Environmental Problems Research Articles

Systematic Assessment of Mechanisms, Developments, Innovative Solutions, and Future Perspectives of Microplastics and Ecotoxicity – A Review

AbstractAs plastics become more ubiquitous, their impact on the environment and on human health cannot be overlooked. Once generated, micro‐ and nano‐plastics end‐up in the environment, causing widespread health and environmental risks. This is a significant environmental problem given the minuscule sizes of microplastics, and therefore warrants further investigation. This study presents a comprehensive review of the ecotoxicology of microplastics and methods for their degradation and decomposition besides discussing the fate and transport processes, recent progress, emerging strategies, challenges and potential future directions. The authors carefully evaluate the processes through which microplastics cause harm, from molecular interactions in species, to ecological impacts, and end with advances in microplastic biodegradation. Different kinds of microplastics found in the environment include polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Analysis of microbial and enzymatic decomposition provides several swelling mitigation strategies designed to reduce environmental threats. In‐depth investigations of microplastic ecotoxicity and biodegradation are being facilitated by interdisciplinary proposals in the areas of nanotechnology, new analytical methods, and synthetic biology. The extensive study helps understand microplastics comprehensively which in‐turn ensures informed actions to mitigate the challenge of the environmental impact of microplastics for sustainable future.

Harvesting “development minerals” for local needs in sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Malawi

This paper critically reflects on the impact of “development minerals” on rural livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the case of Malawi. It does so by analysing data collected at multiple quarrying sites in Lilongwe District, with the objective of assessing how production of these commodities can help meet Malawi’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings indicate that despite their extraction being associated with environmental problems, development minerals do impact positively on the livelihoods of Malawians in rural areas where very few viable alternative income-earning opportunities. To maximise the sector’s contribution to the SDGs in Malawi, however, greater emphasis must be placed on formalising and supporting quarrying operations and other activities oriented around development minerals.

Investigation of the erosion mechanism of fluorine-free mold flux on the submerged entry nozzle under the influence of negative electric field

Fluorine-free mold flux is receiving increasing attention due to the environmental and health problems associated with using fluorinated flux in casting. However, the erosion problem in the submerged entry nozzle is still exists and not solved. Therefore, in this study, the electric field is used to improve the erosion resistance capability of the nozzle. The results show that a thick protective adhesion layer is formed on the surface of the slag-line material under the action of a negative electric field due to an electrochemical reaction. This protective layer further reacts with the CaO/SiO2 content of the fluorine-free slag-line material to generate an interfacial reaction layer composed mainly of Ca2SiO4 and CaZrO3. Due to the presence of Ca2SiO4 in the interfacial reaction layer, a small amount of crystalline transformation occurs during the cooling process. Thus, under the protection of the double protective layer generated by the action of the negative electric field, the slag-line material is not subject to the erosion of the fluorine-free mold flux, and the erosion rate is only 0.37%.

Research on Student Management Platform Based on Big Data Under Low-Carbon Environment

This paper makes a comprehensive investigation on the development and implementation of low-carbon student management platform in educational institutions. The platform adopts advanced information technology, including cloud computing and big data analysis, aiming at solving urgent environmental problems by analyzing the dynamic learning data and daily behavior data of college students. The implementation of the platform has greatly reduced carbon emissions, especially greenhouse effect variables and dormitory electricity consumption. The observed impact highlights the effectiveness of using academic management platform to promote carbon emission reduction. However, this study acknowledges the existing limitations and predicts the long-term challenges, and emphasizes the need for continuous innovation and research in the intersection of artificial intelligence and environmental sustainable development. Generally speaking, the development and deployment of low-carbon student management platform is a key step to promote the sustainable development of educational environment.

