Sustainable Demand Research Articles

Study on the mechanics and self-sensing properties of ultrahigh-performance shotcrete containing waste glass aggregates

To promote the recycling of waste glass and satisfy the demands of environmental sustainability for ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC), in this study, glass sand was employed to partially or entirely replace machine-made sand, and steel fibres were incorporated to fabricate ultrahigh performance shotcrete (UHPS). The effects of glass sand and steel fibres on the mechanical and electrical properties of composite materials were analysed in this study. Furthermore, alkali‒silica reaction (ASR) tests and microstructural analyses were conducted. The results indicate that at higher steel fibre contents, the incorporation of glass sand does not reduce the compressive strength of the UHPS and that glass sand has no significant effect on the split tensile or flexural strength. When the steel fibre content is 2% and the replacement ratio of glass sand reaches 100%, the mechanical properties of the UHPS reach their maximum. The addition of glass sand negatively affects the electrical properties, whereas the use of steel fibres improves them. The results of the alkali‒silica reaction tests confirm that the use of glass sand does not induce harmful expansion reactions. The study revealed the trends in the mechanical and electrical properties of concrete from a microstructural perspective and provided explanations for the alkali‒silica reaction outcomes. This study provides technical support for the application of UHPS to tunnel linings.

Comprehensive Review: Optimization of Epoxy Composites, Mechanical Properties, & Technological Trends

Epoxy composites play a crucial role in modern materials technologies, with their exceptional properties such as high strength and thermal and chemical resistance, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and energy. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current trends and advancements in epoxy composites, focusing on mechanical properties and their optimization. Attention is given to technological innovations, including the use of nanotechnologies, hybrid reinforcement, and eco-friendly materials, which are key to enhancing the performance and sustainability of these materials. The analysis shows that the introduction of nanomaterials, such as graphene, titanium dioxide, and silicon dioxide, can significantly improve the strength, fatigue resistance, and electrical properties of epoxy composites, opening new possibilities in advanced technologies. Another significant contribution is the development of hybrid composites, which combine different types of fibers, such as carbon, aramid, and glass fibers, enabling the optimization of key properties, including interlayer strength and delamination resistance. The article also highlights the importance of environmental innovations, such as bio-based resins and self-healing mechanisms, which enable more sustainable and long-term effective use of composites. The combination of theoretical knowledge with practical applications provides valuable guidance for designing materials with precisely defined properties for future industrial use. This text thus offers a comprehensive view of the possibilities of epoxy composites in the context of increasing demands for performance, reliability, and environmental sustainability.

EXPRESS: The Time Course of Cognitive Effort During Disrupted Speech.

Listeners often find themselves in scenarios where speech is disrupted, misperceived, or otherwise difficult to recognize. In these situations, many individuals report exerting additional effort to understand speech, even when repairing speech may be difficult or impossible. This investigation aimed to characterize cognitive effort across time during both sentence listening and a post-sentence retention interval by observing the pupillary response of participants with normal to borderline normal hearing in response to two interrupted speech conditions: sentences interrupted by gaps of silence or bursts of noise. The pupillary response serves as a measure of the cumulative resources devoted to task completion. Both interruption conditions resulted in significantly greater levels of pupil dilation compared to the uninterrupted speech condition. Just prior the end of a sentence, trials periodically interrupted by bursts of noise elicited greater pupil dilation compared to the silent interrupted condition. Compared to the uninterrupted condition, both interruption conditions resulted in increased dilation after sentence end but before repetition, possibly reflecting sustained processing demands. Understanding pupil dilation as a marker of cognitive effort is important for clinicians and researchers when assessing the additional effort exerted by listeners with hearing loss who may use cochlear implants or hearing aids. Even when successful perceptual repair is unlikely, listeners may continue to exert increased effort when processing misperceived speech, which could cause them to miss upcoming speech or may contribute to heightened listening fatigue.

