Search Results (45,954)

Achieving the simultaneous improvement of environmental quality and export quality represents a critical breakthrough for countries pursuing high-quality economic development. Based on panel data for 67 countries over the period 1995–2020, this study investigates the impact of environmental regulation on export sophistication within the context of globalized production. First, this paper constructs an index of export sophistication from a global perspective and employs a Panel Smooth Transition Regression model to preliminarily identify a single-threshold effect of environmental regulation on export sophistication. On this basis, a baseline regression model incorporating the quadratic term of environmental regulation is established, and a series of robustness checks and heterogeneity analyses are conducted. The results indicate that, in both developed and developing countries, environmental regulation exhibits a significant “U-shaped” effect on export sophistication, although notable country heterogeneity exists. Compared with developed countries, developing countries display a higher turning point and stronger policy effects, suggesting that their micro-level agents possess greater tolerance for environmental regulation and that marginal changes in regulatory intensity exert a more pronounced influence on export sophistication. Furthermore, inspired by the theory of ecological fallacy, this study does not confine itself to the conventional dichotomy between developed and developing countries. Instead, it classifies countries according to their levels of export sophistication and conducts quantile regression analysis accordingly. The findings reveal that the impact of environmental regulation becomes increasingly significant and stable as the level of export sophistication rises. Only when technological capability reaches a certain threshold can environmental regulation exert a positive incentive effect; when technological levels are too low, they are insufficient to support the upward trend of the “U-shaped” relationship. Full article

Healthcare waste management is a growing environmental and economic challenge due to increasing waste volumes, hazardous materials, and continued reliance on linear disposal methods such as incineration and landfilling. This review aims to examine how circular economy and zero-waste approaches can be applied to healthcare waste management to improve sustainability, resource efficiency, and system performance. A structured narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature obtained from prominent scientific databases, concentrating on circular strategies, zero-waste initiatives, digital technologies, and policy frameworks relevant to healthcare waste systems. The reviewed studies indicate that practices such as improved waste segregation, recycling and material recovery, reusable product design, digital waste tracking, and Extended Producer Responsibility can significantly reduce waste generation, lower environmental impacts, and achieve cost savings, while maintaining infection control and patient safety. However, the review also identifies key barriers to implementation, including regulatory complexity, limited infrastructure, financial constraints, and weak coordination among stakeholders. The novelty of this review lies in its integrated analysis of circular economy and zero-waste strategies through the lens of digital enablement, offering a systems-based framework for transforming healthcare waste management beyond incremental improvements. The findings highlight that successful circular healthcare waste management requires strong institutional leadership, supportive policies, and the integration of digital technologies to enable monitoring, traceability, and decision-making. This review enhances the comprehension of how circular economy principles can facilitate the transition from linear to sustainable healthcare waste systems and provides guidance for policymakers, healthcare managers, and researchers. Future research should focus on evaluating real-world implementation, advancing recyclable and reusable medical materials, and developing standardised indicators to measure circular performance in healthcare settings. Full article

This study analyzes the econometric correlation between resale prices and CO₂ emissions of 832 bulk carriers sold from 2018 to 2025. It uses a cross-sectional hedonic pricing model to look at how environmental performance affects the value of sub-types of dry bulk vessels (Capesize, Panamax, Supramax, and Handysize) and age groups (0–5, 6–10, 11–15, and 16+). The findings show that emission efficiency has a statistically significant and negative effect on second-hand prices for all models. Results indicate that higher emission intensity (higher technical efficiency values) reduces vessel values. The magnitude of this effect varies by ship type and age group. Based on the Technical Efficiency Indicator (TEI), refers to Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) or Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) coefficients, the Supramax segment appears to be the most price-sensitive, followed by Panamax, Capesize, and Handysize. Age has a consistently negative and significant effect on prices, while vessel size positively affects asset values. Further analysis shows that TEI levels increase with vessel age, whereas they decrease with larger vessel size and more recent measurement years. These results are consistent with tightening regulatory pressures under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) frameworks. The economic implications of IMO’s environmental regulations on carbon intensity indicate that compliance with regulation standards creates a measurable price differential in the second-hand ship market. These findings have important implications for shipowners’ investment strategies, regulatory policy design, and the decarbonization path of the maritime sector. This study contributes to the growing research on environmental economics in maritime transport by providing empirical evidence on how carbon regulations translate into tangible asset value impacts. Full article

