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Consumers' growing awareness of environmental protection and carbon regulations enacted by the government based on strengthened environmental pressure are forcing manufacturers to curb carbon emissions. This paper considers a manufacturer investing in green technology to reduce carbon emissions under the cap-and-trade regulation, selling products to consumers through a direct channel and an online retail platform. The platform could choose to operate either in an agency mode or a reselling mode. A three-stage game is constructed to examine the interactions between the manufacturer's investment and the platform's operation mode under the cap-and-trade regulation, as well as the influences of the regulation on the interactions, and the supply chain coordination. The findings suggest that green technology investment in either operation mode leads to Pareto improvement in profits of both the platform and the manufacturer, and the investment induces the platform to prefer the reselling mode. Besides, the cap-and-trade regulation encourages the platform to opt for the agency mode, while the investment could mitigate the influence of the regulation on the platform's mode choice, with greater investment efficiency resulting in better mitigation. Furthermore, the investment could induce supply chain coordination under two modes through two different contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In La Moitié de la Gloire, Axel Mayenfisch's documentary about the 1952 Swiss expedition to Chomolungma (Mount Everest), André Roch recalls how the retreating climbers simply abandoned much of their gear, either leaving it where it was or "throwing it into holes [crevasses]." Roch's tale was by no means unusual, as mountaineers at that time gave little thought to what became of their waste. By the 1970s, however, climbers were becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment. The resulting change of attitude led many mountaineering organizations to take concrete steps to protect the mountains (e.g., cleanup campaigns) and to issue waste management guidelines for trips into the high mountains. The Union internationale des associations d'alpinisme 1982 Kathmandu Declaration—a charter of ten principles for achieving greater harmony with the mountain environment—was an important milestone in this process. Drawing on documents held in the extensive archives of the Union internationale des associations d'alpinisme, the current paper retraces the path that led to the Kathmandu Declaration and the process by which the environment became an important aspect of the aforementioned organization's work. It also examines the hypothesis that the organization has progressively adopted a conservationist stance toward protecting nature; its aim is to reconcile environmental protection and economic development (especially tourism). The history of the Kathmandu Declaration supports this hypothesis, as it shows how the notion of sustainable development, which emerged in the 1980s, came to dominate conceptions of mountain protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports associations have a special relationship with natural landscapes. In the second half of the twentieth century, a number of organizations positioned themselves as defenders of the natural environment against the development of tourism and sports leisure facilities. They attempted to tackle the problem of over-equipment of natural areas. This research is based on a study of two outdoor institutions, the Centre Nautique des Glénans (CNG) and the Club Alpin Français (CAF). Despite their different pasts and proposed activities, both have been involved in landscape and environmental protection throughout their history. This can be seen in the way both associations integrate their facilities into the landscape, as well as in the work they do to raise their members' awareness of environmental preservation as part of their sporting activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a crystalline material CuPMTT was synthesized via coordination self-assembly strategy. The surfaces of CuPMTT are densely populated with thiol groups that effectively capture Hg2+ ions, achieving an adsorption rate nearing 90% and a separation coefficient of 4.51 against Cu2+, thus outperforming conventional adsorbents and presenting a significant advancement in environmental protection chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific article comprehensively examines various methods and approaches to the administrative and legal protection of personal data in the online environment. Emphasis is placed on the importance of comprehensive application of various methods of protection, as well as on the need for constant improvement of legislation in this area, taking into account the development of new technologies and challenges. The article thoroughly studies the theoretical principles of administrative and legal protection of personal data. The concepts of «personal data» and «administrative protection» are studied in the context of this topic. The provisions of the current legislation of Ukraine and the European Union, which regulate the issue of personal data protection, are analyzed. The authors pay special attention to the activities of the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for human rights in the field of personal data protection. The powers of the Commissioner are disclosed, as well as the procedures for carrying out inspections and applying measures for administrative termination of violations of legislation in the field of persona l data protection. An important aspect of the research is the analysis of administrative liability for violation of the legislation on personal data protection. Describes the types of violations for which administrative responsibility is provided. The article offers a number of recommendations for improving the administrative and legal protection of personal data in Ukraine. These include the adoption of new and amendments to current legislation that would more clearly regulate the issue of personal data protection in the online environment; ensuring adequate financing of the activities of the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for human rights; conducting regular trainings and seminars for civil servants and business representatives on issues of personal data protection; strengthening cooperation with international organizations in the field of personal data protection. Based on the conducted research, the author concludes that administrative and legal methods of personal data protection are an important component of a comprehensive system of protection of human rights and freedoms in the digital environment. The effectiveness of personal data protection can be ensured only under the condition of comprehensive application of various methods, constant improvement of legislation and effective control over its compli ance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a crystalline material CuPMTT was synthesized via coordination self-assembly strategy. The surfaces of CuPMTT are densely populated with thiol groups that effectively capture Hg2+ ions, achieving an adsorption rate nearing 90% and a separation coefficient of 4.51 against Cu2+, thus outperforming conventional adsorbents and presenting a significant advancement in environmental protection chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental vertical management reform (EVMR) below the provincial level in China is an important driving force for enterprise green innovation. This article employs a progressive double-difference method to test the green innovation performance of enterprises in pilot areas relative to non-pilot areas before and after the implementation of the reform, to analyse its impact on green innovation. The findings of the article indicate that: (1) EVMR can significantly promote enterprise green innovation. This conclusion still holds after controlling for endogeneity