Search Results (3,060)

This study investigates the different mechanisms through which environmental disclosure and green accounting practices influence investment attractiveness in an emerging market context. Drawing on legitimacy theory and the resource-based view, we examine whether these environmental accountability mechanisms create value directly or through enhanced sustainability performance. Using survey data from 290 non-financial firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange, we employ partial least squares structural equation modeling to test a mediated-moderation model within the Saudi Vision 2030 framework. The results reveal differentiated value-creation pathways: environmental disclosure affects investment attractiveness indirectly through sustainable economic outcomes (full mediation; indirect effect β = 0.121, p < 0.001), while green accounting demonstrates both direct (β = 0.237, p < 0.001) and indirect effects (β = 0.091, p < 0.01), indicating partial mediation. Both practices are positively associated with sustainable economic outcomes (β_ED = 0.290, β_GA = 0.219, p < 0.001), which in turn are positively related to investment attractiveness (β = 0.416, p < 0.001). Unexpectedly, Vision 2030 alignment shows no significant moderating effect (β = 0.042, p = 0.498), suggesting that the sustainability–investment relationship is not significantly conditioned by perceived alignment with the national strategic framework in this sample. The model explains 25.7% of the variance in investment attractiveness and 20.0% of that in sustainable economic outcomes, indicating moderate explanatory power. These findings contribute to the environmental accounting literature by suggesting that internal management-oriented practices may be more closely associated with investment attractiveness than disclosure transparency alone. Overall, the results indicate that green accounting systems are associated with investment attractiveness, while environmental disclosure appears to require observable sustainability performance to be reflected in investment perceptions, offering measured implications for corporate strategy and regulatory policy in sustainability transitions. Full article

To investigate the treatment performance of a CuTiO₃ photocatalytic system for organic peroxide production wastewater under visible light, CuTiO₃ powder prepared through the hydrothermal method was used for this experiment. The light absorption properties of the CuTiO₃ catalyst were analyzed using UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The effects of the initial pH, photocatalyst dosage, light intensity, and reaction duration on the photocatalytic reaction were examined. Before and after the reaction, the changes in pollutant components in water were characterized via three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectrometry (3D-EEM) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); the changes in the concentrations of some pollutants were analyzed via wavelength scanning. The results indicated that CuTiO₃ has a good response to visible light. Under the optimized conditions (initial pH = 5, CuTiO₃ dosage = 1.2 g/L, light intensity = 1300 W/m², duration = 4 h), the COD removal rate reached 58%, and the B/C (BOD₅/COD) ratio of wastewater increased from 0.112 to 0.221, demonstrating a good pretreatment effect. GC-MS analysis demonstrated significant degradation effects on amide and hydride substances. Radical capture experiments verified hydroxyl radicals as the dominant species in CuTiO₃ photocatalysis. Visible-light photocatalysis using CuTiO₃ provides an efficient pretreatment pathway for organic peroxide production wastewater. Full article

Agricultural activities are major contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions accounting for 40% and 60% of total agricultural emissions, respectively. Therefore, developing effective emission reduction pathways in agriculture is crucial for achieving carbon budget balance. This article synthesizes the impact of farmland management practices on GHG emissions, evaluates prevalent accounting methods and their applicable scenarios, and proposes mitigation strategies based on systematic analysis. The present review (2000-2025) indicates that fertilizer management dominates research focus (accounting for over 50%), followed by water management (approximately 18%) and tillage practices (approximately 14%). Critically, the effects of these practices extend beyond GHG emissions, necessitating concurrent consideration of crop yields, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct joint research by integrating multiple approaches such as water-saving irrigation, conservation tillage and intercropping of leguminous crops, so as to enhance productivity and soil quality while reducing emissions. The GHG accounting framework and three primary accounting methods (In situ measurement, Satellite remote sensing, and Model simulation) each exhibit distinct advantages and limitations, requiring scenario-specific selection. Further refinement of these methodologies is imperative to optimize agricultural practices and achieve meaningful GHG reductions. Full article

