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Recent advances in the control of volatile organic compounds emissions from indoor wood-based panels: A comprehensive review

Yang Y, Zhang Z, Zhang L, Song F, Ren Y, Zhang X, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2023 Aug 01;884:163741.
PMID: 37120025 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163741

Wood-based panels provide efficient alternatives to materials such as plastics derived from traditional petroleum sources and thereby help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, using indoor manufactured panel products also results in significant emissions of volatile organic compounds including olefins, aromatic and ester compounds, which negatively affect human health. This paper highlights recent developments and notable achievements in the field of indoor hazardous air treatment technologies to guide future research toward environmentally friendly and economically feasible directions that may have a significant impact on the improvement of human settlements. Summarizing and synthesizing the principles, advantages, and limitations of different technologies can assist policymakers and engineers in identifying the most appropriate technology for a particular air pollution control program based on criteria such as cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental impact. In addition, insights into the development of indoor air pollution control technologies are provided and potential areas for innovation, improvement of existing technologies, and development of new technologies are identified. Finally, the authors also hope that this sub-paper will raise public awareness of indoor air pollution issues and promote a better understanding of the importance of indoor air pollution control technologies for public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Fulltext Genomic Insights of Pectobacterium carotovorum Strain M022 Quorum-Sensing Activity through Whole-Genome Sequencing

Chan KG, Tan WS

Genome Announc, 2015;3(1).
PMID: 25676763 DOI: 10.1128/genomeA.01554-14

Pectobacterium carotovorum is known to cause serious damage to various major crops worldwide. Here, we report the draft genome of Pectobacterium carotovorum strain M022, a freshwater isolate from a Malaysian waterfall, which has been reported as a plant pathogen and is able to communicate with N-acylhomoserine lactone-mediated quorum sensing.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Fulltext Mining personal data using smartphones and wearable devices: a survey

Habib ur Rehman M, Liew CS, Wah TY, Shuja J, Daghighi B

Sensors (Basel), 2015 Feb 13;15(2):4430-69.
PMID: 25688592 DOI: 10.3390/s150204430

The staggering growth in smartphone and wearable device use has led to a massive scale generation of personal (user-specific) data. To explore, analyze, and extract useful information and knowledge from the deluge of personal data, one has to leverage these devices as the data-mining platforms in ubiquitous, pervasive, and big data environments. This study presents the personal ecosystem where all computational resources, communication facilities, storage and knowledge management systems are available in user proximity. An extensive review on recent literature has been conducted and a detailed taxonomy is presented. The performance evaluation metrics and their empirical evidences are sorted out in this paper. Finally, we have highlighted some future research directions and potentially emerging application areas for personal data mining using smartphones and wearable devices.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Sensor-less force-reflecting macro-micro telemanipulation systems by piezoelectric actuators

Amini H, Farzaneh B, Azimifar F, Sarhan AAD

ISA Trans, 2016 Sep;64:293-302.
PMID: 27329852 DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2016.05.006

This paper establishes a novel control strategy for a nonlinear bilateral macro-micro teleoperation system with time delay. Besides position and velocity signals, force signals are additionally utilized in the control scheme. This modification significantly improves the poor transparency during contact with the environment. To eliminate external force measurement, a force estimation algorithm is proposed for the master and slave robots. The closed loop stability of the nonlinear micro-micro teleoperation system with the proposed control scheme is investigated employing the Lyapunov theory. Consequently, the experimental results verify the efficiency of the new control scheme in free motion and during collision between the slave robot and the environment of slave robot with environment, and the efficiency of the force estimation algorithm.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Towards a new paradigm: Activity level balanced sustainability reporting

Samudhram A, Siew EG, Sinnakkannu J, Yeow PH

Appl Ergon, 2016 Mar 27.
PMID: 27029522 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.03.004