Synergistic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in water by interfacial pre-reduction enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation derived from novel zero-valent iron/biochar

Iron-based biochar exhibits great potential in degrading emerging pollutants and remediation of water environments. In this study, a highly efficient catalytic Fe0/biochar (MZB-800) was synthesized by the co-pyrolysis of poplar sawdust and K2FeO4 at 800 °C. A novel water purification technology of pre-reduction followed by PMS activation for MZB-800 was proposed to degrade the refractory 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) pesticide. The corrosive effect of the strong oxidizing potassium salt endowed the MZB-800 surface with more Fe0 and porous structure, achieving greater 2,4-D adsorption binding energy. The removal efficiency of MZB-800 on 2,4-D was greater than that of biochar (BC) and conventional Fe0/biochar (Fe-BC) prepared by FeCl3·6 H2O as the precursor. The proposed novel water purification technology showed the synergistic effect between the interfacial pre-reduction and the PMS activation derived by MZB-800. Regarding 2,4-D degradation and dechlorination performance, the synergistic coefficient between pre-reduction and subsequent PMS activation for MZB-800 were 2 and 1.4 respectively. Based on the normalized kinetic analysis and the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, we proposed the underlying mechanism of MZB-800 interfacial pre-reduction and subsequent PMS activation for synergistic removal of 2,4-D. The large amount of Fe2+ and hydroxyl density accumulated by the Fe0 and hydroquinone structures on the MZB-800 surface during the pre-reduction stage provided abundant active sites for the subsequent activation of PMS. The improved activation reaction rate generated more reactive oxygen species, further strengthening the removal efficiency of 2,4-D. This work manifested that the novel water purification technology of pre-reduction/PMS activation of iron-based biochar is feasible for removing emerging pollutants in the water environment. Environmental ImplicationExtensive abuse of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide with high solubility and refractory degradation has caused environmental pollution and ecological deterioration. This manuscript described a novel water purification technology, centered on high-efficiency Fe0/biochar and utilizing pre-reduction and PMS reactivation strategies to synergistically degrade 2,4-D, which had strong environmental relevance. By elucidating the synergistic removal mechanism, the research provided valuable insights into removing emerging pollutants, thus promoting environmental sustainability and safeguarding ecosystem health. Overall, it is of high importance to provide a feasible and efficient method for removing hazardous 2,4-D from water environments, which contributes to addressing pressing environmental problems.

VALUE-NORMATIVE DIMENSIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS IN THE CONDITIONS OF WAR

The article is devoted to the study of the ethical and value dimensions of the ecological crisis in the situation caused by war, and to the clarification of the significance of human responsibility for one’s actions in relation to nature. It is shown that the observance of moral and ethical norms and orientation to the values vital to man are a necessary condition for the preservation of human life and nature. The analysis of the tasks set in the article is carried out on the basis of the use of ideas of communicative philosophy and discursive ethics, which allows to form knowledge about the ecologically constructive relations of man with nature, to assess the scale of environmental problems in the conditions of war, and to search for ways to mitigate the consequences of the ecological crisis for man and nature.It is substantiated that the ecological crisis has value and cultural origins, therefore the awareness of the need to adhere to universal human values and the correlation of human actions in relation to nature with the norms of cultural and historical universalism becomes especially relevant. Attention is focused on the fact that in the conditions of war, barbaric expansion into the natural world, soullessness, merciless treatment of the plant and animal world, man and humanity must be guided in their actions by humanistic consciousness and moral principles, determine their actions by understanding responsibility for life. It has been established that modern man’s recognition of the importance of moral and ethical norms and humanistic values is an alternative to a lifestyle built on an unlimited, aggressive, exploitative attitude towards nature. Despite the difference between the types of culture and different cultural systems, the dominance of different value systems, people must equally ensure equal rights and bear joint responsibility for life. The most promising development strategy for humanity in a war situation should be the preservation of human life in unity with nature.

Comparative analysis of Turkey’s environmental performance with Eastern European countries according to international EPI 2022 data

In order to effectively address environmental issues, it is important for governments to identify the problems causing environmental pollution within their scope and to develop appropriate solution policies. In order to identify environmental problems and develop necessary policies, it is necessary to consider the environmental performance of countries. Therefore, measuring the environmental performance of countries is of great importance. One of the prominent indices in measuring environmental performance today is the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) developed by Yale University. The main purpose of EPI is to quantitatively measure and compare the environmental performances of countries in order to monitor their progress in environmental sustainability. As of 2022, EPI consists of three main criteria: climate change, environmental health, and ecosystem vitality. In this study, Turkey’s environmental performance was evaluated using the Entropy-based PROMETHEE method with international EPI 2022 data. Subsequently, the environmental performances of Turkey and other Eastern European countries were compared in terms of criterion superiority to determine their strengths and weaknesses. In this context, various sub-criteria were analyzed under main criteria such as climate change mitigation, air quality, sanitation and drinking water, heavy metals, waste management, biodiversity and habitat, ecosystem services, fisheries, acid rain, agriculture, and water resources. As a result of the analysis conducted as of 2022, it emerged that Turkey generally exhibited weak environmental performance among Eastern European countries and there is a need for improvement in each criterion. Giving priority to criteria such as Climate Change Mitigation, Sanitation and Drinking Water, Biodiversity and Habitat, Fisheries, and Acid Rain, in which Turkey obtained the lowest scores in the ranking, would be a more strategic approach.

