Search Results (385)

This study analyzes the strategic and institutional frameworks that precede the formulation of trade agreements, with a focus on the European Union’s external action and its link to the Sustainable Development Goals. Based on a documentary research design, this study examines official documents from the EU and the United Nations, as well as the academic literature indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. The methodological process involved four phases: systematic search, selection and classification, inductive content coding, and interpretative analysis. Through this process, this study identifies discursive patterns, normative tensions, and policy orientations that reveal the EU’s evolving approach to sustainable trade governance. The findings highlight the existence of a growing institutional alignment between trade policy and sustainable development frameworks, yet also expose persistent gaps in coherence and implementation. This article contributes to the academic debate by offering a critical and structured analytical lens to understand how trade agreements are politically and institutionally prefigured before their negotiation phase. Full article

As the world’s largest developing and carbon-emitting country, China is accelerating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction process, and it is of vital importance in achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. This paper examines the historical development and current operation of China’s carbon emissions trading market (CETM). The current progress of research on the implementation of carbon emissions trading policy (CETP) is described in four dimensions: environment, economy, innovation, and society. The results show that CETP generates clear environmental and social benefits but exhibits mixed economic and innovation effects. Furthermore, this paper analyses the challenges of China’s carbon market, including the green paradox, the low carbon price, the imperfections in cap setting and allocation of allowances, the small scope of coverage, and the weakness of the legal supervision system. Ultimately, this paper proposes recommendations for fostering China’s CETM with the anticipation of offering a comprehensive outlook for future research. Full article

This study examines how the newly established United States pursued economic development through diplomatic and commercial initiatives with the Ottoman Empire, navigating regional powers and the era’s political-economic conditions. It analyzes using American archival sources how America endeavored to establish commercial and diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, which it viewed as critical markets in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, before signing any formal agreement. The research tracks how these early efforts laid foundations for what would become one of the world’s largest economies. The study analyzes America’s diplomatic efforts to secure an agreement with the Ottoman Empire prior to the 7 May 1830 trade agreement—which laid the foundation for bilateral relations—alongside the reactions of regional powers, the prevailing conditions of the period, and the Ottoman administration’s reluctance due to various factors, based on U.S. archival sources that, to the best of our knowledge, have not previously been utilized in existing studies. Full article

This study intends to portray how varying degrees of environmental policy stringency and the growing pressure of global competition reflect on high-tech (HT) sectors’ cost rationalization strategies and lead to environmental consequences in 15 G20 countries (1992–2019). Moreover, we center the pattern of cost rationalization management regarding the opportunity cost of ecosystem service consumption and propose to test the fundamental hypothesis stating the possible transmission of competition-induced technological innovations to green economic transformation. Our new methodology estimates quantile-specific effects with MM-QR, while identifying the main interaction effects between regulatory pressure and trade competition uses an extended STIRPAT model. The results reveal a paradoxical finding: despite higher environmental policy stringency and opportunity costs of ecosystem services, HT sectors persistently adopt environmentally detrimental cost-reduction approaches. These findings carry important policy implications: (1) environmental regulations for HT sectors require complementary innovation subsidies, (2) trade agreements should incorporate clean technology transfer clauses, and (3) governments must monitor sectoral emission leakage risks. Our dual machine learning–econometric approach provides policymakers with targeted insights for different emission scenarios, highlighting the need for differentiated strategies across clean and polluting HT subsectors. Full article

This study investigates strategies for urban-scale renewable energy integration through a photovoltaic-centric approach, with a case study of a district in Barcelona. The methodology integrates spatial and morphological data using a geographic information system (GIS)-based and clustering framework to address challenges of CO₂ emissions, air pollution, and energy inefficiency. Rooftop availability and photovoltaic (PV) design constraints are analysed under current urban regulations. The spatial analysis incorporates building geometry and solar exposure, while an evolutionary optimisation algorithm in Grasshopper refines shading analysis, energy yield, and financial performance. Clustering methods (K-means and 3D proximity) group PV panels by solar irradiance uniformity and spatial coherence to enhance system efficiency. Eight PV deployment scenarios are evaluated, incorporating submodule integrated converter technology under a solar power purchase agreement model. Results show distinct trade-offs among PV scenarios. The standard fixed tilted (31.5° tilt, south-facing) scenario offers a top environmental and performance ratio (PR) = 66.81% but limited financial returns. In contrast, large- and huge-sized modules offer peak financial returns, aligning with private-sector priorities but with moderate energy efficiency. Medium- and large-size scenarios provide balanced outcomes, while a small module and its optimised rotated version scenarios maximise energy output yet suffer from high capital costs. A hybrid strategy combining standard fixed tilted with medium and large modules balances environmental and economic goals. The district’s morphology supports “solar neighbourhoods” and demonstrates how multi-scenario evaluation can guide resilient PV planning in Mediterranean cities. Full article

