Sustainable Management Approach Research Articles

Advancing towards greener healthcare: Innovative solutions through single-use mask waste to refuse-derived fuel utilization

The healthcare sector faces increasing challenges in managing the environmental impact of single-use masks and medical waste, prompting the exploration of innovative solutions for greener healthcare. This study investigates converting single-use mask waste into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable waste management approach. A quantitative analysis assessed the average waste generation of single-use masks in a healthcare facility over three months. The potential RDF production was estimated by calculating single-use masks' weight and calorific value. Additionally, Thermogravimetric Analysis was employed to evaluate the thermal behavior of RDF and its suitability as an alternative fuel source. The findings indicate an average monthly waste generation of 41,555 masks weighing 111.2 kg. RDF production from single-use mask waste yields a daily output of 3.706 kg, providing a promising solution to reduce medical waste. TGA analysis reveals a multi-step degradation process for RDF, with a significant mass loss between 300 and 500 °C, rendering it a viable renewable energy source. Converting single-use mask waste into RDF presents an opportunity for healthcare institutions to contribute to net-zero emission goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing sustainable waste management practices.

Weed Ecology: Insights for Successful Management Strategies: A Review

In crop ecosystems, the primary challenge in establishing a long-term weed management strategy arise from a lack of understanding regarding the nature of weediness and the factors that contribute to species dominance. To address this, farmers and researchers often rely on quick and efficient, yet temporary weed control methods, which can lead to long-term issues. To develop a more effective and sustainable weed management approach, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of both the biological characteristics and ecological behaviours of weeds. This can be achieved by incorporating preventive techniques, scientific knowledge and management skills, with the goal of enhancing crop production and benefiting farmers. While further information is needed in all aspects of weed management, the primary objective of weed science is to increase our knowledge of weed biology and ecology, thus fostering a better understanding of weediness. This understanding will facilitate the adoption of appropriate management strategies instead of relying solely on short-term solutions that may create or exacerbate long-term problems. The successful growth and reproduction of any species depend on a variety of conditions. In a given ecosystem, the species that can thrive more efficiently under the specific set of environmental conditions will produce the most viable offspring and become the most abundant organisms. Weed ecology, which examines the adaptive mechanisms that enable weeds to thrive in highly disturbed soil conditions, provides essential insights into the distribution and abundance of weeds in both natural and managed systems. The occurrence of a weed in a particular area is influenced by multiple factors, with climatic, soil-related (edaphic) and biotic factors being the most significant among them.

Disease prevalence, incidence, morphological and molecular characterisation of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae causing collar rot disease on peanut plants in Turkey

AbstractPeanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) holds significant commercial and dietary importance as a major source of edible oil and protein in Turkey. Stem, collar or root rot, caused by several fungal disease agent, are serious soil-borne diseases of peanut. Accurate and precise identification of the disease agent provides fundamental and precise information for integrated plant management. During the period from June to September 2021, symptoms consistent with collar rot disease, including dark-brown stem rot, chlorotic leaves, wilting, and eventual whole plant death, were observed on peanut plants cultivated in the different districts of Osmaniye Province of Turkey. The disease incidence ranged from 8.0 to 45.0% in the inspected fields with an average of 3.4% overall. Twenty-four single-spore representative isolates were obtained from surface-disinfected symptomatic tissues. Morphological characteristics of fungal mycelium, conidial and pycnidial structures on potato sucrose agar (PSA) and water agar (WA) closely resembled those described for Lasiodiplodia spp. All isolates caused typical collar rot symptoms upon artificial inoculation of peanut seedlings. Morphological identification of Lasiodiplodia spp. isolates was corroborated by MALDI-TOF and molecular analyses utilizing sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin 2 (tub2) and translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF1-α) loci. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the representative fungal isolates (MKUBK-B1 and MKUBK-K22) belong to Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of L. pseudotheobromae infecting peanut plants in Turkey. This work is expected to contribute to previously limited knowledge regarding the host range, incidence and prevalence of L. pseudotheobromae as a soilborne pathogen of peanuts. Due to the potential destructiveness and broad host range of this pathogen, it is essential to develop new strategies to establish more reliable, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective management approaches for this disease.

