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North Africa faces significant challenges of food insecurity and environmental degradation, driven by rapid population growth, ongoing droughts, severe water stress, and increasing rates of undernourishment. Achieving food security and environmental sustainability requires a balanced evaluation of agricultural productivity, resource efficiency, ecosystem health, and climate resilience. Therefore, this study develops a composite food security and environmental sustainability index (FSESI) that encompasses complex relationships via multidimensional indicators. Data analysis was conducted for Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan, and Mauritania, covering the period from 2010 to 2022. A comprehensive methodology employing data envelopment analysis (DEA) for objective weighting and geometric mean aggregation was implemented. The findings indicate notable disparities; Sudan presented the highest undernourishment rate (21.8% in 2010, 11.4% in 2022), whereas Libya faced severe water stress (783.12% to 817.14%). Morocco recorded the highest FSESI score of 0.78, reflecting strong performance in both the food security and environmental dimensions, whereas Algeria and Libya each had scores of 0.48, indicating relatively modest outcomes. Finally, sensitivity analysis was employed to check the robustness of the results. This research highlights the need for immediate policy actions focused on equitable resource management, enhanced agricultural methods, and reinforced food security initiatives. This study directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, Zero Hunger; SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 13, Climate Action; and SDG 15, Life on Land, by addressing integrated challenges in food security and environmental sustainability in North Africa. The originality of this work lies in its thorough integration of environmental and food security dimensions through innovative aggregation methods, offering a replicable framework that policymakers and researchers can use to address complex environmental and food security issues in North Africa sustainably.

Over the last two decades, the phenomenon of green growth has gained much attention from academics and policymakers striving to find a sustainable solution to environmental problems worldwide. Technological innovation serves as a tool to abate the acute environmental crisis and continuously promote sustainable development by converting traditional economies into green economies. Pakistan is among the developing countries relying on conventional technology and energy resources to meet population and economy demands, which has led to a surge in greenhouse gases and other hazardous air pollutants. The literature exploring green growth in the Pakistani context is scant; the present study will therefore fill this gap and explore the dynamic linkage between technological innovation and ISO 14001 with green growth in Pakistan in the presence of environmental challenges such as energy consumption and population growth. A novel grey relational analysis model approach is employed to examine the interrelationship between the study parameters. Results indicate that technological innovation is significantly correlated with green growth, and ISO 14001 also shows a substantial relationship with green growth. However, among the environmental challenges, energy consumption poses a barrier to green growth development as the country’s energy mix is dominated by fossil fuels as compared to renewables. The research findings produce a much-needed policy suggestion to address the environmental challenges by promoting green growth development in Pakistan.

Phyto-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) having reduced chemical toxicity have been focused globally and become essential component of nanotechnology recently. We prepared green phytochemically (ginger and garlic) reduced NiO-NPs to replace synthetic bactericidal and catalytic agent in textile industry. NPs were characterized using ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesis of NPs was confirmed by XRD and UV-Vis having strong absorption at 350 nm with size ranged between 16–52 nm for ginger and 11–59 nm for garlic. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed pleomorphism with cubic- and more spherical-shaped NPs. Moreover, exact quantities of garlic and ginger extracts (1:3.6 ml) incorporated to synthesize NiO-NPs have been successfully confirmed by FTIR. Phytochemically reduced NPs by garlic presented enhanced bactericidal activity against multiple drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at increasing concentrations (0.5, 1.0 mg/50 μl) and also degraded methylene blue (MB) dye efficiently. Conclusively, green synthesized NiO-NPs are impending activists to resolve drug resistance as well as environment friendly catalytic agent that may be opted at industrial scale.

Glial activation and neuroinflammation play significant roles in apoptosis as well as in the development of cognitive and memory deficits. Neuroinflammation is also a critical feature in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's diseases. Previously, hesperetin has been shown to be an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study, in vivo and in vitro analyses were performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of hesperetin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis and memory impairments. Based on our findings, LPS treatment resulted in microglial activation and astrocytosis and elevated the expression of inflammatory mediators such as phosphorylated-Nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the cortical and hippocampal regions and in BV2 cells. However, hesperetin cotreatment markedly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines by ameliorating Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)-mediated ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1/glial fibrillary acidic protein (Iba-1/GFAP) expression. Similarly, hesperetin attenuated LPS-induced generation of reactive oxygen species/lipid per oxidation (ROS/LPO) and improved the antioxidant protein level such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Haem-oxygenase (HO-1) in the mouse brain. Additionally, hesperetin ameliorated cytotoxicity and ROS/LPO induced by LPS in HT-22 cells. Moreover, hesperetin rescued LPS-induced neuronal apoptosis by reducing the expression of phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase-3 protein and promoting the Bcl-2 protein level. Furthermore, hesperetin enhanced synaptic integrity, cognition, and memory processes by enhancing the phosphorylated-cAMP response element binding protein (p-CREB), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), and Syntaxin. Overall, our preclinical study suggests that hesperetin conferred neuroprotection by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway against the detrimental effects of LPS.

