Search Results (23,412)

Background: Growing disparities in development, governance, and logistics performance across countries pose challenges for global policymaking and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) monitoring. This study proposes a classification of 137 countries based on multiple structural dimensions. The dataset for 2023 includes six components of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), six dimensions of the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs), and four proxies of the Human Development Index (HDI). Methods: The Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) technique was used to reduce dimensionality and allow for meaningful clustering. Based on the reduced space, the K-means algorithm was employed to group countries with similar development characteristics. Results: The classification process allowed the identification of three distinct groups of countries, supported by a Hopkins statistic of 0.984 and an explained variance ratio of 87.3%. These groups exhibit structural differences in the quality of governance, logistics capacity, and social development conditions. Internal consistency checks and multivariate statistical analyses (ANOVA and MANOVA) confirmed the robustness and statistical significance of the clustering. Conclusions: The resulting classification offers a practical analytical tool for policymakers to design differentiated strategies aligned with national contexts. Furthermore, it provides a data-driven approach for comparative monitoring of the SDGs from an integrated and empirical perspective. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses significant health threats due to its multidrug-resistant profile, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals. The pathogen’s ability to produce virulence factors and antibiotic-resistant biofilms, orchestrated through quorum-sensing (QS) mechanisms, complicates conventional therapeutic interventions. This review aims to critically assess the potential of anti-QS strategies as alternatives to antibiotics against P. aeruginosa infections. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies addressing QS inhibition strategies published recently. Anti-QS strategies significantly attenuate bacterial virulence by disrupting QS-regulated genes involved in biofilm formation, motility, toxin secretion, and immune evasion. These interventions reduce the selective pressure for resistance and enhance antibiotic efficacy when used in combination therapies. Despite promising outcomes, practical application faces challenges, including specificity of inhibitors, pharmacokinetic limitations, potential cytotoxicity, and bacterial adaptability leading to resistance. Future perspectives should focus on multi-target QS inhibitors, advanced delivery systems, rigorous preclinical validations, and clinical translation frameworks. Addressing current limitations through multidisciplinary research can lead to clinically viable QS-targeted therapies, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional antibiotics and effectively managing antibiotic resistance. Full article

Design Thinking (DT) has emerged as a relevant methodology for addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study presents a systematic literature review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, which analyzes 42 peer-reviewed publications from 2013 to 2023. Through inductive content analysis, 10 core DT principles—such as empathy, iteration, user-centeredness, and systems thinking—I identified and thematically mapped to specific SDGs, including goals related to health, education, innovation, and climate action. The study also presents five real-world cases from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, and urban planning, illustrating how DT has been applied to address practical challenges aligned with the SDGs. However, the review identifies persistent gaps in the field: the lack of standardized evaluation frameworks, limited integration across SDG domains, and weak adaptation of ethical and contextual considerations, particularly in vulnerable communities. As a response, this paper recommends the adoption of structured impact assessment tools (e.g., Cities2030, Responsible Design Thinking), integration of design justice principles, and the development of participatory, iterative ecosystems for innovation. By offering both conceptual synthesis and applied insights, this article positions Design Thinking as a strategic and systemic approach for driving sustainable transformation aligned with the 2030 Agenda. Full article

Euterpe precatoria Mart. is an increasingly important palm for subsistence and income generation in central and western Amazonia with growing demand for its fruit pulp, which is an alternative source of açaí juice for domestic and international markets. This study synthesizes current knowledge on its systematics, ecology, fruit production in natural populations, fruit quality, uses, population management, and related areas, identifying critical research gaps. A systematic literature survey was conducted across databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, CAPES, and Embrapa. Of 1568 studies referencing Euterpe, 273 focused on E. precatoria, with 90 addressing priority themes. Genetic diversity studies suggest the E. precatoria may represent a complex of species. Its population abundance varies across habitats: the highest variability occurs in terra firme, followed by baixios and várzeas. Várzeas exhibit greater productivity potential, with more bunches per plant and higher fruit weight than baixios; no production data exist for terra firme. Additionally, E. precatoria has higher anthocyanin content than E. oleracea, the primary commercial açaí species. Management of natural populations and cultivation practices are essential for sustainable production; however, studies in these fields are still limited. The information is crucial to inform strategies aiming to promote the sustainable production of the species. Full article

