Sustainable Development Goals Targets Research Articles

Deciphering genetic diversity in conserved cattle bulls to achieve sustainable development goals

The primary objective of Sustainable Development Goal target 2.5 established by the United Nations is to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity in domesticated animals. The ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources in India has been actively engaged in the conservation of cattle and buffalo bull semen for long-term storage. This present study aimed to assess the genetic diversity present in the conserved cattle bull semen, which would aid in determining the most suitable strategy for future conservation management. A total of 192 bull semen belonging to 19 cattle breeds were selected to evaluate genetic diversity using 17 pairs of FAO recommended microsatellite primers. Total 267 alleles were detected across all the samples which indicates substantial amount of allelic variation is being maintained in conserved bulls. Further, all cattle bulls semen conserved showed higher observed heterozygosity than expected heterozygosity which indicates excess genetic diversity in all the populations. The FST, F IT and FIS value across the loci and population is 0.146 ± 0.009, 0.054 ± 0.038, and − 0.105 ± 0.035, respectively, which suggests lack of inbreeding in conserved cattle bull semen. This study has established genetic diversity in conserved cattle semen samples to achieve sustainable development goals. In addition, it provides compelling evidence that the current approach for conserving cattle bull semen is heading in the correct direction.

Early-Neonatal, Late-Neonatal, Postneonatal, and Child Mortality Rates Across India, 1993-2021

The global success of the child survival agenda depends on how rapidly mortality at early ages after birth declines in India, and changes need to be monitored to evaluate the status. To understand the disaggregated patterns of decrease in early-life mortality across states and union territories (UTs) of India. Repeated cross-sectional data from the 5 rounds of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 1992-1993, 1998-1999, 2005-2006, 2015-2016, and 2019-2021 were used in a representative population-based study. The study was based on data of children born in the past 5 years with complete information on date of birth and age at death. The analysis was conducted in February 2024. Time and geographic units. Mortality rates were computed for 4 early-life periods: early-neonatal (first 7 days), late-neonatal (8-28 days), postneonatal (29 days to 11 months), and child (12-59 months). For early and late neonatal periods, the rates are expressed as deaths per 1000 live births, for postneonatal, as deaths per 1000 children aged at least 29 days and for child, deaths per 1000 children aged at least 1 year. These are collectively mentioned as deaths per 1000 for all mortalities. The relative burden of each of the age-specific mortalities to total mortality in children younger than 5 years was also computed. The final analytical sample included 33 667 (1993), 29 549 (1999), 23 020 (2006), 82 294 (2016), and 64 242 (2021) children who died before their fifth birthday in the past 5 years of each survey. Mortality rates were lowest for the late-neonatal and child periods; early-neonatal was the highest in 2021. Child mortality experienced the most substantial decrease between 1993 and 2021, from 33.5 to 6.9 deaths per 1000, accompanied by a substantial reduction in interstate inequalities. While early-neonatal (from 33.5 to 20.3 deaths per 1000), late-neonatal (from 14.1 to 4.1 deaths per 1000), and postneonatal (from 31.0 to 10.8 deaths per 1000) mortality also decreased, interstate inequalities remained notable. The mortality burden shifted over time and is now concentrated during the early-neonatal (48.3% of total deaths in children younger than 5 years) and postneonatal (25.6%) periods. A stagnation or worsening for certain states and UTs was observed from 2016 to 2021 for early-neonatal, late-neonatal, and postneonatal mortality. If this pattern continues, these states and UTs will not meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal targets related to child survival. In this repeated cross-sectional study of 5 time periods, the decrease in mortality during early-neonatal and postneonatal phases of mortality was relatively slower, with notable variations across states and UTs. The findings suggest that policies pertaining to early-neonatal and postneonatal mortalities need to be prioritized and targeting of policies and interventions needs to be context-specific.

Will South Africa meet the Sustainable Development Goals target for maternal mortality by 2030?

In September 2015, South Africa (SA) and 192 countries adopted Agenda 2030, which included the Sustainable Development Goals. With a mere 6 years to go before 2030, it is useful to understand what progress SA is making towards their attainment. In this short report, we assess progress towards meeting the maternal mortality target, globally and in SA. The maternal mortality ratio that countries are expected to reach is no more than 70 deaths per 100 000 live births. A range of sources is used to show progress, with an emphasis on the reports of the National Committee on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal deaths, which reports on the number of maternal deaths in health facilities, together with reasons for these deaths and recommendations to reduce preventable mortality.

