Environmental Challenges Research Articles

EU Social Economy: Means to ending Inequality?

In recent years, the European Union has been facing increasing technological, economic, environmental and social challenges. The issues of strengthening the social economy are becoming increasingly important in an era of instability and uncertainty in the prospects of global development. The subjects of this business model can play a positive role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, increasing productivity and competitiveness of both individual enterprises and states and their associations through increased solidarity at the territorial and local levels, reducing poverty and inequality. The social economy is designed to create quality jobs, guarantee equal learning opportunities and provide the necessary social services, especially for vulnerable segments of the population, such as migrants, persons with disabilities and unskilled workers. To realise its mission, its enterprises and organisations need to collaborate with public authorities, stakeholders and users capable of finding solutions to collective problems, such as ethical financing and socially responsible banking. This collaboration can give impetus to social inclusion, economic development and territorial cohesion in depressed underdeveloped areas and regions. Today, social indicators in EU countries such as poverty, inequality, long-term and youth unemployment continue to be high, making it difficult to ensure social sustainability. This article analyses EU policies on the social economy as well as its ecosystem in the region.

Early-life challenge enhances cortisol regulation in zebrafish larvae.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in mammals and the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis in fish are open systems that adapt to the environment during development. Little is known about how this adaptation begins and regulates early stress responses. We used larval zebrafish to examine the impact of prolonged forced swimming at 5 days post-fertilization (dpf), termed early-life challenge (ELC), on cortisol responses, neuropeptide expression in the nucleus preopticus (NPO), and gene transcript levels. At 6 dpf, ELC-exposed larvae showed normal baseline cortisol but reduced reactivity to an initial stressor. Conversely, they showed increased reactivity to a second stressor within the 30-min refractory period, when cortisol responses are typically suppressed. ELC larvae had fewer corticotropin-releasing hormone (crh), arginine vasopressin (avp), and oxytocin (oxt)-positive cells in the NPO, with reduced crh and avp co-expression. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of genes related to cortisol metabolism (hsd11b2, cyp11c1), steroidogenesis (star), and stress modulation (crh, avp, oxt). These results suggest that early environmental challenge initiates adaptive plasticity in the HPI axis, tuning cortisol regulation to balance responsiveness and protection during repeated stress. Future studies should explore the broader physiological effects of prolonged forced swimming and its long-term impact on cortisol regulation and stress-related circuits.

Plasma-assisted destruction of polystyrene nanoplastics.

This study addresses the critical need for the effective removal of nanoplastics (1 nm to 1000 nm), which pose a significant environmental challenge due to their ease of entry into biological systems and poorly understood health impacts. We report our investigation of a plasma-assisted methodology with a falling film plasma reactor to destroy and remove 200 nm polystyrene nanoplastic particles from their aqueous solution. Using the nanoparticle tracking analysis, size exclusion chromatography, and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, we examined the degradation kinetics of the nanoplastics upon plasma-assisted treatment. A nanoplastic removal rate of 98.4% by particle count was achieved in one hour of treatment. This rate increased to 99.3% after three hours of treatment, along with a 27.4% reduction in the TOC of the solution. The chromatography results indicate that the observed elimination of nanoplastic contaminants was likely through the production of short polystyrene oligomers with molecular weights roughly equivalent to those of two styrene units. The superior efficacy of the plasma-assisted methodology over traditional ozonation to destroy nanoplastics was also illustrated. Our results not only elucidate a hypothesized polystyrene radical decay mechanism but also demonstrate a potential and complementary approach for mitigating nanoplastic pollution in water purification strategies.

