Search Results (54,500)

Background: Healthcare systems contribute significantly to environmental pollution, energy consumption, and resource depletion, making sustainability an increasingly important environmental and public health priority. Nurses, as frontline healthcare professionals, play a critical role in promoting environmentally responsible practices and advocating for sustainable healthcare within clinical settings. Objective: The study aimed to examine the associations between nurses’ sustainability consciousness, green advocacy, and work grit in hospital settings. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 377 nurses working in two university-affiliated hospitals in Egypt. Data were collected using validated instruments assessing sustainability consciousness, green advocacy, and work grit. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize participant characteristics and study variables. Associations among sustainability consciousness, green advocacy, and work grit were examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors of green advocacy, while noting that the study design allows for identification of associations rather than causal relationships. Results: The findings indicated generally high levels of sustainability consciousness among nurses. Significant positive associations were observed between sustainability consciousness, green advocacy, and work grit (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis identified sustainability consciousness and work grit as significant predictors of green advocacy, explaining 34.2% of its variance. Conclusions: These findings highlight the interconnected roles of sustainability awareness, advocacy behaviors, and psychological resilience in promoting environmentally sustainable healthcare practices. Strengthening nurses’ sustainability consciousness and work grit may enhance green advocacy and contribute to the development of sustainable healthcare systems, supporting global environmental and public health goals aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Against the backdrop of the full implementation of “antibiotic ban” and “zinc restriction” policies in livestock and poultry breeding, and the growing consumer demand for safe livestock and poultry products, the development of natural and efficient green feed additives has become crucial for the sustainable development of the animal husbandry industry. Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has attracted extensive attention in poultry production due to its various biological activities and safety. This paper thoroughly reviews the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of curcumin, and elaborates on its core molecular mechanisms of action, which mainly involve the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and lipid metabolism regulatory effects. It further clarifies the practical application value of curcumin in major poultry species including broilers, laying hens, ducks and quails, showing that curcumin can significantly improve poultry production performance, optimize meat and egg quality, protect intestinal health, and enhance the ability of poultry to resist stress and diseases. Meanwhile, the review notes curcumin’s current application limitations (low bioavailability, poor stability, unclear standardized dosage, and high industrialization cost) and proposes targeted future research directions to address these issues. In conclusion, curcumin is a promising green feed additive alternative to antibiotics, and its large-scale and standardized application in poultry production will effectively promote the green, healthy and sustainable development of the poultry industry. Full article

Deciphering the coloration mechanism of natural-colored cocoons in the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) is of great importance for the green and sustainable development of the sericulture industry. In this study, 14 silkworm strains were selected for studying differences in the coloration mechanism of diverse cocoon colors, and the present research carried out integrated investigations from three aspects: pigment content, differences in gene expression levels, and gene structural variation. The results demonstrated that pigment accumulation presented distinct tissue-specific and strain-specific characteristics. The middle silk gland (MSG) acts as the primary locus for pigment deposition: silkworm strains forming yellow or red cocoons accumulate carotenoids at high levels in this tissue, whereas those producing green cocoons show abundant flavonoid enrichment here. Analysis of gene expression profiles indicated that the expression patterns of core transporter genes are highly correlated with the spatial distribution of pigments. The expression level of CBP gene in the MSG is over 10-fold higher than that in the midgut (MG) among yellow/red cocoon strains. The pivotal glycosylation gene UGT86 displayed remarkably elevated expression in the MSG relative to other tissues across all green cocoon silkworm strains. The CBP gene acts as a core regulatory factor governing the transport of carotenoid pigments, and notable disparities existed in the coding region of the gene among silkworm strains with different cocoon colors. In contrast to yellow and red cocoon strains, the transcription start site of CBP gene is displaced in silkworm varieties that form green or white cocoons. In summary, this study clarified the expression patterns and variations in key pigment deposition-related genes at the population level for the first time and provided data references for the study of the biological basis and coloration mechanism of diverse cocoon colors. Full article