Smart glasses are promising alternatives for the continuous, unobtrusive monitoring of heart rate (HR). This study validates HR estimates obtained with the “Essilor Connected Glasses” (SmartEW) during sedentary activities. Thirty participants wore the SmartEW, equipped with an IMU sensor for HR estimation, a commercial smartwatch (Garmin Venu 3), and an ECG device (Movesense Flash). The protocol included six static tasks performed under controlled laboratory conditions. The SmartEW algorithm analyzed 22.5 s signal windows using spectral analysis to estimate HR and provide a quality index (QI). Statistical analyses assessed agreement with ECG and the impact of QI on HR accuracy. SmartEW showed high agreement with ECG, especially with QI threshold equal to 70, as a trade-off between accuracy, low error, and acceptable data coverage (80%). Correlation for QI ≥ 70 was high across all the experimental phases (r² up to 0.96), and the accuracy within ±5 bpm reached 95%. QI ≥ 70 also allowed biases to decrease (e.g., from −1.83 to −0.19 bpm while standing), with narrower limits of agreement, compared to ECG. SmartEW showed promising HR accuracy across sedentary activities, yielding high correlation and strong agreement with ECG and Garmin. SmartEW appears suitable for HR monitoring in static conditions, particularly when data quality is ensured. Full article

Nowadays, food traceability represents an important issue in the current context of trade agreements, which influence global food prices. Many consumers prefer to pay a higher price for a traditional cultivation regime of a certain food product that comes from a certain region, appreciating the taste of the respective foodstuff. The potato is now the world’s fourth most important food crop in terms of human consumption, after wheat, maize, and rice. In this context, 100 potato samples from the Romanian market were collected. While 68 samples came from Romania, the rest of the 32 were from abroad (Hungary, France, Greece, Italy, Germany, Egypt, and Poland). The countries selected for potato sample analysis are among the main exporters of potatoes to the Romanian market. The samples were investigated by their multi-elemental and isotopic (²H, ¹⁸O and ¹³C) fingerprints, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). Then, to distinguish the geographical origin, the experimental results were statistically processed using linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The best markers that emphasize Romanian potatoes were identified to be δ¹³C_bulk, δ²H_water, and Sr. Full article

This study investigates the limitations of localized heating in a single-story dwelling, using a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to analyze thermal stratification and its impact on occupant comfort. A comparative evaluation of turbulence models (k-ε and k-ω SST) and equations of state (Soave–Redlich–Kwong and Peng–Robinson) identified the k-ω SST model with the Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation as the most accurate and computationally efficient combination for capturing temperature gradients and achieving rapid convergence. Experimental validation demonstrated strong agreement between simulated and measured temperature profiles, confirming the model’s reliability. The results highlight a fundamental trade-off between localized thermal comfort and overall indoor temperature uniformity in conventionally heated spaces. While localized heating enhances comfort near the heat source, it generates vertical temperature disparities exceeding acceptable comfort thresholds at greater distances. Specifically, at 3 m from the heat source, the temperature difference between ankle and head height reached 6 °C, surpassing the 4 °C limit recommended by ASHRAE-55 for standing occupants. These findings underscore the need for alternative heating solutions that prioritize uniform heat distribution, energy efficiency, and optimized ventilation to improve indoor thermal comfort in residential buildings. This study provides critical insights to help develop and implement sustainable heating strategies and the design of energy-efficient dwellings. Full article

