Environmental Practices Research Articles

A nonlinear and asymmetric monostable compliant ortho-planar spring piezoelectric vibrational energy harvester using a H-I structure

This paper proposes a compliant ortho-planar spring piezoelectric vibrational energy harvester (COPS-PVEH) using a H-I structure that exploits a nonlinearity and an asymmetric mono-stability to enhance the bandwidth of the device. The main structure is based on a double clamped beam (I-structure) coupled with four cantilever beams (H-structure) and an ortho-planar spring in the centre of the I-structure. Finite element analysis (FEA), analytical modelling, and experimentation were performed to analyse the dynamical and electrical behaviour of the harvester. The device was fabricated using polylactide (PLA). Six bimorph PZT-5H piezoelectric materials, electrically connected in parallel, were used as piezoelectric generators. The device was tested using an optimum load resistor of 90 kΩ under sinusoidal and sine sweep excitation in the gravity (vertical) direction. The pre-load (due to gravitation) causes a softening nonlinearity and an asymmetric mono-stability in the potential energy function. The results show that multiple peaks are observed in the output voltage of the harvester in the FEA, analytical modelling, and experimentation under harmonic excitation in the sub 15 Hz frequency range. Furthermore, analytical modelling and experimentation exhibit softening nonlinearity and chaotic behaviour, reaching a maximum amplitude power of 1.01 mW (at 8.3 Hz) and 1.07 mW (at 9.5 Hz) respectively under sine sweep excitation (amplitude of 0.6 g (g = 9.81 m/s2)). Experimentally, the harvester also generates an average power greater than 46 µW with a 6.8 Hz bandwidth under the same excitation. The softening nonlinearity and asymmetric mono-stability enhance the bandwidth of the harvester in the low frequency region where most broadband ambient vibrations are available in practical environments.

Evaluating the impact of coal seam roof groundwater using variable weights theory: A special emphasis on skylight-type water inrush pattern

Study regionThis study is based in the rapidly developing large-scale coal base located in Northwest China. Study focusThis study focuses on addressing a critical yet overlooked aspect of large-scale coal resource development in arid regions: the impact on coal seam roof groundwater. Recognizing the paramount importance of safeguarding groundwater resources for sustainable mining practices, the research introduces a novel concept of “skylight-type secondary water inrush pattern” and develops a comprehensive evaluation methodology to quantify its extent. New hydrological insights for the regionThe study presents groundbreaking hydrological insights into the behavior of groundwater systems impacted by coal mining in arid regions. It reveals that secondary water inrush pattern, a phenomenon driven by hydrodynamics, extends beyond the immediate mechanical footprint of mining, posing significant challenges for groundwater resource management. This research underscores the importance of considering not just the structural alterations to aquifers but also the broader hydrological consequences of mining activities. By integrating multivariate geological information with a variable weights theory, the developed evaluation method provides a nuanced understanding of how mining alters groundwater abundance and flow patterns. These new insights challenge traditional approaches and offer a scientific basis for designing effective strategies to mitigate water damage, manage mine groundwater, and promote sustainable mining practices in arid environments.

Proposed Quality Metrics for Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia: A Scoping Review.

Congenital cardiac anesthesiologists practice in a unique environment with high risk for morbidity and mortality. Quality metrics can be used to focus clinical initiatives on evidence-based care and provide a target for local quality improvement measures. However, there has been no comprehensive review on appropriate quality metrics for congenital cardiac anesthesia to date. Members of the Quality and Safety Committee for the Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society proposed 31 possible candidate topics for metrics. Using a scoping review strategy, 3649 abstracts were reviewed with 30 articles meeting final criteria. Of these, 5 candidate metrics were unanimously proposed for local collection and national benchmarking efforts: use of a structured handover in the intensive care unit, use of an infection prevention bundle, use of blood conservation strategies, early extubation of cardiopulmonary bypass cases, and cardiac arrest under the care of a cardiac anesthesiologist. Many metrics were excluded due to a lack of primary data and perceived complexity beyond the scope of cardiac anesthesia practice. There is a need to develop more primary data including linking process measures with outcomes, developing risk-stratification for our patients, and collecting national data for benchmarking purposes.

