Life cycle assessment of diploid and triploid oyster farming: A case study in Zhanjiang, China.

Metacarpal fractures are common injuries that are frequently managed with repeated radiological follow-up, although the clinical value of routine imaging is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and clinical impact of follow-up imaging in patients with metacarpal fractures treated operatively or non-operatively, and to quantify the associated financial and environmental impact. This retrospective study evaluated adult patients with metacarpal fractures treated non-operatively or operatively at a Dutch level 2 trauma center between 2017 and 2022. Radiology reports and medical records were reviewed to assess whether follow-up imaging led to treatment modification. Additionally, the corresponding financial and environmental impact was calculated. A total of 2342 patients were included (median age 32years; 28% female). Among initially non-operatively treated patients (n = 1978), 1.1% (n = 22) required conversion to surgery. The overall cost associated with this 1% conversion amounted to €230,000, with an estimated environmental impact of 2711kg CO₂-eq. Among operatively treated patients (n = 386), postoperative imaging rarely prompted re-operation (0.3%, n = 1). The total costs associated with 0.3% re-operation were €171,000 and an associated environmental impact of 1801kg CO₂-eq. Together, the impact equals almost one trip around the world by car. Routine radiological follow-up after the initial decision for operative or non-operative treatment in metacarpal fractures provided minimal clinical benefit. A symptom-driven approach may optimize care while reducing unnecessary financial and environmental burden. Level IV.

Research on vapor generation characteristics and environment impact in fuel tank of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the environmental impact and cost associated with transitioning from disposable under pads (blueys) and bed protectors (pinkies) to reusable linen products in the intensive care unit (ICU). A process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) was employed to evaluate carbon emissions and cost across the manufacturing, transportation, laundering, landfill, and disposal stages of disposable versus reusable linen. The analysis compared data from the pre (April 2022 - March 2023) and post-implementation (April 2023 - March 2024) phases of adopting reusable linen in a single centre metropolitan ICU in Melbourne, Australia. The introduction of reusable linens to replace single use products resulted in a 50% reduction in total carbon emissions, decreasing from 7,206kg CO2 equivalent (CO2e) to 3,605kg CO2e. The intervention avoided approximately 3.6 tonnes of CO2e emissions and 2.2 tonnes of landfill waste, despite a 3% ($1,005) increase in overall costs driven mainly by reusable pinkies. Reusable blueys required more frequent use to achieve CO2e emissions parity with single use variants due to their higher initial carbon footprint, while pinkies reached parity earlier in their lifecycle. These data underscore the environmental advantages of adopting reusable medical products in healthcare settings, and highlights both environmental impact and financial considerations. The findings support wider implementation of reusable products in healthcare to advance sustainability goals while maintaining patient care standards. Exploration is required of long-term trends when reusables are introduced, and studies in other socioeconomic settings, on the overall financial and environmental outcomes.

Comparative ecotoxicity of a reduced graphene-polypropylene nanocomposite and its components to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber (Crustacea).

Staff awareness and engagement with the Green Plan: A cross-sectional survey of one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK.

Heavier sediment pollution by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in tropical coasts compared to temperate regions: An overlooked hotspot.

Routine preprocedural pathology testing is no longer recommended for minor and intermediate-risk elective procedures. British Thoracic Society guidelines advise hemoglobin, platelet count, and coagulation studies only in patients with risk factors for bleeding. Despite this, such tests are commonly ordered without a clear clinical indication before bronchoscopic procedures, incurring unnecessary financial and environmental costs. We conducted a retrospective review of outpatient bronchoscopic procedures over a 12-month period at an Australian tertiary hospital. Preprocedural pathology testing was defined as any test ordered at bronchoscopy referral or repeated within 6 weeks before the procedure. We evaluated the impact on clinical management and complication rate. Financial cost was estimated using Australian Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) prices, and environmental impact via carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. A total of 436 bronchoscopic procedures were performed, with all with preprocedural pathology testing. Abnormal results occurred in 8.3% of cases, but only 4.0% led to clinical intervention-all in patients with established risk factors. No interventions were required for patients without risk factors, and no procedures were delayed or cancelled. There was no correlation between abnormal blood test results and adverse outcomes. Routine testing cost AUD 30,441.20 (19,548.12 USD) and produced an estimated carbon footprint of 103.2kg CO2e. Routine pathology testing before bronchoscopic procedures offers limited value, with most results not influencing management. Clinically significant abnormalities occurred only in patients with established risk factors, supporting a targeted approach. Given the significant financial and environmental costs, transitioning to selective, evidence-based testing is essential to optimize resource use and improve sustainability.

Environmental impact and economic analysis of waste photovoltaic materials recycling: A multi-scenario analysis.

Ensuring consumers' safety and maintaining regulatory compliance requires assessing the presence of pesticide residues in agricultural products. While sulfoxaflor, a widely used sulfoximine insecticide, is effective in pest control, its environmental impact has been increasingly scrutinized. Concerns over sulfoxaflor's harm to pollinators have led to its prohibition in the EU as of 2022, making its detection a critical aspect of environmental and food safety monitoring. Here, we present an innovative, highly sensitive, semi-quantitative indirect competitive lateral flow immunoassay (icLFIA) for detecting sulfoxaflor in flower leaves. This icLFIA achieves a visual limit of detection of 4μg/L in plant extracts by implementing a highly specific monoclonal antibody. Moreover, it has demonstrated great reproducibility, making it an eco-conscious test for routine analysis at the point of need using a simple hot water extraction and incorporating sustainable packaging. The icLFIA has been tested on commercially available ornamental flowers and critically compared against an in-house confirmatory liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. This development offers a cost-effective and reliable solution for sulfoxaflor residue assessment. The combination with a straightforward and simplified extraction protocol for flower leaves, makes it accessible to non-experts (e.g. beekeepers).