Green Accounting and Environmental Performance on Financial Performance: Strategic Insights from the Mining Industry in Indonesia

The increasing degradation of the environment and growing demand for sustainability have shifted the paradigm in assessing corporate performance. Sustainability has three dimensions beyond profit, called the triple bottom line. The mining sector has critical strategic significance for economic growth, although entwined with high environmental hazards. Using EViews tool, this study explores green accounting and environmental performance's impact on financial performance of the business. Despite being based on data from financial statements, annual and corporate sustainability reports, the results are of paramount importance and read like this. These studies show that environmental performance has a strong and positive impact on financial performance, confirming the financial relevance of sustainability initiatives. In contrast, green accounting methods have no significant effects on financial results, indicating a disconnect between conventional accounting scopes and viable eco-initiatives. Collectively, these factors have a material impact on corporate performance. The research sectoral focus and sample confines its generalisability. Future studies need to explore intervening or moderating models and incorporate further variables in order to deepen understanding and broaden applicability. Our study adds to the existing literature debates about how environmental sustainability can be reconciled with corporate financial performance.

Principles of integrating modern waste processing facilities into the structure of large cities

The necessity for effective and coherent integration of utilitarian industrial enterprises into the urban environment is driven by the increasing ecological and urban planning requirements of large cities regarding the development of waste disposal technologies. To develop new methods and approaches to integrating solid waste processing facilities into the structure of Tyumen, Russia. An assessment of design practices in both international and Russian contexts highlights the following contemporary methods of integration into the urban environment: functional, communicational, and aesthetic. The study demonstrates the urban planning scales of integration within a large city, spanning the urban framework, the structure of urban districts, and the architectural context of development. An experimental model was developed in the study for the integration of a waste processing facility into the historical city center, taking into account the high demands for ecological sustainability of modern technologies. This model can serve as a prototype for creating a network of industrial enterprises that also incorporate social functions. The design concept of the new facility is complemented by requirements for its integration into the surrounding landscape, utilizing terracing techniques in the configuration of primary functional volumes. As a result, the stages of development and integration of modern waste processing facilities for municipal solid waste have been identified and characterized. The paper introduces principles for their integration into the urban environment, which serve as the foundation for future changes in the architectural appearance of such enterprises within the context of large cities.

Molecular Photoelectrocatalysis for Radical Reactions.

ConspectusMolecular photoelectrocatalysis, which combines the merits of photocatalysis and organic electrosynthesis, including their green attributes and capacity to offer novel reactivity and selectivity, represents an emerging field in organic chemistry that addresses the growing demands for environmental sustainability and synthetic efficiency. This synergistic approach permits access to a wider range of redox potentials, facilitates redox transformations under gentler electrode potentials, and decreases the use of external harsh redox reagents. Despite these potential advantages, this area did not receive significant attention until 2019, when we and others reported the first examples of modern molecular photoelectrocatalysis. These studies showcased the immense synthetic potential of this hybrid strategy, which not only inherits the strengths of its parent fields but also unlocks unprecedented reactivity and selectivity, enabling challenging transformations under mild conditions while minimizing the reliance on external stoichiometric harsh oxidants or reductants.In this Account, we present our efforts to develop photoelectrocatalytic strategies that leverage homogeneous catalysts to facilitate diverse radical reactions. By integrating electrocatalysis with key photoinduced processes such as single electron transfer (SET), ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT), and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), we have established photoelectrocatalytic methods to transform substrates such as organotrifluoroborates, arenes, carboxylic acids, and alkanes into reactive radical intermediates. These intermediates subsequently engage in heteroarene C-H functionalization reactions. Importantly, under these photoelectrochemical conditions with homogeneous catalysts, reactive radical intermediates generated in the bulk solution readily participate in efficient radical reactions without undergoing further overoxidation into carbocations, a common challenge in conventional electrochemical systems.By further integration of photoelectrocatalysis with asymmetric catalysis, we have developed photoelectrochemical asymmetric catalysis (PEAC), which proves to be efficient in the enantioselective synthesis of chiral nitriles. This approach involves two relay catalytic cycles: the initial photoelectrocatalytic process engenders benzylic radicals from precursors such as alkyl arenes, benzylic carboxylic acids, and aryl alkenes, and these C-radicals are then subjected to enantioselective cyanation in a subsequent copper-electrocatalytic cycle.Within the realm of oxidative photoelectrochemical transformations, the anode serves as a crucial component for recycling or generating the photocatalyst, while the cathode promotes proton reduction. This dual functionality enables oxidative transformations via H2 evolution, eliminating the reliance on external chemical oxidants. Furthermore, the adaptability of electrochemical systems, achieved through precise manipulation of electric current or potential, ensures meticulous control over the generation and turnover of multiple catalytic species of diverse electrochemical properties. This unique tunability allows for exceptional control over the catalytic process. As a result, despite being a relatively nascent field, molecular photoelectrocatalysis has become instrumental in enabling numerous challenging transformations that were once difficult or required harsh conditions.