A system dynamics approach for sustainable groundwater management considering climate change, inter-organizational relationships, and domestic water saving

This article uses system dynamic modeling to examine the relationship between water allocation from the Ilam dam and groundwater fluctuation, as well as the effects of climate change, changes in inter-organizational relationships, and water demand management on water allocation and groundwater level fluctuations. The results showed that agricultural water allocation has a direct effect on groundwater level fluctuations. In the first scenario, which examined the effects of climate change, the comparison of three climate change scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) was carried out. The results illustrated that with temperature increasing and precipitation decreasing occurred in SSP585, the groundwater drawdown increases about 0.8 m more than SSP126. The second scenario examined the effects of changes in inter-organizational relationships. Based on the results of centrality measures in the social network analysis method, it was found that the organizational power of the stakeholder organization in the agriculture sector is greater than the ones in the environment sector. This causes the allocation to the agriculture sector to be prioritized over the environment. This scenario was analyzed by assuming a change in organizational power and giving priority to the water allocation of the environmental sector. The results showed that environmental needs (maximum 0.3 MCM) were almost entirely met in the second scenario, compared to the basic scenario. Also, the decrease in agricultural water allocation has led to an increase in groundwater usage by farmers, resulting in a 20 cm drop in groundwater levels. Therefore, regarding the sustainable management of water resources, directing attention towards alternative livelihoods for farmers can contribute to environmental water rights and the remediation of aquifers. The third scenario examined the effects of water demand management. The results showed that saving 20–25% of water in the domestic sector can reduce 40–50 cm maximum groundwater drawdown which align with sustainable groundwater management.

Boron Impact on Maize Growth and Yield: A Review

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital crop, contributing significantly—at least 30%—to global dietary energy intake and biofuels and ethanol production. This review article delves into the dynamic interplay between boron (B) and maize growth, yield, and agricultural sustainability. Boron, a crucial micronutrient, is pivotal in essential physiological processes such as root development, leaf expansion, and cob formation. These processes are fundamental for ensuring the vigour and productivity of maize crops. Conversely, boron deficiency manifests as thinner leaves with reduced chlorophyll content, compromising plant health, and hindering yield potential. Maintaining adequate boron levels, particularly during reproductive stages, is critical for mitigating the risk of abnormal ears and maximizing the quantity and quality of maize production. Emerging research underscores the significance of foliar boron application at various growth stages of maize, which stimulates growth, facilitates cell wall development, and increases leaf area. This translates to improved light interception and photosynthetic efficiency, ultimately contributing to increased plant vigour and biomass accumulation. Furthermore, exploring innovative approaches for sustainable boron management is crucial. This includes precision fertilization techniques and biofortification strategies to ensure optimal maize production while minimizing environmental impacts. By gaining a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between boron and maize, farmers can develop customized fertilization plans that utilize strategic foliar boron application. This approach unlocks maize's full yield potential and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices, supporting global food security.

Long-term straw return enhanced crop yield by improving ecosystem multifunctionality and soil quality under triple rotation system: An evidence from a 15 years study

ObjectiveRice-rice-oilseed rape rotation is a typical triple cropping system in Asia, and the development of rice-oilseed rape rotation plays an important role in ensuring global food and oil security. With the intensive cropping rotation and frequent changes between paddy and upland farming under anaerobic and aerobic conditions, whether tillage and straw return would be benefit for both agronomic and environmental perspectives remained to be tested. MethodTherefore, we used a long-term locational experiment (15 years) employing four treatments of conventional tillage without straw incorporation (CT); conventional tillage with straw incorporation (CTS); no-tillage without straw mulching (NT); no-tillage with straw mulching (NTS), to assess the relationships among soil quality, ecosystem multifunctionality, and crop yields under the straw-returning and tillage strategies, based on both agronomic and environmental perspectives. ResultThe results showed that long-term straw return to the field could increase the yield of early rice by 6.24–8.80%, late rice by 3.81–7.13%, and oilseed rape by 9.55–14.45%. Long-term straw return enhanced soil quality index (SQI) by 22.21–40.74% and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) by 104.19–141.14% in the 0–20 cm soil layer. Long-term conventional tillage (i.e., CT and CTS) showed higher SQI and EMF values especially in the oilseed rape season. Structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated that straw return and tillage mainly increased crop yield by increasing the SQI in the oilseed rape season. ConclusionIn conclusion, long-term straw return with conventional tillage would be more benefit for the improvement of soil quality and the multifunctionality of soil ecosystems under triple paddy-upland rotation system, offering an effective approach for sustainable soil management and crop production.