Technoeconomic paradigms based economic growth theories suggest that waves of technological innovations drove the economic growth of advanced economies. Widespread economic degradation and pollution is an unintended consequence of such growth. Tackling environmental and social issues at firm levels would help us to overcome such issues at macro-levels. Consequently, the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) reporting approach promotes firm level economic, environmental and social performances. Incorporating Zink's (2014) 3-pillar presentation model, this paper indicates that economic, social and environmental performances tend to be reported at firm level. All three pillars are not covered evenly at the activity levels. Thus, a loophole is identified whereby excellent environmental performance at activity levels could potentially leave poor social performance undisclosed. A refinement of the TBL paradigm, whereby all three pillars are covered at the activity level, is suggested, to enhance sustainability reporting.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment; Environmental Pollution
Thermoseparating aqueous two-phase systems: Recent trends and mechanisms

Leong YK, Lan JC, Loh HS, Ling TC, Ooi CW, Show PL

J Sep Sci, 2016 Feb;39(4):640-7.
PMID: 26447739 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201500667

Having the benefits of being environmentally friendly, providing a mild environment for bioseparation, and scalability, aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have increasingly caught the attention of industry and researchers for their application in the isolation and recovery of bioproducts. The limitations of conventional ATPSs give rise to the development of temperature-induced ATPSs that have distinctive thermoseparating properties and easy recyclability. This review starts with a brief introduction to thermoseparating ATPSs, including its history, unique characteristics and advantages, and lastly, key factors that influence partitioning. The underlying mechanism of temperature-induced ATPSs is covered together with a summary of recent applications. Thermoseparating ATPSs have been proven as a solution to the demand for economically favorable and environmentally friendly industrial-scale bioextraction and purification techniques.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Decomposing the trade-environment nexus for Malaysia: what do the technique, scale, composition, and comparative advantage effect indicate?

Ling CH, Ahmed K, Binti Muhamad R, Shahbaz M

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2015 Dec;22(24):20131-42.
PMID: 26300360 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5217-9

This paper investigates the impact of trade openness on CO2 emissions using time series data over the period of 1970QI-2011QIV for Malaysia. We disintegrate the trade effect into scale, technique, composition, and comparative advantage effects to check the environmental consequence of trade at four different transition points. To achieve the purpose, we have employed augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) unit root tests in order to examine the stationary properties of the variables. Later, the long-run association among the variables is examined by applying autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration. Our results confirm the presence of cointegration. Further, we find that scale effect has positive and technique effect has negative impact on CO2 emissions after threshold income level and form inverted U-shaped relationship-hence validates the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Energy consumption adds in CO2 emissions. Trade openness and composite effect improve environmental quality by lowering CO2 emissions. The comparative advantage effect increases CO2 emissions and impairs environmental quality. The results provide the innovative approach to see the impact of trade openness in four sub-dimensions of trade liberalization. Hence, this study attributes more comprehensive policy tool for trade economists to better design environmentally sustainable trade rules and agreements.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Fulltext Imperative: reducing the environmental impact of clinical laboratories

Gammie AJ, Lopez JB, Scott S

Clin Chem Lab Med, 2023 Mar 28;61(4):634-637.
PMID: 36343330 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-1052

Clinical laboratories are significant contributors to the environmental burden of the planet. They have been slow to address the issues with a few exceptions, but it is highly encouraging to see the current impetus and ambition in this direction. This paper describes some of these initiatives and provides the rationale as to why clinical laboratories should become sustainable. It also describes the economic and intangible benefits that labs will accrue in achieving sustainability.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Decarbonization in waste recycling industry using digitalization to promote net-zero emissions and its implications on sustainability

Kurniawan TA, Othman MHD, Liang X, Goh HH, Gikas P, Kusworo TD, et al.

J Environ Manage, 2023 Jul 15;338:117765.
PMID: 36965421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117765