An Empirical Study on Biodiversity Disclosure and Firm’s Market Value in North America Based on Linear Regression Model

Biodiversity loss is a pressing global risk poised to significantly impact the corporate landscape over the next decade. As companies face escalating demands for transparency, non-financial disclosures, especially those concerning ESG factors, have garnered considerable attention. However, there is a notable deficiency in disclosures specifically highlighting biodiversity, an oversight this paper aims to address. Employing an empirical approach, this study scrutinizes the influence of biodiversity disclosure on corporate market value, focusing on a U.S. firm sample. This paper uncover a robust positive relationship between the level of biodiversity disclosure and a firm's market valuation. This correlation underscores the growing investor and stakeholder interest in corporate biodiversity initiatives. This analysis further reveals that the market value impact of biodiversity disclosure is not uniform. It varies with corporate size and industry characteristics, with small-sized and high-pollution firms experiencing a more substantial effect. This variability suggests that the market rewards smaller and more environmentally impactful companies for their transparency and commitment to biodiversity conservation. Drawing on Signaling Theory, Legitimacy Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the motivations behind biodiversity disclosure and its tangible market impact. It highlights the strategic significance of integrating biodiversity considerations into corporate communications and underscores the need for further research into the nexus between ecological stewardship and financial success. The findings advocate for a proactive corporate approach to biodiversity, aligning with the growing market demand for environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Effectiveness of environmental conservation measures practised in the Full Gospel churches of Kenya Embu Evurore District, Kenya

This study assessed the effectiveness of environmental conservation measures practised by the congregants of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in the Embu Evurore District. The environment in Embu Evurore District is degraded despite the conservation practices of the congregants. The study objective was to assess the effectiveness of the environmental conservation measures practised in the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya Embu Evurore District. The study was guided by Behaviour change theory, which states that an individual is a victim of their environment. A descriptive research design was used to collect, analyse, and interpret information. The study was carried out in the five local churches in Embu Evurore District. The study population was obtained through a sampling technique. The leaders were selected through purposive sampling. A sample of congregants was arrived at through random sampling. The study instruments were questionnaires for the congregants and interview schedules for the leaders. An observation schedule was used to identify the environmental conservation practices in Embu Evurore District. The data was analysed using tables, charts and graphs. The study found that while some environmental conservation measures have been effective, others have had limited impact. The study also found that some congregants caused environmental degradation. The findings of the study add knowledge to Eco- Theology. They benefit church leaders by adding insight to their policy formulation and decision-making concerning environment conservation. The findings of this study will sensitise the congregants to improve their methods of environmental conservation.

Assessing the Impact of Environmental Accounting Message Disclosure Quality on Financing Costs in High-Pollution Industries

This article explores the relationship between environmental accounting message disclosure quality and financing costs in environmentally impactful industries. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative analysis of financial indicators with qualitative insights from industry experts. The findings indicate a significant correlation between high-quality environmental message disclosure and lower equity financing costs, suggesting that investors prioritize sustainability in their decisions. Companies that demonstrate greater environmental accountability enjoy improved access to capital. The article concludes that integrating robust environmental accounting practices and effective message disclosure is essential for fostering sustainable business practices, enhancing long-term financial viability, and promoting a culture of sustainability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges

Green Sourcing: Supplier Assessment and Selection Practices across Industries

Background: Over the last years, the assessment and selection of suppliers, based on the environmental performance of their products/services and their operations, has reached paramount importance and attracted the interest of many researchers and practitioners. Based on the prevailing perspective of supplier selection as a purely decision-making problem, this interest has been channeled towards the development of decision-support methods and tools. Other broader issues, such as whether there are converging or diverging green supplier evaluation and selection organizational processes across industries has not been addressed. Methods: Here, for the first time, we address this question by adopting a systems perspective and by considering green supplier evaluation and selection as an organizational sub-process of the broader sourcing process. We use activity theory to represent green supplier evaluation and selection as two interconnected activities, each comprising a set of organizational practices. Based on this representation, we developed a research instrument to carry out empirical research in a sample of 80 companies from five industries (pharmaceuticals, food processing, aquaculture, construction materials, waste management and recycling) in Greece. Results: The results of the survey suggest that green supplier evaluation and selection practices do not fully converge, but there are differences across industries. Conclusions: The cultural and historical context of industries influences the adoption of specific environmental supplier evaluation and selection practices.

