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The main determinants of global portfolio flows dynamics
No full textAny episode of global financial turbulence can lead to the freezing and significant reversal of portfolio flows across different countries, emphasizing the need for adequate pre-emptive financial policy responses. This study investigates the sensitivities of global portfolio flows dynamics to a variety of global (push) and domestic (pull) determinants in a sample of 43 countries for the period from Q1 2005 to Q4 2020. Using panel regressions incorporating country fixed effects, we corroborate previous empirical evidence that push determinants remain the most important in driving portfolio inflows/outflows. The analysis shows that portfolio inflows/outflows decrease with the level of the expected change in the US central bank policy rate, world inflation surprise index, macro-risk index, and increase with better economic sentiment expectations, and investors’ confidence index. The biggest difference in exposures of global portfolio flows dynamics comes with the level of the short-term world interest rates, implying that they may discourage portfolio outflows but not inflows
Renewable energy strategies for achieving net zero
No full textThe increasing risk of climate change has further strengthened global initiatives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through a strategic transition away from fossil-fuel-based systems toward sustainable ones. This chapter critically evaluates renewable energy strategies based on policy integration, technology push, economic instruments, and stakeholder engagement, to enable the transition. The study aims to identify the conditions that favour successful deployment, analyse infrastructure requirements, and develop an overall framework for achieving net-zero goals. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines techno-economic analysis, policy analysis, and strategic planning models. Empirical evidence shows that countries that invested over 3% of their gross domestic product in renewable infrastructure achieved grid decarbonization at a 22% higher transition rate. The application of integrated energy-storage systems enhanced grid stability by 30% and reduced curtailment by 17%. Public-private partnership-based implementation projects finished financing 30% earlier and reported an 8–15% ROI, depending on the technology. Additionally, nations that adopt smart grid and predictive maintenance technologies reduce downtime by up to 35%. This chapter is innovative for synthesising socio-political, economic, and technological factors within a single analytic framework, addressing gaps left by previous literature that focuses on independent dimensions. The solutions presented are adaptable both geographically and developmentally, serving as a practical guide for different stakeholders. The outcomes provide actionable insights for designing scalable, resilient renewable energy systems in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Future applications include optimising hybrid energy systems, enhancing AI-driven decentralised grid efficiency and establishing region-specific transition models. The value of this work lies in converting strategic visions into measurable avenues towards achieving a net-zero sustainable future worldwide
Contamination of microplastics and heavy metals in the antique ark Anadara antiquata (Linnaeus, 1758) from the East Java coast of Indonesia: bioaccumulation and potential health risk assessment
No full textIn this study, the contamination of microplastics (MP) and heavy metals in the antique ark, Anadara antiquata, residing in the intertidal zones of the East Java coast, was assessed, including potential implications for human health. The findings indicated that the concentration of MP in the tissue of A. antiquata at the Lumajang station was the lowest, while the MP levels in the tissue at the Gresik, Sidoarjo, and Probolinggo stations were comparable. The MP found in the tissues of the antique ark were primarily composed of black fragments <100 μm. In contrast, the black MP fibers found were mainly in 100 - <5000 μm. Six types of polymers were identified in antique ark tissues: polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. All four study locations demonstrated hazard levels categorized as III (high). Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, and Zn) found in antique ark tissues are below the permissible upper limits set by international organizations. Cr levels in antique ark tissues surpassed the provisional tolerable weekly intake, while other heavy metals remain within acceptable limits. The target hazard quotient and hazard index values for Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, and Zn in the tissues of the antique arks were < 1. This suggests that neither individual heavy metals nor their combined presence present a significant non-carcinogenic health risk to humans. The target cancer risk value for lead (Pb) is within acceptable limits; however, the TCR for Cr exceeds 0.001, indicating a potentially unacceptable carcinogenic risk
Hydrogen storage technologies for future energy systems