A lean approach to enhance the visual experience during wayfinding in the emergency department spaces: a case study of a large-scale general hospital in China

ABSTRACT The wayfinding experience in the healthcare environment significantly impacts patients’ spatial cognition, mental health, and medical outcomes. However, patients often face challenges in wayfinding, encountering difficulties, and information gaps that result in negative emotions and decreased efficiency of medical services. This study proposes a Lean-led approach, coupled with eye-tracking simulation software analysis, to investigate the visual behavior of patients in the emergency department spaces and identify areas in medical environments that require improvement. The research methodology involves capturing images of 70 location nodes along the patient's route in ED spaces. Subsequently, the Lean tool, Value Stream Mapping, is employed to analyze the wayfinding process, dividing it into eight tasks and determining the visual information needs of patients during wayfinding. Moreover, the eye-tracking simulation software, 3M-VAS, is utilized to analyze the visual content of images and compare whether it meets the information needs of patients during wayfinding, thus identifying locations that require optimization. Finally, suggestions for optimization are proposed. The study identifies five types of visual environment problems during the wayfinding process and identifies 50 location nodes that need improvement, categorized into five types of visual environment issues. This paper explores how Lean theory can enhance the relevance of a patient-centered healthcare environment and introduces a methodology that connects hospital administrators and designers. However, this paper also has some limitations, such as the research scope, method, and angle, that need more exploration.

Insight into the fate of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris in aquatic environments via continuous monitoring of their leachate composition – Release of carbon, metals, and additives

Currently, the environmental problems associated with plastic production and waste, such as the consequences of worldwide pollution of natural waters with microplastics, have led to the seeking of alternative materials that can at least partially replace conventional petroleum-based plastics. Substitute materials include bioplastics and similar plant-based materials or their composites. However, their fate when disposed of in unintended environments (e.g., water bodies) remains largely unknown, while such information is highly desirable prior to massive expansion of exploiting such materials. This study aims to contribute filling this knowledge gap. Specifically, 19 different types of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris (corresponding to the size of microplastics) were kept in long-term contact with water to mimic their behaviour as water pollutants, and the leachates were continuously analysed. Eighteen of the 19 investigated materials released significant amounts of dissolved organic carbon—up to 34.0 mg per g of debris after 12 weeks of leaching. Each leachate also contained one or more of the following elements: Al, B, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, Si, Ti, and Zn. Non-targeted analysis aimed at providing more specific insight into the leachate composition tentatively revealed 91 individual chemicals, mostly fatty acids and other carboxylic acids, phthalates, terephthalates, adipates, phenols, amides, alcohols, or organophosphates. Based on the compound characteristics, they might be additives, non-intentionally added substances, as well as their degradation products. In general, the current results imply that bioplastics and similar plant-based materials should be considered complex materials that undergo industrial processing and comprise additives rather than harmless natural matter. Additionally, various compounds can release from the bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris when deposited in water. It might have consequences on the fluxes of carbon, metals and specific organic contaminants, and it resembles some properties of conventional petroleum-based microplastics.

Mediterranean Food By-products as a Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health Properties.

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on the recovery and re-use of waste plant matrices as promising sources of bioactive compounds with health effects. As the Mediterranean diet involves the consumption of great amounts of fruits and vegetables, large quantities of agro-food by-products are generated, causing economic and environmental problems. Such by-products contain a great variety of bioactive compounds whose potential health benefits include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-- cancer, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, antidepressant, cardio- and neuro-protective activities. Therefore, in this review, by-products from the most common fruits and vegetables processed in the Mediterranean area, such as tomato, olive, citrus fruit, almond, pomegranate, carob, date, and grape, were taken into account, pointing out the content of bioactive ingredients in extracts obtained from different parts of plants, fruits, and vegetables. Furthermore, studies performed to assess the beneficial effects of extracts obtained from Mediterranean agro-food by-products were reviewed, highlighting the potential benefits of waste plant matrices re-usage in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic fields.

