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Infrastructure resilience is a critical issue in arid regions due to the unpredictability of extreme rainfall events influenced by climate change. Accordingly, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in engineering solutions to address such climatic challenges is important. This study aims to review AI-based engineering solutions for infrastructure resilience in arid areas against extreme rainfall and most importantly critically analyzes their sustainability benefits. By evaluating existing AI-based engineering solutions, this research highlights how these technologies can contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and eventually aims to help set new standards in infrastructure resilience. The significance of this study lies in its potential to advance sustainable development goals by enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure and equipping arid regions with innovative solutions to withstand adverse weather conditions. Expected outcomes of this study are anticipated to provide pivotal insights for policymakers, engineers, and urban planners, promoting the adoption of intelligent, sustainable infrastructure practices that are in line with global sustainability targets. Finally, this research promotes the adoption of AI solutions in infrastructure resilience and lays the groundwork for future explorations in this field. Highlights: AI solutions can improve infrastructure resilience and resource management in arid regions with extreme rainfall events. Using AI solutions in arid regions with extreme rainfall events aligns with SDGs for sustainable, resilient development. The study promotes working to develop cost-effective AI solutions for arid region resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facile fabrication, low material complexity and closed‐loop recycling are essential for polymer plastics to alter their linear product economy towards a cradle‐to‐cradle one. Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are one way to achieve that, which intrinsically exhibit decent mechanical properties like the thermosets but could also be easily recycled like the thermoplastics. In this work, we introduce rigid ester structural motifs into dynamic poly(disulfide)s to form a series of dual polymer networks. Owning to the coherence of soft/rigid segments and the reversible sacrificial crosslinking, they exhibit tailorable mechanical properties and good resistance towards different chemicals. Their closed‐loop recycling is achieved via mild solvolysis, maintaining materials' mechanical integrities. It offers a solution as a sustainable replacement for engineering plastics which are massively under production but hard to be recycled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for sustainably produced bulk chemicals is constantly rising. Succinate serves as a fundamental component in various food, chemical, and pharmaceutical products. Succinate can be produced from sustainable raw materials using microbial fermentation and enzyme-based technologies. Bacteroides and Phocaeicola species, widely distributed and prevalent gut commensals, possess enzyme sets for the metabolization of complex plant polysaccharides and synthesize succinate as a fermentative end product. This study employed novel molecular techniques to enhance succinate yields in the natural succinate producer Phocaeicola vulgatus by directing the metabolic carbon flow toward succinate formation. The deletion of the gene encoding the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (Δmcm, bvu_0309-0310) resulted in a 95% increase in succinate production, as metabolization to propionate was effectively blocked. Furthermore, deletion of genes encoding the lactate dehydrogenase (Δldh, bvu_2499) and the pyruvate:formate lyase (Δpfl, bvu_2880) eliminated the formation of fermentative end products lactate and formate. By overproducing the transketolase (TKT, BVU_2318) in the triple deletion mutant, succinate production increased from 3.9 mmol/g dry weight in the wild type to 10.9 mmol/g dry weight. Overall, succinate yield increased by 180% in the new mutant strain P. vulgatus Δmcm Δldh Δpfl pG106_tkt relative to the parent strain. This approach is a proof of concept, verifying the genetic accessibility of P. vulgatus, and forms the basis for targeted genetic optimization. The increase of efficiency highlights the huge potential of P. vulgatus as a succinate producer with applications in sustainable bioproduction processes. Key points: • Deleting methylmalonyl-CoA mutase gene in P. vulgatus doubled succinate production • Triple deletion mutant with transketolase overexpression increased succinate yield by 180% • P. vulgatus shows high potential for sustainable bulk chemical production via genetic optimization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic engineering enables the sustainable and cost-efficient production of complex chemicals. Efficient production of terpenes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be achieved by recruiting an intermediate of the mevalonate pathway. The present study aimed to evaluate the engineering strategies of S. cerevisiae for the production of taxadiene, a precursor of taxol, an antineoplastic drug. Result: SCIGS22a, a previously engineered strain with modifications in the mevalonate pathway (MVA), was used as a background strain. This strain was engineered to enable a high flux towards farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and the availability of NADPH. The strain MVA was generated from SCIGS22a by overexpressing all mevalonate pathway genes. Combining the background strains with 16 different episomal plasmids, which included the combination of 4 genes: tHMGR (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase), ERG20 (farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase), GGPPS (geranyl diphosphate synthase) and TS (taxadiene synthase) resulted in the highest taxadiene production in S. cerevisiae of 528 mg/L. Conclusion: Our study highlights the critical role of pathway balance in metabolic engineering, mainly when dealing with toxic molecules like taxadiene. We achieved significant improvements in taxadiene production by employing a combinatorial approach and focusing on balancing the downstream and upstream pathways. These findings emphasize the importance of minor gene expression modification levels to achieve a well-balanced pathway, ultimately leading to enhanced taxadiene accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced manufacturing research for sustainable battery life cycles is of utmost importance to reach net zero carbon emissions (European Commission, 2023a) as well as several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), for example: 30% reduction of CO2 emission, 10 million job opportunities and access to electricity for 600 million people (World Economic Forum, 2019). This editorial paper highlights international motivations for pursuing more sustainable manufacturing practices and discusses key research topics in battery manufacturing. Batteries will be central to our sustainable future as generation and storage become key components to on-demand energy supply. Four underlying themes are identified to address industrial needs in this field: 1. Digitalizing and automating production capabilities: data-driven solutions for production quality, smart maintenance, automation, and human factors, 2. Human-centric production: extended reality for operator support and skills development, 3. Circular battery life cycles: circular battery systems supported by service-based and other novel business models, 4. Future topics for battery value chains: increased industrial resilience and transparency with digital product passports, and next-generation battery chemistries. Challenges and opportunities along these themes are highlighted for transforming battery value chains through circularity and more sustainable production, with a particular emphasis on lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The paper concludes with directions for further research to advance a circular and sustainable battery value chain through utilizing the full potential of digitalization realising a cleaner, more energy-efficient society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall is one of the remarkable hydrologic variables that is directly connected to the sustainable environment for any region over the globe. The present study aims to review different research papers on rainfall forecasting using artificial intelligence (AI) models including a bibliographic assessment of the most popular AI models and a comparison of the results based on the accuracy parameters. 