Potential of Plant Based Metallophytes for Phytoremediation in Agriculture

Metallophytes are the unique group of plants that have evolved to thrive in metal rich environments and have drawn plenty of attention. Remediating heavy metal contaminated places with plants is an effective choice due to phytoremediation, an environmentally friendly method that uses plants to mitigate the pollution. Metallophytes are ideal options for phytoremediation applications due to their inherent traits such as hyper-accumulation, efficient metal absorption and tolerance mechanisms impacting both the plant and soil. These plants absorb and translocate heavy metals, detoxifying the soil while accumulating them in tissues. This reduces metal toxicity in soil and holds potential for resources recovery. The role of metallophytes in phytoremediation is analysed in this review with particular focus given to their ways of metal absorption, translocation and detoxification. Metallophytes have high metal tolerance and accumulation capacities due to their unique physiological and biochemical adaptations including enhanced metal sequestration in vacuoles, metal chelation by phytochelatins and activation of anti-oxidant defence systems. This review also highlights the significance of metallophytes in enhancing the soil health, reducing metal bioavailability, and promoting the ecological sustainability as well as their potential for restoring contaminated ecosystems. Utilizing the unique capabilities of metallophytes obtained from plants possesses enormous possibilities to minimise the negative effects of heavy metal pollution, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable development for future generations. Eventually, it outlines future research approaches that aim to enhance metallophytes based phytoremediation strategies, widen their implementation and include them in holistic approaches for environmental restoration and sustainable land management.

Highly efficient Cu-Fe containing prussian blue analogs (PBAs) for excellent electrocatalytic activity towards overall water splitting

Hydrogen generation by water electrolysis is considered a clean, green, and renewable approach for sustainable energy demands and environmental management. The efficient use of earth-abundant transition metal catalysts is cost-effective and limits the usage of noble metal catalysts like IrO2, RuO2, and Pt/C. The PBAs (Prussian Blue Analogs) are a class of transition metal hexacyanoferrates that can be tailored for specific electrochemical reactions. Both iron and copper are well-proven transition metals for catalytic activities owing to their aptitude to achieve much-pronounced reactant transformations under minor circumstances, as well as their environmental friendliness, cyclability, and long-term durability at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, the greenly synthesized Fe8Cu2CN (PBAs) on NF (Nickel foam) displays a low overpotential of 150 mV (118 mV dec−1) for HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) and 290 mV (112 mV dec−1) for OER (Oxygen Evolution Reaction). Fe8Cu2CN displays ultra-stable behavior (150 h) with a slight current loss of 4.2 % for OER and 3.4 % for HER, respectively. The interaction of Fe, Cu, and CN (cyanide) enhances the rate of reaction kinetics. The designing of a water electrolyzer that delivers 10 mA cm−2 at 1.60 V is made possible with the help of the improved bifunctional catalyst Fe8Cu2CN/NF. The Fe8Cu2CN/NF//Fe8Cu2CN/NF exhibits long-last durability (over 180 h) with a negligible current reduction of 5.4 %. The improved effectiveness of the synthesized catalyst is demonstrated by the solar water splitting at 1.66 V. These findings suggest that Fe8Cu2CN/NF//Fe8Cu2CN/NF can be used to produce large quantities of H2 at very affordable prices.