The Internet of Drones (IoD) overcomes the physical limitations of traditional ground networks with its dynamic topology and 3D spatial flexibility, playing a crucial role in various fields. However, eavesdropping and spoofing attacks in open channel environments threaten data confidentiality and integrity, posing significant challenges to IoD communication. Existing foundational schemes in IoD primarily rely on symmetric cryptography and digital certificates. Symmetric cryptography suffers from key management challenges and static characteristics, making it unsuitable for IoD’s dynamic scenarios. Meanwhile, elliptic curve-based public key cryptography is constrained by high computational complexity and certificate management costs, rendering it impractical for resource-limited IoD nodes. This paper leverages the low computational overhead of Chebyshev polynomials to address the limited computational capability of nodes, proposing a certificateless public key cryptography scheme. Through the semigroup property, it constructs a lightweight authentication and key agreement protocol with identity privacy protection, resolving the security and performance trade-off in dynamic IoD environments. Security analysis and performance tests demonstrate that the proposed scheme resists various attacks while reducing computational overhead by 65% compared to other schemes. This work not only offers a lightweight certificateless cryptographic solution for IoD systems but also advances the engineering application of Chebyshev polynomials in asymmetric cryptography. Full article

The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile has heightened transboundary water tensions in the Nile River Basin, particularly affecting downstream Sudan and Egypt. This study leverages African Earth Observation Data Cubes, specifically Digital Earth Africa’s Water Observations from Space (WOfS) platform, to quantify the hydrological impacts of GERD’s three filling phases (2019–2022) on Sudan’s Roseires Dam. Using Sentinel-2 satellite data processed through the Open Data Cube framework, we analyzed water extent changes from 2018 to 2023, capturing pre- and post-filling dynamics. Results show that GERD’s water spread area increased from 80 km² in 2019 to 528 km² in 2022, while Roseires Dam’s water extent decreased by 9 km² over the same period, with a notable 5 km² loss prior to GERD’s operation (2018–2019). These changes, validated against PERSIANN-CDR rainfall data, correlate with GERD’s filling operations, alongside climatic factors like evapotranspiration and reduced rainfall. The study highlights the potential of Earth Observation (EO) technologies to support transparent, data-driven transboundary water governance. Despite the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) ratified by six upstream states in 2024, mistrust persists due to Egypt and Sudan’s non-ratification. We propose enhancing the Nile Basin Initiative’s Decision Support System with EO data and AI-driven models to optimize water allocation and foster cooperative filling strategies. Benefit-sharing mechanisms, such as energy trade from GERD, could mitigate downstream losses, aligning with the CFA’s equitable utilization principles and the UN Watercourses Convention. This research underscores the critical role of EO-driven frameworks in resolving Nile Basin conflicts and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 for sustainable water management. Full article

The Pacific Alliance (PA), established in 2011, aims to foster economic integration among its member states—Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico—by promoting trade liberalization and economic cooperation. However, recent political shifts within these countries have influenced trade policies, affecting intra-bloc commerce and relations with external markets, particularly China and the United States. This study explores how the political environment within the PA has shaped sustainable trade, considering economic policies, trade agreements, and shifts in regional priorities. Using a qualitative and descriptive approach, this research is based on a documentary review of academic literature, official reports, and international trade data. Content analysis was applied to assess the impact of political decisions on PA trade sustainability, including the examination of tariff structures, trade flows, and capital movements. The findings indicate that intra-regional trade within the PA remains limited, with an intraregional trade index below 4%. Mexico continues to prioritize exports to the U.S., while Peru and Chile strengthen ties with China. Although PA member states have maintained liberal economic policies, disparities in trade liberalization levels hinder integration. Furthermore, despite the reduction of tariffs and the implementation of digital trade facilitation measures, political instability and differences in economic strategies among member states challenge the PA’s long-term sustainability. Strengthening institutional frameworks and increasing investments in research and development are crucial for enhancing economic integration and ensuring trade resilience within the bloc. Full article