Consumer enchantment through everyday consumption

PurposeThis study aims to investigate consumer enchantment through everyday consumption, focusing on how individuals seek virtue, reason and a sense of purpose in their consumption practices.Design/methodology/approachThis seven-year study was performed using a multimethod approach. Data collection involved netnography, participant observation, introspection and in-depth interviews with consumers and technical experts, resulting in extensive qualitative data analysis of craft beauty product consumption.FindingsDespite external constraints, consumers exercise discretion in their choices, seeking to achieve their ideal selves and full potential through their consumption practices. They prioritise personal health and sustainability, rather than pursuing material satisfaction, leading to enchantment. Craftsmanship plays a significant role in offering unexpected outcomes, symbolic meaning and fostering an affective connection with materials and processes.Research limitations/implicationsThis research contributes to consumption studies by distinguishing between hedonic consumption, rooted in sensory pleasure, and eudaimonic enchantment, which emphasises personal fulfilment and ethical engagement. This study expands the understanding of consumer enchantment associated with everyday consumption practices.Practical implicationsOrganisations should prioritise transparency in production processes, ingredient sourcing and formulations to align with consumer demands for ethical consumption and sustainability. By incorporating elements of craft consumption into their offerings, businesses can enhance consumer experiences, support consumer well-being and foster enduring relationships with those who value authenticity and sustainability.Originality/valueBy exploring consumer values, aspirations and involvement in the craftsmanship of everyday products, this study uncovers an underexplored path to consumer enchantment. The authors show how individuals, in their pursuit of self-development, achieve states of enchantment by engaging with the eudaimonic aspects of life, particularly in the consumption of crafted products.

An experimental and modelling approach to proclaim sustainable machining using avocado oil-based nano-cutting fluids

Higher-end science and technology facilitate the human community with a sophisticated life despite it curses by abundant pollution. The alarming demand for sustainability pressurizes the manufacturing sector to ensure sustainable manufacturing. Since Molybdenum di sulfide (MoS2) and avocado oil are known solid and liquid lubricants respectively, hence, it is a worthwhile attempt to implement the bio-based degradable avocado oil enriched with nano Molybdenum di sulfide (nMoS2) particles as a potential machining fluid for CNC-end milling. Different proportions of avocado oil and nMoS2 were used to synthesise four distinct machining fluids to assess the individual impact of avocado oil and nMoS2 particles. The emulsification and sonication were employed to synthesise the fluids. A hybrid Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was followed to scrutiny the effect of novel machining fluid on machining objectives. The experimental results of physio-chemical properties revealed that avocado-rich 0.5% nMoS2 excels among others. The L16 orthogonal array experiments associated with statistical analysis explored the developed machining fluid (A6W4/0.5) that significantly impacts the machining objectives. The experimental results manifest that nearly 64.87% of surface roughness and 93.3% of tool wear have been reduced during machining in the presence of A6W4/0.5 fluid than A4W6/0.75. The improved performance of the novel machining fluid upholds its potential to replace conventional fluids and ensure green manufacturing.

Sustainable corporate entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainability – a systematic literature review

Sustainability has emerged as a critical priority for both business strategy and academic research, driving a shift beyond traditional responsibility frameworks toward embedding sustainability within entrepreneurial paradigms. While start-ups and social entrepreneurs have effectively integrated sustainability into their business models, large corporation face significant challanges in balancing financial goals with the growing demand for sustainability. This study considers the potential of corporate entrepreneurship to foster sustainability within established companies. Sustainable corporate entrepreneurship (SCE) allows companies to leverage innovation for sustainability as a value-creating opportunity rather than a restrictive constraint. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature – the lack of a comprehensive framework for SCE – through a meticulous, systematic literature review of 95 recent publications. Our proposed SCE framework identifies three key dimensions: focus, approach and evaluation. We provide insights to deepen understanding and guide future research in this evolving field. Specifically, we introduce a model that conceptualizes how SCE can be developed as dynamic capability for generating value through sustainability-focused innovation. This model speficies capabilities on an individual and organizational level, as well as contextual enablers and hurdles.

Emerging trends and innovations in polysaccharide-derived EMI shielding materials: A comprehensive review of bibliometric and performance analysis.

