Tourism plays an important role in driving economic growth, but it also has the potential to cause negative impacts on the environment if it is not accompanied by green behavior awareness. Bhuana Jaya Village, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, has great potential to be developed as a sustainable green tourism village, but faces the challenge of low public awareness of environmentally friendly behavior. This outreach activity aims to increase community awareness and understanding, particularly among the PKK and POKDARWIS groups, regarding the application of green behavior in daily life and in the management of tourism villages. The methods used were outreach and interactive discussions held on September 3 and 14, 2025, accompanied by evaluations through pre-tests and post-tests. The results of the activity showed a significant increase in participants' understanding, with an average increase of 71% in the PKK group and 56.92% in the POKDARWIS group. The active participation of participants in the discussion and their emotional and cognitive involvement during the activity further strengthened the effectiveness of the socialization method. This activity confirms that the implementation of green behavior not only supports environmental sustainability but also serves as a strategic foundation for the development of sustainable green tourism villages.

Introduction Sustainable diets have gained global recognition as food systems contribute about 25% of global greenhouse emissions (GHGEs). Meeting the dimensions of nutritional adequacy, cultural acceptability, affordability, and environmental sustainability is complex, requiring careful consideration of synergies and trade-offs. Hence, synergies and trade-offs must be established. This study aimed to simultaneously minimise the cost and GHGE of diets for Ghanaian adults aged 19–50 years, while ensuring nutritional adequacy and cultural acceptability using locally available foods. Method A bi-objective optimisation framework employing the ɛ-constraint method was applied. Cost and GHGE were first solved individually using linear programming, then jointly optimised to generate solution sets. Nutrient requirements ensured adequacy, while food group constraints maintained cultural acceptability. A Pareto frontier was generated to visualise trade-offs between cost and GHGE. Results A clear trade-off was observed: as cost decreased, GHGE increased, and vice versa. The correlation between cost and GHGE was strongly negative ( r = −0.93 for males; r = −0.95 for females), with cost explaining most of the variability in GHGE ( R 2 = 0.87 and 0.90, respectively). Optimal diets involved modest adjustments, emphasising nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly foods. Food baskets across solutions included staples, seafood, fats and oils, fruits and vegetables, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Implications This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying multi-objective optimisation to Ghanaian diets, integrating affordability, nutrition, sustainability, and cultural acceptability. The findings provide novel evidence to guide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers in promoting healthier and more sustainable diets in Ghana and similar West African contexts.

The rapid convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Metaverse technologies is reshaping the higher education landscape by enabling immersive, personalized, and adaptive learning experiences. However, the long-term sustainability of such innovations remains uncertain without addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. This study develops and empirically validates an ESG-informed framework for Sustainable AI–Metaverse Adoption (SAAM) in higher education. A quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from 280 university students across diverse disciplines through a structured survey. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM-PLS) was applied to assess measurement reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and to test the proposed hypotheses. The empirical results demonstrate that ESG dimensions exert differential effects on sustainable adoption, with environmental and social factors showing stronger direct associations than governance-related variables. Environmental sustainability, through energy-efficient AI systems, significantly enhances SAAM. Similarly, social dimensions, particularly inclusive AI access and student acceptance, exert robust positive effects on sustainable adoption, whereas faculty readiness influences adoption indirectly. Conversely, governance-related factors exhibit comparatively weaker direct effects: institutional policy support enhances digital infrastructure but does not directly influence SAAM, whereas ethical AI use has a limited impact, reflecting student prioritization of usability over ethics in early stages of adoption. Importantly, the outcomes highlight that SAAM substantially fosters digital pedagogical innovation (DPI) and enhanced student learning outcomes (ESLO), confirming its transformative potential. The study contributes theoretically by integrating ESG principles into technology adoption research, offering a multidimensional lens that enriches the understanding of sustainable digital transformation in higher education. Practically, it provides institutions and policymakers with evidence-based insights to design environmentally conscious, socially inclusive, and governance-supported strategies for AI–Metaverse integration. Future research should expand to cross-cultural contexts, larger samples, and longitudinal designs to validate and generalize these findings.