Digitalization and sustainability have been considered as critical elements in tackling a growing problem of solid waste in the framework of circular economy (CE). Although digitalization can enhance time-efficiency and/or cost-efficiency, their end-results do not always lead to sustainability. So far, the literatures still lack of a holistic view in understanding the development trends and key roles of digitalization in waste recycling industry to benefit stakeholders and to protect the environment. To bridge this knowledge gap, this work systematically investigates how leveraging digitalization in waste recycling industry could address these research questions: (1) What are the key problems of solid waste recycling? (2) How the trends of digitalization in waste management could benefit a CE? (3) How digitalization could strengthen waste recycling industry in a post-pandemic era? While digitalization boosts material flows in a CE, it is evident that utilizing digital solutions to strengthen waste recycling business could reinforce a resource-efficient, low-carbon, and a CE. In the Industry 4.0 era, digitalization can add 15% (about USD 15.7 trillion) to global economy by 2030. As digitalization grows, making the waste sector shift to a CE could save between 30% and 35% of municipalities' waste management budget. With digitalization, a cost reduction of 3.6% and a revenue increase of 4.1% are projected annually. This would contribute to USD 493 billion in an increasing revenue yearly in the next decade. As digitalization enables tasks to be completed shortly with less manpower, this could save USD 421 billion annually for the next decade. With respect to environmental impacts, digitalization in the waste sector could reduce global CO2 emissions by 15% by 2030 through technological solutions. Overall, this work suggests that digitalization in the waste sector contributes net-zero emission to a digital economy, while transitioning to a sustainable world as its social impacts.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
The influence of safety leadership on nurses' safety behavior: The mediating role of safety knowledge and motivation

Subramaniam C, Johari J, Mashi MS, Mohamad R

J Safety Res, 2023 Feb;84:117-128.
PMID: 36868640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.10.013

INTRODUCTION: This paper investigates the relationships among safety leadership, safety motivation, safety knowledge, and safety behavior in the setting of a tertiary hospital in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
METHOD: Underpinned by the self-efficacy theory, we argue that high-quality safety leadership enhances nurses' safety knowledge and motivation and subsequently, improves their safety behavior (safety compliance and safety participation). A total of 332 questionnaire responses were gathered and analyzed using SmartPLS Version 3.2.9, revealing the direct effect of safety leadership on both safety knowledge and safety motivation.
RESULTS: Safety knowledge and safety motivation were found to directly and significantly predict nurses' safety behavior. Notably, safety knowledge and safety motivation were established as important mediators in the relationship between safety leadership and nurses' safety compliance and participation.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The findings of this study offer key guidance for safety researchers and hospital practitioners in identifying mechanisms to enhance safety behavior among nurses.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Fulltext Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis

Álvarez-Álvarez L, Vitelli-Storelli F, Rubín-García M, García S, Bouzas C, Ruíz-Canela M, et al.

Public Health, 2024 May;230:12-20.
PMID: 38479163 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.02.010

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD).
METHODS: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models.
RESULTS: After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption.
CONCLUSIONS: A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Fulltext A systematic review on the level of risk perception of diabetes mellitus: The role of environmental factor

Jane Ling MY, Ahmad N, Noor Aizuddin A, Ja'afar MH

PLoS One, 2024;19(7):e0308152.
PMID: 39078862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308152

BACKGROUND: Risk perception plays important role in motivating preventive health behaviours. The objective of this systematic review was to explore the level of diabetes risk perception among individuals with and without apparent risk for diabetes, and to consider the effect of environmental factors on the level of diabetes risk perception.
METHODS: This systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The literature search was carried out through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Original articles written in English and published between 2013 and 2023 were considered. Study quality was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Narrative synthesis was undertaken due to methodological heterogeneity in the included studies.
RESULTS: A total of 13 cross-sectional studies, two randomized controlled trials, two cohort studies, two mixed methods studies and one quasi-experiment with a control group were included. An overall low level of diabetes risk perception was reported particularly in those without apparent risk for diabetes. The 20 included studies reported widely varied measures for calculating diabetes risk perception. The influence of environmental factors on the risk perception of diabetes was highlighted.
LIMITATIONS: The use of study-specific and non-validated measures in the included studies weakens the authors' ability to compare across studies. The role of language and publication bias within this systematic review should be acknowledged as we included only English-language studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Another limitation is the exclusion of dimensions of risk perception such as optimistic bias as search terms.
CONCLUSION: The overall low risk perception of diabetes calls for urgent need of public health interventions to increase the risk perception of diabetes. In the future, researchers should ensure the validity and reliability of the measures being used. The influence of environmental factors on the diabetes risk perception indicates that diabetes preventive interventions targeting environmental factors may be effective in increasing the risk perception of diabetes.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Nanocellulose-graphene hybrid composites: Fabrication, characterization, applications and environmental impact

