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• The study aimed to quantify the cyclic dominance resembling rock-paper-scissors observed in the optional prisoner's dilemma, considering cooperators, defectors, and loners as the three competing strategies. • The research utilized theoretical and numerical analyses to explore the impact of environmental feedback on the replicator dynamics. • The rate of environmental replenishment and the payoff from draw games were identified as crucial factors influencing gameplay dynamics. • The study revealed that the loner's payoff and the strength of the dilemma played pivotal roles in determining the dominant strategies. This research investigation delves into the concept of cyclic dominance and its interplay with environmental feedback within the framework of the Optional Prisoner's Dilemma (OPD) game. A quantitative model has been meticulously constructed to encompass both the OPD and Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS) games, wherein the outcomes are contingent upon environmental feedback. The intricate relationship between player populations and their surrounding environment is elucidated through the utilization of replicator dynamics. The empirical findings of this study shed light on the existence of distinct equilibria contingent upon the prevailing environmental circumstances. Under scenarios characterized by resource depletion, an equilibrium state emerges wherein only solitary individuals (referred to as "loners") persist. Conversely, under conditions of resource replenishment, an equilibrium is established where various strategic approaches coexist in equal proportions, akin to the dynamics of the Rock-Paper-Scissors game. Notably, cyclic dominance manifests itself during periods characterized by intermediate environmental conditions. Several pivotal factors have been identified as determinants of these dynamic phenomena, including the rate of environmental replenishment, the strength of the dilemma presented, the payoff for loners, and the reward for a draw. It has been empirically demonstrated that the presence of extreme values in the replenishment rate, irrespective of whether exceptionally high or exceptionally low, serves as an impediment to the emergence of cyclic dominance. This model underscores the substantial influence of environmental feedback on social dilemmas, particularly in the context of the OPD game, ultimately leading to the emergence of competitive cyclic dominance games reminiscent of the Rock-Paper-Scissors game. In doing so, it elucidates the intricate interplay between evolutionary game incentives and the dynamics of the surrounding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the environmental performance of Mexican banknotes printed on high-durability cotton paper (HD paper) and thermoplastic polymer (polymer) through a life cycle assessment to appraise the environmental impacts from the extraction of raw materials to the final disposal of the banknotes. The functional unit was defined considering the next parameters: 1) lifespan of the banknotes, stablished in 31.5 and 54 months for HD paper and polymer, respectively; 2) denomination, selecting $200 pesos banknotes; 3) a 5 year time frame and 4) a defined amount of money, in this case stablished as the monthly cash supply of an average Mexican household, equaling $12,708 pesos. Accordingly, 121 pieces for the HD paper and 71 pieces for the polymer banknotes were analyzed. The results favor the banknotes printed on polymer substrate primarily because of the longer lifespan of this type of material; however, there is a considerable environmental impact in the stages of distribution, followed by the extraction of the raw materials (crude oil) during manufacturing. Regarding the HD cotton paper, the major impact corresponds to extraction of the raw materials, followed by the distribution of the banknotes. The inclusion of the automatic teller machines (ATMs) in the life cycle assessment of banknotes shows that the electricity required by these devices became the largest contributor to the environmental impacts. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis that the average lifetime of the banknotes is a determining factor for the environmental impacts associated with the whole life cycle of this product. The life cycle stages that refer to the extraction of the raw materials, combined with the average lifetime of the banknotes and the electricity required during the usage stage, are determining factors in the total environmental impact associated with Mexican banknotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this work is to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings potential in magazine paper production through the application of the innovative manufacturing strategies using advanced sheet structure design and fibre modifications. Methods The study applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to two different magazine paper products: supercalendered (SC) paper and light-weight coated (LWC) paper. A cradle-to-gate approach is used aiming to assess the environmental benefits gained through the implementation of new manufacturing strategies in both products. The functional unit of the system was defined as the production of one square meter of finished paper for printing magazines. Conventional and new production processes have been compared. Results and discussion The strategies applied to SC paper resulted in reduction of GHG emissions by 22.9%, with a total of 10.7 gCO 2 eq emissions saved per square meter of SC paper. In the case of LWC paper, GHG emissions are reduced by 20.3%, which are equal to a total of 19.7 gCO 2 eq saved per square meter of LWC paper. The influence of certain methodological approaches -functional unit, electricity mix and avoided impacts- in the final results is also discussed in the paper. Conclusions The manufacturing strategies implemented show a remarkable potential for reducing GHG emissions. Taking into account that the pulp and paper industry is a very energy-intensive sector and one of the main GHG emitters, the potential of the strategies for the improvement of the environmental performance of the papermaking processes is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review proposes, for the first time, a recent overview of ecological information involving electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs) dedicated to sensing environmental and clinical situations. The options of manufacturing methods are screen printing, stencil printing, pencil drawing, laser scribing, inject-printing, and additive printing. We have covered ecological aspects such as resource efficiency, safety, and toxicity regarding using paper-based (bio) electrodes. To see the ecological impact of testing methods by using ePADs, the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) approach was utilized as a greenness metric calculator model since the tool makes use of 12 principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Positive and negative concepts from the revised values of AGREE metric of clinical and environmental analysis were introduced and discussed. Also, we finalize the present review informing the life cycle of ePAD and some challenges that can impact the next generation of disposable electrodes. • The greenness metrics involving paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors have been reviewed. • Ecological impact for environmental and clinical analysis was introduced using the AGREE approach. • Resource efficiency, safety, and toxicity regarding using paper-based (bio)electrodes are discussed. • The life cycle and challenges that can impact the next generation of disposable electrodes are covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has become the world largest paper and paperboard producer. However, pulp and paper industry has involved high resource consumption and severe pollution especially for water. This research has assessed the eco-efficiency of China's pulp and paper industry at the national level and provincial level. An overview regarding the cleaner production of China's pulp and paper industry was presented to reveal the measures for reducing environmental impact in the last two decades. Slacks-based measure was used to analyze the efficiency levels of 16 provinces' pulp and paper industries. To uncover the underlying causes of eco-efficiency performance, Malmquist–Luenberger index was calculated to discover the drivers of productivity growth of pulp and paper industries. Our results showed that the pollution treatment of China's pulp and paper industry has made progress in terms of water consumption and water pollution, although the absolute amount of pollution discharge is still large. Chemical oxygen demand emissions are still the first critical influencing factor of pulp and paper industry's inefficiency. Furthermore, efficiency progress was the dominating contribution of the industry's productivity growth between 2010 and 2013. The policies for adjusting the industrial structure of pulp and paper industry have resulted in the scale effects through eliminating backward production capacity and accelerating merger and acquisitions. Moreover, the productivity of pulp and paper industry was underestimated when the undesirable outputs were ignored. It indicates that the stricter environmental regulations have positive effects on paper companies to internalize environmental pressures in the production activities through environmental management. In the future, pulp and paper companies should further internalize the cost of pollution treatment through scale effects and technology improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with environmental sustainability and in order to optimize the recycling process of prints from indirect electrophotography with liquid toner the results of investigating the effects of changes in printing conditions on the characteristics of recycled fibres is presented. Changing of printing machine conditions, respecting of voltage variations, comprises of the reverse rollers and intermediate cylinder. Based on the results it can be concluded that the change in the voltage of the reverse rollers more affect the recycling efficiency with respect to the voltage change of the intermediate cylinder. Brightness gain is higher when the print for recycling is made on uncoated paper compared to coated, and dependent on the voltage changes. Effective residual ink concentration decreases far more on handsheets obtained from recycled samples on uncoated paper in relation to both sides coated paper. Increasing the positive voltage of intermediate cylinder and increasing the negative charge of reverse rollers increases the 3 D gamut CIE L*a*b* color cubic units. Guidelines for the size of the voltage in order to obtain optimal print reproduction are provided. The further