Spatial inequalities in cancer with special reference to lung cancer across Europe and their implications for environmental health policy.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Requires Transdisciplinary Innovation at the Local Scale

The <scp>SDGs</scp>: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large

PurposeTo inform prevention efforts, we sought to determine which cancer types contribute the most to cancer mortality disparities by individual-level education using national death certificate data for 2017.MethodsInformation on all US deaths occurring in 2017 among 25–84-year-olds was ascertained from national death certificate data, which include cause of death and educational attainment. Education was classified as high school or less (≤ 12 years), some college or diploma (13–15 years), and Bachelor's degree or higher (≥ 16 years). Cancer mortality rate differences (RD) were calculated by subtracting age-adjusted mortality rates (AMR) among those with ≥ 16 years of education from AMR among those with ≤ 12 years.ResultsThe cancer mortality rate difference between those with a Bachelor's degree or more vs. high school or less education was 72 deaths per 100,000 person-years. Lung cancer deaths account for over half (53%) of the RD for cancer mortality by education in the US.ConclusionEfforts to reduce smoking, particularly among persons with less education, would contribute substantially to reducing educational disparities in lung cancer and overall cancer mortality.

Eliminating disparities in endometrial cancer: adherence to high-quality care is not enough

Sustainable smart city and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A review

Despite the wealth of research on smart cities, there is a lack of studies examining interlinkages between smart cities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In other words, there is limited research on how implementing smart city solutions can lead to co-benefits and/or trade-offs for achieving SDGs. This systematic literature review was conducted to fill this gap. Results show that responsible development/implementation of smart city solutions and technologies could contribute to the progress toward SDGs. The literature is mainly focused on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). More work on other SDGs is needed. There is a bias toward reporting the benefits of smart cities. These include accelerating economic growth, improving efficiency, strengthening innovation, and raising citizen awareness. These benefits indicate that smart cities could catalyze the transition to sustainable development and address climate change challenges. However, this requires addressing trade-offs related to issues such as privacy and cyber security, costs of infrastructure upgrading, rebound effects associated with efficiency improvements, biased decision-making, reproduction of social biases, digital divide and lack of skills, misuse of AI, and limited legal setup. This review elaborates on these trade-offs and offers solutions to minimize them. Results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased attention to the interactions between smart cities and the SDGs, particularly those related to health and climate action. However, it has also cemented many new unethical practices. This review highlights governance/policy challenges that should be addressed to ensure smart cities can better contribute to the SDGs. It concludes that multi-scale and transparent governance mechanisms and regulatory frameworks are crucial for ensuring that smart city solutions support the transition toward sustainable and resilient cities.

In 2021, the American Cancer Society published its first biennial report on the status of cancer disparities in the United States. In this second report, the authors provide updated data on racial, ethnic, socioeconomic (educational attainment as a marker), and geographic (metropolitan status) disparities in cancer occurrence and outcomes and contributing factors to these disparities in the country. The authors also review programs that have reduced cancer disparities and provide policy recommendations to further mitigate these inequalities. There are substantial variations in risk factors, stage at diagnosis, receipt of care, survival, and mortality for many cancers by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and metropolitan status. During 2016 through 2020, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native people continued to bear a disproportionately higher burden of cancer deaths, both overall and from major cancers. By educational attainment, overall cancer mortality rates were about 1.6-2.8 times higher in individuals with ≤12years of education than in those with ≥16years of education among Black and White men and women. These disparities by educational attainment within each race were considerably larger than the Black-White disparities in overall cancer mortality within each educational attainment, ranging from 1.03 to 1.5 times higher among Black people, suggesting a major role for socioeconomic status disparities in racial disparities in cancer mortality given the disproportionally larger representation of Black people in lower socioeconomic status groups. Of note, the largest Black-White disparities in overall cancer mortality were among those who had ≥16years of education. By area of residence, mortality from all cancer and from leading causes of cancer death were substantially higher in nonmetropolitan areas than in large metropolitan areas. For colorectal cancer, for example, mortality rates in nonmetropolitan areas versus large metropolitan areas were 23% higher among males and 21% higher among females. By age group, the racial and geographic disparities in cancer mortality were greater among individuals younger than 65years than among those aged 65years and older. Many of the observed racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in cancer mortality align with disparities in exposure to risk factors and access to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, which are largely rooted in fundamental inequities in social determinants of health. Equitable policies at all levels of government, broad interdisciplinary engagement to address these inequities, and equitable implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as increasing health insurance coverage, are needed to reduce cancer disparities.

