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17 pages, 533 KiB  
Article
Collaborative Practices in Mental Health Care: A Concept Analysis
by Eslia Pinheiro, Carlos Laranjeira, Camila Harmuch, José Mateus Bezerra Graça, Amira Mohammed Ali, Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Murat Yıldırım, Ana Kalliny Severo and Elisângela Franco
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151891 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Collaboration in mental health care is essential for implementing a model oriented towards the psychosocial rehabilitation of people based on multifaceted interventions involving different actors and sectors of society to respond to demands. Despite the benefits presented by the scientific evidence, there [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Collaboration in mental health care is essential for implementing a model oriented towards the psychosocial rehabilitation of people based on multifaceted interventions involving different actors and sectors of society to respond to demands. Despite the benefits presented by the scientific evidence, there are still many barriers to collaborative care, and professionals continue to struggle in reorienting their conduct. The current situation demands organization and the framing of well-founded action plans to overcome challenges, which in turn requires a detailed understanding of collaborative practices in mental health care and their conceptual boundaries. A concept analysis was undertaken to propose a working definition of collaborative practices in mental health care (CPMHC). Methods: This paper used the Walker and Avant concept analysis method. This includes identifying the defining concept attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. A literature search was carried out from November 2024 to February 2025 in three databases (Medline, CINAHL, and LILACS), considering studies published between 2010 and 2024. Results: The final sample of literature investigated consisted of 30 studies. The key attributes were effective communication, building bonds, co-responsibility for care, hierarchical flexibility, articulation between services, providers and community, monitoring and evaluating of care processes, and attention to the plurality of sociocultural contexts. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis contributes to guiding future research and policy development of collaborative practices in mental health, considering the individual, relational, institutional, and social levels. Further research is possible to deepen the understanding of the production of collaborative practices in mental health in the face of the complexity of social relations and structural inequities. Full article
14 pages, 654 KiB  
Article
A Conceptual Framework for User Trust in AI Biosensors: Integrating Cognition, Context, and Contrast
by Andrew Prahl
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4766; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154766 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have propelled biomedical sensors beyond measuring physiological markers to interpreting subjective states like stress, pain, or emotions. Despite these technological advances, user trust is not guaranteed and is inadequately addressed in extant research. This review proposes the Cognition–Context–Contrast (CCC) [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have propelled biomedical sensors beyond measuring physiological markers to interpreting subjective states like stress, pain, or emotions. Despite these technological advances, user trust is not guaranteed and is inadequately addressed in extant research. This review proposes the Cognition–Context–Contrast (CCC) conceptual framework to explain the trust and acceptance of AI-enabled sensors. First, we map cognition, comprising the expectations and stereotypes that humans have about machines. Second, we integrate task context by situating sensor applications along an intellective-to-judgmental continuum and showing how demonstrability predicts tolerance for sensor uncertainty and/or errors. Third, we analyze contrast effects that arise when automated sensing displaces familiar human routines, heightening scrutiny and accelerating rejection if roll-out is abrupt. We then derive practical implications such as enhancing interpretability, tailoring data presentations to task demonstrability, and implementing transitional introduction phases. The framework offers researchers, engineers, and clinicians a structured conceptual framework for designing and implementing the next generation of AI biosensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in Sensor-Based E-Health, Wearables and Assisted Technologies)
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23 pages, 819 KiB  
Article
The Nexus Between Economic Growth and Water Stress in Morocco: Empirical Evidence Based on ARDL Model
by Mariam El Haddadi, Hamida Lahjouji and Mohamed Tabaa
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6990; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156990 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 97
Abstract
Morocco is facing a situation of alarming water stress, aggravated by climate change, overexploitation of resources, and unequal distribution of water, placing the country among the most vulnerable to water scarcity in the MENA region. This study aims to investigate the dynamic relationship [...] Read more.