The ability of space-based infrastructure to provide essential and sustained benefits to humanity in critical areas such as communications, Earth observation, technology development, navigation, and space exploration is increasingly threatened by the growing amount of orbital debris. A deliberate, urgent and sustained effort must be made to resolve the problem of space debris and to ensure a risk-free utilisation and sustainability of the space environment. In this paper, we review the concept and appropriate technologies for orbital sustainability in low Earth orbit (LEO) and provide model-based space situational awareness (SSA) for LEO debris. We simulate the long-term evolution of the orbital decay of eight catalogued LEO objects due to space weather-enhanced atmospheric drag, as a function of solar-geophysical indices during Jan-Jun 2024, using the ephemeris data-assisted calibration (EDAC) method. The simulated mean heights and orbit decay rates of the objects compared well with their historical orbital data, although slight deviations were observed depending on the objects' altitudes. The objects between 500 and 600 km altitude experienced 8-fold drag effect compared to objects between 600 and 700 km altitude. We also investigated the short-term enhancement of aerodynamic drag during the severe geomagnetic storm of 10–11 May 2024 and found that the storm increased the objects' orbit decay rates by 233 - 266% during its main phase with up to 7-fold relative impact for a group separation of about 60 km. The impact levels were strongly influenced by storm-driven thermospheric density enhancements at the object altitudes, in combination with object-specific orbital dynamics, ballistic properties, and operational characteristics. We also showed that the long-term evolution of atmospheric drag-induced orbital decay on the objects obtained from both EDAC simulated results and the objects historical data were also consistent with the signature of solar cycle variation. The results demonstrate significant improvement in drag modeling and that the simulation of a long-term drag impact for maintaining reliable SSA for LEO objects is achievable.

Financial mechanisms for advancing environmental sustainability: a comprehensive review

Introduction Given the rising concern for food safety and environmental sustainability of agricultural intensification in the Global South, we examined drivers of pesticide use and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Liberia. Methods We draw on a unique dataset combining 336 cocoa, 320 coffee, and 291 cassava farmers with evidence from 72 midstream value chain actors, including buyers, aggregators, and processors, to capture both farm-level decision-making and downstream market incentives. Using econometric choice models, we analyze how household, farm, and institutional factors shape pest management practices across market-oriented tree crops and staple food systems. Results Our results show the difference and similarity in the determinants of pesticide use and IPM adoption between farmers producing market-oriented crops (cocoa and coffee) and cassava farmers. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that organic production dominates in high-value cash crops like coffee and cocoa, our findings show that farmers in these sub-sectors rely more on pesticides than less market-orientated crops like cassava. Discussion Evidence from downstream actors suggests limited market demand and weak price incentives for low-pesticide use, which helps explain the continued reliance on chemical pesticides, particularly in tree crop systems. We therefore recommend that promoting sustainable pest management in Liberia requires not only strengthening advisory services and farmer training, but also transmission of food safety and sustainability requirements through value chain governance and pricing mechanisms.

ABSTRACT This study used olive stones as a precursor for conversion to oxygen-free acid-containing carbonate (OSAC), via chemical activation by H3PO4. A Plackett–Burman experimental design was used to identify significant factors, while a Box–Behnken design was used to optimise three parameters for nickel removal. The experimental data obtained were treated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and fitted to a second-degree polynomial equation by multiple regression. Numerical optimisation using desirability functions identified the optimal conditions for Ni2+ removal: an initial concentration (Co) of 30 mg/L, an initial pH of 3.5 and an adsorbent dose of 0.55 g at 25°C (R 2 = 93.38%). The results indicate that the Langmuir model shows the best correlation, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 71.42 mg/g at 298 K. Adsorption follows pseudo-second-order kinetics, similar to chemisorption. The removal of pollutants by new-generation adsorbents proved effective thanks to the application of the BBD statistical methodology. The adsorption isotherms at different temperatures allowed the determination of the free energy ΔG° (−6.446 to −12.146kJ/mol); enthalpy (ΔH° = 61.494 kJ/mol) and entropy ΔS° (228 J/K mol) to predict the nature of the Ni adsorption process. Negative values of (ΔG°) and positive entropy ΔH° indicate spontaneous and endothermic Ni adsorption of the chimisorption type.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have increasingly been adopted worldwide as policy instruments for industrialization, export promotion, and employment creation. However, despite their rapid expansion, the long-term sustainability of SEZ projects remains uneven, particularly in emerging economies such as Kenya, where several zones continue to operate below expected performance levels. Existing studies largely emphasize financial viability while paying limited attention to how governance and institutional factors jointly influence multidimensional sustainability outcomes. This study therefore examines the combined influence of project finance structuring, public sector participation, and institutional capacity on the sustainability of SEZ projects in Kenya. In this study, sustainability is conceptualized through the triple bottom line dimensions of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and collected primary data from stakeholders across SEZ projects using structured questionnaires administered to project managers, government officials, and community representatives. Reliability and validity of measurement instruments were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis, while diagnostic tests verified compliance with regression assumptions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression techniques. Descriptive findings indicate moderate overall project sustainability, with economic sustainability recording relatively stronger outcomes compared to social and environmental sustainability, suggesting uneven progress across sustainability dimensions. Regression results show that public sector participation emerged as the strongest predictor of SEZ projects’ sustainability, followed by institutional capacity, while project finance structuring demonstrated only a moderate relationship and became statistically insignificant when public sector participation and institutional factors were jointly considered. Collectively, the integrated model explained approximately 76.5% of the variation in SEZ projects’ sustainability. The study concludes that sustainable SEZ projects in Kenya depends less on project finance structuring alone and more on strong institutional systems and proactive public sector participation capable of balancing economic growth with social and environmental objectives. The findings contribute to policy and practice by emphasizing a shift from finance-centric SEZ projects development toward integrated governance frameworks that promote inclusive and environmentally responsible industrialization.