Advanced Graphene-Based Technologies for Antibiotic Removal from Wastewater: A Review (2016–2024)

The increasing presence of antibiotics in wastewater poses significant environmental risks, including the promotion of antibiotic resistance and harm to aquatic ecosystems. This study reviews advancements in graphene-based technologies for removing antibiotics from wastewater between 2020 and 2024. Graphene-based platforms, such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphene composites, have shown great promise in this field because of their exceptional adsorption capacities and rapid photocatalytic degradation capabilities. Functionalized graphene materials and graphene integrated with other substances, such as metal oxides and polymers, have enhanced performance in terms of antibiotic removal through mechanisms such as adsorption and photocatalysis. These technologies have been evaluated under various conditions, such as pH and temperature, demonstrating their practical applicability. Despite challenges related to scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, the advancements in graphene-based technologies during this period highlight their significant potential for effective antibiotic removal, paving the way for safer and more sustainable environmental management practices.

The association between alarm burden and nurse burnout in U.S. hospitals

BackgroundAlarms pervade the hospital environment, often increasing nurses’ workload. Hospital nurses are experiencing burnout at unprecedented rates. PuropseThis study examined the association between nurses’ experience of alarms and burnout. MethodsSurvey data from U.S. nurses (n = 2,131) were analyzed. FindingsNurses who frequently/occasionally experienced overwhelm from alarms had 2.47 (95% CI [1.93, 3.16]) greater odds of high burnout than those who rarely/never experienced alarm overwhelm; those who frequently/occasionally had to delay alarm response had 2.13 [1.67, 2.70] greater odds of high burnout than those who rarely/never did; and those who frequently/occasionally encountered situations where no one responded to an urgent alarm had 2.5 [2.07, 3.03] greater odds of high burnout than those who rarely/never encountered such situations. The associations remained largely unchanged after adjusting for hospital characteristics, nurse practice environment, and nurse staffing. ConclusionAlthough this study was cross-sectional, the potential impact of alarms on nurses’ well-being is an important consideration as technology advances.

Serious Games in EDI Education: A Preliminary Discursive Literature

In Higher Education Institutions Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training sometimes has great variability and may lack sensitivity. As a result, the process often lacks depth and does not provide the ability to make mistakes in a more risk free/simulated practice environment in a simulated practice way. EDI can often encompass and touch on rather uncomfortable subjects that people would much prefer to avoid such as racism, discrimination, sexuality, religion, disabilities, marginalisation, lack of representation, unconscious bias and micro-aggressions, professional dilemmas, and ambivalence. People tend to avoid having difficult conversations and asking questions to enhance understanding. Serious games can offer a vehicle to explore some of these issues in a simulated, risk free, immersive environment with no real world consequences. They are a legitimate academic discipline used in a number of diverse fields such as business, mathematics, and soft skills. This paper will perform a preliminary discursive review of the use of games-based learning and serious games in EDI education and associated terms to produce valuable empirical evidence. The study will review developmental, evaluation and development frameworks for developing serious games for potentially difficult contexts in line with EDI i.e. resistance, ambivalence, and challenging confrontational discussions.

Evaluation of a mixture of livestock wastewater and food waste as a substrate in a continuous-flow microbial electrolysis cell

While the efficiency of microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) systems has improved remarkably, their application in continuous reactors and wastewater treatment remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the performance of a continuous-flow MEC using livestock wastewater and food waste as substrates. The MEC system achieved a hydrogen production rate of 5.2 L/L/day using acetate as a substrate, and a rate of 2.9–4.6 L/L/day when real wastewater mixtures were used. In terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, the system demonstrated high efficiency, with values ranging from 42.3 % to 62.2 % depending on the wastewater composition. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) removal reached up to 72.8 %. The current density averaged 9.9 A/m2 with acetate and decreased to 7.0 and 6.1 A/m2 in phases using wastewater, reflecting the adaptation of the microbial community to the more complex substrates. The microbial community was dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Synergistetes, with Proteobacteria showing a particularly high abundance near the anion exchange membrane (AEM) on the anode. The MEC process demonstrates substantial promise as a sustainable technology for both biohydrogen production and wastewater treatment. With further optimization and scaling, MECs could play a crucial role in the circular economy by converting waste into clean energy while simultaneously treating wastewater, offering a pathway toward more sustainable industrial and environmental practices.

