Search Results (296)

As the global energy transition accelerates, the integration of solar power and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies offers new pathways for sustainable local development. This study examines four Serbian municipalities—Šabac, Sombor, Pirot, and Čačak—to assess how AI-enabled solar power systems can enhance energy resilience, reduce emissions, and support community-level sustainability goals. Using a mixed-method approach combining spatial analysis, predictive modeling, and stakeholder interviews, this research study evaluates the performance and institutional readiness of local governments in terms of implementing intelligent solar infrastructure. Key AI applications included solar potential mapping, demand-side management, and predictive maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Quantitative results show an improvement >60% in forecasting accuracy, a 64% reduction in system downtime, and a 9.7% increase in energy cost savings. These technical gains were accompanied by positive trends in SDG-aligned indicators, such as improved electricity access and local job creation in the green economy. Despite challenges related to data infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and limited AI literacy, this study finds that institutional coordination and leadership commitment are decisive for successful implementation. The proposed AI–Solar Integration for Local Sustainability (AISILS) framework offers a replicable model for emerging economies. Policy recommendations include investing in foundational digital infrastructure, promoting low-code AI platforms, and aligning AI–solar projects with SDG targets to attract EU and national funding. This study contributes new empirical evidence on the digital–renewable energy nexus in Southeast Europe and underscores the strategic role of AI in accelerating inclusive, data-driven energy transitions at the municipal level. Full article

Platelets have long been known to be critically involved in hemostasis and thrombosis. However, platelets are also recognized as metabolically active cells that require well-regulated mitochondrial function to support their multiple functions in hemostasis, thrombosis, and inflammation. Mitochondrial activity has also recently been shown to play a crucial role in determining platelet activation, survival, and pro-inflammatory potential. A key nexus in these processes is the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), a high-conductance channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Sustained mPTP opening triggers mitochondrial depolarization, the cessation of ATP synthesis, osmotic swelling, and, finally, platelet dysfunction or clearance. However, its transient opening might play physiological signaling roles. This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular components and regulatory factors governing the platelet mPTP, explores its physiological and pathological relevance, and evaluates its potential as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease, inflammation, cancer, and potentially neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight the ongoing challenges and crucial future directions in deciphering the complexities of platelet mitochondrial dynamics and mPTP functions. Full article

Microglia, as the immune guardians of the central nervous system (CNS), have the ability to maintain neural homeostasis, respond to environmental changes, and remodel the synaptic landscape. However, persistent microglial activation can lead to chronic neuroinflammation, which can alter neuronal signaling pathways, resulting in accelerated cognitive decline. Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) has emerged as a critical driver, connecting inflammation to neurodegeneration, serving as the nexus of numerous intracellular processes that govern microglial activation. This review focuses on the relationship between PI3K signaling and microglial activation, which might lead to cognitive impairment, inflammation, or even neurodegeneration. The review delves into the components of the PI3K signaling cascade, isoforms, and receptors of PI3K, as well as the downstream effects of PI3K signaling, including its effectors such as protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Experiments have shown that the overproduction of certain cytokines, coupled with abnormal oxidative stress, is a consequence of poor PI3K regulation, resulting in excessive synapse pruning and, consequently, impacting learning and memory functions. The review also highlights the implications of autonomously activated microglia exhibiting M1/M2 polarization driven by PI3K on hippocampal, cortical, and subcortical circuits. Conclusions from behavioral studies, electrophysiology, and neuroimaging linking cognitive performance and PI3K activity were evaluated, along with new approaches to therapy using selective inhibitors or gene editing. The review concludes by highlighting important knowledge gaps, including the specific effects of different isoforms, the risks associated with long-term pathway modulation, and the limitations of translational potential, underscoring the crucial role of PI3K in mitigating cognitive impairment driven by neuroinflammation. Full article