research will include the development in area of clean technologies, advanced materials, closed loop systems; therefore the significant terms in the area of environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative life cycle assessment, under a cradle to gate scope, was carried out between two hand drying methods namely conventional hand dryer use and dispenser issued roll paper towel use. The inventory analysis for this study was aided by the deconstruction of a hand dryer and dispenser unit besides additional data provided by the Physical Resources department, from the product system manufacturers and information from literature. The LCA software SimaPro, supported by the ecoinvent and US-EI databases, was used towards establishing the environmental impacts associated with the lifecycle stages of both the compared product systems. The Impact 2002 + method was used for classification and characterization of these environmental impacts. An uncertainty analysis addressing key input data and assumptions made, a sensitivity analysis covering the use intensity of the product systems and a scenario analysis looking at a US based use phase for the hand dryer were also conducted. Per functional unit, which is to achieve a pair of dried hands, the dispenser product system has a greater life cycle impact than the dryer product system across three of four endpoint impact categories. The use group of lifecycle stages for the dispenser product system, which represents the cradle to gate lifecycle stages associated with the paper towels, constitutes the major portion of this impact. For the dryer product system, the use group of lifecycle stages, which essentially covers the electricity consumption during dryer operation, constitutes the major stake in the impact categories. It is evident from the results of this study that per dry, for a use phase supplied by Ontario's grid (2010 grid mix scenario) and a United States based manufacturing scenario, the use of a conventional hand dryer (rated at 1800 W and under a 30 s use intensity) has a lesser environmental impact than with using two paper towels (100% recycled content, unbleached and weighing 4 g) issued from a roll dispenser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct a comparative life cycle assessment of two business card options: a smartphone software and the common paper- based alternative. Life cycle impacts of production, distribution and use of business cards were compared and contrasted for both systems. Given the prevalence and multifunctionality of digital devices and services, we analyze the environmental impacts of the two systems and evaluate their total energy consumption, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and toxic releases by conducting a two-stage life cycle assessment with alternating functional units. The results indicate that, for a small-scale functional unit, the paper-based business card system causes slightly less environmental impact and has lower energy demand than the software-based (digital) business card system. Whereas when considering the more likely, large scale (real world scenario) functional unit, the digital business card system is more environmentally friendly and economical in terms of energy consumption. By comparing these two systems, this paper serves businesses and consumers when considering environmental consequences and energy depletion of their business networking options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of Asarum sieboldii extracts as an environmental-friendly fumigant to mitigate the aging of Korean paper cultural heritage made of traditional paper called Hanji was examined. As results, antimicrobial activity of A . sieboldii extracts against Aspergillus versicolor on Hanji is observed at the concentration exceeding 25 mg. As the short-term change of Hanji property right after treatment of A . sieboldii extracts exceeding 25 mg, it is observed that the physical and optical properties of initial Hanji decreased with the increases of the extracts concentration. In terms of the long-term change by artificial aging test, however, the aging rate of Hanji samples treated by A . sieboldii extracts is similar to that of non-treated Hanji samples. It means that A . sieboldii extracts do not degrade the stability of Hanji property. Overall, these results demonstrate that A . sieboldii extracts may have the potential as a fumigant to the Korean paper cultural heritage due to their antimicrobial effectiveness and long-term permanence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LCA studies on waste management have been promoted as they can help policy makers choose the best environmental options. However, the increasing globalization of raw materials and waste makes the optimization of waste management strategies and policies quite challenging. Therefore, new approaches are needed in order to identify the consequences of markets on the waste management systems. This paper concentrates on the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of recycling processes. The aim is to generate a comprehensive assessment of GHG emissions as a consequence of increasing the amount of material collected for recycling. Consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) is an effective methodological framework for addressing GHG quantifications within market, but to properly perform and assess all of the market links between raw materials and waste, it is necessary to determine the cause-effect chains made up of physical flows. Thus, we propose integrating the methodologies of material flow analysis (MFA) and CLCA. We applied these methodologies to the paper and cardboard recycling system in Spain. The GHG results varied between −36 kg CO 2 eq. and −317 kg CO 2 eq. per ton of waste paper collected, depending on the quantity of waste paper exported and the source of marginal pulp considered. The cumulative energy demand (CED) was also calculated as complementary indicator. Similar trends as for GHG emissions were obtained. The future GHG quantifications should be based on the flows described by MFA analysis and should be quantified using CLCA because methodologies that accurately account for GHG are necessary for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entered into force in 2011, the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Mediterranean is a major innovation in that it is the first supra-State legal instrument aimed at coastal zone management. However, the nature and magnitude of change it is actually generating, or is likely to generate, in domestic coastal zones management systems, are highly uncertain. Investigating such prospects for change in contrasted contexts around the Mediterranean, and therefore providing a critical view of the Protocol as a game-changer, is the aim of this article. Results call for vigilance: the risk is real that the Protocol will not change much and that it will become a paper-protocol only. Ratifying it is – relatively – easy. Avoiding “ratifications of convenience” is more demanding. For various reasons the Protocol is likely to have mostly limited impacts on domestic coastal law development. It probably has more potential in terms of influencing changes in governance processes and increasing the social demand for ICZM. But this potential may only be translated into facts under stringent conditions on political will and good faith from Parties to adopt an ambitious understanding of the Protocol, and on appropriation by civil societies around the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Various international treaty bodies and non-governmental organisations continuously urge States to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (ABNJ). Although this goal is far from being reached, the OSPAR Convention may serve as an example illustrating the efforts made on a regional level for the North-East Atlantic. However, these efforts to effectively protect the marine environment are subject to limitations under the Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Likewise, the OSPAR Convention itself restricts the scope of such protected areas. The OSPAR Convention does not adequately cover all human uses of the oceans that may interfere with a protected area, and it lacks opportunities for internationalised enforcement measures. Consequently, the responsibility for effective conservation measures under the OSPAR model ultimately remains with individual Contracting Parties, i.e. their commitment to set stricter standards and to agree on their enforcement. Nevertheless, ‘soft’ obligations such as reporting duties are suitable for collecting data on the need for protection and utilisation of the MPAs. Additionally, cooperation with regional fisheries management bodies allows for better protection of the living resources in these areas. Finally, OSPAR MPAs can draw attention to particularly vulnerable ecosystems and promote conservation standards and measures such as those developed under the auspices of the FAO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Low-cost assays have broad applications ranging from human health diagnostics and food safety inspection to environmental analysis. Hence, low-cost assays are especially attractive for rural areas and developing countries, where financial resources are limited. Recently, paper-based microfluidic devices have emerged as a low-cost platform which greatly accelerates the point of care (POC) analysis in low-resource settings. This paper reviews recent advances of low-cost bioanalysis on paper-based microfluidic platforms, including fully paper-based and paper hybrid microfluidic platforms. In this review paper, we first summarized the fabrication techniques of fully paper-based microfluidic platforms, followed with their applications in human health diagnostics and food safety analysis. Then we highlighted paper hybrid microfluidic platforms and their applications, because hybrid platforms could draw benefits from multiple device substrates. Finally, we discussed the current limitations and perspective trends of paper-based microfluidic platforms for low-cost assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials may have a key role since they can be applied in several vehicle components (such as H 2 storage, vehicle structure, batteries), but there is the concern that some nanomaterials may lead to relevant environmental impacts. This paper addresses a revision of the environmental impacts of different types of nanomaterials applied to alternative vehicles in order to reduce energy use (and consequently the global greenhouse gases emissions). A literature review is performed in order to analyze the recent improvements in nanomaterials applied to alternative vehicles. This revision will be based on life cycle assessment and risk analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper sector is the fourth-largest