Steel–concrete composite components exhibit significant advantages, including reliable mechanical performance, rapid construction, cost efficiency, and low environmental impact. Existing studies on their seismic behavior have mainly focused on developing novel connection forms and enhancing joint zone strength, while systematic investigations into the post-earthquake axial compression behavior and failure mechanisms of composite joints remain limited. To address this gap, this study investigates the mechanical performance of steel–concrete composite components under strong seismic and post-earthquake conditions. Seismic damage characteristics are first analyzed based on representative case studies of conventional steel–concrete columns. Subsequently, low-cycle reversed loading tests followed by post-earthquake axial compression tests are conducted on seven beam–column joints with varying damage levels, and the damage evolution and seismic performance of joint zones under different structural configurations are systematically evaluated. In addition, the seismic performance of steel–concrete composite shear walls is further validated. The results provide a scientific basis for the seismic design, post-earthquake assessment, and repair of steel–concrete composite structures. Full article

As a member state of the European Union, Bulgaria is committed to decarbonisation and the achievement of sustainable development goals. The country has a well-established energy sector and is a net exporter of electricity produced from diverse sources. Electricity generation relies mainly on two key pillars: lignite-fired Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) and the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Kozloduy. This study examines the status of Bulgarian state-owned energy companies (SOEC) and their capacity to respond to the challenges of a sustainable transition towards low- or zero-emission electricity production. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights from a comparative analysis of state-owned thermal and nuclear power generation in Bulgaria, examined through the lens of sustainable development. From a practical standpoint it contributes by outlining possible pathways for the sustainable transformation of carbon-intensive TPPs. The analy-sis is based on key sustainability indicators covering the three pillars of sustainable development—economic, social and environmental performance. It includes not only an assessment of the financial performance of state-owned thermal power plants and the nuclear power plant over the past five years but also selected social and environmental indicators. The findings suggest that nuclear energy production in Bulgaria is largely consistent with the core principles of sustainability, while coal-based thermal power plants face increasing economic pressures and contribute to significant environmental impacts. The results highlight the need to transform the coal-based electricity sector into a more economically viable and socially responsible alternative, such as low-carbon generation technologies including nuclear energy. Full article

Optimizing solar access is fundamental for developing ‘Sustainable Healthy Cities’ and ensuring occupant well-being in high-radiation climates like Egypt. This study establishes an environmental methodology to enhance urban sustainability by controlling solar exposure to facades to mitigate health risks and reduce energy demand. The methodology involved a verified simulation using Autodesk Revit with Insight, followed by a comparative analysis of 45 scenarios. These scenarios evaluated the impact of orientation, geometry, urban spacing, etc., on solar performance. Additionally, the paper discusses the prospective integration of Generative AI and algorithmic engines to automate solar access layouts, proposing a roadmap for future AI-driven sustainable urban planning. The results indicate that strategic adjustments in urban morphology significantly improve solar access levels, directly influencing indoor environmental quality. The findings serve as a scalable framework applicable to regions like Kafr El-Sheikh or adaptable to extreme climates like Aswan, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3 and 11). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that environmental simulation provides a pragmatic pathway for architects to achieve integrated sustainability and healthy urban standards. This research offers a foundation for future sustainability investigations into thermal comfort and non-linear interactions between urban variables to refine solar access strategies in diverse contextual conditions. Full article