The increasing reliance on electronic devices has created a pressing demand for high-performance and sustainable electromagnetic interference shielding materials. While conventional materials, such as metals and carbon-based composites, offer excellent shielding capabilities, they are hindered by high costs, environmental concerns, and limitations in scalability. Polysaccharide-based materials, including cellulose, chitosan, and alginate, represent a promising alternative due to their biodegradability, renewability, and versatility. These materials, when combined with advanced fillers such as MXene, graphene, silver nanowires (AgNW), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and magnetic nanoparticles like Fe3O4, exhibit exceptional shielding performance, often exceeding 100 dB, alongside lightweight and flexible characteristics. A detailed bibliometric analysis reveals a rapid growth in global research, with China leading in publication output and international collaborations. Advances in composite design, such as multilayered, gradient, and hybrid architectures, have significantly enhanced the functional capabilities of these materials, including improved absorption-reflection mechanisms, thermal management, and mechanical robustness. Despite these achievements, key challenges persist in optimizing filler dispersion, balancing electrical and mechanical properties, and developing scalable production methods. This review offers critical insights into the untapped potential of underexplored polysaccharides, such as starch and gums, and highlights their suitability for next-generation EMI shielding applications. By exploring the synergy between various fillers and polysaccharide matrices, the article outlines transformative pathways for creating high-performance, sustainable materials. Readers are equipped with actionable perspectives on innovative composite designs, material optimization strategies, and scalable fabrication techniques to address the evolving demands of advanced electronics and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable packaging operations: Balancing cost, functionality, and environmental concerns

Sustainable packaging has emerged as a critical focus in the intersection of environmental conservation and operational efficiency, as organizations strive to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products while maintaining profitability. This study explores the triadic balance of cost, functionality, and environmental concerns in sustainable packaging operations, presenting insights into the strategies and innovations that can drive sustainable practices without compromising economic and practical considerations. Key challenges in sustainable packaging stem from the need to replace traditional materials with eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable options, while ensuring durability, usability, and affordability. This research highlights the growing importance of lifecycle assessments (LCA) in evaluating the environmental footprint of packaging materials, as well as the integration of circular economy principles to optimize resource utilization. Advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and digital design, are discussed for their role in reducing waste and enabling customized packaging solutions. The study also examines the role of collaboration across supply chains to develop cohesive sustainable packaging systems and the importance of consumer education in fostering adoption. Case studies of successful implementations in various industries, such as food and beverage, personal care, and e-commerce, illustrate how companies have innovatively balanced the competing demands of cost, functionality, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are identified as significant drivers of sustainable packaging innovation. This study concludes with a discussion on future trends, including the potential of nanotechnology and smart materials in enhancing packaging performance while minimizing environmental impact. The findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to sustainable packaging that aligns with economic goals, regulatory requirements, and environmental stewardship. By leveraging emerging technologies and fostering cross-industry partnerships, businesses can achieve sustainable packaging operations that support long-term environmental and economic resilience.

One-step fabrication of dual-network cellulose-based hydrogel sensors with high flexibility and conductivity under ZnCl2 solvent method for flexible sensing properties.

Flexible smart sensing materials are gaining tremendous momentum in wearable and bionic smart electronics. To satisfy the growing demand for sustainability and eco-friendliness, biomass-based hydrogel sensors for green and biologically safe wearable sensors have attracted significant attention. In this work, we have prepared MCC/PAA/AgNWs/CNTs hydrogel sensors with excellent conductive sensing properties by a simple physical blending method. The ZnCl2 solvent system was used to dissolve the MCC, followed by introducing acrylic acid to polymerize under UV illumination. Subsequently, CNTs and AgNWs were introduced into the hydrogel network to obtain hydrogel with excellent conductive sensing and antibacterial properties. Here, the physical and chemical interactions between the components significantly improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogels, exhibiting good tensile strength (0.45MPa), elongation at break (558%) and adhesion properties. Hydrogel presented outstanding electrical conductivity and significantly elongation sensitive (GF=4.73 when elongated 90-120%). Additionally, the hydrogel was also found to have significant antimicrobial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the antibacterial effect was almost 100%. With high sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility, these hydrogel strain transducers can detect various human movements, including finger flexion, wrist movement, joint motion, and heartbeat.

