Environmental Perspective Research Articles

Synergistic Impact of Magnets and Fins in Solar Desalination: Energetic, Exergetic, Economic, and Environmental Analysis

This study investigates the effectiveness of combining magnets with parabolic and truncated fins in enhancing the distillation process of solar stills. The integration of magnets accelerated evaporation rates, while the fins increased the heat absorption area, resulting in improved output, vis-à-vis traditional solar stills. A comparative assessment revealed that the parabolic fin solar still (PFS) with magnets outperformed the truncated fin solar still (TCFS), producing 20%, 15%, and 16% more distillate at three different depths (1, 2, and 3 cm). The superior performance of the PFS is attributed to the magnetism of the water and the fins’ more extensive surface area for heat absorption. Efficiency measurements at a water depth of 1 cm showed that the PFS achieved the maximum energy and exergy efficiencies at 30.49% and 8.85%, respectively, compared with TCFS’s 25.23% and 6.22%. Economically, the PFS setup proved more feasible, with a 20.9% lower cost per liter of distilled water than TCFS. Additionally, the environmental impact assessment indicated a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, potentially generating revenues of approximately USD 1242.32 through carbon credits. These results reflect a considerable margin to enhance the efficiency of solar desalination through well-planned adjustments, which bodes well for the future of optimized solar distillation systems from an economic and environmental perspective.

Research on the path of technological innovation and resource allocation optimization of state-owned enterprises from the perspective of ecological environment and biomechanics

In the evolving global landscape, competition among nations has increasingly centered on the allocation of innovation resources, which are crucial for enterprises to implement development strategies under supply-side reforms. The efficiency and rationality of resource allocation directly affect the innovation capacity and operational performance of enterprises. This paper examines the relationship between technological innovation and resource allocation in state-owned enterprises through the lens of the ecological environment, employing data from multiple sources and utilizing the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to assess resource allocation efficiency. The study reveals that the proportion of R&D personnel invested in enterprises in China increased significantly from 46.35% to 73.38%, while the proportion in research institutions and universities declined to 11.48% and 11.36%, respectively. These shifts underscore the growing dominance of state-owned enterprises in driving technological innovation. The findings highlight that aligning technological innovation mechanisms with ecological sustainability not only enhances innovation capabilities and competitiveness but also accelerates industrial development and contributes to the sustainable growth of the national economy.

Transforming agricultural land into agrotourism area: Environmental, economic and socio-cultural perspectives

This study investigates the impacts of converting agricultural land into agrotourism areas on environmental, socio-cultural, and economic perspectives within Batukliang District, Central Lombok Regency, Indonesia. With a case study approach, this qualitative descriptive research employed interviews with three target groups: local farmers, residents, and tourism actors. The findings revealed seven key points identified as influences affecting the socio-cultural aspects of land change, including community impact, cultural preservation, cultural identity loss, community dynamics change, local cultural commercialization, cultural heritage loss, and traditional livelihoods. The results also unveiled nine financial impacts, 8 of which were associated with economic implications such as economic challenges, risk management, brand building, costs and investments, market access, increased revenue, and income diversity, which contribute positively to local economic development. The study concluded that integrating community involvement empowerment strategies, income diversification, sustainable farming promotion, and land-use regulation is crucial for developing a successful sustainable agrotourism destination.