industrial sector worldwide in terms of energy use, accounting for approximately 6% of the total industrial energy consumption and contributing to 2% of direct carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions produced by industries. The definition of the environmental profile of this industrial sector is crucial, due to the high market demand of paper and the increasing concern for the environmental costs of the whole papermaking process. A sustainability perspective should rely on a wider and holistic viewpoint, properly including all direct and indirect interactions with the environment. To this purpose, the Emergy (spelled with “m”) Accounting method (EMA) is very appropriate for the evaluation of the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the papermaking process under different perspectives (resource quality, fossil energy and material consumption, environmental and human-driven support). Several studies concerning environmental impacts, eco-efficiency, and cleaner technologies in the pulp and paper sector have already been carried out, but none of them addressed resource quality and resource generation costs from a supply-side point of view. This study aims to fill this gap in the literature by highlighting the direct and indirect contribution in terms of natural capital and ecosystem services to the pulp and paper production process. By means of EMA performance indices, this paper aims to assess the environmental sustainability associated to the production of pulp and paper, so as to identify those process steps that entail the highest environmental costs and require improvements. Three forest management scenarios − based on Spruce/Pine, Eucalyptus and Poplar production for raw material supply − were evaluated to assess the sustainability and the efficiency of each species. Moreover, the marginal costs of achieving higher energy and material efficiency are investigated, with a special focus placed on the identification of the effects of energy input flows on additional demand for environmental services. The research results show that the largest supply-side environmental costs are generated by the industrial processing activities, due to high energy, water and chemicals consumption. Only a minor role is played by forestry activities that supply the raw feedstock, although forestry management practices certainly affect both the final productivity and the energy balance, through the amount and use efficiency of the farm inputs. Additionally, among the three forest systems under study, Spruce/Pine forest management displays the most sustainable option for paper production because, basing on the emergy indices, it presents the best sustainable contribution to both the economy and the environment of the investigated region. In conclusion, the application of EMA approach allowed a more comprehensive assessment of forestry and industrial operations, contributing to assist decision makers in implementing the best environmental management of papermaking process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to quantify and compare the environmental impact of a number of different deinking sludge utilization approaches. A comparative life cycle assessment of deinking sludge material and energy recovery was performed for the baseline scenario—landfill disposal, and four alternative scenarios: two cement plants, a lightweight aggregate plant, and a stone wool plant. Sludge pretreatment and transportation processes were included in the scenario analyses. The results of the life cycle assessment showed that the use of dry deinking sludge in a cement plant in Finland, 45 km from the point of supply of the deinking sludge, to substitute 46% of the petcoke and 2.7% of the limestone showed the best performance. Therein, a global warming potential reduction of 13% and an eutrophication potential reduction of 12% – the highest reduction out of all impact categories studied – were achieved. A similar reduction in global warming potential of 12% was achieved when deinking sludge was incinerated and the ash utilized in cement production in a Russian plant located 350 km from the paper mill. However, abiotic depletion potential and acidification potential slightly increased by 2.6 and 1.5%, respectively. A maximum reduction of 2.1% out of al impact categories was achieved when dry sludge was used in a lightweight aggregate plant. That is considerably less compared to the reduction achieved at the cement plants. The use of deinking sludge ash in a stone wool plant to substitute 25% of cement resulted in a maximum reduction of 25% in the ozone layer depletion potential. Thus, the utilization of deinking sludge in construction materials production while preventing its landfilling has beneficial effects on the environment, in particular decreased greenhouse gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reports on the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from wastepaper, as an environmental friendly approach of source material, which can be a high availability and low-cost precursor for cellulose nanomaterial processing. Alkali and bleaching treatments were employed for the extraction of cellulose particles followed by controlled-conditions of acid hydrolysis for the isolation of CNCs. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the cellulose particles extracted while Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the presence of CNCs. The diameters of CNCs are in the range of 3–10 nm with a length of 100–300 nm while a crystallinity index of 75.9% was determined from X-ray diffraction analysis. The synthesis of this high aspect ratio of CNCs paves the way toward alternative reuse of wastepaper in the production of CNCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent Comment on our paper ‘Life cycle environmental impacts of UK shale gas’ ( Applied Energy 134 (2014) 506–518), Westaway et al. ( Applied Energy , available online 20th March 2015) allege that we exaggerated the potential impacts of shale gas extraction in the UK. They first take an issue with our inclusion of worst case scenarios despite our clear declaration in several places in the paper that this is indicative of what could happen within the confines of a very ill-defined and highly variable future reality. Secondly, Westaway et al. claim that key assumptions in the modelling reflect illegal practices that would not occur, when in fact this is an exaggeration of the legal situation and these practices are still viable. This rebuttal addresses some of the claims made by Westaway et al. while welcoming further open and impartial discourse in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study demonstrates how the environmentally weighted material consumption (EMC) indicator can be used to assess the resource efficiency of bioeconomy policies by calculating thirteen categories of environmental impacts associated with the production and the use of 146 biomass resources in Japan. The total environmental impact, expressed in the Japanese life cycle database in Japanese yen (JPY), decreased from 2,444 × 109 JPY in 1990 to 1,870 × 109 JPY in 2010. Supply chain related emissions (upstream) represented more than 98% of the impacts for all years. Land use, resource consumption, global warming, and urban air pollution were the main impact categories accounting respectively for 45%, 32%, 14% and 8% of the impacts. Ten products were found responsible for more than half of the impacts: rice, raw milk, beef cattle, painted printing paper, broiler, rolls of newsprint, hen egg, squares, common plywood and lumbers. Improvement of the production processes, reduction of consumed amounts and dietary change were identified as potential strategies for reducing the environmental impacts of these materials. Still, finding the best policy option may require the development of a life cycle assessment database able to differentiate organic and conventional agriculture and to better represent the production and environmental specificities of importing countries. • Environmentally weighted material consumption as an indicator of bioeconomy. • Detailed analysis of 146 biomass materials' environmental impacts. • Land use and resource consumption are the main impact categories. • Ten products are responsible for 50% of the total impacts. • Yield increase, diet shift, and paper recycling can reduce biomass related impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the processes which should be taken to establish debris indices that assess the orbital environmental impact of spacecraft or missions in orbit. The first process is establishing a methodology and criteria for evaluating an impact on the orbital environment. This study proposed an assessment method to evaluate the cumulative environmental changes during an evaluation period. It evaluated the impact of an uncontrolled LC mission abandoned in orbit. This study used Near-Earth Orbital Debris Environment Evolutionary Model (NEODEEM), an orbital environmental evolutionary model that Kyushu University and JAXA developed. The second process is the debris index formulation. This study considered four steps to establish the debris index. To reveal the establishing process of a debris index, this study used debris indexes as candidates which consider expected number of fragments generated from an object. The calculated debris index values were compared to the impact on the environment assessed by the evolutionary model to see if there was any correlation. Further, this study conducted numerical simulations of un-controlled large-constellation satellites abandoned in low earth orbit in different scenarios, and of active debris removals of large intact objects by NEODEEM. This paper discusses the applicability of proposed environmental assessment methods and the debris index. • Two processes to establish a debris index are proposed. • A methodology and criteria for evaluating environmental impacts is discussed. • Four steps to formulate a debris index is discussed. • Correlations between debris indexes and environmental impacts are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Realization of an experimental heat pump based on elastocaloric effect. • The device is made of elastocaloric wires crossed by air as heat transfer fluid. • The energy and environmental impacts of the device with many elastocaloric materials were tested. • Evaluation of the environmental impact through a TEWI analysis compared with a HFC32 heat pump. • Ni 55.92 Ti 44.08 and (Ni 50 Mn 31.5 Ti 18.5) 99.8 B 0.2 provide a significant reduction of the environmental impact (−50/−60 %) with respect to HFC32 heat pump. Solid-state refrigeration can constitute a breakthrough point since based on solid-state refrigerants that do not have any direct greenhouse effect (GWP = 0). The refrigeration systems based on caloric effect can be categorized as: magnetocaloric, electrocaloric, elastocaloric or barocaloric. The theme of interest for the investigation introduced in this paper is elastoCaloric Effect (eCE). In this paper the environmental impact in terms of Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) of an elastocaloric rotary device ensuring continuous fluxes of cold/hot air for the air conditioning applications is evaluated. The final aim is the construction of an experimental device based on eCE working as a heat pump that operates at peak performance and that would be eco-friendly. Indeed, a rotary two-dimensional model based on finite element method was developed to couple with the device during its realization. The device has been virtually tested while mounting various elastocaloric effect materials to examine and select the ones resulting most suitable both from energetical and environmental points of view. The evaluation of the environmental impact has been perpetuated through a TEWI analysis comparing the indexes of the elastocaloric prototype operating with different elastocaloric materials (Ni 50.8 Ti 49.2 , Ni 55.9 Ti 44.1 , Ni 45 Ti 47.2 Cu 5 V 2.75 , (Ni 50 Mn 31.5 Ti 18.5) 99.8 B 0.2 and PbTiO 3) and a vapor compression heat pump (A ++/ A +) working with HFC32. The analysis was perpetuated for both the functioning modes: cooling and heating modes. The most remarkable data on the analysis is that only Ni 55.92 Ti 44.08 and (Ni 50 Mn 31.5 Ti 18.5) 99.8 B 0.2 provide a significant reduction of the environmental impact (−50/−60 %) appropriately selecting the operative conditions (air velocity ranging from 9 to 12 ms−1 and cycle frequency 0.4 ÷ 0.5 Hz). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Countries' participation in green Framework Programmes enhances green competitiveness. • Domestic green innovation positively moderate the impact of international green collaboration on green exports. • Network policies should be combined with innovation policies. This paper studies the impact of environmental research networks on green exports by providing a unique contribution to the studies on the role of collaborative innovation for international competitiveness. Specifically, we adopt the technology gap model of international trade to study the impact of green innovation and the participation in European environmental research programs on green exports for 26 European countries over the period 2003 - 2015. We find that both environmental innovation and research networks positively impact on green exports and that they have a complementary effect that highlights the importance of green absorptive capacity. Moreover, all institutional sectors involved in the networks (firms, universities and public research centers) matter for green competitiveness, with universities playing a major role for institutional complementarities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the carbon emission impact of pickup points in last-mile parcel delivery. Pickup points provide customers and delivery companies with an alternative to attended home delivery. The delivery company can drop a parcel off at the pickup point, such as a service desk in a grocery store or a parcel locker, from where the customer collects the parcel. Because of the potential efficiency gains for the delivery vehicle, pickup points are often presented as a sustainable alternative to home delivery. The efficiency gains for the delivery vehicle need to be weighed against customers traveling to the pickup point by car, however. The mathematical analysis presented in this paper integrates continuous approximation techniques to assess the potential for improved delivery route efficiency with multinomial logistic regression for estimating the travel distance and mode choice of customers collecting their parcels. The results challenge the suggestion that pickup points are a universally sustainable alternative to home delivery. The potential for a net positive carbon emission impact is greatest when pickup points are established in urban settings, while in rural settings, the carbon emission benefits derived from improved delivery route efficiency are quickly offset by the carbon footprint associated with customer travel. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of clean energy has made the green finance market attractive to investors, but existing studies lack an analysis of the impact of uncertain environmental shocks on the volatility of green finance stocks. This paper focuses on the impact of major events on clean energy stock returns by using a mixed-frequency model. Specifically, to identify asymmetric effects and extreme information spillovers, we construct extreme positive returns/positive returns and extreme negative returns/negative returns, respectively. The in-sample findings suggest that asymmetric effects and extreme shocks contain valid information about future clean energy stock price volatility. The out-of-sample analysis shows that the extended model can successfully predict the volatility of clean energy stock markets. More importantly, the extended model can generate predictive gains from both statistical and economic aspects. This study can provide a reference for implementing and adjusting energy policies, which is important for optimizing the energy structure and developing the green energy industry. • This paper investigates the performance of the extended GARCH-MIDAS model. • Extreme shocks have different effects on the clean energy stock markets volatility. • The model with long and short-term extreme shocks has better predictive power. • The predictability of extreme shocks is robust by several robustness checks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has enriched modern life, but their increasing ubiquity raises concerns about environmental impact. To address this, comprehensive Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of IoT products, which have historically been manual, costly, and time-consuming, are vital. Noting the recurring nature of core components in IoT devices, such as CPUs and sensors, we propose to use graphs and machine learning to simplify and scale LCA estimations for IoT products. This paper introduces a novel approach to representing IoT devices as graphs with specific component characteristics and interconnections. Applied to a preliminary dataset of smart home IoT devices, the methodology unveils insights into structural similarities using a composite kernel approach. This initial phase lays the groundwork for the machine learning component. The integration of machine learning planned as part of ongoing research, provides a pathway for efficient and timely ecological assessments, ensuring that the rapid growth of IoT aligns with sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cogeneration of power and hydrogen plant driven by clean solar energy is developed, analyzed and optimized in this paper. For hydrogen production in the suggested plant, a thermochemical cycle with Vanadium–Chlorine (VCl) working pair is integrated with parabolic trough collectors and an auxiliary heater to provide the required temperature level. For power generation, however, an organic Rankine cycle is applied to generate electricity from extra heat which is not utilized in VCl thermochemical cycle. For performance improvement of developed cogeneration framework, nanoparticles are applied for enhancing thermal behavior of collector field. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to determine system performance enhancement with nanufluid as compared to basefluid case in thermal loop of collectors. Thermodynamic investigations paying more attention on exergy evaluations are carried out along with economic considerations to assess system performance. Furthermore, to address the proposed plant's environmental impacts, the overall plant's performance and carbon dioxide emission reduction are estimated. Parametric appraisal is implemented to specify operating factor impacts on power and hydrogen production and unit cost of product. Also, multi-objective optimization is performed based on cost and efficiency indices. It is found that, addition of nanoparticles to basefluid can enhance system performance roughly by 3 − 5 %. The nanofluid based framework attains efficiency of 40.16% and unit product cost of 39.93 $/GJ under optimum conditions. Finally, based on the findings of the environmental impact analysis, the designed system in cogeneration mode was able to mitigate CO 2 emissions by 1173 kg/h. • Parabolic trough solar collectors are coupled with thermochemical hydrogen production. • Nanoparticles are used to enhance thermal performance of solar loop. • Improvement of 3–5% is found with nanoparticles' utilization on overall system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Environmental and economic impacts of e-waste recycling are reviewed. • Non-LCA studies have focused relatively less on the potential to change climate. • Economic impact studies rarely consider social costs. • Barriers from social, technological, and behavioral perspectives are discussed. • Solutions are proposed to encourage proper environmental and economic impact analysis. The surge in information and communication technology devices, along with electronic vehicles, has led to an undesirable output: a considerable amount of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste poses environmental risks yet also contains recoverable valuable materials, including precious metals and rare earth elements. As such, the recycling of e-waste offers both environmental and economic benefits. Nevertheless, a substantial portion of e-waste remains unprocessed through official recycling channels, even in regions with stringent regulations like the European Union, where approximately 75% of e-waste is not properly managed. Moreover, the economic feasibility of recycling e-waste remains uncertain, necessitating an ongoing assessment to devise effective strategies. While numerous reviews have explored the environmental impacts of e-waste, comprehensive studies examining the economic implications are limited. This paper presents a critical and systematic review of 159 studies that evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of e-waste recycling. A structured search technique was employed, utilizing 216 keyword combinations to identify relevant studies. Research on environmental impacts has shown a lack of methodological diversity. In particular, non-LCA studies show a lack of focus on energy consumption and the potential for climate change. In addition, a significant number of environmental impact studies overlook economic impacts. Within economic analyses, it has been observed that many studies do not consider costs, and social costs are rarely considered. The review discusses barriers to e-waste recycling from social, technological, and behavioral perspectives. Furthermore, the paper discusses policy measures, financial incentives, and technical advancements to address these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic chromium pollution in soil is widespread, which aroused intensive research in recent decades. In mainstream research, most studies use materials with a reducing ability to adsorb and reduce hexavalent chromium. However, comprehensive analyses and systematic verifications of these different materials are scarce. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis of relevant papers published from 2013 to October 2024 to compare and analyze the performance and usage conditions of some common materials, such as iron-based materials, mineral inorganic materials, organic materials, and layered double hydroxide materials. We synthesized 31 papers for 186 pairwise comparisons and selected the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) as the appropriate effect size for mean-to-mean comparisons. Fe-based materials had the most stable performance based on its numerous data support, while organic materials had the worst performance. The difference in performance between inorganic mineral materials was the greatest, which was closely related to the selection of components. The difference in the effectiveness of inorganic materials was the greatest, which was closely related to the selection of components and there was room for further improvement. Through further analysis of the impact of environmental factors on material performance, it can be concluded that the effect of the material was better under alkaline, non-sandy, low organic matter, and high CEC soil conditions. [Display omitted] • A meta-analysis was conducted on the immobilization materials for soil Cr remediation. • The efficacies and influencing factors of the materials were analyzed and compared. • Performance sequence followed as LDH > Fe-based > inorganic > organic materials. • Fe-based materials had the most stable performance for soil remediation. • Good remediation conditions were pH > 10, non-sandy, low OM, and high CEC soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Critical challenge in developing countries. • Limitations of demand flexibility. • Innovative multi-strategy approach with community engagement. • Quantified benefits and sensitivity analysis. Electricity shortage remains a critical challenge in developing countries striving to achieve the United Nations' universal electricity access goal by 2030. Limited fuel availability and limited funds for renewable energy investments, while demand flexibility is implemented to regulate electricity access, it faces limitations due to voluntary participation, rotating load-shedding schedules, and lack of electrification in certain communities. This research paper proposes a multi-strategy approach as an alternative solution by scheduling essential appliances and optimizing power flow in distribution grids. The article aims at community engagement and utility collaboration to improve electricity access. This paper proposes a multi-strategy framework for regulating social organization and utility operations, and attaining energy conservation, efficiency, and incentives. Optimization tool is developed to extend benefits of optimal scheduling of end user devices under power supply shortage, uncertainty of demand and grid operational codes, using multiple strategies regarding to consumers' fairness of electricity access in a community, and maximum electricity access per customer and region. Such strategies are also compared with the case of customized appliance priority of preference. The results demonstrate that energy efficiency and economic sustainability indices can achieve 94 % and 29.5 % improvement, respectively, compared to conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper takes the community electricity trading market with multiple prosumers participating at the distribution network level as the research object, fully considering the impact of the psychological gap effect of prosumers on system operation from a micro-perspective, and proposes a distributed electricity market trading mechanism based on the Stackelberg game, which in order to provide new ideas for the improvement and optimization of the distribution-side electricity market trading system, and the core findings of the paper are as follows:. • The trading mechanism proposed in this paper could better schedule translatable loads and energy storage units, reduce the fluctuation amplitude of the load curve while performing peak cutting and valley filling, stimulate the flexibility of user-side resources, and ensure the stability of system operation. • The trading mechanism proposed in this paper could obtain more evidence-based and reasonable prices for purchasing and selling electricity within the region, ensuring that the distribution network operator could obtain considerable profits while effectively improving the profits of prosumers, which is conducive to improving the economic efficiency of system operation. • In terms of the impact of the gap effect on the energy utility and profits of prosumers, the larger the gap effect coefficient (prosumers are more sensitive to expected deviations), the lower their electricity utility and overall profits, and when the individual electricity utility and overall profits of prosumers are too low, they may withdraw from market transactions. Therefore, government departments could implement policies, such as providing subsidies and adjusting taxes, to further stimulate the enthusiasm of prosumers to participate in distributed market transactions. With the large-scale customer-side development of distributed energy and continuous advancements in power market reform, the market-oriented trading of distributed power generation with the participation of prosumers has gradually become an important solution to promote the consumption of distributed energy. In addition, prosumers exhibit obvious bounded rationality characteristics; therefore, the design of efficient and reasonable trading mechanisms determines the efficiency of the market. From this perspective, a distributed electricity market trading mechanism based on the Stackelberg game is proposed for the community electricity trading market, with multiple prosumers participating in the distribution side. Firstly, the trading architecture of the community electricity market was established under the distribution network level. Secondly, the pricing strategy of the distribution network operator and the quantitative strategy of community prosumers were analysed; on this basis, the characteristics of the bounded rationality of prosumers were considered, and the impact of the psychological gap effect of prosumers on their energy utility was introduced into the objective function of prosumers. This facilitated the construction of a Stackelberg game model in which distribution network operators lead and community prosumers follow. Thirdly, the Stackelberg equilibrium was proven to exist and be unique, which was then solved by the distributed algorithm – combining the evolutionary algorithm and quadratic programming – which improves the solution efficiency and effectively protects the privacy of prosumers. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed trading mechanism were verified through numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a case of environmental conflict caused by a corn-based bioethanol plant in Argentina- one of the world's most important agro-industrial economies. The aim is to illustrate how epistemic inequality is a transversal aspect of environmental injustice. Many of the environmental impacts of this production have been denounced by the affected peoples living next to the plant, which functions in a densely populated area. Their knowledges about health, air pollution and the risk of explosions have been systematically excluded from legal proceedings and policy-making in the case. Additionally, they have demanded the intervention of public universities and research centers in the case, but instead the scientific sector has offered its capacities to advance the agro-industrial complex rather than research the damages and risks made to environmental and human health. Thus, these peoples seem to be confined to a "sacrifice zone" where the protection of the rights to health and a clean environment are systematically violated, along with the denial of their status of legitimate knowers. This paper describes situations in which the knowledge of those affected is disregarded and/or excluded in the process of evidence-making. It also makes visible the co-responsibility of the scientific community in this case regarding the inequality between "production" and "impact" science related to the environmental sustainability of bioethanol. The empirical data of the case is presented within an Environmental/Epistemic Justice and STS framework. In order to overcome the devastating effects of agro-industrial sacrifice zones, this work contributes to the reflection on the interconnectedness of environmental sciences, affected people's knowledge, and politics. • Bioethanol facilities located in populated neighborhoods harm people's health. • Community epidemiology show cases of multiple chemical sensitivity and genotoxicity. • Affected people's knowledges are hardly validated for evidence- making in face of judicial expertise errors. • Public research resources are mostly allocated to bioethanol production science. • Health and environmental impacts of bioethanol production are scarcely studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results in the field of materials engineering, and they are related to recycling of paper production waste sludge particles at amounts of 10 wt% and 20 wt% in tall oil polyol-based rigid polyurethane foam with and without tris (1-chloro 2-propyl) phosphate flame retardant. The impact of both systems on physical and mechanical properties, thermal stability, fire resistance and ignitability is studied. Paper production waste sludge particles filled rigid polyurethane foams display better fire performance thus resulting into reduction of the emission of CO 2 and CO as well as reduction in average heat release rate. Scanning electron microscopy has shown that paper waste sludge particles and tris (1-chloro 2-propyl) phosphate together act systematically, and synergism between two materials may be observed. It is as well determined that paper production waste sludge particles reduce thermal conductivity by approx. 15% for polyurethane foam with paper production waste sludge particles and by approx. 