Designing a Sustainable Cafe Library Interior Using Textile Waste Materials and Innovative Resin Tiles

Abstract: The increasing demand for sustainability in interior design has fueled the quest for new materials and creative solutions. This study looks into the use of textile waste in cafe library interior design, with an emphasis on comfy furniture, useful decor, and unusual partition pieces. This study's original contribution is the fabrication of ornamental tiles manufactured from textile waste and sustainable resin, a material combination that has not previously been used in interior design. The process entails conducting surveys from three perspectives: customers, cafe library proprietors, and interior designers, to assess the proposals' practical practicality and reception. This article provides a thorough framework for incorporating textile waste into the emerging narrative of eco-friendly interior design by combining creative design principles and sustainability aims.

Public-Private Partnerships in Public Sector Management: Case Study Analysis of Efficiency and Sustainability Outcomes

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a strategic approach to addressing the challenges of public sector development, particularly in the context of budget constraints and the demand for sustainability. Although numerous studies have explored the potential of PPPs, there remains a gap in understanding how this approach can simultaneously enhance operational efficiency and project sustainability. This research aims to evaluate the contribution of PPPs to operational efficiency and sustainability through case studies from five key sectors: transportation, energy, health, education, and clean water. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing thematic analysis based on primary data from semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and secondary data from project documents and official reports. The findings reveal that PPPs can improve cost efficiency by up to 20% in transportation projects through the application of technology and innovative management. In the energy sector, a 40% reduction in carbon emissions was achieved due to the integration of environmentally friendly technologies. Moreover, in the health sector, project completion times were reduced by 15%, while patient satisfaction rates increased by 30%. The study also highlights that the success of PPPs depends on balanced risk-sharing, contract transparency, and effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. This research contributes to strengthening empirical evidence on the relevance of PPPs as a strategic solution for enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability in the public sector. These findings are expected to serve as a guide for policymakers in designing more adaptive PPP contracts that support sustainable development. Thus, this study reinforces the role of PPPs as a key instrument in addressing modern development challenges

Selective Removal of Highly Toxic Selenite by a Biobased Zirconium-Polyphenolic Supramolecular Gel.

The green and facile biobased functional materials have attracted great attention due to the promising potential to deal with the water pollution of toxic selenium ions that act as a serious threat to human health and the ecological environment. The development of cheap and eco-friendly approaches to remove SeO32- is of great significance for the safety of drinking water. However, there are some disadvantages in most of the employed methods, such as poor removal capability, high cost, and unsustainability. In this paper, a novel zirconium-based metal polyphenol gel (MOGs, Zr-GA) was synthesized by using tea polyphenol-derived gallic acid (GA) as ligands to selectively capture SeO32- anions from aqueous solutions with ultrahigh adsorption capacity (119.5 mg g-1). As a natural product, the adoption of GA aligns well with the sustainable demand, making it suitable for a wide range of application fields. In addition, the adsorbent can work stably in a wide pH range (2-11) and exhibits excellent selectivity for SeO32- removal. This work develops an efficient adsorption material by a simple synthesis method based on a natural product.

Performance Restoration of Chemically Recycled Carbon Fibres Through Surface Modification with Sizing.

The recycling of Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) is becoming increasingly crucial due to the growing demand for sustainability in high-performance industries such as automotive and aerospace. This study investigates the impact of two chemical recycling techniques, chemically assisted solvolysis and plasma-enhanced solvolysis, on the morphology and properties of carbon fibres (CFs) recovered from end-of-life automotive parts. In addition, the effects of fibre sizing are explored to enhance the performance of the recycled carbon fibres (rCFs). The surface morphology of the fibres was characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and their structural integrity was assessed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy. An automatic analysis method based on optical microscopy images was also developed to quantify filament loss during the recycling process. Mechanical testing of single fibres and yarns showed that although rCFs from both recycling methods exhibited a ~20% reduction in tensile strength compared to reference fibres, the application of sizing significantly mitigated these effects (~10% reduction). X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) further confirmed the introduction of functional oxygen-containing groups on the fibre surface, which improved fibre-matrix adhesion. Overall, the results demonstrate that plasma-enhanced solvolysis was more effective at fully decomposing the resin, while the subsequent application of sizing enhanced the mechanical performance of rCFs, restoring their properties closer to those of virgin fibres.