39 journal papers, published in renowned international journals from 2000 to 2023, were studied extensively to categorize modeling techniques, best models, characteristics of input data, the period for the input variables, data division, and so forth. Although certain drawbacks still exist, the results of reviewed studies suggest that AI models may help simulate rainfall in various geographic locations. In some cases, the data splitting mechanism was delivered to the model itself so that the model accuracy gets improved. The recommendations from the reviewed papers will help future researchers fill the research gaps, especially tuning the hyperparameters while building the training models. Hybrid models were advised in some cases to minimize the gap between the simulated and the observed data. All recommendations from reviewed papers aimed to achieve a resilient rainfall forecasting model in the era of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Improvement of photosynthesis requires a thorough understanding of electron partitioning under both natural and strong electron sink conditions. We applied a wide array of state‐of‐the‐art biophysical and biochemical techniques to thoroughly investigate the fate of photosynthetic electrons in the engineered cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a blueprint for photosynthetic biotechnology, expressing the heterologous gene for ene‐reductase, YqjM. This recombinant enzyme catalyses the reduction of an exogenously added substrate into the desired product by utilising photosynthetically produced NAD(P)H, enabling whole‐cell biotransformation. Through coupling the biotransformation reaction with biophysical measurements, we demonstrated that the strong artificial electron sink, outcompetes the natural electron valves, the flavodiiron protein‐driven Mehler‐like reaction and cyclic electron transport. These results show that ferredoxin‐NAD(P)H‐oxidoreductase is the preferred route for delivering photosynthetic electrons from reduced ferredoxin and the cellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio as a key factor in orchestrating photosynthetic electron flux. These insights are crucial for understanding molecular mechanisms of photosynthetic electron transport and harnessing photosynthesis for sustainable bioproduction by engineering the cellular source/sink balance. Furthermore, we conclude that identifying the bioenergetic bottleneck of a heterologous electron sink is a crucial prerequisite for targeted engineering of photosynthetic biotransformation platforms. Significance Statement: We coupled the photosynthetic and biocatalytic (whole‐cell biotransformation) performance of model cyanobacteria. We employed a heterologous NAD(P)H utilising enzyme, as a strong artificial electron sink, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of photosynthetic electron partitioning. We demonstrated that the strong electron sink outcompetes natural electron sinks and cyclic electron transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically engineered cyanobacterial strains that have improved growth rate, biomass productivity, and metabolite productivity could be a better option for sustainable bio-metabolite production. The global demand for biobased metabolites with nutraceuticals and health benefits has increased due to their safety and plausible therapeutic and nutritional utility. Cyanobacteria are solar-powered green cellular factories that can be genetically tuned to produce metabolites with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical benefits. The present review discusses biotechnological endeavors for producing bioprospective compounds from genetically engineered cyanobacteria and discusses the challenges and troubleshooting faced during metabolite production. This review explores the cyanobacterial versatility, the use of engineered strains, and the techno-economic challenges associated with scaling up metabolite production from cyanobacteria. Challenges to produce cyanobacterial bioactive compounds with remarkable nutraceutical values have been discussed. Additionally, this review also summarises the challenges and future prospects of metabolite production from genetically engineered cyanobacteria as a sustainable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Environmental education (EE) has been extensively studied and promoted in Latin America, particularly in Colombia, through educational policies and regulations at all educational stages. While EE is well-established, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is gaining increasing global importance, especially with the advent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite this, there remains a lack of knowledge, application, and research of ESD within engineering programs in higher education. This study aims to explore these gaps and assess the acceptance of ESD compared to EE among engineering students in Colombia. Methods: A survey was conducted among 406 engineering students from eight universities in Colombia that offer undergraduate engineering programs. The survey included both Likert scale questions and open-ended questions. The objective was to measure students' knowledge and perception of ESD, identify the roots of EE within engineering programs, and evaluate the progressive integration of ESD in these curricula. Results: The results revealed the deep-rooted presence of EE in Colombian engineering programs and a gradual incorporation of ESD into these curricula. However, significant gaps were identified. The majority of students demonstrated limited knowledge of ESD and Sustainable Development (SD). Furthermore, there was a noticeable lack of academic areas or subjects within the engineering curriculum that specifically promote the knowledge and application of ESD. Students' responses also highlighted the unusual convergence between EE, a traditionally conservationist field, and ESD, which is more developmentoriented. Discussion: This research identifies several critical challenges faced by engineering education in Colombia. The limited awareness of ESD among students suggests a need for enhanced integration of sustainable development concepts within engineering curricula. The lack of academic subjects dedicated to ESD further exacerbates this issue. Based on these findings, a transition strategy is proposed to bridge the gap between EE and ESD in Colombian higher education. This strategy aims to provide a smoother transition and better integration of sustainable development principles within engineering programs, ultimately supporting the development of engineers equipped to address contemporary global challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xyloglucan oligosaccharides (XyGOs) are highly branched, complex carbohydrates with a variety of chemical and biotechnological applications. Due to the regular repeating pattern of sidechain substitution of the xyloglucan backbone, well-defined XyGOs are readily accessed for analytical and preparative purposes by specific hydrolysis of the polysaccharide with endo-glucanases. To broaden the application potential of XyGOs, we present here an optimized, scalable method to access large quantities of galactosylated XyGOs by treatment of the bulk agricultural by-product, tamarind kernel powder (TKP), with a highly specific endo-xyloglucanase at high-solids content. Subsequent β-galactosidase treatment reduced XyGO complexity to produce exclusively the branched heptasaccharide XXXG (Xyl3Glc4: [α-D-Xylp-(1 → 6)]-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-[α-D-Xylp-(1 → 6)]-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-[α-D-Xylp-(1 → 6)]-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-D-Glcp). The challenge of removing the co-product galactose was overcome by fermentation with baker's yeast, thereby avoiding chromatography and other fractionation steps to yield highly pure XXXG. This simplified approach employs many of the core concepts of green chemistry and engineering, enables facile production of 100 g quantities of XyGOs and XXXG for laboratory use, and serves as a guide to further production scale-up for applications, including as prebiotics, plant growth effectors and elicitors, and building blocks for glycoconjugate synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the ever-increasing demand for the continuous development of human society and carbon neutralization, biomass has been demonstrated to be a pluripotent and powerful alternative. Regardless of the low cost, natural abundance, renewability, and biodegradability of biomass, the role of its unique (bio)chemical features in contributing to the on-demand regulatable structure and widely applicable versatility of the products has sparked growing interest. Besides, sustainable production from biomass to smart materials is believed to be one of the key strategies to achieve the global goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This review will focus on the green engineering of diverse biomass feedstocks for different applications, and the proposed outline is as follows: First, renewable biomass feedstocks of different hierarchies are introduced. Second, green preparations of biomass-derived materials are systematically categorized from the viewpoint of the structural orientation of the biomass, and the