Amid the coordinated advancement of the digital economy and rural revitalization, Digital Rural Construction (DRC) has increasingly emerged as a critical catalyst for agricultural modernization and sustainable development. Faced with dual challenges of land resource constraints and agricultural green transformation, improving the Agricultural Land Green Utilization Efficiency (ALGUE) has become essential for achieving high-quality agricultural development. Based on panel data from 29 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2023, this study employs the super-efficiency SBM model to quantify ALGUE. A comprehensive four-dimensional evaluation system—encompassing digital infrastructure, service capacity, human capital quality, and practical application—is constructed, and the entropy method is used to measure the level of digital rural construction. By applying two-way fixed effects models, mediation analysis, and heterogeneity tests, this study systematically examines the impact of digital rural construction on ALGUE and its underlying transmission pathways. The results demonstrate that: (1) Digital rural construction significantly enhances ALGUE, and this finding remains robust under multiple sensitivity checks. (2) Pronounced heterogeneity exists in two dimensions: the promotion effect is stronger in economically developed regions and in regions with higher agricultural mechanization intensity, while it is weaker in less developed and low-mechanization regions. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that digital rural construction promotes ALGUE through two channels. The first involves accelerating the transition of the primary industry toward intelligent and high-value-added models, thereby optimizing resource allocation and reducing environmental pressure. The second operates by fostering regional economic growth in an inverted U-shaped nonlinear pattern that supports agricultural green transformation. By integrating DRC and ALGUE into a unified framework, this study identifies two mediating channels and reveals heterogeneity across economic development levels and agricultural structures. These findings provide empirical support and policy implications for digitally driven green agricultural development. Full article

Acute disturbances caused by changing environmental conditions are increasingly affecting the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems. Notably, changing rainfall patterns are leading to increasing incidence of hyposalinity. This study explored interannual changes in the overall cover and composition of hard corals (order Scleractinia) in Pioneer Bay, Orpheus Island, which was subject to hyposalinity during unprecedented high rainfall in February 2025. Hard coral cover declined 66.60%, from 41.66% (±1.22 SE) in September 2024 to 13.92% (±0.92 SE) in October 2025, with coral loss mostly apparent on the reef flat and reef crest. Coral loss was not equally apportioned among different coral taxa (genera), possibly reflecting differential susceptibility to hyposalinity based on specific physiology and habitat associations. The most pronounced declines were recorded among Merulinidae, which were the predominant hard corals on the reef flat in 2024. Soft corals were similarly affected and exhibited major declines in abundance on the reef flat. Hyposalinity is rarely considered among the suite of climatic disturbances that impact on coral assemblages and reef ecosystems, but this research shows that the potential ecological effects are very extensive, adding to the diversity of acute disturbances that will influence the structure coral reef ecosystems in the Anthropocene. Full article

Aim: Environmental sustainability has become a major global trend, drawing the attention of the global community due to the severe threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation. All forms of life are being affected. The planet itself seems to be falling apart. Hence, the call is to pay closer attention to environmental governance in order to conserve ecosystems and promote environmental sustainability. Botswana and Rwanda have received accolades and international recognition in Africa for their response to climate change and environmental challenges. Methods: This study examines good governance and environmental sustainability by assessing and comparing the governance framework used by these countries to respond to environmental challenges and the weaknesses experienced in implementing their policies. Key findings: A comparative analysis of the literature revealed that the quality of governance has a significant impact on environmental sustainability. The assessment also shows that similar governance approaches adopted by Botswana and Rwanda through the government elements of institutional framework, structures, and processes contributed to their success in environmental sustainability. Implications: In the same sense, both countries are also confronted with similar challenges, among which the lack of funding, infrastructural capacity, and variation of climate change impacts are the leading factors. Full article

Aerobic exercise capacity, best quantified by maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), varies between individuals and is dependent on cardiac output (CO) and oxygen uptake in the periphery (a-vO₂ diff). Environmental stressors like hypoxia, microgravity, and heat negatively impact these parameters, thereby reducing aerobic exercise capacity. However, in response to acute and chronic exposures to these environments, compensatory processes serve to counteract reductions in VO_2max. In hypoxic environments, reduced oxygen partial pressure (PO₂) leads to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and a diffusion limitation at the level of the lungs and skeletal muscle, resulting in a reduction in VO_2max. Microgravity environments reduce VO_2max through cardiac and skeletal muscle deconditioning, as well as reductions in plasma volume (PV), resulting in an increase in sympathetic nerve activity through baroreceptor-mediated pathways. In heat stress environments, increases in skin perfusion upon acute exposure hinder exercise performance, whereas compensatory PV expansion mitigates further decreases in VO_2max. As humans are increasingly exposed to austere environments and environmental extremes, it is critical to understand how these environments impact cardiovascular exercise physiology so that effective strategies and protocols ensuring proper aerobic functioning may be implemented. Full article