The Relationship between Waste Management Practices and Human Health: New Perspective and Consequences

Waste management, an integral aspect of modern life, exerts a profound influence on both public health and the environment. While existing research explores the environmental impact of various waste management practices, there is a paucity of studies investigating the direct health effects on humans from these practices. This article aims to address this gap by examining the intricate interplay between specific waste management strategies, such as open burning or landfill leachate management, and their potential to cause respiratory illnesses, birth defects, or other health problems in urban areas. Drawing from existing knowledge and recent research, it underscores the imperative of adopting an integrated waste management approach that harmonizes environmental preservation and health considerations. Furthermore, the review spotlights emerging technologies and innovative methodologies that hold promise in mitigating potential health hazards associated with conventional waste management practices. It accentuates the intricate connection between waste management and human health, underscoring the need for holistic strategies that encompass both community welfare and environmental sustainability. This paper advocates for sustainable waste management approaches that not only alleviate health concerns but also promote resource recovery and community engagement. Policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate in the adoption of effective waste management methods that safeguard both the environment and human health. By recognizing the intrinsic link between environmental and health issues, a harmonized approach can be forged to address them.

Vermifiltration and sustainable agriculture: unveiling the soil health-boosting potential of liquid waste vermicompost

Vermifiltration is a promising technique that can help recover nutrients from wastewater for further use in agriculture. We conducted a field experiment to assess the effectiveness of vermicompost produced from the vermifiltration of liquid waste (manure and food production waste) and how it can affect the soil health and yield of a squash crop. We tested the effect of three rates of vermicompost (low, medium, and high) applied over two consecutive years and measured physical, chemical, and biological soil health indicators, squash yield, and nutritional status. The results showed that the use of vermicompost, especially at a high rate, increased total soil carbon, total nitrogen, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, and particulate organic matter, as well as the activity of C-N-P cycling enzymes, as compared to a control with only inorganic fertilization. The yield of the squash crop remained stable, while the crop nutritional value improved as the levels of boron and copper in the treated squash increased. These findings indicate an improvement in soil health after the use of vermicompost. Overall, results strongly support using this type of vermicompost as a sustainable management approach to recycle nutrients and enhance soil health.

E-waste circular economy decision-making: a comprehensive approach for sustainable operation management in the UK

E-waste generation has broadly increased worldwide and is called intense pressure on sustainable practice implementation firms by recycling and redesigning the products. Thus, e-waste operation management in developed countries like the UK has become the top priority and is subjected to multiple sustainable circular economies (CE) contributing factors, including social, technical, environmental, and governmental policies. The authorized decision-makers can benefit from a well-established systematic decision-making tool to assess and evaluate the e-waste operation management considering the potential CE contributing factors. An extensive literature overview is expanded to identify the most relevant and influential contributing factors to e-waste CE. The city of London Metropolitan has been selected as the case location. In this regard, it is necessary to utilize an advanced multi-criteria decision-making tool to explore the interdependency and causality of CE-relevant factors. The present study proposed an innovative decision-making approach to address the multiple contributing factors of causality, interdependency, data, and model uncertainty in practice. It uses the step-wise weighted influence nonlinear gauge system method integrated with Fermatean fuzzy linguistic sets. This study conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed decision-making approach in e-waste operation management. The results are promising, clearly demonstrating the framework’s competence. The CE index, crucial in designing e-waste operation management strategies, was calculated to be 2.8036. Among the various factors analyzed, “Environmental Management Systems” emerged as the most significant driving factor. This underscores the critical need to improve environmental management systems within e-waste operations.