Yusuf J, Firdaus AHM, Sapuan SM, Rashid U, Ilyas RA, Hassan MR, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Dec;282(Pt 5):137244.
PMID: 39505165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137244

Nanocellulose-graphene hybrid composites for high-performance uses have been the focus of recent research. In contrast to graphene, which has great conductivity and mechanical strength, nanocellulose possesses special qualities like renewability and biocompatibility but lacks electrical conductivity. Since graphene-nanocellulose has such promising features, efforts to make flexible electronic composites employing them have accelerated. However, the environmental impacts are needed to be addressed prior to the applications of these hybrid composites. This review article explores environmental aspects for nanocellulose-graphene hybrid composites because of their sustainability, which is a major step in the right direction. The article also emphasizes how these composites have the potential to transform several industries and open the door to a more environmentally friendly future. This paper explores into the most recent developments in nanocellulose-graphene hybrid composites, highlighting its environmental benefits and adaptability. These composites offer remarkable performance by combining the strength and conductivity of graphene with the mechanical, electrical, and thermal capabilities of nanocellulose.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Economic and environmental life cycle perspectives on two engineered wood products: comparison of LVL and GLT construction materials

Balasbaneh AT, Sher W, Yeoh D, Yasin MN

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Feb;30(10):26964-26981.
PMID: 36374387 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24079-1

The embodied carbon of building materials and the energy consumed during construction have a significant impact on the environmental credentials of buildings. The structural systems of a building present opportunities to reduce environmental emissions and energy. In this regard, mass timber materials have considerable potential as sustainable materials over other alternatives such as steel and concrete. The aim of this investigation was to compare the environment impact, energy consumption, and life cycle cost (LCC) of different wood-based materials in identical single-story residential buildings. The materials compared are laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glued laminated timber (GLT). GLT has less global warming potential (GWP), ozone layer depletion (OLD), and land use (LU), respectively, by 29%, 37%, and 35% than LVL. Conversely, LVL generally has lower terrestrial acidification potential (TAP), human toxicity potential (HTP), and fossil depletion potential (FDP), respectively, by 30%, 17%, and 27%. The comparative outcomes revealed that using LVL reduces embodied energy by 41%. To identify which of these materials is the best alternative, various environmental categories, embodied energy, and cost criteria require further analysis. Therefore, the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method has been applied to enable robust decision-making. The outcome showed that LVL manufacturing using softwood presents the most sustainable choice. These research findings contribute to the body of knowledge about the use of mass timber in construction.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Optimisation and environmental impact analysis of green dry mix mortar paving block incorporating high volume recycled waste glass and ground granulated blast furnace slag

Yeo JS, Koting S, Onn CC, Radwan MKH, Cheah CB, Mo KH

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Apr;30(20):58493-58515.
PMID: 36988805 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26496-2

This research incorporates sustainable materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and recycled waste glass (RWG) as cement and fine aggregate replacement respectively to produce green dry mix mortar paving blocks. The GGBS and RWG contents in the mortar paving block were optimised using the response surface methodology (RSM), considering the performances of the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), flexural and compressive strengths, water absorption, and Cantabro loss. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was also conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of the optimised green mortar paving blocks. The RSM suggested that the paving block with optimum GGBS and RWG contents of 26.5% and 91.3%, respectively, could exhibit compressive strength of 36.5 MPa, which complied with the requirement for concrete segmental paving units (MA20). Excluding the mixes not fulfilling the MA20 requirement, the mix with 40% GGBS and 100% RWG exhibited the lowest values for the acidification potential (AP), global warming potential (GWP), photochemical oxidation (POCP), abiotic depletion potential for fossil fuel (ADPF), and water scarcity/strength ratio. Whereas, for eutrophication potential (EP) and abiotic depletion for elements (ADP (elements))/strength ratio, the mix with 100% RWG exhibited the lowest value. The optimised mix from RSM showed a similar performance as the two mixes.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
A comparison of dust impacts on polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar photovoltaic performance: an outdoor experimental study

Kazem HA, Chaichan MT, Al-Waeli AHA

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2022 Dec;29(59):88788-88802.
PMID: 35836053 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21958-5