13% for polyurethane foam with paper production waste sludge particles and conventional flame retardant. Moreover, the substitution of tris (1-chloro 2-propyl) phosphate, petroleum based polyol and hydroflurocarbons with 10 wt% and 20 wt% of PPWS particles, tall oil polyol and water reduces carbon dioxide emission by 60.8% and 39.6%, respectively, contributing to cleaner production of rigid polyurethane foam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slaughterhouses are significant industrial water users, ranking second highest in the livestock processing sector, and a potential pollution source for water bodies due to effluent discharge. This paper uses the wastewater composition of an actual slaughterhouse and models three alternative scenarios for the wastewater management; no treatment and discharge, primary treatment and discharge, and tertiary treatment followed by partial water reuse. All three scenarios are assessed in terms of their environmental performance following a Life Cycle Assessment, by using the Environmental Footprint 3.0 method. The results revealed that the best scenario for the slaughterhouse wastewater treatment is the third scenario with an overall footprint of 0.255 milliEcopoints (mPt), compared to 2.45 mPt and 1.31 mPt of the first and the second scenario, respectively. [Display omitted] • Three alternative scenarios for slaughterhouse wastewater treatment are assessed. • Primary treatment includes coagulation, flocculation and dissolved air flotation. • Tertiary treatment also includes membrane bioreactor and advanced oxidation process. • Tertiary treatment reduces the overall environmental impact by 47–90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Energetic and exergetic analysis of a TC-HTHP cycle configurations. • Gas-cooler pinch point analysis of a TC-HTHP cycle. • Environmental impact of operating a TC-HTHP within an industrial process. • HC-600 (Butane) demonstrated the highest VHC values and, therefore, the smallest size of compressor. Sub-critical mechanically driven industrial heat pump technologies have gained momentum in recent years with systems capable of supplying temperatures up to 150°C. Extending the operating envelope using heat pump technologies to and beyond 200°C requires an innovative shift towards transcritical techniques to meet the demands of a broader range of industrial processes. Transcritical high-temperature heat pumps (TC-HTHPs) pose many technical and operational challenges requiring research and development to evaluate operational performance. This paper assesses the feasibility of operating a HTHP system to achieve 200°C heat sink temperatures using suitable low GWP refrigerants. The work investigates three different TC-HTHP cycle configurations using a steady-state theoretical model to compare and evaluate energetic, exergetic and environmental performance. In addition, cycle performances for this study are obtained at the optimum pressure for the gas cooler in which the maximum COPs are achieved. The results reveal that the basic cycle with dual internal heat exchanger (IHX) was the most efficient configuration, with HFO-514A and HFO-1234ze(Z) refrigerants identified as the most promising candidates for TC-HTHP systems. Configurations employing HCFO-1233zd(E) exhibited a trade-off between high energetic and exergetic efficiency while providing an A1 safety group classification. A pinch point analysis of the gas cooler demonstrated the need to optimise the overall length to achieve increased operational performance at very high glide temperatures. An evaluation of the environmental impact identified reductions in TEWI value by up to 20 % for the refrigerants tested over HFC-245fa. This study provides a basis for future practical activities of TC-HTHPs using eco-friendly candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Environmental performances of plastic bag and alternatives are assessed in China. • Multi-regional scenarios are evaluated considering the uneven waste management. • Overall, HDPE plastic bags cause the lowest environmental impacts. • Using alternatives will induce the largest GWP changes in Henan and Hebei. • Introducing alternatives requires systematic thinking especially waste disposal. Single-use plastics (SUPs) have been the focus of plastic pollution control, and limiting their use while shifting to other alternatives have been widely promoted in various countries. This study tries to verify the life cycle environmental performances of single-use plastic bag and its alternatives under different scenarios in real world. China is chosen as case study, where provincial variability is prominent in waste disposal, and strictest plastics ban has issued lately in this worldwide biggest market. The study found that HDPE plastic bags have relatively lowest environmental footprints regarding to Acidification Potential, Global Warming Potential, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Eutrophication Potential, Fossil Fuel Depletion Potential and Water Use. Sticking to current waste treatment, large-scale promotion of degradable products will increase environmental impacts by 1.4–22.6 times nationwide. Xinjiang has highest impact of using plastic bag at household level, due to its long-distance transport and high landfill ratio. Henan and Hebei will trigger the most significant changes in Global Warming Potential of 4.6 and 4.4 times if single-use plastic bags are all replaced with other alternatives. Uncertainty and sensitivity test further prove the robustness of results, and extends geographical implications of the findings. These suggest that introduction of new alternatives requires systematic deployment with full life cycle thinking, and SUPs pollution control should be a holistic transformation. Reducing bag weight while ensuring carrying capacity, purchasing local products to shorten transportation distances and shifting towards cleaner energy sources are synergetic ways to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The centrifugal slip casting method presented in the paper is used to form ceramic sleeves with a good shape representation, eliminating material losses in machining or other forms of mechanical treatment that could be necessary when other moulding methods with a poorer shape representation are used. Sleeves developed this way can be used as system components to transport aggressive substances under elevated pressure and temperature conditions. To confirm the functionality of the sleeves prepared with the method, Al 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 , and composite components of ZTA were characterised for acid-base behavior, phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical strength. The tests confirmed the formation of expected gradient structures for ZTA composites. It results in the generation of components with improved flexural and torsional strength compared to non-gradient ZTA composites with the same Al 2 O 3 to ZrO 2 ratio. Applying a smaller quantity of ZrO 2 should bring a positive economic effect, considering its high price. The analysis of accompanying environmental impacts was carried out for developed materials along with the lifecycle analysis. The paper describes a reduced waste generation method for making components for aggressive substance transportation systems. The present paper presents characteristics of materials for their resistance to factors under working conditions, demonstrating their durability and potential to reduce waste related to the operation of such system types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel approach for modelling subsidence induced by fluid extraction from coal seams. • Transient groundwater and subsidence models are linked. • Coal shrinkage induced by gas desorption can significantly impact subsidence. Several coal seams are contained within the formations of Great Artesian Basin (GAB), the largest natural underground water reservoir in Australia and the world. The extraction of coal seam gas (CSG) and its associated water from thousands of wells within the coal measures of the GAB has led to tens of millimetres of subsidence in CSG development areas. Since highly developed farming systems located in these areas rely on very low slope landforms, even this scale of subsidence has caused significant community concern about the potential for CSG extraction to impair farming operations and productivity through changes in land slope and drainage. Coal seam compaction associated with dewatering and gas extraction has two key components: poromechanical compaction and desorption-induced bulk shrinkage. The former results from pore pressure depletion (due to dewatering and gas extraction) and an increase of vertical effective stress, while the latter is induced by gas desorption from the coal matrix, leading to further deformation. While poromechanical compaction of fluid-bearing formations has been extensively addressed in the literature, relatively little research has been conducted on the role of coal shrinkage in CSG-induced subsidence. This paper introduces an innovative practical modelling approach for assessing CSG-induced subsidence at a subregional/regional scale. The approach utilises an analytical model for CSG-induced subsidence derived from constitutive stress–strain relations for poroelastic-sorptive media. This is a novel approach in the context of CSG-induced subsidence which considers both poromechanical compaction and desorption-induced shrinkage. A further distinction to previous work is the integration of the geomechanical-sorptive subsidence model with a numerical groundwater model. Based on this approach, this paper examines the effect of coal shrinkage on subsidence, and its proportions with respect to total compaction for one of the major coal measures in the Surat Basin. Input data are derived from three-dimensional geological, geomechanical, and groundwater models, as well as methane adsorption and desorption reports. Results show that (a) the impact of coal shrinkage on CSG-induced subsidence is likely to be significant in the study area and (b) the contribution of coal shrinkage to CSG-induced subsidence depends on gas content, Langmuir isotherm, shrinkage strain parameters, and the saturation state of coal. This study provides important insights into CSG-induced subsidence and lays the foundation for the development of robust, efficient, and localised predictive models to support environmental impact assessment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic waste management, particularly addressing the challenges of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, has become increasingly urgent in the face of escalating environmental concerns. This paper critically examines glycolysis-based PET recycling, focusing on its potential as a promising solution. Despite its lightweight properties and cost-effectiveness advantages, PET waste poses multifaceted challenges, including contaminant removal, scale-up hurdles, and economic viability. Catalyst optimization and maintaining end-product quality are crucial for enhancing recycling efficiency and market acceptance. Moreover, this review underscores the importance of