AI Applications for Nutrition and Food Security Research

Data analytics (DA) and artificial intelligence (AI) play increasingly vital roles in food, nutrition, environment, and public health research and practice. With the continued successful development, professionals in these fields could rely on data analytics and AI for tasks such as data collection, decision-making, and policy development. Proficiency in research methods, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations is crucial. As AI applications grow in complexity, it is essential for professionals and the public to embrace and regulate them effectively. This review outlines AI’s diverse applications in nutrition research, including data analysis, prediction, personalized recommendations, and food safety monitoring. Select illustrative examples demonstrate its potential across various domains and highlight common challenges. The narrative underscores the importance of integrating data science and AI competencies into graduate education to equip the modern workforce.

Application of Information Link Control in Surgical Specimen Near-Miss Events in a South China Hospital: Nonrandomized Controlled Study.

Information control is a promising approach for managing surgical specimens. However, there is limited research evidence on surgical near misses. This is particularly true in the closed loop of information control for each link. A new model of surgical specimen process management is further constructed, and a safe operating room nursing practice environment is created by intercepting specimen near-miss events through information safety barriers. In a large hospital in China, 84,289 surgical specimens collected in the conventional information specimen management mode from January to December 2021 were selected as the control group, and 99,998 surgical specimens collected in the information safety barrier control surgical specimen management mode from January to December 2022 were selected as the improvement group. The incidence of near misses, the qualified rate of pathological specimen fixation, and the average time required for specimen fixation were compared under the 2 management modes. The causes of 2 groups of near misses were analyzed and the near misses of information safety barrier control surgical specimens were studied. Under the information-based safety barrier control surgical specimen management model, the incidence of adverse events in surgical specimens was reduced, the reporting of near-miss events in surgical specimens was improved by 100%, the quality control quality management of surgical specimens was effectively improved, the pass rate of surgical pathology specimen fixation was improved, and the meantime for surgical specimen fixation was shortened, with differences considered statistically significant at P<.05. Our research has developed a new mode of managing the surgical specimen process. This mode can prevent errors in approaching specimens by implementing information security barriers, thereby enhancing the quality of specimen management, ensuring the safety of medical procedures, and improving the quality of hospital services.

Pathways to Sustainability: Empowering Indigenous Communities through Recycling Education

Recycling is a critical component of sustainable waste management, helping to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change. Despite its importance, awareness, and participation in recycling activities remain low, particularly among indigenous populations who often have limited exposure to modern environmental practices. This study investigates the impact of a recycling awareness program conducted within an indigenous community in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. The program included a pre-program survey to assess participants' awareness, understanding, and participation in recycling activities, followed by an educational session on general recycling practices and e-waste management. A post-program survey was conducted to measure the effectiveness of the program. The use of paired sample t-tests reveals significant improvements in participants' knowledge and attitudes toward recycling. The findings provide compelling evidence that targeted educational programs can significantly enhance recycling awareness and participation within Indigenous communities, contributing to broader environmental sustainability goals. The study underscores the need for the implementation of similar programs in other less exposed communities as well as continuous engagement and collaboration with local authorities to sustain and expand recycling initiatives.

Environmental Management Accounting Practices: The Use, Motivations and Barriers for Large Manufacturing Firms in Lower Northern Provinces Group I, Thailand

This work studies environmental management accounting practice (EMAP) that enterprises apply to ensure the prevention of environmental damage caused by their daily operational activities, including motivations and barriers to adoption. A descriptive study was performed in 10 large manufacturing enterprises in the lower northern provinces group I Thailand via semi-structured interviews and in-depth qualitative interviews with manager/ owner. The result shows that half of the enterprises have implemented EMAP as a requirement for qualifying for ISO 14001 certification. The rest only prepare internal reports for planning, controlling and making operational decisions related to environmental information. The result also indicates that strict legislation, integrating environment into corporate strategy, and sufficient resources play a vital role in EMAP adoption. In addition, this study indicates that the key barriers limiting the implementation of EMAP are lack of resources, knowledge/ expertise/ guidance, and internal difficulties, respectively. This study gives contributions to the government, managers and relevant authorities by providing useful information on the motivations and barriers influencing EMAP adoption, which can help them to establish policy in the field of environmental management. Furthermore, it suggests that managers value EMAP for internal management not only for improvement of environmental performance but also increasing the role of accounting in business.

