Environmental Performance Research Articles

Cognitive-motor interference in people with essential tremor

Adapting to different environments throughout daily activities requires flexibility in allocating attention. Compromised dual-tasking can hinder mobility, increase fall risk, and decrease functional independence in patients with essential tremor, who exhibit both mobility and cognitive impairments. We evaluated motor and cognitive dual-task effects and task prioritization in 15 people with Essential Tremor (ET) and 15 age-matched people without ET during a standard and more challenging water-carry TUG. Task-specific interference was evaluated by calculating motor and cognitive dual-task effects, whereas task prioritization was assessed by contrasting the cognitive dual-task effect with the motor dual-task effect. The simultaneous performance of two tasks did not differentially impact motor or cognitive performance in either group, and both groups prioritized cognitive task performance in standard and water-carry TUG assessments. This study enhances our understanding of motor-cognitive interactions in individuals with essential tremor. These insights could lead to patient-centered approaches to therapy to improve functional performance in dynamic daily environments.

Optimizing Attention and Cognitive Control Costs Using Temporally Layered Architectures.

The current reinforcement learning framework focuses exclusively on performance, often at the expense of efficiency. In contrast, biological control achieves remarkable performance while also optimizing computational energy expenditure and decision frequency. We propose a decision-bounded Markov decision process (DB-MDP) that constrains the number of decisions and computational energy available to agents in reinforcement learning environments. Our experiments demonstrate that existing reinforcement learning algorithms struggle within this framework, leading to either failure or suboptimal performance. To address this, we introduce a biologically inspired, temporally layered architecture (TLA), enabling agents to manage computational costs through two layers with distinct timescales and energy requirements. TLA achieves optimal performance in decision-bounded environments and in continuous control environments, matching state-of-the-art performance while using a fraction of the computing cost. Compared to current reinforcement learning algorithms that solely prioritize performance, our approach significantly lowers computational energy expenditure while maintaining performance. These findings establish a benchmark and pave the way for future research on energy and time-aware control.

All‐Paper‐Based, Flexible, and Bio‐Degradable Pressure Sensor with High Moisture Tolerance and Breathability Through Conformally Surface Coating

AbstractHighlighted with bio‐degradability, paper‐based flexible pressure sensors receive significant attention in the field of wearable devices for a sustainable future. However, it remains a challenge to possess considerable sensing performance in high humidity and underwater environments, because its structure rapidly breaks down after the hydrophilic cellulose absorbs water. In this study, a facile chemical vapor deposition method is employed to conformally coat a thin hydrophobic layer onto the cellulose fibers, resulting in an encapsulating paper with high moisture tolerance. The well‐maintained porous structure reserves the superior breathability of the paper. A micro‐convex‐structured sensor layer impregnated with MXene serves as the sensing layer. As a result, an all‐paper‐based pressure sensor with high moisture tolerance and breathability is fabricated. This sensor features a broad sensing range (0–60 kPa), acceptable sensitivities (39.58 kPa−1 (0–1.01 kPa), 11.95 kPa−1 (1.01–60 kPa)), a low detection limit of ≈2.8 Pa, response and recovery time (93 and 69 ms), reliable hydrophobic breathability, and excellent repeatability (10 000 cycles). Moreover, this sensor can be safely worn on human skin and can monitor physiological signals in real‐time in different environments (including air, humid environments, and even underwater), providing a reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly solution for wearable technology.

Deep Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Driving Systems

Autonomous driving systems (ADS) are poised to revolutionize the future of transportation, promising increased safety, efficiency, and convenience. Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) has emerged as a powerful approach to solving complex decision-making tasks in dynamic environments, making it a promising candidate for the development of intelligent autonomous vehicles. This paper explores the application of DRL techniques in autonomous driving, focusing on the integration of perception, planning, and control. We review state-of-the-art DRL algorithms, including Deep Q-Networks (DQN), Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC), and examine their roles in enabling end-to-end learning for driving policies. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges inherent in deploying DRL in real-world autonomous driving scenarios, including sample inefficiency, safety constraints, and the sim-to-real gap. Finally, the paper presents case studies and experimental results that highlight the potential of DRL to improve autonomous vehicle performance in complex environments, while identifying future research directions to address open problems in the field.