and conducting other robustness tests. (2) In terms of the mechanism, EVMR primarily promotes green innovation by improving the supervisory capacity of provincial-level environmental protection departments, the enforcement capacity of grassroots environmental protection departments, and the incentives and supervision for managers from shareholders in enterprises. (3) Heterogeneity results show that the EVMR has a more significant promoting effect on enterprise green innovation in regions with lower degree of marketization and less emphasis on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is indicated that the protection of the natural environment, the rational use of natural resources, ensuring the ecological safety of human activities are an integral condition for the sustainable economic and social development of Ukraine. Mining, including open-pit mining, is an important source of economic development and economic independence of the state. However, open-pit mining is accompanied by a significant negative impact on the environment. Therefore, in the context of European integration, environmental safety in open pit mining as a component of environmental safety is of great importance for Ukraine's national security. Due to the lack of scientific developments and clear legislative regulation of the issue of environmental safety in open pit mining, it is necessary to study the concept and legal features of legal support for environmental safety in open pit mining. To this end, the article highlights various scientific approaches to the definition of the concept of environmental safety and leg al support, and provides a legal analysis of these concepts, on the basis of which the author derives the concept of environmental safety in open pit mining, as well as the concept and legal features of legal support for environmental safety in open pit mining. To this end, the article highlights various scientific approaches to the definition of the concept of environmental safety and legal support, and conducts a legal analysis of these concepts, on the basis of which the author derives the concept of environmental safety in open pit mining, as well as the concept and legal features of legal support for environmental safety in open pit mining. As a result of the study, it is established that the study of the concept of environmental safety in open-pit mining is relevant and has practical significance for determining the ways and means of ensuring it, taking into account all the specifics of open-pit mining. And the study of the concept and legal features of legal support for environmental safety in open pit mining provides an opportunity to work out the shortcomings and develop effective legal mechanisms to ensure it. Therefore, this research is important both for the theory of environmental safety law and environment al law in general, and in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific article is devoted to the analysis of organizational and legal aspects of combating environmental crime in Ukraine. Arguments are presented regarding the relevance in the global, international dimension: criminalization of environmental damage at the level of the European Union and its member states; detailing the shortcomings of international legislation and revising the relevant directive on environmental crimes; establishment of functioning of the International Registry of Losses. It was emphasized that the introduction of appropriate changes to international legislation will allow creating a comprehensive system of measures to combat environmental crime, ensure the unification of national legislative systems in terms of terminology, composition of crimes, as well as sanctions applied for their commission in armed conflicts. The need to take comprehensive measures to combat ecocide at the national level, to develop a unified state policy in this area, to establish an effective system for monitoring the state of the environment and fixing the amount of damages, in particular for the systematic presentation of legal claims for the payment of reparations, is substantiated. In the opinion of the author, the National Post-War Recovery Plan should include measures to restore and preserve ecosystems, in particular, based on the analysis of normative legal acts in the field of environmental protection. It is noted that the relevant mechanisms should be universal and effectively prevent crimes against the environment in the world, be reflected in the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly of the United Nations and other documents of the international law system. The author emphasizes that the need and importance of improving legislation concerns not only countries in a state of military conflict, but also the rest of the world. Taking into account the fact that environmental damage is mainly transboundary in nature, the international community should focus on the formation of a clear understanding of the legal norms dedicated to crimes against the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a systematic analysis of the provisions of the Polish Constitution, the article singles out three groups of constitutional prescriptions that are directly or indirectly related to the establishment and provision of environmental rights. The first group is those that directly establish separate environmental rights. This is Article 74 of Chapter II «Human and Citizen Freedoms, Rights and Duties» of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. At the same time, Poland belongs to those countries whose Constitutions do not enshrine the right to a safe environment. The Constitution of Poland highlights the right to environmental information and indirectly defines the right of the public to participate in environmental protection activities. The second group concerns the regulation of the duties of state bodies in the field of environmental protection, ensuring its safe condition. Despite the repeated mentions in the Polish Constitution of the duty of state authorities to ensure a safe state of the environment, the theory and jurisprudence of the neighbouring state do not consider it possible to derive the right of a person to a safe environment from this duty. The constituent norms of the first section of the Constitution can be attributed to the third group of constitutional prescriptions. These are, in particular, prescriptions that recognize the need to observe the principle of sustainable development, as well as the concept of «common good» introduced into the Polish Constitution, which found projection in the environmental legal mechanism and became the basis for the justification of the institution of «collective complaint» that can be submitted by public environmental organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of metal-free carbon nanostructures prove effective in energy and environmental applications due to their molecular tunability and vast chemical space. Herein, we synthesize nitrogen-containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNTs) via. acid-catalysed incorporation of 3, 4-diaminopyridine into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and demonstrating their efficacy in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and semicarbazide (SCB) oxidation for energy and environmental waste management, respectively. Successful synthesis is further confirmed by analysis techniques, i.e. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis shows the diminishing OH frequency around 3250 cm−1 in MWCNTs after functionalization and the formation of an O C–NH bond in N-MWCNTs at 1710 cm−1. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the incorporation of N-species, while Raman spectroscopic analysis indicates an increase in the I D /I G ratio MWCNTs (∼1) to N-MWCNTs (∼1.25), suggesting more defective sites in the N-MWCNTs nanocomposite. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals peaks at 399.38, 400.49, and 402.05 eV, attributed to pyridinic-N, aromatic amide-N, and protonated amine groups, respectively. N₂ adsorption-desorption studies shows a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area for N-MWCNTs (119.22 m2/g) compared to MWCNTs (74.94 m2/g). Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) profiles demonstrate enhanced activity of N-MWCNTs for both HER and SCB oxidation at an ultralow potential of E = −0.55 V vs RHE at 10 mA/cm2, with a lower Tafel slope of 108 mV.dec−1. Moreover, the electrochemical sensing studies indicates on N-MWCNTs were demonstrating an efficient electron transfer to SCB with the lower detection limit of 0.004 μmol. This work provides carbon-based metal-free electrocatalysts for energy harvesting and environmental management. [Display omitted] • An easy way to synthesize N-MWCNTs nanocomposites was developed. • N-MWCNTs shows superior electrochemical activity and stability in semicarbazide and hydrogen evolution reactions than MWCNTs. • The presence of N in N-MWCNTs develops new sites for enhancing conductivity and electrochemical reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation and upgrading of the industrial structure constitute a pivotal task for sustainable economic development, and the factors influencing this process are also of concern to developing countries around the world. Unfortunately, there is still relatively little systematic discussion on the impact of environmental policy on the industrial structure. Against this backdrop, we have employed the multi-period differences-in-differences (DID) model to assess the impact of the implementation of the National Key Ecological Function Area (NKEFA) policy on the industrial structure in the Yellow River Basin. Our findings reveal that this environmental policy fosters the advancement of industrial structure but does not influence its rationalisation. Regarding mediating effects, we confirm the positive impacts of population density and the investment in education. Furthermore, the policy effects are more pronounced in non-ethnic provinces with better basic conditions, whereas ethnic provinces exhibit almost no effect. The policy effects are more significant in large cities than in small and medium-sized cities. These findings enrich the existing exploration of the impact of environmental policy on industrial structure and provide a strong reference for policy practice in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the reaction environment of wax gourd extract, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and magnesium oxide (MgO) were synthesized by microemulsion method. Under atmospheric pressure, the optimum conditions for preparing TiO2 and MgO nanoparticles were investigated at different reaction temperatures and time. The obtained optimal reaction conditions are as follows: when the amount of TiCl3 solution was 70 µL, the mass ratio of wax gourd extract to water was 1:2, the reaction time was 60 min, and the reaction temperature was 35 °C, rod‐like TiO2 particles with the best dispersion and crystallinity were obtained. When the amount of MgCl2 solution was 10 mL, the amount of wax gourd extract was 40 mL, the reaction time was 120 min, and the reaction temperature was 70 °C, the prepared MgO particles exhibited a spindle shape with the best dispersion and crystallinity. Wax gourd‐assisted synthesis of TiO2 and MgO provides not only a new synthesis idea for the preparation of metal oxides, but also a green environmental protection system, which conforms to the concept of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPinus bungeana belonging to the genus Pinus is a pine tree species endemic to China. It plays vital roles in afforestation, forest regeneration, landscaping, forest ecosystems, and environmental protection. However, P. bungeana has been listed as a rare and endangered species in recent years due to population fragmentation. The occurrence of lethal diseases on the trees has made the situation even worse. This study aimed to identify the pathogen causing the trunk canker on P. bungeana trees in Qingdao, China. The morphological identification of the pathogen relied primarily on the morphology of conidia. Molecular identification was performed using the combined sequences of ITS, Tef and Tub2 genes. The eight isolates were all identified as Diplodia sapinea. The pathogenicity of the eight isolates was examined both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that all the fungal isolates caused severe canker symptoms on the inoculated P. bungeana branches. Moreover, D. sapinea was re-isolated from the inoculated branches. This study is novel in reporting D. sapinea causing trunk canker on P. bungeana trees in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares recent multilingual (auto)ethnobotanical books from Tanzania, Thailand, and Taiwan in terms of the role that the “insider translator” might play in linguistic, cultural, or environmental conservation or development. The books were motivated by similar concerns, but differed in the backgrounds of the authors, including translators and compilers. How did the backgrounds of the authors – as cultural outsiders or insiders – condition the form and content of the (auto)ethnobotanical books? What approach to authorship might be most effective for achieving the intended aims of the (auto)ethnobotanists? Based on textual analysis, interviews, and fieldwork, the main findings are as follows. The interlingual translation in the Tanzanian and Thai cases was unidirectional out of the local language, because the compilers, who were outsiders, were more concerned about the conservation of endangered languages, cultures, and environments. There was no division of labor between compiler and translator in the Taiwanese case, and the translation was bidirectional, because the authors were committed to the development of their language. It stands to reason that an autoethnobotanical effort, one made by cultural insiders, to conserve traditional plant knowledge or develop an ancestral language would be more effective than an ethnobotanical one; but the long-term effectiveness of any of the multilingual (auto)ethnobotanical books needs further comparative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long used in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, the brown seaweed Hizikia fusiformis (also known as Sargassum fusiforme or Hizikia fusiforme) is also referred to as "Hijiki." Given its abundant environmental and bioactive characteristics, it has received considerable attention. This systematic review aimed to present comprehensive data from the existing literature on the environmental and bioactive characteristics of H. fusiformis. Using three databases to search for published studies on related fields between 2002 and 2023, 1344 papers were screened and narrowed down to a set of 49 papers by the predetermined criteria. Evidence shows that H. fusiformis is a promising resource in the environmental protection and bioactive domains. Overall, more research and methods are needed to organically combine the development of H. fusiformis in the environmental and bioactive fields to gain greater economic benefits and environmental protection capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant production of sewage sludge by wastewater treatment plants on a global scale and the lack of correspondence between housing development and the expansion of sanitation infrastructure indicate a genuine concern regarding environmental preservation. This study addresses the crucial issue of effective sewage sludge management and its environmental impact. In the context of searching for new drying methods that optimize energy use and effectively stabilize sewage sludge, this work investigated the drying behavior of sewage sludge from treatment plants in two northern Moroccan cities using a prototype of an indirect forced convection solar dryer. The drying experiments enabled the determination of drying kinetics as well as highlighted the influence of temperature and humidity on the drying rate. The characteristic drying curve (CDC) and its mathematical expression were determined using Van Meel’s formalism. Thermal diffusivity of wastewater sludge during drying was also investigated. Using Fick’s diffusion model, diffusion coefficients ranged between 0.59 × 10-9 m²/s and 1.43 × 10-9 m²/s, demonstrating an increase in effective diffusivity with rising temperature. The Arrhenius equation provided activation energy values of 16.80 kJ/mol for Oujda samples and 19.72 kJ/mol for Nador samples, indicating the effect of temperature on effective diffusivity. A new equation based on the Midilli-Kucuk model was proposed to predict the drying behavior under untested aerothermal conditions, considering drying temperature and the initial dryness. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the drying kinetics and effective diffusivity of sewage sludge, providing valuable insights for designing large dryers for sludge management in WWTPs. This approach presents an optimal solution for drying and stabilizing sludge, contributing to environmental preservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the impact of brain gain in terms of foreign directors on environmental protection spending. Using a sample of heavy-polluting A-share firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2016 to 2019, we find robust evidence that board with more foreign directors spend more on environmental protection and this relationship is more pronounced in stated-owned enterprises. This paper provides important implications for the policy makers to enhance the environmental rules and regulations through better corporate governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological nanopores are increasingly used in molecular sensing due to their single-molecule sensitivity. The detection of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) like perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid is critical due to their environmental prevalence and toxicity. Here, we investigate selective interactions between PFAS and four cyclodextrin (CD) variants (a-, β-, and 2-hydroxypropyl-1-CD) within an a-hemolysin nanopore. We demonstrate that PFAS molecules can be electrochemically sensed by interacting with a 1-CD in a nanopore. Using HP-1-CDs with increased steric resistance, we can identify homologs of the perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid and the perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid families and detect common PFAS in drinking water at 0.4 to 2 parts per million levels, which are further lowered to 400 parts per trillion by sample preconcentration. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the underlying chemical mechanism of PFAS-CD interactions. These insights pave the way toward nanopore-based in situ detection with promises in environmental protection against PFAS pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassroots innovations are bottom-up solutions for solving problems that meet local needs and take into account their interests and values. The main purpose of this study is to identify the indicators of grassroots innovations in Iran. This research is based on a mixed method approach with an explanatory design. Participants were first selected using a quantitative method and then quantitative data were explored by using a qualitative method. The quantitative part was a survey design with Delphi technique and the qualitative part was done using the phenomenological design and the focus group technique. The tools were semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. SPSS software was used to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The content validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by calculating the CVI index and different methods were used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the qualitative part. Findings showed that grassroots innovation in Iran is defined in seven main themes: problem-solving, environmental protection, economics, practicality, independence from government, availability and use of technology. The results of this study provide a basis for comparing grassroots innovation in Iran and the rest of the world and can be useful for policymakers in science, technology and innovation in terms of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a by-product of the coal industry, the effective use of coal gangue presents significant implications for environmental protection and sustainable development upon effective utilization. Given the rich content of silicon and aluminum in coal gangue, this study converts it into a precursor for ceramic binders used in grinding wheels through the geopolymerization reaction process. Ceramic binders of the SiO2-B2O3-Al2O3-RO-R2O system were prepared at sintering temperatures ranging from 590 to 740°C, and the performance of each sample was tested. The research found that the flexural strength of the ceramic binder reached a peak of 31 MPa when sintered at 690°C. Additionally, the hardness was observed to be the highest at a sintering temperature of 640°C, reaching 211.8 hV. It was observed that as the sintering temperature rose, wettability tended to decrease. Using techniques including XRD, SEM, and EDS, the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and phase transformation of the material was analyzed, and these changes determined the properties of the material. This study not only confirmed the potential value of coal gangue in the abrasive tools industry but also opened up new strategies and technical solutions for the field of solid waste resource utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complementary use and transfer of empirical and scientific knowledge are essential for the holistic and sustainable management of fishing resources. To understand how both types of knowledge are transferred in fishing communities in three regions of Mexico, we conducted 120 in-depth interviews with young people, adults, and older adults who participated in various activities within fishing value networks. During the interviews, we identified who participated in transferring knowledge within communities, what lessons were passed on, what knowledge has been lost, and what scientific topics are known within the communities. We also investigated the sector's most used means of communication to further explore the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge and the fundamental roles of external actors in transferring knowledge within communities. The information was coded, categorized, and analyzed for each question. The interviewees valued the continuity of inheriting traditional knowledge, which included teaching practical skills, such as fishing techniques and navigation, and transmitting values, traditions, and ways of understanding and relating to the marine environment. The interviewees perceived knowledge transfer as a bidirectional exchange of knowledge, ideas, and practices among generations. Furthermore, they recognized the value of external actors with scientific and technical knowledge in promoting innovation and adapting to new challenges. The combination of knowledge and perspectives enriches fisheries management and marine environmental conservation. Promoting the transfer of traditional and scientific knowledge is fundamental to building a future where fishing and marine life coexist in harmony and prosperity. The responsibility of supporting this integration falls on fishing communities and external actors. Working together in this collaborative learning process is the key to achieving sustainable resource management and ensuring the continuity of this valuable tradition for future generations. In doing so, these communities' cultural and ecological richness can be preserved, ensuring a lasting balance between people and the sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background and significance: As China's economy continues its rapid expansion, the issue of environmental