Graphene oxide (GO) was obtained through modified hummers method, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was acquired by employing heat treatment. Various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt. %) of silver (Ag) were incorporated in GO nanosheets by adopting hydrothermal approach. Synthesized Ag decorated rGO photocatalyst Ag/rGO was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine phase purity and crystal structure. XRD patterns showed the formation of GO to Ag/rGO. Molecular vibration and functional groups were determined through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Optical properties and a decrease in bandgap with insertion of Ag were confirmed with UV-Visible (Uv-Vis) spectrophotometer and photoluminescence (PL). Electronic properties and disorders in carbon structures were investigated through Raman spectroscopy that revealed the existence of characteristic bands (D and G). Surface morphology of prepared samples was examined with field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Homogeneous distribution, size, and spherical shape of Ag NPs over rGO sheets were further confirmed with the help of high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). Dye degradation of doped and undoped samples was examined through Uv-Vis spectra. Experimental results indicated that photocatalytic activity of Ag@rGO enhanced with increased doping ratio owing to diminished electron-hole pair recombination. Therefore, it is suggested that Ag@rGO can be used as a beneficial and superior photocatalyst to clean environment and wastewater.

For the purpose of paving the way for reducing environmental pollution globally, adapting green energy to people’s lives in more areas is seen as a good solution. The strategic plan implemented to prevent possible energy and water shortages in the future includes cleaning the environment and air from carbon emissions as soon as possible. Countries are taking mandatory sectoral and individual measures to remove the use of CO2-based fuels. As a part of the sustainable development process for Turkey, which is trying to convince its individuals to use more green energy, it is important for society to adopt more electric vehicles. However, there are few internationally accepted studies on the adoption of EVs in Turkey, and a limited number of studies include individuals’ environmental concerns (EC) and green trust (GT) structures. In this research, which we started on the basis of filling this literature gap by taking behavioral factors into account, we expand the TPB framework (subjective norm (SN), attitude (AT), and perceived behavioral control (PBC)) with the “EC” and “GT” constructs. So, with this research, we examine the behavioral factors that affect the intention to purchase electric vehicles (EVPI) of consumers residing in Turkey, based on the theory of planned behavior. Thus, we aim to reveal the barriers to the adoption of EVs in Turkey with an empirical application and SEM analysis. The first phase includes a review of the literature, adaptation of the survey, and development of the hypotheses. The second phase involves conducting a survey with 626 consumers whose information was obtained from four dealers in Turkey. We used Cronbach’s alpha and CFA analyses on the data obtained from the survey. In the final phase, we performed an SEM analysis for our extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB) and hypotheses. The CFA results revealed that the survey showed compatibility with EV purchase intentions. The SEM results indicated that the behavioral constructs of AT, PBC, EC, and GT were positively correlated with EV purchase intentions, and our new ETPB model, extended with EC and GT, was suitable for predicting consumers’ EVPI, suggesting that EVPI are a result of behavioral constructs. This study is unique for being the first in Turkey to focus on whether the factors of EC or GT can predict consumers’ EVPI. On the other hand, it was found that SN had a negative effect on consumers’ EVPI, and this result was in agreement with some studies in the literature and contradicted by others. In addition, we make suggestions based on the findings of the research to the country and related sector managers in order for the country to progress at a level that will set an example for other developing countries in its sustainable development plan. This study contributes to the EVs industry by revealing the consumers’ responses and increasing their marketing efforts. Our findings constitute a comprehensive example for further research on sustainable consumption, EVs, EVPI, and ETPB.