Green husks, which are the fleshy pericarp of Juglans regia L. fruit, are an abundant yet under-utilized source of bioactive compounds. They are useful for plant defense and have potential for valorization to multiple commercial products. This study characterized total phenolic content (TPC) and individual phenolics in green husks of four Hungarian-bred cultivars (Milotai 10, Milotai intenzív, Milotai kései, Esterhazy kései) and one U.S. cultivar (Chandler). Phenolic compounds were extracted with aqueous organic solvents, quantified by HPLC-DAD and qualitatively identified by HPLC-MS. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effects of cultivar, year, sampling time, and cumulative growing degree days (GDDs) on TPC and compound profiles. Mean TPC ranged from 34.9 to 57.2 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW, with significantly higher values in the warmest year, 2024, and in cultivar Esterhazy kései compared with Chandler. Across cultivars and years, phenolic levels were generally elevated at early lignification (S1, BBCH 73–75) and at full maturity (S5–S6, BBCH 87–88), with depressed concentrations during mid-fruit development (S2–S4, BBCH 77–86). Several hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones showed cultivar-specific and year-dependent patterns. Thermal conditions (cumulative GDDs) explained a substantial proportion of residual variation in TPC. These results highlight the combined roles of genotype, seasonal climate, and developmental stage dependencies in biosynthetic processes of phenolics in walnut green husks despite the diversity in factor effects. Full article

Phosphorus deficiency in the environment induces phosphate (Pi) starvation responses of plants, in which the phosphate transporter is one of the most critical functional genes in this response mechanism. As a prevalent green manure crop in China, Vicia villosa plays a critical role in sustainable agricultural systems, and the expression of its phosphate transporter gene (VvPHT1) is modulated by soil phosphorus availability, highlighting its key adaptive function in nutrient acquisition and utilization under low-Pi conditions. Functional studies of this gene and its promoter contribute to exploring the molecular mechanisms of the tolerance of green manure crops to low phosphorus stress and to improving phosphorus-efficient V. villosa varieties. In this study, analysis of the VvPHT1 promoter sequence revealed a 1524 bp region containing multiple root-specific cis-regulatory elements, including five NODCON2GM, one NODCON1GM, six OSE2ROOTNODULE, one OSE1ROOTNODULE, and fifteen ROOTMOTIFTAPOX1 motifs. Histochemical GUS staining of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.) showed that the VvPHT1 promoter directed root-specific expression of the GUS reporter gene. A fusion expression vector pCAMBIA1300-VvPHT1--GFP was constructed and transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cells for subcellular localization analysis, indicating that the protein encoded by VvPHT1 was localized to the plasma membrane. To quantify its expression, VvPHT1 transcript levels in VvPHT1-overexpressing Arabidopsis (OEPHT1) lines were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) under different phosphorus supply conditions. The results demonstrated that under low-Pi conditions, the expression of VvPHT1 was significantly upregulated in the OEPHT1 lines compared to those of normal-Pi conditions. Furthermore, under low-Pi treatment, the OEPHT1 lines showed significantly increased fresh weight, primary root length, phosphorus content, and chlorophyll content compared to the wild-type Arabidopsis (WT), while no such differences were observed under normal-Pi conditions. In conclusion, the VvPHT1 promoter exhibits root-specific activity, and the VvPHT1 gene encodes a plasma-membrane-localized phosphate transporter that is strongly induced by phosphorus deficiency. Its overexpression enhances phosphorus uptake and plant growth under low-Pi conditions, suggesting that VvPHT1 likely functions as a high-affinity phosphate transporter involved in the adaptation to phosphorus starvation. Full article

This study explored the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs using Prosopis laevigata seed mucilage and assessed their antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and biocompatibility effects against foodborne pathogens. The AgNPs were mostly spherical, with sizes ranging from 2.5 to 56 nm (average: 14.69 nm), as confirmed by XRD and DLS analysis. They showed consistent antimicrobial activity, with MICs at 0.5 mg/mL and MBCs at 1.0 mg/mL across all tested strains, and inhibited bacterial growth by over 75% at 0.5–5 mg/mL, similar to or better than gentamicin. The antibiofilm performance was notable, with inhibitions of 76–84% against E. coli (1–10 mg/mL), 96–98% against S. aureus (0.5–10 mg/mL), 76–82% against Salmonella Typhimurium (0.5–10 mg/mL), and 70–84% against P. aeruginosa (1–10 mg/mL), surpassing gentamicin against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Cell viability remained 100% at 0.25 mg/mL, and no significant changes in immunological parameters were observed, suggesting good biocompatibility at therapeutic doses. This research shows, for the first time, that P. laevigata mucilage is an effective bioreducing agent for green synthesis of AgNPs with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive foodborne pathogens. Its superior ability to inhibit biofilms compared to traditional antibiotics, along with its safety profile at therapeutic levels, makes these nanoparticles promising for food safety applications, antimicrobial coatings, and topical treatments. Overall, the findings support the use of native plant resources in green nanotechnology to address global challenges of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