Tackling Heterogeneous Light Detection and Ranging-Camera Alignment Challenges in Dynamic Environments: A Review for Object Detection

Object detection is an essential computer vision task that identifies and locates objects within images or videos and is crucial for applications such as autonomous driving, robotics, and augmented reality. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and camera sensors are widely used for reliable object detection. These sensors produce heterogeneous data due to differences in data format, spatial resolution, and environmental responsiveness. Existing review articles on object detection predominantly focus on the statistical analysis of fusion algorithms, often overlooking the complexities of aligning data from these distinct modalities, especially dynamic environment data alignment. This paper addresses the challenges of heterogeneous LiDAR-camera alignment in dynamic environments by surveying over 20 alignment methods for three-dimensional (3D) object detection, focusing on research published between 2019 and 2024. This study introduces the core concepts of multimodal 3D object detection, emphasizing the importance of integrating data from different sensor modalities for accurate object recognition in dynamic environments. The survey then delves into a detailed comparison of recent heterogeneous alignment methods, analyzing critical approaches found in the literature, and identifying their strengths and limitations. A classification of methods for aligning heterogeneous data in 3D object detection is presented. This paper also highlights the critical challenges in aligning multimodal data, including dynamic environments, sensor fusion, scalability, and real-time processing. These limitations are thoroughly discussed, and potential future research directions are proposed to address current gaps and advance the state-of-the-art. By summarizing the latest advancements and highlighting open challenges, this survey aims to stimulate further research and innovation in heterogeneous alignment methods for multimodal 3D object detection, thereby pushing the boundaries of what is currently achievable in this rapidly evolving domain.

Transforming Bale Twine into Useful Products with an Affordable Melting Machine: Closed-Loop for Recycling Plastics

The escalating use of plastic materials in agricultural practices has substantially increased the amount of plastic waste directed to landfills, leading to significant environmental and ecological challenges. Conventional disposal methods have been found to release hazardous pollutants, including microplastics and toxic chemicals, exacerbating these concerns. This study aims to address the environmental impact of agricultural plastic waste by exploring advanced reprocessing technologies and characterising the processed waste to assess its physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Synthetic polymer-based bale twine (BT) waste, commonly used in livestock farming, was processed using an economically viable melting machine developed by Ritchie Technology. The BT and processed bale twine (PrBT) were analysed to understand their properties. Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy revealed that the waste primarily consisted of polypropylene (PP). Thermal analysis indicated that the melting temperature of the PrBT was 162.49 °C, similar to virgin PP. Additionally, tensile testing revealed that the PrBT had an ultimate strength of 13.06 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 434.07 MPa. The PrBT was further transformed into a bench that can be applicable in outdoor applications. Furthermore, the PrBT was extruded into 3D printable filament. Therefore, it is evident that bale twine waste can be given a second life through an economically viable technology.

Towards sustainable 6G: A collaborative call to action for addressing environmental challenges in (and thanks to) future mobile networks

As mobile networks evolve towards 6G, sustainability must be a central focus to address the environmental impacts of increasing energy consumption and resource use. This open letter highlights insights from the "Towards Sustainable 6G" workshop, where seven EU-funded projects - 6G4Society, BeGREEN, COALESCE, IN2CCAM, CENTRIC, 6Green, and 6G-TWIN - showcased innovative solutions for integrating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and ecological resilience into next-generation mobile networks. The projects emphasize AI-driven optimisation, sustainable infrastructure design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration as key strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of 6G systems. A joint statement underscores the necessity of embedding sustainability into 6G design, with follow-up activities planned to advance green telecommunications.