This study investigates whether institutional quality amplifies the emissions-reducing effect of energy efficiency in hydrocarbon-dependent economies. Addressing a gap in the energy–environment literature, it tests how governance conditions shape the effectiveness of technical mitigation strategies. Using panel data from six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries between 2000 and 2023, we estimate a fixed-effects model with interaction terms between energy intensity (as a proxy for efficiency) and institutional quality (proxied by Control of Corruption). The results show that energy efficiency is associated with lower CO₂ emissions, and this relationship is significantly moderated by institutional quality. We also analyze the emissions impact of natural gas consumption and identify a structural shift following the 2014 energy reforms: while gas use was positively associated with emissions before 2014, the post-reform period shows a weaker or reversed effect. Robustness checks using alternative governance indicators—Regulatory Quality and Government Effectiveness—confirm the moderating role of institutions. The study offers new empirical evidence on the energy–institution–environment nexus and introduces a novel interaction-based methodology suited to resource-rich economies undergoing institutional transition. Full article

Amid the growing debate over how cryptocurrencies are reshaping global finance, this study explores the nexus between Bitcoin, Brent Crude Oil, Gold and the U.S. Dollar Index. We used a time-varying vector autoregressive (tvVAR) model to examine the connection among these four assets during the Trump (2017–2020) and Biden (2021–2024) governments. The 48-week return forecast of the Bitcoin–Gold correlation was also conducted by using the Bayesian Structural Time Series (BSTS) model. Results indicate that Bitcoin was the most volatile asset, while the U.S. Dollar remained the least volatile under both regimes. Under Trump, U.S. Dollar significantly influenced Oil and Bitcoin while Bitcoin and Gold were negatively linked to Oil and positively associated with U.S. Dollar. An inverse relationship between Bitcoin and Gold also emerged. Under Biden, Bitcoin, Gold, and U.S. Dollar all significantly affected Oil with Bitcoin showing a positive impact. Bitcoin and Gold remained negatively correlated though not significantly, and the Dollar maintained positive ties with both. Forecasts show a positive link between Bitcoin and Gold in the coming year. However, Bitcoin does not exhibit consistent characteristics of a safe-haven asset during the U.S. presidential transitions examined, largely due to its high volatility and unstable correlations with a traditional safe-haven asset, Gold. This study contributes to the understanding of shifting relationships between digital and traditional assets across political regimes. Full article

The need for integrated governance of water–energy–land–food (WELF) systems has become paramount in achieving sustainable low-carbon transitions, yet policy consistency across these interdependent sectors remains critically underexplored. This study presents the first systematic assessment of policy consistency and synergy within China’s WELF framework, employing an innovative mixed-methods approach that combines a modified Policy Modeling Consistency (PMC) Index with Content Analysis Methodology (CAM). Policy consistency follows a clear hierarchy: energy (PMC = 9.06, ‘Perfect’), water (8.26, ‘Good’), land (7.03, ‘Acceptable’), and food systems (6.91, ‘Acceptable’), with land–food policies exhibiting critical gaps in multifunctional design. Policy synergy metrics further reveal pronounced sectoral disparities: energy (PS = 0.89) and water (0.81) policies demonstrate strong alignment with central government objectives, whereas land (0.68) and food (0.64) systems exhibit constrained integration capacities due to uncoordinated policy architectures and competing sectoral priorities. Building on these findings, we propose three key interventions: (1) institutional restructuring through the establishment of an inter-ministerial coordination body with binding authority to align WELF sector priorities and enforce consistent and synergy targets, (2) the strategic rebalancing of policy instruments by reallocating fiscal incentives toward nexus-optimizing projects while developing innovative market-based mechanisms for cross-sectoral resource exchange, and (3) adaptive governance implementation through regional policy pilots, dynamic feedback systems, and capacity-building networks to enable context-sensitive WELF transitions while maintaining strategic consistency and synergy. These recommendations directly address the structural deficiencies in WELF governance fragmentation and incentive misalignment identified through our rigorous analysis, while simultaneously advancing theoretical discourse and offering implementable policy solutions for achieving integrated low-carbon transition. Full article