Contextualising sustainable transhumant pastoralism: A systematic review

AbstractTranshumant pastoralism and sustainable development are two concepts that have long been treated as mutually exclusive elements in research on agriculture and livestock production. This study, therefore, aimed to establish the critical link between the two concepts by exploring the effects of transhumant pastoralism on economic, environmental and social sustainability, thereby conceptualising it within the broader sustainable development discourse. The study adopted a systematic literature review methodology to synthesise 145 studies related to the role of transhumant pastoralism in sustainable development in sub‐Saharan Africa. The paper employed thematic analysis to investigate the nature of transhumance and its implications for sustainability. The thematic analysis was based on the tripartite dimensions of sustainability—social, economic and environmental. The findings indicate that transhumance substantially impacts economic sustainability through the preservation of livelihoods, the creation of employment opportunities, and the generation of revenue. Nonetheless, it also poses challenges such as crop damage and the spread of zoonotic diseases, adversely affecting economic stability. Socially, transhumance promotes ethnoreligious cooperation and integration, enhancing social cohesion, but it also contributes to conflicts and security concerns. From the environmental perspective, transhumance has the potential to mitigate overgrazing and facilitate ecosystem regeneration. However, it is also linked to water contamination, deforestation, and the proliferation of invasive species. The study concluded that sustainable transhumant pastoralism must be conceptualised holistically, addressing the dimensions of sustainability simultaneously. It is recommended that effective stakeholder collaboration and comprehensive policy interventions be used to harness the benefits of transhumance while minimising its adverse effects.

Environmental planning and the evolution of inter-basin water transfers in the United States

The uneven spatial distribution of water resources and demands across the US have motivated a wide range of inter-basin water transfers. By redistributing water resources, Inter-basin water transfer projects can lead to specific environmental changes such as altered river flows, changes in water quality, and loss of ecologically important habitats, impacts which depend on project scale and management. Early water transfer projects were undertaken prior to legislation Since the primary focus is not on the environmental impacts of these projects, they are often not documented historically. We provided a comprehensive inventory of inter-basin water transfer projects (built, incomplete, proposed) in the US, identified patterns of these projects’ characteristics, analyzed the growing role of environmental planning in these projects, and drew lessons to inform future proposals. We categorized historical US water transfer projects into three periods: 1900–1930, 1930–1970, and 1970–2020, analyzing projects over 40 km long and 50 MCM/year using diverse sources, to assess their development from an environmental planning perspective. Results of this study show that the early projects, mostly gravity-driven and smaller-in-scale, grow in scale and require more pumping stations (energy-intensive) to lift the water over high elevations. California and Colorado are the most active, using these transfers for the first time. Federal agencies have reduced funding for most transfers due to a growing recognition of the environmental impacts, which were not adequately addressed in planning of early projects. Environmental impacts are crucial for the planning and operation of inter-basin water transfer projects. We recommend that assessments of climate change vulnerability should also be considered essential for future project proposals.

Education to Promote Healthy and Sustainable Eating Habits: A Bibliometric Analysis

Food production accounts for a substantial part of human activities’ negative impact on planetary environmental stability. Although environmental education and education for sustainable development could both promote changes in this area, research often does not focus on their potential to build healthy and sustainable eating habits. Here, a bibliometric map of the scientific literature is outlined, revealing trends and opportunities for research on this topic. The SPAR-4-SLR protocol was used to collect a large sample (RQ1 sample: n = 2067) and, subsequently, a narrow sample (RQ2 sample: n = 256) of research works on this topic. The sampling process and data treatment were undertaken in RStudio. The bibliometric analysis shows that scientific research in this area is increasing exponentially in quantity (R2 = 0.926). However, the model also indicates that quality standards have been decreasing (β = −0.951 p < 0.001), with a high adjustment (R2 = 0.803). Cross-statistical corroboration points in the same direction (r = −0.541 p < 0.01). Authorship quality has low consistency among publications focused on eating-habit education from an environmental sustainability perspective. The emerging topics are meat consumption, behavior, attitudes, and the Mediterranean diet. This research unveils gaps to be explored in future research on education for sustainable development (and environmental education) to foster healthy and sustainable eating habits, and contributes to the discussion on the quality standards of scientific research.