Atlas 2022 of African health Statistics: Key results towards achieving the health-related SDGs targets

IntroductionThe Atlas 2022 of African Health Statistics is a comprehensive tool that gives an overview of the health ecosystem in the African region. As such, it tracks progress towards globally agreed objectives, such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), assesses the capacity of African countries to achieve them, and helps policymakers identify gaps and areas requiring substantial reinforcement. MethodsWe analyzed health-related SDGs’ key indicators in the Atlas 2022 of African Health Statistics. This platform is a nexus for consistent and comparable data sources across countries. A review of studies addressing the evolution of health-related SDG indicators in Africa was also considered for discussion and recommendations. ResultsHunger and different forms of malnutrition remain prevalent in the Region. Maternal and neonatal mortality is still high compared to other regions, with increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases and poor mechanisms to address mental health issues. Many inequalities are noted in violence against women, access to health services, or access to water and basic sanitation, which is exacerbated in rural areas. Regarding achieving the SDGs, the trend of most indicators shows they will be challenging to perform at the Regional level. However, a few countries are on track to achieve some goals. These results clearly show that countries have different experiences and, therefore, different progress in achieving sustainable development goals. The delays experienced by many countries in terms of development in other sectors, such as climate and the environment, poverty reduction and economic growth, equity and justice, etc., will make it even more difficult to achieve the health-related SDGs. Achieving these goals should, therefore, be seen as a transdisciplinary and inclusive process. ConclusionBeyond the COVID-19 pandemic that has recently challenged health systems worldwide, the African Region is also dealing with several threats, jeopardizing its progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030. Given the Region’s particular context, a readjustment of the regional targets and/or deadlines would be advisable to ensure they are achievable.

Phytoremediation of laundry wastewater using Pistia stratiotes and recycling of spent plant biomass for sustainable biomethane production

This study investigates the decontamination of laundry wastewater (LWW) using Pistia stratiotes via phytoremediation and recyclability of residual macrophyte biomass for enriched bio-CH4 production. Phytoremediation was performed using a hydroponic system. The optimum phytoremediation factors were LWW concentration = 79.4 %, plant density = 4 plants/reactor, and retention time = 12.9 days. This condition offered maximum removal efficiencies of 82.32 ± 3.59 %, 67.19 ± 2.90 %, and 70.34 ± 3.56 % for NH4+, COD, and PO43−, respectively. The residual P. stratiotes biomass (RPSB) was anaerobically co-digested with buffalo dung (BD) at 1:1 (w/w, wet basis) for enriched bio-CH4 production, achieving a maximum cumulative bio-CH4 yield of 696.84 ± 35.82 mL/g-VS. The modified Gompertz kinetic model fitted well to the anaerobic co-digestion experimental data with R2-value = 94.4 %. The integrated phytoremediation/co-digestion scheme succeeded in promoting social well-being through improved water quality, clean energy recovery, and benefiting the environment through carbon footprint emission reduction. These outputs achieved multiple targets of sustainable development goals.

Neonatal mortality during the war in Tigray: a cross-sectional community-based study

