Innovative Management Strategies Research Articles

Optimizing Administrative Accounting: Innovative Strategies for Efficient Decision-Making and Sustainable Financial Management

A systematic review was carried out on the production and publication of research papers related to the study of the variables Administrative Accounting, Innovation, Financial Management and Sustainability, the PRISMA approach (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses). The purpose of the analysis proposed in this document was to know the main characteristics of the publications registered in the Scopus and Wos databases and their scope in the study of the proposed variables, achieving the identification of 58 publications in total. Thanks to this first identification, it was possible to refine the results through the keywords entered in the search button of both platforms, the following keywords: MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING, INNOVATION, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, SUSTAINABILITY, reaching a total of 15 documents, excluding duplicates and those that did not meet the analysis criteria. From this analysis, it is expected to know the contributions of the scientific community to the study of the contributions of administrative accounting in sustainable financial management, in support of decision-making by senior management, always seeking the optimization of resources and increase profitability through innovation and the principles of sustainability.

Human Resource Management Innovation Strategy in Realizing Competitive Advantage

Human resource management is the most essential thing in an organization. Because superior human resource management can increase competitiveness, for this reason, management needs to study more deeply the resources that can be relied on to compete in a competitive business environment and place leverage on resources that can place the company in a competitive position in the long term. Therefore, human resource management innovation strategies have many managerial implications for business policymakers. The research used a qualitative approach with literature methods (library study), which are appropriate to the current problems. Namely the importance of human resource management strategies to realize superior competitiveness. The results of this research show that human resource management is the heart of corporate or organizational governance. Management strategies and innovations are needed to improve superior and competitive human resources. Steps or forms of innovation strategy for Human Resources (HR): Continuous training in stages and stages, Mastery of technology and digitalization, More active marketing, Forming a solid team, Establishing more comprehensive relationships, Transparency, Committed, Competent, Flexible, and Innovative integrated as a competitive quality.

Pinewood nematode induced changes in the assembly process of gallery microbiomes benefit its vector beetle's development.

Microbiomes play crucial roles in insect adaptation, especially under stress such as pathogen invasion. Yet, how beneficial microbiomes assemble remains unclear. The wood-boring beetle Monochamus alternatus, a major pest and vector of the pine wilt disease (PWD) nematode, offers a unique model. We conducted controlled experiments using amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA and ITS) within galleries where beetles and microbes interact. PWD significantly altered bacterial and fungal communities, suggesting distinct assembly processes. Deterministic factors like priority effects, host selection, and microbial interactions shaped microbiome composition, distinguishing healthy from PWN-infected galleries. Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Ophiostomataceae emerged as potentially beneficial, aiding beetle's development and pathogen resistance. This study unveils how nematode-induced changes in gallery microbiomes influence beetle's development, shedding light on microbiome assembly amid insect-pathogen interactions. Insights gleaned enhance understanding of PWD spread and suggest novel management strategies via microbiome manipulation.IMPORTANCEThis study explores the assembly process of gallery microbiomes associated with a wood-boring beetles, Monochamus alternatus, a vector of the pine wilt disease (PWD). By conducting controlled comparison experiments and employing amplicon approaches, the study reveals significant changes in taxonomic composition and functional adaptation of bacterial and fungal communities induced by PWD. It identifies deterministic processes, including priority effects, host selection, and microbial interactions, as major drivers in microbiome assembly. Additionally, the study highlights the presence of potentially beneficial microbes such as Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Ophiostomataceae, which could enhance beetle development and resistance to pathogens. These findings shed light on the intricate interplay among insects, microbiomes, and pathogens, contributing to a deeper understanding of PWD prevalence and suggesting innovative management strategies through microbiome manipulation.

Sustainable Energy Application of Pyrolytic Oils from Plastic Waste in Gas Turbine Engines: Performance, Environmental, and Economic Analysis

The rapid accumulation of polymer waste presents a significant environmental challenge, necessitating innovative waste management and resource recovery strategies. This study investigates the potential of chemical recycling via pyrolysis of plastic waste, specifically polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP), to produce high-quality pyrolytic oils (WPPOs) for use as alternative fuels. The physicochemical properties of these oils were analyzed, and their performance in a gas turbine engine was evaluated. The results show that WPPOs increase NOx emissions by 61% for PSO and 26% for PPO, while CO emissions rise by 25% for PSO. Exhaust gas temperatures increase by 12.2% for PSO and 8.7% for PPO. Thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC) decreases by 13.8% for PPO, with negligible changes for PSO. The environmental-economic analysis indicates that using WPPO results in a 68.2% increase in environmental impact for PS100 and 64% for PP100, with energy emission indexes rising by 101% for PS100 and 57.8% for PP100, compared to JET A. Although WPPO reduces fuel costs by 15%, it significantly elevates emissions of CO2, CO, and NOx. This research advances the understanding of integrating waste plastic pyrolysis into energy systems, promoting a circular economy while balancing environmental challenges.

