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Purpose: The paucity of artisans in some construction trades and the transitioning of the experience of the few for sustainability calls for concern. Mentorship programmes offer a promising mechanism to support construction artisans through those transitions. Mentorship may enhance artisan decent work and economic growth, like increased income for artisans. This is part of Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Goal 8). Hence, this study aims to investigate issues hindering construction artisan skills growth and suggest measures to improve construction artisan skills through mentorship mechanisms to achieve Goal 8. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a qualitative approach and collected data via oral interviews with knowledgeable participants. The participants were consultant experts in mentorship and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) matters, construction organisation management staffers and construction artisans in the Nigerian construction industry. The study covered Lagos and Abuja and achieved saturation at the 30th interviewee. Also, the research utilised a thematic method to analyse the collated data. Findings: Enhanced knowledge sharing accelerates junior artisans' learning skills quickly, improving artisans' performance, ensuring sustainability of the skills learned (knowledge retention), encouraging collaboration, building the next generation of leaders and transitioning of experience to mentees emerged as mentorship's role in developing construction artisans' skills. Findings show that mentorship mechanisms to develop construction artisan skills face encumbrances. The perceived 32 encumbrances were re-clustered into mentee, mentor and government-related encumbrances. Also, achieving Goal 8 regarding construction artisans may be threatened if these issues are not checked. Thus, the study recommended measures improving construction artisan skills through mentorship mechanisms to achieve Goal 8. Originality/value: Identifying the major encumbrances facing construction artisan skills improvement through mentorship would be useful to advocate measures to improve construction artisan's skills to achieve Goal 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Though alternative building technologies (ABTs) have been encouraged to address accessible and affordable issues in low-cost housing (LCH) provision, their adoption is still overwhelmed with encumbrances. The encumbrances that hinder ABT adoption require an in-depth study, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. However, studies regarding ABT and its role in improving Nigeria's LCH to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 are scarce. This research investigates encumbrances to ABT adoption in Nigeria's LCH provision and suggests feasible measures to prevent or reduce the encumbrances, thereby improving achieving SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). Design/methodology/approach: This research utilised qualitative research and adopted a face-to-face interview as the primary data collection. The interviewees comprised ABT practitioners and end users in Nigeria who were chosen by a convenient sampling technique. The study's data were analysed manually through a thematic approach. Findings: This study shows that stakeholders should embrace ABT in LCH provision to improve achieving SDG 11 in Nigeria. Also, it clustered the perceived 20 encumbrances to ABT adoption in LCH provision into government/policymaker, housing developers/building contractors, ABT users and ABT manufacturers-related issues in Nigeria's context. This study suggested mechanisms to mitigate encumbrances to ABT adoption in LCH provision, thereby improving achieving SDG 11. Originality/value: This research adds to the limited literature by analysing ABT adoption encumbrances in Nigeria's LCH provision, which could assist policy formulation for the uptake of ABT in LCH provision and improve achieving Goal 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a global issue that presents significant challenges to sustainable development. Recent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) evaluations revealed a concerning trend: more than half of agricultural water is wasted. The widespread use of manual irrigation systems, combined with diminishing water resources, necessitates efficient and effective irrigation methods. This study aims to address this issue by introducing a novel irrigation control system based on an Arduino mechanism. The goal of this research is to design and test an efficient and sustainable irrigation system that maximizes water usage, minimizes waste, and reduces electricity consumption. The study used an Arduino-controlled irrigation system equipped with soil moisture sensors. These sensors were strategically placed to monitor soil moisture levels and trigger irrigation when necessary. The system's performance was evaluated using a series of experimental trials on small and medium-sized farm plots. The system required approximately 20% less water than traditional manual irrigation methods. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in electricity consumption for water pumps, with an average 20% savings per year. The ease of integration into existing farm setups and the reduction in manual labor are also significant benefits. This system assists to conserve vital water resources and promotes sustainable agricultural development by optimizing water use and reducing electricity consumption. Practical Applications: This study demonstrates a low-cost automated irrigation system for small and medium-sized farms that uses an Arduino control system. The system uses soil moisture sensors to ensure that plants receive optimal water exactly when they need it, thereby improving water efficiency and plant health. The use of a control system provides flexible programming options, making it simple to expand and integrate new control features. The system's adaptability enables the simple integration of automation into existing farm setups, and the number of soil moisture sensors can be increased to cover larger farm areas. This intelligent irrigation solution not only conserves water resources but also reduces the amount of electricity required to power water pumps, resulting in lower operating costs and maintenance