Mining activities in Pakistan’s mineral-rich provinces threaten freshwater security through groundwater depletion, contamination, and flood-induced pollution. This study develops an Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) framework integrating governance, social, environmental, and technical (GSET) dimensions to holistically assess mining-induced water hazards across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Using GIS-based spatial risk mapping with multi-layer hydrological modeling, we combine computational analysis and participatory validation to identify vulnerability hotspots and prioritize high-risk mines. Community workshops involving women water collectors, indigenous leaders, and local experts enhanced map accuracy by translating indigenous knowledge into spatially referenced mitigation plans and integrating gender-sensitive metrics to address gendered water access disparities. Key findings reveal severe groundwater depletion, acid mine drainage, and gendered burdens near Saindak and Cherat mines. Multi-sectoral engagements secured corporate commitments for water stewardship and policy advances in inclusive governance. The framework employs four priority-ranked risk categories (Governance-Economic 15%, Social-Community 30%, Environmental 40%, Technical-Geological 15%) derived via local stakeholder collaboration, enabling context-specific interventions. Despite data limitations, the GIS-driven methodology provides a scalable model for regions facing socio-environmental vulnerabilities. The results demonstrate how community participation directly shaped village-level water management alongside GSET analysis to craft equitable risk reduction strategies. Spatially explicit risk maps guided infrastructure upgrades and zoning regulations, advancing SDG 6 and 13 progress in Pakistan. This work underscores the value of inclusive, weighted frameworks for sustainable mining–water nexus management in Pakistan and analogous contexts. Full article

Contemporary scientific consensus recognizes forests as vital to the global carbon cycle and essential for mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss. Several internationally coordinated forest conservation initiatives were established in the late twentieth century. Market- and rights-based strategies and community-driven participatory reforms have evolved in the fortress forests of the Global South. However, there remains a gap in understanding how these overlapping conservation ideologies—particularly neoliberal, participatory, and fortress conservation—have evolved and interacted within specific geographies. This study investigates the nexus of three conservation ideologies in Myanmar since the 1990s. Using a Marxist materialism perspective and poststructuralist political ecology, we explore how power dynamics in forestry are shifting under neoliberal political philosophy. We show how hegemonic neoliberalism influences the roles of state and non-state actors in Myanmar, where new governance approaches to forest conservation have emerged. New ways of governing forest conservation have emerged in Myanmar, where numerous conservation philosophies have guided the state through global programs, leading to skeletal forest conservation governance. However, these approaches have downplayed Myanmar’s historical and geographical characteristics, both of which are progenitors of its problems in forestry. Our study critiques the contrasting tenets of forest conservation theories to inform future policies. Full article

There is a debate on the role of education as a tool to challenge or enforce authoritarian attitudes. Many posit that education, particularly higher education, reduces authoritarianism; whereas vast research indicates that education can be used as an authoritarian tool for regime survival. This suggests that there are other intervening factors, such as the curriculum used, the teaching methodology implemented, and the educational administration employed, to securitise the academic space and impose authoritarian attitudes. Informed by the notion of hegemony and the banking concept of education, this article explores the nexus between education and authoritarianism, determining the role of education as an authoritarian tool for regime survival. We use the case of Eritrea, a country that has been under authoritarian government for more than two decades. The article is based on a literature review because it is risky to conduct an objective empirical study on the “politics of education” in Eritrea, given the country’s political sensitivity. The findings suggest that the Eritrean government politicises the curriculum and militarises secondary and higher education levels to create false consciousness and maintain power. The article contributes to advancing knowledge regarding the nexus of authoritarianism and education, helping people understand the state of the politics of education. Full article