Proposed Study on the Existing Body of Literature on Innovation Performance in China’s High-Tech SMEs

This study investigates the intricate relationship between top management capability, relational capability, technological capability, learning capability, innovation strategy, and innovation performance within the context of high-technology Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in China. Through a synthesis of the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capability Theory, this research delves into how these diverse capabilities intersect to shape innovation outcomes in a rapidly evolving market landscape. Drawing upon empirical data collected from a comprehensive sample of high-tech SMEs operating across various industries in China, this study examines how top management capability influences the firm's strategic direction and innovation agenda. Furthermore, the research explores the role of relational capability in fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, and partners, to access valuable resources and knowledge for innovation initiatives. Moreover, the study investigates how technological capability enables firms to harness advanced technologies and expertise to drive innovation, while learning capability facilitates the absorption, assimilation, and application of new knowledge and insights to fuel continuous innovation efforts. Through an analysis of innovation strategies adopted by high-tech SMEs and their alignment with dynamic capabilities, this research elucidates the mechanisms through which firms leverage their diverse capabilities to formulate and execute effective innovation strategies, ultimately impacting innovation performance. The findings contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical implications, providing insights for high-tech SMEs in China on how to develop and leverage dynamic capabilities across multiple dimensions to enhance innovation performance and achieve sustainable competitive advantage in today's dynamic business environment.

Innovations in the comprehensive management of orofacial defects - Combined strategies of maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics and Implants for the optimization of clinical results: A Narrative Review

Orofacial defects caused by congenital anomalies, trauma, or surgical procedures present complex challenges that affect physical function and psychological well-being. Maxillofacial rehabilitation, incorporating surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and implants, aims to restore form, function, and aesthetics. This review evaluates innovative multidisciplinary strategies for orofacial defect management. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Search terms included "management of orofacial defects," "maxillofacial surgery," "endodontics in complex cases," "orthodontics in facial surgery," and "dental implants." Articles published between 2014 and 2024 were reviewed, focusing on human studies demonstrating integrated treatment strategies. The interdisciplinary approach to managing orofacial defects, integrating maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and implants, has demonstrated significant improvements in both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Combined surgical techniques, such as the use of iliac and fibula grafts, offer enhanced graft success through improved vascularization. Technological advancements in endodontics, including CBCT and regenerative procedures, optimize treatment precision. Orthodontic innovations, like clear aligners and mini-implants, enhance patient comfort and treatment efficiency, while digital implant planning reduces complications. The incorporation of growth factors, bioactive materials, and AI further boosts clinical success in treating complex orofacial defects.

Land Use Optimization from the Perspective of Multiple Stakeholder Groups: A Case Study in Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province, China

With China’s rapid economic development in recent years, enhancing the sense of well-being among citizens has become a critical objective. However, the interests of various stakeholder groups are often overlooked in decision-making surrounding land use. In this study, Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province serves as a case study for land use scenario simulations. The equivalent factor method is combined with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to investigate the relationship between ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) and the equity index of multiple stakeholder groups in various land use scenarios. We also explore whether an optimal combination of land use types exists. The results indicate that (1) The current ecosystem service value in Yongsheng County is primarily driven by climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, with a relatively high functional value index but a comparatively low equity index; (2) Different stakeholder groups mainly prioritize food production and ecosystem services impacting food production, such as water resource provision and climate regulation; (3) A land use allocation pattern of 20% farmland, 4% water bodies, 21% mixed forest, 20% coniferous forest, and 35% grassland appears to provide the optimal EMF index while simultaneously achieving the optimal equity index across stakeholder groups. This research may offer valuable insights for optimizing land use planning while taking into account the well-being of diverse stakeholder groups. It also may have practical implications for the formulation of innovative land use management strategies.