needs. Therefore, implementing the proposed automated control system can significantly reduce water usage, maintenance efforts, and electricity consumption, providing farmers with a long-term and efficient irrigation solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how different innovation efforts can support multinational enterprises' (MNEs') pursuits of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in emerging markets and under what circumstances they are applied. Design/methodology/approach: The article comprises in-depth case studies on two high-profile Swedish MNEs: a telecom firm and a fast-fashion firm, with data collected both at the headquarter-level and local-market level. Findings: The study shows that MNEs pursue a selection of prioritized SDGs in emerging markets. To overcome challenges related to attaining these goals, we find that MNEs engage in innovation efforts at different levels of commitment. In some instances, they engage in operational innovation aimed at relieving symptoms of sustainability misconduct and ensuring compliance. In other instances, they engage in systemic innovation efforts, which involve the actual market structures underlying sustainability problems. Originality/value: MNEs are increasingly incorporating the United Nations SDGs into their innovation strategies. The study contributes to international business research on MNEs' roles in realizing the SDGs by conceptualizing and discussing two pertinent approaches to innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the fact that hygiene and sanitation are becoming more critical for improving the present situation in developing nations, the factors that affect them are not well covered in the present research. This paper investigates the quality of the hygiene and sanitization factors and identifies the interrelations between the identified factors. Design/methodology/approach: A graph theory-based approach is proposed to assess the factors influencing the practice, and a critical service index (CSI) is used to quantify the same. Findings: Two Indian villages are used to illustrate the implementation of the suggested approach. This represents the validation of the suggested method, as well as assisting in the development of essential suggestions for increasing the quality of hygiene and sanitization in the Indian context. In spite of the increasing importance of hygiene and sanitation for improving the current situation in developing countries, the factors that influence them are not well-researched. Research limitations/implications: This study contributes in two ways. First, it provides an organized methodology for quantifying hygiene and sanitation factors and a critical service index that incorporates the findings. The suggested approach may also be used to evaluate and classify other sectors. Second, it shows how the methodology was used to create key recommendations for two Indian villages, which may be considered the first effort in India's hygiene and sanitation initiatives. Originality/value: This research discussed improvements in sanitation and hygiene habits among Indian households, which have not been achieved as expected under the Swachh Bharat Mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education (SDG4), emphasizing its interconnectedness with the other SDGs. A proprietary algorithm and cocitation network analysis were used to identify and analyze the network of SDG features in GAI research publications (n = 1501). By examining GAI's implications for ten SDG4 targets, the findings advocate for a collaborative, ethical approach to integrating GAI, emphasizing policy and practice developments that ensure that technological advancements align with the overarching goals of SDG4. The results highlight the multifaceted impact of GAI on the SDGs. First, this paper outlines a framework that leverages GAI to enhance educational equity, quality, and lifelong learning opportunities. By highlighting the synergy between GAI and the SDGs, such as reducing inequalities (SDG10) and promoting gender equality (SDG5), this study underscores the need for an integrated approach to utilizing GAI. Moreover, it advocates for personalized learning, equitable technology access, adherence to ethical AI principles, and fostering global citizenship, proposing a strategic alignment of GAI applications with the broader SDG agenda. Next, the results highlight that GAI introduces significant challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, and the risk of exacerbating the digital divide. Overall, our findings underscore the critical role of policy reforms and innovative practices in navigating the challenges and harnessing the opportunities presented by GAI in education, thereby contributing to a comprehensive discourse on technology's role in advancing global education and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As ecological disasters loom, forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to systematically examine the contribution of forestry science research to the SDGs through a multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting its role in advancing global sustainability efforts. Methods: Utilizing the PRISMA protocol, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 39,841 publications since 2015, focusing on the intersection of forestry sciences with the SDGs. Network and keyword co-occurrence analyses were performed to identify thematic clusters and interdisciplinary linkages among SDGs. Results: Our findings indicate a significant focus on SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the forestry sector's contributions to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services. The analyses revealed thematic clusters centered around ecological sustainability, sustainable energy, and social development, demonstrating the diverse ways in which forestry research supports the SDGs. Discussion: This study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of forestry sciences and identifies key areas of contribution while pointing to potential research gaps. Future research should explore advanced technologies such as AI-driven analytics and remote sensing, socioeconomic impacts of forest-based livelihoods, and innovative reforestation techniques. Strengthening urban forestry, enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation, and improving governance are recommended