Process development and optimization of sustainable and integrated large scale ammonia production process using water electrolysis based green hydrogen: Investigating process, energy, economic & environmental perspectives

Ammonia is an important raw material for fertilizer production and significantly contributes globally to agricultural systems. The multi-objective optimization of a large-scale integrated ammonia production process using water electrolysis-based green hydrogen is carried out using the Hybrid Multi-Objective Differential Evolution-Distance Learning Scheme (Hybrid MODE-DLS) algorithm. Three optimization cases are solved with the objectives of ammonia production rate, total production cost, and total energy by considering nine decision variables, and multiple constraints. The maximum ammonia production (66.51 kmol/h) and minimum total production cost (105.07 $/yr × 105) are obtained in Case 1 whereas the minimum energy value (7863.45 kWh) is obtained in Case 2. The minimum heat credit value of 3057300.5 $/annum exists in Case 2 solutions whereas the maximum heat credit value of 7992076 $/annum is seen in Case 3. The ammonia production rate increased by 82.79% in Case 2 results compared to the base case results.

Immune defense adaptation of Strauchbufo raddei population in heavy metal polluted area: Insights from developmental and environmental perspectives

The adjustment of immune defense mechanisms is a crucial aspect of biological adaptation to stressful environments. Amphibians, with their unique metamorphic process, experience distinct life stages and exhibit diverse immune defense components. While previous studies have focused on specific immune changes during particular life stages under stress, this research addresses a critical gap by exploring the adaptive immune defense strategies of Strauchbufo raddei in heavy metal-polluted environments. We conducted laboratory experiments, exposing offspring from both polluted and unpolluted areas to control and heavy metal treatments, while continuously monitoring changes in immune components during key metamorphic stages. Notably, we examined the role of the skin microbiome, a crucial but often overlooked barrier against pathogens. The results indicated that individuals from polluted areas exhibited some tolerance to heavy metal exposure, though overall immune function remained diminished. During metamorphosis, when immune defenses are most vulnerable, the skin microbiome rapidly enriched beneficial bacteria, preventing pathogenic colonization and playing a pivotal role in maintaining immune defense in contaminated environments. Moreover, our research highlights energy allocation strategies involving corticosterone and body fat content, enabling populations to maintain development despite immune compromise. The immune adaptations observed may be fixed through genetic assimilation, suggesting a rapid evolutionary response to environmental stress. However, this reduces phenotypic plasticity, making populations more vulnerable to future environmental changes. This study provides key insights into the survival strategies of amphibian populations in heavy metal-contaminated areas, laying the foundation for future research on molecular and evolutionary adaptations.

The Effect of Social Support on Self Efficacy in Job Search to Improve Career Adaptability

Career decision-making is an important stage for students, specifically the process of making career decisions that is realized through the selection of companies and job positions. To make an optimal selection, many aspects are involved or influence the decision, both internal and external factors. Career decision-making should also align with the abilities possessed by the students themselves. One of the factors that can influence the decisiveness of students' career decisions from the individual perspective is Self-Efficacy, while from the environmental perspective, one of the factors is Social Support. The purpose of this research is to determine the extent to which social support and self-efficacy in job search influence the development of Career Adaptability in final-year students. This research uses a quantitative approach with a population consisting of all university students in the city of Madiun. The sample was taken using purposive sampling based on the population criteria. Data analysis was conducted using multiple regression with SPSS software

Distribution of phosphorus forms in soil amended with poultry litter of different ages and application rates: Agronomic and environmental perspectives

AbstractPoultry litter (PL) can be used as a viable alternative to phosphate fertilizers. However, there is a lack of information about phosphorus (P) distribution in inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) forms and its transformation in soils amended with PL of varying age (based on litter clean‐out frequency) and application rate. This study aimed to determine the effect of PL age and application rate on soil P forms and their bioavailability. Soils were amended with 5 and 10 Mg ha−1 PL using 6‐, 18‐, and 30‐month‐old litter and incubated for 6 months. Soil P fractionation was performed following the Hedley protocol. Soil P availability and soil P storage capacity (SPSC) were determined using Mehlich 3 (M3) extraction. Results indicated that P transformation from labile to stable P forms occurred over 150‐day incubation. Litter age had no significant effect on the distribution of soil P forms. However, the highly reactive Pi (HRPi) form was higher for treatments with 10 Mg ha−1 PL on Day 0, indicating a risk for P loss, which was also revealed by negative SPSC for those treatments. At Day 0, M3‐P was positively correlated to HRPi. However, from Day 30 to 150, M3‐P was strongly correlated to both HRPi and moderately reactive Pi (MRPi) forms, indicating MRPi contribution to soil P availability. The negative relationship between HRPi and SPSC further confirms that high HRPi on Day 0 may be an environmental concern.

