Global Challenges Research Articles

Методика оценки состояния геоэкономической составляющей экономического суверенитета РФ

The assessment of economic sovereignty in the context of modern geopolitical challenges is essential for understanding the dynamics of international relations. Sanctions have become the primary tool of coercion against competitors within the framework of the established policy of neo-protectionism in the XX–XXI centuries. In the face of escalating sanction pressure on the Russian Federation in 2022–2023, studying international experience in counter-sanction policies becomes relevant. This study examines the main vectors for enhancing the resistance of the economic system in the practices of Iran, the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the Republic of South Africa. A possible way to counteract sanctions pressure is to initiate a policy aimed at increasing the country’s economic resilience. The author’s methodology for assessing the state of the three political economic sovereignties of the Russian Federation is proposed. The methodology is applied in the article to the example of the geo-economic component over the period of 2015–2021. It is demonstrated that the initial resistance for the geo-economic component of economic sovereignty has not been achieved. Moreover, specific directions for increasing the level of sustainability in the context of the geo-economic component are proposed. By adapting lessons from international experiences, the Russian Federation can strengthen its economic sovereignty and navigate global challenges more effectively.

Single cell protein production from methane in a gas-delivery membrane bioreactor

Single cell protein (SCP, or microbial protein) is one of the emerging alternative protein sources to address the global challenge of food insecurity. Recently, the SCP produced from methane has attracted substantial attention since methane is a renewable resource attainable from anaerobic digestion. However, the supply of methane, an insoluble gas in water, is one of the major challenges in producing methane-based SCP. This work developed a novel bioreactor configuration, in which hollow fiber membrane was used for efficient methane supply while microorganisms were growing in the suspended form favourable for the biomass harvest. Over a 312-day operation, the impacts of three critical parameters on the SCP production were investigated, including the ratio of methane loading to ammonium loading, the ratio of methane loading to oxygen loading, and the sludge retention time (SRT). Under the condition of 4 g CH4/g NH4+, 4 g O2/g CH4, and SRT of 4 days, the highest SCP production yield was observed and determined to be 1.36 g SCP/g CH4 and 5.05 g SCP/g N, respectively. The protein content was up to 67 %, which is higher than the majority of reported values to date. Moreover, the methane and ammonium utilization efficiencies were both close to 100 %, suggesting the highly efficient utilization of substrates in this new bioreactor configuration. A high relative abundance of essential amino acids (EAA) above 42 % was achieved, representing the highest EAA content reported. These findings provide valuable insights into SCP production using methane as a feedstock.

Strategic plans to support action against climate change in the Arab countries in the Middle East Region

Climate change has become a global challenge due to its critical impact on the natural as well as the human environment. This article focuses on the effects of climate change in the Middle East (ME) region and the strategies suggested to combat its impacts. The research involves reviewing and analyzing published articles from major databases in this domain. The literature shows that countries in the ME region, with a particular focus on the Arab countries, have also realized that urgent actions should be taken to decrease climate change threats. Several countries are committing to international principles, supporting the global effort against climate change, such as adopting renewable sources for efficient energy production. Moreover, some of the ME region countries are considered a hub for emitting CO2 because of their hot climate, which requires the use of energy for air-conditioning, high-water desalination demands due to water scarcity, and the dependence on energy-exhaustive industries. Recently, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have proposed strict measures to reduce their energy consumption and move towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy. Some countries have also funded projects for developing green buildings to create a sustainable environment. However, this paper emphasizes the need to establish strict regulations to impose policies and practices to achieve the global temperature rise limit below 1.5oC. Moreover, all ME countries must invest in renewable energy sources by promoting education, research, and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms. Nevertheless, as part of the Paris Agreement and other international commitments, there is a growing need to develop more socio-economic policies to meet this vision.