Optimal path planning using bidirectional rapidly-exploring random tree star-dynamic window approach (BRRT*-DWA) with adaptive Monte Carlo localization (AMCL) for mobile robot

Path planning is an important task for mobileF service robots. Most of the available path-planning algorithms are applicable only in static environments. Achieving path planning becomes a difficult task in an unknown, dynamic environment. To solve the path planning problem in an unknown dynamic environment, this paper proposes a Bidirectional Rapidly-exploring Random Tree Star-Dynamic Window Approach (BRRT*-DWA) algorithm with Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL). Bidirectional Rapidly-exploring Random Tree Star(BRRT*) is used to generate an optimal global path plan, Dynamic Window Approach(DWA) is a local planner and Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization(AMCL) is used as a localization technique. The robot can navigate using the map file of the unknown environment created by Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) and the data from the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor while avoiding dynamic and static obstacles. In addition, the object identification algorithm You Only Look Once (YOLO) was adopted, trained, and used for the robot to recognize objects and people. Results obtained from both simulation and experiment show the proposed method can achieve better performance in a dynamic environment compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms.

CIBORG: CIrcuit-Based and ORiented Graph theory permutation routing protocol for single-hop IoT networks

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a promising paradigm which facilitates the seamless integration of physical devices and digital systems, thereby transforming multiple sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and urban planning. This paradigm is also known as ad-hoc networks. IoT is characterized by several pieces of equipment called objects. These objects have different and limited capacities such as battery, memory, and computing power. These limited capabilities make it difficult to design routing protocols for IoT networks because of the high number of objects in a network. In IoT, objects often have data which does not belong to them and which should be sent to other objects, then leading to a problem known as permutation routing problems. The solution to that problem is found when each object receives its items. In this paper, we propose a new approach to addressing the permutation routing problem in single-hop IoT networks. To this end, we start by representing an IoT network as an oriented graph, and then, based on a reservation channel protocol, we first define a permutation routing protocol for an IoT in a single channel. Secondly, we generalize the previous protocol to make it work in multiple channels. Routing is done using graph theory approaches. The obtained results show that the wake-up times and activities of IoT objects are greatly reduced, thus optimizing network lifetime. This is an effective solution for the permutation routing problem in IoT networks. The proposed approach considerably reduces energy consumption and computation time. It saves 5.2 to 32.04% residual energy depending on the number of items and channels used. Low energy and low computational cost demonstrate that the performance of circuit-based and oriented graph theory is better than the state-of-the-art protocol and therefore is a better candidate for the resolution of the permutation routing problem in single-hop environment.

A novel approach for poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) production from vegetable wastes and pig manure: Potential in economy, environment and sustainability

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, owing to its considerable biodegradability and physicochemical properties. However, the high raw material costs limit its large-scale production. This study established a novel integrated process by coupling the anaerobic fermentation of vegetable wastes (VW) and pig manure (PM) with PHBV biosynthesis. The results demonstrated appreciable PHBV yields of 0.326 and 0.261 gPHBV/gVFA for VW and PM, respectively. Considering the magnitude of VM and PM in China, this novel approach could result in CO2 emission reduction by up to 12.70 million tons per year, as indicated by environmental impact assessment. Additionally, a preliminary economic analysis suggested economic benefits of up to 9.81 billion USD per year. These findings demonstrate that this integrated process can play a significant role in enabling large-scale production of PHBV while simultaneously resolving environmental pollution related problems associated with conventional plastics.