correlation between the biomass's structural features and the sustainability assessments of the preparation process is also discussed. Third, the applications in electrochemical energy storage, biomedical engineering, electronics, and sensing which feature their smart functionality were comprehensively summarized. Fourth, the advantages and the limitations of biomass-derived materials are qualitatively evaluated. Finally, future prospects and directions on the sustainable production of materials with smart functionality from biomass will be presented. We endeavor to offer comparative and balanced views, as well as insights into which biomass is particularly advantageous for specific intelligent applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the transformative effects of incorporating Trinidad Lake asphalt (TLA), crumb rubber modifier (CRM), and the warm mix additive leadcap (LC) into petroleum-based asphalt binder PG 64-22. Our results show that LC significantly reduces binder viscosity, leading to easier application and lower energy consumption, especially when combined with TLA and CRM. The addition of TLA and CRM enhances rutting resistance, with notable improvements in both pre- and post-aging conditions, particularly in formulations combining PG 64-22, 20% TLA, and 10% CRM. These formulations exhibit superior performance metrics, such as increased percentage recovery (% rec) and reduced non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), indicating improved flexibility and deformation resistance. Furthermore, LC balances increased rigidity and susceptibility to fatigue cracking from higher TLA and CRM levels, respectively. These modifications also promote environmental sustainability by reducing energy usage and emissions during production and paving. This study highlights LC's critical role in advancing high-performance, eco-friendly warm mix asphalt binders, offering valuable insights for sustainable pavement engineering and setting a new benchmark for advanced asphalt technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an emerging emphasis on the role of engineers in achieving the SDGs, there is still a lack of agreement on which competencies should be prioritised to prepare them to tackle future sustainability challenges. By formulating a theoretical framework of key sustainable competencies based on prior studies, this study investigated engineering students’ subjective views on which competencies they considered as the most important to support them in becoming sustainable engineers/designers. Using Q methodology, views were collected from 26 master students in a Sustainable Design programme in a Danish systemic problem- and project-based (PBL) context. Three key competencies were identified: collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and systemic thinking. Competences within the ‘doing’ and ‘being’ dimensions were represented the strongest. There is a hierarchy between the competencies, with collaboration being the highest level, as it demonstrates that it is transversal to the others. These results emphasised the role of PBL in developing competencies for sustainability and in reinforcing the value of Education for Sustainable Development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of products remains a challenge, mainly due to the lack of consistent approaches for simultaneously taking into account the key criteria of the concept in the process. This research aims to develop an eco-innovative QLCA method to create new product solutions that integrate quality (customer satisfaction) and environmental impact assessment throughout the product life cycle. The QLCA method includes: (i) product prototyping according to quality and environmental criteria; (ii) prospective assessment of the quality of prototypes, taking into account customer requirements; (iii) prospective life cycle assessment of product prototypes using a cradle-to-grave approach in accordance with ISO 14040; and (iv) setting the direction of product development while taking into account the fulfilment of customer expectations and the need to care for the environment throughout the product life cycle. Owing to the lack of previous research in this area, as well as the popularity of photovoltaic (PV) panels in reducing greenhouse gases, an illustration was obtained and test of the method was carried out on the example of silicon photovoltaic panel modules (Crystalline Si PV Module). In accordance with the adopted assumptions, the results of the QLCA method test showed that the modelled PV prototypes will, in most cases, be satisfactory for customers, but they still require improvement actions to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions throughout their life cycle. These activities should be consistent so as to achieve quality that satisfies customers. The QLCA method can be used by designers, managers, and decision-makers at the early stages of design, but also during the product maturity phase for its sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the application of the epoxidation process of poly‐β‐myrcene, a constituent of the natural resin from Chios Mastic trees (Pistacia Lentiscus L.), as an educational instrument for teaching Green Chemistry and Engineering to students at various academic levels. The study provides a comprehensive presentation of foundational knowledge essential for interpreting the subsequent experimental data. Consequently, the production process that leads to the production of Mastic Epoxide (MASTEP) stands as an invaluable pedagogical resource, enabling educators to impart crucial principles of Green Chemistry and Engineering to both pre‐graduate and post‐graduate students. By employing MASTEP as a case study, this educational approach actively involves students in a dynamic learning environment. Through this methodology, learners develop a profound comprehension of sustainability, innovation, and good practices. The integration of the MASTEP concept into the curriculum would foster a deeper understanding of responsible methodologies among aspiring chemical engineers and scientists, equipping them to make substantial contributions towards a more sustainable global landscape. This educational model aims to contribute to preparing future generations for a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable world through their professional endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel ultra-high-performance concretes (UHPCs) made with calcium-oxide-activated materials (CAM), modified synthetic macro (MSM) fibres, glass fibres and steel fibres were developed. The mechanical and durability properties of UHPC-CAM specimens made with the different fibre types were tested and compared. The microstructure of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The environmental impacts of the mix designs were assessed using the Impact 2002+ method, a life cycle assessment tool. The results showed that the UHPC-CAM made with glass or MSM fibres had a high compressive strength (>110 MPa) and improved ductility. These specimens also had low water absorption and high electrical resistance, indicating low corrosion risk. SEM analyses showed that the MSM fibres created a denser geopolymer matrix than the glass fibres. The UHPC-CAM was found to have a lower environmental impact than conventional UHPC in terms of human health, ecosystem quality, carbon dioxide footprint and use of resources. MSM fibres were determined to be the most eco-friendly fibres for UHPC-CAM production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research explores the stern flow hydrodynamics around a maneuvering ship. Utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, several flow scenarios including different drift angles and propulsion configurations are modeled for the benchmark ship KRISO Very Large Crude Carrier 2 (KVLCC2). The analysis depicts all vortical structures that appear in the propeller operating area, explaining their formation and evolution. Also, the mutual interactions between the turbulent flow and the propulsion unit are observed and examined. The detailed outcome is intended to provide valuable insights for both new ship design and retrofits, aiming to advance new and sustainable engineering practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stabilization of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) with alkali-activated cement (AAC) is a topic of growing interest for sustainable engineering, especially those containing alternative activators produced from waste. This study evaluated the effect of curing temperature on the stabilization of RAP with a metakaolin AAC and rice husk ash-derived activator for potential use in base and subbase layers in flexible pavement systems. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy tests were performed. Higher strength values were associated with higher temperatures and curing times. Curing oven time presented no influence over UCS and mineralogy. Blends cured at 20°C exhibited efflorescence formation and prolonged curing time at high temperatures negatively affected the mechanical performance. Curing temperature of 80°C up to 24 h promoted the formation and uniform distribution of cementing gels and a dense and compact structure, improving the compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-based hexacyanoferrate (Fe-HCF) are promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their unique open-channel structure that facilitates fast ion transport and framework stability. However, practical implementation of SIBs has been hindered by low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), poor rate performance, and short lifespan. Herein, we report a coordination engineering to synthesize sodium-rich Fe-HCF as cathodes for SIBs through a uniquely designed 10-kg-scale chemical reactor. Our study systematically investigated the relationship between coordination surroundings and the electrochemical behavior. Building on this understanding, the cathode delivered a reversible capacity of 99.3 mAh g-1 at 5 C (1 C = 100 mA g-1), exceptional rate capability (51 mAh g-1 even at 100 C), long lifespan (over 15,000 times at 50 C), and a high ICE of 92.7%. A full cell comprising the Fe-HCF cathode and hard carbon (HC) anode exhibited an impressive cyclic stability with a high-capacity retention rate of 98.3% over 1,000 cycles. Meanwhile, this material can be readily scaled to the practical levels of yield. The findings underscore the potential of Fe-HCF as cathodes for SIBs and highlight the significance of controlling nucleation and morphology through coordination engineering for a sustainable energy storage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing marine waste and resources for eco‐friendly building materials is pivotal in promoting sustainable development in island and coastal construction industries. Among the potential alternatives, coral sand as well as sea sand stands out as a promising material. This research seeks to explore the potential of coral/sea sand as a fine aggregate in the creation of environmentally sustainable marine engineered geopolymer composites. An assessment was conducted on the influence of varying proportions of coral sand, meant as a substitute for sea sand, on the flowability, drying shrinkage, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the marine engineered geopolymer composites. The findings indicate that as coral sand replaces sea sand, flowability and drying shrinkage decrease, while compressive strength experiences an initial rise followed by a decline. Encouragingly, a combination of coral and sea sands enhances tensile ductility. Overall, a 20 wt.% coral sand mixture yields optimal results, with the compressive strength is 54.4 Mpa and the tensile strain capacity is 2.397% after 28 days. Moreover, microscopic tests reveal changes in hydration products and pore structure. Our research delves into the potential of coral/sea sand as a fine aggregate in the creation of environmentally sustainable marine engineered geopolymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering education is pivotal in driving sustainable development forward, yet many engineers encounter hurdles stemming from insufficient preparation for sustainability challenges. A major factor contributing to this is the lack of a structured and practical framework to guide the integration of sustainability into engineering education. This study addresses this gap by presenting a system-based framework tailored to ‘engineering education as sustainable development.’ The framework outlines a dynamic and inclusive organisational system, incorporating inputs from key stakeholders, a value-and-belief subsystem, throughput processes, and resultant outcomes. These outcomes encompass the cultivation of a new cohort of engineering graduates equipped with sustainable development knowledge, skills, and values/attitudes, thereby fostering the sustainable well-being and prosperity of all stakeholders involved. Additionally, the study examines the intricate relationships, including feedback loops, among system components and concludes by offering insights for practitioners to consider for future action and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perspectives of technological advances needed for short term energetic transition are briefly reviewed and discussed critically. In particular, the technologies for the greenhouse gas emission-free production of electrical energy, its storage and transport, the production, transport, storage and use of hydrogen, and the use of biomass derived technologies are shortly and critically reviewed. Critical aspects are emphasized. The role of chemistry, and in particular materials chemistry and engineering, in short-term developments are underlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Together with other “bottom‐up” methods, climate stress testing is becoming a prominent approach for climate change impact assessment of water systems. Compared with traditional approaches, stress testing is: (i) more focused on exploring the vulnerabilities of the system at hand; (ii) potentially more inclusive, being amenable to stakeholder involvement and (iii) well suited to identify robust policy options that better account for the deep uncertainty associated with multiple plausible futures. Stress testing is rapidly evolving and giving rise to new techniques and concepts, but few articles provide an accessible overview that can serve as an introduction to the field. Here, we review the underlying principles and concepts of climate stress testing, providing a guide to the main decisions involved in practical application. Topics include selection of stressors, characterizing and exploring the exposure space and data generation including the use of stochastic data. In a complex world where water decisions are made in the context of wider socio‐ecological systems, stress testing and other bottom‐up methods can support decisions that are not only robust to future uncertainty but also regarded as legitimate by affected communities.This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5′-Phosphorylation of nucleosides is a reaction as important in nature and in industry as it is cumbersome to be performed. Whilst chemical phosphorylation relies on the use of harsh reagents, solvents, and conditions, as well as on the need for protection–deprotection steps, biocatalysis can be a tool to achieve one-step phosphorylation reactions, which are selective, protecting group-free, and occurring under mild and sustainable conditions. In this work, the wild-type non-specific acid phosphatase from Morganella morganii (PhoC-Mm) was expressed, purified, and used for the synthesis of inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP), an important food additive, by using pyrophosphate (PPi) as an inexpensive phosphate donor in a fully aqueous medium at 30 °C. Via the fine-tuning of the reaction set-up taking into account the type of buffer, amount of PPi, mode/time of PPi addition, and enzyme and substrate concentration, PhoC-Mm could be used for catalyzing the phosphorylation of inosine (I) to IMP in a good yield and high purity (62% yield). The catalysis of the hydrolytic reaction direction, which is the primary function of phosphatases in nature, was here reversed to a certain extent by a reaction engineering approach, without the need for protein engineering strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research focused on rainwater for human consumption is being conducted in different regions of the world. The systematic review revealed that the inadequate quality of harvested rainwater and its scarcity pose significant barriers to the installation of the catchment of rainwater for noble uses. The improper design of rainwater harvesting systems, often a result of the disregard of critical data, is a crucial factor leading to the development of poorly structured systems and inadequate management of this valuable resource. The absence of scientific knowledge about the process further compounds the problem, leading to a sense of insecurity for potential consumers. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, followed by ultraviolet disinfection or chlorination, have shown satisfactory results for the potability of rainwater. Additionally, the implementation of photovoltaic panel energized rainwater UF is both economically and technically feasible, and serves as an alternative to traditional water supply approaches. Most studies focused on the utilization of harvested water for non‐drinking purposes, thereby providing opportunities for new studies into effective treatment methods to cater to local and global potable water demands. Therefore, this review aimed to provide insights into the current progress, future challenges, and opportunities related to rainwater harvesting systems and their treatment for the supply of drinking water.This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Engineering Water Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water Engineering Water > Planning Water [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green engineering is an important direction for engineering education, especially in the field of chemical engineering, where green chemical is a necessary guarantee for achieving sustainable development in the industry. How to practice the principles of green engineering in curriculum education is a problem that needs to be faced in engineering education, due to the currently educated persons are the future practitioners. The aim of this study is to integrate green techniques into an undergraduate‐level chemical design course, demonstrating how green engineering principles can be embedded in the curriculum to practice green engineering education, and thus disseminate the sustainability concept, resulting in a framework for achieving sustainable development. According to the training programme and design procedure, each student receives a product process design project and is guided by a teacher through the data review and discussion and then integrates green technologies in all aspects of the design, and the design result is evaluated. The good results of the students' design show that the undergraduate‐level chemical design course can well integrate green engineering principles and green technologies in the design, enhance the green standard of process design, broaden the students' design vision and mobilize their engineering creativity. It is a good form of green engineering education that the integration of engineering green technologies into an undergraduate‐level chemical design course, as demonstrated by the design results, which achieve effective practice of the sustainability concept and develop green education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Drought stress usually inhibits plant growth, which may increase the difficulty of greening slopes. Methods: In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on the growth and drought tolerance of two plant species, Festuca elata and Cassia glauca, in a vegetation concrete environment by exogenously inoculating AM fungi and setting three drought levels: well water, moderate drought and severe drought. The results showed that plant growth was significantly inhibited under drought stress; however, AM fungi inoculation significantly promoted plant height, root length, and above- and belowground biomass in these two plant species. Results: Compared with, those in the CK treatment, the greatest increases in the net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in the AM treatment group were 36.72%, 210.08%, and 66.41%, respectively. Moreover, inoculation with AM fungi increased plant superoxide dismutase and catalase activities by 4.70-150.73% and 9.10-95.70%, respectively, and reduced leaf malondialdehyde content by 2.79-55.01%, which alleviated the damage caused by oxidative stress. These effects alleviated the damage caused by oxidative stress and increased the content of soluble sugars and soluble proteins in plant leaves by 1.52-65.44% and 4.67-97.54%, respectively, which further increased the drought adaptability of plants. However, inoculation with AM fungi had different effects on different plants. Conclusion: In summary, this study demonstrated that the inoculation of AM fungi in vegetation concrete environments can significantly increase plant growth and drought tolerance. The plants that formed a symbiotic structure with AM fungi had a larger root uptake area, greater water uptake capacity, and greater photosynthesis and gas exchange efficiency. In addition, AM fungi inoculation further increased the drought adaptability of the plants by increasing their antioxidant enzyme activity and regulating their metabolite content. These findings are highly important for promoting plant growth and increasing drought tolerance under drought conditions, especially for potential practical applications in areas such as slope protection, and provide useful references for future ecological engineering and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodopsins, a diverse class of light‐sensitive proteins found in various life domains, have attracted considerable interest for their potential applications in sustainable synthetic biology. These proteins exhibit remarkable photochemical properties, undergoing conformational changes upon light absorption that drive a variety of biological processes. Exploiting rhodopsin's natural properties could pave the way for creating sustainable and energy‐efficient technologies. Rhodopsin‐based light‐harvesting systems offer innovative solutions to a few key challenges in sustainable engineering, from bioproduction to renewable energy conversion. In this opinion article, we explore the recent advancements and future possibilities of employing rhodopsins for sustainable engineering, underscoring the transformative potential of these biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, an increasingly huge number of end-of-life tires (ELTs) are disposed of in landfills, illegally dumped, or otherwise unaccounted for, which causes significant environmental and socioeconomic issues. Finding sustainable engineering solutions to recycle and reuse ELTs, which transform them from unwanted waste into useful resources, has become a priority. In geotechnical engineering, researchers have performed laboratory and field tests to determine the mechanical properties of innovative geomaterials that consist of soil–rubber mixtures (SRMs) [i.e., gravel–rubber mixtures (GRMs)] that are obtained using recycled ELT-derived granulated rubber aggregates. Suitable engineering properties and low installation cost encourage the use of GRMs and SRMs in many applications, such as in free-draining energy-adsorption backfill material for retaining walls, underground layers for liquefaction mitigation and geotechnical seismic isolation systems for structures and infrastructures. However, due to the heterogeneity of SRMs, their ultimate adoption as geomaterials must be supported by constitutive relationships that can accurately describe their mechanical behavior under typical field loading conditions. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the effectiveness and limits of the hardening soil model with small strain stiffness (HS-small), which is present in many finite-element (FE) codes, to model the behavior of GRMs in geotechnical engineering applications. An extensive finite-element method simulation of drained triaxial tests was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy vehicles operating for less than truckload (LTL) carriers are utilized to the maximum extent possible for the operator to maximize vehicle return on investment. However, the decision to purchase new vehicles, reallocate the vehicle, or retire the vehicle is based on complex and interacting factors like performance degradation, total cost of ownership, new regulatory pressures, and maintenance costs. The problem of optimizing fleet capacity is well suited to a model‐based systems engineering approach. Using SysML as the language and MagicGrid as the method, a model for fleet vehicle replacement and utilization was built to understand the best way to maximize and grow shipping capacity. The process started with identifying stakeholders and their needs and ended with system parametric models capable of computing costs. This model has the potential to optimize operating costs for fleets and maximize the use of the vehicle assets. Not only do these optimizations improve company financial performance, they reduce the need to unnecessarily replace expensive equipment, which is a more sustainable business practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last few years have made it clear that the world is entering a new phase in which sustainability is of paramount importance to the survival and well‐being of our global societies. This paper describes the strategic plan for the Institute for Convergent Systems Engineering which is addressing the challenge of ethical sustainability in which social, environmental, and economic implications are carefully considered and balanced. Included is a discussion of the criticality of convergent systems engineering and its values and principles. The paper also presents a three part strategy for sustainability at the macro, meso, and micro levels entailing the consideration of end‐to‐end global value supply chains. The foundational pillars of research, education, and collaboration are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of sustainability is a noble undertaking and unarguably 'a good thing'. The concept can hardly be denied as something good for future societal well‐being. However, beyond a superficial acknowledgment of the inherent 'goodness' of sustainability, there is much to be gained through reframing sustainability as an engineered byproduct, subject to trade‐offs, from an underlying system as opposed to a 'development goal.' A Mindshift is a change in assumptions, beliefs, and ways of thinking about