Morocco is facing a situation of alarming water stress, aggravated by climate change, overexploitation of resources, and unequal distribution of water, placing the country among the most vulnerable to water scarcity in the MENA region. This study aims to investigate the dynamic relationship between economic growth and water stress in Morocco while highlighting the importance of integrated water management and adaptive economic policies to enhance resilience to water scarcity. A mixed methodology, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods, was adopted to overview the economic–environmental Moroccan context, and to empirically analyze the GDP (gross domestic product) and water stress in Morocco over the period 1975–2021 using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The empirical analysis is based on annual data sourced from the World Bank and FAO databases for GDP, agricultural value added, renewable internal freshwater resources, and water productivity. The results suggest that water productivity has a significant positive effect on economic growth, while the impacts of agricultural value added and renewable water resources are less significant and vary depending on the model specification. Diagnostic tests confirm the reliability of the ARDL model; however, the presence of outliers in certain years reflects the influence of exogenous shocks, such as severe droughts or policy changes, on the Moroccan economy. The key contribution of this study lies in the fact that it is the first to analyze the intrinsic link between economic growth and the environmental aspect of water in Morocco. According to our findings, it is imperative to continuously improve water productivity and adopt adaptive management, rooted in science and innovation, in order to ensure water security and support the sustainable economic development of Morocco. Full article
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26 pages, 3012 KiB  
Perspective
The Palisades Fire of Los Angeles: Lessons to Be Learned
by Vytenis Babrauskas
Fire 2025, 8(8), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8080303 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 84
Abstract
In 1961, Los Angeles experienced the disastrous Bel Air fire, which swept through an affluent neighborhood situated in a hilly, WUI (wildland–urban interface) location. In January 2025, the city was devastated again by a nearly-simultaneous series of wildfires, the most severe of which [...] Read more.
In 1961, Los Angeles experienced the disastrous Bel Air fire, which swept through an affluent neighborhood situated in a hilly, WUI (wildland–urban interface) location. In January 2025, the city was devastated again by a nearly-simultaneous series of wildfires, the most severe of which took place close to the 1961 fire location. Disastrous WUI fires are, unfortunately, an anticipatable occurrence in many U.S. cities. A number of issues identified earlier remained the same. Some were largely solved, while other new ones have emerged. The paper examines the Palisades Fire of January, 2025 in this context. In the intervening decades, the population of the city grew substantially. But firefighting resources did not keep pace. Very likely, the single-most-important factor in causing the 2025 disasters is that the Los Angeles Fire Department operational vehicle count shrank to 1/5 of what it was in 1961 (per capita). This is likely why critical delays were experienced in the initial attack on the Palisades Fire, leading to a runaway conflagration. Two other crucial issues were the management of vegetation and the adequacy of water supplies. On both these issues, the Palisades Fire revealed serious problems. A problem which arose after 1961 involves the unintended consequences of environmental legislation. Communities will continue to be devastated by wildfires unless adequate vegetation management is accomplished. Yet, environmental regulations are focused on maintaining the status quo, often making vegetation management difficult or ineffective. House survival during a wildfire is strongly affected by whether good vegetation management practices and good building practices (“ignition-resistant” construction features) have been implemented. The latter have not been mandatory for housing built prior to 2008, and the vast majority of houses in the area predated such building code requirements. California has also suffered from a highly counterproductive stance on insurance regulation. This has resulted in some residents not having property insurance, due to the inhospitable operating conditions for insurance firms in the state. Because of the historical precedent, the details in this paper focus on the Palisades Fire; however, many of the lessons learned apply to managing fires in all WUI areas. Policy recommendations are offered, which could help to reduce the potential for future conflagrations. Full article
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37 pages, 406 KiB  
Review
Self-Medication as a Global Health Concern: Overview of Practices and Associated Factors—A Narrative Review
by Vedrana Aljinović-Vučić
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151872 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
Self-medication is a subject of global importance. If practiced responsibly, self-medication represents a part of self-care or positive care of an individual or a community in promoting their own health. However, today’s practices of self-medication are often inappropriate and irresponsible, and as such [...] Read more.