The use of colored LED lights is a tool for controlling the development of lymphoid organs and the immune system in general. This study aims to analyze the effects of using simple and combined colored LED lights throughout a 6 week period (1–42 days of age). In this study, 336 one-day-old chicks were used, separated randomly into four groups with different sex and lighting systems, with each group being divided into four separate replicates (4 × 21 birds). The chicks in the WL-Male and WL-Female were exposed to white LED light (WL, 400–760 nm) for 6 weeks, while the chicks in the G-GxB-BL-Male and G-GxB-BL-Female were exposed to a combination of monochromatic lights as follows: green (560 nm) from 1 to 14 days of age, green and blue (480–560 nm) for 15–28 days of age, and blue lights (480 nm) for 29–42 days of age. The use of a mixture of green and blue LED lights (G-GxB-BL) resulted in a significant decrease in the average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio compared to white light, without causing changes in the body weight of the chicks, average daily gain, mortality rate, and coefficient of variability. G-GxB-BL lights also improved the morphological development of the bursa of Fabricius (BF) compared to white light by significantly increasing the organ index and the lymphoid follicle area. At the same time, G-GxB-BL light compared to white light improved B lymphocytes proliferation in the BF by significantly increasing the lymphocyte density in lymphoid follicles, as well as the number of PCNA-positive cells. This light treatment had these results due to the activation of melatonin receptors, which led to a significant increase in Mel1a-positive cells and a significant decrease in the number of RORα-positive cells. These results demonstrate that G-GxB-BL lights improved the growth performance and immune response in the BF of broiler chickens. Full article

A highly efficient ZnO/biochar (ZnO/BC) composite was synthesised from phytoremediation residue and evaluated for the advanced sonocatalytic degradation of malachite green in aqueous solutions. The structural, chemical, and morphological properties of the composite were characterised using physicochemical techniques, confirming the successful impregnation of zinc oxide (ZnO) onto the biochar matrix. The catalytic performance of the synthesised composite in treating malachite green was systematically evaluated and optimised using response surface methodology (RSM), specifically a central composite design (CCD), to analyse the interactive effects of initial dye concentration, catalyst loading, and ultrasonic irradiation time. The developed model exhibited a high coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.996 and an adequate precision of 62.67, confirming the model’s significance. Optimal degradation was observed at an initial malachite green concentration of 73.71 mg/L, a catalyst loading of 0.527 g/L, and a sonocatalytic treatment duration of 18.7 min. Furthermore, the ZnO/biochar composite demonstrated excellent mineralisation capabilities, with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiencies reaching 89.79% and 68.43%, respectively, after 60 min of treatment. These findings establish ZnO/BC as a highly active sonocatalyst, offering a promising approach for the remediation of organic dyes in industrial wastewater treatment. Full article

