Environment and Interdisciplinary Development

Abstract Introduction: Hospital waste requires specialized and efficient management methods due to the presence of infectious, chemical, and hazardous substances that can seriously affect public health and the environment. In this context, education is recognized as an essential tool in improving the quantity and segregation of hospital waste. Environmental education aims to develop the necessary skills and attitudes to understand and respect the mutual relationships between humans, their culture, and the environment around them. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of blended learning training on personnel involved in the waste management process in terms of quantity and segregation in Kamali Hospital and to identify effective solutions in improving waste management in medical centers.
Materials and Methods: The present study is a quasi-experimental intervention with a pre-post analysis to compare the effect of a mixed-model educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude, and performance (waste generation and segregation) of personnel at Kamali Hospital, Karaj. The sample size by the full-count method consisted of 17 groups of 30 people with a total of 480 people, including personnel involved in waste generation, collection, and transportation. The interventions include a training structure using a blended learning approach that integrates both conventional and distance learning methods. The training materials are taken from the book Waste Management in Hospitals and Medical Centers (Dashti, 2024) and occupational health resources. The pre-intervention period was considered from April to September 2023 and the evaluation time after the intervention was from October20232 to March 2024. To collect information, the standard questionnaire of Sadeghi et al.'s study was used. Descriptive analysis and quantitative data were described with mean (kg/month) and standard deviation (SD). Data analysis has been done using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and t-tests, as well as Excel and Spss.12 software.
Results: The findings of this research showed that the educational intervention based on the blended method can have an effect on increasing the awareness, attitude and performance (the amount of residual and segregation) of the participants. The total amount of waste production increased from 40,638 kg per month to 34,160 kg per month after the intervention. The biggest reduction in the amount of waste is infectious, chemical, medicinal and normal respectively. He also estimated the results of improving waste separation by 26.6%.
Discussion: In the present study, the results indicated the positive effect of this educational intervention in cognitive, attitudinal and functional areas in the field of waste production and separation, which shows that an educational program with a proper-structured blended model can significantly increase the amount of waste separation. Improve waste and environmental sustainability in the hospital environment.

Abstract Introduction: In recent decades, human activities have significantly damaged the environment, and currently, the emission of greenhouse gases and global warming are among the most important environmental issues. The use of fossil energy has made a major contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases and as a result the destruction of the environment by humans. Due to the role of renewable energies in reducing the emission of pollutants and as a result reducing the destruction of the environment, more use of these energies has attracted the attention of countries. Therefore, in this study, the relationship between renewable energy consumption and environmental degradation (ecological footprint index) in 38 countries with lower average income during the period of 1997 to 2020 has been investigated.
Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the system of simultaneous equations and the three-stage least squares method (3SLS) were used. In order to estimate the system of simultaneous equations, first, the stationary of the variables was checked, and to avoid spurious regression, the co-integration of the equations was checked using the Kao test. Then, using the Hausman test, a choice was made between the two methods of estimating the panel data. After that, the simultaneity bias test was performed to check the existence of simultaneity between the endogenous variables and finally, in order to analyze the data, the system of equations was estimated using the 3SLS method. The necessary statistics and information were collected from the Global Footprint Network website and the World Bank database for the period of 1997-2020.
Results: The empirical results showed that there is a negative relationship between environmental degradation and renewable energy consumption, and with a one-unit increase in renewable energy consumption, the ecological footprint decreases by 0.0071. With a one-unit increase in the variables of foreign direct investment, urbanization, technological innovation, and economic growth, the amount of renewable energy consumption decreases by 0.78, 0.32, 0.06, and 33.9 units, respectively. The amount of renewable energy consumption increases by 0.34 units with a one-unit increase in the variable of natural resource rent. A one-unit increase in the variables of crop production, livestock production index, and financial development index will increase the ecological footprint by 0.0022, 0.0042, and 0.0107 units. With a one-unit increase in foreign direct investment, the ecological footprint decreases by 0.023 units.