Agroforestry Systems: A Pathway to Resilient and Productive Landscapes

Agroforestry, the integration of trees, crops, and livestock on the same land, offers a sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental challenges. This review highlights the important role agroforestry systems play in promoting resilient and productive landscapes, particularly in the face of climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Agroforestry systems, including alley cropping, silvopasture, and home gardens, provide significant ecological benefits such as carbon sequestration, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health, water conservation, and enhanced biodiversity. These systems not only stabilize microclimates and reduce soil erosion but also improve soil fertility and water infiltration, making them vital for climate adaptation. Socio-economically, agroforestry diversifies income sources for smallholder farmers by generating products like timber, fruits, and fodder, while contributing to food security through year-round crop availability and improved nutrition. Despite these benefits, the adoption of agroforestry faces substantial barriers, including socio-cultural resistance, knowledge gaps, inadequate policy support, and limited access to markets and credit. High initial costs, perceived risks, and competition for resources between trees and crops further impede its widespread implementation. Addressing these challenges requires enhancing extension services, policy reforms, financial incentives, and market access to support smallholder farmers. Future directions emphasize integrating agroforestry into national agricultural policies and climate action plans, supported by research on optimizing species selection, pest management, and sustainable resource use. By the synergies between agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and Sustainable Development Goals, agroforestry presents a viable pathway for transforming agricultural systems into more resilient, productive, and sustainable models. Scaling up agroforestry can help restore degraded lands, sequester carbon, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

Greening the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

ABSTRACTThe pharmaceutical sector is critical from a life‐saving perspective. However, it also poses significant environmental challenges due to large consumptions of non‐renewable materials and energy, as also extensive by‐product and waste generation. Addressing these issues is paramount, though surprisingly, research on it has largely been theoretical, fragmented and incomplete. These shortcomings are sought to be addressed in this work where a comprehensive green supply chain management (GSCM) framework for the sector is first developed through a systematic literature review. It is then empirically assessed and validated for UK's pharmaceutical sector through 47 interviews and analyses of 112 corporate environmental reports that covered all key stakeholders. Innovative and Bio‐pharma players were found to be at the forefront of the greening efforts with generic players lagging behind. High levels of solvent recycling, AI‐based drug design, and emphasis on Ecopharmacovigilance were observed for the Innovative players. The key drivers for greening were found to be regulatory pressures (e.g., f‐gas, ERA, IED) and cost saving potential, with their influence being particularly greater for the Innovative players. Similarly, complex marketing authorization process, high investment requirements, lack of green culture and time pressure were revealed as the key barriers to greening. On the downstream side, lack of environment‐related regulatory guidance on prescribing and contradictory regulatory guidance on disposing unused/expired drugs were identified as factors having a significant impact on the environmental loading of drugs. Overall, the study findings can help assess the green readiness of the sector, as also develop stakeholder‐specific policy interventions and support mechanisms to increase green adoption.

Sustainability, circular economy, and projects: research opportunities

This editorial explores the intersection of sustainability, circular economy, and project management, highlighting its growing relevance in the contemporary context. Sustainability is deeply integrated into management modern practices, incorporating economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The circular economy, as an alternative to the traditional linear economic model, aims to reintegrate products and materials into the production live cycle, minimizing waste and maximizing resource use. Digital technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain provide new opportunities for implementing sustainable practices in real time, especially within the context of Industry 4.0. In project management, the incorporation of sustainability principles is crucial for ensuring long-term success. Frameworks such as the P5 Standard and PRiSM offer practical tools for integrating these concepts of sustainability into the daily routines of project professionals, promoting resource efficiency and social responsibility. The active engagement of stakeholders and the development of specific frameworks are essential for advancing project management that generates positive environmental and societal impacts. The editorial also highlights various research opportunities related to the integration of sustainability and the circular economy in project management. Research opportunities include understanding the impact of circular economy principles on project efficiency, stakeholder engagement in sustainable projects, and the development of frameworks aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing these topics, researchers and organizations not only address environmental challenges but also gain a competitive advantage.