“The Internet of Things” is a relatively new idea that refers to objects that can connect to the Internet and exchange data. The Internet of Things (IoT) enables novel interactions between objects and people by interconnecting billions of devices. While there are many IoT-related products, challenges pertaining to their effective implementation, particularly the lack of knowledge and confidence about security, must be addressed. To provide IoT-based enterprises with a platform for efficiency and sustainability, this study aims to identify the critical elements that influence the growth of a successful company integrated with an IoT system. This study proposes a decision support tool that evaluates the influential features of IoT using the Pythagorean Fuzzy and Interval Grey approaches within the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This study demonstrates that security, value, and connectivity are more critical than telepresence and intelligence indicators. When both strategies are used, market demand and information privacy become significant indicators. Applying the Pythagorean Fuzzy approach enables the identification of sensor networks, authorization, market demand, and data management in terms of importance. The application of the Interval Grey approach underscores the importance of data management, particularly in sensor networks. The indicators that were finally ranked are compared to obtain a good coefficient of agreement. These findings offer practical insights for promoting sustainability in enterprise operations by optimizing IoT infrastructure and decision-making processes. Full article

The transition to smart, zero-carbon cities relies on advanced, sustainable energy solutions, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a crucial role in optimizing renewable energy management. This study evaluates state-of-the-art AI models for solar power forecasting, emphasizing accuracy, reliability, and environmental sustainability. Using operational data from Benban Solar Park in Egypt and Sakaka Solar Power Plant in Saudi Arabia, two of the world’s largest solar installations, the research highlights the effectiveness of hybrid AI techniques. The hybrid Convolutional Neural Network–Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) model outperformed other models, achieving a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 2.04%, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 184, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 252, and R² of 0.99 for Benban, and an MAPE of 2.00%, RMSE of 190, MAE of 255, and R² of 0.98 for Sakaka. This model excels at capturing complex spatiotemporal patterns in solar data while maintaining low computational CO₂ emissions, supporting sustainable AI practices. The findings demonstrate the potential of hybrid AI models to enhance the accuracy and sustainability of solar power forecasting, thereby contributing to efficient, resilient, and zero-carbon urban environments. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to advance smart energy infrastructure. Full article

Insect pests cause severe damage and yield losses to many agricultural crops globally. The use of chemical pesticides on agricultural crops is not recommended because of their toxic effects on the environment and consumers. In addition, pesticide toxicity reduces soil fertility, poisons ground waters, and is hazardous to soil biota. Therefore, applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an alternative, eco-friendly solution to chemical pesticides and mineral-based fertilizers to enhance plant health and promote sustainable food security. This review focuses on the biological and ecological aspects of these organisms while also highlighting the practical application of molecular communication approaches in developing a novel plant health product. This insight will support this innovative approach that combines PGPR and EPNs for sustainable crop production. Several studies have reported positive interactions between nematodes and bacteria. Although the combined presence of both organisms has been shown to promote plant growth, the molecular interactions between them are still under investigation. Integrating molecular communication studies in the development of a new product could help in understanding their relationships and, in turn, support the combination of these organisms into a single plant health product. Full article

In this study, we sought to improve the productivity of Far Eastern catfish (Silurus asotus) and tropical eel (Anguilla bicolor), which are high-value fish species in the Republic of Korea, as well as that of associated crops by applying biofloc technology (BFT)-based aquaponics systems. The following three systems were used: the flow-through system (FTS), BFT, and BFT aquaponics system (BAPs). Caipira lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was utilized and hydroponics (HP) was implemented to compare crop productivity. After 42 days of treatment, the BAPs and BFT systems improved fish productivity, with weight gain rates of 134.47 ± 1.80% in BAPs-cat, 130.38 ± 0.95% in BFT, and 114.21 ± 6.62% in FTS for S. asotus, and 70.61 ± 3.26% in BAPs-eel, 62.37 ± 7.04% in BFT, and 47.83 ± 1.09% in FTS for A. bicolor. During the experiment, the total ammonia nitrogen and NO₂⁻-N concentrations were stable in all plots. In the case of NO₃⁻-N, BFT showed an increasing tendency while both BAPs showed a decrease compared with that of the BFT. BAPs-cat (total weight: 224.1 ± 6.37 g) and HP (220.3 ± 7.17 g) resulted in similar growth. However, in BAPs-eel was 187.7 ± 3.46 g due to root degradation. Water content analysis showed that BAPs-cat and BAPs-eel contained sufficient K, Ca, P, and S, which are important for crop growth. Overall, the effect of BAPs on fish growth was higher than that of FTS. This study reveals that integrating BFT with aquaponics improves productivity for high-value fish and associated crops while maintaining stable water quality. This method offers sustainable, efficient production, reduces environmental impact, and provides insights for future research in sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article

