Discover Sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Economic valuation of ecosystem services in a Himalayan protected area","authors":"Tajamul Islam, Irshad A. Nawchoo, Anzar Ahmad Khuroo","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-02262-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02262-x","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Protected areas play a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity and provide precious ecosystem services. The protected areas in the Himalaya—a global biodiversity hotspot—provide life-supporting ecosystem services, and the latter have remained scientifically understudied and economically undervalued in management planning of these critical natural areas. In this study, we aimed to identify the various ecosystem services furnished by Overa-Aru wildlife sanctuary to the local communities in Kashmir Himalaya; and also undertook economic valuation of the provisioning ecosystem services provided by the sanctuary. Using random sampling approach, we conducted focussed group discussions and semi-structured interviews of 100 respondents using a questionnaire for data collection on ecosystem services, and also employed multiple methods for the economic valuation of provisioning ecosystem services. The respondents identified 14 ecosystem services, with 100% response for regulatory, followed by provisioning (61%) and cultural services (45%). The total economic value (TEV) of the provisioning ecosystem services provided by the sanctuary for each household/year amounted to US$ 15911.39 . The provisioning service with highest economic value was livestock rearing (7066.82 ± 674.94 US$/yr) and the lowest value was for animal-based energy resource (5.56 ± 0.95 US$/yr). In terms of contribution of each provisioning service to TEV, the water for household purposes and livestock contributed highest with 43.53% and 36.41% respectively. Our findings revealed a substantial decline in forest-based provisioning ecosystem services utilized by the local communities over the years. Based on the insights gained from the present study, we suggest recommendations for integration of ecosystem services in the management planning of this protected area, with promise of upscaling elsewhere in the Himalaya. The present study, using ecosystem services framework, adopts a nature-based solutions approach to reconcile the conservation and livelihood needs in protected area management, which in turn will be crucial in achieving the regional sustainable development goals.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147894176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the effects of foreign aid defence expenditure and climate change on food security in South Asia","authors":"Showkat Ahmad Bhat, Javid Ahmad Khan, Fozia Altaf, Sayed Gulzar Ganai, Shahnawaz Mantoo, Ab Hamid Mir","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-02406-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02406-z","url":null,"abstract":"In light of the SDG of zero hunger and food security discourse in South Asian economies, this study investigates the impact of foreign aid, defense spending, and climate change on food security in five major South Asian countries. These five countries are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, were selected based on the availability of consistent and reliable data covering the period from 1980–81 to 2022–23. Using panel econometric techniques, including second-generation unit root tests, Westerlund cointegration, the PMG estimator within the ARDL framework, FMOLS, and Dumitrescu-Hurlin causality tests, both short-run and long-run dynamics are assessed. The findings reveal that food security is adversely affected by key economic and environmental factors. Foreign aid shows a positive but limited influence, suggesting low aid effectiveness. Defense spending has a negative impact on food production, diverting resources away from agriculture. Climate change emerges as the most critical threat, substantially reducing food security. Conversely, GDP per capita and fertilizer consumption are positive drivers of food production. FMOLS and diagnostics confirm robustness, while causality tests affirm directions from economic growth, aid, and fertilizer use to food production. Policy suggestions include enhancing aid effectiveness, reallocating defense funds to agriculture, adopting climate-resilient practices, promoting inclusive growth, and encouraging sustainable input use to advance SDG 2.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147911458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Valorization of mineral by-products through soil remineralization enhances sustainable agriculture and circular economy outcomes","authors":"Hugo Hernández Palma, Alfredo Granados Olivas, Alcindo Neckel, Diana Pinto Osorio, Andrea Liliana Moreno-Ríos, Claudete Gindri Ramos","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-01804-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01804-7","url":null,"abstract":"Soil remineralization using rock powders derived from mining and industrial by-products has gained attention as a sustainable strategy to restore degraded soils, improve fertility, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. These materials, rich in nutrients and beneficial minerals, also offer potential for carbon sequestration and contribute to circular economy practices by repurpose byproducts into agricultural inputs. This review aims to critically synthesize the current state of research on rock powder applications in agriculture, with a particular focus on their agronomic potential, environmental implications, and alignment with circular economy principles. A scientific literature review of 142 articles published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted using Scopus-indexed literature. Findings reveal that Brazil, China, and Colombia lead global research efforts, with basalt, phonolite, and other silicate rocks being the most frequently studied materials. Key benefits include increased nutrient availability of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P), improved cation exchange capacity (CEC), and enhanced microbial activity. However, limitations persist, such as slow nutrient release, high energy demands for grinding, logistical constraints, and risks of trace metal accumulation in soils. By integrating both quantitative trends and critical thematic analysis, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with rock powder use. It highlights the need for region-specific strategies, long-term field trials, and regulatory frameworks to support broader adoption. The contribution of this review lies in framing soil remineralization not only as an agronomic practice but as a circular, regenerative approach to sustainable land and resource management.