An Empirical Analysis of Green Finance's Impact on Commercial Banks' Operational Performance

With the financial industry in various countries under strict regulation and interest rates increasingly market-oriented, the rise of the green finance sector has significantly impacted the operations of commercial banks. This influence is particularly evident in green credit, bonds, and insurance, which have emerged as critical components of sustainable finance. As a novel financial paradigm, green finance presents vast development prospects by linking economic growth with environmental sustainability. By actively developing green financial products and services, commercial banks can enhance their operational performance and create new profit growth opportunities. This study conducts an empirical analysis using data from state-owned, joint-stock, and city commercial banks to evaluate the relationship between green finance and bank performance. The findings reveal that green finance positively impacts the operational performance of commercial banks. Notably, green credit emerges as a significant driver, improving profitability while addressing environmental challenges. However, the study also identifies several challenges, such as the need for strategic alignment, product innovation, and enhanced risk management. Commercial banks must improve strategic planning, foster innovation, and strengthen their competitiveness to sustain momentum while maintaining a strong sense of social responsibility. These efforts will contribute to advancing green finance and enable banks to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable economic development. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions aiming to align economic objectives with environmental goals.

Wheat WW Domain-Containing Protein TaCFL1 Negatively Regulates Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis

Waxy cuticle covers plant aerial organs and protects plants against environmental challenges. Although improved cuticle-associated traits are aimed at the wheat breeding programs, the mechanism governing wheat cuticular wax biosynthesis remains to be elucidated. Herein, wheat WW domain-containing protein TaCFL1 is characterized as a negative regulator of wax biosynthesis. The knockdown of TaCFL1 expression results in a 15% increase in wax accumulation and decreased leaf cuticle permeability in bread wheat. Furthermore, wheat class IV homeodomain transcription factors TaHDG1.1 and TaHDG1.2 are identified as partially redundant activators of wax biosynthesis. The silencing of TaHDG1.1 or TaHDG1.2 expression leads to an 11% reduction in epidermal wax accumulation and an increase in leaf cuticle permeability wax, while the co-silencing of TaHDG1.1 and TaHDG1.2 results in a 31% reduction in epidermal wax accumulation and a further increase in wax in the leaf cuticle permeability. Moreover, wheat 3-Ketoacyl-CoA synthase TaKCS10 is isolated as an essential component of the wax biosynthetic machinery. The silencing of TaKCS10 expression results in a 22% reduction in wax accumulation and increased leaf cuticle permeability. In addition, we demonstrated that the TaKCS10 expression is activated by TaHDG1.1 and TaHDG1.2, and that TaCFL1 attenuates the TaHDG1-mediated transcriptional activation of TaKCS10. This evidence supports that the WW domain-containing protein TaCFL1 negatively regulates wax biosynthesis via attenuating the transcriptional activation of the TaKCS10 gene mediated by HD-ZIP IV transcription factor TaHDG1.

Monitoring Air Quality in Bhopal: A Comparative Study of Pollutant Levels at Hamidia Road Chowk and T.T. Nagar in 2022

Urban air pollution is a growing environmental and health challenge in developing countries, driven by industrialization, enlargement of vehicular traffic, and population density. This study focuses on two distinct monitoring sites in Bhopal, India: Hamidia Road Chowk, characterized by high traffic density, and T.T. Nagar, a densely populated residential area. Monthly data for 2022 on key pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and heavy metals, were analysed to define seasonal variations and conformity with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Findings indicate higher pollutant concentrations in the winter and early summer, correlating with atmospheric conditions and enlargement emissions during these periods. Notably, pollutant levels frequently exceeded NAAQS limits, posing significant health risks to urban populations. The results underscore the significance of continuous air property monitoring and the implementation of targeted emission control measures, especially in high-traffic and densely populated areas. This study contributes to the perception of air pollution dynamics in rapidly urbanizing cities and provides a foundation for informed policy-making to improve urban air quality.