South Africa’s manufacturing sector, a driving force for sustainable development, faces a profound challenge in decarbonizing without deindustrializing. This study provides an optimized, scenario-based assessment of the sector explicitly aligned with its Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) objectives. A novel framework is applied, integrating an extended Kaya–Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (Kaya–LMDI) decomposition with scenario forecasting and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization. The decomposition disaggregates a conventional carbon intensity (CI) driver to include Electrification Share (ELE), Renewable Share (REN), and a newly defined Residual Carbon Factor (RCF) that captures direct fossil fuel use for industrial process heat. Historical analysis (2002–2022) shows that emissions growth was primarily driven by the RCF (224.1 MtCO₂, 160%) and Economic Activity (187.5 MtCO₂, 134%), partly offset by gains in Energy Intensity (−141.8 MtCO₂, 101.35%) and REN (−202.2 MtCO₂, −144.53%). Carbon emissions projections to 2040 reveal a critical sustainability trilemma: the Just Transition accelerated scenario (JTAS), despite achieving rapid renewable deployment, increases emissions by 469% as economic growth overwhelms decarbonization efforts. Conversely, the mathematically optimal (GA) pathway achieves a 90.8% reduction but only through structural contraction that implies socially unsustainable deindustrialization. This tension exposes the systemic limits of incremental decarbonization and underscores that a truly sustainable pathway requires transcending this binary choice by directly addressing the fossil fuel substrate of industrial production. Full article

Tillage and crop rotation alter soil environments, thereby influencing both crop yields and methane-cycling microbiomes, yet their combined effects on microbial diversity, assembly, and interaction networks remain unclear. Using a two-factor field experiment, we assessed the impacts of raised seedbed vs. flat cultivation and rice–oilseed rape vs. rice–faba bean rotations on crop productivity and the ecology of methanogen (mcrA) and methanotroph (pmoA) communities. Raised seedbed cultivation significantly increased yields: rice yields were 7.6–9.6% higher in 2020 and 4.7–5.8% higher in 2021 than under flat cultivation (p < 0.05). Faba bean and oilseed rape yields were also improved. Flat rice–bean plots developed more reduced conditions and higher organic matter, with a higher NCM goodness-of-fit for methanogens (R² = 0.466), indicating patterns more consistent with neutral (stochastic) assembly, whereas the lower fit for methanotrophs (R² = 0.269) suggests weaker neutrality and stronger environmental filtering, accompanied by reduced richness and network complexity. In contrast, raised seedbed rice–oilseed rape plots improved redox potential and nutrient availability, sustaining both mcrA and pmoA diversity and fostering synergistic interactions, thereby enhancing community stability and indicating a potential for methane-cycle regulation. Overall, raised seedbed cultivation combined with legume rotation offers yield benefits and ecological advantages, providing a sustainable pathway for paddy management with potentially lower greenhouse gas risks. Full article

As the global climate discourse shifts from mitigation to achieving net-negative emissions, there is a critical need for replicable, real-world models of climate-positive development at a regional scale, particularly in the Global South. This study addresses this gap by conducting a detailed greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory of four diverse provinces in Thailand and analyzing the results through the newly proposed Climate-Positive Pathways Framework (CPPF). Our findings reveal that all four provinces function as significant net-negative GHG sinks. They achieve this status through three distinct archetypes: a Conservation-Dependent pathway, an Agricultural Frontier pathway, and a novel Agro-Sink pathway. Most significantly, in the Agro-Sink model, we find that in specific economic contexts, managed agricultural landscapes can surpass natural forests as the primary driver of regional carbon removal. This typology provides a new, landscape-scale paradigm for cleaner production, proposing these three archetypes as transferable, evidence-based models for regional policymakers. This underscores that effective climate action requires context-specific regional planning that strategically leverages both natural and agricultural capital. Full article