Green Human Resource Management and Environmental Performance: The Mediating Role of Employee Commitment and the Contingent Effect of Organizational Culture

Organizations are increasingly implementing Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices to enhance Environmental Performance (ENVP) in response to growing sustainability demands. However, the pathways through which GHRM impacts ENVP, particularly the mediating role of Employee Commitment (EMPC) and the moderating effect of Organizational Culture (ORGC), remain insufficiently explored. This study employs a quantitative approach, collecting data from 348 valid responses through convenience sampling in Oman’s service sector. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze direct, mediating, and moderating effects within the proposed framework. The results reveal that GHRM practices positively impact ENVP both directly and indirectly through EMPC. Employees’ commitment mediates this relationship by converting organizational sustainability strategies into tangible outcomes such as resource conservation and waste reduction. Additionally, ORGC moderates the GHRM-ENVP relationship, with supportive cultures amplifying the impact of GHRM practices on sustainability goals. This study underscores the strategic importance of integrating GHRM practices with a supportive culture to achieve superior environmental outcomes. By bridging theoretical gaps, it provides insights for policymakers and leaders to embed EMPC and ORGC into sustainability frameworks, aligning organizational practices with global environmental objectives.

Hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis.

The world's energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to address the climate issues and growing sustainable energy demand. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable sources and may play a crucial role in the zero-carbon economy, which is regarded as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Currently, hydrogen production via water electrolysis still relies on high-purity water, while seawater electrolysis benefits from the abundance of seawater, which can be particularly beneficial for water-scarce countries, and deep-sea applications, such as floating platforms or islands. However, it faces several challenges, such as impurities in seawater, the harsh marine environment, and unpredictable costs. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on addressing these challenges through innovative solutions, including the design of robust electrocatalysts, the development of smart integrated structures, and the exploration of innovative coupled systems. In this review, the significant progress mentioned above aimed at improving the efficiency of seawater electrolysis is briefly discussed, and the challenges and prospects are provided.

Impact of CPAP Therapy on Cognition and Fatigue in Patients with Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea: A Longitudinal Observational Study.

Continued solicitation of cognitive resources eventually leads to cognitive fatigue (CF), i.e., a decrease in cognitive efficiency that develops during sustained cognitive demands in conditions of constrained processing time, independently of sleepiness. The expression of CF and its impact on cognition are partly contingent upon prior sleep quality and its restorative effects. Sleep in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be largely restored through the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, contributing to a gradual improvement in sleep quality. In this longitudinal observational study, we investigated immediate and longer-term behavioral effects of CPAP treatment on cognitive functioning, evaluating outcomes after the initiation of treatment, and at three and six months, in compliant CPAP-treated OSA patients. Results indicate that CPAP therapy significantly enhances subjective sleep quality and cognitive functions, including episodic memory, inhibition, sustained attention, working memory, and executive control. Noticeable performance improvements were observed in CF-inducing tasks, particularly after six months of CPAP use. Participants also reported substantial gains in quality of life, reduced daytime sleepiness, and improved mood. These results confirm that CPAP therapy not only alleviates immediate physiological disturbances associated with OSA, but also supports cognitive recovery and enhanced overall daily functioning.

GHG and Carbon Emission Intensity: Examining Their Impact on Financial Performance

Governments worldwide have implemented various strategies to reduce carbon emissions, with policies targeting high-emission industries such as energy, transportation, and manufacturing. However, developing Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, face challenges in balancing economic growth with emission reduction efforts due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, Malaysia has made notable progress through its National Policy on Climate Change, pledging to reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030. In response to growing stakeholder demands for sustainability, companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to improve their environmental performance, often measured by Carbon Emission Intensity (CEI). CEI is a crucial indicator that offers a relative measure of environmental impact, considering a company’s economic output. The focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria has heightened the importance of CEI, particularly as companies with lower CEIs are viewed more favourably by investors. However, the relationship between carbon reduction efforts and financial performance remains inconclusive. This study examines the impact of carbon reduction efforts on the financial performance of Malaysian companies from 2019 to 2023. Using two widely recognized financial performance measures, Return on Assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q, the study investigates the influence of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) participation on these metrics. The study utilizes panel data analysis on 1087 listed companies and applies multiple regression analysis using the STATA software package. The findings reveal a positive correlation between GHG emissions and ROA and Tobin’s Q, suggesting that companies not actively reducing emissions may still experience short-term financial gains. Conversely, CDP participation negatively impacts both financial indicators, likely due to the increased compliance costs associated with sustainability initiatives. The results underscore the need for a balanced approach that aligns environmental responsibilities with financial performance as Malaysia transitions to a low-carbon economy.