Development and validation of an instrument to evaluate the perspective of using the electronic health record in a hospital setting

BackgroundEvaluating healthcare information systems, such as the Electronic Health Records (EHR), is both challenging and essential, especially in resource-limited countries. This study aims to psychometrically develop and validate an instrument (questionnaire) to assess the factors influencing the successful adoption of the EHR system by healthcare professionals in Moroccan university hospitals.MethodsThe questionnaire validation process occurred in two main stages. Initially, data collected from a pilot sample of 164 participants underwent analysis using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to evaluate the validity and reliability of the retained factor structure. Subsequently, the validity of the overall measurement model was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in a sample of 368 healthcare professionals.ResultsThe structure of the modified HOT-fit model, comprising seven constructs (System Quality, Information Quality, Information technology Service Quality, User Satisfaction, Organization, Environment, and Clinical Performance), was confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. Absolute, incremental, and parsimonious fit indices all indicated an appropriate level of acceptability, affirming the robustness of the measurement model. Additionally, the instrument demonstrated adequate reliability and convergent validity, with composite reliability values ranging from 0.75 to 0.89 and average variance extracted (AVE) values ranging from 0.51 to 0.63. Furthermore, the square roots of AVE values exceeded the correlations between different pairs of constructs, and the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT) was below 0.85, confirming suitable discriminant validity.ConclusionsThe resulting instrument, due to its rigorous development and validation process, can serve as a reliable and valid tool for assessing the success of information technologies in similar contexts.

Environmental Sustainability Disclosure and Market Performance of Listed Consumer Goods Firms in Nigeria

This study aimed to examine the effect of environmental sustainability disclosure on the market performance of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. This study utilized ex-post facto research design. Data were gathered from the annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and financial databases of Nigerian consumer goods manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as of December 31, 2023. The study encompassed a population of 21 listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. A census sampling technique was adopted, to investigate the entire population. The research covered a twelve-year period, from 2012 to 2023, to observe trends, patterns, and long-term impacts, enabling a robust analysis. This study employed descriptive statistics (mean, median, variance, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential statistics (panel regression analysis, correlational analysis etc.) to conduct data analysis. This regression analysis conducted revealed that both environmental protections cost disclosure, and environmental research and development cost disclosure had positive and significant effect on the market performance of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. While environmental pollution cost disclosure had a negative but significant effect on market performance. Whereas environmental waste management control cost disclosure had positive and insignificant effect on market performance. The findings indicate that environmental cost disclosures play a significant role in shaping the market performance of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Specifically, disclosures related to environmental protection and R&D have a positive impact, as they reflect a firm’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. It was recommended that firms should prioritize and continue to disclose their investments in environmental protection and R&D, as these are positively viewed by investors and enhance market performance.

The Impact of Romanian Internal Auditors in ESG Reporting and Sustainable Development Goals

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of an internal auditor’s activities in Romania, through their specific activities, on ESG reporting and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) are three criteria by which an organization’s operations are characterized as sustainable, responsible, or ethical. Even though, for business, the SDGs have been called “a 2030 purchase order for business and government action today”, the alignment between environmental, social, and governance performance and sustainable development goals helps practitioners in observing corporate contributions to sustainable growth. This research aims to identify whether internal auditors in Romania are able to contribute to ESG reporting and the achievement of the sustainable development goals through specific objective assurance and advisory activities. Using the questionnaire, the data were collected from professional accountants who carry out internal audit missions. The main findings confirm a strong and directly significant connection between the internal audit’s perception of the management’s view of the SDGs and how the entity can contribute to achieving the SDG objectives. The results also showed a direct and medium-intensity impact of the variables, capturing the important role of internal audits in ESG reporting. Our study showed that internal audits can help with reporting ESG and sustainable development objectives through their activity. However, according to our statistical results, the internal auditors do not offer at all (or rarely offer) objective assurance and counseling related to these subjects. Moreover, it is observed that, in these situations, the management does not have a clear vision and has not taken measures to achieve the sustainable development goals and ESG factors.

Planning decentralized wastewater treatment systems by comparing through TOPSIS

ABSTRACT This study evaluates 10 case studies of decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) and compares them based on their environmental and economic performance. The aim is to identify the best treatment system composed of specific treatment processes that can be used in the future for hospitals, universities/colleges, and small communities. The comparison was conducted using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method of multiple criteria decision-making. According to the TOPSIS method, systems are ranked from 1 to 10 by normalizing and weighting the decision matrix criteria, measuring the alternative's distance from the ideal best to worst value, and then calculating the performance score of each system. The study found that the H4 system, which includes a septic tank, anaerobic baffled reactor, anaerobic filter, horizontal filter, and pond, achieved the highest performance score. Therefore, the processes of the H4 system are recommended as the best alternative for DEWATS. This study may therefore assist stakeholders on their decision to implement DEWATS in similar facilities.