Energy management of fuel cell hybrid electric bus in mountainous regions: A deep reinforcement learning approach considering terrain characteristics

Environmental characteristics, particularly in mountainous regions with significant slopes, substantially impact vehicle power demand and fuel consumption, thereby influencing both fuel economy and vehicle lifespan. However, existing research lacks energy management strategies specifically designed for these challenging terrains. This study presents an innovative energy management strategy (EMS) for fuel cell hybrid electric buses (FCHEB) utilizing a deep reinforcement learning algorithm considering terrain characteristics. A comprehensive model that incorporates road fluctuations and steep slopes was developed to accurately represent the terrain features of mountainous regions. Driving cycle and road condition data specific to hydrogen fuel cell buses in these areas were collected and processed as for the training sets of EMSs. Subsequently, an EMS based on the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm was devised to address the unique characteristics of these mountainous regions. Simulation results indicate a 26.16 % improvement in fuel economy and a 44.98 % enhancement in convergence efficiency compared to traditional methods that do not consider road slopes. Further validation through new bus route trials and standard driving cycle tests confirms the strategy's robustness and adaptability.

Sustainable Strategies for Improving Humanitarian Supply Chain Management in the United Nations Using Dynamic Capability Theory

The purpose of the qualitative multiple case study was to explore the strategies some supply chain managers of the United Nations (UN) use to leverage operational efficiencies in the UN humanitarian programs. As a result, communities supporting sustainability and peace or those fostering economic development will be able to respond effectively to humanitarian crises. Moreover, the UN can remain operational and engage in political and conflict-reduction interventions integral to economic and social recovery and sustainability. This study applied the qualitative multiple case study through semi-structured interviews with nine supply chain managers in the United Nations, direct observations, document analysis, and artifacts. The research is grounded in the dynamic capability theory (DCT). The research revealed several strategies that supply chain managers of the UN use to ensure operational efficiencies grouped around three themes: (a) analytical, innovation, and knowledge management strategies; (b) effective supply chain management leadership strategies; and (c) risk management strategies. This study is one of the first to apply generic findings of humanitarian supply chain studies to the United Nations, the global organization with diverse mandates that continuously strives to achieve efficiencies required by donors providing financial support, thus remaining operational. The study’s results could help leaders in the various humanitarian organizations who operate in vulnerable environments and under strict scrutiny from donors to deliver their aid programs most efficiently by understanding dynamic capabilities. Previous studies indicate the lack of strategic frameworks applicable to the United Nations that could improve decision-making at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels, facilitate collaboration among supply chain stakeholders, and reduce the costs of the operational performance of the supply chain system in the UN.

Urban Soil Dynamics: The Relationship Between Soil Health and Urbanization

Urbanization, combined with unsustainable agricultural practices, climate change, and pollution, poses a significant threat to soil health, leading to degradation with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. This article explores these challenges and specifically focuses on how urbanization affects soil health by degrading its quality and limiting its ability to sustain life. The study examines the dynamics of soil humification, the potential of urban soils to store carbon, and the critical impacts on food production and public health. Through a comprehensive analysis that includes geographical perspectives on soil-related issues, the article highlights innovative management strategies that can enhance the productivity and sustainability of urban soils. It emphasizes the urgent need to integrate soil science into environmental and urban planning to mitigate these negative impacts and promote a sustainable future.

Exosome-mediated delivery of siRNA molecules in cancer therapy: triumphs and challenges.

The discovery of novel and innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and management remains a major global challenge. Exosomes are endogenous nanoscale extracellular vesicles that have garnered increasing attention as innovative vehicles for advanced drug delivery and targeted therapy. The attractive physicochemical and biological properties of exosomes, including increased permeability, biocompatibility, extended half-life in circulation, reduced toxicity and immunogenicity, and multiple functionalization strategies, have made them preferred drug delivery vehicles in cancer and other diseases. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are remarkably able to target any known gene: an attribute harnessed to knock down cancer-associated genes as a viable strategy in cancer management. Extensive research on exosome-mediated delivery of siRNAs for targeting diverse types of cancer has yielded promising results for anticancer therapy, with some formulations progressing through clinical trials. This review catalogs recent advances in exosome-mediated siRNA delivery in several types of cancer, including the manifold benefits and minimal drawbacks of such innovative delivery systems. Additionally, we have highlighted the potential of plant-derived exosomes as innovative drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, offering numerous advantages such as biocompatibility, scalability, and reduced toxicity compared to traditional methods. These exosomes, with their unique characteristics and potential for effective siRNA delivery, represent a significant advancement in nanomedicine and cancer therapeutics. Further exploration of their manufacturing processes and biological mechanisms could significantly advance natural medicine and enhance the efficacy of exosome-based therapies.