Neonatal mortality is among the key national and international indicators of health services. The global Sustainable Development Goal target for neonatal mortality is fewer than 12 deaths per 1000 livebirths, by 2030. Neonatal mortality estimates in the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey found 25·7 deaths per 1000 livebirths. Subnational surveys specific to Tigray, Ethiopia, reported a neonatal mortality lifetime prevalence of 7·13 deaths. Another government report from the Tigray region estimated a neonatal mortality rate of ten deaths per 1000 livebirths in 2020. Despite the numerous interventions in Ethiopia's Tigray region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the war has disrupted most health services, but the effect on neonatal mortality is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the magnitude and causes of neonatal mortality during the war in Tigray. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Tigray to evaluate neonatal mortality that occurred from Nov 4, 2020, to May 30, 2022. Among the 31 districts, 121 tabias were selected using computer-generated random sampling, and 189 087 households were visited. We adopted a validated WHO 2022 verbal autopsy tool, and data were collected using an interviewer-administrated Open Data Kit. In the absence of the mother, other respondents to the verbal autopsy interview were household members aged 18 years and older who provided care during the final illness that led to death. 29 761 livebirths were recorded during the screening of 189 087 households. Verbal autopsy was administered for 1158 households with neonatal deaths. 317 neonates were stillborn, and 841 neonatal deaths were recorded with the WHO 2022 verbal autopsy tool from Nov 4, 2020, to May 30, 2022, in 31 districts. The neonatal mortality rate was 28·2 deaths per 1000 livebirths. 476 (57%) of the 841 neonatal deaths occurred at home and 296 (35%) in health facilities. A high rate of neonatal deaths was reported in rural districts (80% [673 of 841]) compared with urban districts (20% [168 of 841]), and 663 (79%) deaths occurred during the early neonatal period, in the first week of life (0-6 days). The leading causes of neonatal death were asphyxia (35% [291 of 834]), prematurity (30% [247 of 834]), and infection (12% [104 of 834]). Asphyxia (37% [246 of 663]) and infection (28% [50 of 178]) were the leading causes of death for early and late neonatal period deaths, respectively. Neonatal mortality in Tigray is high due to preventable causes. An urgent response is needed to prevent the high number of neonatal deaths associated with the depleted health resources and services resulting from the war, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal on neonatal mortality. UNICEF and United Nations Fund for Population Activities. For the Tigrigna translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Exploring the potentialities of industrial hemp for sustainable rural development

This literature review paper explores the potential sustainable applications of industrial hemp, contextualizing it within the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hemp is a dioecious, herbaceous, anemophilous (wind-pollinated) annual crop that grows from one to five meters in height. However, monoecious varieties have been developed through breeding and selection. Historically versatile, Cannabis sativa L. has faced stigmatization and unfounded prohibitions, having played crucial roles in different civilizations, including during World War I. A member of the Cannabaceae family, it is a versatile non-psychoactive crop, with low concentrations of THC. Recently, the global market for hemp has grown. It is an eco-friendly option in the food, textile, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors. This study is based on bibliographic research covering primary and secondary sources, including technical reports, academic journals, and scientific repositories. The origin, characteristics and cultivation methods of industrial hemp are discussed, besides its practical applications, including the production of fibers, health food grains, medicinal phytocannabinoids, biofuels, sustainable biomass energy, and carbon offsetting. Its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and achieve SDG targets stands out, considering environmental benefits, product diversification, resistance, and integration into agroforestry systems. Regenerative agriculture is explored as a promising approach, aligned with the principles of sustainable agriculture and the SDGs, aiming to restore agricultural ecosystems, promote soil health, and improve climate resilience. The research highlights the importance of reforming cannabis-related policies to achieve goals relating to health, justice, and global partnerships, emphasizing the need for sustainable approaches to exploiting this natural resource.

Do population-related factors matter for carbon emissions? Lessons from different income groups of countries

In an era of rising global population and urbanisation, understanding demographic shifts and CO2 emissions dynamics has become crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 13. This study employs robust econometric procedures to investigate population-related factors influencing CO2 emissions across countries with varying income levels from 1993Q1 to 2018Q4. Our empirical findings reveal several vital insights. First, urbanisation positively impacts CO2 emissions across income groups. Second, unemployment tends to decrease CO2 emissions in most income groups, except for lower-income countries, with negligible effect. Besides, an ageing population drives CO2 emissions in upper-middle and lower-middle-income nations but constrains emissions in high-income countries. Population density impedes CO2 emissions in high and lower-middle-income countries but enhances them in lower-income nations. Life expectancy negatively influences CO2 emissions in high and upper-middle-income countries but positively affects emissions in lower-middle-income nations. Finally, causality tests reveal bidirectional relationships between CO2 emissions and determining factors such as population density, ageing population, urbanisation, life expectancy, and per capita GDP. Our findings highlight that policies promoting global ecological balance through CO2 emissions reduction should account for rising population-related factors.

Utilization of technology to provide on-the-job trainings on Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care: Perspectives of nurses and midwives working in Rwanda's remote health facilities.