Self-medication is a subject of global importance. If practiced responsibly, self-medication represents a part of self-care or positive care of an individual or a community in promoting their own health. However, today’s practices of self-medication are often inappropriate and irresponsible, and as such appear all over the world. Inappropriate self-medication can be connected with possible serious health risks and consequences. Therefore, it represents a global health issue. It can even generate additional health problems, which will eventually become a burden to healthcare systems and can induce significant costs, which also raises socioeconomic concerns. Hence, self-medication attracts the attention of researchers and practitioners globally in efforts to clarify the current status and define feasible measures that should be implemented to address this issue. This narrative review aims to give an overview of the situation in the field of self-medication globally, including current practices and attitudes, as well as implications for actions needed to improve this problem. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted for articles published in the period from 1995 up to March 2025 using keywords “self-medication” or “selfmedication” alone or in combinations with terms related to specific subthemes related to self-medication, such as COVID-19, antimicrobials, healthcare professionals, and storing habits of medicines at home. Studies were included if self-medication was their main focus. Publications that only mentioned self-medication in different contexts, but not as their main focus, were excluded. Considering the outcomes of research on self-medication in various contexts, increasing awareness of responsible self-medication through education and informing, together with surveillance of particular medicines and populations, could lead to more appropriate and beneficial self-medication in the future. Full article
30 pages, 7196 KiB  
Article
Forensic and Cause-and-Effect Analysis of Fire Safety in the Republic of Serbia: An Approach Based on Data Mining
by Nikola Mitrović, Vladica S. Stojanović, Mihailo Jovanović and Dragan Mladjan
Fire 2025, 8(8), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8080302 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 168
Abstract
The manuscript examines the cause-and-effect relationships of fires in the Republic of Serbia over a fifteen-year period, primarily from the aspect of human safety. For this purpose, numerical variables describing the number of injuries and deaths in fires were introduced, on which various [...] Read more.
The manuscript examines the cause-and-effect relationships of fires in the Republic of Serbia over a fifteen-year period, primarily from the aspect of human safety. For this purpose, numerical variables describing the number of injuries and deaths in fires were introduced, on which various analysis and modeling techniques were implemented, which can be viewed in the context of data mining (DM). First, for both observed variables, stochastic modeling of their temporal dynamics was analyzed, and subsequently, cluster analysis of the values of these variables was performed using two different methods. Finally, by interpreting these variables as outputs (objectives) for the classification problem, several decision trees were formed that describe the influence and relationship of different fire causes on situations in which injuries or human casualties occur or not. In that way, several different types of fires have been identified, including rare but deadly incidents that require urgent preventive measures. Key risk factors such as fire cause, location, season, etc., have been found to significantly influence human casualties. These findings provide practical insights for improving fire protection policies and emergency response. Through such a comprehensive analysis, it is believed that some important results have been obtained that precisely describe the specific relationships between the causes and consequences of fires occurring in the Republic of Serbia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire Safety and Sustainability)
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20 pages, 1320 KiB  
Article
Emotional Intelligence in the Professional Development of Nurses: From Training to the Improvement of Healthcare Quality
by Efthymia Chatzidimitriou, Sotiria Triantari and Ioannis Zervas
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(8), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15080275 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emotional intelligence has emerged as a key factor in shaping nursing performance and care quality, yet its specific mechanisms and impact within the Greek public healthcare context remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in ethical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emotional intelligence has emerged as a key factor in shaping nursing performance and care quality, yet its specific mechanisms and impact within the Greek public healthcare context remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in ethical behavior, crisis management, and the perceived quality of care among nurses working in Greek public hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing nurses using validated instruments to assess emotional intelligence, ethical compliance, crisis management skills, and care quality. Data were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB SEM) to examine both direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results: The results indicated that emotional intelligence training had a strong and significant effect on nurses’ ethical behavior and their ability to manage critical situations. However, the direct effect of emotional intelligence on the perceived quality of care was not significant; instead, its influence was mediated through improvements in ethics and crisis management. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the benefits of emotional intelligence in nursing are most evident when integrated with supportive organizational practices and ongoing professional development. Overall, this study highlights the need for comprehensive emotional intelligence training and a supportive workplace culture to enhance ethical standards, resilience, and patient care quality in Greek healthcare settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing Leadership: Contemporary Challenges)
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50 pages, 937 KiB  
Review
Precision Neuro-Oncology in Glioblastoma: AI-Guided CRISPR Editing and Real-Time Multi-Omics for Genomic Brain Surgery
by Matei Șerban, Corneliu Toader and Răzvan-Adrian Covache-Busuioc
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7364; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157364 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 269
Abstract
Precision neurosurgery is rapidly evolving as a medical specialty by merging genomic medicine, multi-omics technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, while at the same time, society is shifting away from the traditional, anatomic model of care to consider a more precise, molecular model [...] Read more.