The intensification of anthropogenic pressures, particularly those related to agriculture driven by increasing demands for food and cash crops, generates negative environmental externalities. Assessing these externalities is essential to better identify and implement measures that promote the environmental sustainability of rural landscapes. This study aims to develop a multi-criteria assessment method of the negative environmental externalities of rural landscapes in the northern Benin agricultural basin, based on satellite-derived data. Starting from a 12-class land cover map produced through satellite image classification, the evaluation was conducted in three steps. First, the 12 land cover classes were reclassified into Human Disturbance Coefficients (HDCs) via a weighted sum model multi-criteria analysis based on nine criteria related to the negative environmental externalities of anthropogenic activities. Second, the HDC classes were spatially aggregated using a regular grid of 1 km² landscape cells to produce the Landscape Environmental Sustainability Index (LESI). Finally, various discretization methods were applied to the LESI for cartographic representation, enhancing spatial interpretation. Results indicate that most areas exhibit moderate environmental externalities (HDC and LESI values between 2.5 and 3.5), covering 63–75% (HDC) and 83–94% (LESI) of the respective sites. Areas of low environmental externalities (values between 1.5 and 2.5) account for 20–24% (HDC) and 5–13% (LESI). The LESI, derived from accessible and cost-effective satellite data, offers a scalable, reproducible, and spatially explicit tool for monitoring landscape sustainability. It holds potential for guiding territorial governance and supporting transitions towards more sustainable land management practices. Future improvements may include, among others, refining the evaluation criteria and introducing variable criteria weighting schemes depending on land cover or region. Full article

The food consumption stage, the final step in the food supply chain (FSC), where food has already undergone resource-intensive processes, plays a central role in the transition to a sustainable food system. Consumers’ food choices and consumption practices directly influence food demand, production methods, and resource use across the FSC. These factors affect global challenges such as overconsumption, malnutrition, hunger, and food waste (FW)—issues integral to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this study aims to identify key aspects of the food consumption stage that influence the shift toward sustainability and to develop a conceptual framework to guide this transition. To achieve this, an integrative literature review (ILR), supported by bibliometric analysis and narrative review elements, was conducted to strengthen the conceptual foundation. The results reveal four central aspects: FW and its reduction, the need for dietary shifts, changes in consumer behaviour, and policy reform, highlighting the consumer and their behaviour as the central connecting element. Based on the findings, a framework was developed linking the identified problems with targeted solutions, which can be implemented through various tools that also act as drivers of change, enhancing sustainable food consumption, food system sustainability, and the achievement of global SDGs. Full article

The IoE forms the foundation of the modern digital ecosystem by enabling seamless connectivity and data exchange among smart devices, sensors, and systems. However, the inherent nature of this structure, characterized by high heterogeneity, distribution, and resource constraints, renders traditional security approaches insufficient in areas such as data privacy, authentication, access control, and scalable protection. Moreover, centralized security systems face increasing fragility due to single points of failure, various AI-based attacks, including adversarial learning, model poisoning, and deepfakes, and the rising threat of quantum computers to encryption protocols. This study systematically examines the individual and integrated solution potentials of technologies such as Blockchain, Edge Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum-Resilient Cryptography within the scope of IoE security. Comparative analyses are provided based on metrics such as energy consumption, latency, computational load, and security level, while centralized and decentralized models are evaluated through a multi-layered security lens. In addition to the proposed multi-layered architecture, the study also structures solution methods and technology integrations specific to IoE environments. Classifications, architectural proposals, and the balance between performance and security are addressed from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Furthermore, a future vision is presented regarding federated learning-based privacy-preserving AI solutions, post-quantum digital signatures, and lightweight consensus algorithms. In this context, the study reveals existing vulnerabilities through an interdisciplinary approach and proposes a holistic framework for sustainable, scalable, and quantum-compatible IoE security. Full article