PurposeThe 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer the best strategy to create a better future for people and our planet by 2030. The SDGs was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a call for action by all countries poor, rich and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the environment. Tourism and hospitality is one of the fastest growing segments of the service industry in the Middle East. Aviation and the hotel industry represent the majority of the hospitality industry, and due to that, this paper aims to showcase their effort in following and adapting to UN SDGs to build sustainable communities and cities. The chosen companies for the analysis are Emirates Airline, Jumeirah Group and Rotana Group.Design/methodology/approachThis case study is based on secondary qualitative data retrieved from websites.FindingsThe findings indicate commitment to acknowledge and lead by example by following the UN SDGs at all three companies. The research reflected on the ability of the three companies to thrive in achieving SDGs. Further, the paper reveals why the construction of sustainable cities and communities is important. It explains how the wider hospitality industry could adapt and make an effort by working together with the hotel and aviation sectors in building smart cities and completely sustainable communities.Practical implicationsThe paper recommends a focus on strengthening Goal 8 – decent work and economic growth and Goal 11 – sustainable cities and communities to achieve common UN SDGs for all.Originality/valueThe chosen hospitality brands (Emirates Airline, Jumeirah Group and Rotana Group) represent examples of companies that are acknowledging and working on their engagement to become leaders in achieving UN SDGs. The process needs to be ongoing in what should be a final goal – building completely sustainable, self-sufficient cities and communities worldwide.

Existing multidimensional measures of structural racism are largely measured on the state level, which may mask underlying heterogeneity on smaller levels of geography. This study pilots an empirical approach to operationalizing structural racism in cancer equity research by introducing an association-sensitive inequality index developed to capture county-level structural racism, utilizing the state of Florida as an empirical case study. Three structural racism indices per county were constructed, incorporating comparisons between (a) non-Hispanic/Latinx Blacks and non-Hispanic/Latinx whites, (b) Hispanics/Latinx and non-Hispanic/Latinx whites, and (c) non-Hispanic/Latinx Blacks and Hispanics/Latinx. Unadjusted and adjusted regression models were fit to assess the ecological association between the structural racism indices and race/ethnicity-specific measures of (1) age-adjusted all-cause mortality, (2) age-adjusted overall cancer mortality, (3) age-adjusted lung cancer mortality, (4) age-adjusted breast cancer mortality, and (5) prevalence of late stage cancer diagnosis. Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression models were fit to assess the ecological association between the structural racism indices and race/ethnicity-specific measures of (1) age-adjusted all-cause mortality, (2) age-adjusted overall cancer mortality, (3) age-adjusted lung cancer mortality, (4) age-adjusted breast cancer mortality, and (5) prevalence of late stage cancer diagnosis. In fully adjusted models, county-level Black-white structural racism was associated with higher levels of all-cause, overall cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer mortality rates among Black residents (p&amp;lt;0·0001), higher levels of all-cause mortality in white residents (p&amp;lt;0·0001). County- level Latinx-white structural racism was associated with lower levels of all-cause and overall cancer mortality and slightly higher lung cancer mortality among Hispanic/Latinx residents, and higher levels of all-cause mortality and lower levels of overall cancer mortality among white residents. This study provides evidence of structural racism impacts among cancer disparities within Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities, an understudied population in empirical structural racism literature. Study findings demonstrate that the relationship between the Black-white structural racism index and the health outcomes of interest correspond best with a “universal harm” relationship, whereby both Black and white Floridians experienced increased negative health outcomes associated with increasing levels of structural racism. Citation Format: Zinzi D. Bailey, Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Kasim Ortiz. Associations of county-level structural racism indices with cancer mortality disparities in Florida [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C008.