Precision neurosurgery is rapidly evolving as a medical specialty by merging genomic medicine, multi-omics technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, while at the same time, society is shifting away from the traditional, anatomic model of care to consider a more precise, molecular model of care. The general purpose of this review is to contemporaneously reflect on how these advances will impact neurosurgical care by providing us with more precise diagnostic and treatment pathways. We hope to provide a relevant review of the recent advances in genomics and multi-omics in the context of clinical practice and highlight their transformational opportunities in the existing models of care, where improved molecular insights can support improvements in clinical care. More specifically, we will highlight how genomic profiling, CRISPR-Cas9, and multi-omics platforms (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) are increasing our understanding of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Achievements obtained with transformational technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and intraoperative mass spectrometry are exemplary of the molecular diagnostic possibilities in real-time molecular diagnostics to enable a more directed approach in surgical options. We will also explore how identifying specific biomarkers (e.g., IDH mutations and MGMT promoter methylation) became a tipping point in the care of glioblastoma and allowed for the establishment of a new taxonomy of tumors that became applicable for surgeons, where a change in practice enjoined a different surgical resection approach and subsequently stratified the adjuvant therapies undertaken after surgery. Furthermore, we reflect on how the novel genomic characterization of mutations like DEPDC5 and SCN1A transformed the pre-surgery selection of surgical candidates for refractory epilepsy when conventional imaging did not define an epileptogenic zone, thus reducing resective surgery occurring in clinical practice. While we are atop the crest of an exciting wave of advances, we recognize that we also must be diligent about the challenges we must navigate to implement genomic medicine in neurosurgery—including ethical and technical challenges that could arise when genomic mutation-based therapies require the concurrent application of multi-omics data collection to be realized in practice for the benefit of patients, as well as the constraints from the blood–brain barrier. The primary challenges also relate to the possible gene privacy implications around genomic medicine and equitable access to technology-based alternative practice disrupting interventions. We hope the contribution from this review will not just be situational consolidation and integration of knowledge but also a stimulus for new lines of research and clinical practice. We also hope to stimulate mindful discussions about future possibilities for conscientious and sustainable progress in our evolution toward a genomic model of precision neurosurgery. In the spirit of providing a critical perspective, we hope that we are also adding to the larger opportunity to embed molecular precision into neuroscience care, striving to promote better practice and better outcomes for patients in a global sense. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Glioblastoma Pathogenesis and Therapeutics)
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19 pages, 717 KiB  
Article
Advancing Nuclear Energy Governance Through Strategic Pathways for Q-NPT Adoption
by Hassan Qudrat-Ullah
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4040; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154040 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 165
Abstract