A multi-criteria decision framework to evaluate sustainable alternatives for repurposing of abandoned or closed surface coal mines

Surface coal mines, when abandoned or closed, pose significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Repurposing these sites is crucial for sustainable land use and responsible resource management. This study presents a comprehensive decision framework tailored to the Indian mining context, utilizing a hybrid approach combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodology. The proposed framework assesses and ranks alternative repurposing options by considering a multi-criteria evaluation, including ecological, economic, social, and regulatory factors. AHP is employed to determine the relative importance of these criteria, reflecting the unique priorities and perspectives of stakeholders involved in the repurposing process. TOPSIS then identifies the optimal alternatives based on their overall performance against the established criteria. This hybrid methodology contributes to informed decision-making in the sustainable repurposing of abandoned surface coal mines in India. It aids in identifying the most viable and environmentally responsible alternatives, promoting efficient land use and resource conservation while addressing the challenges associated with abandoned mine sites. The methodology’s applicability extends globally to industries facing similar repurposing challenges, facilitating the transition toward a more sustainable and responsible land reclamation and resource management approach. The methodology is implemented using real mine data and demonstrates the analysis for evaluation among multiple alternatives such as solar parks, fish farming, eco-resorts, forestry, and museums. In our study, eco-resorts show more promise based on the significant potential for local economic development, provision of local employment, long-term revenue generation, potential for upskilling local youth in management, gardening, construction, and animal husbandry, and serving as a site for exhibitions of various arts and crafts.

Sulfur dynamics in saline sodic soils: The role of paddy cultivation and organic amendments

The phenomenon of sulfur (S) deficiency in Chinese soil is becoming increasingly severe, especially in the northeastern saline-sodic wasteland (WL). To determine the bioavailability of S in long-term cultivated paddy soil with or without organic amendment addition, the long-term field experiment site was established and incubation experiments were conducted. Compared to WL, soil properties have been continuously improved during the 15-year paddy field (PF) cultivation, ultimately enhancing the content of soil organic carbon (by 242.62 %), total nitrogen (by 126.49 %) and alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (by 28.07 %). Additionally, soil salinization has been decreasing, and the stock of total sulfur (TS) and available sulfur (AS) in the 0–60 cm soil layer have increased by 32.09 % and 293.52 % respectively. In contrast, organically-amended soil (OA) manifested superior TS and AS levels vs. PF. Additionally, water-soluble sulfur (WSS) was markedly elevated, registering post-annual increments of 227.31 % and 268.36 % in PF and OA, respectively, relative to WL. The key mechanistic impetus for the application of organic amendments was the enhancement of the soil's adsorptive and mineralization capabilities. As observed in our soil culture experiment, the maximum adsorption of sulfate ions and the cumulative mineralization of sulfur in the soil follow the pattern of OA > PF > WL. The Partial Least Squares Path Model (PLSPM) corroborated that both organic amendments and years of cultivation indirectly influenced total inorganic sulfur fractions. This influence is primarily mediated via structural soil enhancements and salinization amelioration, thereby elevating available quantities of sulfur in saline-sodic soil environments. In conclusion, from the perspective of soil sulfur biogeochemical cycling, we have confirmed that reclaiming saline-sodic wasteland for paddy field could be a beneficial and sustainable approach for soil management. These findings of this study can also provide an in-depth understanding of the bioavailability and influencing mechanism of sulfur in long-term saline-sodic paddy fields.

An Integrated and Multi-Stakeholder Approach for Sustainable Phosphorus Management in Agriculture

Conventional agriculture relies on non-renewable rock phosphate as a source of phosphorus. The demand for food has led to increased phosphorus inputs, with a negative impact on freshwater biodiversity and food security. The importation of phosphorus fertilizers makes most food systems vulnerable to phosphorus supply risks. The geopolitical instability generated by the pandemic and the current Russia–Ukraine conflict, which has led to a 400% increase in phosphorus commodity prices, offers the international community and institutions an opportunity to embrace the global phosphorus challenge and move towards a more circular system. Here, we discuss an integrated and multi-stakeholder approach to improve phosphorus management in agriculture and increase the efficiency of the whole chain, highlighting the contribution of conventional breeding and genetic engineering, with a particular focus on low-phytic-acid (lpa) crops, whose grains may help in reducing phosphorus-management-related problems. In recent decades, the choice of short-term strategies—such as the use of phytase as a feed additive—rather than lpa mutants, has been carried out without considering the long-term money saving to be derived from lpa crops. Overall, lpa crops have the potential to increase the nutritional quality of foods and feeds, but more research is needed to optimize their performance.