Background The study aims to predict and assess cardiovascular disease (CVD) patterns in highly affected countries such as Pakistan, India, China, Kenya, the USA, and Sweden. The data for CVD deaths was gathered from 2005 to 2019. Methods We utilized non-homogenous discrete grey model (NDGM) to predict growth of cardiovascular deaths in selected countries. We take this process a step further by utilizing novel Synthetic Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Synthetic Doubling Time (Dt) model to assess how many years it takes to reduce the cardiovascular deaths double in numbers. Results The results reveal that the USA and China may lead in terms of raising its number of deaths caused by CVDs till 2027. However, doubling time model suggests that USA may require 2.3 years in reducing the cardiovascular deaths. Conclusions This study is significant for the policymakers and health practitioners to ensure the execution of CVD prevention measures to overcome the growing burden of CVD deaths.

The transportation sector consumes 25% of world energy with 23% of the world’s total carbon emission. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the integrated effect of fossil fuel source of energy consumption, economic development, and total population on CO 2 emission based on environmental degradation transportation sector. We employed the econometric methodologies such as a hybrid error correction model, regression coefficients, platykurtic distribution, Dickey-Fuller test, and co-integration test in order to justify empirical analysis for Pakistan transport sector. Results reveal that an increase in economic growth, urbanization, and energy consumption increased transport-based environmental degradation urbanization. Moreover, very interestingly, during this period, energy consumption has increased by 13.5%, and it shows a high dependence of economic growth on energy consumption. Further, the CO 2 emission and energy consumption per capita has a positive relationship. Finally, this study has proposed some suggestion for policy and decision-makers to mitigate environmental degradation as well as make transport sector environmentally sustainable.

Various concentrations of Mg-doped ZnO nanorods (NRs) were prepared using co-precipitation technique. The objective of this study was to improve the photocatalytic properties of ZnO. The effect of Mg doping on the structure, phase constitution, functional groups presence, optical properties, elemental composition, surface morphology and microstructure of ZnO was evaluated with XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, EDS, and HR-TEM, respectively. Optical absorption spectra obtained from the prepared samples showed evidence of blueshift upon doping. XRD results revealed hexagonal wurtzite phase of nanocomposite with a gradual decrease in crystallite size with Mg addition. PL spectroscopy showed trapping efficiency and migration of charge carriers with electron–hole recombination behavior, while HR-TEM estimated interlayer d-spacing. The presence of chemical bonding, vibration modes and functional groups at the interface of ZnO was revealed by FTIR and Raman spectra. In this study, photocatalytic, sonocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic performance of prepared NRs was systematically investigated by degrading a mixture of methylene blue and ciprofloxacin (MBCF). Experimental results suggested that improved degradation performance was shown by Mg-doped ZnO NRs. We believe that the product synthesized in this study will prove to be a beneficial and promising photocatalyst for wastewater treatment. Conclusively, Mg-doped ZnO exhibited substantial (p < 0.05) efficacy against gram-negative (G-ve) as compared to gram-positive (G+ve) bacteria. In silico molecular docking studies of Mg-doped ZnO NRs against DHFR (binding score: − 7.518 kcal/mol), DHPS (binding score: − 6.973 kcal/mol) and FabH (− 6.548 kcal/mol) of E. coli predicted inhibition of given enzymes as possible mechanism behind their bactericidal activity.

The current and future wireless communication systems, WiFi, fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), Beyond5G, and sixth generation (6G), are mixtures of many frequency spectrums. Thus, multi-functional common or shared aperture antenna modules, which operate at multiband frequency spectrums, are very desirable. This paper presents a multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna design for the 5G/B5G Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed MIMO antenna is designed to operate at multiple bands, i.e., at 3.5 GHz, 3.6 GHz, and 3.7 GHz microwave Sub-6 GHz and 28 GHz mm-wave bands, by employing a single radiating aperture, which is based on a tapered slot antenna. As a proof of concept, multiple tapered slots are placed on the corner of the proposed prototype. With this configuration, multiple directive beams pointing in different directions have been achieved at both bands, which in turn provide uncorrelated channels in MIMO communication. A 3.5 dBi realized gain at 3.6 GHz and an 8 dBi realized gain at 28 GHz are achieved, showing that the proposed design is a suitable candidate for multiple wireless communication standards at Sub-6 GHz and mm-wave bands. The final MIMO structure is printed using PCB technology with an overall size of 120 × 60 × 10 mm3, which matches the dimensions of a modern mobile phone.