances in the feed industry for poultry, as well as envision new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation on the technological trajectory of the chemical industry. Focusing on the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list, this study used a novel dataset of chemical patents and structures filed at the European Patent Office (EPO) over the period from 1990 to 2016. A staggered difference-in-differences approach with inverse probability weights was used to measure the impact of the SVHC list on the novelty and toxicity of chemical patents. The analysis revealed a substantial increase in the chemical novelty of patents after the introduction of the SVHC list. Simultaneously, a significant decrease in the toxicity of these patents was observed, underpinning the legislative intent of REACH. These findings highlight the ability of regulatory frameworks to strategically steer innovation, reinforcing the alignment between technological advancement and the overarching goals of responsible and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although scholars have developed simulation models and analyzed bankability criteria in numerous papers to enhance the financial outcomes of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the intersection between both fields considering alternatives to assess the financial impact of flexibility in both scope and financing, remains underdeveloped. To address this gap, this paper introduces a financial model that assesses the financial impact of suitable life-cycle flexibility alternatives while coexisting with revenue performance alterations in each project phase within toll road PPPs. This model serves as a tool to gain insight into the planning of strategic actions to implement flexibility in both scope and financing. Based on system dynamics and validated using financial data from two toll road PPPs in India and East Europe, simulation results suggest that two key drivers (capital expenditures and debt repayment period) have the greatest influence on financial performance. Findings support the implementation of flexible scopes to effectively address the most influential exogenous factor impacting the financial performance of PPPs, namely traffic shortfalls. This model provides a suitable tool for assessing the life-cycle economic sustainability of PPPs in uncertain and complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The result of a collaboration between an anthropologist and a photographer, in this photo essay we aim to visualize the medical process of egg donation and the quotidian lives of egg donors in Spain. By extending their biographies beyond the moment of extraction, we shed light on the intertwined messiness of medical procedures and everyday life and the precarious circumstances in which egg donation takes place in Spain today. Our aim is to highlight the participants who, although they matter most in the egg donation economy, are concealed: the egg donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWith new technologies emerging, productivity is increasing, while environmental issues are being addressed. Studies focus on the benefits of technological progress but pay limited attention to potential risks. This paper uses data from 286 Chinese cities to explore the impact of industrial robots on urban green total factor productivity. We find that industrial robots significantly reduces urban green total factor productivity. Mechanism analysis shows the main effect is driven by manufacturing agglomeration and crowding out environmental investment. Urban green total factor productivity decomposition shows that industrial robots block green technical progress and efficiency. Heterogeneity analysis shows that industrial robots significantly impact urban green total factor productivity in developed, highly market-oriented, and industrialized regions. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of industrial robots in urban green development and provide corresponding policy implications for guiding the harmonious development of technology and sustainable urban growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionSustainability has become a ubiquitous imperative across all sectors of society, including healthcare. Building on the broader discourse on sustainable development, sustainability is used in relation to social, ecological, and economic concerns with varying degrees of emphasis and often related to a sense of durability.To provide a detailed analysis of the concept of sustainability in current physical therapy literature and advance its deliberate future implementation.Setting out from a critical exposition of prevalent models of sustainability, we conducted a critical discourse analysis to (1) examine the implementation of the concept of sustainability in physical therapy academic literature and (2) critically evaluate its hitherto use in light of the broader discourse surrounding sustainability.Our analysis identified a focus on the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions, and the use of so-called “weak” and “strong sustainability” models in the physical therapy literature. Other models and the broader critical discourse surrounding sustainability are only gradually finding their way into physical therapy literature.Physical therapy lacks comprehensive exploration of both general and profession-specific understandings of sustainability. Nuanced engagement with sustainability and its alternatives is necessary to ensure its meaningful implementation in physical therapy research, education, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]