Under the dual constraints of rigid water resource management systems and China’s “dual carbon” national strategy, water resource management authorities face pressing practical demands for the coordinated governance of water conservation and carbon dioxide emission reduction. This study comprehensively compiles nationwide data on water supply/consumption, energy use, water intensity, and CO₂ emissions across Chinese provinces. Employing a non-radial directional distance function (NDDF) model with multiple inputs and outputs, we quantitatively assess provincial water saving and carbon reduction performance during 2000–2021; measure synergistic effects; and systematically examine the spatiotemporal evolution, correlation patterns, and convergence trends of three key indicators: standalone water saving performance, standalone carbon reduction performance, and their synergistic performance—essentially addressing whether “1 + 1 > 2” holds true. Furthermore, we analyze the spatial convergence and clustering characteristics of synergistic effect across regions, delving into the underlying causes of inter-regional disparities in water–carbon synergy. Key findings reveal the following: ① Temporally, standalone water saving and carbon reduction performance generally improved, though the water saving metrics initially declined before stabilizing into sustained growth, ultimately outpacing carbon reduction gains. Synergistic performance consistently surpassed standalone measures, with most regions demonstrating accelerating synergistic enhancement over time. Nationally, water–carbon synergy exhibited early volatile declines followed by steady growth, though the growth rate gradually decelerated. ② Spatially, high-value synergy clusters migrated from the western to eastern regions and the northern to southern zones before stabilizing geographically. The synergy effect demonstrates measurable convergence overall, yet with pronounced regional heterogeneity, manifesting a distinct “high southeast–low northwest” agglomeration pattern. Strategic interventions should prioritize water–carbon nexus domains, leverage spatial convergence trends and clustering intensities, and systematically unlock synergistic potential. Full article

This study aims to explore the moderating role of corporate governance disclosures on the link between executive board gender diversity and financial performance. Governance disclosures were assessed based on executive managers’ information presented in the companies’ annual reports. The analysis was conducted on Romanian-listed companies from eight industries, covering a time range of ten years. Various robustness tests were used and examined the Blau index apart of the proportion of women managers, as well as different measures for financial performance. The endogeneity issue was solved by the Two-Stage Least Square method and the Generalized Method of Moments. The results revealed that a higher governance disclosure level on executive managers’ characteristics is reflected in increased financial performance. A positive influence was found for the composite financial performance indicator, return on assets, return on equity, and global solvency. Our findings led to the conclusion that the governance disclosure index moderates the relationship between board gender diversity and corporate business performance, and the effect of gender diversity on financial performance will be less positive with a higher level of disclosures on board characteristics. Therefore, managers can filter the quantity and quality of governance disclosure and can monitor the influence of the board’s composition on performance. Full article

Water management is a long-standing source of dispute between the riparian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Recently, these disputes have intensified due to impacts from climate change and Bangalore’s rapid growth to megacity status. Despite well-defined national water governance instruments, competition between state actors and limited access to reliable hydrometric data have led to a fragmented regulatory regime, allowing unchecked exploitation of surface and groundwater resources. Meanwhile, subsidised energy for groundwater pumping incentivises the unsustainable irrigation of high-value, water-intensive crops, resulting in overextraction and harm to aquatic ecosystems. Here, we employ a water–energy–food–environment (WEFE) nexus approach to examine the socio-political, economic, and environmental factors driving unsustainable irrigation practices in the Cauvery River Basin (CRB) of Southern India. Our methodology integrates spatially explicit analysis using digitised irrigation census data, theoretical energy modelling, and crop water demand simulations to assess groundwater use patterns and energy consumption for irrigation and their links with governance and economic growth. We analyse spatio-temporal irrigation patterns across the whole basin (about 85,000 km²) and reveal the correlation between energy access and groundwater extraction. Our study highlights four key findings. First, groundwater pumping during the Rabi (short-rain) season consumes 24 times more energy than during the Kharif (long-rain) season, despite irrigating 40% less land. Second, the increasing depth of borewells, driven by falling water table levels, is a major factor in rising energy consumption. Third, energy input is highest in regions dominated by paddy cultivation. Fourth, water pumping in the Cauvery region accounts for about 16% of India’s agricultural energy use, despite covering only 4% of the country’s net irrigated area. Our study reinforces the existing literature advocating for holistic, catchment-wide planning, aligned with all UN Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a pivotal role in sustaining the livelihoods of urban dwellers. This study sought to explore the impact of UGSs on livelihoods in Bulawayo and Johannesburg cities. A mixed-methods approach was used to develop a nuanced understanding of the nexus between UGSs and the livelihoods of the residents. A questionnaire survey (n = 658) with 329 participants from each city and 20 interviews were used to gather and generate data. Twelve types of UGSs were identified, with a relatively large proportion of the participants recognizing informal recreational areas as the common type of urban green space (UGS) in both cities. Domestic gardens, cemeteries, parks, woodlands, institutional green spaces, street trees, wastelands, commonages, and green roofs were other green spaces in both cities. Economically, job opportunities emerged in areas such as selling wares, photography, and the collection of firewood and wild fruits for sale. Likewise, farming activities and property values increased. Socially, they were valuable recreation and leisure spots for picnicking, dog walking, dating escapades, mental and spiritual wellness as well as education. Environmentally, UGSs were special in terms of medicinal provisions and aesthetics. However, urbanization and encroachment are undermining the extent of livelihood benefits. Therefore, it is imperative to revitalize UGSs by instituting robust partnerships and collaboration between government agencies, mobilize resources and expertise, value addition to existing UGSs, rigorous education to promote better appreciation, inclusion of the locals in the design process so that green spaces meet their needs and priorities, and establishing effective maintenance and management systems that ensure sustainability of UGSs. Full article