The study analyzes agricultural labour productivity in the context of the economic dimension of sustainability and the idea of European Union (EU) cohesion. This idea constitutes a central principle of European integration. The basis for implementing the concept of cohesion in European agriculture is the convergence of labour productivity levels. Convergence in this area forms the foundation of economic sustainability and serves as a prerequisite for the social dimension of sustainability, while often also being an underlying factor in environmental sustainability. The analysis concerns the productivity of labour in farms by the economic size, both at the national and regional levels, based on Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) data for the years 2007–2022. The β and σ-convergence methods were used. The results indicate that processes of labour productivity convergence occur in EU agriculture. This phenomenon was manifested by a decline in the heterogeneity of labour productivity levels among agricultural holdings. The fastest reduction in regional diversity was observed among the group of the largest economically farms (GE6). However, the dispersion of labour productivity levels remains considerable, and the rate of convergence continues to be slow. The convergence of labour productivity in agriculture will not accelerate without widespread and comprehensive structural changes in the sector, extending beyond mere changes in land use patterns.

India's agricultural sector faces the dual challenge of meeting rising demand for food, fibre, and fuel while addressing environmental concerns. While the Green Revolution increased production, it also led to ecological degradation, highlighting the need for sustainable practices. Basmati rice, a major economic crop, faces strict export regulations on pesticide residues. This study examines the economic and environmental impacts of implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Basmati cultivation. Field trials across three clusters compared GAP with conventional methods. Although GAP slightly reduced yields, it increased returns through premium pricing. Soil assessments showed improved health and sustainability. Reduced chemical inputs and better residue management enhanced profitability and environmental outcomes, supporting sustainable agriculture in India.

Abstract This paper provides a detailed analysis of Albania’s legal framework for foreign and strategic investments within the broader context of the country’s post-communist transition. Following the fall of the dictatorial regime in 1990, Albania faced significant legal and institutional challenges in establishing a free market economy, particularly in regulating and encouraging foreign investment. The development of key legislation—particularly Law No. 7764 (1993) “On Foreign Investments” and its subsequent amendments—shows Albania’s efforts to align with democratic and economic standards, further supported by the 1998 Constitution. With Albania’s designation as an EU candidate country and the start of negotiations to complete the 35 acquis chapters, national authorities have increased efforts to attract foreign investment through strategic legal reforms and international cooperation. Despite these advances, the implementation of investment projects is still hindered by deep-rooted issues, including corruption, clientelism, excessive centralisation of power, and limited fiscal transparency. This study employs a dual-method research approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data from Albanian and international statistical sources. Through comparative analysis, it evaluates the effectiveness of Albania’s legal tools in promoting investment and examines the legal constraints that affect strategic sectors. The findings highlight the progress made and the persistent systemic barriers to creating a sustainable and transparent investment environment.