One of the targets for the third sustainable development goals is to reduce worldwide maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. To address issues affecting women and the newborns during childbirth and postnatal period, concerted efforts from governments and their stakeholders are crucial to maximize the use of technology to enhance frontline health professionals' skills to provide the emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC). However, no study has garnered nurses' and midwives' perspectives regarding the application of technology-enhanced learning approach to provide on-the-job Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and factors that may influence the application of this training approach in the Rwandan context. The study collected data from nurses and midwives from forty (40) public health facilities in remote areas nationwide. The study applied a qualitative descriptive design to explore and describe nurses' and midwives' perspectives on the feasibility and acceptability of technology enhanced learning approaches such as e-learning, phone-based remote training, and other online methods to provide trainings in EmONC. Two focus group discussions with EmONC mentors, two with nurses and midwives were conducted. Twelve key informant interviews were conducted. Participants were selected purposively. In total, 54 individuals were included in this study. A thematic approach was used to analyse data. Nurses and midwives highlighted the need to provide refresher trainings about the management of pre-eclampsia. Most of the EmONC trainings are still provided face-to-face and the use of technology enhanced learning approaches have not yet been embraced in delivering EmONC CPDs for nurses and midwives in remote areas. Nurses and midwives found the first developed prototype of smartphone app training of the EmONC acceptable as it met the midwives' expectations in terms of the knowledge and skills' gap in EmONC. Although the newly developed application was found acceptable, further research involving practical sessions by nurses and midwives using the developed application is needed to garner views about the ease of use of the application, relevance of the EmONC uploaded content on the app, and needed improvements on the app to address their needs in EmONC.

SDG- and GMAG-oriented analysis of multi scenarios spatiotemporal changes and evaluation of the effectiveness and potential of mangrove forests

ABSTRACT It is crucial to mangrove management by understanding its conservation efforts. This study proposed a spatiotemporal analysis model to evaluate mangrove changes in the Guangxi Beibu Gulf (GBG) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), focusing on past, present, and future dynamics. The analysis covered mangrove loss, stability, and gain from 1990 to 2020 and provided projections for 2020 to 2035 across multiple scenarios. Then further assessed the efficacy of past mangrove conservation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the prospective conservation potential with the Global Mangrove Alliance Goal (GMAG) indicators. Findings indicate that by 2020, the GBG and GBA had 81.65 km² and 40.92 km² of mangroves, respectively, with increases of 31.51% and 164.09% since 1990. Projected expansions are anticipated under all three scenarios during 2020- 2035, with the highest growth projected under the trend continuation scenario, followed by ecological restoration and protection, and economic development. While mangrove protection in these regions met SDG targets 6.6.1 and 14.5.1 from 2015 to 2020, the 80% conservation milestone set by GMAG for 2030 was not achieved, necessitating the establishment of nature reserves. The study offers novel insights for sustainable governance of mangrove forests at local, regional, and global levels.

Japanese investment for skills development program in attaining sustainable employability: The case of Bangladesh

Bangladesh lacks many trained workers. The existing technical training curriculums are not advanced enough to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target for human capital development. Therefore, it is a time demand to address the need for skilled human resources. Japan prioritizes Bangladesh's skills development sector to assist the nation in achieving SDGs and importing skilled labor forces into Japan's already declined labor market. This research focuses on the prospects and challenges of Japanese investments in skills development projects in Bangladesh. To this end, this research adopts a need-based approach to prepare a uniform framework for skills development in Bangladesh and finds several challenges in the process of skills development programs that influence the development partners. This study employs a mixed-method research approach. This study finds that the trainees consider the skills development programs significant for their future careers and sustainable employability, although they face various challenges, such as a lack of qualified instructors and training programs and lack of training equipment apart from their lower socio-economic backgrounds. This study especially highlights the significance of Japanese investment in skills development programs in Bangladesh to meet human capital development requirements and develop a framework for sustainable accomplishment of those programs to achieve the SDGs. Finally, this research makes some policy recommendations for relevant stakeholders, including development partners engaged in skills development programs in Bangladesh.