Discussion: The results showed that increasing the use of renewable energy can improve the quality of the environment. The financial sector has allocated resources to enterprises that have led to an increase in industrial waste, pollution emissions, and consequently environmental degradation. The agricultural sector has caused pollution and environmental degradation through livestock farming, ammonia in fertilizers on agricultural fields, livestock wastewater wetlands, slaughtering meat animals, corn and soy protein production, sugar refining, wool processing, and other things. Foreign capital can reduce environmental degradation by facilitating the development of modern environmentally friendly technologies. Increasing the efficiency of natural resources motivates people to use them effectively and efficiently and increases the consumption of renewable energies. Therefore, directing foreign direct investments and technological innovations towards greater use of renewable energies, increasing the natural resource rent, directing national resources towards environmentally friendly activities and technologies, increasing the productivity of crop and livestock production, and using environmentally friendly technologies in the agricultural sector can help reduce environmental degradation.

Abstract Introduction: Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) activities are vital for sustainable growth, and prior studies have shown that Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance performance has both financial and non-financial consequences for firms. Future operating cash flows are also among the key constructs in firm valuation. Moreover, profitability is expected to influence the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance performance and future operating cash flows, as strong profitability indicates that a firm has sufficient financial margins to cover the costs of implementing Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance practices without creating significant financial risk. Consequently, an increase in future operating cash flows for such firms is not unexpected. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the effect of environmental, social, and governance performance on future operating cash flows and, subsequently, to provide evidence on the moderating role of profitability in the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance performance and future operating cash flows.
Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this study consists of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. The sampling method is based on availability using a screening approach. From among the listed companies, those without limitations such as being financial institutions, holding companies, banks, insurance companies, or having incomplete information were selected. Additionally, companies were required to be active members of the Tehran Stock Exchange from the beginning of 2015 to the end of 2023. By referring to various databases of the Tehran Stock Exchange, the required data were collected from annual financial statements, accompanying notes, financial activity reports, and board of directors’ reports. This research is strategic/quantitative in nature, descriptive in purpose, empirical in approach, and applied/library-based in methodology. To test the research hypotheses, a mathematical model was estimated using multivariate regression. The data were structured as panel data, and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator along with Stata software version 17 was used to test the research hypotheses.
Results: The results of the first hypothesis test indicate that companies’ environmental, social, and governance performance is positively associated with future operating cash flows. This implies that improvements in environmental, social, and governance activities can lead to an increase or intensification of future operating cash flows. Furthermore, the results of the second hypothesis test show that profitability has a positive effect on the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance performance and future operating cash flows. Thus, it can be stated that profitability strengthens the positive relationship between corporate Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance performance and future operating cash flows.
Discussion: This study examined the relationship between environmental, social, and governance performance and future operating cash flows in companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. In addition, this relationship was analyzed under conditions of corporate profitability. The findings support the resource-based theory and theoretical reasoning that suggest a positive relationship between corporate Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance performance and earnings quality. By demonstrating that corporate environmental, social, and governance performance provides information about firms’ future financial prospects and earnings quality, this study enriches the existing literature in this field.

Abstract Introduction: One of the most serious challenges in urban management is the ever-increasing volume of municipal solid waste (MSW), particularly in large metropolitan areas, which makes proper waste management impossible without public participation. Among the various components of MSW management, storage and collection processes, as well as the formulation and collection of service fees, are of particular importance due to their direct interaction with the public and their strong dependence on the level of citizen engagement. In recent years, economic instruments have been recognized as vital mechanisms to enhance public participation and ensure the successful implementation of waste management programs. One such instrument is the "Pay-As-You-Throw" (PAYT) system, a method for setting and collecting waste management service fees. When implemented correctly, PAYT not only ensures the economic sustainability of the overall waste management system but also acts as a driving force for waste reduction, source separation, and greater community involvement in waste management practices. Nevertheless, implementing PAYT can pose social challenges that require identification and prioritization of appropriate strategies to address them. In this context, assessing public satisfaction and participation, as well as evaluating the cooperation of key stakeholders, becomes critically important—this is the primary objective of the present study.
Materials and Methods: This research utilizes data collected via questionnaires from 1,150 households in Tehran, selected through a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. By combining qualitative analysis of key variables and employing a logistic regression model, the study investigates the factors influencing proposed strategies aimed at enhancing public cooperation in implementing the PAYT scheme in Tehran. 
Results: The findings reveal that 55% of citizens consider education and public awareness campaigns through various media channels as an effective solution for the success of this plan. Transparency in the dissemination of waste management costs and related information by the municipality ranks second, with 18% of respondents identifying it as a priority. Furthermore, an assessment of the potential impacts of PAYT implementation shows that the composite index of anticipated effects is 0.61 (on a 0 to 1 scale), indicating a cautiously optimistic but not strongly affirmative public perception. While citizens are hopeful about the environmental and equity-based benefits of this system, they also express concerns about its implementation, costs, and the potential for illegal behaviors. The logistic regression model further demonstrates that the composite index of anticipated effects has a statistically significant positive influence on the likelihood of awareness-raising strategies contributing to public cooperation in the PAYT scheme. 