Environmental Impact of Polyurethane-Based Aerogel Production: Influence of Solvents and Solids Content

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis of polyurethane (PUR) aerogels. The synthesis process incorporates various solvents and solids contents into the formulation, with the primary objective of enhancing the physical properties of the aerogels for broad industrial applications. Nine experimental scenarios were explored, grouped into two sets based on the variables studied. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts of all formulated PUR aerogels. The findings indicate that a solvent solution of 100% ethyl acetate (EtOAc) results in lower environmental impacts compared to other tested formulations. Notably, a solvent solution comprising 75% acetonitrile (ACN) and 25% EtOAc exhibited the highest environmental Key Performance Indicator (εKPI) among the tested material formulations, closely followed by the PUR aerogel obtained using acetone as a solvent. Furthermore, this study underscores the necessity of performing an integrated LCA that considers both environmental and functional aspects. While reducing the solids content is environmentally advantageous, it may present challenges in terms of material functionality. This is illustrated by the PUR aerogel synthesized with the lowest solids content of 3.2 wt.%, which demonstrated high deformability, thereby complicating the determination of a reliable Young’s modulus for analysis.

Retraction Note: How does environmental performance ensured energy transition? Impact of ecological change

Retraction Note: How does environmental performance ensured energy transition? Impact of ecological change

Impact of logistics pooling on reduction of CO2 emissions in last-mile logistics

Purpose In previous years, there has been a peak in deliveries from all sectors. Consequently, the number of transport vehicles on urban roads has also increased. Unsurprisingly, this increase leads to many environmental problems, including increased carbon emissions. This paper attempts to examine this issue by addressing the impact of logistics pooling on the reduction of CO2 emissions in last-mile logistics. The aim is to see which of the logistics pooling options can minimize more CO2 emissions and in particular reach the threshold fixed by the Moroccan Agency of Logistics Development which is 30% until 2030.Design/methodology/approach The author conducted a simulation study. The sample was chosen from the economic pillar of the Moroccan Kingdom, namely Casablanca.Findings The results indicate that two pooling strategies lead to a higher level of environmental performance compared to the objective set up by the Moroccan Agency of Logistics Development (Direct Upstream and Downstream Transport: 44.39%/Multi-pick Upstream Transport and Multi-drop Downstream Transport: 30.93%). However, the first strategy remains the best one, as it not only minimizes emissions but also reflects the practices already implemented by several carriers and logistics service providers.Practical implications Successfully implementing these strategies in Casablanca could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges, demonstrating the viability and benefits of logistics pooling. Ultimately, the reduction in CO2 emissions aligns with global environmental goals, contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting a healthier urban environment for residents. By leveraging simulation technology, Casablanca can make significant strides toward more sustainable and efficient last-mile logistics, setting a precedent for green urban logistics practices.Originality/value Given Morocco’s significant geostrategic position, the urban logistics sector plays a crucial role in the development of Arab countries. The findings of this study can offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to achieve sustainable economic growth. Additionally, to the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to focus on logistics pooling and carbon emissions in Arab nations. The paper further contributes by highlighting important directions for future research.

Trends in the environmental impacts of the Australian pork industry

Context Over the past four decades, major changes have occurred in Australia’s pork industry, affecting productivity and environmental performance. Aims This study determined long-term changes in greenhouse gas and key resource use efficiency indicators. Methods Life cycle assessment was used to determine impacts at decadal intervals between 1980 and 2010, and are presented alongside results for 2020 and 2022. Key results Over 42 years since 1980, greenhouse gas emissions, excluding land use and direct land use change (dLUC), fell by 74% from 11.7 to 3.0 kg CO2-e/kg liveweight. Land use and dLUC emissions declined by 92%. Fossil energy use decreased from 35 to 13 MJ/kg liveweight between 1980 and 2022. Freshwater consumption and water stress fell from 506 L and 671 L H2O-e in 1980 to 52 L and 43 L H2O-e/kg liveweight in 2022, respectively. Land occupation decreased by 42% from 22 m2/kg liveweight in 1980 to 13 m2/kg liveweight in 2022. Over the analysis period, emissions per kilogram of liveweight fell by an average of 1.8% per year, land use and dLUC emissions by 2.2%, greenhouse gas including land use and dLUC emissions by 1.9%, fossil energy use by 1.5%, and freshwater consumption, stress, and land occupation by 2.1%, 2.2%, and 1%, respectively. Between 2010 and 2020, uptake of covered anaerobic ponds resulted in an annual rate of improvement in emissions (excl. land use and dLUC) of 2.9%, however, the rate of improvement fell to 1.4% between 2020 and 2022. Conclusions Long-term improvements were principally driven by improved herd productivity and feed production systems, and changes in housing and manure management. Herd and system efficiencies led to better feed conversion ratio, resulting in lower feed requirements, reduced manure production and lower feed wastage, which reduced manure greenhouse gas emissions. Concurrently, reduced tillage, higher yields, and a decrease in the proportion of irrigation water used for grain production resulted in lower impacts of feed grains. Implications Ongoing changes and improvements in production efficiency have resulted in large gains in environmental performance in the Australian pork industry but new strategies will also be needed to maintain these trends into the future.