The present study investigates Vietnam’s economic structural transformation from 2007 to 2023, identifying key sectors contributing to output growth and poverty reduction. The study is situated within the broader context of industrialization and sustainable development in emerging economies. It employs structural decomposition analysis using Vietnam’s national input–output tables for the years 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. The analysis decomposes changes in total output into technical effects and final demand effects, allowing for an evaluation of the relative contributions of sectoral productivity and demand side factors. The findings of the study indicate that the manufacturing and services sectors have been the primary drivers of economic growth, with the electrical and optical equipment, food, beverages and tobacco, and basic metals sectors demonstrating particularly strong performance. The factor of final demand, which is derived from consumption, investment, and exports, has played a dominant role in driving output. Notably, export-led manufacturing has experienced significant benefits due to Vietnam’s engagement in free trade agreements. It is noteworthy that the agriculture sector demonstrated a period of recovery between 2019 and 2023, driven by an increase in final demand. This study underscores the pivotal function of sectoral adaptability, trade openness, and strategic policy in maintaining inclusive economic development. It is evident that the phenomenon under scrutiny is not only indicative of vulnerabilities and opportunities but also shaped by global shocks, for example, the coronavirus pandemic. Full article

Concentration within the food industry is a desirable process in the context of improving economic efficiency, which is the basis for building sustainable competitive advantages in internationalisation and globalisation. Excessive concentration of market structures can generate negative externalities that threaten sustainability in the long term. Maintaining a balance between the freedom of economic activities and the protection of consumers and environmental interests is fundamental to the stability of the entire economy and its position in the international market, which is a priority of the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement. The aim of this article was to assess the process of concentration of the Polish food industry and its impact on factor efficiency in the context of changing external conditions. In order to do so, the Cobb–Douglas production function was used. The research results showed that there is a progressive concentration in the food industry. Changes in the entity structure are taking place in an evolutionary way, as illustrated by the still high fragmentation of companies. Large companies make good use of economies of scale, which is mirrored in their high efficiency. The structure of the Polish food industry makes it possible to realise the objectives of agricultural policy, including in terms of sustainable development and improvement of competitiveness on the global market. Taking into account the current entity structure of the Polish food industry, it will be crucial for the long-term sustainability to take into account contemporary economic, environmental and social issues in the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement. Full article

Virtual machine (VM) placement in cloud datacenters is a complex multi-objective challenge involving trade-offs among energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and network performance. This paper proposes NCRA-DP-ACO (Network-, Cost-, and Renewable-Aware Ant Colony Optimization with Dynamic Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)), a bio-inspired metaheuristic that optimizes VM placement across geographically distributed datacenters. The approach integrates real-time solar energy availability, dynamic PUE modeling, and multi-criteria decision-making to enable environmentally and cost-efficient resource allocation. The experimental results show that NCRA-DP-ACO reduces power consumption by 13.7%, carbon emissions by 6.9%, and live VM migrations by 48.2% compared to state-of-the-art methods while maintaining Service Level Agreement (SLA) compliance. These results indicate the algorithm’s potential to support more environmentally and cost-efficient cloud management across dynamic infrastructure scenarios. Full article

The growing frequency and severity of climate-induced disasters—such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires—pose significant threats to sustainable development worldwide. Integrating Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) has emerged as a strategy imperative for enhancing societal resilience and protecting developmental gains. This review synthesizes the current knowledge and practice at the intersection of CCA and DRR, drawing on international frameworks, national policies, and local implementation strategies. We assess the role of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in promoting policy coherence and multi-level governance. Particular attention is given to the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA), and community-based approaches that address both climate vulnerabilities and disaster risks while delivering co-benefits for ecosystems and livelihoods. Case studies from regions highly exposed to climate-related hazards, including the Global South and Europe, illustrate how integrated approaches are operationalized and what barriers persist, including institutional silos, limited financing, and data gaps. For example, Bangladesh has achieved over a 70% reduction in flood-related mortality, while Kenya’s drought-resilient agriculture has increased food security by 35% in affected regions. The review highlights best practices in risk-informed planning, participatory decision-making, and knowledge co-production, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and cross-sector collaboration. By critically examining the synergies and trade-offs between adaptation and risk reduction, this paper offers a pathway to more resilient, equitable, and sustainable development. It concludes with recommendations for enhancing integration at the policy and practice levels, supporting both immediate risk management and long-term transformation in a changing climate. Full article