This paper proposes a strategic framework to enhance nuclear energy governance by advancing the Qudrat-Ullah Nuclear Peace and Trust (Q-NPT) framework. Designed to complement existing treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, Q-NPT integrates principles [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a strategic framework to enhance nuclear energy governance by advancing the Qudrat-Ullah Nuclear Peace and Trust (Q-NPT) framework. Designed to complement existing treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, Q-NPT integrates principles of equity, transparency, and trust to address persistent governance challenges. The framework emphasizes sustainable nuclear technology access, multilateral cooperation, and integration with global energy transition goals. Through an analysis of institutional, economic, technological, and geopolitical barriers, the study outlines actionable pathways for adoption, including legal harmonization, differentiated financial instruments, and deployment of advanced verification technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and remote monitoring. A phased implementation timeline is presented, enabling adaptive learning and stakeholder engagement over short-, medium-, and long-term horizons. Regional case studies, including Serbia and Latin America, demonstrate the framework’s applicability in diverse contexts. By linking nuclear policy to broader climate, energy equity, and global security objectives, Q-NPT offers an operational and inclusive roadmap for future-ready governance. This approach contributes to the literature on energy systems transformation by situating nuclear governance within a sustainability-oriented, trust-centered paradigm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section C: Energy Economics and Policy)
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27 pages, 4327 KiB  
Article
The Art Nouveau Path: Promoting Sustainability Competences Through a Mobile Augmented Reality Game
by João Ferreira-Santos and Lúcia Pombo
Multimodal Technol. Interact. 2025, 9(8), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/mti9080077 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
This paper presents a qualitative case study on the design, implementation, and validation of the Art Nouveau Path, a mobile augmented reality game developed to foster sustainability competences through engagement with Aveiro’s Art Nouveau built heritage. Grounded in the GreenComp framework and [...] Read more.
This paper presents a qualitative case study on the design, implementation, and validation of the Art Nouveau Path, a mobile augmented reality game developed to foster sustainability competences through engagement with Aveiro’s Art Nouveau built heritage. Grounded in the GreenComp framework and developed through a Design-Based Research approach, the game integrates location-based interaction, narrative storytelling, and multimodal augmented reality and multimedia content to activate key competences such as systems thinking, futures literacy, and sustainability-oriented action. The game was validated with 33 in-service schoolteachers, both through a simulation-based training workshop and a curricular review of the game. A mixed-methods strategy was used, combining structured questionnaires, open-ended reflections, and curricular review. The findings revealed strong emotional and motivational engagement, interdisciplinary relevance, and alignment with formal education goals. Teachers emphasized the game’s capacity to connect local identity with global sustainability challenges through immersive and reflective experiences. Limitations pointed to the need for enhanced pedagogical scaffolding, clearer integration into STEAM subjects, and broader accessibility across technological contexts. This study demonstrates that these games, when grounded in competence-based frameworks and inclusive design, can meaningfully support multimodal, situated learning for sustainability and offer valuable contributions to pedagogical innovation in Education for Sustainable Development. Full article
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32 pages, 6323 KiB  
Article
Design, Implementation and Evaluation of an Immersive Teleoperation Interface for Human-Centered Autonomous Driving
by Irene Bouzón, Jimena Pascual, Cayetana Costales, Aser Crespo, Covadonga Cima and David Melendi
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4679; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154679 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 298
Abstract
As autonomous driving technologies advance, the need for human-in-the-loop systems becomes increasingly critical to ensure safety, adaptability, and public confidence. This paper presents the design and evaluation of a context-aware immersive teleoperation interface that integrates real-time simulation, virtual reality, and multimodal feedback to [...] Read more.