Analyzing Consumer Motivations and Behaviors Towards Upcycled Food from an Environmental Sustainability Perspective

Green energy consumption is a pressing global environmental issue that necessitates the optimization of food system circularity to effectively utilize natural resources. The rise of food technology has introduced upcycled food as a promising solution for reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. Despite its potential, research on consumer attitudes toward upcycled food remains scarce. This study investigates the role of upcycled food in shaping Taiwanese consumers’ behaviors in response to environmental challenges, utilizing the value–attitude–behavior (VAB) model with a focus on variables such as “product novelty”, “green perceived value”, and “ethical consumption”. Using convenience sampling, 297 valid responses were collected, achieving a response rate of 91.1%. Findings indicate that health values significantly enhance positive attitudes toward upcycled food, which in turn positively influences behavioral intentions. However, neither green perceived value nor product novelty significantly affected these intentions. These insights highlight the importance of prioritizing health values, consumer attitudes, and ethical consumption in marketing strategies for upcycled food to engage potential consumers and promote environmental sustainability. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature and suggests a strategic direction for the food industry.

Enhancing energy efficiency in shipping container house: a novel approach using hybrid louver systems

Reusing shipping containers for residential purposes offers a promising approach to address global energy consumption challenges from economic and environmental perspectives. This study parametrically designed hybrid louver shadings by combining fixed vertical triangular slats with variable-depth horizontal rectangular slats, offering a novel approach to shading prefabricated buildings. The energy consumption, daylighting performance, and visual comfort were assessed for various shading configurations. Results indicated that implementing the proposed hybrid louvers, featuring fixed vertical triangular slats and variable-depth horizontal rectangular slats, significantly reduced Energy Use Intensity (EUI) to 133.95 kWh/m2. Moreover, Useful daylight illuminance (UDI), Daylight Autonomy (DA), and Glare Autonomy (GA) values improved to 95.38%, 89.97%, and 91.16%, respectively. The study highlighted the potential of the proposed shading system to significantly reduce overall energy consumption across various ASHRAE climate zones, including Miami (1A), Guangzhou (2A), Melbourne (3C), Esperance (3C), San Diego (3A), and Milan (4A). Notably, energy reductions of up to 50.2% were projected for climates such as Miami (1A) and San Diego (3A). Furthermore, container buildings in warm climate zones exhibited a significantly lower EUI range of 76.58 to 91.95 kWh/m². This study underscores the transformative potential of hybrid louver systems in promoting the widespread adoption of sustainable residential architecture, contributing to global sustainability efforts.

A felelősségteljes magatartás erősödése a turisták körében = Strengthening Responsible Behavior among Tourists

Examining today’s tourism, it should be noted that undesirable side effects have appeared and intensified, both from a social and environmental perspective. Maintaining the popularity of tourism and its further development requires change. This change must occur in both supply and consumer demand. In our study, we examine the extent to which the Hungarian population is open to exhibiting environmentally conscious and responsible consumer behavior during their travels. We analyze the results of key manifestations of responsible tourism and the attitude of the domestic population towards environmental awareness. Our study is particularly relevant as many host areas are already struggling with the negative effects of overtourism. Therefore, it is important to understand whether there is a willingness among tourism consumers to adopt more environmentally conscious and responsible consumer behavior.