degradation has escalated, particularly within industries with significant environmental impact, such as steel, chemical, pharmaceutical sectors. These sectors are confronted with profound environmental and social responsibility challenges. The development of robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) systems has therefore become essential for improving environmental performance, meeting social responsibilities, and optimizing corporate governance structures. This study investigates the impact of ESG system implementation on the financial performance of enterprises within these environmentally impactful industries, offering a scientific foundation and practical guidance for corporate leaders and policymakers to facilitate green transformation and sustainable development. Methods and data: This research integrates empirical analysis with case studies, employing a dataset of 2,376 observations from 792 listed companies within industries with significant environmental impact, spanning the period from 2019 to 2021. The data, sourced from the Wind database, were analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between overall ESG scores and corporate performance, measured by Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA). All three ESG dimensions—environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G)—exhibit positive impacts on corporate performance. Furthermore, factors such as company size and growth rate are positively correlated with performance, whereas leverage ratio is negatively correlated. To further substantiate the empirical findings, a case study of Hunan Valin Steel Co., Ltd. was conducted. Results and conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that the implementation of ESG systems substantially enhances the financial performance of enterprises within industries characterized by significant environmental impacts. Specifically, investments in environmental protection led to greater resource utilization efficiency, social responsibility initiatives foster enhanced employee productivity and customer loyalty, and strong corporate governance improves management structures and decision-making processes. The case study of Hunan Valin Steel Co., Ltd. reinforces these results, illustrating that a comprehensive ESG framework not only helps such enterprises achieve their environmental and social responsibility objectives but also markedly improves their financial outcomes. This research provides robust empirical evidence and actionable management recommendations for ESG system implementation in environmentally impactful industries, along with scientific support for informed policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the specifics of legal liability for violations of the legal regime of sanitary protection zones in Ukraine, as well as the main directions for improving the relevant legal regulation. Sanitary protective zones perform an important security function in separating potentially harmful objects from places of residence and stay of people. In this regard, a special legal regime is established on their territories, which provides for significant restrictions on their economic use. Non-compliance with the established requirements regarding the legal regime of sanitary protection zones is the basis for bringing guilty persons to legal responsibility. Currently, there are no special provisions in the current legislation of Ukraine regarding liability for violations of the legal regime of sanitary protection zones. In this regard, legal responsibility for illegal actions in this area is covered by sanctions for committing violations in the field of environmental protection of a “general nature” (violation of sanitary standards; arbitrary occupation of a plot of land; violation of environmental safety rules; design or operation of structures without protection systems environment; violation of land use rules, etc.). Therefore, there is a need to formalize the composition of offenses that are already provided for in the normative legal acts on the regulation of the legal regime of lands of sanitary protection zones, the codification of legislation on administrative responsibility for violations in the field of environmental protection, the introduction of special sanctions for violations of the legal regime of sanitary protection zones zones, as well as the unification of relevant provisions of Ukrainian legislation with the law of the countries of the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green transformation in the hotel industry represents an undeniable trend yet poses financial challenges, particularly in emerging economies. Expanding on the service quality-satisfaction-behavioral intention paradigm, this study investigates the influences of green emotional attachment, attitude towards green hotels, green image, green practice performance, word-of-mouth, guest satisfaction, functional value, and green experiential loyalty on green hotel premium payment. We collected 573 data points from China using purposive sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed the positive effect of attitudes towards green hotels and green practices on guest satisfaction. The findings confirmed a positive correlation between guest satisfaction and willingness to pay a premium price for green hotels. This study also confirms the moderating effect of green experiential loyalty. Moreover, it recognizes gender, age, and income as partial moderating factors. These findings offer valuable insights into green hotel consumption research and assist practitioners in enhancing guest willingness to pay premiums and fostering sustainable industry development. The active implementation of strategies to boost guest satisfaction and willingness to pay premiums can further environmental conservation and support zero-carbon goals in the hospitality sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global energy resources get more limited and environmental problems worsen, it is crucial to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in end-use products. This research focuses on electric water heaters, a significant household energy consumer, and collects a large amount of data through questionnaires and analyzes the current usage patterns of water heater use, as well as the impact of the users' personal characteristics and energy-saving consciousness on usage behaviors. It also evaluates the energy-saving potential under different scenarios, considering both consumer behaviors and product efficiency levels. Results indicate that a substantial number of users still purchase high-energy-consuming water heaters and fail to adjust temperatures according to their specific needs, resulting in considerable energy waste. Electric water heaters exhibit significant potential for energy savings, with the efficiency of the product and user behaviors identified as key factors influencing overall energy consumption. The study provides important insights into the usage behavior of electric water heaters and offers actionable recommendations for manufacturers and government agencies: advocating the use of certified energy-efficient water heaters, raising public awareness of energy efficiency in appliance use, etc., which is in line with the country's goals of energy conservation and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to research the role of zeolite and palm fiber in changing strength of cement-treated soil. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testwas mainly used to study the changes of strength of cement-treated soil by varied content of cement, zeolite, palm fiber under different curing period. The optimum substitution rate of zeolite for cement was researched for the purpose of increasing of strength of cement-treated soil and low carbon and environment protection, while the optimum content of palm fiber was explored for improving of strength and ductility of cement-treated soil by means of analytic software. Finally, the multiple regression technology was used to try to capture the relationship between strength of cement-treated soil and content of zeolite and palm fiber. The results show that the cement, zeolite, palm fiber and curing age have strong effect on the UCS of cement-treated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring representativeness of collected samples is the most critical requirement of water sampling. Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) have been widely adopted in water sampling, but current USV sampling path planning tend to overemphasize path optimization, neglecting the representative samples collection. This study proposed a modified A* algorithm that combined remote sensing technique while considering both path length and the representativeness of collected samples. Water quality parameters were initially retrieved using satellite remote sensing imagery and a deep belief network model, with the parameter value incorporated as coefficient Q in the heuristic function of A* algorithm. The adjustment coefficient k was then introduced into the coefficient Q to optimize the trade-off between sampling representativeness and path length. To evaluate the effectiveness of this algorithm, Chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) was employed as the test parameter, with Chaohu Lake as the study area. Results showed that the algorithm was effective in collecting more representative samples in real-world conditions. As the coefficient k increased, the representativeness of collected samples enhanced, indicated by the Chl-a closely approximating the overall mean Chl-a and exhibiting a gradient distribution. This enhancement was also associated with increased path length. This study is significant in USV water sampling and water environment protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the limitations of the United Nations climate change regime, a range of dynamic climate governance arrangements have emerged, including minilateral 'climate clubs'. Although proposed as a solution to move international climate policy forward, depending on their specific design, climate clubs could raise implications from the perspective of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR‐RC). Accordingly, this article aims to analyse different climate club design options through the lens of CBDR‐RC. First, it explains the general rationale for climate clubs and presents a spectrum of key club design features. Second, this article describes how CBDR‐RC has been operationalised under the climate regime. Third, drawing on current club‐like arrangements—namely, the Climate Club, the Clean Energy Ministerial and the proposed Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium—it critically examines whether different design options are (likely to be) compatible with CBDR‐RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitisation of the energy sector is moving fast. At the same time, the transition to renewable energy brings challenges. However, legislative developments either move slowly or are introduced in a piecemeal manner. This situation is sometimes perceived as a regulatory mismatch and is problematic from the perspective of achieving climate and sustainability goals. The limited capacity of energy grids to transport electricity is a prime example of why we need a regulatory system that takes into account the fast‐paced development of technology while providing a consistent pathway for the future. In this contribution, we build on the scholarship that identifies energy principles. We analyse the extent to which principles play a role in new energy regulation and in Dutch mitigatory policies. As a theoretical framework for explaining the crucial role of principles in regulation, we use Fleming's normative proposal of the trias of energy regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition of the right to a healthy environment as an autonomous and justiciable right in Advisory Opinion OC‐23/17 represents the turning point of the Inter‐American Court of Human Rights towards the adoption of an ecocentric approach. This article examines how the interpretation of the right to a healthy environment suggests the acknowledgement of Nature as a holder of rights under the American Convention on Human Rights. First, it analyses how the Inter‐American Court has addressed environmental protection in its jurisprudence, through procedural and substantive rights. Second, it studies the ecocentric interpretation of the right to a healthy environment in the Advisory Opinion OC‐23/17 and in the case La Oroya v Peru. Lastly, it explores what are the consequences of understanding Nature as a holder of rights for the complaint procedure before the Inter‐American Court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper carries out an initial assessment of the integration of the ecosystem approach in the recently adopted agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The analysis seeks to assess whether or not such integration is likely to be effective. In this respect, this paper follows up on earlier analyses offered during the negotiating process and aims at offering some initial considerations on, and reactions to, the final text of the BBNJ agreement, in order to map the limits of this integration and the opportunities it may offer, for an effective implementation of the ecosystem approach in the context of the BBNJ agreement, focussing especially on article 7 (on general principles and approaches), on part III (on area‐based management tools, including marine protected areas) and part IV (on environmental impact assessments) with specific focus on strategic environmental assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous catalysis plays a pivotal role in the current chemical and energy vectors production. Notably, to fully utilize the intrinsic activity and selectivity of a catalyst, the chemical reactor has to be designed and operated optimally to achieve enhanced heat/mass transfer, well-defined contact time of reactants, uniform flow pattern, and high permeability. Structured catalysts are a promising strategy to overcome the major drawbacks encountered in the traditional packed-bed reactor technology due to the improved hydrodynamics in combination with enhanced heat/mass transfer. Newly emerged fiber/foam-substrates, with an entirely open 3D network structure, bring distinct advantages over the honeycomb and micro-channel contacting methods, including free radial diffusion, eddy-mixing driven heat/mass transfer, large area-to-volume ratio, and high contacting efficiency. However, how to place the nanocatalysts onto the fiber/foam-substrates is a challenging problem because the commercial washcoating method has great limitations such as the nonuniformity and easy exfoliation of coatings. This review discusses the newly developed non-dip-coating methods for the fiber/foam-structured catalysts and their promising applications in the strongly exo-/endo-thermic and/or high throughput reaction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safe operation of underground reservoirs and environmental protection heavily rely on the water flow through coal pillar dams in coal mines. Meanwhile, research on the flow characteristics in coal pillar dams has been limited due to their low hydraulic conductivity. To address this gap, this study assembled a novel seepage experimental device and conducted a series of carefully designed seepage experiments to examine the characteristics of low‐permeability in coal pillar dams. The experiments aim to explore the relationship between water flux and hydraulic gradient, considering varying core lengths and immersion times. Flow parameters were determined by fitting observed flux‐gradient curves with predictions from both Darcy and non‐Darcian laws. Several significant results were obtained. First, a noticeable non‐linear relationship between water flux and hydraulic gradient was observed, particularly evident at low flow velocities. Second, the