GloUTCI-M: a global monthly 1 km Universal Thermal Climate Index dataset from 2000 to 2022

Abstract. Climate change has precipitated recurrent extreme events and emerged as an imposing global challenge, exerting profound and far-reaching impacts on both the environment and human existence. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), serving as an important approach to human comfort assessment, plays a pivotal role in gauging how humans adapt to meteorological conditions and copes with thermal and cold stress. However, the existing UTCI datasets still grapple with limitations in terms of data availability, hindering their effective application across diverse domains. We have produced GloUTCI-M, a monthly UTCI dataset boasting global coverage and an extensive time series spanning March 2000 to October 2022, with a high spatial resolution of 1 km. This dataset is the product of a comprehensive approach leveraging multiple data sources and advanced machine learning models. Our findings underscored the superior predictive capabilities of CatBoost in forecasting the UTCI (mean absolute error, MAE = 0.747 °C; root mean square error, RMSE = 0.943 °C; and coefficient of determination, R2=0.994) when compared to machine learning models such as XGBoost and LightGBM. Utilizing GloUTCI-M, the geographical boundaries of cold stress and thermal stress areas at global scale were effectively delineated. Spanning 2001–2021, the mean annual global UTCI was recorded at 17.24 °C, with a pronounced upward trend. Countries like Russia and Brazil emerged as key contributors to the mean annual global UTCI increasing, while countries like China and India exerted a more inhibitory influence on this trend. Furthermore, in contrast to existing UTCI datasets, GloUTCI-M excelled at portraying UTCI distribution at finer spatial resolutions, augmenting data accuracy. This dataset can enhance our capacity to evaluate thermal stress experienced by humans, offering substantial prospects across a wide array of applications. GloUTCI-M is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8310513 (Yang et al., 2023).

Exploring the lived experiences of gender-based violence survivors among female sex -workers in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a global challenge, with women and young girls being the major victims. Female sex workers are also adversely affected. However, there is limited evidence about the lived experiences and coping strategies of Female Sex Workers (FSW) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Hence, this study was guided by objectives that focused on determining: the effect of GBV on FSW in Rivers State and coping strategies adopted by Gender-based violence survivors to manage the challenges associated with it. Data were collected from 12 female sex workers using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed thematically using the NVivo12 software. Findings showed that enforcement agents, intimate partners, relatives, friends, clients, and recruiters were perpetrators of gender-based violence. The participants identified their lack of agency, poverty, lack of alternative means of livelihood, and desire to protect their parents as drivers of gender-based violence. The participants admitted having experienced physical and mental health challenges. The participants adopted several coping mechanisms: substance abuse, religion, self-defence, and relocation. The researchers concluded that increased awareness about available services, unbiased service provision, designated human rights officers, and prosecution of perpetrators would encourage disclosure and boost access and uptake of services.

The Impact of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) on Consumer Behavior: A Scoping Review on Sustainable Marketing Campaigns for GCED

The pressing need to address global issues, including climate change and social inequality, underscores the significance of cultivating global citizens aware of their responsibilities. Global Citizenship Education (GCED) serves as a crucial educational approach, empowering individuals with the aptitude to responsibly engage with global challenges. This review focuses on the scoping review of finding the effect of GCED on consumer habits, particularly regarding sustainable marketing campaigns crafted for it. Analysis of primary research indicates consumers acquainted with GCED tend to favor environmentally friendly and ethical purchasing. Marketing endeavors embracing GCED concepts tend to be more effective, fostering sustainable consumer choices. This study reveals literature gaps and charts future research avenues, stressing the synergy of educators, marketers, and policymakers for enhancing eco-friendly consumer actions via GCED. This research offers valuable perspectives for enterprises wanting to synchronize their promotional efforts with global sustainability goals and educators aiming to amplify the tangible results of GCED. Keywords: Global Citizenship Education, Consumer Behavior, Scoping Review

Audiologist’s perspective on newborn hearing screening in a developing nation: a questionnaire-based survey