Evaluating territorial management of integrated development region (RIDE-DF) and its effect on land use land cover transformation

ABSTRACT In Brazil, the decentralized federative structure of the State, consisting of four autonomous political levels – Union, states, Federal District, and municipalities – alongside its vast territory, necessitates innovative strategies for territorial management. The Integrated Development Region (RIDE) was regulated in 1985, establishing a standardized region composed of municipalities spanning multiple states, prioritizing coordinating federal actions with regional policies. This study aims to assess the impact of Federal District RIDE on land use and land cover changes (LULC) within its territory. As a data source, we utilized MapBiomas collection data for the region. This collection employs multi-temporal (1985–2022) Landsat satellite imagery classifications, ensuring accurate and current information. Additionally, socioeconomic indicators were incorporated to comprehend changes during and post-RIDE-DF implementation. Insights from this study may support decision-making processes concerning land management, urban planning, and conservation endeavors within the region.

Managing Currency Risk in Global Supply Chains: Resilience Strategies

Currency risk was a significant difficulty for firms involved in international commerce in the current global economy. The profitability and competitiveness of organisations with supply chains that span across borders were greatly affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. This introduction examined the intricacies of managing currency risk in global supply chains, investigating the most recent solutions used by organisations to strengthen their operations. Over the last 10 years, there has been an extraordinary increase in globalisation, characterised by more market integration and increased international trade. Nevertheless, globalisation brings with it not just benefits but also inherent concerns, with currency volatility being the most prominent among them. According to projections by Grand View Research, Inc., the global currency exchange market was expected to reach a value of $28.8 trillion by 2025. This highlights the significant currency risk that firms throughout the globe were facing. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic emphasised the need to effectively handle currency risk in worldwide supply networks. Amidst trade interruptions and shifting currency rates, economies faced increased uncertainty and volatility, which in turn affected enterprises. Research conducted by the Foreign Monetary Fund had shown that there was a significant increase of 59% in currency volatility during the early phase of the epidemic. This has worsened the difficulties faced by companies that heavily depend on foreign commerce. In light of this situation, companies were obligated to reevaluate their methods for managing currency risk to strengthen their ability to withstand challenges and reduce the possibility of financial losses. Conventional methods such as forward contracts and currency options, while somewhat successful, may not be enough to handle the intricacies of contemporary supply chains. As a result, organisations are using novel methods and technology to effectively manage currency risk. Recent developments in Financial Technology have created new opportunities for innovative currency risk management strategies. Blockchain technology had the potential to provide transparent and secure cross-border transactions, which helped decrease the risk of currency exposure. Moreover, the advent of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms enabled organisations to analyse extensive information and forecast currency fluctuations with enhanced precision. Collaborative alliances within supply chains provided a strategic opportunity to reduce currency risk. Companies may enhance risk mitigation and improve their ability to adapt to market dynamics by developing stronger connections with suppliers and consumers. This can be achieved via the exploration of collaborative hedging methods and the sharing of risk burdens. Nevertheless, effectively managing currency risk in international supply chains requires the ability to quickly adapt, come up with new ideas, and work together. This summary summarised important findings from the following conversation, emphasising the need for proactive risk management techniques in protecting against the uncertainties of the global economy. Keywords: Currency risk management, Global supply chains, Exchange rate volatility, International commerce, Financial technology (Fintech).

Salivary Protein Sfapyrase of Spodoptera frugiperda Stimulates Plant Defence Response.

