Published in last 50 years
Articles published on Sustainable Practices
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1080/03736245.2025.2580938
- Nov 4, 2025
- South African Geographical Journal
- Ngonidzashe Mangoro + 2 more
ABSTRACT Driven by escalating environmental degradation and extreme climate events, the 21st-century global economy now places sustainability at its core. Researchers, policymakers, global institutions and environmentalists worldwide are urging a shift to environmentally friendly waste management practices to ease environmental pressure. Although sustainable practices have emerged in key sectors like construction to reduce their harmful impacts, many remain ineffective, particularly in developing countries. This study analyses global construction and demolition waste management methods and proposes a suitable model for developing countries, using South Africa as a case study. This was carried out using a systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires, with epistemic communities in the construction and environment sector. The study found that while most construction and demolition waste management approaches are highly effective in developed countries, they are less effective and less applicable in developing countries. It is argued that methods from developed countries cannot be directly applied in developing countries like South Africa and must be adapted to local economic and technological contexts. To enhance construction and demolition waste management in South Africa, a hybrid approach combining circular economy and industrial ecology is proposed as an effective solution.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1108/jiabr-02-2025-0099
- Nov 4, 2025
- Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research
- Niyaz Panakaje + 6 more
Purpose The current investigation analyzes the effect of ethical instruction on the business integrity, accountability and performance among Muslim entrepreneurs in Karnataka, India. Using the Social Exchange and Planned Behavior theories, it investigates how Islamic values of fairness, trustworthiness and honesty promote moral decision-making, corporate integrity and responsibility in business operations. The study aims to further examine the moderating impacts of market competition intensity and cultural context on the interplay of ethical training and business results, thereby upholding the paradigm of business ethics. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was employed using a structured online survey of 393 Muslim entrepreneurs from different sectors, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing and agriculture. The model was validated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test hypothesized relationships. Findings Findings from the study show that ethical decision-making mediates the relationship between business integrity and responsibility, which, in turn, affects performance. Leaders using Islamic values-based approaches create an atmosphere conducive to moral conduct, openness and stakeholder trust. Further, the relationship between business integrity and performance becomes heightened by market competition intensity. In competitive markets, ethical practices serve as essential differentiators. Indeed, cultural context enables a climate for the adoption and effective pursuit of Islamic principles in business. Practical implications It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, religious institutions and industry leaders toward implementing Islamic ethical training programs that cultivate moral steadfastness and sustainable practices. Originality/value Integration of Islamic values into business strategies fortifies business performance, trust and sustainability, epitomizing Islamic ethics’ transformational role in excellence in the SME sector.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1108/jmd-01-2025-0007
- Nov 4, 2025
- Journal of Management Development
- Bhagabat Barik + 3 more
Purpose This study investigates how Green Inclusive Leadership impacts Green Organizational Citizenship Behaviour, focusing on the mediating roles of Happiness at Work and Self-Efficacy. Addressing a research gap, it examines these dynamics within the manufacturing sector, highlighting the interplay between leadership, employee well-being, and pro-environmental behaviours in an Indian context. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire to gather data from 278 employees chosen through random sampling. Furthermore, data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling using PLS-SEM.4.0. Findings The study reveals that Green Inclusive Leadership positively influences Green Organizational Citizenship Behaviour both directly and indirectly through the mediating roles of Happiness at Work and Self-Efficacy. A serial mediation effect was identified, showing that Happiness at Work and Self-Efficacy sequentially enhance the relationship between Green Inclusive Leadership and GOCB. These findings highlight the importance of inclusive leadership in promoting employee well-being and self-confidence, which in turn foster pro-environmental behaviours within organizations. Originality/value This study uniquely integrates leadership theories with environmental psychology by examining the influence of Green Inclusive Leadership on Green Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (GOCB) through the dual mediating roles of Happiness at Work and Self-Efficacy. It addresses a significant research gap by exploring these relationships within the manufacturing sector in India, an under-researched context. Additionally, the identification of serial mediation provides new insights into the sequential mechanisms linking leadership, employee well-being, and pro-environmental behaviours, offering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable organizational practices.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1108/jarhe-06-2025-0457