No full textHydrogen is a shining clean energy vector in the journey toward net-zero, possessing a gravimetric energy density of 120 MJ/kg and potential to decarbonize transport, industry, and power sectors. Its rollout necessitates, however, the development of efficient and scaled-up storage technology. This chapter provides an in-depth technical description of hydrogen storage technologies including compressed gas (350–700 bar), liquid hydrogen (−253 °C), metal hydrides (1.5–2.0 wt% H2 capacity), chemical carriers, and advanced solid-state porous materials such as MOFs (>3000 m2/g surface area). Each system is examined in terms of its energy density, cycling stability, thermodynamic behavior, and integration feasibility. Thermal and mass transfer modeling proves that inefficient heat dissipation lowers hydrogen uptake by 30–40% for hydride systems. Round-trip efficiencies of compressed and liquefied storage systems range from 30% to 45%, and energy losses are 5–15 kWh/kg H2. Blending hydrogen with renewable power sources such as solar pressure vessel and wind decreases curtailment by over 25% and enhances energy autonomy in hybrid microgrids to 90% or higher. Levelized cost of storage (LCOS) varies greatly, from <1/kg H2 for salt caverns to >1,500/kg H2 for metal hydrides. Lifecycle assessments (LCA) indicate that green hydrogen storage systems have the potential to emit <2 kg CO2e/kg H2, assuming supply by renewables, compared to 10–14 kg CO2e/kg H2 for conventional systems. This chapter provides a comparative synthesis of technical, economic, and environmental performance, setting the foundation for future investigations and deployment of hydrogen storage into sustainable energy systems
Contamination of microplastics and heavy metals in the antique ark Anadara antiquata (Linnaeus, 1758) from the East Java coast of Indonesia: bioaccumulation and potential health risk assessment
No full textIn this study, the contamination of microplastics (MP) and heavy metals in the antique ark, Anadara antiquata, residing in the intertidal zones of the East Java coast, was assessed, including potential implications for human health. The findings indicated that the concentration of MP in the tissue of A. antiquata at the Lumajang station was the lowest, while the MP levels in the tissue at the Gresik, Sidoarjo, and Probolinggo stations were comparable. The MP found in the tissues of the antique ark were primarily composed of black fragments <100 μm. In contrast, the black MP fibers found were mainly in 100 - <5000 μm. Six types of polymers were identified in antique ark tissues: polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. All four study locations demonstrated hazard levels categorized as III (high). Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, and Zn) found in antique ark tissues are below the permissible upper limits set by international organizations. Cr levels in antique ark tissues surpassed the provisional tolerable weekly intake, while other heavy metals remain within acceptable limits. The target hazard quotient and hazard index values for Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, and Zn in the tissues of the antique arks were < 1. This suggests that neither individual heavy metals nor their combined presence present a significant non-carcinogenic health risk to humans. The target cancer risk value for lead (Pb) is within acceptable limits; however, the TCR for Cr exceeds 0.001, indicating a potentially unacceptable carcinogenic risk
Life cycle environmental and economic assessments of industry-level hydrogen production technologies
No full textHydrogen energy is pivotal for global decarbonization due to its high energy density and potential to achieve carbon neutrality. This study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of five hydrogen production technologies in China: methanol steam reforming (MSR), steam methane reforming (SMR), coke oven gas reforming (COG), coal gasification (CGH), and renewable energy water electrolysis (REWE). Based on comprehensive industry data, the LCA results show that REWE emits only 465 kg CO2 eq per ton of hydrogen but underperforms in terms of photochemical ozone formation potential and resource consumption. LCC and net present value (NPV) analyses indicate COG has the lowest cost (USD 1220/ton), while CGH break evens within 1–2 years. Scenario analyses aligned with China's “dual carbon” goals project that hydrogen demand will reach 100 million tons by 2060, with renewable hydrogen accounting for 70–80 % of the supply. This pathway could reduce the global warming potential to 23.9 % of the 2020 levels and lower green hydrogen costs by 71.5 %, despite a 392 % increase in energy consumption. This study provides an industry-level benchmarking framework to support technology selection and sustainable hydrogen planning.</p
Synthesis of new metal oxide sensing materials via the HMT technique for humidity control in the pharmaceutical industry
No full textStringent humidity control is required in the pharmaceutical industry to maintain product stability and prevent adverse impact on drug quality. Exposure to extreme humidity conditions can cause microbial contamination and loss of therapeutic properties of drug products. Various regulations have been established by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the US Pharmacopeia (USP) to ensure humidity control stays within defined ranges. Humidity sensing is crucial for maintaining optimal conditions in healthcare facilities, production lines, and sterile storage. Conventional humidity sensing is facing limitations in sensitivity, stability, and measurement range. The hygroscopic materials improve the humidity sensing performance with increased surface area, providing more active sites for water molecule adsorption. This paper explores the synthesis of a novel metal oxide sensing material using hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) and examines the hygroscopicity of the synthesized sensing material. In the study, tin dioxide (SnO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were synthesized via the low-temperature hydrothermal method with and without additive-enhanced technique. The sensing materials were evaluated for its potential in humidity sensing improvement by conducting a hygroscopicity test and the linear equation was analyzed to compare the slope of mass uptake ratio under incremental and decremental relative humidity (RH). The result demonstrated humidity sensing enhancement can be achieved with the presence of HMT due to the porous structure and hydrophilic nature. From the hygroscopicity test result, the slope of ZnO-HMT was ~ 2x higher compared to ZnO, while SnO2-HMT was ~ 3x higher compared to the SnO2 counterpart. This result suggests that the additive-enhanced sensing material has the potential for improving humidity sensing in pharmaceutical applications, offering a promising solution for humidity optimization across the industry