to ensure continued contributions of forestry sciences to global sustainability and the SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many models depicting the spatial dimensions of poverty are based on cities in developed countries, raising questions about their appropriateness for urban spaces in developing countries. This study evaluates the spatial suitability of these models in understanding poverty distribution and informing alleviation efforts related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). One in cities of developing nations. A grid sampling technique in ArcGIS 10.8 was used to select 1098 households across 56 wards in three mid-sized Nigerian cities. Household data were collected through structured questionnaires using GeoODK, and Maxar high-resolution imagery was used to assess urban building density. The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty indices and Pearson correlation were applied for analysis. Results showed that over 29 wards had a poverty incidence and gap index greater than 0.20, while poverty severity remained below 0.20 in most wards. High building density was more prevalent in the city's interior. Significant correlations were found between the income poverty gap (p = 0.005, r = 0.367), poverty severity (p = 0.009, r = 0.346), and building density. The study concludes that these models are suitable for informing poverty alleviation policies in mid-sized cities of developing countries, especially Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal mortality is one of the most devastating and emotionally distressing occurrences that can be experienced by a family or society. The objective of the study was to investigate the risk factors associated with maternal mortality across the various sub‐metros using zero‐inflated models. Methods: The study used secondary data obtained from eight health facilities within Kumasi metropolis from 2018 to 2022. The zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) is useful when dealing with count outcomes that show greater variability than would be expected in a standard Poisson distribution, a phenomenon known as overdispersion. Results: The maternal mortality rates (MMRs) for 2018 to 2022 were 427.53, 385.68, 284.21, 323.74, and 440.78 per 100,000 live births, respectively, in the Kumasi metropolis. The study found unsafe abortion, sepsis, tuberculosis, hemorrhage, and hypertension to be significantly associated with maternal mortality. Conclusion: We recommend a continuous health education campaign to encourage pregnant women to seek prompt medication when they suspect sepsis, hypertension, tuberculosis, and hemorrhage. Also, awareness about the risk associated with unsafe abortions should be promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity and sanitation pose a critical global challenge worsened by population growth and the finite nature of freshwater resources. Despite the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) advocating for universal water and sanitation access, progress remains insufficient. Presently, approximately 50% of generated wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue. This article examines the socio‐economic and technical aspects of both centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) and assesses the environmental impact, spatial footprint, and energy usage across treatment technologies. An economic analysis underscores the cost advantages of DWTS, especially in sparsely populated regions. With modular designs, DWTS not only provides environmental and economic advantages but also enables water reuse. The research concludes that adopting DWTS is crucial in achieving SDG6 targets and ensuring universal access to safe sanitation, especially in low‐density and newly developed areas. This thorough investigation of wastewater management contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable solutions amidst escalating global challenges of water scarcity and sanitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas plays a significant part in replacing solid biomass and fossil fuels for cooking. However, the implementation of appropriate policies to promote the development of biogas plants is hindered by a lack of adequate assessment of the biogas potential in Nepal. Thus, we estimate the potential of biogas production at the district level of Nepal from available waste biomass, including livestock manure, agricultural residues, and organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Our estimates show the theoretical potential of biogas production from livestock manure of 1890 million m3 year−1, agricultural residues of 2290 million m3 year−1, and OFMSW of 234 million m3 year−1. The total biogas production is 4412 million m3 year−1, equivalent to 153 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders yearly. Using this biogas potential to replace LPG and solid biomass for cooking could result in avoided CO2, CO, and PM2.5 emissions of 6.3 million tons year−1, 0.4 million tons year−1, and 0.04 million tons year−1, respectively. Our findings suggest that the Terai districts of Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, and Banke, as well as the Hilly districts of Kavrepalanchok, Dhading, and Nuwakot, have a significant amount of biogas‐producing potential. Utilising this potential could also contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals and a clean cooking energy transition in Nepal. For this, governments need careful planning, designing, policy support, and facilitation on bio‐resource management and utilisation at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the impact of Sustainable Tax Revenue and Expenditure on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in African countries using secondary data. The dataset was extracted from the World Development Indicators database. The large gap between developed and developing countries when comparing the probability of them achieving the SDGs was the main motivation behind this study. Data retrieved from 45 countries comprised of both African and developed countries for the period 2010–2020 was analyzed using the Generalized Method of Moments technique. The results revealed that the coefficients of grants received, various forms of taxes, and other revenue have a positive effect on economic growth but a negative effect on poverty and unemployment for