As autonomous driving technologies advance, the need for human-in-the-loop systems becomes increasingly critical to ensure safety, adaptability, and public confidence. This paper presents the design and evaluation of a context-aware immersive teleoperation interface that integrates real-time simulation, virtual reality, and multimodal feedback to support remote interventions in emergency scenarios. Built on a modular ROS2 architecture, the system allows seamless transition between simulated and physical platforms, enabling safe and reproducible testing. The experimental results show a high task success rate and user satisfaction, highlighting the importance of intuitive controls, gesture recognition accuracy, and low-latency feedback. Our findings contribute to the understanding of human-robot interaction (HRI) in immersive teleoperation contexts and provide insights into the role of multisensory feedback and control modalities in building trust and situational awareness for remote operators. Ultimately, this approach is intended to support the broader acceptability of autonomous driving technologies by enhancing human supervision, control, and confidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centred Smart Manufacturing - Industry 5.0)
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17 pages, 384 KiB  
Article
Reading Between the Lines: Toward a Methodology for Tracing Manichaean Echoes in the Epistulae of Augustine of Hippo
by Marc-Thilo Glowacki and Anthony Dupont
Religions 2025, 16(8), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16080981 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 226
Abstract
Augustine of Hippo (354–430), one of the most influential theologians of Late Antiquity, spent nearly a decade in the Manichaean sect before becoming a central figure in the shaping of Western “orthodox” Christianity. While his major works such as the Confessiones and De [...] Read more.
Augustine of Hippo (354–430), one of the most influential theologians of Late Antiquity, spent nearly a decade in the Manichaean sect before becoming a central figure in the shaping of Western “orthodox” Christianity. While his major works such as the Confessiones and De civitate Dei have been extensively studied for their treatment of Manichaeism, the vast collection of his ca. 300 preserved letters (Epistulae) remains an understudied source for understanding this aspect of his intellectual and theological development. This article addresses that gap by proposing a methodology to identify both anti- and crypto-Manichaean themes in his letters. Drawing on phenomenological openness, hermeneutical perspective, and close reading, the study also incorporates genuine Manichaean sources and anti-Manichaean polemics to contextualise Augustine’s rhetorical strategies. The Epistulae, unpolished and situated in specific communicative contexts, offer a unique view of Augustine’s doctrinal positioning after his conversion. Traces of his Manichaean past re-emerge in vocabulary, argumentation, and theological emphasis. This is exemplified in Epistula 137 to Volusianus (411–412), which, without naming the sect, covertly critiques key Manichaean doctrines such as Docetism and materialism. These critiques align with extant Manichaean sources and may reflect Augustine’s awareness of latent Manichaean influence in Christian communities. By bringing the Epistulae into the broader discussion of Augustine’s anti-Manichaean engagement, this study highlights their value as a window into his theological evolution and pastoral strategy in a religiously contested environment. Full article
18 pages, 385 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the CEO’s Green Experience on Corporate ESG Performance: Based on the Upper Echelons Theory Perspective
by Jinke Li, Yanpeng Zhu and Tianfang Ma
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6859; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156859 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 345
Abstract
In the context of pursuing the goal of strategic imperatives of sustainable development, the ESG performance of enterprises has become a key yardstick for measuring their comprehensive environmental contribution and economic efficiency. Enhancing ESG performance has far-reaching significance in promoting green and sustainable [...] Read more.
In the context of pursuing the goal of strategic imperatives of sustainable development, the ESG performance of enterprises has become a key yardstick for measuring their comprehensive environmental contribution and economic efficiency. Enhancing ESG performance has far-reaching significance in promoting green and sustainable development of enterprises and society. Drawing on the upper echelons theory, this paper investigates the impact of the chief executive officer’s (CEO’s) green experience on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, utilizing a sample of publicly listed Chinese companies from 2011 to 2023. The study demonstrates that CEOs with green experience significantly enhance corporate ESG performance, a conclusion that remains consistent following a series of rigorous robustness checks. Mechanistic analysis reveals that CEOs’ green experience primarily facilitates corporate ESG performance enhancement through green innovation initiatives. Furthermore, CEO discretion amplifies the positive influence of green experience on ESG performance. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the influence of the CEOs’ green experience on ESG performance is more pronounced in high-tech enterprises, in markets characterized by lower levels of competition, and in firms situated in regions exhibiting higher degrees of social trust. These findings impart both theoretical and practical implications for enhancing corporate ESG performance and offer novel strategic perspective to advance environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance frameworks. Full article
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24 pages, 771 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Preferential Policy on Corporate Green Innovation: A Resource Dependence Perspective
by Chenshuo Li, Shihan Feng, Qingyu Yuan, Jiahui Wei, Shiqi Wang and Dongdong Huang
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6834; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156834 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Government support has long been viewed as a key driver of sustainable transformation and green technological progress. However, the underlying mechanisms (“how”) through which preferential policies influence green innovation, as well as the contextual conditions (“when”) that shape their [...] Read more.