Urban districts along major rivers are undergoing rapid transformation, yet long-term evidence on how redevelopment reshapes land cover and vegetation structure remains limited in post-socialist cities. This study examines the spatio-temporal evolution of land use and land cover (LULC) and vegetation dynamics along the Sava River corridor in Belgrade from 1990 to 2024. CORINE Land Cover (CLC) datasets were combined with Landsat-derived NDVI and MSAVI time series, while high-resolution Esri Wayback imagery was used for visual interpretation and qualitative corroboration of the detected land-cover and vegetation patterns. Beyond conventional NDVI/LULC assessments, the study integrates multi-decadal spectral trends with functional vegetation structure classification to evaluate canopy continuity and ecological configuration under contrasting redevelopment models. Results reveal a pronounced divergence between the two riverbanks. The left bank (New Belgrade) maintains stable land-cover composition and consistently higher NDVI and MSAVI values, indicating preserved green infrastructure and sustained canopy continuity. In contrast, the right bank (Belgrade Waterfront) experienced substantial land-cover conversion after 2006, with a statistically significant decline in vegetation greenness (NDVI −0.020 dec⁻¹, p < 0.001) and a marked increase in impervious surfaces. MSAVI-based functional classes indicate a shift from mixed low vegetation to predominantly sealed land, while tree canopy remained persistently low throughout redevelopment. The findings demonstrate measurable ecological simplification and canopy loss, even where nominal green areas remain present. By providing a rare multi-decadal, spatially explicit comparison of two contrasting planning paradigms within the same river corridor, the study contributes new empirical evidence on how governance and redevelopment models shape riparian ecological trajectories and sustainable urbanism in post-socialist cities. Strengthening blue-green infrastructure and restoring native riparian vegetation are essential for enhancing climate resilience and ensuring long-term riverfront sustainability. Full article

Whether and how digital financial inclusion (DFI) is associated with ecological efficiency (EE) is a critical issue for the sustainable development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). Based on panel data from 2011 to 2023, this study measures EE using the PCA-Super SBM model, and employs panel fixed-effects models and mediation models to systematically examine the association, mechanisms, and regional patterns of DFI with EE in the YREB. The findings are as follows: (1) DFI and EE exhibit notable spatiotemporal co-evolution characteristics, with the DFI index increasing nearly 14-fold and the EE level rising by approximately 21.5% over the study period. (2) DFI shows a statistically significant positive association with EE improvement; this finding remains robust after various robustness checks. (3) The association between DFI and EE is partially mediated through four pathways: capital allocation optimization, green technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading, and environmental regulation strengthening, among which green technological innovation is the most prominent mediating pathway. (4) Numerically, the association strength varies across functional zones, being higher in the ecological barrier zone (EBZ) and the coordinated development zone (CDZ) than in the high-quality development zone (HQDZ); however, differences in coefficients across zones are not statistically significant and should be interpreted cautiously. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy recommendations including establishing a DFI-EE linkage platform, implementing differentiated functional-zone strategies, and strengthening cross-basin collaborative governance, thereby providing a reference for the green transformation of the YREB. Full article

Since its discovery in higher plants, melatonin has attracted considerable attention for its antioxidant properties and its diverse roles in plant physiology and stress responses. However, its biosynthetic pathway remains only partially elucidated, particularly in horticultural crops of economic and nutritional importance, such as pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits. In our previous work, we identified five genes encoding tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), the first enzyme in the melatonin biosynthetic pathway in pepper. The present study expands on this by identifying and characterizing additional genes encoding enzymes involved in subsequent steps of the pathway, including four tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H) genes, two serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT) genes, three N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) genes, two caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes, and one N-acetylserotonin deacetylase (ASDAC) gene, representing a total of twelve newly identified genes. We further examined their expression in sweet pepper fruits and found that only nine of the identified genes are expressed in the fruit, with generally higher transcript levels during the unripe stages. Melatonin quantification in the California-type ‘Masami’ cultivar using UPLC with fluorescence detection (FD) revealed concentrations of 623 ng melatonin·g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) in green fruits and 431 ng melatonin·g⁻¹ DW in red fruits, consistent with the higher expression of melatonin biosynthetic genes in unripe fruit. Expression analysis of these genes by means of RNA-seq revealed differential modulation in response to exogenous melatonin treatments (20, 50, and 100 µM). To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that exogenous melatonin regulates the expression of genes involved in its own biosynthetic pathway in sweet pepper fruits. Notably, treatment with 100 µM melatonin delayed ripening in these non-climacteric fruits, highlighting its potential biotechnological application for controlling fruit ripening and improving postharvest management. Full article