Plants have developed various resistance mechanisms against herbivorous insects through prolonged coevolution. Plant defence responses can be triggered by specific compounds present in insect saliva. Apyrase, a known enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and inorganic phosphorus, has recently been identified in some herbivorous insects. However, whether insect salivary apyrase induces or inhibits plant responses remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified an apyrase-like protein in the salivary proteome of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, named Sfapyrase. Sfapyrase was primarily expressed in the salivary gland and secreted into plants during insect feeding. Transient expression of Sfapyrase in tobacco and maize enhanced plant resistance and resulted in decreased insect feeding. Knockdown of Sfapyrase through RNA interference led to increased growth and feeding of S. frugiperda. Furthermore, we showed that Sfapyrase activates the jasmonic acid signalling pathway and promotes the synthesis of secondary metabolites, especially benzoxazinoids, thereby enhancing resistance to S. frugiperda. In summary, our findings demonstrated that Sfapyrase acts as a salivary elicitor, inducing maize jasmonic acid defence responses and the production of insect-resistant benzoxazinoids. This study provides valuable insights into plant-insect interactions and offers potential targets for developing innovative insect pest management strategies.

Central Hemodynamic and Thermoregulatory Responses to Food Intake as Potential Biomarkers for Eating Detection: Systematic Review.

Diet-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, require strict dietary management to slow down disease progression and call for innovative management strategies. Conventional diet monitoring places a significant memory burden on patients, who may not accurately remember details of their meals and thus frequently falls short in preventing disease progression. Recent advances in sensor and computational technologies have sparked interest in developing eating detection platforms. This review investigates central hemodynamic and thermoregulatory responses as potential biomarkers for eating detection. We searched peer-reviewed literature indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus on June 20, 2022, with no date limits. We also conducted manual searches in the same databases until April 21, 2024. We included English-language papers demonstrating the impact of eating on central hemodynamics and thermoregulation in healthy individuals. To evaluate the overall study quality and assess the risk of bias, we designed a customized tool inspired by the Cochrane assessment framework. This tool has 4 categories: high, medium, low, and very low. A total of 2 independent reviewers conducted title and abstract screening, full-text review, and study quality and risk of bias analysis. In instances of disagreement between the 2 reviewers, a third reviewer served as an adjudicator. Our search retrieved 11,450 studies, and 25 met our inclusion criteria. Among the 25 included studies, 32% (8/25) were classified as high quality, 52% (13/25) as medium quality, and 16% (4/25) as low quality. Furthermore, we found no evidence of publication bias in any of the included studies. A consistent postprandial increase in heart rate, cardiac output, and stroke volume was observed in at least 95% (heart rate: 19/19, cardiac output: 18/19, stroke volume: 11/11) of the studies that investigated these variables' responses to eating. Specifically, cardiac output increased by 9%-100%, stroke volume by 18%-41%, and heart rate by 6%-21% across these studies. These changes were statistically significant (P<.05). In contrast, the 8 studies that investigated postprandial thermoregulatory effects displayed grossly inconsistent results, showing wide variations in response with no clear patterns of change, indicating a high degree of variability among these studies. Our findings demonstrate that central hemodynamic responses, particularly heart rate, hold promise for wearable-based eating detection, as cardiac output and stroke volume cannot be measured by any currently available noninvasive medical or consumer-grade wearables. PROSPERO CRD42022360600; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=360600.

Exploring the Frontier of Wheat Rust Resistance: Latest Approaches, Mechanisms, and Novel Insights.

Wheat rusts, including leaf, stripe, and stem rust, have been a threat to global food security due to their devastating impact on wheat yields. In recent years, significant strides have been made in understanding wheat rusts, focusing on disease spread mechanisms, the discovery of new host resistance genes, and the molecular basis of rust pathogenesis. This review summarizes the latest approaches and studies in wheat rust research that provide a comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms and new insights into control strategies. Recent advances in genetic resistance using modern genomics techniques, as well as molecular mechanisms of rust pathogenesis and host resistance, are discussed. In addition, innovative management strategies, including the use of fungicides and biological control agents, are reviewed, highlighting their role in combating wheat rust. This review also emphasizes the impact of climate change on rust epidemiology and underscores the importance of developing resistant wheat varieties along with adaptive management practices. Finally, gaps in knowledge are identified and suggestions for future research are made. This review aims to inform researchers, agronomists, and policy makers, and to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable wheat rust control strategies.

Research on Innovation Strategy of Supply Chain Management of Agricultural Enterprises Under the Background of Big Data

With the rapid development and widespread application of Big Data technology, the supply chain management of agricultural products enterprises is facing unprecedented reform and challenges. This study takes the perspective of Big Data technology and collects relevant information on the application of supply chain management in 100 agricultural product enterprises through a survey questionnaire. The study found that the use of Big Data can effectively improve the accuracy of demand forecasting, inventory management efficiency, optimize logistics costs, improve supplier management efficiency, enhance the overall level of supply chain management of enterprises, and propose innovative strategies for supply chain management of agricultural products enterprises based on this. Big Data technology brings a new solution for agricultural products enterprises to enhance their supply chain management level, making the supply chain smarter and more efficient.