Solar cells are considered one of the most important and widespread solar applications in the world. However, the performance of the PV modules is significantly affected by the dust in the air. This paper, therefore, presents a comparison of an outdoor experimental study of dust effect on monocrystalline, and polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules. For analysis, four 100 W PVs were installed horizontally in Sohar, Oman. For each pair of PV modules, one was left dusty due to environmental impact, and the second was cleaned daily. PV performance and environmental parameter measurements were conducted every 30 min for 35 days. The effects of dust on current, voltage, power, and energy were discussed in terms of time and normalized values. Also, cleaning methods were tested to determine the optimum one. It is found that power degradation of monocrystalline (20%) is higher compared with polycrystalline (12%) due to dust accumulation. For monocrystalline, the current, voltage, and power losses ranged between 10.0-24.0%, 2.0-3.5%, and 14.0-31.0%, respectively. However, for polycrystalline, the degradation rates were 16.88-27.92%, 0.455-0.455%, and 17.14-28.1% for current, voltage, and power losses after exposure to outdoor conditions for the same period, respectively. The dust accumulation on the PV surface found after 5 weeks is 0.493 mg/cm2, which can be considered the lowest accumulation rate compared to other Gulf countries, but which, however, leads to less energy degradation as well. It is found that water is sufficient to clean PV in the study area. However, sodium detergent as a cleaner introduced better results compared to water, especially when there is high pollution in the location.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Human intervention caused massive destruction of the second largest mangrove forest, Chakaria Sundarbans, Bangladesh

Hasan M, Hassan L, Abdullah Al M, Kamal AHM, Idris MH, Hoque MZ, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Apr;31(17):25329-25341.
PMID: 38468013 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32792-2

Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services including coastal protection by acting as coastal greenbelts; however, human-driven anthropogenic activities altered their existence and ecosystem functions worldwide. In this study, the successive degradation of the second largest mangrove forest, Chakaria Sundarbans situated at the northern Bay of Bengal part of Bangladesh was assessed using remote sensing approaches. A total of five multi-temporal Landsat satellite imageries were collected and used to observe the land use land cover (LULC) changes over the time periods for the years 1972, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020. Further, the supervised classification technique with the help of support vector machine (SVM) algorithm in ArcGIS 10.8 was used to process images. Our results revealed a drastic change of Chakaria Sundarbans mangrove forest, that the images of 1972 were comprised of mudflat, waterbody, and mangroves, while the images of 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were classified as waterbody, mangrove, saltpan, and shrimp farm. Most importantly, mangrove forest was the largest covering area a total of 64.2% in 1972, but gradually decreased to 12.7%, 6.4%, 1.9%, and 4.6% for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. Interestingly, the rate of mangrove forest area degradation was similar to the net increase of saltpan and shrimp farms. The kappa coefficients of classified images were 0.83, 0.87, 0.80, 0.87, and 0.91 with the overall accuracy of 88.9%, 90%, 85%, 90%, and 93.3% for the years 1972, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. By analyzing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and transformed difference vegetation index (TDVI), our results validated that green vegetated area was decreased alarmingly with time in this study area. This destruction was mainly related to active human-driven anthropogenic activities, particularly creating embankments for fish farms or salt productions, and cutting for collection of wood as well. Together all, our results provide clear evidence of active anthropogenic stress on coastal ecosystem health by altering mangrove forest to saltpan and shrimp farm saying goodbye to the second largest mangrove forest in one of the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Environmental impacts of international tourism: examining the role of policy uncertainty, renewable energy, and service sector output

Ali S, Hamid ABBA, Ya'akub NIB, Iqbal S

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Jul;31(34):46221-46234.
PMID: 37368217 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28377-0