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) contributes substantially to the global burden of cirrhosis and liver-related mortality, driven by ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress, and dysregulated immune signaling. Despite rapidly growing evidence implicating interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) in ALD pathogenesis, an integrated framework linking ethanol-induced danger signals to cell-type-specific IRF programs is lacking. In this comprehensive review, we summarize current knowledge on IRF-centered signaling networks in ALD, spanning DAMP–PAMP sensing, post-translational IRF regulation, and downstream inflammatory, metabolic, and fibrogenic outcomes across various cell types in the liver, including hepatocytes and immune-related cells such as Kupffer cells, monocyte-derived macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), and neutrophils. We also focus on how ethanol-driven DAMP and PAMP signals activate TLR4, TLR9, and cGAS–STING pathways to engage a coordinated network of IRFs—including IRF1, IRF3, IRF4, IRF5, IRF7, and IRF9—that collectively shape inflammatory, metabolic, and cell-fate programs across hepatic cell populations. We further highlight emerging therapeutic strategies such as STING/TBK1 inhibition, NETosis blockade, IL-22-based epithelial repair, and JAK-STAT modulation that converge on IRF pathways. In summary, this review outlines how IRFs contribute to ALD pathogenesis and discusses the potential implications for the development of targeted therapies. Full article

Abdominal pain is the cardinal symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the primary determinant of disease burden and healthcare utilization. Despite its diagnostic centrality and high prevalence across all IBS subtypes, effective management remains a clinical challenge. This narrative review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IBS-related pain, emphasizing the role of visceral hypersensitivity, altered brain–gut communication, and luminal factors such as gas and distension. We examine current guideline recommendations, real-world treatment patterns, and evidence supporting both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Particular focus is placed on the fixed-dose combination of alverine citrate/simeticone, which targets both motor and sensory pathways. Mechanistic studies demonstrate its smooth muscle relaxant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory actions. Clinical trials support its efficacy in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and lowering healthcare resource use. Despite these advances, several unmet needs remain, including subtype-specific treatment strategies, mechanistic biomarkers, and broader access to integrated care. The review concludes with a call for more personalized, mechanism-based approaches to pain management in IBS, with alverine citrate/simeticone offering a pragmatic option within this evolving therapeutic framework. Full article

Carbon farming represents a strategic approach to enhancing agricultural sustainability while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Türkiye, agriculture accounted for approximately 14.9% of national GHG emissions in 2023, dominated by methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). By increasing carbon storage in soils and vegetation, carbon farming can improve soil health, water retention, and climate resilience, thereby contributing to mitigation efforts and sustainable rural development. This study reviews and synthesizes international and national evidence on carbon farming mechanisms, practices, payment models, and adoption enablers and barriers, situating these insights within Türkiye’s agroecological and institutional context. The analysis draws on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025. The findings indicate substantial mitigation potential from soil-based practices and livestock- and manure-related measures, yet limited uptake due to low awareness, capacity constraints, financial and administrative barriers, and regulatory gaps, highlighting the need for region-specific approaches. To support implementation and scaling, the study proposes a policy-oriented, regionally differentiated and digitally enabled MRV framework and an associated implementation pathway designed to reduce transaction costs, enhance farmer participation, and enable integration with emerging carbon market mechanisms. Full article

Widely used in treating oil mist aerosols generated from metalworking processes, conventional gas–liquid coalescing filters face drawbacks such as increased energy consumption, performance limitations, and shortened service life due to high steady-state pressure drop. To address these issues, this study proposes an innovative design for a filter based on wettability-regulated gradient pore structure. Using glass fiber filter media with different pore size parameters as the substrate and incorporating an intermediate mesh layer, a three-layer filtration structure of “large-pore filtration layer—mesh layer—small-pore filtration layer” was constructed. The surface wettability of each layer was regulated by a self-developed surface modifier, producing gradient pore structure filters with different wettability configurations. The variations in key performance parameters, including steady-state pressure drop, filtration efficiency, saturation, and service life, were systematically evaluated for these configurations. Experimental results demonstrated that the configuration with an “oleophobic large-pore filtration layer—mesh layer—oleophilic small-pore filtration layer” yielded the best overall performance. Analysis based on the “jump-channel” model indicated that the gradient pore structure achieves progressive droplet filtration and optimizes droplet coalescence and capture through wettability differences. Consequently, while maintaining exceptional filtration efficiency (>99%), this configuration significantly reduces the steady-state pressure drop by over 34% and effectively extends the service life by more than 66%. This wettability-regulated gradient pore structure provides a novel technical pathway for addressing the challenges of balancing pressure drop and filtration efficiency, as well as extending the service life, in gas–liquid coalescing filters. Full article