IntroductionHearing is crucial for a child's development, influencing speech, cognition, and emotional well-being. Early detection of hearing disorders is vital, yet India faces challenges in implementing effective newborn hearing screening (NBHS) programs. This research explores the perspectives of audiologists, focusing on the major and minor challenges faced and current protocols followed across diverse setups in India.MethodA two-phase study involved questionnaire development and data collection from 116 audiologists nationwide. The survey addressed demographics, current practices, challenges faced, and opinions on NBHS improvements.ResultsFindings revealed disparities in screening protocols, with 42 variations reported. Challenges included ambient noise control, communication gaps, and lack of interdisciplinary support. Audiologists emphasized the need for sensitizing healthcare professionals, free screening, and increased manpower to enhance NBHS efficacy.ConclusionThe study aligns with global challenges in NBHS program implementation. Rural areas face a shortage of audiologists, emphasizing the necessity to train community health workers. The varied screening protocols and delays in screening timeframe underscore the need for standardized guidelines and increased funding.Audiologists play a pivotal role in NBHS success. To overcome challenges, standardizing protocols, sensitizing healthcare professionals, and promoting community-based screening are crucial. The study emphasizes proactive measures among audiologists, continual research, and collaboration to enhance evidence-based practices and policy improvements in newborn hearing screening.

Contemporary Insights into Hepatitis C Virus: A Comprehensive Review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health challenge. Approximately 50 million people were living with chronic hepatitis C based on the World Health Organization as of 2024, contributing extensively to global morbidity and mortality. The advent and approval of several direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens significantly improved HCV treatment, offering potentially high rates of cure for chronic hepatitis C. However, the promising aim of eventual HCV eradication remains challenging. Key challenges include the variability in DAA access across different regions, slightly variable response rates to DAAs across diverse patient populations and HCV genotypes/subtypes, and the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs), potentially conferring resistance to DAAs. Therefore, periodic reassessment of current HCV knowledge is needed. An up-to-date review on HCV is also necessitated based on the observed shifts in HCV epidemiological trends, continuous development and approval of therapeutic strategies, and changes in public health policies. Thus, the current comprehensive review aimed to integrate the latest knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and preventive strategies for HCV, with a particular focus on the current challenges associated with RASs and ongoing efforts in vaccine development. This review sought to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the necessary insights to address the HCV burden more effectively. We aimed to highlight the progress made in managing and preventing HCV infection and to highlight the persistent barriers challenging the prevention of HCV infection. The overarching goal was to align with global health objectives towards reducing the burden of chronic hepatitis, aiming for its eventual elimination as a public health threat by 2030.

Large scale implementation of effective early literacy instruction

IntroductionLarge-scale implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to enhance children's early literacy success is critically important to address global literacy challenges. This paper describes one such initiative, the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA), which was specifically designed for large-scale implementation in New Zealand.MethodsBetween February 2020 and May 2023 over 3,000 teachers in 819 schools across New Zealand implemented BSLA, with baseline data available for 29,795 5-year-old children. Teachers implemented novel online assessments to monitor children's early literacy growth.ResultsIn comparison to an internal control group, accelerated progress in children's phonic, and phoneme awareness skills was evident after 10 weeks of BSLA Tier 1 (universal) teaching. After 30 weeks, there were significant gains in word reading, spelling, listening comprehension and oral narrative abilities; growth did not differ based on gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Children with greater learning needs who received BSLA Tier 2 (small group targeted teaching) caught up to their peers in word reading and spelling skills.ConclusionsWith appropriate resourcing, planning and engagement with communities, successful large-scale implementation of evidenced-based early literacy approaches is possible within a relatively short time. Culturally responsive implementation within MTSS frameworks holds much promise for raising literacy achievement for all children.

Exploring the Burden of PM2.5-Related Deaths and Economic Health Losses in Beijing

Air pollution is one of the major global public health challenges. Using annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration data from 2016 to 2021, along with the global exposure mortality model (GEMM), we estimated the multi-year PM2.5-pollution-related deaths divided by different age groups and diseases. Then, using the VSL (value of statistical life) method, we assessed corresponding economic losses and values. The number of deaths attributed to PM2.5 in Beijing in 2021 fell by 33.74 percent from 2016, while health economic losses would increase by USD 4.4 billion as per capita disposable income increases year by year. In 2021, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 in half of Beijing’s municipal administrative districts is less than China’s secondary ambient air quality standard (35 μg/m3), but it can still cause 48,969 deaths and corresponding health and economic losses of USD 16.31 billion, equivalent to 7.9 percent of Beijing’s GDP. Therefore, it is suggested that more stringent local air quality standards should be designated to protect public health in Beijing.