- Nov 4, 2025
- Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
- Mohammad Rafiqul Amin + 3 more
Purpose This study examines how perceived institutional and social support systems, alongside engagement in environmental sustainability practices (ESP), influence eco-anxiety among Bangladeshi university students a population highly vulnerable to climate impacts, environmental degradation, extreme weather, and socio-economic stressors. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional quantitative design with purposive sampling collected data from 539 students across 30 higher education institutions in Bangladesh using a structured self-administered questionnaire over three months (mid-January to March 2025). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) evaluated direct and mediating effects of teacher, administrative and social support on eco-anxiety through ESP. Findings Teacher support was the strongest predictor of reduced eco-anxiety, both directly and via ESP. Administrative support affected eco-anxiety indirectly through ESP, while social support directly reduced eco-anxiety but lacked mediation through behavioral pathways. These results support the combined utility of self-determination theory (SDT) and conservation of resources (COR) theory in understanding eco-anxiety in higher education. Practical implications Universities in developing regions should strengthen teacher-student relationships, promote experiential sustainability programs, and integrate mental health into environmental curricula. Policies should recognize eco-anxiety as a legitimate dimension of student well-being, requiring both emotional and behavioral interventions. Originality/value This study is among the first to empirically model ESP’s mediating role between perceived support systems and eco-anxiety in the Global South using SEM, providing a theoretically grounded, policy-relevant roadmap for addressing eco-anxiety through integrated psychosocial and behavioral strategies.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.34148/teknika.v14i3.1368
- Nov 3, 2025
- Teknika
- Muhammad Ramadhan Putra Pratama + 2 more
The palm oil industry in Indonesia continues to face serious problems related to environmental degradation and small farmers limited access to information on sustainable cultivation practices. To address these challenges, this study developed EduSawit, an Augmented Reality (AR)-based educational application that supports the implementation of environmentally friendly palm oil cultivation practices. The application was designed using the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method, which consists of six main stages: concept formulation, design, material collection, assembly, testing, and distribution. Its main feature is interactive 3D visualization that displays important processes such as site selection, provision of superior seeds, mixed planting patterns, use of organic fertilizers, water management, biological pest control, and palm oil waste management. Validation was carried out using Black Box testing to ensure that all functions, including AR marker scanning, 3D object display, and information panels, worked as expected. The research results show that EduSawit is a technically reliable and pedagogically relevant learning medium, with the potential to improve farmers understanding of sustainable cultivation practices. The next step is a field trial with smallholder farmers to assess the application's effectiveness in increasing knowledge, confidence, and adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fagro.2025.1580338
- Nov 3, 2025
- Frontiers in Agronomy
- Milica Vranešević + 4 more
This review article aims to consolidate existing classification systems and evaluate the suitability of irrigation water in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), with particular focus on targets 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5. The review explores key physico-chemical parameters of irrigation water quality and their role in determining water usability. Common classification systems such as FAO and US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) frameworks are examined, alongside their application in assessing impacts on soil health, crop productivity, and ecosystem stability. Findings indicate that inadequate irrigation water quality, particularly due to high salinity and sodium content, leads to soil salinization, reduced yields, and degradation of water and soil resources. These effects also extend to environmental and economic systems, through biodiversity loss and increased production costs. Effective management practices, such as improving drainage, using appropriate irrigation water, and applying soil amendments, are useful to mitigate these adverse effects and maintain soil and plant health. Mitigation strategies to address the economic impacts of unsuitable irrigation water quality include infrastructure investment, educational initiatives and policy enforcement. These strategies are closely aligned with European policy initiatives such as the Water Framework Directive, the European Green Deal, and the Blue Deal, all of which aim to promote sustainable irrigation practices and support the successful implementation of SDG 6 targets. The review emphasizes the practical relevance of these findings for policy-makers, water managers, and agricultural stakeholders seeking to implement sustainable irrigation practices and enhance local water resilience under SDG 6 targets.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13162-025-00324-x