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-025-01804-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147905807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ownership structure and SDGs disclosure in the context of European sustainability reporting","authors":"Rasmi Meqbel, Aladdin Dwekat, Zeena Mardawi, Majida Abu Jama’ah","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-01783-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01783-9","url":null,"abstract":"Corporate ownership structures significantly influence sustainable development transparency, yet how different ownership types impact SDG disclosures remains underexplored in sustainability research. This study investigates the impact of ownership structure on sustainable development goal (SDG) disclosures in publicly traded European firms from 2019 to 2023. Grounded in stakeholder, agency, and legitimacy theories, the research employs fixed-effects regression models and the two-step system Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator to address endogeneity concerns. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between institutional ownership and SDG disclosures, highlighting the conflict between short-term financial pressures and long-term sustainability goals. Foreign ownership positively influences SDG disclosures, underlining its role in driving transparency and aligning firms with global sustainability standards. Conversely, government ownership exhibits no significant effect, reflecting governance inefficiencies and conflicting priorities within state-owned enterprises. By presenting comprehensive empirical evidence, this study advances the literature on ownership structure and sustainability practices, offering actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and governance professionals striving to enhance corporate transparency and alignment with the SDGs.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-025-01783-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147885682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable leadership styles adopted by small businesses in the UAE during and post COVID-19","authors":"Ansarullah Tantry, Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani, Saher Al Sabbah, Charli Sitinjak, Nida Khan, Tausif Mulla, Soumaya Askri, Rayees Mohammad Bhat","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-01426-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01426-z","url":null,"abstract":"COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 as a global crisis which led to major government restrictions on global populations. This had a detrimental impact on the survival and growth of smaller businesses. The resilience of smaller to medium enterprises (SMEs) was crucial to global economies as SMEs represent over 90% of businesses worldwide. However, due to the recent conclusion of COVID-19, there appears to be limited/no studies investigating the change in strategies adopted by businesses during the pandemic. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) established itself as the hub of business activity between Western and Eastern countries, however, this was halted by COVID-19. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the leadership philosophies adopted by SMEs in the UAE during the pandemic. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 70 SMEs between September and December 2023, and the data were analysed through thematic analysis. Out of the 70 interviewed SMEs, 42 SMEs changed their leadership style during the pandemic whereas 28 SMEs did not change their style. Sustainable leadership style was the most adopted style by SMEs in the UAE during the pandemic followed by transactional. After the pandemic era, the sustainable style was adopted by 46 SMEs, the transactional style is adopted by 24 SMEs and the transformational style is adopted by 10 SMEs. The findings suggested that most SMEs embraced sustainable leadership styles, characterized by agile decision-making, long-term resilience, and adaptive strategies shaped by pandemic-induced challenges. The findings contribute to the existing literature by providing insights into how small businesses in the UAE adapted their leadership approaches to maintain resilience and ensure business continuity during crises. Moreover, the study highlights the relevance of sustainable leadership in enhancing organizational adaptability and long-term survival in challenging environments, offering practical implications for business leaders and policymakers in developing crisis-resilient leadership frameworks.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-025-01426-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147881134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Leveraging artificial intelligence in agribusiness: a structured review of strategic management practices and future prospects","authors":"Irshad Ahmad Bhat, Syed Immamul Ansarullah, Fearoz Ahmad, Sheikh Amir, Sagar Sidana, Anurag Sinha, Saifullah Khalid, Ghulam Yazdani","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-01260-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01260-3","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This paper presents a structured review of the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agribusiness, emphasizing its transformative impact on farming practices. By integrating AI technologies such as machine learning, robotics, and data analytics, AI enhances productivity, sustainability, and profitability in agriculture. The paper explores key AI-driven advancements in precision agriculture, resource management, and supply chain optimization, which allow for real-time monitoring and informed decision-making. Additionally, the research discusses the ethical challenges and barriers to AI adoption, particularly in smallholder farming and developing economies. It also identifies emerging trends, such as the integration of AI with blockchain and biotechnology, to further optimize agricultural processes. The paper concludes with recommendations for advancing AI adoption, addressing data privacy concerns, and fostering inclusive, sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term resilience and food security in the agricultural sector.