something. In pursuit of a sustainability Mindshift, following an introduction and discussion of the sustainability landscape, three challenges for sustainable systems development are explored. The first Mindshift challenge examines sustainability as a byproduct of an underlying system. Thus, the focus is shifted from sustainability as a goal to sustainability as a purposefully designed outcome from an engineered system. The second Mindshift challenge explores sustainability through the lens of Systems Theory. Systems Theory is a set of axioms (taken‐for‐granted 'truths') and propositions (system concepts, laws, and principles) that govern systems' behavior, structure, and performance. The implications of Systems Theory have profound implications for how we view sustainability. The third Mindshift challenge suggests that sustainability can be enhanced through the purposeful identification, assessment, and resolution of violations of system propositions (pathologies) spanning system design, execution, and development. Thus, sustainability is a 'systems‐engineered byproduct' resulting from an underlying system and developed by addressing systems‐based disparities (pathologies) in the system. The paper closes with a capsule of Mindshift challenges for sustainability and their implications for supporting the INCOSE SE Vision 2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanocomposites integrating nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with designed heterostructures possess exceptional optical and electronic properties. These properties hold immense potential for advancements across diverse scientific and technological fields. This review article investigates the synthesis, properties, and applications of ZnO‐CQD heterostructure nanocomposites. Recent breakthroughs in fabrication methods are examined, including hydrothermal, microwave‐assisted, and eco‐friendly techniques. Key preparation methods such as sol‐gel, co‐precipitation, and electrochemical deposition are discussed, emphasizing their role in controlling heterostructure formation. This review analyses the impact of heterostructures on optical and electronic properties, such as fluorescence, photoluminescence, and photocatalytic activity. Synergistic interactions between ZnO and CQDs within heterostructures are highlighted, demonstrating how they lead to substantial performance improvements. Applications of ZnO‐CQD heterostructures span solar cells, LEDs, photodetectors, water purification, antimicrobial treatments, gas sensing, catalysis, biomedical imaging, drug delivery, environmental sensing, and energy storage. Insights are provided into refining synthesis methods, enhancing characterisation techniques, and broadening the application landscape. Challenges like stability are addressed, along with strategies for optimised performance and practical implementation. This comprehensive review offers a thorough understanding of ZnO‐CQD heterostructure nanocomposites, emphasising their significance within materials science and engineering. By addressing core concepts and future directions, it lays a foundation for continued innovation in this dynamic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this comprehensive investigation, we evaluate the efficacy of the Fenton process in degrading basic fuchsin (BF), a resistant dye. Our primary focus is on the utilization of readily available, environmentally benign, and cost-effective reagents for the degradation process. Furthermore, we delve into various operational parameters, including the quantity of sodium percarbonate (SPC), pH levels, and the dimensions of waste iron bars, to optimize the treatment efficiency. In the course of our research, we employed an initial SPC concentration of 0.5 mM, a pH level of 3, a waste iron bar measuring 3.5 cm in length and 0.4 cm in diameter, and a processing time of 10 min. Our findings reveal the successful elimination of the BF dye, even when subjected to treatment with diverse salts and surfactants under elevated temperatures and acidic conditions (pH below 3). This underscores the robustness of the Fenton process in purifying wastewater contaminated with dye compounds. The outcomes of our study not only demonstrate the efficiency of the Fenton process but highlight its adaptability to address dye contamination challenges across various industries. Critically, this research pioneers the application of waste iron bars as a source of iron in the Fenton reaction, introducing a novel, sustainable approach that enhances the environmental and economic viability of the process. This innovative use of recycled materials as catalysts represents a significant advancement in sustainable chemical engineering practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process lifecycle has several stages, including process design covered in multiple stages. Process economics is a vital factor in finalizing the process design. Besides economics, inherent safety is an important concept contributing to sustainable process design generation. The inherent safety concept has been applied via equipment characteristics for individual equipment. Since a method considering inherent safety with equipment aspects and process economics has not been available, therefore, a new method has been proposed, namely sustainable process design for heat exchanger network (SPDHEN), to integrate inherent safety, equipment aspects, and process economics. SPDHEN uses indexing to identify the critical heat exchanger, which is then examined via hazard analysis for an explosion. For unacceptable hazards, inherent safety principles are engaged to generate design alternatives for which process economics is examined too. The final design would be inherently safer with the best profit margin. The proposed method has been studied for the ammonia synthesis loop. It is concluded that the explosion hazard has been reduced to a tolerable level by using inherent guide words with a marginal compromise on quantity of ammonia produced, that is, 0.32%. This method is straightforward and can be useful for process engineers to generate sustainable process designs for heat exchanger networks considering safety and process economics simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital age, the call for intelligent governance has become paramount. This study offers a nuanced exploration of global sustainable governance, integrating the Seven Pillars of Sustainability (7PS) framework and innovation culture. Utilizing structural equation modeling and data from diverse government organizations, this research empirically established the 7PS framework's pivotal role in enhancing organizational sustainability, supported by a robust 95% confidence level. Notably, it unveiled the transformative influence of innovation culture in amplifying the 7PS's impact. The methodological innovation lies in strategically applying the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), assigning priority weights to 7PS criteria, and identifying culture as the linchpin. This approach provided a robust framework for dissecting the complex interplay of emerging technologies, sustainable engineering, and cybersecurity. The study delves into the X.0 wave/age (X.0 = 5.0) theory, offering insights into the intricate dynamics of innovation, sustainability, and governance. Beyond academic discourse, this research informs practical strategies globally, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transitioning to SME 5.0/hybrid SMEs. Emphasizing inclusivity and diversity as catalysts for innovation, it scrutinizes contemporary challenges amid technological evolution and cybersecurity threats. Functioning as a visionary compass, the study elucidates the path to a 7PS sustainable future. It signifies a paradigm shift, transcending boundaries between knowledge domains. The fusion of the 7PS framework, X.0 wave theory, and fuzzy AHP navigates global governance, digital resilience, and cybersecurity, offering a transformative roadmap. This research contributes by substantiating the pivotal role of culture in emerging technologies, augmenting global tech-sustainable governance, fortifying digital resilience, and safeguarding cybersecurity.