- Nov 3, 2025
- AMS Review
- Bidyut Kumer Balo + 3 more
Abstract Despite their evident mutual relevance and interconnection, systematic examinations of the relationship between customer experience (CX) and sustainable consumption are rare. This systematic literature review explores the intersection of these concepts by analyzing the nature and influence of CX in sustainable consumption. First, the study synthesizes existing research knowledge on CX stimuli that are particularly highlighted in the context of sustainable consumption, such as product elements and sensory cues tied to sustainability, eco-conscious advertising and marketing messages, and bio-based packaging elements. Second, the review charts CX dimensions evoked by sustainability stimuli, including various sensory, affective, cognitive, and social experiences. Third, the study describes the role of CX in promoting or hindering both purchase behaviors, such as purchasing organic offerings, and non-purchase behaviors, such as recycling. The findings confirm the relevance of CX in facilitating transaction-focused outcomes (purchases or sales), but also show that CX can influence non-transactional outcomes, such as engagement and disengagement in sustainability practices. The study advances existing CX research by developing a conceptual framework that delineates CX in the sustainable consumption context and identifying special features and tensions related to it. Furthermore, the study adopts a dynamic and processual approach to understanding consumer behavior in the context of sustainable consumption, departing from traditional knowledge, awareness, and practice-based approaches. It highlights the interplay between CX stimuli and outcomes, not only in purchase decisions but also in non-purchase journeys, such as sharing. The findings highlight significant gaps in the current literature, including the need for more attention to the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of sustainable consumption, alongside the environmental dimensions that have been more commonly studied. Building on identified gaps in existing research and the developed propositions, our study sets the stage for future research on CX in the context of sustainable consumption.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.70382/mejaimr.v10i2.082
- Nov 3, 2025
- International Journal of African Innovation and Multidisciplinary Research
- Ezekiel O Adeleye + 1 more
This study examined the influence of sustainable supply chain practices on the competitive performance of manufacturing firms in Oyo State, Nigeria, framed by the Triple Bottom Line. It addressed the critical gap between global sustainability pressures and local adoption barriers. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative insights. Data were collected from 81 manufacturing firms using a structured questionnaire and were analyzed via SPSS for correlation and regression, complemented by thematic analysis. The key findings revealed that economic sustainability practices significantly enhanced cost-effectiveness (r=0.395, p<0.001), while social practices substantially improved customer loyalty and brand reputation (r=0.742, p<0.001). Compliance with global standards also positively impacted international competitiveness (r=0.634, p<0.001). Conversely, environmental practices showed an insignificant negative effect (r=-0.212, p=0.058), primarily due to infrastructural deficits. Qualitative data corroborated these results, with firms reporting 5–10% cost savings from lean production but facing significant hurdles in implementing green initiatives. The study concluded that while economic and social sustainability were potent drivers of competitive advantage, environmental sustainability was hampered by systemic constraints. It was recommended that firms prioritize cost-effective social and economic practices, while policymakers and industry associations should facilitate infrastructure sharing, simplify global certifications, and provide government incentives to close the sustainability adoption gap.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.36713/epra24712
- Nov 3, 2025
- EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business Review
- Dr Ramakrishna B
The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, a visionary initiative introduced by the government of Karnataka, stands as a beacon of localized economic growth and industrial development. The study on the significance of this initiative highlights its crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, reducing regional imbalances, promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development. This article provides a comprehensive overview of its economic impact, successful case studies, challenges faced, and prospects, emphasizing the potential for sustainable growth and development in the state's districts. This analysis underscores the importance of ODOP as an ambitious development program with far-reaching benefits for the State's overall progress and development. In addition, the study's recommendations provide a roadmap for enhancing the scheme's implementation, including strategies for awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, market access facilitation, skill development, sustainable practices, resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders. Keywords: One District One Product (ODOP), Karnataka, Economic Impact, District-specific Products, Challenges, Rural Development and Sustainability.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.9734/jsrr/2025/v31i113665