Discussion: Therefore, it is recommended that the PAYT system be introduced to the public using simple and clear language, accompanied by comprehensive information dissemination to foster a stronger sense of community involvement. Additionally, a pilot implementation in selected neighborhoods of Tehran is advised to gather real-time feedback and refine the proposed strategies. Ultimately, enhancing the transparency of information flow including topics such as the calculation method of waste management service fees, the funds collected from citizens, and the extent of fee reductions for more participatory residents through the development of online platforms that provide citizens with access to clear and transparent information (especially in more developed areas) can play a significant role in the successful implementation of the plan.

Abstract Introduction: Water is an essential natural resource that shapes regional landscapes and is vital for the functioning of ecosystems and the well-being of human life. Preserving this critical life-sustaining resource requires sustainable and stable planning, as well as sustainable financing in the water and wastewater sector. Accordingly, the present study aims to identify the key drivers influencing sustainable financing in the water and wastewater industry.
Materials and Methods: In terms of purpose, this study is exploratory, and in terms of orientation, it is applied. Data were collected through both fieldwork and library research, following deductive and inductive reasoning. The methodology is quantitative. In this research, the Fuzzy Delphi technique was employed for the initial screening of drivers, and subsequently, the EDAS (Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution) technique was used to rank the screened drivers. The theoretical population of the study consisted of managers and experts in the water and wastewater industry. After identifying and ranking the drivers, research scenarios were developed using the two principal drivers that achieved the highest rankings based on the EDAS technique. Accordingly, four scenarios were designed. The Marcus technique was then applied to identify the most plausible scenario.
Results: Based on the literature review and expert interviews, 25 drivers were initially identified. These drivers were subsequently screened using the Fuzzy Delphi method. At this stage, 17 drivers with defuzzified values below 0.6 were eliminated, and 8 factors were selected to develop the driver impact model. The eight key drivers identified in this study are: feasibility assessment methods of water and wastewater projects; the level of transparency in water and wastewater projects; legal requirements for sustainability reporting in the water and wastewater industry; governing policies over water transfer and distribution projects in the country; diversity of financing methods in the country; water pricing; development of green financial instruments; and policies for evaluating technologies used in water and wastewater treatment projects. The screened drivers were then ranked using the EDAS technique based on three criteria: degree of certainty, intensity of importance, and experts’ level of expertise. Among these criteria, intensity of importance and experts’ expertise had a positive effect, while degree of certainty had a negative effect. The EDAS ranking results identified two key drivers: legal requirements for sustainability reporting and diversity of financing methods. Based on these two drivers, four scenarios were developed. Application of the Marcus technique indicated that the most probable future scenario for sustainable financing in Iran’s water and wastewater industry is Scenario Four, which represents the most pessimistic scenario. According to this scenario, both the legal requirements for sustainability reporting and the diversity of financing methods are expected to be in an unfavorable state in the future. 
Discussion: Potential Scenario – The Worst-Case Scenario Arising from the Adverse State of Two Key Drivers: Legal Requirements for Sustainability Reporting and Diversity in Financing Methods
The first driver is the growing global importance of legal requirements for sustainability reporting. In this scenario, it is anticipated that regulations related to sustainability reporting in the water and wastewater sector may not be effectively implemented, or may encounter significant challenges in compliance. This could result in decreased transparency in projects, which in turn would lead to a reduction in public trust and investor confidence in the industry. The second driver concerns the diversity of financing methods. In the fourth scenario, a reduction in the diversity of financial resources and limited access to innovative financing methods, such as green bonds and other sustainable financial instruments, would severely impact the financial resources of the sector. This situation could present significant challenges to the growth and development of water and wastewater projects, especially in regions facing resource scarcity. Therefore, strengthening these two drivers is crucial as a priority to prevent this pessimistic scenario.