The natural gas sector, as a pivotal transition fuel, is fundamentally constrained by the “Energy Trilemma”—the intertwined and often competing goals of energy security, affordability, and sustainability. Current research predominantly focuses on the demand side, leaving a significant gap in understanding the synergistic dynamics within production regions, which are critical to resolving this trilemma at its source. To address this gap, this study constructs a “Safety–Economy–Green” (S-E-G) evaluation framework aligned with the trilemma’s dimensions. Utilizing panel data (2011–2021) from four major Chinese natural gas production regions (Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, and Shanxi). By integrating the Entropy Weight Method, a Coupling Coordination Model, and Kernel Density Estimation, it delineates the system’s synergistic dynamics from both temporal and regional perspectives. The key findings are as follows: (1) Significant disparities and polarization are observed in the S and G dimensions, while the E dimension shows a narrowing gap, with its peak height increasing by 177.8% and bandwidth shrinking by 64.2%. G has emerged as a constraint on overall system coupling coordination. The persistently high coupling degree—rising from 0.87 in 2011 to 0.97 in 2021 while consistently exceeding the coordination degree, which increased from 0.45 to 0.62—underscores the continued need for improvement in synergistic development. (2) The coupling coordination degree of the S-E-G system underwent a three-stage evolution: rapid improvement (2011–2013, from 0.36 to 0.58 at 7.3% annually), fluctuating adjustment (2014–2017, between 0.58 and 0.66), and finally high-level stability (2018–2021, stabilizing at 0.76–0.80). (3) Obvious regional differentiation exists: Sichuan achieved a moderate level of 0.76 by 2021, Shaanxi maintained primary coupling coordination (0.6–0.7), while Chongqing and Shanxi remained marginal, fluctuating between 0.4 and 0.6. Enhancing subsystem coordination and implementing differentiated pathways are therefore essential for these regions’ sustainable development. The study suggests promoting the sustainable development of natural gas production regions by enhancing subsystem coordination and exploring differentiated pathways, thereby providing practical guidance for the energy transition of resource-based regions. Full article

The utilization of sustainable feedstocks offers significant opportunities for innovation in sustainable and efficient processing technologies, targeting a vacuum residue upgrade industry projected to be valued at around USD 26 billion in 2024. This review examines advances in catalytic strategies for upgrading waste-derived products (plastics, tires) and biomass, in addition to heavy oil feedstocks. Particular emphasis is placed on hydrogen addition pathways, specifically, residue hydroconversion facilitated by dispersed nanocatalysts and waste co-processing methodologies. Beyond nanoscale catalyst design and reaction performance, this work also addresses refinery-level sustainability impacts. The advanced catalytic conversion of heavy oil residue demonstrates superior conversion efficiency, significant coke suppression, and improved carbon utilization, while life cycle and illustrative techno-economic comparisons indicate greenhouse gas reductions and a net economic gain of approximately USD 2–3 per barrel relative to conventional refining under scenarios assuming decarbonized hydrogen production. Co-processing of plastics, tires, and biomass with heavy oil feedstocks is highlighted as a practical and effective approach. Together, these findings outline a rational catalytic pathway toward optimized refining systems. Within the framework of the circular carbon economy, these catalytic processes enable enhanced feedstock utilization, integration of low-carbon hydrogen, and coupling with carbon-capture technologies. Full article