African and developed countries. This finding suggests that improvements in tax revenue generation, grants and other revenue accumulation across different sources boost economic performance and the welfare of individuals in the analyzed countries. The outcome is an indication that accumulating more grants from different sources will help to achieve sustainable development, improve financial stability, contributes to the economic growth and development in these countries. This study can guide policymakers, governments, international institutions, revenue bodies such as SARS and other stakeholders in their various planning and other decision-making endeavors. Governments and other policymakers must ensure the efficient generation and sustainable utilization of revenue generated from taxes and other revenues to spur the growth and development of their countries. They should have Growth-Sustainability-Oriented Fiscal Adjustment Programs and Sustainable Government Expenditure that can help push and redirect governments to achieve the SDGs in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates non-price determinants of fuel choice and consumption decision of households in rural India. Fuel consumption varies at household levels from traditional fuels like firewood and chips to modern fuels such as LPG. Fuel consumption is based on two-stage decisions: (a) whether households participate or not; and (b) how much they consume if they participate. Significant factors might be different in the first stage and the second stage due to certain socio-economic or non-price factors. Applying Cragg's double hurdle model on NSSO data, this article finds determinants of fuel choice and its consumption at the household level in rural India. Empirical findings indicate that income significantly determines quantity consumption, not choice decision. The role of assets in determining fuel choice and quantity decision is also considered through a comparative study including and excluding landholding, a major asset in rural India. Bottom and top quintile results suggest that advancement of the economic position of the households changes their attitude towards dirty fuel selection and consumption. Firewood fuel consumption decreases with the rising education level of the household head, especially women-headed households. Increased awareness through education and removing social barriers might help to reduce dirty fuel consumption, and India might move towards Sustainable Development Goal. JEL Codes: C20, C13, C34, O13, Q23, Q40, Q56 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many models depicting the spatial dimensions of poverty are based on cities in developed countries, raising questions about their appropriateness for urban spaces in developing countries. This study evaluates the spatial suitability of these models in understanding poverty distribution and informing alleviation efforts related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). One in cities of developing nations. A grid sampling technique in ArcGIS 10.8 was used to select 1098 households across 56 wards in three mid-sized Nigerian cities. Household data were collected through structured questionnaires using GeoODK, and Maxar high-resolution imagery was used to assess urban building density. The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty indices and Pearson correlation were applied for analysis. Results showed that over 29 wards had a poverty incidence and gap index greater than 0.20, while poverty severity remained below 0.20 in most wards. High building density was more prevalent in the city’s interior. Significant correlations were found between the income poverty gap (p = 0.005, r = 0.367), poverty severity (p = 0.009, r = 0.346), and building density. The study concludes that these models are suitable for informing poverty alleviation policies in mid-sized cities of developing countries, especially Nigeria.

This retrospective study assesses the impact of India’s National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 on public health expenditure and its implications for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3). Using secondary data analysis from government sources, we observed health budget trends relative to GDP from 2017 to 2022. The study found a marginal increase in public health expenditure from 0.9% to 1.6% of GDP, which is below the NHP’s target of 2.5%. The results underscore the challenge of high out-of-pocket expenses, which remain a barrier to UHC. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the inadequacies of the current funding levels. We conclude that a substantial increase in health budget allocations is crucial for India to make significant strides toward UHC and meet SDG-3 targets. The study also calls for strategic enhancements in healthcare infrastructure and services to address the persistent gaps in healthcare delivery and financing. The findings advocate for a more aggressive approach to public health investment to ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible, affordable, and equitable for all citizens, thereby advancing India’s progress toward comprehensive health coverage.

Background: Blood group antigens, known as ABO antigens, are located on the surface of red blood cells and other types of epithelial cells. Changes in these antigens are important for the diagnosis of oral malignancies. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to look into the secretory status and expression of ABO (H) antigens in individuals who had tobacco-related habits and possibly malignant and malignant oral illnesses. Materials and Methods: Three groups of ninety patients (OPMD, OSCC, and Controls) were created, and each group’s blood type was identified. An inhibition test was used to find out how secretory saliva was. Results: Among various patients, nonsecretors predominated in the category followed by ‘A’ secretors. Premalignant individuals exhibited a partial reduction in antigens, while cancer patients displayed a partial to full depletion of blood group antigens. This correlation was found to be statistically notable (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Blood group classification ought to be factored in alongside other risk elements to comprehend the individual patient’s susceptibility to malignant progression in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).