Abstract Introduction: Today, due to the lack of water and the special role of water in the daily lives of humans, the problem of water resources pollution is a very important environmental problem. Pollutions are usually due to the entry of different pollutants into water resources, especially rivers, which is a serious risk for human health and especially aquaculture. Organic pollutants are common water pollutants because of their great use in various industries and also because of the high solubility of some them in water, which are mainly toxic. Different methods are used to remove organic compounds from water with some advantages and disadvantages. One of the efficient techniques for wastewater treatment and removal of pollutants is the process of adsorption, which has been particularly considered for large -scale applications due to its ease of implementation as well as the diversity of adsorbents and low relative costs. One of the challenges of using the adsorption process is separating the adsorbent at the end of the process, and today, the use of magnetic adsorbents is a solution to this challenge. In the present study, the separation and removal of violet crystal dyes from aqueous environments using nickel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (NiFe2O4), as adsorbent, has been investigated.
Materials and Methods: Violet crystal dye is used as a common dye pollutant and chemicals including ammonia, nicrate nitrate, iron nitrate to synthesize nano-nickel ferrite. Transmission electronic microscopy, X-rays spectroscopy, thermal decomposition and infrared spectroscopy, and UV-VIS spectrropotometer methods were used to characterize Nano-nickel ferrit. In this study, the effect of different parameters such as pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent weight and adsorbent contact time with dye solution on adsorption process was tested. The relevant magnetic nanosorbent is synthesized by the co-precipitation method and a certain amount of it is added to the solution for use in the process. After the process is completed, sampeling is taken and the used adsorbent is easily separated from the aqueous environment using a magnet.
Results: The adsorbent identification results showed that the synthesized adsorbent of nickel ferrite particles was magnetic and based on transmission electron microscopy results and Debye-Scherer calculations from X-ray diffraction results, the size of synthesized nanoparticles were about 15 nm. The results of this study showed that for the initial concentration of 10 mg/l at pH = 8 and the adsorbent value of 0.05 g in 50 ml for 90 minutes, the dye removal efficiency is about 95 %. 
Discussion: The dimensions of the synthesized particles are in the nanometer range, which provides high adsorption properties for adsorbent. According to the results, the percentage of violet crystal removal by the magnetic nickel ferrite adsorbent is sensitive to the pH of the water and the removal of the dye in the alkaline environment is better than the acidic. Nickel ferrite is a good adsorbent that can be used to remove violet crystals from contaminated water. One of the benefits of this method is the magnetic property of nickel ferrite because being magnetic makes it easy to separate the adsorbent from the aqueous environment by the magnet.

Abstract Introduction: Nature-based tourism is a branch of tourism that plays an important role in the global economy and in achieving sustainable development. Coastal areas are among the most attractive regions for nature tourism activities. To ensure sustainable development of nature tourism, especially in sensitive areas such as coastlines and to prevent degradation of the intrinsic values of these zones, ecological capability assessment is essential. Various methods exist for land capability assessment. Multi-criteria evaluation is one of the practical methods used for assessing land capability for different uses based on effective criteria. In this method, the importance of the criteria is determined using techniques such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and due to the diversity of these criteria, standardization methods such as fuzzy logic are applied. This approach can be implemented within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), where criteria are combined using models like Weighted Linear Combination (WLC). The Makran coasts, with their ecological values and unique attractions, have high tourism potential and require precise planning and a localized ecological capability assessment model.
Material and Methods: In this study, multi-criteria evaluation was used to assess the ecological capability of the land for nature tourism. The evaluation criteria were determined based on expert opinion. Six criteria were weighted using AHP and standardized with a fuzzy method. Study constraints were standardized using Boolean logic. Maps of soil characteristics, vegetation cover, water resources, and mangrove forests were generated through satellite image analysis. Other maps were obtained from available sources. The standardized and weighted layers were integrated using the WLC method, and an ecological capability model of the Makran coastal lands was developed and classified into five categories.
Results: The land use and land cover map of the Makran region was produced with a Kappa accuracy of 0.86 and an overall accuracy of 90%. The results indicated that agricultural lands, particularly farms in the west and around the Bahukalat River in the east, are important tourism attractions. The area analysis showed that barren lands occupied the largest share (78%), followed by salt marshes (17%). The ecological capability model for tourism was designed using climatic, habitat, environmental sensitivity, natural attraction, socio-economic, and topographic factors, with weights assigned using AHP. The ecological capability map indicated that the coastline, the Chabahar Free Zone, and historical villages were classified as high to very high tourism potential, covering areas of 15,436 and 16,322 hectares, respectively. In contrast, the central and northern parts of the region, due to environmental constraints and lack of infrastructure, fell into low to moderate potential categories and occupied the majority of the area.