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-025-01260-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147910468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing engineering student engagement and learning outcomes through WebVR and wearable sensor integration with immersive learning","authors":"Mohammed Wasim Bhatt, M. R. M. Veeramanickam, Jeri Ramon Ruffner, Carlos Navarro, Md. Solaiman Mia, Gaganpreet Kaur, Mukesh Soni","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-01436-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01436-x","url":null,"abstract":"This study addresses a critical gap in immersive engineering education by integrating browser-based WebVR with wearable inertial sensors to capture and enhance students’ physical interactions. In a randomized experiment (N = 93), participants experienced either (1) a WebVR environment augmented with real-time motion tracking or (2) traditional video-based instruction. Pre- and post-tests measured conceptual understanding, while questionnaires assessed immersion, perceived interaction control (the learner’s ability to manipulate and explore virtual components—for example, zooming in on a valve assembly), and motivation. Independent-samples t-tests revealed that the WebVR-sensor group achieved significantly greater learning gains (mean improvement 12%, p < .01) and higher motivation scores (4.1 vs. 3.2 on a 5-point scale, p < .001) than the control. Hierarchical regression showed that adding perceived interaction control increased explained variance in motivation by 9% (ΔR2 = .09, p < .05) beyond immersion alone. These results demonstrate that wearable-enhanced WebVR not only boosts engagement but also deepens conceptual comprehension by granting learners a stronger sense of agency directly supporting Quality Education(SDG 4) by improving engineering education through enhanced conceptual understanding and motivation. WebVR and wearable sensors advance educational technology. (SDG 9) WebVR’s accessibility reduces learning gaps across locations and socioeconomic status, supporting equality. (SDG 10) Wearable create healthier, more engaging environments. (SDG 3) Furthermore, WebVR prepares engineering students for employment, bridging skill gaps and fostering job-ready education. (SDG 8) Our findings offer practical guidance for deploying low-cost immersive platforms in engineering curricula and point toward future work on long-term retention, ethical handling of biometric data, and cross-cultural validation of immersive learning interventions.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-025-01436-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147901315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable groundwater control system for environmental and geotechnical problems in Sabkha soils in arid regions: case study from Abu Dhabi Metropolitan area","authors":"Ahmed Sefelnasr, Mohsen Sherif, Zainab Alhosani, Hamad Abduallah, Ahmed Baobaid, Abdel Azim Ebraheem","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-01187-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01187-9","url":null,"abstract":"The soil in the coastal areas of the Abu Dhabi emirate is of the Sabkha type and is mainly composed of thin intercalated layers of sand, clay, and evaporites. The water table in these areas is shallow. Subsurface water that accumulates above the \"hardpan\" near the surface in topographic depressions is often mistakenly identified as a water table rise. The rapid urban expansion during the last twenty years, along with the development of extensive green areas in and around Abu Dhabi City, has exacerbated the waterlogging problem in urban areas. This issue is prevalent in areas with poorly permeable soil under climate change in terms of the change in precipitation magnitude and pattern. The resulting water ponds can range in size from a few square meters to over one square kilometer. Additionally, elevated groundwater levels in these areas can lead to flooding basements, garages, infrastructure, subsurface utilities, and transport routes, and might mobilize pollutants on the ground surface. The novelty of this study lies in identifying the primary source of water, which is primarily the leaching of return flow from irrigation above the shallow hardpan, a situation worsened by the rising water table in Sabkha soil. Previous solutions, such as soil replacement, soil treatment, and pumping water to transport it to the sea, have proven costly, unsustainable, and technically or economically infeasible in certain regions. In contrast, a novel, optimal, effective, and sustainable groundwater control system was simulated using a newly developed, calibrated 3-D groundwater flow model that covers nearly two-thirds of the UAE, encompassing both the surficial and deep carbonate aquifers. This system operates by pumping water from the ponds and injecting it into the deep hypersaline aquifer. The simulation indicated a water table decline of 1.5 m after one year across a large zone of the study area.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-025-01187-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147914582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Boardroom diversity and financial performance in Palestinian banks and insurers","authors":"Aladdin Dwekat, Abdulmalik Taweel, Ali Salameh","doi":"10.1007/s43621-025-00836-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-00836-3","url":null,"abstract":"This study examines the impact of board diversity—precisely age, nationality, and experience—on the financial performance of 13 Palestinian banks and insurance companies listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange (PEX) from 2011 to 2022. Using a comprehensive panel data approach and controlling for endogeneity with a two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator, the analysis explores how diverse board characteristics influence financial outcomes measured by ROA and ROE. Unlike previous studies focused mainly on developed markets or gender diversity, this research offers new insights into the role of board diversity in emerging economies, particularly in the Middle Eastern context. The results reveal that while age diversity negatively impacts firm performance, experience diversity positively correlates, underscoring the importance of industry-specific expertise in financial governance. Nationality diversity, however, exhibits no significant effect, suggesting that foreign representation may introduce complexity without necessarily enhancing performance. These findings contribute to Agency Theory, Upper Echelons Theory, and Resource Dependence Theory, offering practical recommendations for regulators and firms in developing markets to optimise board composition. This study expands the discourse on board diversity by highlighting the nuanced effects of specific diversity dimensions in the financial sector, providing valuable insights for governance practices in similar economic environments.","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s43621-025-00836-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147903320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mitigating ecological footprint in BRICS countries: unveiling the role of disaggregated clean energy, green technology innovation and political stability","authors":"Biswanath Behera, Puspanjali Behera, Sanhita Sucharita, N. Sethi","doi":"10.1007/s43621-024-00378-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00378-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":507691,"journal":{"name":"Discover Sustainability","volume":"60 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141799003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}