Planetary boundaries as a way of assessing environmental performance: a methodological approach proposal

Objective: This study aims to demonstrate how planetary boundaries can serve as a method for evaluating the environmental performance of organizations. Methodology: The study is based on different methods of data collection and analyses, based on the literature on planetary boundaries and their measurement, secondary data collection and the use of two illustrative examples with two companies operating in the oil and gas sector in the upstream segment. Results: It was initially necessary to validate the downscaling of planetary boundaries to the business analysis level to apply the proposed conceptual model to two cases of companies operating in the oil and gas sector in the upstream segment. The proposed downscaling method proved to be adequate, effective, and plausible, as did the use of planetary boundaries as a method for evaluating the environmental performance of organizations. Implications: This study established contributions of methodological and practical natures, which allows companies in the sector to evaluate and be evaluated based on the need to respect the biophysical limits of the Earth system. Originality/Relevance: The concept of planetary boundaries provides a starting point for understanding the compatibility between the search for sustainable development and the current economic model, since the natural capital consumed is physically finite. In addition, a critical factor in this search is the role played by companies since the increased pressure on the consumption of natural resources directly impacts business operations.

Visual augmentation of live-streaming images in virtual reality to enhance teleoperation of unmanned ground vehicles

First-person view (FPV) technology in virtual reality (VR) can offer in-situ environments in which teleoperators can manipulate unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). However, non-experts and expert robot teleoperators still have trouble controlling robots remotely in various situations. For example, obstacles are not easy to avoid when teleoperating UGVs in dim, dangerous, and difficult-to-access areas with environmental obstacles, while unstable lighting can cause teleoperators to feel stressed. To support teleoperators’ ability to operate UGVs efficiently, we adopted construction yellow and black lines from our everyday life as a standard design space and customised the Sobel algorithm to develop VR-mediated teleoperations to enhance teleoperators’ performance. Our results show that our approach can improve user performance on avoidance tasks involving static and dynamic obstacles and reduce workload demands and simulator sickness. Our results also demonstrate that with other adjustment combinations (e.g., removing the original image from edge-enhanced images with a blue filter and yellow edges), we can reduce the effect of high-exposure performance in a dark environment on operation accuracy. Our present work can serve as a solid case for using VR to mediate and enhance teleoperation operations with a wider range of applications.

Enhancing multi-GNSS positioning performances in harsh environments via a refined joint troposphere-multipath hemispherical map

Enhancing multi-GNSS positioning performances in harsh environments via a refined joint troposphere-multipath hemispherical map

Turning waste into strength: Enhancing geopolymer composites with Oil Palm Frond Fibers (OPF)

Geopolymers are alternatives to ordinary Portland cement as construction materials. The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven the utilization of industrial by-products and agricultural waste. The disposal of oil palm frond (OPF) biomass as waste in landfills poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating effective recycling strategies. This study examines the incorporation and feasibility of OPF as a reinforcing fiber in fly ash geopolymer composites, examining its impact on physical and mechanical properties. Various parameters were tested, including fiber content (10–20 wt.%), shapes (shredded and tubular), and lengths (1–3 cm). The geopolymer composites with 10 wt.% shredded oil palm frond and 1-cm tubular oil palm frond fibers enhance the compressive strength by 17% compared to the control sample without oil palm frond. The shredded oil palm frond was particularly effective, enhancing strength performance and achieving better dispersion within the geopolymer matrix. Conversely, increasing the fiber content and length generally resulted in diminished composite strength, attributed to the creation of a more porous structure and weaker fiber-matrix interactions. However, lower fiber additions were shown to decrease porosity and water absorption, highlighting the potential of optimized oil palm frond fiber content and form in improving the environmental and mechanical performance of geopolymer composites. These results support the viability of oil palm frond as a sustainable additive in geopolymers, contributing to waste reduction and material innovation in construction.