Empowering women entrepreneurs in West Africa: A comparative study of opportunities and challenges in Nigeria and Ghana
No full textWomen entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving economic growth and social development in West Africa. Despite facing numerous challenges, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience and enterprising spirit. This comparative study aims to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Ghana. The study focuses on understanding the factors that influence the longevity of female-owned businesses, survival rates, causes of failure and evolutionary trends. The research will also address the limited access to finance, knowledge gaps and inadequate skill-building opportunities that hinder the potential growth and impact of women entrepreneurs in the region. By comparing the experiences of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Ghana, this study seeks to contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at empowering and supporting women in business across West Africa
Resource recovery and water reclamation from acid mine drainage: Market analysis, industry trends, and future research directions
No full textAcid mine drainage (AMD) is a highly recalcitrant wastewater matrix that is typically generated from coal and metal mining activities and contains elevated levels of (heavy) metals and sulfates, along with rare earth elements (REEs) and radionuclides in some instances. This review seeks to elucidate the physicochemical characteristics of AMD and potential resource recovery avenues that can grossly underpin circularity and introduce the waste-to-resource paradigm. Specifically, opportunities for major metals (e.g., iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn)) and critical minerals, such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and notably, REEs recovery, along with other minor constituents, such as radionuclides, were explored. Other valorization avenues, such as sulfates transformation to sulfuric acid and recovery, and water reclamation were further explored. The techniques for resource recovery from AMD, such as precipitation, adsorption, solvent extraction, and ion exchange, were discussed, as well as possible industrial uses of the recovered materials (e.g., coagulants, adsorbents, pigments and catalysts). The beneficiation and valorization of AMD can minimize ecological footprint associated with this notorious mine water effluent, and, to a larger extent, reduce the extraction of virgin resource, such as REEs, while water reclamation can provide water security in water-scarce regions and countries. The recovered resources can provide an important revenue stream by offsetting the treatment costs and even making the process self-sustainable due to the high value of certain products. For example, the REEs global market in 2023 was USD14.2 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 %, thus denoting that recovering REEs from AMD could be profitable, while it also reduces mining requirements and associated environmental impacts. Finally, knowledge gaps in terms of recoverability, along with challenges, prospects, and avenues for further research into this growing field were also distilled
Immersive HCI for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Tourism Contexts: A Narrative Review of Design and Evaluation
No full textImmersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and multisensory interaction are increasingly deployed to support the transmission and presentation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), particularly within tourism and heritage interpretation contexts. In cultural tourism, ICH is often encountered through museums, heritage sites, festivals, and digitally mediated experiences rather than through sustained community-based transmission, raising important challenges for interaction design, accessibility, and cultural representation. This study presents a narrative review of immersive human–computer interaction (HCI) research in the context ICH, with a particular focus on tourism-facing applications. An initial dataset of 145 records was identified through a structured search of major academic databases from their inception to 2024. Following staged screening based on relevance, publication type, and temporal criteria, 97 empirical or technical studies published after 2020 were included in the final analysis. The review synthesises how immersive technologies are applied across seven ICH domains and examines their deployment in key tourism-related settings, including museum interpretation, heritage sites, and sustainable cultural tourism experiences. The findings reveal persistent tensions between technological innovation, cultural authenticity, and user engagement, challenges that are especially pronounced in tourism context. The review also maps the dominant methodological approaches, including user-centred design, participatory frameworks, and mixed-method strategies. By integrating structured screening with narrative synthesis, the review highlights fragmentation in the field, uneven methodological rigour, and gaps in both cultural adaptability and long-term sustainability, and outlines future directions for culturally responsive and inclusive immersive HCI research in ICH tourism
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