- Nov 3, 2025
- Journal of Scientific Research and Reports
- Shehab Aldeen Mohammed Mohsen Albaadani + 3 more
Modular and prefabricated construction technology has received more attention as the demand for sustainable and affordable urban homes has increased. These methods offer significant opportunities for improvements in productivity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a systematic review of twenty-seven peer-reviewed high-quality journals, aiming to assess how prefabrication can cut construction waste, speed up project delivery, and affect housing availability. The review synthesises empirical evidence from various geographical and economic settings, following a strict selection process. The findings show that prefabrication can lower construction waste by 40 to 70%, reduce project delivery time by 15 to 45%, and cut construction costs by up to 30%, thereby making housing more affordable. In addition, combining prefabricated strategies allows for scalable and repeatable design models that fit into high-density urban areas. This improves environmental performance and worker safety. Results indicate that the modular and prefabricated systems tend to deliver on shorter construction times, less wastage of material, and cost management as opposed to the traditional system. These benefits however come in different magnitudes according to the context and type of project. The research also focuses on how this building technique promotes the principles of a circular economy by means of reusing the components and minimising the effects of its lifecycle. In general, both modular and prefabricated construction have a good chance of enhancing the outcomes of the housing projects, but it is still required to be repeatedly empirically proven. However, there are barriers. These include high initial costs, a bureaucratic regulatory environment, and fragmented supply chains, especially in developing markets. Notably, the review contributes to the field by mapping the evolution of modular construction research, identifying critical knowledge gaps, and proposing a structured framework for evaluating productivity and sustainability outcomes in housing projects. These insights provide a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to enhance sustainable construction practices and advance the circular economy agenda within the built environment.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s43039-025-00123-z
- Nov 3, 2025
- Italian Journal of Marketing
- V Veglio + 1 more
Abstract Smart hotel technologies, such as smart environments and location-based mobile notifications could be used to encourage sustainable behaviours. However, hotel guests might not enjoy interacting with these technologies, while hotel managers might see them as a cost. At the same time, despite growing interest in smart hotel innovations, there is still a research gap regarding the link between customers’ intentions to adopt these technologies and their willingness to use them in support of sustainable hotel practices. The aim of the paper is to explore the interrelationship between the hedonic value of smart hotels, and customer intention to use sustainable technologies. Drawing on the model of goal directed behaviour (MGB), we hypothesize that customers displaying a higher level of affinity for technology are more likely to associate positive emotions with smart hotels, to adopt sustainable technologies, and to pay for them. The data were collected through a computer-assisted questionnaire distributed to a representative sample of the Italian population and the hypothesis were tested using PLS-SEM. The results show that customers displaying a higher affinity for technology are more likely to associate positive anticipated emotions with smart hotels and to adopt sustainable technologies, but not to pay for them.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.51584/ijrias.2025.1010000044
- Nov 3, 2025
- International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science
- David Amoateng + 1 more