Abstract Background As the Sustainable Development Goal 3.2.1 deadline (2030) approaches, rapidly reducing under-5 mortality (U5M) gains more prominence. However, initiatives or interventions that aided Bangladesh in achieving Millennium Development Goal 4 showed varied effectiveness in reducing certain cause-specific U5M. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the predictors of the key cause-specific mortalities. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 and 2017-18 data. Cause-specific U5M was examined using multilevel multinomial mixed-effects analyses, and overall/all-cause U5M was examined using multilevel mixed-effects analyses. The respective estimates were compared. Results The cause-specific analysis revealed that pneumonia and prematurity-related U5M were significantly associated with antenatal care and postnatal care, respectively. However, analysis of overall/all-cause U5M did not reveal any significant association with health services. Twins or multiples had a greater risk of mortality from preterm-related conditions (adjusted Relative Risk Ratio (aRRR): 38.01, 95% CI: 19.08–75.7, p

Abstract This study systematically evaluates biomimicry research within the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to discern the interdisciplinary interplay between biomimicry and SDGs. The alignment of biomimicry with key SDGs showcases its interdisciplinary nature and potential to offer solutions across the health, sustainability, and energy sectors. This study identified two primary thematic clusters. The first thematic cluster focused on health, partnership, and life on land (SDGs 3, 17, and 15), highlighting biomimicry's role in healthcare innovations, sustainable collaboration, and land management. This cluster demonstrates the potential of biomimicry to contribute to medical technologies, emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral partnerships and ecosystem preservation. The second thematic cluster revolves around clean water, energy, infrastructure, and marine life (SDGs 6, 7, 9, and 14), showcasing nature-inspired solutions for sustainable development challenges, including energy generation and water purification. The prominence of SDG 7 within this cluster indicates that biomimicry significantly contributes to sustainable energy practices. The analysis of thematic clusters further revealed the broad applicability of biomimicry and its role in enhancing sustainable energy access and promoting ecosystem conservation. Emerging research topics, such as metaheuristics, nanogenerators, exosomes, and bioprinting, indicate a dynamic field poised for significant advancements. By mapping the connections between biomimicry and SDGs, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the field's trajectory, emphasizing its importance in advancing global sustainability efforts.

Background: As the Sustainable Development Goal 3.2.1 deadline (2030) approaches, rapidly reducing under-5 mortality (U5M) gains more prominence. However, initiatives or interventions that aided Bangladesh in achieving Millennium Development Goal 4 showed varied effectiveness in reducing certain cause-specific U5M. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the predictors of the key cause-specific mortalities. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 and 2017-18 data. Cause-specific U5M was examined using multilevel multinomial mixed-effects analyses, and overall/all-cause U5M was examined using multilevel mixed-effects analyses. The respective estimates were compared. Results: The cause-specific analysis revealed that pneumonia and prematurity-related U5M were significantly associated with antenatal care and postnatal care, respectively. However, analysis of overall/all-cause U5M did not reveal any significant association with health services. Twins or multiples had a greater risk of mortality from preterm-related conditions (adjusted Relative Risk Ratio (aRRR): 38.01, 95% CI: 19.08–75.7, p <.001), birth asphyxia (aRRR: 6.52, 95% CI: 2.51–16.91, p <.001), and possible serious infections (aRRR: 11.12, 95% CI: 4.52–27.36, p <.001) than singletons. Children born to mothers 18 years or younger also exhibited a greater risk of mortality from these three causes than children born to older mothers. This study also revealed an increase in the predicted risk of prematurity-related mortality in the 2017-18 survey among children born to mothers 18 years or younger, children born to mothers without any formal education, twins or multiples and children who did not receive postnatal care. Conclusions: This research provides valuable insights into accelerating U5M reduction; a higher risk of preterm-related death among twins underscores the importance of careful monitoring of mothers pregnant with twins or multiples through the continuum of care; elevated risk of death among children who did not receive postnatal care, or whose mothers did not receive antenatal care stresses the need to strengthen the coverage and quality of maternal and neonatal health care; furthermore, higher risks of preterm-related deaths among the children of mothers with low formal education or children born to mothers 18 years or younger highlight the importance of more comprehensive initiatives to promote maternal education and prevent adolescent pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the alignment of research on small island developing states (SIDSs) with sustainable development goals (SDGs), identifying key focus areas, interdisciplinary connections, research gaps, thematic clusters, and insights from case studies. By employing a mixed methods research design that combines quantitative scientometric analysis with qualitative case studies, this unique study examines the nexus between SIDS research and its contribution to SDGs. The findings reveal that SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 14 (life below water) dominate SIDS research, emphasizing the need to address climate challenges and marine biodiversity. Economic aspects are underscored by SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), while urban development and inequality are addressed through SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). Renewable energy and food security are focal points in SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 2 (zero hunger). Moderate research outputs in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 15 (life on land) suggest a holistic approach, while lower activity in SDGs 16 (peace), 6 (clean water), 4 (education), and 5 (gender) presents opportunities for further exploration. SIDS research is highly interdisciplinary, as seen through three distinct SDG