Abstract. Intelligent management of urban trees is a key issue for Smart Cities, contributing to environmental sustainability and urban well-being. Geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence are increasingly being integrated into smart cites to improve resource management and urban planning. This study provides an in-depth comparison of three deep learning methods: PointNet, DGCNN & RandLA-Net, applied to classification of seven urban trees species (Pine, Spruce, Birch, Maple, Aspen, Rowan, Linden) from the open-source Airborne Multispectral LiDAR dataset (MS-ALS-SPECIES). Each model was trained on a common training set, validated during training and evaluated on a separate test set, allowing a systematic evaluation of their classification performance. The comparison focuses on overall accuracy, F1-score, mean per-class accuracy and recall. The results demonstrate that PointNet achieves the best overall accuracy of test dataset of 82.07% and a mean per-class accuracy of 70.32%, with competitive performance on Pine (94.37%), Spruce (84.25%), and Maple (86.67%). DGCNN improves the capture of local structures, with 79.15% accuracy in validation, and 67.98% in testing, reflecting slight overfitting. RandLA-Net, although less accurate overall (56.03%), achieves the best inter-species homogeneity (62.32%), and high recall on minority species (Aspen: 86.36%, Linden 85.71%). These results demonstrate the potential of 3D deep learning combine with multispectral airborne lidar for automated urban tree species classification and their integration into the geospatial systems of smart cities for intelligent management of green spaces.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate whether achieving comprehensive ESG disclosure enhances firm value in emerging markets and whether the valuation relevance of ESG disclosure depends on credibility mechanisms, including Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) compliance, disclosure maturity, regulatory strength, materiality, disclosure intensity and third-party assurance. Design/methodology/approach This study constructs a GRI-based ESG disclosure measure and applies a staggered difference-in-differences design centered on each firm’s first attainment of a comprehensive ESG disclosure threshold from 2011 to 2021 in BRICS economies. This study also analyzes the role of GRI alignment and maturity, regulatory strength, disclosure intensity, materiality processes and third-party assurance. Findings The findings of this study suggest that firms reaching a comprehensive ESG disclosure threshold exhibit higher firm value in the post-adoption period. The valuation relevance of ESG disclosure is not uniform and becomes stronger when disclosure is more credible and comparable, particularly when aligned with GRI standards (and more mature GRI iterations) and when supported by stricter sustainability regulations, explicit materiality processes and external assurance. Practical implications Managers should focus on credible, decision-useful ESG reporting with aligned disclosure, clear materiality and assurance, rather than expanding the narrative alone. Investors should distinguish between the extent of disclosure and its credibility, and regulators can enhance market usefulness by integrating disclosure requirements with a credibility infrastructure. Social implications This study highlights the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and comprehensive ESG disclosure, which fosters corporate transparency and accountability. These efforts can yield broader societal benefits, including improved environmental sustainability and enhanced social well-being. Originality/value This study contributes by replacing third-party ESG ratings with a transparent, GRI-based comprehensive disclosure index and combining it with a staggered difference-in-difference threshold-attainment design to connect disclosure improvements to firm value. This study also demonstrates that valuation gains rely on credibility mechanisms (GRI maturity, materiality, assurance and regulatory strength) in emerging markets.

Abstract This study examines consumer preferences for the potential benefits of CRISPR technology using a best–worst scaling (BWS) approach within an online survey of a representative Spanish sample. The BWS discrete choice experiment focuses on seven key environmental and health-related benefits of CRISPR, using tomatoes as a case study. The selected benefits are derived from science-based information and align with the EU regulatory context, following the European Commission’s 2023 proposal on gene-editing technologies. Estimates from a random parameter logit (RPL) model indicate that pesticide reduction is the most highly valued benefit, followed by water saving and health improvement, thereby highlighting the combined influence of environmental and personal benefits on consumer acceptance of genetically engineered food. The significant standard deviations in the RPL estimates reveal substantial heterogeneity in preferences, which is further examined by identifying two distinct consumer segments. While both segments strongly prioritise pesticide reduction, one is primarily motivated by environmental sustainability outcomes, whereas the other places greater emphasis on health and sensory quality improvements. These findings underscore the need for targeted communication strategies to address distinct consumer concerns, rather than a uniform approach.

This study aims to analyze the role of government in the development of the hinterlandeconomy in Rokan Hulu Regency through the utilization of natural resources, focusing ona case study of oil palm plantations in accelerating regional economic growth. The methodused in this study is a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with thedevelopment of the oil palm plantation sector in the district. This study uses a qualitativeapproach by collecting data through literature studies, interviews with relevantstakeholders, and analysis of existing policies. The data collected will be analyzeddescriptively and interpreted to gain a deep understanding of the role of government in thedevelopment of the hinterland economy in Rokan Hulu Regency. From the results of thestudy using SWOT analysis of the role of government in developing the hinterland economyin Rokan Hulu Regency through natural resources (oil palm industry) are the strengths andweaknesses of internal factors of 1.82 and external factors of 0.27. In this effort, thereneeds to be implementation of appropriate policies between all related parties so as to help achieve sustainable economic growth, create jobs, improve community welfare, andmaintain environmental sustainability in Rokan Hulu Regency.

How can a radiation oncology society support its members and the community to help reduce the carbon footprint of radiation oncology?

Combining positioning and labelling interventions for healthier and more environmentally sustainable products: A randomised controlled trial in an online experimental supermarket.

Exploring the interplay between renewable energy, agriculture, clean technologies, natural resources, and environmental sustainability

Life cycle assessment of integrated waste management systems towards carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability

Integrated computational analysis for Escherichia coli prevalence, genetic evolution, and antimicrobial resistance evolution: Implications for public health and environmental sustainability in Asia.