Soil pollution has increasingly become an environmental concern with adverse effects on ecosystems, human health, and agricultural productivity. It ideally occurs when anthropogenic waste and hazardous substances contaminate soil; such pressure disrupts ecological processes concerning food security and water security, among others. This study adopts a qualitative literature review methodology to synthesise the existing research, thus clustering insights into three themes: causes, environmental impacts, and impacts on populations. Findings indicate that industrialisation, unsustainable agricultural practices, poor waste management, and urbanisation are the dominant drivers of soil pollution. Such degradation emits persistent pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and agrochemicals. Fertility is damaged by these contaminants in soil, biodiversity is disturbed, and water is polluted, leading to further consequences in the ecosystems and climate stabilisation. The human population get exposed to toxic substances from soil pollution, giving rise to chronic diseases, food insecurity, and economic losses, with the vulnerable group, especially children, the elderly, and low-income communities, bearing the heaviest burden. The proposed measures by the study emphasise integrated responses involving stricter regulation of industrial and agricultural pollutants, promotion of the use of sustainable agricultural practices, and employment of remediation techniques such as bioremediation and phytoremediation. Public awareness and international cooperation are other essential hands to hold in minimising soil pollution. Since this threat is a big global issue, it needs a multi-sectoral action for safeguarding soil health, food systems, and public well-being.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3390/su17219784
- Nov 3, 2025
- Sustainability
- Woosub Kim + 3 more
This study investigates the complex relationship between corporate ethics and financial performance in the context of sustainable management. By subdividing corporate social responsibility (CSR) into corporate ethical levels and ethical efforts, it analyzes how these factors, along with their interaction, influence corporate financial performance. The analysis employs ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with year fixed effects (year dummy variables), using twelve years (2012–2023) of ESG evaluation data from 384 publicly listed Korean manufacturing companies. The study empirically tests whether highly ethical firms may fall into a corporate moral licensing phenomenon, whereby past ethical achievements are used to justify socially irresponsible decisions in pursuit of short-term profit. The findings reveal that while higher corporate ethical levels generally improve financial performance, sustained ethical efforts at a high level can paradoxically reduce short-term profitability, thereby exposing firms to risks that undermine sustainability. Taken together, these results highlight the dual nature of CSR as both an enabler and a potential constraint for sustainable business practices. Overall, the study contributes to sustainability research by offering novel evidence of moral licensing at the corporate level and providing actionable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to balance ethical commitments with long-term sustainable performance.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s12600-025-01339-7
- Nov 3, 2025
- Phytoparasitica
- Sidi Mohammed Ouaznati + 7 more
Abstract This study documents the recent occurrence of Sophonia orientalis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) on avocado ( Persea americana ) crops in the Gharb and Loukkos regions of northwest Morocco. Species identification was validated through morphological examination of male genitalia and DNA analysis using standard barcoding techniques . The Two spotted leafhopper S. orientalis is a polyphagous and invasive pest native to Southeast Asia, and it has been recorded in various locations around the world. In Morocco, the area planted with avocados is constantly increasing due to the crop's profitability. However, the emergence of leafhoppers poses significant phytosanitary threats to growers. Identification based on male genitalia features and confirmation by DNA sequencing revealed infestations of S. orientalis , with high sequence identity (99.11%–100%) to reference sequences in GenBank. Field surveys from March to September 2024 showed that S. orientalis infestations were mostly found in areas between Moulay Bousselham and Sidi Allal Tazi, with up to 50% of the inspected avocado orchards indicating its establishment in those regions. Although no crop losses have yet been reported in Morocco due to S. orientalis , its confirmed establishment in a significant proportion of avocado orchards and its invasive nature in other regions justify the early implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Coordinated efforts among agricultural authorities, researchers, and farmers are essential to safeguard Morocco's avocado industry while maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3389/fsufs.2025.1600091
- Nov 3, 2025
- Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
- Carol Tatiana Chamorro-Vargas + 5 more
In Latin America, the expansion of land for Extensive Cattle Ranching (ECR) is the leading driver of deforestation causing unsustainable levels of environmental degradation and social vulnerability to climate change extremes of drought or flood. Silvopastoral Systems (SPS) are a promising agroecological alternative to ECR. SPS combines trees and shrubs with forage grasses to enhance cattle production and landscape heterogeneity in this region. Despite strong evidence of SPS benefits (e.g., soil protection and recovery, increased cattle productivity and benefits to biodiversity), its adoption remains low. Previous work on how to scale out this practice has considered adoption as a binary option, without examining levels of adoption based on the amount (area) of SPS and types of practices adopted. This research aimed to assess how SPS can be scaled out by exploring the factors that influenced the number of hectares and component practices of SPS adopted by individual farmers to understand