Diversity of Thrips Species Associated with Soybean Grown in Different Plant Arrangements at Various Phenological Stages

Changes in crop seeding density may affect the presence of phytophagous organisms, whose development is closely associated with host plants. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the abundance and species composition of thrips (Thysanoptera) collected in soybean plants of two different varieties cultivated in different plant arrangements (row spacing, seed density) at different phenological stages. The research was carried out at two locations in southwest Poland between 2015 and 2018. The herbivores that inhabited the plants were caught using an entomological net. The experiments were conducted using a complete block design with four replications. A total of 20 species of thrips were identified and their dietary specialization was determined with an emphasis on the possibility of feeding on Fabaceae plants. Thrips tabaci, Aeolothrips intermedius, and T. fuscipes were the dominant species within the collected material. The general linear model revealed no significant changes in the number of thrips caused by the row spacing, seed density or soybean variety. The significant factor was the phenological stage. The number of thrips increased significantly during the flowering period and shortly after flowering, making them an important threat to the plants. Therefore, it is crucial to develop innovative pest management strategies tailored to effective soybean cultivation to mitigate potential pest-related challenges.

Life Cycle Assessment as a Catalyst for Embedding Sustainability in Waste Management Practices

The establishment of sustainable campuses acts as a catalyst, fostering a Living Lab environment where active community engagement is crucial. Recognizing the pivotal role of waste management, university campuses prioritize detailed mapping and characterization of organic waste streams. This process paves the way for the identification of alternative scenarios that reduce and divert waste from landfills through valorization routes such as composting and anaerobic digestion. Acknowledging students' pivotal role in shaping sustainable solutions, their perceptions of solid waste separation assume significance. The effectiveness of the current separation system is critical, especially given the monitoring of bin contamination levels, revealing hindrances to organic waste valorization. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) emerges as a valuable tool for identifying alternative scenarios for waste reduction and diversion, encompassing anaerobic digestion, composting, and waste-to-food strategies. This study centers on evaluating and reshaping student perspectives on organic waste separation and end-of-life waste management through LCA. A comprehensive survey was designed to elucidate current perspectives on the efficiency and communication of the existing waste management system. Student insights into waste separation practices revealed that the major barriers to effective waste management practices on campus include a lack of education and awareness regarding waste separation. The survey findings also underscore the significance of LCA not only in measuring carbon footprints but also in influencing perceptions and behaviors towards sustainable waste management practices. In conclusion, our study contributes to the discourse on embedding sustainability in educational settings, offering valuable insights for institutions aspiring to drive positive change through innovative waste management strategies.

Divergent Responses of Fir and Pine Trees to Increasing CO2 Levels in the Face of Climate Change

AbstractUnderstanding the response of forests to the increases in atmospheric CO2 (ca) is fundamental to implementing innovative management strategies and for assessing impacts on the global carbon and water cycles. Here, we explored correlations between ecophysiological traits and climate variability that influence changes in stable isotope carbon and oxygen (δ13C and δ18O) of tree‐rings. We present these relationships between species of the contrasting genera Abies and Pinus, along a latitudinal transect encompassing different biogeographical regions in North America. We also tested if the rate of intrinsic water‐use efficiency per unit of ca (dW/dca) during two periods (1890–1965 vs. 1966–2016), for fir and pine were different and indicated acclimation to ca increases. We hypothesize that, spatially and temporally, the divergent responses among species to carbon and oxygen isotopes and dW/dca are influenced by the site conditions and the historical increases in ca. From our results, we show that fir and pine species will behave physiologically different as global warming progresses. Firs are more responsive to atmosphere vapor pressure deficit along different geographical zones. The survival of forests species under climate change will rely on the response to water stress and species' traits that influence the regulation of dW. Finally, we want to highlight the concept of “progressive resource limitation” of soil water and nutrients, previously proposed by other authors, that likely indicate fir species that inhabit moister sites will benefit more from increased ca than pine, but this positive effect is likely transitory as global warming increases.