Comparison of Escherichia coli Responses to Different Silver Nanoparticles with Different Particle Sizes and Surface Coatings

AbstractAgNPs are widely used for their excellent antimicrobial properties, whereas the cytotoxicity they possess makes them an unignorable environmental problem. Considering the impact of particle size and surface coating on the antibacterial properties, four types of AgNPs are selected: citrate‐coated 20 nm (C20), polyvinylpyrrolidone‐coated 20 nm (P20), citrate‐coated 100 nm (C100), and polyvinylpyrrolidone‐coated 100 nm (P100) AgNPs. All four AgNPs significantly affect the ribosome pathway, with stronger binding of large and small subunits. 20 nm and 100 nm AgNPs both affected the biosynthesis and metabolism of several amino acids (including arginine, glycine, serine, threonine, glyoxylic acid, and dicarboxylic acid). P20 and C100 exposure affected bacterial chemotaxis and flagellar motility. This study preliminarily explained the response mechanism of E. coli to AgNPs with different properties, which provided a theoretical basis for predicting the response mechanism of E. coli to metal nanoparticles with similar properties.

Energy and exergy analysis of an innovative solar system for hydrothermal carbonization process using photovoltaic solar panels

Using renewable energy is a solution to combat environmental problems; in this context, hydrothermal carbonization is an excellent method for converting biomass into solid fuels. However, this process is energy-intensive. Systems utilizing parabolic trough solar collectors proposed in the literature present some limitations and challenges. Therefore, to overcome this issue, a novel conception combining photovoltaic solar panels and a batch reactor with a heating collar has been proposed. It was experimentally investigated and subjected to energy and exergy analyses. The experimental results showed that subcritical conditions (220 °C temperature and 40 bar pressure) were achieved. The chemical exergy of the biomass increased from 19.89 MJ/kg to 29.2 MJ/kg for the hydrochar. Due to dehydration and decarboxylation, the O/C and H/C atomic ratios decreased over time, and the hydrochar properties approximated lignite. The solar panel system achieved average energy and exergy efficiencies of 14 % and 15 %, respectively, with high thermal exergy destruction of 825.94 kWh under higher wind speeds and cell temperatures, resulting in a total entropy of 1.4 kW/K. The system's Improvement Potential ranged from 15 kW to 23 kW. The results demonstrate the feasibility of this innovative system to achieve the necessary conditions for HTC in an environmentally friendly manner.

Social Responsibility and Sustainability: The Changing Mission of Higher Education

The article examines the basic principles of higher education and the involvement of universities in achieving sustainable development goals on a global scale. A complete overview is given of the fundamental principles of higher education - academic freedom and academic responsibility, which form the value basis of classical education in its historical period of development. In modern conditions, these principles are increasingly reflected in the activities of universities related to their key role in solving economic, social and environmental problems. Universities are increasingly declaring social responsibility and proving this through their decisions in the face of a social crisis. Keywords: higher education, university, sustainability, development, academic integrity

Simulation of an induction generator for a wind farm

A pressing problem in the modern economy is still the problem of generating a sufficient amount of electricity. The situation is aggravated by environmental problems when using so-called carbon energy, as well as when using hydro and nuclear energy. The development of alternative sources of electricity is now impossible to imagine without the use of wind power plants. Wind energy is practically free energy, but its use involves the use of electric generators. Currently these are mainly synchronous generators, but induction (asynchronous) generators are also used. Despite the relative cheapness and reliability, however, induction generators occupy a very modest place in percentage terms among wind generators. One of the problems with using induction wind generators is that they require very significant reactive power during operation, which either comes from the network or is compensated by a capacitor bank. The latter is typical for autonomous induction generators. Computer modeling of induction wind generators is complicated by significant nonlinearity, which is caused by the magnetization curve or, what is the same, the no-load characteristics of the generator. As a rule, in computer modeling or simulation the inductive reactance of the magnetization branch is assumed to be constant, which is not entirely correct, since it is reliably known that it depends on the rotor rotation speed. A number of models of an induction generator are known, but so far there is no one most reliable mathematical model that allows computer studies of an induction generator with a squirrel-cage rotor, taking into account all its features. The MATLAB 2023b software package contains a mathematical model of an induction wind generator, which is of scientific and practical interest. The article examines the capabilities of this model, its advantages and disadvantages. The dependences of the influence of machine parameters on the generated active power and consumed reactive power were obtained, the influence of the inductive resistance of the magnetization branch and the influence of the nature of the load on the generated energy by the generator were assessed

Performance of asphalt mixtures containing high reclaimed asphalt pavement and waste steel rolling oil