The world is currently striving to achieve the globally adopted sustainable development goals (SDGs). Exploring the role of technology in achieving the SDGs is critical for the decision-makers and will allow them to overcome any possible trade-off. In this work, the role of wastewater management in achieving the SDGs has been indicated. The analysis shows that wastewater treatment could contribute to achieving 11 out of 17 SDGs. The major contribution came from its ability to increase water availability (SDG 2: zero hunger and SDG 6: clean water and sanitation), enhance human health worldwide (SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing), providing a new source of income for smallholder (SDG 1: no poverty and SDG 8: decent work and economic growth), converting waste to energy (SDG 7: affordable and clean energy, and SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure) and reducing the environmental impact of wastewater (SDG 11: sustainable cities and communities, SDG 12: responsible consumption and production, SDG 13: climate action, and SDG 14: life below water). The challenges related to implementing and assessing these targets were discussed as well. A set of indicators (guideline) were proposed to improve the contribution of the wastewater treatment facility to the SDGs. This study emphasizes on the significant influence of wastewater treatment on the United Nations' SDGs and targets worldwide.

Additive Manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, is a production technology that creates objects layer by layer and applies to a variety of materials. &#x0D; &#x0D; AM is expected to have a high impact on the industry as well as on society. The inherent characteristics of AM make it possible to solve not only particular problems but fundamental global challenges as well, which can be examined by reference to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. This is the first paper that examines the connection of AM and the 17 SDGs through a literature review.&#x0D; &#x0D; In this work, it is outlined which SDGs have a high or moderate potential to be fostered by AM. In each section, one of these SDGs with high or moderate potential will be introduced and corresponding studies relevant to the respective SDG are presented. At the end of each section, the potential of AM to contribute to the achievement of the SDG is evaluated, using the qualitative grades &amp;ldquo;high&amp;rdquo; or &amp;ldquo;moderate&amp;rdquo;. SDGs with low potential will be subsumed in the last subsection.&#x0D; &#x0D; It is found that six out of 17 SDGs have high potential to be fostered by AM. These are SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, four SDGs have been identified that have moderate potential to be fostered by AM. These are: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

oday, academic libraries have progressively developed beyond their traditional roles to become vital enablers of sustainability, equity, and innovation within higher education institutions. Over the past decade, many scholars have aimed to align library practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in the Sri Lankan context, studies focusing on the SDGs in libraries are scattered and abstract. Therefore, this study aims to explore and map the sustainable library practices of the Science Faculty Library at the University of Colombo to the SDGs. This library operates as an academic blended library and was awarded the Green Building Certification in 2021. It serves approximately 4,000 students enrolled in the Faculty of Science, of whom 54% are female. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected through document analysis, service audits, and direct observations. The mapping of library practices against the SDGs shows that they are directly or indirectly aligned with all 17 SDGs. The direct contributions include 13 goals, such as no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), responsible consumption (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). Findings highlight the library’s multifaceted impact, ranging from providing inclusive access to information to promoting mental well-being, sustainable infrastructure, and ethical academic practices. Notably, the library's certified green building design, utilisation of solar energy, and digital platforms support broader environmental and innovation objectives. Additionally, career guidance programmes and outreach activities address employability and lifelong learning. This research also demonstrates that academic libraries can serve as operational models of sustainability, effectively bridging educational missions with global development agendas. Furthermore, the study recommends incorporating SDG-aligned indicators into library strategic plans and expanding collaborative partnerships to enhance impact.

