Search Results (1,328)

Fritillaria unibracteata is a rare and endangered medicinal plant in the Liliaceae family, whose bulbs have been used in traditional Chinese traditional medicine for over 2000 years. The mevalonate (MVA) pathway is involved in the growth, development, response to environmental stress, and active ingredient production of plants; however, the functional characterization of MVA-pathway genes in the Liliaceae family remains poorly documented. In this study, an Acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase gene (FuAACT) was first cloned from F. unibracteata. It exhibited structural features of the thiolase family and showed the highest sequence identity with the Dioscorea cayenensis homolog. The K_m, V_max, and K_cat of the recombinant FuAACT were determined to be 3.035 ± 0.215 μM, 0.128 ± 0.0058 μmol/(min·mg), and 1.275 ± 0.0575 min⁻¹, respectively. The optimal catalytic conditions for FuAACT were ascertained to be 30 °C and pH 8.9. It was stable below 50 °C. His361 was confirmed to be a key amino acid residue to enzymatic catalysis by site-directed mutagenesis. Subsequent subcellular localization experiments demonstrated that FuAACT was localized in chloroplasts and cytoplasm. FuAACT-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants showed higher drought tolerance than wild-type plants. This phenotypic difference was corroborated by significant differences in seed germination rate, lateral root number, plant height, and leaf number (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the FuAACT transgenic plants resulted in the formation of a more developed fibrous root system. These results indicated that the FuAACT gene revealed substantial biological activity in vitro and in vivo, hopefully providing the basis for its further research and application in liliaceous ornamental and medicinal plants. Full article

Today, ‘social sustainability’ is a key feature of many organisations’ environmental, social, and governance strategies, as well as underpinning sustainable development goals. The term refers to the implementation of targets such as reduced societal inequalities, the promotion of social well-being, and the practice of positive community relations. Building a meaningful, accountable, and quantifiable evidence-base from which to translate these high-level concepts into tangible and achievable goals is, however, challenging. The complexities of measuring social capital—often described as a building block of social sustainability—have been documented. The challenge lies in measuring the person, group, or collective in interaction with the context under investigation, whether that be a climate goal, an institution, or a national policy. Social identity theory is a social psychological approach that articulates the processes through which an individual internalises the values, norms, and behaviours of their contexts. Levels of social identification—a concept capturing the state of internalisation—have been shown to be predictive of outcomes as diverse as communication and cognition, trust and citizenship, leadership and compliance, and health and well-being. Applying this perspective to the articulation and measurement of social sustainability provides an opportunity to build an empirical approach with which to reliably translate this high-level concept into achievable outcomes. Full article

This study examines the determinants of environmentally responsible behavior among tourists in the heritage villages of Paveh County, Iran, through an integrated theoretical framework that synthesizes place-related psychological constructs with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Employing structural equation modeling on data collected from 443 tourists across three heritage villages (July–November 2024), the investigation tested comparative theoretical models with differing explanatory capacities. The baseline TPB model confirmed significant positive effects of environmental attitudes (β = 0.388), environmental norms (β = 0.398), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.547) on behavioral intentions, which subsequently influenced environmental behavior (β = 0.561). The extended model incorporating place-related variables demonstrated enhanced explanatory power, with the R² values increasing from 48.2% to 52.7% for behavioral intentions and from 49.2% to 54.7% for actual behavior. Notably, place identity exhibited dual psychological functions: moderating the intention–behavior relationship (β = 0.155) and mediating between place attachment and environmental behavior (β = 0.163). These findings advance sustainable tourism theory by illuminating the complex pathways through which place-based psychological connections influence environmental behavior formation in heritage contexts, suggesting that more sophisticated theoretical frameworks are required for understanding and promoting sustainable practices in culturally significant destinations. Full article

