A critical analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and ecosystems and opportunities for circular economy strategies.

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on the 11th of March 2020, but the world is still reeling from its aftermath. Originating from China, cases quickly spread across the globe, prompting the implementation of stringent measures by world governments in efforts to isolate cases and limit the transmission rate of the virus. These measures have however shattered the core sustaining pillars of the modern world economies as global trade and cooperation succumbed to nationalist focus and competition for scarce supplies. Against this backdrop, this paper presents a critical review of the catalogue of negative and positive impacts of the pandemic and proffers perspectives on how it can be leveraged to steer towards a better, more resilient low-carbon economy. The paper diagnosed the danger of relying on pandemic-driven benefits to achieving sustainable development goals and emphasizes a need for a decisive, fundamental structural change to the dynamics of how we live. It argues for a rethink of the present global economic growth model, shaped by a linear economy system and sustained by profiteering and energy-gulping manufacturing processes, in favour of a more sustainable model recalibrated on circular economy (CE) framework. Building on evidence in support of CE as a vehicle for balancing the complex equation of accomplishing profit with minimal environmental harms, the paper outlines concrete sector-specific recommendations on CE-related solutions as a catalyst for the global economic growth and development in a resilient post-COVID-19 world.

Drivers of U.S. toxicological footprints trajectory 1998-2013.

By exploiting data from the Toxic Release Inventory of the United States, we have established that the toxicological footprint (TF) increased by 3.3% (88.4 Mt) between 1998 and 1999 and decreased by 39% (1088.5 Mt) between 1999 and 2013. From 1999 to 2006, the decreasing TF was driven by improvements in emissions intensity (i.e. gains in production efficiency) through toxic chemical management options: cleaner production; end of pipe treatment; transfer for further waste management; and production scale. In particular, the mining sector reduced its TF through outsourcing processes. Between 2006 and 2009, decreasing TF was due to decrease in consumption volume triggered by economic recession. Since 2009, the economic recovery increased TF, overwhelming the influence of improved emissions intensity through population growth, consumption and production structures. Accordingly, attaining a less-toxic economy and environment will be influenced by a combination of gains in production efficiency through improvement in emissions mitigation technologies and changes in consumption patterns. Overall, the current analysis highlights the structural dynamics of toxic chemical release and would inform future formulation of effective mitigation standards and management protocols towards the detoxification of the environment.

Mood disturbance in glioma patients.

Patients diagnosed with primary brain tumors such as glioma experience psychological distress throughout the illness trajectory. Determining which patient characteristics are associated with more severe mood disturbance throughout the illness trajectory can help identify patients at risk and assist in developing targeted interventions based on these factors. Adult glioma patients were eligible for participation. Data collection tools included an investigator completed clinician assessment tool, patient completed demographic form and the Profile of mood states-short form. A multiple regression model was used to describe the relationship between the patient groups and clinical factors. The study enrolled 186 glioma patients of various tumor grades, who were categorized in three groups (newly diagnosed, on-treatment, follow-up) based on disease status at time of visit. Newly diagnosed patients experienced more total mood disturbance than all the other groups. Characteristics associated with more severe mood disturbance varied by patient group: newly diagnosed patients who were not on corticosteroids and were not married were more likely to have higher mood disturbance [R(2) = 0.27, F (2, 29) = 5.31, p < 0.02]. For those on treatment, the use of concomitant medications, having more than 1 recurrence and low income predicted higher mood disturbance [R(2) = 0.417, F (4, 67) = 11.98, p < 0.001]. For those not on active treatment, female sex, anti-depressant use and having a lower income was associated with higher mood disturbance [R(2) = 0.183, F (3, 55) = 4.11, p < 0.02]. Additionally, when compared to other cancer groups, glioma patients reported similar mood disturbance to those with breast cancer. Factors other than disease characteristics are associated with higher mood disturbance and vary according to current disease status. The use of concomitant medications, demographic factors, recurrence and income are associated with mood disturbance and interventions may need to be tailored to these underlying factors.