Anti-HBV Activities of Cembranoids from the South China Sea Soft Coral Sinularia pedunculata and Their Structure Activity Relationship.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health challenge that seriously endangers human health. Soft coral, as a major source of terpenoids, contains many structurally novel and highly bioactive compounds. In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that cembranoid-type diterpenoids showed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-colorectal cancer activities. In this study, cembranoids isolated from Sinularia pedunculata was found with anti-HBV activity for the first time. Among them, compound 6 showed significant anti-HBV activity with an IC50 value of 5.57 µM without cytotoxicity. We analysed the preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR). Furthermore, it is demonstrated that compound 6 can accelerate the formation of capsid, inhibit HBeAg, HBV core particle DNA, HBV total RNA and pregenomic RNA in a dose dependent manner. We also confirmed the anti-HBV activity in HepG2-NTCP infection system. Finally, we find the anti-HBV mechanism of these compounds by inhibiting the ENI/Xp enhancer/promoter.

Evaluating the effectiveness of global governance mechanisms in promoting environmental sustainability and international relations

This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of global governance mechanisms in promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing international relations. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research scrutinizes peer-reviewed articles, official reports, and policy documents published between 2010 and 2024. The main objectives were to analyze the role of global governance in environmental sustainability, assess its impact on international relations, and propose strategic recommendations for enhancing governance frameworks. The methodology focused on identifying, selecting, and analyzing relevant literature based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, emphasizing the contributions of multilateral environmental agreements, international organizations, public-private partnerships, and the involvement of civil society and non-governmental organizations. Key findings reveal that while global governance mechanisms have significantly contributed to advancing environmental sustainability goals, challenges related to implementation, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of technological innovations persist. The study concludes that adaptive governance structures responsive to evolving environmental issues and stakeholder needs are crucial. Strategic recommendations include strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, enhancing stakeholder engagement, promoting public-private partnerships, and leveraging technological advancements. Directions for future research emphasize exploring the impact of emerging global challenges and investigating the role of non-traditional actors in shaping environmental policies. Keywords: Global Governance, Environmental Sustainability, International Relations, Systematic Literature Review.

A Knowledge Graph-Driven Analysis of the Interlinkages among the Sustainable Development Goal Indicators in Different Spatial Resolutions

The way towards sustainable development is paved through the commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which encompass a wide range of global challenges. The successful progress of these goals depends on the identification and understanding of their interconnected nature. A plethora of data is made available for tracking targets related to the SDGs at country, regional and urban levels. However, various challenges are identified to semantically align and homogeneously represent such data to improve their interoperability, comparability and analysis. In the current work, we provide an innovative solution for analyzing SDG-oriented data based on the development of a Knowledge Graph that provides access to semantically aligned data for the SDGs. We consider Knowledge Graphs as a suitable technology for the representation of data related to the interlinkages among SDGs, since they provide a structured representation of knowledge that incorporates entities, relationships and attributes, organized in a graph format. We examine the interlinkages among indicators of the same SDG, as well as across indicators of the various SDGs. Such interlinkages are further evaluated as synergies or trade-offs. Our analysis is applied in country and regional levels, considering various constraints in terms of data quality and availability. In total 476 synergies are identified at the national level among the SDGs, compared to 140 trade-offs. The SDGs that mostly participate in the synergies are SDGs 17, 10, 9 and 8, while SDGs 7 and 16 participate in most of the trade-offs. At the regional level, SDGs 8, 4 and 9 are more active in terms of interlinkages.