Сталий розвиток для повоєнної відбудови економіки України: оновлений погляд на наукову спадщину М. Туган-Барановського

The article focuses on reconsidering the scientific ideas and concepts developed by M. Tugan-Baranovsky in economic theory, evaluating their potential to formulate effective strategies for promoting sustainable development principles in the post-war recovery of Ukraine’s economy. The research employs various methodologies such as induction and deduction, comparison, analysis and synthesis. The impact of the war on specific economic and social indicators related to sustainable development is analyzed using cluster analysis. The study emphasizes the importance of considering regional differences in shaping policy initiatives for Ukraine’s economic recovery. These initiatives should be grounded on the principles of sustainability developed in M. Tugan-Baranovsky’s insights on the emergence of new capital, demographic processes, and the evolutionary development of economic entities. The author argues that activities focused on preserving natural resources, achieving social equality, and active implementing new resource-saving technologies are crucial for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery. The article justifies the feasibility of aligning the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 with Ukraine’s National Recovery Plan, and shows that this conceptual approach is consistent with the scientific framework developed by M. Tugan-Baranovsky. It is concluded that a renewed perspective on the scientific heritage of the renowned Ukrainian economist enables the identification of promising approaches for addressing contemporary economic, environmental, and social challenges, guided by the principles of sustainable development.

Functional Nanocellulose Derivatives for Global Environmental Solutions

Nanocellulose, a sustainable and biodegradable material derived from natural cellulose, holds immense potential for addressing global environmental challenges. This article reviews the production methods, structural modifications, and applications of nanocellulose derivatives in environmental contexts, emphasizing their role in water purification, pollutant adsorption, and renewable energy solutions. The systematic literature review highlights the unique properties of nanocellulose, such as high mechanical strength, large specific surface area, and tunable chemical functionalities, which enable its use in various industrial, biomedical, and environmental applications. Results indicate that nanocellulose-based materials outperform conventional materials in efficiency and sustainability, particularly in water treatment and biodegradable packaging. Despite its advantages, challenges remain, including production costs, dispersibility in polymer matrices, and stability under high humidity. These limitations necessitate further research and collaborative innovation to enhance its applicability and affordability.

GLOBAL WARMING: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF CAUSES, IMPACTS, AND SOLUTIONS

Global warming is one of the most critical environmental challenges facing humanity today, characterized by a significant increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the primary anthropogenic causes of global warming, including industrialization, deforestation, and changes in land use patterns. The burning of fossil fuels—such as coal, oil, and natural gas—for energy production and transportation has led to a dramatic rise in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This surge in CO2 concentrations has intensified the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat within the Earth's atmosphere and contributing to the overall rise in global temperatures. In addition to carbon dioxide, other potent greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide, released from agricultural practices and industrial processes, exacerbate the warming effect. The expansion of industrial agriculture has significantly increased methane emissions, while synthetic fertilizers contribute to higher levels of nitrous oxide. Deforestation driven by agricultural expansion and urban development further diminishes the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, releasing stored carbon and altering local climate patterns. The impacts of global warming are extensive, affecting ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies worldwide. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, while changing precipitation patterns lead to more frequent and severe droughts and floods. This paper also discusses the interconnected nature of these factors and their complex feedback systems that amplify global warming effects. To address this multifaceted challenge, the paper proposes a comprehensive approach that includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency across all sectors, implementing sustainable land use practices, and fostering international cooperation through policy initiatives such as the Paris Agreement. Understanding these intricate relationships is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to the challenges posed by global warming, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Improvement of Growth Media Quality Using Coconut Coir Dust, Coconut Ash, and Palm Kernel Shell Biochar

<p>The sustainable management of agricultural waste is vital for addressing environmental challenges while enhancing resource efficiency in agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of agricultural residues, specifically coconut and oil palm by-products, as growth media components. Growth media mixtures were formulated using coconut coir dust (CCD), coconut shell ash (CSA), and palm kernel shell biochar (PKSB), and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results indicated that a growth media mixture consisting of 100% CSA demonstrated high pH (7.89), electrical conductivity (2.70 dS m<sup>-1</sup>), cation exchange capacity (12.57 cmolc kg<sup>-1</sup>), and significant concentrations of P (13.90 mg l<sup>-1</sup>) and K (191.70 mg l<sup>-1</sup>), which suggests its suitability as a liming agent. However, this mixture exhibited limitations in aeration and water retention due to low porosity (24.3%). Furthermore, increasing the proportions of CSA and PKSB significantly enhanced the growth media’s bulk density and particle density. These findings provide valuable insights into developing efficient growth media from agricultural by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable waste management and innovative farming practices.</p>