Diversity Levels under Different Grazing Intensities in Semi-Wet Grasslands

The biodiversity of grasslands has been shaped by long-time interaction between natural processes and human activities, such as grazing. Traditional grazing management by animals contributes to the maintenance of high biodiversity in grasslands. However, changes in land use in recent years such as the abandonment of animal husbandry or intensification of grazing, pose a threat to grasslands biodiversity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the compositional and functional diversity in semi-humid grasslands of northern Greece under different grazing intensities. Three sites with similar vegetation and composition but different grazing intensities were selected in Taxiarchis University Forest of Mountain Holomontas. The three grazing intensities were (1) ungrazed, for more than 40 years, (2) moderate grazed, and (3) highly grazed. The ungrazed area showed an increase in vegetation cover and a decrease in bare ground. In comparison to grazed areas, the ungrazed one showed lower levels of grasses and legumes but higher abundances of woody and broad-leaved species. The highest values of all the studied diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener (H), Simpson Diversity Index, Jaccard, and species abundance) were recorded at moderate grazing intensity. Differences were recorded between the grazed and ungrazed areas in all of the quantitative traits (specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, stem dry matter content, vegetative and reproductive plant height, leaf nitrogen, and phosphorus concentration). Protecting sensitive mountainous grasslands from both overgrazing and abandonment requires a balanced and sustainable management approach.

Biological Approaches for Sustainable Pest and Disease Management in Pulse Crops

Pulse crops, including lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans, play a crucial role in addressing global food security and nutritional needs. However, their production is often hampered by various pests and diseases, leading to significant yield losses. Conventional pest and disease management practices, heavily reliant on synthetic chemical pesticides, have raised concerns about environmental sustainability, human health, and the development of resistance in target organisms. In recent years, biological approaches have emerged as promising alternatives for sustainable pest and disease management in pulse crops. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various biological control strategies, including the use of beneficial microorganisms, plant extracts, and other eco-friendly methods. The review discusses the mode of action, efficacy, and potential applications of these approaches in combating major pests and diseases affecting pulse crops. Additionally, it highlights the challenges and future prospects of integrating biological control methods into integrated pest and disease management programs. By adopting these sustainable practices, pulse crop production can be enhanced while minimizing the environmental footprint and promoting long-term ecological balance. The review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, extension specialists, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of biological approaches in achieving sustainable and resilient pulse crop production systems.

The influence of farm resources and management decisions on the severity of Striga infestation and maize productivity in western Kenya

AbstractThe control of Striga is of critical importance for smallholder farmers cultivating maize and other cereals in the western region of Kenya. Therefore, advanced knowledge and analysis is needed to understand farmers' resource endowment and decision making with regards to crop management, and the possible effect on Striga infestation and crop productivity. The overall objective of the study was to understand the role of resource endowment and allocation decisions on Striga infestation and maize productivity and offer effective and locally adapted options in western Kenya. The study used semi‐structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and resource flow mapping to identify farm resources and key management decisions that are critical in management of Striga on smallholder farms. Soil was sampled from fields of selected farms and taken to the laboratory for analysis including Striga seed counts. In the fields, Striga shoots counts, and maize yield were recorded. Socio‐economic variables such as land size, household income, labour availability, were used to construct a farm typology and assign farmers to different resource groups (RGs). Our results showed that household diversity leads to different land‐use patterns, resource‐use intensity and agricultural management practices which affect soil fertility and Striga infestation. Poor‐resourced farmers tend to be associated with poor crop and soil management which results in maize fields with low soil fertility and high level of Striga infestation. Soil organic carbon showed a strong negative association with Striga infestation. Improving soil fertility is, therefore, the central component of any integrated and sustainable Striga management approaches, and technological solutions to address Striga and soil fertility issues, and they must be tailored to the farm and field diversity. The inclusion of legumes is highly recommended either as rotation or intercropping depending on land availability. Where possible, farmers may use mulch from previous crop residues to suppress weed emergence and prevent flowering and seed setting. Hand weeding though tiresome, remains a low‐cost effective method to control Striga especially in areas where fields are small as in western Kenya.