Objective - The main objective of this study is to analyze and describe the level of engagement and progress of ten municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso in relation to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methodology - The present study adopts a quantitative and descriptive approach, based on the analysis of secondary data presented in bar charts. The method employed is comparative performance analysis, where the scores attributed to each municipality in relation to the specific SDGs of each axis (Environmental: SDGs 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15; Economic: SDGs 8, 9, 10, 11; Institutional: SDGs 16, 17) are compared among the cities and across different objectives. The interpretation of the data aims to identify patterns, anomalies, and trends in the municipalities' fulfillment of SDG requirements. Originality/Relevance - The study addresses a theoretical gap in the evaluation of municipal performance regarding the SDGs, especially in specific regional contexts such as Mato Grosso, a state of great environmental and economic relevance to Brazil. The literature on the localization and implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the subnational level still lacks detailed analyses that allow for the identification of nuances in progress and obstacles in different municipal realities. Results - The municipalities of Mato Grosso show heterogeneous performance across the SDGs. In the Environmental axis, they excel in Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Clean Energy (SDG 7), but face challenges in Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15). In the Economic axis, there is progress in Sustainable Cities (SDG 11) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), yet performance is consistently low in Industry and Innovation (SDG 9). In the Institutional axis, cities demonstrate advancements in Effective Institutions (SDG 16), but show widespread weakness in Partnerships and Means of Implementation (SDG 17). Theoretical/Methodological Contributions - Methodologically, the research demonstrates the applicability of comparative performance analysis of multiple SDGs for a comprehensive diagnosis of sustainability at the municipal level, providing a descriptive model that can be replicated in other regions to identify potentials and priority intervention areas. Social and Environmental Contributions - By identifying the SDGs in which municipalities demonstrate fragility, the study allows for directing investments and actions towards critical areas, such as the conservation of fluvial and terrestrial ecosystems, the promotion of innovation and sustainable infrastructure, and the strengthening of partnerships for resource mobilization.

This study offers a comparative analysis of Singapore and Lebanon’s progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Singapore, a high-income island city-state, has demonstrated significant advancement due to its stable political environment, strong institutions, long-term strategic planning, and sustained economic prosperity. Ranking 65th globally in the 2024 Sustainable Development Report, Singapore has made good or fair progress in over half of the SDG targets, particularly in Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). However, it still faces challenges in areas such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), along with data gaps. In stark contrast, Lebanon, a middle-income nation, faces immense challenges that have significantly hindered its SDG progress. Ranking 110th globally in the 2024 Sustainable Development Report, Lebanon grapples with poverty (SDG 1), hunger (SDG 2), a strained healthcare system (SDG 3), a severe energy crisis (SDG 7), high unemployment (SDG 8), and damaged infrastructure (SDG 9). Persistent political instability, weak governance, recurring economic crises, and the enduring impact of internal and external conflicts, including the Syrian refugee crisis, have severely impeded Lebanon’s ability to achieve the SDGs. To make substantial progress, Lebanon requires fundamental legal and political reforms to address deep-rooted systemic issues hindering its development.

• The interrelation of solar desalination systems with several SDGs dicsussed for the first time. • The direct and indirect role of desalination systems with SDG6, SDG3, SDG4 and SDG11 were highlighted. • Desalination systems linked to SDGs via four criteria of drinking water: Affordability, Accessibility, Quality, and Quantity. • Affordability (Cost) is the most vital factor to be consider in selecting system than other criteria to realize SDGs. • The interdependency of SDG 6.1 with SDG 3, SDG 4 and SDG 11 were brought into spotlight. In the present critical review, the complex interrelation of small-scale solar desalination systems with various configurations to provide safe drinking water, in relation to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by increasing the access to drinking water in developing countries is discussed. Of great importance, this paper deals with four essential and important criteria of drinking water (and their relation for realizing SDGs) that declared in numerous international action plans and instruments of SDGs which are: Affordability, Accessibility, Quality and Quantity. Solar stills and humidification-dehumidification (HDH) were considered in this context as small-scale solar desalination systems from technical and economic point of views since both are practical and currently work in real-world application. Then, regarding to the main international law instruments, including Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda), Agenda-21, General Comment No.15 of the UN, Dublin Statement etc. (with the main focus on 2030 Agenda), it is concluded that using these systems in developing countries would be one step forward to increase access to safe drinking water “Goal 6.1 of SDG 6”. Also, it was elucidated that using small-scale desalination systems to provide drinking water regarding the above-mentioned criteria (Affordability, Accessibility, Quality and Quantity) could assist for putting steps on the realization of other SDGs including SDG 3, SDG 4 and SDG 11. Indeed, the direct and indirect interrelation between SDG6 (Clean Water) with other goals including SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and Communities) were elucidated.