Advancing Information Governance in AI-Driven Cloud Ecosystem: Strategies for Enhancing Data Security and Meeting Regulatory Compliance

This study explores adaptive information governance models to address critical challenges in AI-driven cloud environments, focusing on enhancing data security and achieving regulatory compliance. Existing frameworks often fail to account for the complexities introduced by AI and cloud integration, leaving significant gaps in incident response, privacy protection, and governance practices. To bridge these gaps, this research evaluates governance components—Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs), ethical oversight, and incident response metrics—through advanced quantitative methods, including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Cox Proportional Hazards Modeling, and Difference-in-Differences (DiD) analysis. Key findings highlight the significant influence of incident response metrics (β = 0.51, p < 0.001) and PET integration (β = 0.25, p = 0.001) on governance effectiveness, with model fit indices (RMSEA = 0.04, CFI = 0.96) confirming the robustness of the proposed framework. Industry-specific vulnerabilities were identified, with retail and technology sectors experiencing a 25% increased risk of incidents due to minimal security controls. The adoption of PETs, such as federated learning and homomorphic encryption, significantly improved privacy compliance and data utility, particularly in high-risk sectors. The study recommends the integration of advanced security controls and PETs to mitigate risks and improve compliance, especially in vulnerable industries like retail and technology. It also emphasizes the continuous optimization of AI-driven incident response protocols to reduce the impact of emerging threats. Furthermore, ethical oversight should be prioritized to ensure fairness, accountability, and public trust in AI applications within cloud ecosystems. These actionable strategies provide a roadmap for organizations to achieve secure and ethically governed cloud environments.

Prospects For Sustainable Development of Rural Areas of Ukraine Through Organic Production

The article substantiates the potential of organic production for sustainable development of rural areas in Ukraine. The author identifies organic farming as a key tool for promoting economic growth, preserving natural resources, and restoring ecosystems, which are essential for addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges. Specifically, it has been proven that organic farming contributes to increased biodiversity, the restoration of soil fertility, and the reduction of water pollution levels, which are crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. The paper proposes a range of promising directions for the development of organic production in Ukraine. It has been determined that rural areas face numerous challenges, including an aging population, youth migration, weak infrastructure, and low levels of investment. Organic production could serve as a means of overcoming these challenges by creating new jobs and increasing the income levels of local communities. The author highlights that the growing demand for organic products, both in Ukraine and abroad, opens new economic opportunities for farmers. The article provides statistical data demonstrating the dynamics of the global organic market's growth and its impact on Ukraine. Specifically, in recent years, there has been an increase in the area of land dedicated to organic farming, although the pace of development remains uneven due to the influence of military actions and other socio-economic factors. The ecological benefits of organic production have been clearly defined. It has been proven that abandoning the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduces the negative impact on ecosystems and helps restore natural resources. Organic farming, through the implementation of sustainable agro-technologies, can enhance resilience to climate change and reduce soil erosion. As a result of the research, the necessity of enhancing state support for the organic sector has been identified, particularly through the implementation of subsidy programs and the development of infrastructure for the sale of organic products. An important aspect is raising public awareness about the benefits of organic products, which would stimulate demand and encourage farmers to adopt organic farming methods. Key aspects of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been analyzed, particularly in the context of the impact of organic production on environmental, economic, and social components. The article thoroughly examines the achievement of indicators set for Goal 2 – «Zero Hunger and Agricultural Development» and Goal 15 – «Life on Land.» In particular, attention is drawn to Indicator 2.3.3, which concerns the share of agricultural land under organic production. Despite challenges caused by economic and military factors, this indicator has shown positive growth dynamics in Ukraine, contributing to food security and increasing the resilience of agro-systems to climate change. Regarding the indicators of Goal 15, the achievement of Indicator 15.3.4 – «Restoration of Degraded Lands and Soils» has been analyzed in detail. It has been proven that the implementation of organic farming contributes to the restoration of soil fertility, the reduction of erosion, and the decrease in the use of chemical substances, positively impacting the state of natural ecosystems. The article presents data showing a gradual increase in the area of land dedicated to organic farming, despite reductions in some regions due to military actions. The article emphasizes that to achieve the target SDG indicators, it is necessary to implement innovative technologies in agriculture and promote the development of organic farming, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness in terms of biodiversity conservation and the restoration of degraded lands. The types of organic products suitable for cultivation in different regions of Ukraine have been developed and proposed, taking into account the climatic and soil characteristics of the territories, as well as the existing experience in rural communities regarding the cultivation of specific agricultural crops. It is argued that the paths to achieving sustainable development indicators through the development of organic production include comprehensive state support measures, educational programs, and the stimulation of cooperation among farmers to ensure the ecological and economic sustainability of rural areas. The conclusion is substantiated that the development of organic production in Ukraine is a crucial element of the sustainable development strategy for rural areas. It contributes to solving a range of social, economic, and environmental problems, ensuring ecological stability and economic development in rural areas.