networks: foundational social goals, economic and environmental objectives, and environmental preservation. The thematic clusters in SIDS research include environmental challenges and adaptation, public health, and socioeconomic development, and energy policy and environmental economics. Case studies from various SIDSs illustrate the complex interplay between environmental sustainability, economic development, and social well-being, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches, international cooperation, and local community engagement. These findings underscore the need for integrated research strategies to address the complex challenges of SIDSs, emphasizing climate action, sustainable economic practices, and comprehensive development approaches to achieve the SDGs effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the viscoelastic properties of conventional asphalt cement need to be improved to meet the increasing demands caused by larger traffic loads, increased stress, and changing environmental conditions. Thus, using modifiers is suggested. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promote using waste materials and new technologies in asphalt pavement technology. The present study aims to fill this gap by investigating the use of pulverized oil palm industry clinker (POPIC) as an asphalt–cement modifier to improve the fatigue life of bituminous concrete using an innovative prediction approach. Thus, this study proposes an approach that integrates statistically based machine learning approaches and investigates the effects of applied stress and temperature on the fatigue life of POPIC-modified bituminous concrete. POPIC-modified bituminous concrete (POPIC-MBC) is produced from a standard Marshall mix. The interactions between POPIC concentration, stress, and temperature were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), resulting in 7.5% POPIC, 11.7 °C, and 0.2 MPa as the optimum parameters for fatigue life. To improve the prediction accuracy and robustness of the results, RSM and ANN models were used and analyzed using MATLAB and JMP Pro, respectively. The performance of the developed model was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean relative error (MRE). The study found that using RSM, MATLAB, and JMP Pro resulted in a comprehensive analysis. MATLAB achieved an R² value of 0.9844, RMSE of 3.094, and MRE of 312.427, and JMP Pro achieved an R² value of 0.998, RMSE of 1.245, and MRE of 126.243, demonstrating higher prediction accuracy and superior performance than RSM, which had an R² value of 0.979, RMSE of 3.757, and MRE of 357.846. Further validation with parity, Taylor, and violin plots demonstrates that both models have good prediction accuracy, with the JMP Pro ANN model outperforming in terms of accuracy and alignment. This demonstrates the machine learning approach's efficiency in analyzing the fatigue life of POPIC-MBC, revealing it to be a useful tool for future research and practical applications. Furthermore, the study reveals that the innovative approach adopted and POPIC modifier, obtained from biomass waste, meets zero-waste and circular bioeconomy goals, contributing to the UN's SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The bibliometric study based on the Scopus database aims to investigate the global literary development of "decent work" over a span exceeding two decades. The noticeable surge in publications since 2015 underscores the growing significance of the concept. Limited representation of lower‐middle and lower‐income countries, except India, among the top 10 contributors is observed, revealing a considerable research gap in the study of decent work. The research highlights five principal themes: the labor market's impact on economic development, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, gender equality, governance, and social justice, as well as decent work, job quality, education, well‐being, and job satisfaction. The study also shows the importance of the topic in different fields. Future researchers may consider the variables or indicators identified for surveys and questionnaire construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many coastal ecosystems are impacted by human pressures. Rocky reefs are structurally complex habitats that often support elevated fish abundance and marine biodiversity. In the Baltic Sea, rocky reefs have suffered from extraction for decades, leading to a decrease in hard substrata and complex habitat availability.This study is the first to restore cobble reefs and examine the biological effects.Baited and unbaited underwater video systems (BRUVS and UBRUVS, respectively) were employed across five years to monitor fish communities before reef deployment in 2017 and after reef deployment in 2018 and 2021.Using a before–after control‐impact (BACI) study design with replicates, relative abundances of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), herring (Clupeidae sp.), goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris), two‐spotted goby (Pomatoschistus flavescens), shore crab (Carcinus maenas), and flatfish (Pleuronectiformes spp.) were compared across time and test sites. Comparisons were conducted across 1) restored cobble reefs, 2) natural cobble reefs, and 3) sand‐bottom test sites.This study found positive reef restoration effects revealed consistently by BRUVS and UBRUVS in three species: Atlantic cod, goldsinny wrasse and two‐spotted goby. These findings indicate that A) it is possible to restore cobble reefs and the associated mobile fauna, but also that B) continued marine extraction of cobble degrades complex habitats to the detriment of various marine species.To preserve Atlantic cod, and other sensitive species, we emphasize ecosystem restoration and warn against marine cobble reef extraction in vulnerable areas. Restoration of marine habitats may contribute to achieving the UN sustainable development goal covering life below water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education plays a crucial role in shaping Malaysia's future development. However, access to higher education remains discriminatory, particularly for students from lower-income families, individuals with disabilities, and indigenous backgrounds, as they face challenges due to escalating living costs. The Malaysian government has initiated various education financial aid programmes to address this issue, encompassing scholarships, loans, and one-off aid. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of promoting inclusivity and ensuring all aspiring students have equal access to pursue their educational dreams. However, in many cases, some students apply for educational financial aid only to face rejection due to unmet requirements. Therefore, this paper proposes a responsive web-based system, namely EduFinBuddy, that will be able to identify the most suitable education financial aid based on student input. We begin the development process by extracting data from the targeted websites using a web scraping approach and storing it in a database. Then, we build the recommendation component using the cosine similarity algorithm to ensure accuracy based on the student's input. Thus, the student will simply get a list of educational financial aids according to their preference. The result shows that all the functionalities work well and can be implemented in any educational system of financial assistance to allow easier access to information for tertiary-level students in Malaysia. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of promoting inclusivity and ensuring all aspiring students have equal access to pursue their educational dreams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity, call on companies everywhere to advance sustainable development through the investments they make, the solutions they develop, and the business practices they adopt. This research work carries out a systematic review of the previous literature related to the adoption of SDGs as a corporate strategy in companies, that shows an exponential increase in the papers related to this topic during the first years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. Our findings show that the economic dimension of sustainability has lost lightly interest in the academic world since then, with the spheres of governance and society being predominant, without forgetting the field of protecting the planet, especially about the fight against Climate Change (SDG13/ESG). And despite the importance of the 2023 Agenda for the future of the world, even today there are few reference authors in this field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem services (ESs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) play significant roles in maintaining human wellbeing and the natural environment. However, it is unclear whether different ESs and SDGs are synchronized, and their relationship has not been well defined. Conducting analyses using coupled coordination is essential for unravelling the intricate developmental ties between ESs and SDGs, particularly in regions with uneven socioeconomic development. We employed a spatial analysis to quantitatively evaluate the spatiotemporal conditions of the 10 ESs and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 15 (Life on Land). The coordinated development patterns of ESs and SDGs in Guangdong Province were also analyzed using the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and the four-quadrant approach. The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, ESs in Guangdong Province exhibited a declining trend followed by an increasing trend, and cultural and regulating services were higher than supporting and provisioning Services. The overall score for SDG 15 was higher than that for SDG 11, with a 3.02 % increase for SDG 11 and a 1.87 % decrease for SDG 15 compared to 2000. The CCD between ESs and SDG 11 and 15 in Guangdong was mainly categorized into basic and moderate coordination categories, and a relatively lower level of CCD was observed between supporting Services and the SDGs. This study quantitatively revealed the relationship between ESs and the SDGs from the perspective of coupled coordination; as such, it provides a reference for realizing regional sustainable development.

Energy production and consumption are major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, exacerbating one of the greatest challenges faced by modern societies: climate change. Thus, societies must switch to more sustainable energy sources. Green hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative energy carrier, facilitating storage and utilization across various industries. However, amidst different production processes, solely sustainable electrolysis stands out as an environmentally benign production method. Hydrogen producers must prove provenance and sustainable production to regulatory bodies and hydrogen buyers to comply with the regulations for sustainable development. Blockchain provides a viable solution encompassing trustworthy and secure information sharing between untrusted partners. In this article, we employ a design science research approach to develop a blockchain-based certification system (BLC-CS) for green hydrogen. Through collaboration with experts to gather requirements and conduct evaluations, we design an artifact that streamlines the certification process for producers, regulators, and consumers. Our proposed solution facilitates information gathering, verification, and reporting, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy practices. We provide a comprehensive discussion of the BLC-CS’s feasibility for green hydrogen certification, including technical extensions, recommendations for practitioners, and directions for future research.

Food production significantly impacts the environment through natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the ongoing increase in global food waste (FW), driven by diverse factors and regional differences, highlights the urgent need for accurate FW assessment and effective mitigation strategies. While many studies address broad sectors, such as tourism, there is a clear need for focused research in areas where FW reduction could yield substantial benefits, particularly in the food service sector, which generates 244 Mt of FW annually. This paper investigates FW mitigation strategies in higher education cafeterias and canteens (HECC) in Santiago (Chile), a region needing more specific studies. Using a qualitative methodology, structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with HECC managers were employed to uncover both the benefits and challenges of FW management. A convenience sampling method yielded a sample size of n = 17. The findings offer vital insights: FW in HECCs is primarily driven by inadequate infrastructure, high operational costs, limited awareness among managers and consumers, and insufficient institutional backing. The study also highlights tangible benefits, such as cost reduction and operational efficiency, while identifying barriers like regulatory hurdles and spatial limitations. These insights support the development of actionable public policy recommendations to reduce FW in the food service sector, improve infrastructure, refine management practices, and foster greater institutional awareness and support.