Sustainability education has become a global priority in educational systems, aiming to equip learners with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to address complex environmental and social challenges. This study specifically aims to understand the role of science education in promoting students’ awareness of sustainability and their understanding of the interconnected relationship between humans and the environment, based on the perceptions and practices of primary science teachers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A qualitative approach was utilized, which included semi-structured interviews complemented by classroom observations as primary data collection instruments. The targeted participants comprised a purposive sample consisting of forty-nine primary-level science instructors from the Al-Ahsa district, located in eastern Saudi Arabia. Emergent concepts from open and axial coding processes by using grounded theory were developed with the gathered data. Based on the findings, teachers perceive science teaching not only as knowledge delivery but as an opportunity to cultivate critical thinking and nurture eco-friendly actions among pupils. Classroom practices that underscore environmental values and principles of sustainability foster a transformative view of the teacher’s role beyond traditional boundaries. The data also highlighted classroom practices that integrate environmental values and sustainability principles, reflecting a transformative perspective on the teacher’s educational role. Full article

This article aims to explore and analyze current issues and features of environmental protection in managing local tourism destinations based on the principles of sustainable development through the relevant literature and thus to provide an insight into major environmental measures and activities that should be implemented in practice, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability as a key factor in the development and success of local tourist destinations in today’s business environment. Qualitative methods were used, with the literature review based on content analysis by keywords. This particularly affects the business process efficiency and the participation of destination stakeholders and in many cases leads to a low level of environmentally sustainable destination practices. In addition to this theoretical approach, this study also has direct managerial implications for destination environmental business operations. An attractive and well-preserved environment is the primary factor of tourism and local tourism destination development and its success, as well as an integrated part of the tourism product. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature on environmental sustainability at local destinations, where prior work has often overlooked the integration of actionable, practice-oriented frameworks tailored for both researchers and practitioners. While theoretical insights into sustainable practices abound, there remains a scarcity of holistic analyses that bridge scholarly understanding with implementable strategies for on-the-ground application. To fill this void, our research provides a comprehensive overview and systematic analysis of current practices, with targeted emphasis on co-developing scalable frameworks for improving environmentally sustainable practices at local destinations. Full article

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the B Impact Assessment (BIA) as a catalyst for integrating sustainability into industrial firms through a qualitative case study of LC Paper, the first B Corp-certified tissue manufacturer globally and a pioneer in applying BIA in the pulp and paper sector. Based on semi-structured interviews, organizational documents, and direct observation, this study examines how BIA influences corporate governance, environmental practices, and stakeholder engagement. The findings show that BIA fosters structured goal setting and the implementation of measurable actions aligned with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience. Tangible outcomes include improved stakeholder trust, internal transparency, and employee development, while implementation challenges such as resource allocation and procedural complexity are also reported. Although the single-case design limits generalizability, this study identifies mechanisms transferable to other firms, particularly those in environmentally intensive sectors. The case studied also illustrates how leadership commitment, participatory governance, and data-driven tools facilitate the operationalization of sustainability. By integrating stakeholder and institutional theory, this study contributes conceptually to understanding certification frameworks as tools for embedding sustainability. This research offers both theoretical and practical insights into how firms can align strategy and impact, expanding the application of BIA beyond early adopters and into traditional industrial contexts. Full article

This study explores whether sustainability achievements—proxied through ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting—are associated with superior financial performance in Latvia’s manufacturing sector, where ESG maturity remains low and institutional readiness is still emerging. Building on stakeholder, legitimacy, signal, slack resources, and agency theories, this study applies a mixed-method approach (that consists of two analytical stages) suited to the limited availability and reliability of ESG-related data in the Latvian manufacturing sector. Financial indicators from three large firms—AS MADARA COSMETICS, AS Latvijas Finieris, and AS Valmiera Glass Grupa—are compared with industry averages over the 2019–2023 period using independent sample T-tests. ESG integration is evaluated through a six-stage conceptual schema ranging from symbolic compliance to performance-driven sustainability. The results show that AS MADARA COSMETICS, which demonstrates advanced ESG integration aligned with international standards, significantly outperforms its industry in all profitability metrics. In contrast, the other two companies remain at earlier ESG maturity stages and show weaker financial performance, with sustainability disclosures limited to general statements and outdated indicators. These findings support the synergy hypothesis in contexts where sustainability is internalized and operationalized, while also highlighting structural constraints—such as resource scarcity and fragmented data—that may limit ESG-financial alignment in post-transition economies. This study offers practical guidance for firms seeking competitive advantage through strategic ESG integration and recommends policy actions to enhance ESG transparency and performance in Latvia, including performance-based reporting mandates, ESG data infrastructure, and regulatory alignment with EU directives. These insights contribute to the growing empirical literature on ESG effectiveness under constrained institutional and economic conditions. Full article