Innovation in plant and soil sciences to tackle critical global challenges

Innovations in plant and soil sciences are revolutionising our approach to sustainability, offering solutions with broad societal impacts. Discoveries in these fields hold great potential for combatting, mitigating and adapting to climate change; enhancing food security; and revitalising urban environments. By harnessing the power of plants and the soils they grow in, it is possible to cultivate resilience in the face of environmental challenges, informing policy and practice, and thereby guiding us towards a more sustainable future.

Thermal performance augmentation of honeycomb metal matrix embedded phase change material in shell-tube latent heat storage unit

Due to the global warming challenge, there is a transition from the utilization of fossil fuels to harvesting new and renewable energy sources globally. Solar energy, being the infinite source with easy accessibility, leads the race among other allied sources. However intermittent nature of it demands an efficient thermal energy storage system. In the present experimental study, an innovative heat transfer augmentation technique i.e. aluminium honeycomb grill and fine mesh embedded in PCM is demonstrated. Both visualization of PCM melt fraction and capture of temperature contour complemented each other to identify the honeycomb version (HC-LHSU) as substantially better (43 % improvement in charge period) than the base model (BM-LHSU). On the other side, due to fine pores (porosity = 95 %), the fine meshmodel (FM-LHSU) yielded poorer results than BM-LHSU. Even the temperature gradient that exists during the charge or discharge period is gauged and recognized HC-LHSU as the best, followed by BM-LHSU and FM-LHSU. Since the onset of the phase transition zone reflects heat storage rate, the same is identified, and the charge period (sensible heat + latent heat) assessed to be 8000 s, 10000 s, and 12,000 s for HC-LHSU, BM-LHSU, and FM-LHSU, respectively. Further, an improvement in the average Nusselt number by 74 % and 67 % during the charge and discharge period respectively compared to the base model justified the honeycomb grill's role in augmenting the energy storage unit's performance.

Afterword - L1 Education between von Humboldt and Chat GTP

L1 education has its main foundation in von Humboldt's concept of Bildung integrating the study of language and literature as a contribution to personal growth. Since this perspective gets less attention nowadays, it is argued that we need to re-invent L1 education as meaning-making in which not only offline texts but also all sorts of online products need to be taken as a starting point for learning to reason as an antidote to recent societal developments that in the long run might cause a potential threat to democracy as we know it. In addition, contemporary L1 education is also facing the challenges of globalization and digitalization. Globalization-induced mobility and immigration lead to, among other things, super-diverse classrooms that include a gamut of languages, cultures, and religions. In reaction, L1 education tends to take a rather narrow focus on national, or even nationalistic, contents in the field of language, literature, and culture, potentially leading to the exclusion of certain categories of students. Digitalization, booming business in educational contexts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also poses challenges to L1 education. Students need to become digitally literate citizens to survive in the post-digital world they inhabit, and L1 education has both the tools and the means to help them acquire digital literacy skills and awareness. To shape L1 education in such a way that it can cope with these challenges, we need to base the L1 curriculum, its subject contents, and its didactic approach on research that starts where the teachers and students are, that is, in the classroom, and that takes their practical experiences seriously. The qualitative research methodologies developed within the International Mother Tongues Education Network can play a role in formulating a timely and successful L1 research program.

Impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings at various climate zones

Abstract This study investigates the impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings across various climate zones. Through a simulation-based approach using the Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), the effectiveness of insulation in reducing energy demand and carbon emissions are evaluated. The research includes multiple climatic regions of Afghanistan, including arid, semi-arid, and mountainous zones. Methodologically, detailed building characteristics, climatic data, and insulation materials are considered, with energy modeling techniques applied to assess the performance of insulation measures. Results indicate varying degrees of energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction associated with insulation across different climate zones, in cities such as Kabul, Herat, Mazar, and Kandahar. Furthermore, the study calculates CO2 emissions reduction resulting from insulation addition, emphasizing the importance of sustainable building practices in mitigating environmental impacts. By underscoring the scientific value of this research in addressing a pressing global challenge and providing actionable insights for building design and energy policy, this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and environmental engineering.