non‐Darcy laws effectively interpreted the experimental data, with threshold pressure gradients ranging 13.60 to 58.64 for different core lengths. Third, the study established that water immersion significantly affects the flow characteristics of coal pillar dams, resulting in an increased hydraulic conductivity and flow velocity. These findings carry significant implications for the design of coal pillar dams within underground coal mine reservoirs, providing insights for constructing more stable structures and ensuring environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate crisis has become the most serious concern of human beings and environments worldwide in the 21st century. Global concerns about cancer epidemiology mainly originate from anthropogenic activities, particularly fossil-based operations. A key solution to this problem is the use of fuel cells—devices—capable of the direct conversion of fuel chemical energies like urea into electricity. To make their commercialization reasonable, one of the problems that needs to be solved is the development of anodic materials. The majority of investigations on urea oxidation are based on nickel, but its inadequate activity limits the efficiency of these devices. In this work, we propose and synthesize a Ni-Cu-Fe ternary electrocatalyst for urea oxidation through a fast and facile electrodeposition method. The properties of the synthesized material are examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) conjugated with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Its electrochemical properties were also examined in a 1 M KOH solution with and without 0.15 M urea. We found that the prepared powder is active in the electro-oxidation of urea, with 1.65 Vvs RHE required for a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a stable potential of 2.38 Vvs RHE required for 3 h of polarization at 10 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of the EU climate and energy policy, along with changes in the legal environment, has led to a significant increase in energy prices in Poland. Consequently, energy expenditures are now a larger part of household budgets. These rising energy costs and the evolving legal landscape are compelling households to invest in energy-saving solutions and modify their energy consumption habits. This article aims to identify the activities of households in Poland regarding the rationalization of energy expenditures. It formulates the following research hypothesis: households invest in energy-saving appliances to rationalize energy expenditures and/or change their behaviors to reduce energy consumption. Methods: The paper is based on primary research conducted using an online questionnaire survey on a sample of 331 respondents in Poland in March and April 2023. Results: A classification tree algorithm was used to identify the level of investment activities and behavioral changes made by households to reduce energy expenditures. The authors found that low-income households and people who fear further energy price increases are the first of all to change their behaviors for more energy-efficient ones. Medium- and high-income households take investment measures. They replace household appliances with more energy-efficient ones and install heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. These investments are motivated by responsible consumption, environmental protection, cleanliness, and the ease of use of the appliances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global focus on environmental conservation and energy stability intensifies, enhancing energy efficiency and mitigating pollution emissions have emerged as pivotal issues that cannot be overlooked. In order to make a multi-energy-coupled integrated energy system (IES) that can meet the demand of load diversity under low-carbon economic operation, an optimal capacity allocation model of an electricity–heat–hydrogen multi-energy-coupled IES is proposed, with the objectives of minimizing operating costs and pollutant emissions and minimizing peak-to-valley loads on the grid side. Different Energy management strategies with different storage priorities are proposed, and the proposed NSNGO algorithm is used to solve the above model. The results show that the total profit after optimization is 5.91% higher on average compared to the comparison type, and the pollutant emission scalar function is reduced by 980.64 (g), which is 7.48% lower. The peak–valley difference of the regional power system before optimization is 0.5952, and the peak–valley difference of the regional power system after optimization is 0.4142, which is reduced by 30.40%, and the proposed capacity allocation method can realize the economic operation of the multi-energy-coupled integrated energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation and prediction of ecological benefits are significant for regional resource development planning and path designing. This study established a novel ecological benefits evaluation system by integrating macro-ecosystem structure, Ecosystem service index (ESI), and ecological quality index (EQI). Based on this system, this study evaluated the spatiotemporal characteristics and changing trend of ecological benefits in Song-Liao River Basin (SRB) from 1990 to 2020. The results show that the macro-ecosystem structure in Song-Liao River Basin remains stable, and the ecosystem service and ecological quality generally show a trend of first decline and then increase. The average growth rates of ESI and EQI were 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively, during 1990–2020. The ecological benefits of natural areas with widely distributed forest areas are higher, while those of areas with frequent human activities are lower. The prediction model based on machine learning has achieved good modeling effect, which shows that the ecological benefits of SRB will be on the rise in the future. Based on the evaluation results, we suggest that more environmental protection policies on the basis of maintaining the existing development plan should be promoted to reduce the contradiction between human and nature in the development process. For the abundant natural forests in this area, reasonable forest management should be carried out to improve the carbon-fixation capacity of vegetation, and a Methodology for managing natural forests should be constructed to make full use of the existing carbon sinks. For the new afforestation project being promoted, carbon-sink afforestation projects of CCER (Chinese Certified Emission Reduction) should be promoted to realize the synergy between economic development and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological environmental protection and poverty alleviation are of great significance for the study of human–land relationship coordination and sustainable development, and they have also been a focus of attention in China in the past few decades. In this study, we chose 13 contiguous poverty-stricken areas in China as the study area. Using MODIS Leaf Area Index (LAI) data from 2000 to 2020, the spatial–temporal changes in greenness were obtained using the Bayesian spatial–temporal model (BYM). Spatial autocorrelation was used to identify the spatial distribution of poverty using socio-economic statistical data. Driving factors, including natural factors, poverty factors, and the Grain for Green Policy (GTGP), and their influence on greenness were analyzed by using the Geodetector model for detecting spatial differentiation and factors' interactions. The results showed the following: (1) In 13 contiguous poverty-stricken areas (CPSAs) in China, 59% of the area presented an increasing trend of greenness. (2) In 2000, the high poverty levels with larger MPI values were widely distributed. After 20 years, the overall MPI value was lower, except in some northwest regions with increased MPI values. The spatial autocorrelation of poverty, which relates to the mutual influence of poverty in adjacent