Geopolymers are green and sustainable cementitious materials that are a possible alternative to cement due to lower energy consumption and emissions. Volcanic ash can be used as raw material to prepare geopolymers by alkali activation owing to its high silica and alumina content. However, research on volcanic-ash-based geopolymers is still limited and no consensus on the optimal alkali activator and reaction mechanism has been obtained. This study investigates the effect of alkali activators with different cations on the mechanical properties and microstructure of volcanic-ash-based geopolymers. The flexural and compressive strengths were evaluated. X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and silicon-29 (29Si) magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance were used to characterise the microstructural properties. The results showed that the alkali activation effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on volcanic ash was superior to those of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), particularly at a concentration of 8 mol/l, with 28-day flexural and compressive strengths of 3.0 and 28.3 MPa, respectively. Microstructural results indicated that the sodium hydroxide-activated geopolymers formed dense, continuous, highly polymerised silica–aluminate gels. This paper provides a proper ratio scheme for activating the volcanic ash from similar deposits and promoting practical applications conducive to sustainable engineering development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremendous increase in anthropogenic activities and natural disasters have created long term negative impacts to the crop productivity as well as on our ecosystem. In the debate regarding the ongoing ecosystem fluctuations, there is a need to explore an efficient, cost-effective, target-oriented and less manpower based technologies for sustainable development. Microbial engineering provides a better solution for the growth of a healthy environment and higher agricultural productivity over the existing methods and resolved the challenges worldwide related to development of sustainable agriculture and greener ecosystems. In recent years, researchers are working on the development of different advanced microbial engineering strategies such as gene editing, CRISPR/Cas9, and RNAi to enhance the potential of microorganisms towards higher plant productivity and degradation of pollutants. The present review focused on the potential applications of genetically engineered microbial inoculants for sustainable agriculture and greener ecosystem development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowdsource software development has become more and more popular in recent years in the software industry. Crowdsourcing is an open‐call technique for outsourcing tasks to a broad and undefined crowd. Crowdsourcing provides numerous advantages including reduced costs, fast project completion, talent identification, diversity of solutions, top‐quality, and access to problem‐solving creativity. Despite of the benefits gained from crowdsourcing, there are numerous issues like lack of experienced workers, lack of confidentiality, copyright issues, software sustainability, and so forth. There is also less focus on the long‐term sustainability of software development because of new ideas emerging in crowdsourcing software development. Furthermore, in literature, lack of guidelines towards sustainable software crowdsourcing is highlighted as one of the limitations in the software standards. This study aims to identify the factors that influence sustainability aspects in crowdsourced software development. We have conducted a systematic literature review for identification of these factors. In this paper, we present findings of the systematic literature review in the form of a list of 11 factors extracted from a sample of 45 finally selected papers. Among these factors, six of the factors are ranked as critical factors. These critical factors are "Lack of coding standard in documentation," "Use of popular programming tools," "Crowd Lack of knowledge and awareness about sustainability," "Energy‐efficient coding," "Lack of awareness about sustainable software engineering practices," and "Lack of coordination/communication between client and crowd." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Numerical results to determine the fire resistance of ultra-high-strength steel using different heating rates. Ultra-High-Strength Steel (UHSS) offers several advantages over normal carbon steel, promoting exceptional strength, reducing self-weight, improving fire resistance, enhancing durability, and reducing material consumption. These advantages result in cost savings and sustainable engineering construction. The 3D numerical model is based on Geometrical and Materially Nonlinear Imperfection Analysis (GMNIA) and determines the fire resistance of different cross-section columns. The model is validated with experimental tests, with a maximum relative error of 11%. A parametric analysis is presented, based on 252 simulations, assuming three heating rates, two different cross-sections, two different thicknesses, three lengths, and seven load levels. The fire resistance depends on the heating rate, but the critical temperature is almost equal and independent of the heating rate, if one assumes implicit creep in the constitutive material model. The fire resistance decreases with the load level, as expected. The thickness effect of the hollow section is almost negligible in the fire resistance of UHSS columns. The fire resistance decreases more in higher load levels for slender columns. Columns with Circular Hollow Sections (CHSs) generally show higher fire resistance than hybrid columns in longer columns, but the hybrid columns are subject to much higher loads. New design formulas are presented for the critical temperature of UHSS columns, depending on the load level and slenderness of two different cross-sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is a global priority. The concrete industry has a major role in this reduction since it accounts for about 8% of global CO2 emissions. Despite significant improvements in the sustainability of the production of concrete, one of the best solutions is still to improve the design and construction methods, such that the required quantities of concrete are reduced. Using, as a reference, a real case study, this study compares alternative shaft construction methodologies from engineering and sustainability points of view, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of each solution. To achieve this purpose, a back analysis is performed to ensure that the numerical model is accurately calibrated and the shaft construction methods can be adequately assessed. The results show that, while the considered methods are applicable and satisfy engineering requirements, the characteristics of the lining of the shaft could have been optimized, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions by at least 50% without compromising the safety of the construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of fundamental materials including aluminum, stainless steel, superalloys, and titanium alloys, traditional manufacturing techniques have for years been utilized in critical sectors including the aerospace and nuclear industries. However, additive manufacturing has become an efficient and effective means for fabricating these materials with superior mechanical attributes, making it easier to develop complex parts with relative ease compared to conventional processes. The waste generated in additive manufacturing processes are usually in the form of powders, while that of conventional processes come in the form of chips. The current study focuses on the features and uses of various typical recycling methods for traditional and additive manufacturing that are presently utilized to recycle material waste from both processes. Additionally, the main factors impacting the microstructural features and density of the chip-unified components are discussed. Moreover, it recommends a novel approach for recycling chips, while improving the process of development, bonding quality of the chips, microstructure, overall mechanical properties, and fostering sustainable and environmentally friendly engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates building deformation monitoring using stereophotogrammetry and integrating the Kalman filter to refine the result with conventional geodetic measurements being the baseline. By refining stereophotogrammetric coordinates with the Kalman filter, the study aims to improve measurement precision in the detection of displacement which is a measure of differences in converted stereo-coordinates obtained from the observed points over time. The refined coordinates exhibited higher accuracy compared to raw stereophotogrammetric measurements, highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed approach in reducing observational errors and relatively detected and quantified building deformations with an average rate of displacement of 0.025978169 m/epoch in the x-axis, 0.030498323 m/epoch in the y-axis, and 0.014078842 m/epoch in the z-direction, and a range of 0.000155 m/epoch to 0.593497 m/epoch. Points P03 (0.008 m/epoch), PH04 (0.021 m/epoch), and PH22 (0.037 m/epoch) on the monitored building indicated the highest displacement. This research contributes to the field of knowledge in the area of deformation monitoring by offering an innovative methodology for accurate assessment of building deformation. In the overview, this research demonstrates the potential of a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method of monitoring deformation that can ensure the safety and sustainability of engineering structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review