This study investigates the performance assessment of methanol and water as working fluid in a solar-powered vapour absorption refrigeration system. This research clarifies the system’s performance across a spectrum of operating conditions. Furthermore, the HAP software was utilized to determine and scrutinize the cooling load, facilitating a comparative analysis between software-based results and theoretical calculations. To empirically substantiate the findings, this research investigates methanol-water as a superior refrigerant compared to traditional ammonia- water and LiBr-water systems. Through experimental analysis and its comparison with previous research, the methanol-water refrigeration system demonstrated higher cooling efficiency and better environmental compatibility. The system’s performance was evaluated under varying conditions, showing that methanol-water has a 1% higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to ammonia-water systems, proving its superior effectiveness in solar-powered applications. This empirical model acts as a pivotal tool for understanding the dynamic relationship between methanol concentration (40%, 50%, 60%) and system performance. The results show that temperature of the evaporator (5–15 ℃), condenser (30 ℃–50 ℃), and absorber (25 ℃–50 ℃) are constant, the coefficient of performance (COP) increases with increase in generator temperature. Furthermore, increasing the evaporator temperature while keeping constant temperatures for the generator (70 ℃–100 ℃), condenser, and absorber improves the COP. The resulting data provides profound insights into optimizing refrigerant concentrations for improved efficiency.

The rise of fintech in the financial sector presents a transformative shift towards digitalisation and sustainability on a global scale, leveraging technologies like AI to minimise environmental footprint. Neobanks not only challenge traditional banking models but also offer innovative solutions that align with sustainable objectives. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of neobanks on global sustainability from economic, environmental, and social points of view. A comprehensive literature review of existing literature and current sustainable practices of neobanks was conducted. Results reveal that neobanks significantly positively contribute towards environmental sustainability with reduced paper use and logistics requirements of banking services. By offering more accessible and affordable banking services they importantly contribute towards higher financial inclusion, and with innovative products towards more competitive and innovative financial markets. AI-based tools they employ are increasing financial literacy and social inclusion. This article also highlights concerns regarding electronic waste management, potential high energy consumption, required digital literacy and cybersecurity risks. In conclusion, despite the mentioned risks, neobanks importantly contribute to global sustainability in many ways and will even more in the future. These findings can help neobanks shape sustainable practices and guide policymaking, as well as spread awareness of the sustainable impact of banking services.

This article using thematic and content analysis investigated the contribution of innovation in achieving sustainable economic development. The objective of the bibliometric research was to assess the literature on this subject it identified research trends, ideas, and authors who contributed to this area so that future research and policy directions could be suggested. The data was derived from the Scopus database and was extracted between January 2020 and February 2024 by applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Scopus database search yielded 66 articles, published between 2020 and February 2024. Scopus analytics and Microsoft Excel were used for descriptive analysis and VOS Viewer software was used for network visualization of keywords. The descriptive analysis showed the trajectory of research, the prolific authors, their publication outlets, authors affiliation, and county of origin of the documents. The prolific visualization showed five clusters: red, green, blue, purple, and yellow. The main clusters are economic development, alternative energy, sustainable development, and innovation. This research showed where consideration should be given to drive sustainability and sustainable economic development. This research outcome will assist government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations in planning appropriate action and policies to support innovative and renewable energy initiatives so that participation in those fields could enhance the opportunity to achieve sustainable economic development.

In this research, we employed multivariate statistical methods to investigate the perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) concerning the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation and their apprehensions related to EPR compliance. The EPR regulation, which places the responsibility of waste management on producers, has significant financial and administrative implications, particularly for SMEs. A sample of 114 businesses was randomly selected, and the collected data underwent comprehensive analysis. Our findings highlight that a notable proportion of businesses (44.7%) possess knowledge of the EPR regulation’s provisions, whereas only a marginal fraction (1.8%) lacks sufficient familiarity. We also explored the interplay between opinions on the EPR regulation and concerns regarding its financial and administrative implications. Our results establish a significant correlation between EPR regulation opinions and concerns, with adverse opinions prominently influencing concerns, particularly regarding financial burdens and administrative workloads. These outcomes, derived from the application of multivariate statistical techniques, provide valuable insights for enhancing the synergy between environmental regulations and business practices. EPR regulation significantly affects SMEs in terms of financial, administrative, and legal obligations, thus our study highlights that policymakers may need to consider additional support mechanisms to alleviate the regulatory burden on SMEs, fostering a more effective and sustainable implementation of the EPR regulation.

This study evaluates the aquafeed self-sufficiency sector in Indonesia, aiming to provide policy recommendations for optimizing freshwater aquaculture production. The study engaged 1005 participants, including 204 self-sufficient aquafeed producers and 801 fish farmers, covering 88% of the regions where the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries promotes aquafeed self-sufficiency, conducted in 30 Indonesian provinces. The majority of on-farm and small-scale feed manufacturers continue to operate successfully (91%), with a minor portion discontinuing (9%). Aquafeed products incorporating local ingredients prove cost-effective and receive high acceptance among fish farmers. The sustainability of the aquafeed self-sufficiency sector is closely linked to local ingredient availability, operational aquafeed manufacturing plants, product quality, human resource capabilities, and government policies. The study presents policy recommendations to address these issues, encompassing measures such as ensuring ingredient supply sustainability, providing a mobile laboratory for ingredient and feed analysis, enhancing human resource quality through training, facilitating easier access to financial support, and strengthening central-local government coordination to optimize the aquafeed self-sufficiency program. The rise of the national fish production target from freshwater aquaculture has attracted great attention in the improvement of the aquafeed sector since the sustainability of aquafeed supply is the main driver for the success of aquaculture production.

The journey towards better healthcare sustainability in Asian nations demands a comprehensive investigation into the impact of urban governance, poverty, and female literacy on infant mortality rates. This study undertakes a rigorous exploration of these key factors to pave the way for evidence-based policy interventions, utilizing data from a panel of six selected Asian countries: Pakistan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, spanning the years 2001 to 2020. The findings reveal that adequate sanitation facilities, higher female literacy rates, and sustained economic growth contribute to a reduction in infant mortality. Conversely, increased poverty levels and limited women’s autonomy exacerbate the infant mortality rates observed in these countries. The Granger causality analysis validates the reciprocal relationship between urban sanitation (and poverty) and infant mortality rates. Furthermore, the study establishes a causal relationship where female literacy rates Granger-cause infant mortality rates, and conversely, infant mortality rates Granger-cause women’s autonomy in these countries. The variance decomposition analysis indicates that sustained economic growth, improved female literacy rates, and enhanced women’s empowerment will likely impact infant mortality rates in the coming decade. Consequently, in low-income regions where numerous children face potentially hazardous circumstances, it is imperative to allocate resources towards establishing and maintaining accessible fundamental knowledge regarding sanitation services, as this will aid in reducing infant mortality rates.