The contributions of the tourism sector and its development to economic growth are widely recognized across the economies. However, development in this sector also has its impacts on environmental quality and sustainability. In addition, elevated economic policy uncertainty also has repercussions on the environment. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of international tourism on environmental sustainability while considering EPU, renewable energy consumption (REC), and service sector output (SSO) in the model estimated based on panel data from 17 economies. Having the heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation issues in the panel data, the author used multiple econometric methods (pooled OLS with Drisk/Kraay standard errors (DKSEs), GLS, PCSE, and quantile regressions) to examine the relationship between international tourism and environmental sustainability. DKSEs address the common issue of heteroskedasticity and GLS also accounts for both heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation. PCSE method corrects these errors. Finally, quantile regression estimates the relationships between variables at different points of the distribution. The results show that international tourism and EPU adversely impact environmental quality and sustainability by increasing GHG emissions. The findings show that increased GHG emissions from international tourism and EPU harm environmental sustainability. Furthermore, SSO and REC significantly reduce GHG emissions and enhance sustainability. Nevertheless, the tourism sector should adopt sustainable practices like using eco-friendly lodging, conserving energy and water, and utilizing renewable energy (RE) to reduce negative environmental impacts. Conserving biodiversity and regional cultures while minimizing waste and resource use is also essential. Tourists should embrace eco-friendly practices such as choosing green hotels, conserving energy and water, and supporting environmental causes while adhering to regulations to reduce emissions. The study recommends establishing uniform trade laws that support green technology and RE to reduce EPU. The findings stress the need for international collaboration to promote eco-friendly tourist practices and minimize the sector's environmental impact.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment
Astroecology: Theory and Models of the Universal Structure and Distribution of Life

Brodie JF

Astrobiology, 2026 Dec;26(12):1003-1009.
PMID: 42875436 DOI: 10.1177/15311074261499019

Astroecology has been proposed as a scientific field to study the diversity, structure, and function of ecosystems on Earth and other worlds; it is increasingly important as new space-borne observatories expand the search for inhabited planets and moons. Recent work has highlighted the relevance of ecological concepts across hierarchical levels from organisms to biospheres. However, we still lack general predictions about how processes such as species interactions and tradeoffs scale to affect food-web structure, biodiversity patterns, and life-planet feedbacks. Ecological processes emerge from basic physical and biological constraints. They generate patterns in biodiversity, ecosystem structure, and energy flow that are replicated across ecosystems, biomes, and taxa. These patterns generate "ecosignatures"-large-scale spatial or temporal signatures that reveal not just life but aspects of its ecological organization. Astroecological models thus provide a theoretical foundation for biosignature interpretation, comparative planetary habitability, and the universality of ecology.

Matched MeSH terms: Extraterrestrial Environment
Fulltext Effects of Genotype by Environment Interaction on Genetic Gain and Genetic Parameter Estimates in Red Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)

Nguyen NH, Hamzah A, Thoa NP

Front Genet, 2017;8:82.
PMID: 28659970 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00082

The extent to which genetic gain achieved from selection programs under strictly controlled environments in the nucleus that can be expressed in commercial production systems is not well-documented in aquaculture species. The main aim of this paper was to assess the effects of genotype by environment interaction on genetic response and genetic parameters for four body traits (harvest weight, standard length, body depth, body width) and survival in Red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). The growth and survival data were recorded on 19,916 individual fish from a pedigreed population undergoing three generations of selection for increased harvest weight in earthen ponds from 2010 to 2012 at the Aquaculture Extension Center, Department of Fisheries, Jitra in Kedah, Malaysia. The pedigree comprised a total of 224 sires and 262 dams, tracing back to the base population in 2009. A multivariate animal model was used to measure genetic response and estimate variance and covariance components. When the homologous body traits in freshwater pond and cage were treated as genetically distinct traits, the genetic correlations between the two environments were high (0.85-0.90) for harvest weight and square root of harvest weight but the estimates were of lower magnitudes for length, width and depth (0.63-0.79). The heritabilities estimated for the five traits studied differed between pond (0.02 to 0.22) and cage (0.07 to 0.68). The common full-sib effects were large, ranging from 0.23 to 0.59 in pond and 0.11 to 0.31 in cage across all traits. The direct and correlated responses for four body traits were generally greater in pond than in cage environments (0.011-1.561 vs. -0.033-0.567 genetic standard deviation units, respectively). Selection for increased harvest body weight resulted in positive genetic changes in survival rate in both pond and cage culture. In conclusion, the reduced selection response and the magnitude of the genetic parameter estimates in the production environment (i.e., cage) relative to those achieved in the nucleus (pond) were a result of the genotype by environment interaction and this effect should be taken into consideration in the future breeding program for Red tilapia.

Matched MeSH terms: Environment, Controlled; Gene-Environment Interaction

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