Across the globe, companies are facing significant pressure to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and report their sustainability efforts transparently. ESG frameworks have become essential tools for sustainability transformation. However, traditional business models, based on a linear “take–make–dispose” approach, continue to dominate industries, limiting the impact of ESG efforts. The circular economy offers a compelling alternative: it encourages designing products for reuse, recycling, and regeneration, thus aligning closely with ESG principles. When businesses transition to circular models, they reduce their environmental footprint, create new green jobs and social inclusion opportunities, and strengthen accountability across business value chains. This study explores how selected firms in the mining, energy, consumer cyclical, technology, and healthcare sectors are aligning circular principles with ESG practices. Using a longitudinal, multi-sector comparative analysis of ESG indicators spanning 2014–2024, the research examines sector-level ESG evolution, firm-level ESG leadership, and the alignment of ESG performance with circular business model pathways. Rather than directly measuring circular transformation, ESG indicators are interpreted as signals of emerging circular business model pathways. This study identifies ESG-based ways and enabling conditions through which circularity may be increasingly embedded across different sectors. Full article

Supramolecular oleogel lubricants construct a three-dimensional network structure within base oils through gelator-mediated non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and π–π stacking. These materials demonstrate unique advantages in mitigating issues inherent to traditional lubricants, including leakage, volatility, creep, and poor heat dissipation. Focusing on structural design and performance regulation, this review systematically summarizes the current development of supramolecular oleogel lubricants in the fields of green lubrication, extreme operating conditions, and nanocomposite lubrication. Specifically, it outlines the structure-property relationships between gelators and base oils in green lubrication systems, and elucidates the applications in radiation-resistant, high-load-bearing, and intelligently responsive lubrication. Strategies for utilizing nanocomposite supramolecular oleogels to resolve nanomaterial dispersion challenges are discussed, and the latest advancements in engineering applications are illustrated. By summarizing the development of supramolecular oleogel materials, this work can provide theoretical references for the future design and preparation of these lubricants. Full article

Cadmium is an element that is unnecessary for the functioning of plant and animal organisms, and its widespread presence in the environment poses a serious threat to human and animal health. Therefore, effective methods are being sought to remediate soils contaminated with this element, including through the enrichment of degraded soils with organic matter. To this end, the effectiveness of selected organic sorbents, including starch, fermented bark, compost and humic acids, in mitigating the transfer of cadmium and other heavy metals from soil to plants was assessed. Model studies compared the effects of 15 and 30 mg of cadmium (Cd) per kg of soil with an uncontaminated control sample. The sorbents were applied on a carbon basis at a rate of 3 g C per kg of soil. The test plant was Zea mays. Cadmium was found to significantly impair plant growth, causing reductions of 21%, 85%, and 77% in leaf greenness, aboveground biomass and root biomass, respectively. Excess cadmium increased the translocation of lead, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, iron, and manganese from the roots to the aboveground parts of the plant, while simultaneously limiting their uptake. All of the organic sorbents tested reduced the negative impact of cadmium on leaf greenness, except starch. Compost and HumiAgra significantly improved the condition of Zea mays plants weakened by cadmium exposure. Cadmium contamination increased soil acidification. pH was positively correlated with maize yield and the SPAD leaf greenness index and negatively correlated with the cadmium translocation index and cadmium content in the aboveground parts of maize. Compost and humic acids are among the most effective and practically feasible approaches for reducing cadmium bioavailability in soil and its accumulation in Zea mays, and are therefore recommended for the remediation of cadmium-contaminated soils. Full article

Background: The growing emphasis on sustainability has increased interest in understanding how environmentally oriented supply chain practices translate into organizational outcomes. However, empirical research examining how circular economy principles, technological integration, and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices jointly influence green supply chain performance remains limited, particularly in developing economies. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from 333 professionals in the Lebanese consumer goods industry through structured Likert-scale questionnaires. The proposed conceptual model was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the measurement model and test the relationships among circular economy practices, technological integration, SSCM practices, green supply chain performance, and organizational performance. Results: The findings indicate that technological integration, circular economy practices, and SSCM practices collectively enhance green supply chain performance. The results further show that improved green supply chain performance supports stronger organizational outcomes. Conclusions: This study contributes to sustainable supply chain literature by integrating circular economy principles, technological capabilities, and SSCM practices within a unified framework. It highlights the strategic role of green supply chain performance in linking sustainability initiatives to organizational outcomes and provides insights for managers seeking to implement integrated sustainability strategies. Full article