Policy planning and practical implementations of coastal adaptation strategies to reduce the impact of sea level rise in the coastal region of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India

Coastal adaptation is a scientific process, and social, economic, and political adjustment of coastal management policies to minimize the climate impact and increase the resilience in the coastal system. The Kanyakumari coastal region encompasses industrial, ecological, residential and tourist hotspots with high sensitivity for the impact of sea level rise. We used mixed policy tools to evaluate the impact in the coastal region and develop adaptation strategies which are integrated into existing management. To be an effective implementation of adaptation policy, we propose five guiding principles: (i) Develop a coastal settlement management plan for accelerated sea level rise in each fishing hamlet by incorporating the plan into sub district planning. (ii) Entitle a Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter (MCS) in each fishing hamlet and each one access for refugee seekers during a cyclone and later for internally displaced persons (IDPs). (iii) Develop a database system at village level to set up the coastal adaptation policies against sea level rise and a database system should be update time to time (climate, population, migrants, vulnerability data). (iv) Setup an Agricultural Conservation Practices (ACP) and Wetland Reclamation Plan (WRP) in the wetland-rich coastal plain region. (v) Practical approaches to linking the coastal adaptation plan in the study area to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets and indicators are proposed.

Synergies and trade‐offs quantification from regional waste policy to sustainable development goals: The case of Kyoto City

AbstractWaste management policies introduced at regional levels can have a bearing effect on sustainable development goal (SDG) achievement at such levels, promoting certain SDG targets, while hindering other SDG targets. This work introduces an empirical methodology for estimating the synergies and trade‐offs for a city‐level waste management policy with SDG achievements, taking the case of Kyoto City's extensive waste management policy package and its interactions with renewable energy (RE) development (SDG 7), decent economic growth (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and sustainable consumption (SDG 12). Similar interactions at the national‐level are also enumerated with the justified indicators at the city‐level being extended to the national‐level. Through pairwise correlation, multiple correlation, and regression, four hypotheses for circular economy compatibility with SDG achievement were tested. It was found that manufacturing value and small business growth is stunted by circular economy‐based waste policies, while resource efficiency is promoted. Cultural and social structures have trade‐offs with stringent waste management at city‐levels, but is neutral at aggregated levels. RE development is also synergetic with circular economy‐based waste management. This methodology shows a pathway as to how national‐ and city‐level policies can be integrated with each other in order to optimize waste management and overall sustainability.

Mitigating air pollution benefits multiple sustainable development goals in China

Achieving the United nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a significant challenge, necessitating urgent and prioritized strategies. Among the various challenges, air pollution continues to pose one of the most substantial threats to the SDGs due to its widespread adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. However, the connections between air pollution and the SDGs have often been overlooked. This study reveals that out of the 169 SDG targets, 71 are adversely impacted by air pollution, while only 6 show potential positive effects. In China, two major atmospheric nitrogen pollutants, ammonia and nitrogen oxides, resulted in an economic loss of 400 billion United States Dollar (USD) in 2020, which could be reduced by 33% and 34% by 2030, respectively. It would enhance the progress towards SDGs in China by 14%, directly contributing to the achievement of SDGs 1 to 6 and 11 to 15. This improvement is estimated to yield overall benefits totaling 119 billion USD, exceeded the total implementation cost of 82 billion USD with ammonia as the preferential mitigation target. This study underscores the importance of robust scientific evidence in integrated policies aimed at aligning improvements in environmental quality with the priorities of sustainable development.

Paper-based 2D configuration for the electrochemical and facile detection of paracetamol in wastewaters

Since 2020, human pharmaceuticals were included in the list of emerging contaminants from the UNESCO and their detection and elimination were incorporated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal Targets. Among these, analgesic and antipyretic drugs are the most widely used drugs worldwide and, despite their advantages, unused or expired pharmaceuticals are a potential source of water pollution. Paracetamol is one of the most common drugs used for analgesic and antipyretic purposes and has been found to have a much higher concentration in water streams in many European countries. Considering that, an all-in-one paper-based 2 dimensional (2D) fluidic configuration, able to detect paracetamol, was developed in order to deal with environmental matrices without complex/expensive analytical procedures. An ad-hoc paper-based testing area, coupled with a channel was designed and wax-printed onto a porous filter paper. Successively three electrodes were screen-printed, and the whole system was applied for the detection of paracetamol in wastewaters (prior and after the filtration system) without pretreating the sample. In order to detect paracetamol with the easiest approach, the configuration of the paper-based device was optimized in terms of type of substrate used for printing, microfluidic paper strip length/width and combination of them in an integrated architecture, capable to detect paracetamol in the matrices tested in few seconds with a detection limit down to micromolar range, ca. 1 μM. The integrated device shown great promise for simple, fast, sensitive, and sustainable detection of paracetamol in its role of emerging contaminant, especially in the environmental matrices.