Social, economic, and environmental development together contributes to sustainable development. Social sustainability (SS) is essential to create just and inclusive societies where people's basic needs are satisfied, human rights are protected, and social cohesion and fairness exist. To achieve holistic, sustainable development, policymakers and management must consider SS and environmental and economic considerations. Employees' social and behavioral interactions impact SS and business ethics. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can learn from artificial intelligence (AI) for better decision-making, operational optimization, increased employability, and employee empowerment. Therefore, this research aims to assess how artificial intelligence technology affects SS and business ethics in the MSMEs. We studied the artificial intelligence (AI) readiness among MSME companies in developing nations. We analyzed AI readiness using the theory of technology-organization-environment (TOE). Further, we also studied AI readiness and its influence on business ethics and SS, which we measured through skill development, work conditions, environment, and safety among MSMEs. We collected the data from 236 MSME employees. We used Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS software for data analysis. The research findings indicated that AI readiness directly impacts SS. We also found that the findings directly impact employees' social and ethical behavior. We also observed that business ethics significantly affects SS, indicating partial mediation. This study has substantial theoretical and managerial implications as policymakers and MSME leadership need to consider SS an essential component of sustainable development.

Water scarcity and sanitation pose a critical global challenge worsened by population growth and the finite nature of freshwater resources. Despite the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) advocating for universal water and sanitation access, progress remains insufficient. Presently, approximately 50% of generated wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue. This article examines the socio‐economic and technical aspects of both centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) and assesses the environmental impact, spatial footprint, and energy usage across treatment technologies. An economic analysis underscores the cost advantages of DWTS, especially in sparsely populated regions. With modular designs, DWTS not only provides environmental and economic advantages but also enables water reuse. The research concludes that adopting DWTS is crucial in achieving SDG6 targets and ensuring universal access to safe sanitation, especially in low‐density and newly developed areas. This thorough investigation of wastewater management contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable solutions amidst escalating global challenges of water scarcity and sanitation.

This study is aimed at proposing a feedstock recycling approach to make value-added monomer from single-use garment like stocking waste (SW) using incinerator bottom ash catalyst (IBAC). SW is made mainly of nylon 6 (>80 wt%) with minor components such as polyurethane. Thermochemical SW decomposition pathways are identified by evolved gas analysis and single-shot pyrolysis analysis, confirming that caprolactam (a value-added chemical re-used for manufacturing nylon 6) is the major product. IBAC is composed mainly of alkaline metal oxides (e.g., CaO). The use of IBAC in thermochemical SW conversion at 500 °C under CO2 atmosphere increases the yield of caprolactam reaching 70.8 wt% (20 % higher than non-catalytic SW conversion (59.2 wt%)). Moreover, the caprolactam yield corrected to the nylon 6 content of SW is 86.8 wt%. The enhancement of caprolactam production by IBAC in CO2 is most likely due to the synergistical effect of IBAC and CO2 on promoting the molecular interaction of amide groups present on SW. It is hoped that this study brings the idea of new applications of concurrently reusing textile waste (e.g., SW) and municipal solid waste-treatment byproduct (e.g., IBAC).

IntroductionAs ecological disasters loom, forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to systematically examine the contribution of forestry science research to the SDGs through a multidisciplinary perspective, highlighting its role in advancing global sustainability efforts.MethodsUtilizing the PRISMA protocol, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 39,841 publications since 2015, focusing on the intersection of forestry sciences with the SDGs. Network and keyword co-occurrence analyses were performed to identify thematic clusters and interdisciplinary linkages among SDGs.ResultsOur findings indicate a significant focus on SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the forestry sector’s contributions to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem services. The analyses revealed thematic clusters centered around ecological sustainability, sustainable energy, and social development, demonstrating the diverse ways in which forestry research supports the SDGs.DiscussionThis study highlights the interdisciplinary nature of forestry sciences and identifies key areas of contribution while pointing to potential research gaps. Future research should explore advanced technologies such as AI-driven analytics and remote sensing, socioeconomic impacts of forest-based livelihoods, and innovative reforestation techniques. Strengthening urban forestry, enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation, and improving governance are recommended to ensure continued contributions of forestry sciences to global sustainability and the SDGs.