enablers and barriers. We used mixed effects linear models to analyze socio-economic survey data from 2,900 farms in Colombia collected over 9 years under the Sustainable Cattle Ranching (SCR) project (organized by The Nature Conservancy, CIPAV, FEDEGAN and Fondo Acción) combined with open access environmental information (8 spatial layers). The factors that had a positive significant effect on adoption were Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), distance to closest SCR farm, presence of forest or watershed on the farm, and high levels of soil erosion. Water demand and hydric vulnerability (i.e., susceptibility to drought and flood) had a negative effect on adoption. These findings enhance knowledge of enablers and barriers for SPS adoption, including environmental constraints, thereby improving our understanding of pathways for scaling out agricultural transformation and shifting ECR to more sustainable alternatives.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.5539/elt.v18n12p1
- Nov 3, 2025
- English Language Teaching
- Israa Ismael + 3 more
This study examines the effect of theme-based blended learning on Egyptian EFL university students&#39; oral performance. In this context, barriers such as the influence of mother tongue, students&rsquo; huge number, restricted opportunities for authentic resources, and limited classroom time often hinder fluent and confident expression. To address these challenges, a mixed-method, quasi-experimental pre-/post-test design was employed with 30 intermediate-level second-year students from the Faculty of Business Technology at the Canadian International College. Across 17 blended sessions, students engaged with authentic themes using digital tools such as Jitsi Meet, Edpuzzle, Nearpod, and WhatsApp. Quantitative analysis using paired-sample t-tests revealed statistically significant differences in overall oral performance and across strategic, discourse, interactional, and paralinguistic competencies (&eta;&sup2; &gt; 0.90). Qualitative data from observations, recordings, and student reflections suggested improvements overall and each oral performance competency, particularly in intonation, topic maintenance, active listening, and use of fillers. The findings indicate that integrating authentic themes within a blended learning framework promotes sustained oral practice and provide meaningful exposure to authentic language contexts. Despite limitations such as the small sample size and absence of a control group, the study offers insights into the potential of theme-based blended learning to foster engagement and support oral proficiency development.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12889-025-24193-y
- Nov 3, 2025
- BMC Public Health
- Chidi Okafor + 19 more
BackgroundIn Nigeria, cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension, are on the rise. This increase in hypertension correlates with more strokes, significantly impacting mortality. Since hypertension often persists into adulthood, early interventions are crucial to prevent its complications. Non-invasive methods, such as music and creative activities, can effectively improve blood pressure and reduce stroke risk. This study aims to improve intergenerational awareness of hypertension and promote sustainable preventive practices by involving youth and caregivers within families and communities.MethodsWe employed a participatory, observational design, incorporating a five-month crowdsourcing open call followed by a designathon event. Participatory social and health innovations were combined and implemented as part of a larger study titled “Innovative Tool to Expand Music-Inspired Strategies for Blood Pressure and Stroke Prevention” (I-TEST BP/Stroke). Our study targeted youths aged 14 to 24, a critical period for shaping health behaviors and attitudes toward diseases. The 20 finalist textual entries were categorized into themes using the PEN-3 cultural model. The PLAN framework analyzed the effectiveness of participants’ entries in conveying public health messages.ResultsThe crowdsourced open call for musical ideas received 85 submissions between October 2023 and March 2024. More males (74.3%) than females, mainly aged 22–24, and mostly undergraduates (44.3%), participated in the open call, with 88.65% having heard of hypertension. Qualitative analysis with PEN-3 highlighted themes regarding Perceptions and Enablers, such as monitoring blood pressure, engaging in physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. The use of Pidgin English and Nigerian languages in songs represents Positive Cultural Empowerment. The Negative Cultural Empowerment domain addresses misconceptions about hypertension, including the belief that hypertension is a curse. Utilizing the PLAN framework, the submissions demonstrated an effective blend of catchy, memorable tunes with health education messages.ConclusionThe designathon produced various music genres, including afrobeats, rap, and R&B, with lyrics deemed feasible and socio-culturally appropriate. This suggests that music interventions tailored to Nigeria could enhance public awareness of hypertension and stroke prevention if scaled up.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24193-y.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1002/sae2.70107
- Nov 3, 2025
- Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment
- Raphaël Boussageon + 3 more