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a source of psychological distress, yet the prevalence, predictors, and behavioral implications of climate anxiety remain unevenly understood. This study examines climate anxiety, its key drivers, and associated behavioral responses in a multi-country sample of adults. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted across 21 countries using the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS), alongside measures of awareness, coping strategies, social support, and food-related behaviors, including food waste reduction, increased plant-based food consumption, and home or community gardening. Analyses included descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and multivariable regression. Given the uneven country-level representation, results are reported as pooled patterns with a few exploratory cross-country comparisons. Climate anxiety was widely reported, with over 60% of participants indicating that climate challenges were emotionally overwhelming. Regression analyses showed that climate awareness and frequency of climate-related thinking were positively associated with higher anxiety, although the effect sizes were small and explanatory power was limited (R² = 0.055). EFA identified two related dimensions: cognitive concern about future impacts and affective distress. Climate anxiety across countries showed modest variation (2.44–3.23) and no statistically significant differences, despite variation in awareness. A gap between concern and climate action was evident: only 39.1% reported environmentally motivated dietary changes. Cost, limited availability, and lack of information were the main barriers to climate action, and only 24.4% reported frequent social support. These findings indicate that climate anxiety is shaped by both psychological and structural factors, and that reducing it requires not only increasing awareness but also enabling conditions that support meaningful climate action. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural production is a significant public health issue in Mexico, as it directly impacts food safety and population exposure through dietary intake. Available scientific evidence indicates that vegetables and other plant-derived foods can serve as significant exposure pathways for toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury. The consumption of contaminated foods may contribute to cumulative adverse health effects, including neurological, renal, and reproductive alterations, as well as an increased risk of chronic diseases. In Mexico, risk assessment is further constrained by methodological heterogeneity across studies and by difficulties in translating scientific evidence into concrete regulatory actions. Critically, the national regulatory framework lacks specific standards establishing maximum permissible limits for heavy metals in fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, despite their central role in the population’s diet. Regulations focus primarily on drinking water quality and selected processed foods, creating a regulatory gap in the direct control of contaminants in crops. The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen public policies by establishing crop-specific regulatory standards, implementing systematic monitoring programs, and integrating food safety considerations more effectively into environmental, agricultural, and public health policies in Mexico. Full article

Background: During the early years of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many schools found their staff, specifically teachers, adapting their roles to address social and health challenges, such as food insecurity and health literacy. Given the challenges these school-based communities faced, and continue to face, a clear gap was exposed during these early years of the public health crisis: a lack of community-centered professionals who can assist with social health factors impacting health and well-being. Methods: In this descriptive report, we examine the process and implementation of training two teachers to become community-centered professionals, specifically community health workers (CHWs), to serve schools located in socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods of urban regions. We explore their training and how these CHW–teachers prescribed social health interventions across four major domains: (a) access to medical and environmental equipment, (b) mental health challenges, (c) food insecurity, and (d) health literacy. We describe the specific interventions they implemented and the potential economic value and practicality of the overall initiative. Outputs: In less than one year, two teachers were successfully trained as CHWs in and for underserved communities. These CHW–teachers conducted informal surveys based on objectives of health themes that aligned with absenteeism. Both the process and implementation of the CHW training and CHW-led school-based interventions proved cost-effective and practical. Conclusions: Having CHW–teachers in schools is practical, may offer economic value, and is likely to complement additional health initiatives at schools (e.g., school nurses). As a small-scale pilot initiative, further studies should evaluate CHW–teacher impact on school-based goals, such as attendance rates, while this report focuses on early implementation processes. Full article

The growing demand for food production has increased the pressure on soil and fertilizer use, often leading to nutrient losses, soil degradation, and environmental pollution. Green chemistry offers practical solutions to these challenges by encouraging cleaner, safer, and more efficient ways of producing and using fertilizers. This review summarizes recent advances in multi-nutrient sustainable fertilizers developed through green chemistry principles, including renewable raw materials, low-toxicity synthesis methods, and environmentally friendly delivery systems. Different approaches, such as controlled-release carriers, nano-enabled formulations, chelated nutrients, and bio-based coatings, are discussed with a focus on how they reduce nutrient losses and improve soil and plant health. The review also highlights the benefits and limitations of these technologies, gaps in current research, and the need for long-term field studies to assess their safety and effectiveness. Overall, green chemistry-guided fertilizer development shows strong potential to support sustainable agriculture by improving nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental impacts. Full article