IMPACTS OF TOBACCO USE AND EXPOSURE TO TOBACCO SMOKE ON HEALTH, SOCIETY, ECONOMY, AND ENVIRONMENT

Smoking represents a significant global public health challenge and is the primary preventable cause of disease and death. This problem is accentuated by the fact that a substantial 80% of adult smokers worldwide come from low- or middle-income countries. The aim of this paper is twofold: first, to highlight the health impacts associated with tobacco use, and second, to delineate the indirect damage caused to the environment during the life cycle of tobacco products - from production and distribution to consumption and waste generation. The reluctance of some countries to take decisive action, together with intense pressure from tobacco corporations, is hindering progress towards reducing the number of adult smokers and curbing tobacco use among minors. State interventions, supported by strict laws, are necessary to enforce the ban on indoor smoking, the ban on the sale of tobacco to minors, and the establishment of permanent interstate cooperation in the fight against cigarette smuggling. Educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of smoking and tobacco consumption are key to fostering a smoke-free culture. A strong media campaign, supported by state measures, could contribute to faster and more comprehensive targeting of target groups, especially younger age categories.

Bayesian Optimization for Efficient Prediction of Gas Uptake in Nanoporous Materials.

The discovery and optimization of novel nanoporous materials (NPMs) such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are crucial for addressing global challenges. Traditional experimental approaches for optimizing these materials are time-consuming and resource-intensive. This research paper presents a strategy using Bayesian optimization (BO) to efficiently navigate the NPMs for gas storage. For a MOF dataset drawn from 19 different sources, we present a quantitative evaluation of BO. In our study, we employed machine learning (ML) techniques to conduct regression analysis on many models. Following this, we identified the three ML models that exhibited the highest accuracy, which were subsequently chosen as surrogates in our investigation, includingthe conventional Gaussian Process (GP) model. We found that GP with expected improvement (EI) as the acquisition function but without a gamma prior which is standard in Bayesian Optimization python library outperforms other surrogate models. Additionally, it should be noted that while the machine learning model that exhibits superior performance in predicting the target variable may be considered the best choice, it may not necessarily serve as the most suitable surrogate model for BO. This observation has significant importance and warrants further investigation. This comprehensive framework accelerates the pace of materials discovery.

Prevalence and causes of substance abuse among Egyptian university students

Substance abuse is a global challenge with dangerous effects on health, wealth and security of nations, and individuals’ mental and physical health. This study was done to identify the prevalence and risk factor of drug abuse among university students and evaluate drug abuse use according to its type and problems encountered. Cross sectional study using self-administrated questionnaire conducted for one month in the academic year 2022-2023 to 600 university students at Beni-Suef University from grade 1 to grade 6 and postgraduates. The survey included all faculties in the university. Screening tests for drug abuse in the urine samples were performed by dipsticks and confirmed by auto-analyzer device. Most of the students were male (68.3%), their mean age was 22.05 ± 2.25 year. 58.3% of them were from urban, 84.7 % of them were single, with monthly pocket money 1205.73 ± 1260.02 Egyptian pounds while the mean of family income 5515.50 ± 9210.39. The urine samples were collected and analyzed by drug screening strips, 75.4% of the samples were negative and 24.6% were positive. Auto analyzer confirmed 31.8% of positive cases by drug screening strips and the most common drug was confirmed was combined drug abuse (59.6%). High significance relation of addiction with the mean age of the cases (P value=0.0001), males’ gender (P value=0.0001), high monthly pocket money (P value=0.0001), lower father and mother education (P value =0.0001). The problems faced by addicts were oppose the orders (51.4%), usual liar (48.6%), struggle with parents (44.6%), and psychiatric problems (33.8%) especially unstable psychological state. The most common cause of substance intake in the positive group was adolescent curiosity (56.8%) followed by be happy (48.6%) and active (40.5%). Most of the students were male (68.3%), their mean age was 22.05 ± 2.25 year. 25.7% had a history of substance abuse, the most common substance abuse was THC (34%). Age of students, single, higher family income and father occupation were the most predicted risk factors to substance abuse.