Allied health work readiness capabilities: a qualitative comparison of graduates, supervisors, and managers’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Researchers have highlighted gaps in the work readiness (WR) of allied health (AH) graduates and the capabilities required to successfully work in an interprofessional collaborative practice healthcare environment. In the studies conducted, the focus has generally been on one AH discipline or on one participant group across disciplines, such as new graduates. We explored WR capability of new AH graduates across three participant groups (managers, supervisors, and graduates) and across several AH disciplines in the health sector. Focus groups using Critical Incident Technique (CIT) were conducted with 47 participants (14 new graduates, 13 supervisors, and 20 managers) from four public health organisations across Eastern Australia. CIT identified examples where new AH graduates had/did not have necessary WR capabilities to manage situations in the collaborative practice environment. Using thematic analysis, we found four main themes related to WR expectations of AH graduates (work skills and knowledge, working with others, personal attributes, and organisational knowledge), with several sub-themes. Some aspects of identified themes/sub-themes were unique to the AH interprofessional work context. Understanding of AH graduates’ WR from multiple perspectives could support development of programs to enable graduate success in interprofessional working environments.

Environmental, social and governance practices: A new perspective from Asian developing countries

Environmental, social and governance practices: A new perspective from Asian developing countries

Personal and Environmental Hygiene Practices of Mothers in Selected Primary Health Centers in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Personal and Environmental Hygiene Practices of Mothers in Selected Primary Health Centers in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Navigating the Nexus: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Evolving Interplay Between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability in Contemporary Business

This research, based on an in-depth review of 67 papers, explores the intersection of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability practices in modern business. The study underlines the distinction between these concepts and their evolving significance in the global business landscape. With a methodology anchored in the PRISM framework, the systematic literature review reveals key insights. Notably, it identifies the global adoption of ESG and sustainability strategies, driven by stakeholder demands for transparency. The systematic literature review methodology ensures a comprehensive analysis, providing actionable insights for businesses navigating responsible and resilient strategies. The study also points to future research avenues, emphasising areas such as social origins and consumer behaviour, alternative ESG ratings, ESG failures and challenges, ESG integration into valuation models, sustainable investment strategies in specific sectors and the impact of ESG during crises like COVID-19. The research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between ESG and sustainability. The findings offer practical implications for organisations aligning with ethical practices, meeting stakeholder expectations and securing a sustainable future.

Evaluating the impacts of printing operations on indoor air quality in a printing press

Purpose Building operations and human activities indoors continuously affect air quality, contaminating the air and sometimes exceeding permissible limits which can be health threatening either in the short or long time. This implies a need for strict awareness and compliance with air quality standards, particularly in workplaces prone to air contaminants emissions. This study aims to evaluate printing-related pollutant concentrations and their effects on indoor air quality (IAQ). The study investigated a printing press's total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions. Design/methodology/approach This study used mainly an experimental research design supported by physical assessment by identifying the major printing-related pollutants, assessing the existing situation and measuring pollutant concentration levels using literature reviews, walkthrough inspections and experiments, respectively. The measurements were conducted in two scenarios: with and without printing activities, and the results were compared with relevant standards and guidelines. Findings The outcomes indicate that TVOC concentration reaches 120 ppb during printing and binding activities, exceeding the 75 ppb acceptable limit based on the time-weighted average. The PM2.5 concentrations reach 49 µg/m3 and PM10 up to 150 µg/m3, exceeding acceptable levels given by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are 35 µg/m3 and 150 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. These high concentrations of TVOC and PM indicate a significant risk to the health of building occupants, particularly those with respiratory conditions. PM concentrations do not exceed permissible levels when no printing or bookbinding occurs, suggesting that printing-related activities can contribute to elevated TVOC and PM concentrations. Social implications The social implication of the study lies in its ability to promote awareness among workers and improve their well-being which in turn relates to productivity. The study outcome could also encourage businesses to adopt more responsible environmental and social practices as part of corporate social responsibility practices. Originality/value The study's findings, which highlight the need for improved ventilation in printing halls, have the potential to significantly benefit building system designers, facility managers, policymakers and decision-makers. By providing information and theoretical support, the research can help integrate policies that regulate IAQ by reducing pollutant concentrations. This protects workers' health and helps update and enforce stricter IAQ regulations for industrial operations.