Global efforts to reduce climate change have increased, necessitating more comprehensive research. However, empirical evidence of the implication of synergizing foreign direct investment (FDI) and renewable energy consumption (REC) to reduce environmental pollution, specifically with nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emissions, is missing in the literature. This research investigates the impact of FDI, REC and their synergy in facilitating technological leapfrogging, analyzing their linear, non-linear and indirect effects on environmental pollution (CO₂, N₂O and CH₄ emissions). The analysis focuses on 81 developing countries, analyzing them at both the general level and by income groups—low-income countries (LICs), middle-income countries (MICs) and high-income countries (HICs), with government effectiveness and economic growth serving as mediating variables. Using Canonical Correlation Regression (CCR), Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and clustered Pooled Least Square (PLS) techniques, the analysis covers data from 2003 to 2023. The results indicate that at the general level, FDI and REC increase N₂O and CH₄ emissions individually. However, their integration mitigates N₂O and CH₄ emissions. Additionally, the relationships remain consistent even when government effectiveness and economic growth are considered mediators. However, economic growth is more pronounced than government effectiveness in reducing environmental pollution. The non-linear analysis also reveals that FDI and REC have a significant U-shaped effect on CO₂ emissions. However, their synergy demonstrates an inverted U-shaped nexus with CO₂ emissions. At the income group levels, the interplay of FDI and REC reduces N₂O and CH₄ emissions in MICs; however, in LICs and HICs, it increases N₂O and CH₄ emissions. Full article

Shanxi Province, a key energy base and water source in China, has long borne the responsibility of supplying external resources. Ensuring the security of its water–energy–food (WEF) resilience has remained a persistent challenge for local authorities. Conventional WEF nexus optimization policies often overlook the heterogeneity of influencing factors arising from geographic variability, leading to generalized approaches that lack precision and efficiency in resource governance. To address these limitations, this study employed the Moran’s I index, exploratory regression analysis, and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to investigate the spatial patterns of factors influencing WEF resilience across 11 cities in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023. Based on these analyses, the study proposes targeted policy recommendations that account for regional heterogeneity and prioritize differentiated strategies, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all framework. This tailored approach aims to support Shanxi in managing the enduring pressures of external resource supply. The main findings are as follows: (1) WEF resilience in Shanxi exhibited significant spatial autocorrelation, with Moran’s I values ranging from 0.013 to 0.043, confirming the influence of spatial geographic factors on the studied variables and supporting the applicability of the GWR model; (2) key factors influencing WEF resilience included population density, technological innovation, industrial structure, and resource mismatch, with effect sizes ranging from −0.90 to −0.48, 0.68 to 1.01, 0.43 to 0.79, and −0.45 to −0.22, respectively; (3) drawing on the spatially variable impact of these factors, the study offers optimization strategies that emphasize regional specificity and multi-policy prioritization to enhance WEF resilience across Shanxi Province. Full article