Government support has long been viewed as a key driver of sustainable transformation and green technological progress. However, the underlying mechanisms (“how”) through which preferential policies influence green innovation, as well as the contextual conditions (“when”) that shape their effectiveness, remain insufficiently understood. Drawing on resource dependence theory, this study develops a dual-mediation framework to investigate how preferential tax policies promote both the quantity and quality of green innovation—by enhancing R&D investment as an internal mechanism and alleviating financing constraints as an external mechanism. These effects are especially salient among non-state-owned enterprises, firms in resource-constrained industries, and those situated in environmentally challenged regions—contexts that entail higher dependence on external support for sustainable development. Leveraging China’s 2017 R&D tax reduction policy as a quasi-natural experiment, this study uses a sample of high-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to test the hypotheses. The findings provide robust evidence on how preferential policies contribute to corporate sustainability through green innovation and identify the conditions under which policy tools are most effective. This research offers important implications for designing targeted, sustainability-oriented innovation policies that support SMEs in transitioning toward more sustainable practices. Full article
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18 pages, 352 KiB  
Article
Kristofer Schipper (1934–2021) and Grotto Heavens: Daoist Ecology, Mountain Politics, and Local Identity
by Peiwei Wang
Religions 2025, 16(8), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16080977 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
This article explores Schipper’s scholarly contributions to the study of dongtian fudi (grotto heavens and blessed lands) and specifically situates this project in its broader intellectual context and Schipper’s own research. While Schipper was not the first to open discussions on this topic, [...] Read more.
This article explores Schipper’s scholarly contributions to the study of dongtian fudi (grotto heavens and blessed lands) and specifically situates this project in its broader intellectual context and Schipper’s own research. While Schipper was not the first to open discussions on this topic, his research in this direction still offers profound insights, such as the coinage of the concept of “Daoist Ecology” and his views on mountain politics. This article argues that Schipper’s work on dongtian fudi is a response to the school of Deep Ecology and its critics, and also a result of critical reflection on the modern dichotomy between nature and culture. In Schipper’s enquiry of dongtian fudi, the “mountain” stands as the central concept: it is not only the essential component of Daoist sacred geography, but a holistic site in which nature and society are interwoven, endowed with both material and sacred significance. Through his analysis of the Daoist practice of abstinence from grain (duangu), Schipper reveals how mountains serve as spaces for retreat from agrarian society and state control, and how they embody “shatter zones” where the reach of centralized power is relatively attenuated. The article also further links Schipper’s project of Beijing as a Holy City to his study of dongtian fudi. For Schipper, the former affirms the universality of the locality (i.e., the unofficial China, the country of people), while the latter envisages the vision of rewriting China from plural localities. Taken together, these efforts point toward a theoretical framework that moves beyond conventional sociological paradigms, one that embraces a total worldly perspective, in which the livelihoods of local societies and their daily lives are truly appreciated as a totality that encompasses both nature and culture. Schipper’s works related to dongtian fudi, though they are rather concise, still significantly broaden the scope of Daoist studies and, moreover, provide novel insights into the complexity of Chinese religion and society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavens and Grottos: New Explorations in Daoist Cosmography)
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