Perbandingan Sustainability Report antara Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) dan Bank Mandiri Berdasarkan Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Tahun 2022-2023

This research aims to determine the comparison of sustainability reports between Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) and Bank Mandiri based on global reporting initiative (GRI) 2022-2023 or to what extent are these two banks committed to implementing GRI standards in presenting transparent and accountable sustainability information? This research uses comparative qualitative descriptive research. By collecting data using secondary data obtained from sustainability reports published by BSI and Bank Mandiri 2022-2023 which can be accessed on their respective websites. This research shows that both banks have a strong commitment to economic, environmental and social performance, although with different approaches and scales. Bank Mandiri has a higher operating scale and numbers, while BSI shows consistent growth and focuses on social and environmental aspects in line with sharia financial principles. This research provides insights into best practices and areas of improvement in sustainability reporting in the banking industry.

ISO 14001 and corporate financial performance: A Systematic Literature Review

AbstractThe impact of the certification on financial performance is still a debated issue. While a number of research studies have highlighted the importance of the environmental management system in achieving environmental performance, there is a theoretical gap concerning the way in which the environmental management system affects the financial performance of companies. This paper aims to fill the identified gap on how ISO 14001 adoption affects companies' financial performance, and the moderating factors likely to influence this link. To address the research question, a systematic literature review was carried out over the last decade of the main studies on this issue published in peer‐reviewed journals between 2004 and 2024. The analysis of the 57 articles in our sample provides a comprehensive picture of the impact of ISO 14001 on financial performance. The results of this research highlight the factors that influence the relationship between financial performance and ISO 14001 certification and suggest that endogenous and exogenous factors should be taken into account in order to understand this complex link.

Evaluating the Effects of Motion Cues in Virtual Truck Driver Training

The integration of simulation technology into professional training has transformed learning in various sectors. Although prior research has explored motion cueing in simulators such as aviation training, driver navigation and performance, there is limited investigation into the impact of motion stimuli in VR-based truck driver training. This study investigates the driving performance of truck drivers in two virtual driving tasks, comparing conditions with and without motion cues. Participants wore virtual reality headsets and were situated within an immersive motion simulator. They completed two driving tasks involving truck docking and highway driving. Simulator sickness, stress, and user experience were assessed using the simulator sickness questionnaire, subjective unit of distress scale, and user experience questionnaire, respectively. Our findings suggest that motion cues hold potential to enhance subjective experiences, making driving more engaging, stimulating, and mitigating motion sickness. However, they did not significantly affect overall driving performance, except for steering behavior. Participants exhibited more engaged steering during highway driving when motion cues were present. Our findings suggest that the impact of motion cues is task-dependent, with their absence not showing a significant detrimental effect on driving performance in the simulated environment. Further validation with field-observed data is necessary to confirm these findings. These insights can guide future policies and regulations governing virtual truck driver training, ultimately ensuring improved safety and performance in the industry.

ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES ON SAFETY CULTURE IN CHEMICAL AND PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

This systematic review examines the influence of engineering management practices on cultivating and sustaining a strong safety culture in chemical and petrochemical plants. Given the high-risk nature of these industries, establishing a robust safety culture is essential for mitigating operational hazards, reducing risks, and preventing accidents that can have serious human and environmental impacts. The review synthesizes findings from 135 peer-reviewed studies, focusing on key elements such as leadership commitment, employee engagement, regulatory compliance, safety management systems, and the integration of advanced technologies like automation and artificial intelligence (AI). The results highlight that safety performance in these industries is closely linked to management's active involvement in promoting safety practices, clear communication strategies, and the continuous assessment and improvement of safety protocols. Engineering managers play a critical role in driving safety initiatives and fostering an organizational culture where safety is a shared responsibility. The review also underscores the importance of regulatory compliance as a foundation for safety, while emphasizing that the most successful organizations go beyond compliance to embed safety deeply into their operational practices. Technological advancements, particularly in automation and real-time monitoring, were found to significantly enhance safety outcomes by enabling proactive risk identification and mitigation. Overall, this review offers valuable insights and practical guidelines for engineering managers aiming to strengthen safety protocols, reduce risks, and enhance safety performance in high-hazard industrial environments.