A SHORT-TERM COGNITIVE GROUP TREATMENT SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED THE SNACKING BEHAVIOUR OF OVERWEIGHT INDIAN WOMEN – A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Obesity, a global health challenge, particularly affecting Asian populations due to inappropriate snacking behaviour and food choices, prompted this study. The research aimed to evaluate the impact of a 10-week cognitive group treatment on snacking behaviour among overweight women aged 30-60 years. In a randomized control trial with 66 female working participants (BMI > 25 kg m-²), the groups were categorized as control (n = 34) and experimental (n = 32). Initially, snacking contributed significantly to daily energy (29.39%), carbohydrates (21.11%), protein (35.53%), and fat (50.61%) intake in the experimental group. After the cognitive group treatment, there was a substantial (p≤0.01) reduction in the contribution of these nutrients through snacking, with percentages dropping to 11.62, 14.60, 10.04, and 7.67, respectively. Post-treatment, significant (p≤0.01) reductions were observed in body weight (4%), fat mass (2%), waist circumference (4.9%), and hip circumference (2.7%) among the subjects. The study emphasized that the behavioural changes leading to healthier snacking can be a sustainable approach for weight management and that making healthier snack choices can aid in the battle against overweight and obesity.

A Conceptual Framework Based on PLS-SEM Approach for Sustainable Customer Relationship Management in Enterprise Software Development: Insights from Developers

Due to its significant relevance in outsourcing, the global software industry, such as enterprise software development organizations, accepted the implementation of global software development (GSD). Customers play a pivotal role in any industry, and effective customer relationship management (CRM) is instrumental in ensuring client satisfaction while developing software projects. However, software organizations operating globally often need more insight into their customers’ perspectives. These challenges give rise to a major combination for the success of the GSD projects. Organizations working globally face the key challenge of the implementation of CRM. The main objective of this paper is to investigate and understand the challenges faced by global software development organizations when implementing customer relationship management (CRM) in their enterprise software projects. This paper aims to assess how these CRM implementation challenges impact the value of enterprise software products in the context of global software development (GSD). To achieve this objective, the study employs the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach and conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify relevant challenges. Additionally, this paper presents a conceptual framework based on the identified challenges and validates it through surveys and qualitative research with software outsourcing companies in Pakistan. The research provides valuable insights from the perspective of software developers and aims to offer practical guidance for the successful application of CRM in outsourcing.

Utilizing machine learning to integrate silica-based production waste material in ceramic tiles manufacturing: Progressing toward sustainable solutions

The production of ceramic tiles is an intricate process of combining modern technology with ancient craftsmanship, which creates versatile and durable finished surfaces for various construction applications. The manufacturing of ceramic tiles causes the production of significant waste during different production stages such as shaping, firing, and finishing leading to environmental degradation and depletion of resources. Therefore, this research work was planned to investigate the possibility of utilizing ceramic waste in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles. Two types of ceramic waste, namely glaze waste and body waste were used with 5–10% replacement of different materials in the production of ceramic tile. The results revealed that up to 10% of the waste produced during the manufacturing of ceramic tiles can successfully be reused in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles. The ceramic tiles produced with 10% replacement of feldspar satisfied the minimum criteria of flexural strength, shrinkage, and water absorption supported by scanning electron microscopy findings. Moreover, a machine learning model was developed using six input variables, i.e., feldspar (F), three different types of clays (C1, C2, and C3), body waste (BW) and glaze waste (GW), while three variables, i.e., firing shrinkage (SF), flexure strength (FS) and water absorption (WA), as output. Applying a machine learning approach to data revealed that the model, i.e., artificial neural network (ANN), exhibited strong and consistent performance, displaying notable generalization capabilities (with an R2 greater than 0.95 on the test set). This study aims to shape sustainable waste management approaches and establishes a blueprint for harnessing ceramic waste with the potential to be a primary resource in the production of ceramic tiles.