Understanding the social drivers of pro-environmental behavior in urban forests and green spaces is critical for addressing sustainability challenges. Subjective norms serve as a key pathway through which social expectations influence individuals’ behavioral intentions. Despite mixed findings in the literature regarding the impact of subjective norms on individuals’ intentions, there is a research gap about the determinants of this construct. This study was conducted to explore how social expectations shape perceived subjective norms among visitors of urban forests. A theoretical model was developed with subjective norms at its center, incorporating their predictors including social identity, media influence, interpersonal influence, and institutional trust, personal norms as a mediator, and behavioral intention as the outcome variable. Using structural equation modeling, data was collected and analyzed from a sample of visitors of urban forests in Tehran, Iran. The results revealed that subjective norms play a central mediating role in linking external social factors to behavioral intention. Social identity emerged as the strongest predictor of subjective norms, followed by media and interpersonal influence, while institutional trust had no significant effect. Subjective norms significantly influenced both personal norms and intentions, and personal norms also directly predicted intention. The model explained 50.9% of the variance in subjective norms and 39.0% in behavioral intention, highlighting its relatively high explanatory power. These findings underscore the importance of social context and internalized norms in shaping sustainable behavior. Policy and managerial implications suggest that strategies should prioritize community-based identity reinforcement, media engagement, and peer influence over top-down institutional messaging. This study contributes to environmental psychology and the behavior change literature by offering an integrated, empirically validated model. It also provides practical guidance for designing interventions that target both social and moral dimensions of environmental action. Full article

This paper addresses the critical challenge of selecting suitable pile foundations in port engineering by systematically investigating the axial bearing behavior of large-diameter steel pipe piles and prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) piles. The study integrates both numerical simulations and field tests within the context of the Yancheng Dafeng Port Security Facilities Project. A self-balanced static load numerical model for PHC piles was developed using Plaxis 3D, enabling the simulation of load-displacement responses, axial force transfer, and side resistance distribution. The accuracy of the model was verified through a comparison with field static load test data. With the verified model parameters, the internal force distribution of steel pipe piles was analysed by modifying material properties and adjusting boundary conditions. A comparative analysis of the two pile types was conducted under identical working conditions. The results reveal that the ultimate bearing capacities of the 1# steel pipe pile and the 2# PHC pile are 6734 kN and 6788 kN, respectively. Despite the PHC pile having a 20% larger diameter, its ultimate bearing capacity is comparable to that of the steel pipe pile, suggesting a more efficient utilisation of material strength in the latter. Further numerical simulations indicate that, under the same working conditions, the ultimate bearing capacity of the steel pipe pile exceeds that of the PHC pile by 18.43%. Additionally, the axial force distribution along the steel pipe pile shaft is more uniform, and side resistance is mobilised more effectively. The reduction in side resistance caused by construction disturbances, combined with the slenderness ratio (L/D = 41.7) of the PHC pile, results in 33.87% of the pile’s total bearing capacity being attributed to tip resistance. The findings of this study provide crucial insights into the selection of optimal pile types for terminal foundations, considering factors such as bearing capacity, environmental conditions, and economic viability. Full article

Biosphere Reserves (BRs), designated by UNESCO, are uniquely positioned to serve as model territories for sustainable development, as they aim to harmonize biodiversity conservation with the socio-economic vitality and cultural identity of local communities. This work examines the commitment of the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using a survey-based research design, this study assesses the extent to which the reserves have integrated the SDGs into their strategic frameworks and operational practices. It also identifies and analyses successful initiatives and best practices implemented across Spain that exemplify this integration. The findings highlight the need for enhanced awareness and understanding of the 2030 Agenda among stakeholders, alongside stronger mechanisms for participation, cooperation, and governance. The conclusion emphasises the importance of equipping all reserves with strategic planning tools and robust systems for monitoring, evaluation, and accountability. Moreover, the analysis of exemplary cases reveals the transformative potential of sustainability-oriented projects—not only in advancing environmental goals but also in revitalizing local economies and reinforcing cultural heritage. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of how BRs can act as dynamic laboratories for sustainable development and heritage preservation. Full article