environmental impact assessments and regulatory compliance in guiding sustainable waste management practices. To overcome infrastructure limitations and foster global collaboration, concerted efforts are needed to educate consumers and facilitate international cooperation. By addressing these challenges, glycolysis-based PET recycling holds promise in mitigating plastic pollution and promoting a circular economy. The paper highlights recent advancements in glycolysis-based PET recycling and examines potential applications for the resultant product, Bis HydroxyEthl Terephthalate (BHET). [Display omitted] ● PET plastic waste poses a major environmental challenge. ● Glycolysis shows promise in PET recycling for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. ● Optimizing catalysts and product quality is vital for recycling efficiency and market acceptance. ● Glycolysis challenges highlight the need for consumer education and global collaboration. ● Ongoing R&D is crucial to optimize processes, boost catalyst efficiency, and scale chemical recycling for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas are increasingly adopting the tool of urban food policies (UFPs) to address food-related challenges, especially for a sustainable transition of their food systems (FS). Indeed, FS were assessed to have a great environmental impact, and cities are recognized as privileged actors to address this challenge. More recently, the problem of justice in such transition was raised. One dimension of vulnerability proven to crosscut all FS stages, and to increase exposure to climate change effects, is gender. However, literature on just food transition and UFPs does not seem to always consider this dimension of potential vulnerability. This paper firstly elaborates on the concept of "just food transition" (JFT), then presents relevant literature on gender differences in FS to argue that interventions aimed at JFT should apply gender mainstreaming. Later, it analyzes twenty relevant cases of UFPs to assess whether they consider gender differences, with the aim of demonstrating that, although theory seems to prove its relevance, a gender mainstreaming approach is still widely lacking from policy practice and rather some policies risk to reinforce existing gender stereotypes related to the FS. The paper ends with conclusions and suggestions for further research. • Gender differences have been proven to exist throughout all stages of the food system. • Just food transition literature tends to overlook implications of gender differences. • A gender mainstreaming approach is widely lacking from urban food policies. • The urban food policies of Zaragoza and Barcelona are innovative in their attention to gender differences in urban matters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, biomass is gaining a position as a renewable energy source. Considering its availability, India is a biomass-rich country and the second-largest sugarcane producer in the world. However, shifting towards biofuel and its strategic implementation requires thorough analysis. This paper gives a detailed analysis and case studies associated with fuel blending and its environmental impacts. It proposes a novel strategy for achieving the Indian government's target of 20 % ethanol blending with petrol from sugarcane. This paper provides the modalities to decide on the proportion of sugarcane juice and, B molasses and C molasses to be used for making ethanol. Additionally, the life cycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions is worked out. The paper uses stoichiometry relation to obtain the carbon imprint for different cases, and the results show that the carbon emission can be reduced to a more considerable extent with the proposed strategies. • Biomass is a renewable source of energy which can help for emission reduction. • The fuel blending can bring an impact on emission reduction. • Sugarcane is the major source for producing ethanol in India. • The Government of India has target to achieve 20 % ethanol blending by 2025–26. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The annual market demand for disposable baby diapers exceeds 20 billion units (690 kt) in the European Union (EU). Almost 40,000 disposable diapers are used every minute, producing 1.3 t/min (dry weight) of waste. Based on the estimates in this work, this requires 90.3 PJ of primary energy and emits 2.7 Mt CO 2 eq. annually. In an attempt to reduce resource, waste and environmental impacts associated with diapers, this paper focuses on novel design and manufacture of disposable baby diapers. This involves using optimised absorbent core and novel bonding technologies to replace conventional gluing of diaper materials. Life cycle assessment has been performed to compare the environmental performance of these new diapers, here termed "glueless", with standard designs. The annual resource consumption and environmental impacts of glueless diapers have been estimated at different production levels: a single production platform, an industrial plant, a country (Italy) and the EU, taking into account different production volumes, electricity mixes and waste management options. Different market penetration scenarios have been considered to determine potential environmental implications at the EU level by 2020. The results reveal that glueless diapers reduce the consumption of raw materials by 23% (9.2 g/diaper), primary energy demand by 25% (752 kJ/diaper) and global warming potential by 10% (10.4 g CO 2 eq./diaper) compared to the standard diapers. They also have more than 50% lower eutrophication, ozone depletion and human and eco-toxicity. Up to 16 PJ primary energy and 191,000 t CO 2 eq. would be saved annually in the EU by using glueless diapers. The cumulative savings would amount to 47 PJ and 566,000 t CO 2 eq. by 2020. The annual consumption of raw materials at the EU level would be reduced by 196,000 t with cumulative savings of up to 584,000 t by 2020, also reducing the equivalent amount of waste from the disposal of diapers. Consequently, glueless diapers can contribute to meeting the energy, climate and resource efficiency goals specified in the EU 2020 strategy. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Novel design and manufacture of "glueless" disposable baby diapers is considered. • Glueless diapers save 23% of materials and 25% of energy relative to standard type. • Most life cycle impacts are reduced by >50% and global warming potential by 10%. • Up to 584,000 t of waste and 566,000 t of CO 2 eq. can be saved by 2020. • Glueless diapers can help meet the EU energy, resource and climate change targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pulp and paper manufacturing sector constitutes one of the largest industry segments in the world in terms of water and energy usage as well as of significant use and release of chemicals and combustion products. Since its chief feedstock –wood fiber– is renewable, this industry can play an important role in sustainable development, becoming an example of how a resource can be managed to provide a sustained supply to meet society's current and future needs. This calls for a thorough assessment of environmental costs and impacts associated to pulp and paper operations, including both direct and indirect inputs supporting the whole papermaking process as well as the main outputs, co-products and by-products. By means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, this paper aims at assessing the environmental sustainability of the pulp and paper production so as to identify those phases across the whole supply chain that entail the highest environmental loads, thus requiring improvements. To determine the environmental impacts as accurately as possible, the manufacturing stages performed in the pulp and paper mill complex of Stora Enso Oyj Veitsiluoto Mills at Kemi, Northern Finland, were taken as a model and assessed by means of the SimaPro 8 LCA software, utilizing ReCiPe Midpoint (H) method for the impact assessment. As expected, most of the resulting impacts are caused by the industrial production phase. The production processes of pulp and paper jointly affect all the investigated impact categories with the highest shares, ranging from 50% of generated impacts on water depletion up to 88% on freshwater eutrophication. Generally, the main contributions to environmental loads come from the electricity and heat requirements and, only at a minor extent, from the use of chemicals such as the sodium hydroxide and sodium chlorate. In particular, pulp production process generates the main loads on global warming (46% of the total impacts), ozone depletion (39%), freshwater eutrophication (55%), human toxicity (46%), metal depletion (42%) and fossil depletion (46%). In the remaining investigated impact categories, namely terrestrial acidification, photochemical oxidant formation and terrestrial ecotoxicity, most of impacts derive from the use of optical brighteners and fillers in the final steps of paper production and from the intensive consumption of water in the recycling step of end-of-life affecting water depletion. Moreover, the implementation of measures for material and energy efficiency in the assessed system, such as the use of renewable energy generated in situ from black liquor and residual biomass to support the requirements of the integrated pulp and paper mills and the waste paper recycling, resulted to be crucial in lowering the environmental burdens. In particular, the partial fulfillment of electricity and heat requirements by means of a circular use of residues within the system leads to a noteworthy reduction of impacts in all the investigated impact categories, up to more than 70% in global warming and fossil depletion potentials, thus contributing to higher process sustainability compared with other averaged European systems for paper production. The obtained research results are a valuable source of management information for the decision makers, at both company and national levels, with the aim to improve the environmental performance of pulp and paper industry. Highlights • A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of papermaking in Finland was performed. • The main environmental hotspots in each process step were identified and discussed. • Energy and material efficiency solutions leads to a noteworthy reduction of impacts. • Pulp and paper industry is a benchmark model to transition towards a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic structures can be a promising place for tidal energy extraction due to the high flow velocities, easy access to the power grid and easy access for maintenance. However, quantification of the impacts of a tidal power plant in a hydraulic structure is not straight forward. In 2015 a pilot plant consisting of an array of five Tocardo tidal turbines was installed in