Study on biocontrol efficacy of Debaryomyces hansenii induced with alginate oligosaccharides against blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum on pear fruit.

The role of MXenes in carbon capture and storage: Innovations and environmental impact

This mixed-methods study explores how the urban environment influences self-perceived health, with particular attention to the generational differences that became evident during and after the COVID-19 pandemic call for urban planning strategies that respond to all dimensions of health. The research was carried out in a medium-sized Spanish city, combining qualitative data from 27 in-depth interviews and quantitative survey responses from 185 residents across neighbourhoods with varying environmental characteristics. Although the study initially focused on built environment factors such as green space access, walkability, and infrastructure quality, the qualitative findings showed that mental health—especially among younger participants—emerged as a central factor shaping health perceptions. Feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and confinement were frequently described by younger respondents, often tied to perceptions of spatial and social marginalization in their living environments. In contrast, older participants reported greater resilience and a more positive outlook on their health. These findings highlight the need to address mental health disparities within urban policy and underscore the importance of creating inclusive, equitable environments that support psychological well-being across age groups. The study demonstrates the value of allowing emergent themes to guide mixed-methods research and points to the need for urban planning strategies that integrate improvements in the physical environment with attention to the emotional experiences of residents, particularly in post-pandemic settings. • The study analyses how urban conditions shape self-rated health using a mixed-methods design in a medium-sized European city. • Quantitative data reveal disparities in self-rated health tied to green access, walkability, infrastructure quality and SES. • Qualitative narratives show age differences in confinement, agency and stressors, and how they shape self-rated health. • Methods integration yields multidimensional insight into inequalities and experiences in urban settings. • Findings show a need for context-specific, equity-driven planning that tackles material and symbolic health determinants.

Breaking the fibrotic code: Nanotechnology-driven advances in renal fibrosis therapy.

This study investigates the impact of classroom environment on students' psychological safety and learning motivation and further explores how psychological safety influences motivation and how motivation, in turn, affects students' willingness to communicate. These relationships are analyzed using a quantitative approach through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) implemented in R. While previous studies have often examined these variables in isolation, this study adopts an integrated approach to construct a comprehensive theoretical model, including classroom environment, psychological safety, learning motivation, and communication willingness. Moreover, it also considers how differences such as gender and urban-rural background may shape the ways in which the classroom environment affects students, offering insights into how these influences may vary across student groups. The findings are expected to offer both theoretical guidance and practical implications for improving classroom teaching approaches and stimulating greater student participation and learning achievements.

Pharmacokinetic changes and mechanisms of salidroside in hypobaric hypoxic environment: A LC-MS and proteomics study.

Potential over-adjustment bias in cohort studies of air pollution and health: A methodological study.

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir is the best visited religious site in India with millions of pilgrims every year thronging this site. Although its religious and economic importance is beyond measure, the sheer number of pilgrimage tourism traffic has already presented a lot of environmental pressure on the location. Among the serious issues are challenges of waste production, water preservation, land degradation and quality of air. The research will look at the effects of pilgrimage tourism on the environment of the shrine environment and suggest a competency model of sustainable tourism growth towards introduction of technological advancements and community integration consideration. The study uses a qualitative method to examine both environmental tasks, the fieldwork, and the interviews conducted with the stakeholders. It singles out practices of proper waste management, water recycling, and energy efficiency such as the adoption of smart waste system, solar energy solution, and control with RFID features. The paper is applicable to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) and it can be used to provide a transferable construct on sustainable pilgrimage tourism. In the paper policy recommendations are offered that can come into place by the local authorities and they are mainly concerned with controlling the number of pilgrims, the management of waste products as well as fully capitalising on water and energy consumption. This study will make a contribution to the overall discussion regarding sustainable tourism practices in pilgrimage destinations by providing practical remedies to the reduction of any environmental impact without compromising on culture and spiritual heritage.

Recovery and environmental impact of spent lithium-ion batteries electrolyte: Challenges and future perspectives

Reducing embodied carbon in the built environment requires reliable methods to assess structural materials, particularly steel, one of the most carbon-intensive. While environmental product declarations (EPDs) provide standardised and verified life cycle data, their integration into design workflows remains limited due to challenges in accessibility, interpretation, and cross-product comparison. Moreover, the growing volume and complexity of EPDs demand significant technical expertise for effective use with analytical tools. This study introduces EcoQuery, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant based on a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework integrated with large language models (LLMs), designed to address these barriers. EcoQuery enables natural language (NL) question answering (QA) and interpretation of EPD data for structural steel products by automating the extraction of environmental indicators and supporting reasoning tasks. EcoQuery demonstrated strong performance, achieving 83% accuracy, 87% precision, 85% recall, 81% exact match, and a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers Score (BERTScore) of 0.89, indicating high semantic fidelity. By using RAG to connect EPD data with language model reasoning, EcoQuery lowers the expertise required to work with life cycle data and supports carbon-conscious, data-driven material decisions. While demonstrated on steel EPDs, EcoQuery is adaptable across materials and sectors, offering a scalable pathway to decarbonising the built environment. • EcoQuery automates LCA data use from steel EPDs. • RAG-LLM improves accessibility of carbon data in design. • Reduces barriers in life cycle sustainability assessment. • Supports low-carbon decisions in the built environment. • Scalable AI tool for cross-sector environmental impact analysis.