Discussion: The assessment of tourism potential along the Makran coasts shows that the highest weight was assigned to socio-economic factors, indicating the critical role of tourism infrastructure, road accessibility, and historical attractions in attracting tourists. Natural scenic areas, especially those close to water bodies and with striking vegetation, play a significant role in enhancing tourist experiences. The region’s moderate climate, particularly the monsoon phenomenon, supports seasonal tourism, and natural habitats such as wetlands and mangrove forests offer unique eco-based attractions. Environmental sensitivities must be observed to ensure sustainable tourism development. The zoning results reveal that only a small portion of the area has very high tourism potential, mainly including Chabahar’s coasts, mangrove forests, mud volcanoes, and historical villages, while central areas and those far from infrastructure have lower potential. Findings emphasize that development strategies should prioritize conservation and sustainable use of high-potential zones while improving the capacity of areas with medium and low potential.

Abstract Introduction: Urbanization and tourism are two pivotal drivers of contemporary economic and social development, yet they exert considerable impacts on the environment. In countries such as Iran, which have experienced rapid expansion in these sectors, the resulting effects—particularly regarding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, notably carbon dioxide (CO₂)—are increasingly apparent. The diverse degrees of urbanization and tourism development across Iran’s provinces, combined with their varied environmental characteristics, provide an effective framework for analyzing these interactions. This study investigates the effects of urbanization and tourism on CO₂ emissions in Iranian provinces, utilizing reliable national and international data sources, including the Statistical Center of Iran and the World Bank. 
Materials and Methods: The environmental consequences of oil and gas consumption—especially from urban transport, tourism-related activities, and industrial development—substantially contribute to air pollution. This study analyzes provincial data from Iran for the period 2018–2021, employing a panel error correction model (ECM) to examine long-term equilibrium relationships among the variables. The primary objective is to assess how urbanization, tourism, and industrial activity influence CO₂ emissions and to evaluate regional disparities in emissions. The dataset includes CO₂ emissions, urbanization rates, tourism intensity, and fuel consumption for each province, sourced from authoritative institutions such as the Statistical Center of Iran and the Ministry of Energy.
Results: The Pedroni cointegration test confirms the existence of long-run relationships among the studied variables, demonstrating the persistent effects of urbanization and tourism on CO₂ emissions. The results indicate that changes in urbanization and tourism activity have lasting impacts on CO₂ emissions. The error correction model reveals significant long-term associations among CO₂ emissions, industrialization, urbanization, and gasoline consumption. Specifically, increases in industrialization (SANAT), urbanization (URBAN), and gasoline consumption (BENZIN) are statistically significant predictors of higher CO₂ emissions (NFG_CO₂) over the long term. These findings are consistent with economic theories such as the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). pollution levels rise during early economic and industrial development but decline with further advancement and the adoption of sustainable practices. The study shows that Iranian provinces with higher levels of urbanization and more developed tourism sectors tend to emit more CO₂, highlighting the environmental costs of such development.
Discussion: The findings underscore the necessity for Iran to reform its urban and tourism policies by adopting green technologies and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Given the significant impact of urbanization and tourism on CO₂ emissions, it is essential to develop strategies that mitigate these effects while supporting economic growth. Policy interventions should focus on enhancing energy efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Comprehensive planning that incorporates environmental concerns is crucial for sustainable development, especially in light of Iran’s environmental challenges, such as rising temperatures and air pollution. Embracing green technologies and sustainable planning can play a pivotal role in reducing CO₂ emissions and fostering sustainable development, aligning with both global environmental objectives and Iran’s economic growth. Based on panel data analysis from 2018 to 2021, the study confirms that increased urbanization and tourism have had significant and lasting impacts on CO₂ emissions. These findings highlight the urgent need to revise urban and tourism policies in accordance with sustainable development goals. As part of the proposed policy framework, transitioning to green technologies—such as solar energy in central and desert regions and wind energy in western provinces—offers practical solutions for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In the tourism sector, implementing eco-friendly accommodations, improving waste management in high-traffic destinations, and educating tourists on natural resource preservation are among the sustainable measures recommended at the provincial level. It is also advisable to launch pilot projects in provinces with high CO₂ emissions to empirically assess the effectiveness of green initiatives. To further enhance policymaking, establishing specific quantitative targets—such as reducing CO₂ emissions by 20% and increasing the share of renewable energy to 30% in the urban and tourism sectors—will be essential.