the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands. This pilot was accompanied by monitoring studies to verify that the operation of the plant had no adverse impact on the barrier and its surroundings. This paper presents the assessment of the hydraulic impact of the tidal power plant in the storm surge barrier based on an analysis of water level and current measurements, combined with numerical modeling and followed by an assessment of the environmental impact with emphasis on the effects on the intertidal areas in the estuary. This validation approach by a pilot plant is imperative to understand the interaction between tidal turbines and the hydraulic structure on the local scale. This understanding gives extra credibility to the predictions of the extrapolated large-scale and large array assessments which will always be fully numerical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oscillating-water-column (OWC) system is one of the most developed wave energy conversion technologies, and several prototypes have been deployed and tested on the sea. Noise emission is essential to this technology's long-term environmental impact assessment. The power take-off system of an OWC comprises a self-rectifying air turbine that directly drives an electrical generator. The paper compares the noise emission of a biradial turbine with that of a Wells turbine. The noise emission of the biradial turbine was measured at the Instituto Superior Técnico variable-flow test rig, while the Wells turbine data were collected in the literature. Acoustic measurement procedures followed the guidelines of the ISO 3746 Standard. A definition of specific noise level is used to compare the noise emission from geometrically similar air turbines or other air turbines performing the same duty. The results show that the noise levels of the biradial turbine are significantly lower than those of the Wells turbine at off-design conditions for the same pneumatic power. • Methodology for measuring noise emission from air turbines. • Experimental characterisation of the acoustic emission of a biradial turbine. • Use of a specific noise level to compare air turbines. • Comparison of noise emission of a biradial turbine with a Wells turbine. • Wells turbines are significantly noisier than biradial turbines at off-design conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a decision support tool that analyzes the environmental and social impacts of infrastructure projects. This paper focuses on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a law requiring EIA use in California, to examine where new infrastructure is proposed and whether EIA can shape infrastructure distribution and environmental justice through the review process. We analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of more than 7000 infrastructure projects and their environmental impacts as proposed under CEQA from 2011 to 2020. Using fixed-effects negative binomial regression to model the association between the number of initiated projects and existing socioeconomic and environmental conditions by census tract, and multinomial logistic regression to investigate determinants of a project's level of environmental review, we find an unequal distribution of infrastructure. We find that socio-economically vulnerable communities and those with greater burden of environmental pollution are less likely to be the site of newly proposed infrastructure, but that proposed projects tend to be beneficial, less-polluting infrastructure like parks or schools that could help redress past injustices. Moreover, projects proposed in vulnerable communities are less likely to receive the most stringent reviews or have their impacts mitigated. These findings suggest that CEQA interacts with distributive justice in contradictory ways. They also highlight the need to separately consider environmental amenities versus harms such that EIA processes do not stand as a barrier to constructing beneficial infrastructure in environmental justice communities. • New and upgraded infrastructure helps overcome historic distributional injustices burdening poor, minority communities. • In California, new infrastructure is proposed less often in socioeconomically vulnerable and more polluted neighborhoods. • California's environmental impact assessment (EIA) law is inconsistently addressing distributional justice. • Projects proposed in less vulnerable communities likely receive more stringent EIA reviews and have their impacts mitigated. • EIA is not designed to consider environmental amenities and may limit beneficial infrastructure from redressing past harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 5th Asia Partnership Conference of Regenerative Medicine (APACRM) was held online on April 7, 2022 to promote regulatory harmonization of regenerative medicine products throughout Asia. The recognition of domestic regulatory guidelines within each country and region and the underpinning rationales are important initial steps toward the harmonization of regulations. The 5th APACRM featured open dialog regarding non-clinical, quality and environmental impact assessment settings for cell and gene therapy products through presentations from the industry and panel discussions with regulatory agencies. The latest updates on regenerative medicine fields in each country and region were also introduced. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the 5th APACRM for public dissemination to foster future discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assessment of the environmental aspects related to the life cycle of disposable baby diapers in Europe is presented in this paper with the aim of analysing recent improvements and identifying key environmental areas on which to focus in order to further decrease impacts. Average products available on the European market in recent years have been modelled and evaluated from “cradle to grave”. Results point out the importance of materials in the definition of the environmental profile of the product. These are followed by the end of life for some impact categories, while the contribution of manufacturing, packaging and transport to the overall LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) results seems of minor relevance. Significant environmental improvements at European level have been achieved in recent years through the design of lighter products and the introduction of superabsorbent polymers. Careful selection and use of materials at the design stage could allow life cycle impacts of products to be further decreased, while ensuring that human health and environmental risks are controlled and that functionality and performance requirements are fulfilled. Indeed, potential malfunctioning of products would result in increasing consumption. Resource efficiency is also important at the manufacturing level to optimise the demand for materials and limit waste production. Special forms of treatment at the end of life stage of the product could instead require significant structural changes of the waste management system. The outcomes of this paper could be applied to support the design and environmental labelling of disposable baby diapers for promoting the production and consumption of product options characterised by lower environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern lifestyles have popularised the use of food containers, also known as food savers or Tupperware. However, their environmental impacts are currently unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper presents the first comprehensive assessment of the life cycle environmental sustainability of reusable plastic and glass food savers and evaluates different options for improvements, focusing on European conditions. Taking a cradle-to-grave approach, the paper considers twelve environmental impacts, including global warming potential (GWP), acidification, eutrophication, human and ecotoxicities. The results suggest that, for example, the total GWP of using both types of food saver in the European Union (EU) amounts to 653 kt CO 2 eq./year, equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of Bermuda. The use stage is the main contributor to the impacts (>40%), related to the washing of containers. Glass food savers have 12%–64% higher impacts than the plastic and should have up to 3.5 times greater lifespan to match the environmental footprint of plastic containers. Three improvement scenarios have been considered at the EU level for the year 2020: low-carbon electricity mix; implementation of the EU eco-design regulation for dishwashers; and adoption of more resource-efficient hand dishwashing techniques. The results suggest that the implementation of all three improvement options would reduce the impacts by 12%–47%. The option with the greatest potential for reducing the impacts (12%–27%) is improved hand dishwashing to reduce the amount of water, energy and detergents used. Thus, policy makers and manufacturers should devise strategies to raise awareness and guide consumers in adopting these techniques with the aim of reducing the environmental impacts associated with reusable food savers used by millions of people worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the leading countries have already started mass scale electrical power production by renewable energy sources (RESs) to meet global net-zero emissions target. Harvesting RESs for electrical power generation has significant negative environmental impact which must be addressed before their full-fledged implementation. Crucial challenge of the scientist, as considered in this paper, is to supply electrical power with increasing future demand avoiding negative environmental impact as much as possible. In this context, correspondence of the adverse environmental impacts for utilizing RESs for the leading countries are focused on this paper as they are major stakeholders in this regard. State of the art, present status, prospects of various RES based power plants of the leading countries, forecasted capacity of installation, global potential, emission, required annual growth rate of utilizing RESs to meet the global net-zero emissions target, their environmental impacts considering comparative analysis of RES practices, and different government plans are discussed. It would be supportive to find out the possible sustainable solution to meet the future electricity demand with minimizing adverse environmental impact. [Display omitted] • Prospects of harvesting different RESs for electrical power generation are pointed out. • Analysis of environmental impacts for utilizing RESs is performed. • Forecast with time series analysis is illustrated to find the gap between the current progress and target. • Correspondence among the current installation, prospect, challenge, target, and forecast are depicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]