ABSTRACT There is an urgent need to develop microbial inoculants that can consistently improve crop performance as part of efforts to implement sustainable agricultural practices and reduce the environmental impact of intensive farming. One of the best known examples of beneficial soil microbes that can promote plant growth and ecosystem performance are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF‐based inoculants are increasingly being marketed to enhance key ecosystem functions such as soil nutrient uptake, soil structure, carbon storage and ecosystem health. Despite this potential, the efficacy of commercial AMF products is still poorly documented and highly variable. In this study, we evaluated 16 commercially available AMF inoculants (nine marketed for agricultural use and seven for home gardening) and, for comparison, seven AMF inoculants for research propose, all tested under controlled greenhouse conditions. Our findings revealed that only three commercial AMF products led to root colonisation, and only one promote plant growth. One‐third of the agricultural inoculants colonised plant roots, whereas none of the seven commercial home gardening products successfully established a symbiosis with plant roots. In contrast, products intended for research purposes consistently induced AMF colonisation and often resulted in a positive growth response, likely due to higher propagule density. Together with three recent studies analysing worldwide AMF products, our study revealed that 85% of the 64 commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculants tested are of poor quality and did not colonise plant roots. Thus, standardised quality control across the industries is necessary to ensure product effectiveness and promote widespread acceptance by farmers, as well as successfully spreading the use of mycorrhizal inoculants as a viable tool for enhancing sustainable agricultural and gardening practices.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3329/bjz.v53i2.85039
- Nov 3, 2025
- Bangladesh Journal of Zoology
- Nishat Tahiat Mim + 2 more
Apis spp. are crucial pollinators that support biodiversity, agriculture, and global food production. Proper identification, understanding genetic diversity, and molecular characteristics of honey bee populations are vital for conservation and sustainable beekeeping practices. This study focuses on the DNA barcoding based on partial mt-COI gene sequences of different Apis species in Bangladesh. Samples were collected from various locations across Bangladesh, followed by DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and sequencing. By comparing the unique nucleotide sequences of the COI gene to the reference GenBank database, four honey bee species (Apis dorsata, A. cerana, A. florea, and A. mellifera) were identified. Different castes (queen, worker, and drone) of A. mellifera were also sequenced and identified. Over 82% sequence similarity was observed among different species, with nearly 100% commonality within the A. mellifera castes. The mitochondrial A+T content (74%) exceeded G+C (26%). Genetic distance analysis (Kimura's 2-parameter) indicated minimal divergence between A. dorsata and A. cerana (0.120). Phylogenetic analysis revealed significant genetic variations among different Apis species. A. florea showed the highest mutation rate (40 steps) from its immediate common ancestor. This study enhances the genotypic and phenotypic identification of honey bee species, including A. mellifera castes, in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Zool. 53(2): 137-148, 2025
- New
- Research Article
- 10.9734/jeai/2025/v47i113862
- Nov 3, 2025
- Journal of Experimental Agriculture International
- Jayashree V + 3 more
Floriculture plays a crucial role in India's agricultural economy, contributing significantly to farmers' income and rural livelihoods. Among various floricultural crops, chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) stands out as a commercially important flower due to its high demand in both domestic and export markets. Tamil Nadu, particularly Dharmapuri district, is a key region for chrysanthemum cultivation. However, farmers face multiple constraints that hinder productivity, profitability, and sustainability. This study aims to identify and analyse the major constraints faced by chrysanthemum growers in Tamil Nadu, categorizing them into resource and infrastructure, extension, production, and marketing constraints. A survey was conducted in Nallampalli block of Dharmapuri district, selecting 72 chrysanthemum growers through a proportionate random sampling method. The data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using the Rank-Based Quotient (RBQ) method. The findings indicate that labour scarcity had RBQ of 73.20 and lack of rainfall RBQ of 59.20 are the most pressing resource constraints. Among extension constraints, the lack of training on crop protection practices had RBQ of 93.00 and market information RBQ of 78.14 significantly affect farmers' decision-making. In production, poor harvest during the rainy season RBQ of 86.38 and high costs of plant protection chemicals RBQ of 73.25 emerge as major concerns. The marketing challenges include low flower prices in local markets RBQ of 95.17 and middlemen exploitation RBQ of 80.33, severely impacting farmers' income. Strengthening infrastructure, facilitating direct market access, and promoting sustainable farming practices can help alleviate these constraints and improve the livelihoods of chrysanthemum growers in Tamil Nadu.