In recent years, interest in carbon dioxide (CO₂) hydrogenation technologies has intensified. Driven by the continuous rise in greenhouse gas emissions and the unprecedented negative impacts of global warming, these technologies offer a viable pathway toward sustainability and support the development of low-carbon industrial processes. In addition to methanol and methane, other possible hydrogenation products (i.e., hydrocarbons, formic acid, acetic acid, dimethyl ether, and dimethyl carbonate) are of industrial relevance due to their wide range of applications. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects associated with thermocatalytic CO₂ hydrogenation processes, from thermodynamic and kinetic studies to upscaled reactor modeling and process synthesis and optimization. The review proceeds to examine different integration strategies and optimization approaches for multi-product systems, with the objective of evaluating how distinct technologies may be combined in an integrated flowsheet. It then concludes by outlining future research opportunities in this field, particularly those related to developing comprehensive kinetic rate expressions and reactor modeling studies for routes with low technology readiness levels, the exploration of prospective reaction pathways, strategies to mitigate the dependence on green hydrogen (which, today, exhibits high costs), and the consideration of market price or product demand fluctuations in optimization studies. Overall, this review provides a solid base to support other decarbonization studies focused on hydrogenation technologies. Full article

Ammonia (NH₃) is a zero-carbon fuel and an attractive hydrogen (H₂) carrier for gas turbine power generation due to its high energy density, ease of storage, and transportation. This study numerically investigates NH₃/air combustion using a hybrid Well-Stirred Reactor (WSR) and Plug Flow Reactor (PFR) model in Cantera at pressures of 1–20 atm, temperatures of 1850–2150 K, and equivalence ratios (ϕ) of 0.7–1.2. The effects of pressure, equivalence ratio, and temperature on NH₃ conversion and NO formation are examined. Results show that NH₃ exhibits a non-monotonic conversion curve with pressure after the WSR, reaching a minimum near 5 atm, whereas NO formation decreases monotonically from 1 to 20 atm. Equivalence ratio sweeps show that NO decreases steeply as ϕ increases from 0.7 to ~1.1 as nitrogen is redirected toward N₂ and oxidizer availability declines; residual NH₃ increases rapidly for ϕ > 1.0, especially at high pressure. Increasing temperature accelerates NH₃ oxidation and raises NO formation, most strongly at low pressure where thermal and NH/OH pathways are least inhibited. These results indicate that co-tuning pressure and equivalence ratio near rich operation enables low-NO_x ammonia combustion suitable for advanced gas turbine applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dizziness is a symptom of many disorders across a wide range of etiologies. If dizzy patients are seen for vestibular evaluation with an audiologist and no vestibular reason for the patient’s dizziness is found, the medical referral pathway can become convoluted. This can leave patients feeling discouraged and unable to manage their symptoms. Clinically symptomatic chronic respiratory alkalosis (CSCRA) is an acid–base disorder that typically presents with dizziness but is unfamiliar to practitioners in vestibular and balance care settings. Methods: In a retrospective chart review deemed exempt by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board, 74 patients at Mayo Clinic Arizona were included. All had consultations with both Audiology and Aerospace Medicine to assess their dizzy symptoms. Results: After completing vestibular testing, arterial blood gas (ABG) testing, and a functional test developed at Mayo Clinic Arizona called the Capnic Challenge test, 40% of patients were found to have CSCRA contributing to their dizzy symptoms. Many of these patients also had common comorbidities of CSCRA, like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), migraines, and sleep apnea. Fewer than one-fourth of these patients had measurable vestibulopathies causing their dizziness. Half of the patients referred by the vestibular audiologist to Aerospace Medicine had a diagnosis of CSCRA. Conclusions: Assessment for CSCRA should be considered as a next step for patients presenting with dizziness without a vestibular component. Being aware of the prevalence of CSCRA and its comorbidities may help balance providers offer quality interprofessional referrals and improve patient quality of life. Full article