DNA connects the domains of genetic regulation and environmental interactions and plays a crucial role in neural development and cognitive function. The complex roles of genetic and epigenetic processes in brain development, synaptic plasticity, and higher-order cognitive abilities were reviewed in this study. Neural progenitors are formed and differentiated according to genetic instructions, whereas epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, dynamically control gene expression in response to external stimuli. These processes shape behavior and cognitive resilience by influencing neural identity, synaptic efficiency, and adaptation. This review also examines how DNA damage and repair mechanisms affect the integrity of neurons, which are essential for memory and learning. It also emphasizes how genetic predispositions and environmental factors interact to determine a person’s susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Developments in gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, and non-viral delivery techniques provide encouraging treatment avenues for neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights the fundamental role of DNA in coordinating the intricate interactions between molecular and environmental factors that underlie brain function and diseases. Full article

The implementation of the trans-European tourist cycle route network “EuroVelo” is fostering new strategic importance for non-motorized mobility and the associated practice of cycling tourism. Indeed, slow tourism offers a pathway for the development of inland areas. The infrastructure supporting it, such as long-distance cycling and walking paths, can act as a vital connection, stimulating regeneration in peripheral territories by enhancing environmental and landscape assets, as well as preserving heritage, local identity, and culture. The regeneration of peri-urban landscapes through soft mobility is recognized as the cornerstone for accessibility to material and immaterial resources (including ecosystem services) for multiple categories of users, including the most vulnerable, especially following the restoration of green-area systems and non-urbanized areas with degraded ecosystems. Considering the forthcoming implementation of the Magna Grecia cycling route, the southernmost segment of the “EuroVelo” network traversing three regions in southern Italy, this contribution briefly examines the necessity of defining new development policies to effectively integrate sustainable slow tourism with the enhancement of environmental and landscape values in the coastal areas along the route. Specifically, this case study focuses on a coastal stretch characterized by significant morphological and environmental features and notable landscapes interwoven with densely built environments. In this area, environmental and landscape values face considerable threats from scattered, irregular, low-density settlements, abandoned sites, and other inappropriate constructions along the coastline. Full article

Given the environmental significance of the textile industry, especially the accumulation of nondegradable materials, there is extensive development of greener approaches to fabric waste management. Here, we investigated the biodegradation potential of three Streptomyces strains in model compost on polyamide (PA) and polyamide-elastane (PA-EA) as synthetic, and on cotton (CO) as natural textile materials. Weight change of the materials was followed, while Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze surface changes of the materials upon biodegradation. The bioluminescence-based toxicity test employing Aliivibrio fischeri confirmed the ecological safety of the tested textiles. After 12 months, the increase of 10 and 16% weight loss, of PA-EA and PA, respectively, was observed in compost augmented with Streptomyces sp. BPS43. Additionally, a 14% increase in cotton degradation was recorded after 2 months in compost augmented with Streptomyces sp. NP10. Genome exploration of the strains was carried out for potential plastic-degrading enzymes. It highlighted BPS43 as the most versatile strain with specific amidases that show sequence identity to UMG-SP-1, UMG-SP-2, and UMG-SP-3 (polyurethane degrading enzymes identified from compost metagenome). Our results showcase the behavior of Streptomyces sp. BPS43 in the degradation of PA and PA-EA textiles in composting conditions, with enzymatic potential that could be further characterized and optimized for increased synthetic textile degradation. Full article

This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Consumption Values through a mixed-methods approach (structured interview and structural equation model) to investigate cross-platform disposal behaviors for idle clothing on social media and second-hand platform ecosystems. The study reconstructs traditional theoretical variables: psychological motivation dimension (platform-enabled green attitude, social circle environmental demonstration, and cross-platform behavioral control) and perceived value dimension (functional integration value perception, socialized emotional empowerment, and community identity value). Key findings: Cross-platform behavioral control is the strongest predictor of behavioral intention. In the value dimension, emotional value has the strongest direct impact on disposal intentions, functional integration is key to enhancing behavioral control, and community identity value most significantly impacts the platform-enabled green attitude and the social circle environmental demonstration. Finally, proposing a governance framework of “technological empowerment–emotional resonance–identity motivation”, offering theoretical foundations for optimizing platform interoperability and formulating digital environmental policies. Full article