Response of Vegetation and Soil Property Changes by Photovoltaic Established Stations Based on a Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Since the commencement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), renewable energy has faced many challenges in reaching the target of SDGs, while the potential ecological impact on the environment cannot be ignored. The expansion of photovoltaic (PV) networks is raising concerns regarding the potential impact of large-scale PV power stations on local ecosystems. However, a comprehensive understanding of the specific responses of vegetation and soil factors to PV con-struction across different study locations is still lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we con-ducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 28 studies internationally representing 31 observational points that evaluated 432 different vegetation and soil factor responses to the installation of PV power stations. We used piecewiseSEM to explore the responses of predictors/factors to the eco-logical environment. This study investigated the geographical and environmental conditions associated with PV construction and their responses to vegetation and soil factors, considering the advantages and disadvantages of PV power station construction in different ecosystems. The results indicate that (1) the response of the ecosystems to PV power station construction increased by 58.89%. Among these, the most significant improvement is in the desert, which accounts for 77.26%. Im-provement in temperate regions is 59.62%, while there is a decrease of 19.78% in boreal regions. Improvement in arid regions is 84.45%, while improvement in humid regions is 9.84%. (2) PV construction promotes SWC, vegetation diversity, vegetation coverage, and vegetation biomass, significantly enhancing vegetation productivity. (3) Among the different ecosystems, PV power station effects were most significant in deserts, while showing negative impacts on croplands. (4) Compared to below-panel treatments, between-panel treatments were more effective in improving ecological conditions. The study contributes to mitigating adverse effects associated with photovoltaic site development, offering insights into site selection planning for solar power stations and the advancement of the renewable energy sector.

Decomposing the inequalities in the catastrophic health expenditures on the hospitalization in India: empirical evidence from national sample survey data.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.8.2 entails financial protection against catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) by reducing out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare. India is characterized by one of the highest OOPE on healthcare, in conjunction with the pervasive socio-economic disparities entrenched in the population. As a corollary, India has embarked on the trajectory of ensuring financial risk protection, particularly for the poor, with the launch of various flagship initiatives. Overall, the evidence on wealth-related inequities in the incidence of CHE in low- and middle-Income countries has been heterogenous. Thus, this study was conducted to estimate the income-related inequalities in the incidence of CHE on hospitalization and glean the individual contributions of wider socio-economic determinants in influencing these inequalities in India. The study employed cross-sectional data from the nationally represented survey on morbidity and healthcare (75th round of National Sample Survey Organization) conducted during 2017-2018, which circumscribed a sample size of 1,13,823 households and 5,57,887 individuals. The inequalities and need-adjusted inequities in the incidence of CHE on hospitalization care were assessed via the Erreygers corrected concentration index. Need-standardized concentration indices were further used to unravel the inter- and intra-regional income-related inequities in the outcome of interest. The factors associated with the incidence of CHE were explored using multivariate logistic regression within the framework of Andersen's model of behavioral health. Additionally, regression-based decomposition was performed to delineate the individual contributions of legitimate and illegitimate factors in the measured inequalities of CHE. Our findings revealed pervasive wealth-related inequalities in the CHE for hospitalization care in India, with a profound gap between the poorest and richest income quintiles. The negative value of the concentration index (EI: -0.19) indicated that the inequalities were significantly concentrated among the poor. Furthermore, the need-adjusted inequalities also demonstrated the pro-poor concentration (EI: -0.26), denoting the unfair systemic inequalities in the CHE, which are disadvantageous to the poor. Multivariate logistic results indicated that households with older adult, smaller size, vulnerable caste affiliation, poorest income quintile, no insurance cover, hospitalization in a private facility, longer stay duration in the hospital, and residence in the region at a lower level of epidemiological transition level were associated with increased likelihood of incurring CHE on hospitalization. The decomposition analysis unraveled that the contribution of non-need/illegitimate factors (127.1%) in driving the inequality was positive and relatively high vis-à-vis negative low contribution of need/legitimate factors (35.3%). However, most of the unfair inequalities were accounted for by socio-structural factors such as the size of the household and enabling factors such as income group and utilization pattern. The study underscored the skewed distribution of CHE as the poor were found to incur more CHE on hospitalization care despite the targeted programs by the government. Concomitantly, most of the inequality was driven by illegitimate factors amenable to policy change. Thus, policy interventions such as increasing the awareness, enrollment, and utilization of Publicly Financed Health Insurance schemes, strengthening the public hospitals to provide improved quality of specialized care and referral mechanisms, and increasing the overall budgetary share of healthcare to improve the institutional capacities are suggested.