Multi-software based dynamic modelling of a water-to-water heat pump interacting with an aquifer thermal energy storage system

Aquifer thermal energy storage systems may support the decarbonization of heating and cooling energy needs of urban areas, not only in heating-dominated countries but also in Southern Europe. In this framework, this work investigates the adoption of a water-to-water heat pump interacting with two aquifers and activating a small-scale district heating and cooling network serving a mixed-use district of eight residential and office buildings in Rome (Italy). The dynamic behaviour of aquifers has been replicated using the GeoSIAM software. Energy conversion systems and users’ thermal and cooling loads have been simulated in TRNSYS 18. The dynamic models have been integrated using an iterative approach based on conditions regarding plant operation and injection temperature in wells. The proposed solution has been then compared from the energy and environmental perspective with a traditional system, including an air-to-water heat pump. In addition, the balance between heating and cooling mode operation has been assessed. The results obtained encourage the adoption of aquifer thermal energy storage systems in Central Italy. Indeed, the primary energy saving, and the carbon dioxide emissions avoided are equal to 18%, whereas the imbalance between cooling and heating loads is limited to -5.2%.

Navigating the EU Ship Recycling Market: Economic and Environmental Perspectives

Ship recycling refers to the process of dismantling ships to extract and recover materials and it is typically seen as the best method to dispose of a ship when its service life is coming to an end. Exploring the European Union's aspiration to enhance competitiveness and boost ship recycling near its shipyards, this study delves into the European ship recycling market's environmental, economic, and regulatory facets. It focuses on factors influencing recycling activities in the EU, set against global market trends and stringent regulations. Employing a multiple linear regression model, the study analyzes variables like shipyard capacity, Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT) price, ship age, shipbuilding rates, maritime trade volumes, and material circularity, drawing data from 2016 to 2022 from various open-source databases. The research uncovers correlations between shipyard capacity and demolition rates, and the impact of LDT prices on demolitions. The study also notes the interplay between shipbuilding activities and demolition rates. This paper contributes crucial insights to the European ship recycling market, aiding sustainable development in a changing operational environment.

Investigating the response of urban surface thermal environment to urban morphology changes in Nanjing

The urbanization process has significantly impacted urban morphology, which in turn has led to changes in the urban surface thermal environment (USTE). A summarization of the empirical patterns of past urban morphology changes and an evaluation of the USTE effects produced by different patterns will contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge regarding the response of USTE to urban morphology changes and facilitate the development of sustainable urban planning and design practices. This study investigated the response of USTE to urban morphology from the overall and local based on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) framework during 2005–2020 in Nanjing. The results validated the rationality of the LCZ framework for describing urban morphology changes and their USTE responses. It was found that the overall USTE was continuing to deteriorate, with an increase in high temperature and sub-high temperature areas. LCZ 4, LCZ 5, and LCZ 8 were the major contributors to overall urban heat, and their growth in the amount and changes in USTE characteristics mainly caused the overall USTE deterioration. In localized areas, it was found that urban regeneration had the most potential to optimize USTE. The conversion processes of LCZ 5 to LCZ 4, LCZ 8 to LCZ 4, and LCZ 8 to LCZ 5 were considered more advantageous in improving daytime USTE, which should be advocated. The results can provide important insights into the perception of urban morphology and USTE, and support the urban regeneration policies for climate-resilient cities from the environmental performance perspective.

Materials Sustainability in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Sustainable materials development is becoming crucial in the pharmaceutical industry due to the significant environmental impacts of medications across their life cycle. While early production stages have seen efforts to minimize these effects, reducing environmental impacts from drug consumption and disposal remains challenging. Growing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements are pressuring the industry to adopt sustainable practices. Material sustainability, which emphasizes responsible resource use and minimal environmental impact, is a key focus. Strategies include green chemistry principles to reduce hazardous substances and waste during drug development and manufacturing. Additionally, biodegradable materials and eco-friendly packaging designs are gaining traction to lessen landfill and ecosystem impacts. Despite progress, challenges such as complex regulatory frameworks and the need for stakeholder collaboration persist. This review examines materials sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting its shift toward environmentally responsible practices driven by innovation and regulation. It investigates current environmental initiatives, perspectives, and strategies to address environmental challenges. Achieving sustainability requires a holistic, integrated approach involving all aspects of the business, from supply chain management to product development. By prioritizing sustainability, the pharmaceutical industry can contribute to global climate goals, ensuring its resilience and long-term success.