Meta-Analysis: The Impact of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Models on Students' Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is an essential skill in the modern information era, enabling individuals to analyze complex information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. In educational contexts, particularly in geography, fostering critical thinking equips students to address real-world environmental and social challenges. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has emerged as a transformative teaching approach to develop these cognitive abilities through active, problem-centered learning. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PBL in enhancing students' critical thinking across various educational levels. Using OpenMEE software and a continuous random-effects model, the study synthesized findings from 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024. Statistical analyses focused on the standardized mean difference (SMD) as the primary metric to measure effect sizes. The results demonstrated that PBL significantly enhances critical thinking skills, with an overall SMD of 1.254 (95% CI: 0.875 to 1.633, p < 0.001). However, notable heterogeneity was observed, attributed to variations in educational levels, implementation fidelity, and study contexts. Subgroup analyses revealed that junior high school students experienced the greatest improvement, followed by university, senior high school, and elementary school students. These findings affirm PBL’s potential as an effective pedagogical strategy for fostering critical thinking. The study highlights the need for tailored PBL implementations and further research into its long-term effects and applicability across diverse educational contexts. The results provide robust evidence supporting PBL as a vital tool in modern education.

Assessing groundwater quality in northern Algeria using geochemical and index approaches

This study aims to enhance understanding of the hydrogeochemical behavior of the aquifer by utilizing a water quality index in conjunction with hydrogeochemical analysis. The focus is on identifying the factors that control its chemical composition and influence its suitability for domestic use. Water samples were collected from twenty boreholes and analyzed for major ions, pH, and electrical conductivity during the dry and wet seasons. During the wet season, the water quality index indicated generally good chemical quality, with an average score of 96.12. This was categorized as Excellent (5%), Good (55%), and Poor (40%). In contrast, the dry season showed a slight deterioration in water quality, with an average score of 102.57, reflecting a distribution of Excellent (10%), Good (35%), and Poor (55%). Boreholes located in the western and central parts of the aquifer exhibited better chemical quality compared to those in the eastern part, which are considered unsuitable for human consumption due to their poor quality. The mineralization process is primarily attributed to the dissolution of dolomitic and evaporitic formations, resulting in various chemical facies. The dominant facies identified were calcium and magnesium bicarbonate (85%), followed by sodium bicarbonate (7.5%), calcium sulfate (5%), and sodium chloride (2.5%). This study underscores the critical need for sustainable management practices to protect groundwater quality in the Mitidja plain amid ongoing environmental challenges. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring safe drinking water availability for local communities.