Mapping the all-day radiative sky-cooling potential of India for a sustainable environment

Radiative cooling is one of the passive methods of cooling by exchanging radiative heat between a surface and the cold universe through an atmospheric window (8 to 13 µm). The effectiveness of radiative cooling depends on the optical properties of the surfaces and the local meteorological conditions. It is essential to determine the local cooling potential to implement radiative cooling strategies. In this research, India’s annual and seasonal average radiative cooling potential was computed for 437 locations from meteorological data and the map has been developed to meet the energy-efficient cooling requirements of the Indian Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) 2019 and to fulfil the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The results show that most locations in India have a cooling potential between 60 to 140 W/m2. The minimum area required for radiative cooling to meet India’s cooling demand is also evaluated. These results will help disseminate radiative cooling technologies in India to achieve ICAP and SDG targets.

Evaluation of sustainable manufacturing performance – A case illustration with multistakeholder perspective

Increasing awareness on achieving the targets of sustainable development goals led to the various discussions on sustainability in manufacturing applications. Sustainable manufacturing has been considered as one of the key factors for achieving sustainable consumption and production. Considering the advantages, sustainable manufacturing has been discussed with various perspectives in order to improve the sustainable manufacturing performances. This study considers one of the perspectives where other studies are limited within the context of sustainable manufacturing performances, multi-stakeholder perspectives. The sustainable manufacturing performances has been collected and evaluated with multi criteria decision making methodology, best worst method. The three multi stakeholder perspectives have been considered for this study which includes manufacturer perspective, customer perspective and government perspective. The collected sustainable manufacturing performances were evaluated based on these different multi-stakeholder perspectives, in order to understand the similarities and differences among multiple stakeholders in the implementation of sustainable manufacturing through its performances. The detailed discussion of obtained results was explored and acknowledged with existing literature support along with the response from case industrial managers. The similarities and differences of opinion among different stakeholders has been explored to provide fruitful contributions to both academic and scientific community. The key managerial implication of this study is that assisting the industrial managers to focus on influential sustainable manufacturing performances instead of focussing less influential ones based on the opinions of different stakeholders.

IJCM_70A: Husband’s knowledge regarding antenatal care of pregnant women and their involvement in the antenatal care of their wives

Background: Antenatal care is pivotal for maternal and child health, with husband involvement enhancing its efficacy. This study conducted in Mangalore, India, aimed to evaluate husbands’ knowledge and engagement in antenatal care, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for human health and well-being. Objectives: The study aimed to assess husbands’ understanding of and involvement in supporting their wives during pregnancy. Methodology: A cross-sectional study surveyed 150 husbands using a semi-structured questionnaire, collecting data on personal details, antenatal care knowledge, and involvement in their wives’ pregnancy care. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square tests were employed for analysis. Results: The majority of husbands exhibited sufficient knowledge of antenatal care, particularly regarding identifying danger signs. However, levels of active involvement varied due to socio-cultural factors and work commitments. While many accompanied their wives to appointments and participated in decision-making, some faced barriers such as work obligations. Conclusion: Enhancing husband involvement is essential for achieving SDG targets in maternal health. Tailored interventions addressing socio-cultural barriers can empower husbands to play a more active role in supporting maternal well-being. By fostering inclusive healthcare practices, we can improve health outcomes for mothers, infants, and communities at large.