ESG SCORES, EARNINGS MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM POLAND

The paper's main aim is to investigate the relationship between the ESG activities scores and profitability metrics of 33 public companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. By utilizing the Refinitiv methodology, we answer whether a company's environmental, social and governance performance perspectives positively affect the ROA, ROE and ROC ratios or whether there is a negative relationship. A secondary objective of the research is to investigate the relationship between profitability and the magnitude of aggregate-based earnings management in the tested sample. The moderating effect of earnings manipulation on the links between ESG performance and a company's profitability metrics is a research gap that has not been well-studied to date.This research demonstrates contradictory results: a positive relationship between the social dimension of ESG activities and the financial performance of companies was observed regarding ROE and ROC ratios. The negative impact of the environmental pillar rank on the ROA ratio was captured only in selected regression analyses. The governance pillar score did not statistically affect the tested profitability metrics. On the other hand, we gathered evidence that public companies with a high range of non-financial disclosures tend to alter earnings via accruals, and discretionary accruals statistically affect the ROA, ROE and ROC ratios. This finding contrasts previous research claiming that the earnings management phenomenon is a typical agency problem and that the policy of non-mandatory disclosures following the ESG assumptions could constrain the asymmetry of information and managerial information advantages.

Design and Modeling of Sustainable Environment in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Practices

Pharmaceuticals have detrimental environmental effects, including their effect on the greenhouse gas emissions of medical care; hence, pharmacists address climate and biodiversity problems. Education and understanding are essential to facilitate Environmental Sustainability (ES) in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Practices (PP) (ESPP). This study aimed to investigate Australian pharmacy undergraduates' understanding and views about ES and the ESPP program material. Responders were polled using a survey administered. The survey consisted of two primary portions: the New Environmental Perspective (NEP) to assess people's ecological mindset scores and a section regarding their opinions and curricular experiences of ES procedures, adjusted from previously released questionnaires. The notification with the survey User Recourse Locator (URL) was distributed through online platforms, Australian pharmaceutical student organizations, and direct outreach. Quantitative information was presented descriptively. Thematic analysis of qualitative data from open-ended question replies was conducted using a reflexive, recursive methodology. Answers that needed to be included should have been included in the evaluation. Among the 165 replies, 98% had already acquired information on ES. Under 12% possessed an awareness of ESPP, and only 7.9% recognized the inclusion of ESPP topics in the pharmaceutical syllabus. 65% of participants saw the ESPP as pertinent to prospective PP. 89% asserted that the pharmacy profession must implement sustainability efforts in providing pharmaceutical treatment. Australian pharmacy learners needed to exhibit more awareness of ESPP, and a limited number reported curricular involvement with ESPP topics within their pharmacy programs. ESPP material represents a significant domain for enhancement within pharmacy courses.

The eco-city indicators from the local perspectives in the Northeast of Thailand

This research aims to delineate the ecocity indicators from the local perspectives in urban communities in the Northeast of Thailand. The research was quantitative survey research. Data was collected from a sample of 400 people who live in Khon Kaen Municipality and Udon Thani Municipality using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and factor analysis. We found that the eco-city indicators from the perspective of people in the urban communities in the Northeast of Thailand were divided into three main criteria: a) economic perspectives; b) social perspectives; and c) environmental perspectives. When considering each aspect, it was found that the economic perspective had a total of 9 issues with an average of 3.06 out of 5.00, the social perspective had a total of 16 issues with an average of 3.76 out of 5.00, and the environmental perspective had a total of 14 issues with an average at 3.00 out of 5.00.