areas, also decreased. (3) In the study area, 65.24% of the regions showed strong synergistic effect between greening progress and poverty reduction in the interaction between poverty status and green development. With the improvement of greenness level, the positive correlation between poverty alleviation and ecological environment improvement has become increasingly close. (4) The impacts of interaction factors with the highest q values changed from temperature interacting with precision to regional division interacting with the Grain for Green Policy. The conclusions are that from 2000 to 2020, the impact of natural factors, geographical division, and poverty status on greenness has shown a decreasing trend; The effect of the Grain for Green Policy is gradually increasing; At the same time, the interaction and overlapping effects between the Grain for Green Policy and poverty were increasing. Taking into account the needs of ecological environment, poverty alleviation, and rural revitalization, this research provides valuable reference for formulating and implementing relevant policies based on the actual situation in different regions to promote harmonious coexistence between human-land relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This viewpoint article considers the roles of women's voices, conflicts, and activism in the protection of natural resources in India. This Indian environmentalism could be viewed as part of the ecofeminist movement because of the strong evidence supporting the relationships between women's voices and environmental protection. Through various historical storylines, women have increased their resistance to environmental degradation. In precolonial India, protecting khejri trees originally emerged as a dominant ecological storyline. After independence, the advancement of the same ecological storyline led to the formulation of environmental policies and the creation of a social storyline to defend the rights of women and Adivasis. In the neoliberal age, climate change has become another dominant storyline challenging world leaders to take climate action. This article discusses how these women leaders and child activists spearheaded ethnic-based environmentalism by means of powerful storylines and arguments within the wider environmental discourse in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep, site-specific research is needed to understand ecosystem complexity. Improving conservation outcomes should be a driving force for the development of a holistic understanding of ecosystems. Holistic ecosystem models and digital twin ecosystems could guide conservation interventions in real-time. New digital and sensor technology provides a huge opportunity to revolutionise conservation, but we lack a plan for deploying the technologies effectively. I argue that environmental research should be concentrated at a small number of 'super-sites' and that the concentrated knowledge from super-sites should be used to develop holistic ecosystem models. These, in turn, should be morphed into digital twin ecosystems by live connecting them with automated environmental monitoring programmes. Data-driven simulations can then help select pathways to achieve locally determined conservation goals, and digital twins could revise and adapt those decisions in real-time. This technology-heavy vision for 'smart conservation' provides a map toward a future defined by more flexible, more responsive, and more efficient management of natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fernandez, P.N.J.; Fernandez, E.G.B.; Cadondon, J.G., and Subade, R.F., 2024. Enhancing coastal management through the design and development of an in situ water quality monitoring system. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(6), 1090–1102. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. The Philippines, with its extensive coastline rich in water resources, faces challenges because of the heavy reliance of residents on coastal waters for recreation and livelihood. This leads to water quality deterioration. Balancing human development with environmental protection necessitates regular, close monitoring of water resources. Traditional methods of water quality analysis are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and regular monitoring is financially burdensome. This study introduces the design and development of a customized water quality monitoring device as an alternative to traditional laboratory analysis. The device is portable, user-friendly, and capable of rapidly gathering real-time data. It features a multiparameter sensor that simultaneously measures temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity (EC). After testing and calibration, the device showed a mean error of 0.91°C for temperature, –0.025 mg/L for DO, 0.09 for pH, and 0.033 mS/cm for EC. Forty seawater samples from nine Environmental Management Bureau coastline monitoring stations were analyzed using the device. Comparison with commercially available in situ devices showed a moderate coefficient of determination for DO and pH and a high coefficient of determination for EC and temperature, indicating that some environmental and user-related factors affect readings. Insights from empirical results and consultations with local stakeholders will inform future improvements of the device. Implementing this prototype can help to inform decisions on resource management, pollution control, and public health protection. Real-time data can aid in early detection of contaminants and pollution sources, which allows swift remedial action, and adaptive management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duke, L.D. and Laakkonen, K., 2024. Managing for sandy coastal habitat in SW Florida: Institutional complexities hinder local agencies' use of best practices. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(6), 1111–1124. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. In the United States, many kinds of management for environmental protection are largely vested in local agencies of municipalities but subject to federal- and state-level policies, regulations, restrictions, and guidelines. These policies commonly overlap, sometimes conflict, and in many cases leave gaps with no guidance for important management aspects. This research conducted a close textual analysis of local planning and management documents, including review of permits for specific projects undertaken in 2000–15, as well as detailed analysis of federal- and state-level policies. The objective was to investigate the interactions and limitations of the existing suite of local, state, and federal policies and rules affecting beach management in SW Florida for sea turtles and beach-nesting birds. The research approach was to assess the extent to which stated and adopted procedures conformed to the best available science in protecting beach habitats, particularly in the context of rising sea level and its potentially devastating impact on beach habitats. Findings show that major rules from two federal agencies (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and two Florida State agencies (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Florida Department of Environmental Protection) have important influences. This research shows uneven and local protections that routinely do not incorporate practices known to be supported by best science, in some cases egregiously so. Local policies vary widely in guidance language and specific protections. Analysis of 35 permitted beach nourishment projects during 2000–15 showed several example projects with excellent habitat protections but a strong majority with few or none of the kinds of protection documented by scientific information to be best practices to protect sandy beach habitat. The articulated conceptual policy goals of federal and state agencies have had almost no penetration into localmunicipalities' policies, guidelines, or procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]