This study investigates the foundational causes of unsustainability that obstruct efforts to address global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, water crises, and public health deterioration. Using qualitative research with in-depth expert interviews from education, environmental studies, and business, it finds that these global challenges, while visible on the surface, are deeply rooted in worldviews that shape human behavior, societal structures, and policies. Building on this insight, the thematic analysis manifests three interrelated systemic paradigms as the fundamental drivers of unsustainability: a crisis of wholeness, reflected in fragmented identities and collective disorientation; a disconnection from nature, shaped by human-centered perspectives; and the influence of dominant political-economic systems which prioritize growth logics over ecological and social concerns. These paradigms underlie both structural and cognitive barriers to systemic transformation, which influence the design and implementation of education for sustainability. By clarifying a body of knowledge and systemic paradigms regarding unsustainability, this paper calls for transformative education that promotes a holistic, value-based approach, eco-empathy, and critical thinking, aiming to equip future generations with the tools to challenge and transform unsustainable systems. Full article

Both ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and energy underground structures are engineered systems that utilize shallow geothermal energy. However, due to the construction complexity and associated costs of energy tunnels, their heat exchange efficiency relative to GSHPs remains a topic worthy of in-depth investigation. In this study, a thermal–hydraulic (TH) coupled finite element model was developed based on a section of the Torino Metro Line in Italy to analyze the differences in and influencing factors of heat transfer performance between energy tunnels and GSHPs. The model was validated by comparing the outlet temperature curves under both winter and summer loading conditions. Based on this validated model, a parametric analysis was conducted to examine the effects of the tunnel air velocity, heat carrier fluid velocity, and fluid type. The results indicate that, under identical environmental conditions, energy tunnels exhibit higher heat exchange efficiency than conventional GSHP systems and are less sensitive to external factors such as fluid velocity. Furthermore, a comparison of different heat carrier fluids, including alcohol-based fluids, refrigerants, and water, revealed that the fluid type significantly affects thermal performance, with the refrigerant R-134a outperforming ethylene glycol and water in both heating and cooling efficiency. Full article

The impacts of the climate crisis compel congregations to reimagine their mission and identity in various ways. Working with data taken from U.S. clergy participating in an online program for education and support on climate and environmental issues, as well as selected congregational leaders from their congregations, this article examines the ways that ministers and their congregations in primarily North American mainline Protestant contexts frame the climate crisis and how those understandings both create tension and open space for new conversations about their Christian and congregational vocation. It also describes how these ministers and congregations engage with environmental issues through means beyond technological solutions and consumption choices, such as collaborating with other community organizations, hosting rituals for grieving or meaning-making, and inviting transformative encounters with the more-than-human world. Finally, it will suggest possible strategies for leaders and their congregations to frame and creatively engage with the environment through various methods. Full article

This study aims to understand how companies address and integrate sustainability challenges in packaging design, as well as the motivations and processes that influence managers’ decisions when adopting sustainable practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from five major Portuguese companies to gather qualitative data on the motivations and processes related to sustainable packaging strategies and actions. The list of questions was developed based on the literature review, from which the dimensions to be analyzed were identified. The results indicate that several factors influence companies’ decisions regarding sustainability in packaging. Despite some factors being beyond the control of companies, the interviews reveal that companies possess the necessary knowledge and are committed to adopting more sustainable packaging. Full article

The growing disconnection between humans and nature—particularly in urban environments—has been associated with declining well-being and lower engagement in pro-environmental behavior. Although the Connectedness with Nature Scale (CNS) has been widely used internationally to measure this relationship, there is a lack of evidence on its validity and reliability in Latin American contexts, especially in urban and rural settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the CNS in a sample of 956 Colombian participants. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we tested two versions of the scale (14-item and 12-item models), both showing good fit and high internal consistency (α > 0.90). Convergent validity was confirmed through strong correlations with the Environmental Identity and Pro-environmental Behavior Scales. These findings support the CNS as a valid and reliable tool to assess the human–nature connection in Colombia and highlight its potential for informing urban sustainability initiatives, environmental education, and public policy in diverse sociocultural contexts. Full article