Reducing costs, dealing with environmental problems, and preserving more natural resources are among the main incentives for reusing asphalt instead of road reconstruction. However, asphalt reuse involves the addition of some modifiers to the asphalt mixture. In this respect, rejuvenators investigated in the previous studies did not perform properly against all failures. Besides, they had problems such as lacking access to the required amount for road construction and high production costs. Regarding the high-temperature resistance and antioxidant properties of the waste steel rolling oil (WSRO), for the first time, the effect of using this lubricant was investigated on the recovery of bitumen aging and the performance of asphalt mixture containing high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). To this end, the conventional (penetration and softening point) tests and rotational viscosity test were conducted to determine the optimal amount of rejuvenator. In addition, FTIR and FESEM tests were carried out for chemical and morphological investigation. SCB and dynamic creep tests were performed on a balanced mix design to examine the performance against cracking and rutting. Moisture sensitivity was also investigated by performing an indirect tensile test. The results show that a uniform texture was created in the aged bitumen modified with WSRO, and there was a decrease in functional groups that represent the occurrence of aging. Therefore, WSRO can restore aging and improve rutting and cracking performance. Resistance to moisture sensitivity also improved. Overall, the results show a performance improvement in the mixture containing high RAP content mixed with WSRO as a waste rejuvenator. However, more studies encompassing rheological, economic and environmental aspects, are needed to conclude about the practical use of this material.

Identifying a sustainable rice-based cropping system via on-farm evaluation of grain yield, carbon sequestration capacity and carbon footprints in Central China

ContextRice-based cropping system is a major anthropogenic source of direct greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, agricultural inputs also produces numerous indirect GHG emissions and environmental problems. Identification of rice cropping systems with lower GHG emissions and higher grain yields is of great significance to ensure food security while minimizing agricultural carbon footprint (CF). ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the optimal rice-based cropping system with lower greenhouse effects and comparable annual yield in central China. MethodsUsed life cycle assessment, a two-year field experiment was performed to evaluate the direct and indirect GHG emissions, CF, and carbon sequestration capacity in the six rice-based cropping systems widely used in central China, which consisted of fallow-early rice-late rice, rapeseed-early rice-late rice, fallow-ratoon rice, rapeseed-ratoon rice (RRaR), fallow-middle rice, and rapeseed-middle rice. ResultsThe results showed that compared with the three systems with fallow season, the three systems with rapeseed had lower annual CH4 emissions. The two systems with ratoon rice had lower annual indirect and direct GHG emissions than the two systems with double rice. The three systems with rapeseed had higher annual biomass, grain yields, and fixed carbon in biomass and significantly lower CF than the three systems with fallow season, and RRaR had the highest value of fixed carbon in biomass. The systems with ratoon rice had lower average CF than those systems with double rice. CH4 emissions from paddy fields were the primary source of total annual GHG and the main component of CF. Compared with the three systems with fallow season, the three systems with rapeseed had significantly higher annual carbon sequestration capacity based on net ecosystem production (NEP). Ratoon rice systems had higher average NEP than double- and middle-rice systems. RRaR had the lowest CF per unit yield and highest NEP among all the six systems. ConclusionsThe results indicated that appropriate rice-based cropping systems may alleviate the greenhouse effect via reducing GHG emissions and enhancing paddy NEP, RRaR could achieve relatively higher annual grain yield and carbon sequestration capacity as well as lower CF. SignificanceThis study highlight conversion of double rice and middle rice systems to RRaR may help improve grain yield and mitigate greenhouse effect. The findings may provide a theoretical basis for selection of sustainable development of rice based cropping systems in central China.

Corporate volunteering of employees as a tool to influence the reputation of a commercial bank

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in commercial banks plays an important role in improving their reputation, increasing employee engagement and developing corporate culture. The article examines the key features of CSR programs of commercial banks in comparison with companies in other industries, as well as analyzes successful examples of corporate volunteerism and its impact on the bank and society. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) of commercial banks is a strategic approach to integrating social and environmental aspects into the daily activities of banks. The main areas of CSR include financial literacy, improving access to financial services for vulnerable groups, sustainable financing and combating fraud. These programs help to improve the reputation of banks, increase employee engagement and satisfaction, and contribute to solving urgent social and environmental problems. Successful examples of CSR programs include the initiatives of Danske Bank, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank, which actively participate in corporate volunteering and other social projects, demonstrating their responsibility to society and the environment.