delves into the cutting-edge field of bioinspired polymer composites, tackling the complex task of emulating nature's efficiency in synthetic materials. The research is dedicated to creating materials that not only mirror the strength and resilience found in natural structures, such as spider silk and bone, but also prioritize environmental sustainability. The study explores several critical aspects, including the design of lightweight composites, the development of reversible adhesion methods that draw inspiration from nature, and the creation of high-performance sensing and actuation devices. Moreover, it addresses the push toward more eco-friendly material practices, such as ice mitigation techniques and sustainable surface engineering. The exploration of effective energy storage solutions and the progress in biomaterials for biomedical use points to a multidisciplinary approach to surpass the existing barriers in material science. This paper highlights the promise held by bioinspired polymer composites to fulfill the sophisticated needs of contemporary applications, highlighting the urgent call for innovative and sustainable advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have explored the potential of waste marble powder (WMP) and lime (LM) as solutions for issues associated with clayey soils. While WMP enhances mechanical properties and addresses environmental concerns, LM effectively improves soil characteristics. This research investigates the efficacy of LM and WMP, both individually and in combination, in addressing challenges specific to clayey soils in Bouzaroura El Bouni, Algeria. These soils typically exhibit low load-bearing capacity, poor permeability, and erosion susceptibility. LM demonstrates promise in enhancing soil properties, while WMP not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances mechanical characteristics, providing a dual benefit. The study utilizes a three-variable experiment employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Box-Behnken Design, with variations in clay content (88%-100%), LM treatment (1.5%-9%), and WMP inclusion (1.5%-9%). Statistical analysis, including ANOVA, reveals significant patterns with p-values <5%. Functional relationships between input variables (clay, LM, and WMP) and output variables (cohesion, friction angle, and unconfined compressive strength) are expressed through high determination coefficients (R2 = 99.84%, 77.83%, and 96.78%, respectively). Numerical optimization identifies optimal mixtures with desirability close to one (0.899-0.908), indicating successful achievement of the objective with 88% clay content, 3% LM, and 6% WMP. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing clay soil behavior for environmental sustainability and engineering applications, emphasizing the potential of LM and WMP as strategic additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a special issue of the Environmental Science and Pollution Research Journal that focuses on three international conferences: the 6th International Congress on Water, Waste and Energy Management (WWEM-22), the 5th International Conference on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Engineering (GreenChem-22), and the 22nd International Conference on Green Energy and Environmental Technology (GEET-22). These conferences brought together researchers and scientists from around the world to discuss topics related to water, waste, green chemistry, green energy, and environmental technologies. The special issue specifically explores post-Covid trends and new insights for treating wastewaters and soils, including technologies for removing chemical and biological contamination. It includes selected papers from the conferences and acknowledges the organizers, authors, reviewers, and sponsors. The next edition of these conferences is scheduled for July 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. Additionally, the document provides brief biographical information about several researchers in the field of chemical engineering and environmental science. It highlights their educational background, research interests, publications, and professional achievements. These researchers specialize in areas such as wastewater treatment, bioprocess technology, waste management, and catalysis. They have been involved in numerous research projects, published extensively, and received recognition for their work. The purpose of this document is to offer library patrons an overview of these researchers' qualifications and areas of expertise for potential research purposes. [Extracted from the article]

The advancement toward sustainable infrastructure presents complex multi-objective optimization (MOO) challenges. This paper expands the current understanding of design frameworks that balance cost, environmental impacts, social factors, and structural integrity. Integrating MOO with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), the study targets enhancements in life cycle sustainability for complex engineering projects using precast modular road frames. Three advanced evolutionary algorithms—NSGA-II, NSGA-III, and RVEA—are optimized and deployed to address sustainability objectives under performance constraints. The efficacy of these algorithms is gauged through a comparative analysis, and a robust MCDM approach is applied to nine non-dominated solutions, employing SAW, FUCA, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, and VIKOR decision-making techniques. An entropy theory-based method ensures systematic, unbiased criteria weighting, augmenting the framework's capacity to pinpoint designs balancing life cycle sustainability. The results reveal that NSGA-III is the algorithm converging towards the most cost-effective solutions, surpassing NSGA-II and RVEA by 21.11% and 10.07%, respectively, while maintaining balanced environmental and social impacts. The RVEA achieves up to 15.94% greater environmental efficiency than its counterparts. The analysis of non-dominated solutions identifies the A 4 design, utilizing 35 MPa concrete and B500S steel, as the most sustainable alternative across 80% of decision-making algorithms. The ranking correlation coefficients above 0.94 demonstrate consistency among decision-making techniques, underscoring the robustness of the integrated MOO and MCDM framework. The results in this paper expand the understanding of the applicability of novel techniques for enhancing engineering practices and advocate for a comprehensive strategy that employs advanced MOO algorithms and MCDM to enhance sustainable infrastructure development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the utilization of a hybrid nanofiller comprising graphene oxide (GO) and amine‐modified nano silica in natural rubber matrix via the latex stage coagulation method. The resulting novel composite materials were characterized comprehensively for their static and dynamic mechanical properties. The hybrid nanofiller exhibited excellent dispersion within the rubber latex, facilitating the formation of a well‐interconnected network structure. The formed network resulted in remarkable improvements in tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of the composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the hybrid filler (GO/nano‐silica hybrid (GO/NS)) could effectively reinforce the rubber matrix by constraining the mobility of rubber chains, leading to increased stiffness and mechanical strength. In fact, the confinement effect of the nanofillers has been carefully evaluated from dynamic mechanical spectroscopy. The increased glass transition temperature of the rubber nanocomposites specifies the restricted segmental mobility of the rubber chains. Moreover, the hybrid composites displayed significantly low rolling resistance, particularly GO/NS 2 (31% reduction), indicating their potential application as tire treads for fuel‐efficient and green tire manufacturing. The mechanical and rolling resistance properties achieved in these composites can be attributed to the efficient dispersion of the GO/nano‐silica hybrid(GO/NS) nanofiller and the resulting network formation within the rubber matrix. Findings emphasized the composites' viability as sustainable and eco‐friendly tire materials, potential for enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental footprint in tire manufacturing technology. Highlights: The hybrid nanofiller (GO/nano silica hybrid) exhibited excellent dispersion within the rubber latex, leading to the formation of a well‐interconnected network structure.The resulting network structure significantly improved the tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of the composite materials.Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that the hybrid filler effectively reinforced the rubber matrix, increasing stiffness and mechanical strength by constraining the mobility of rubber chains.Our hybrid composites displayed a remarkable reduction in rolling resistance, particularly GO/NS2, with a 31% reduction, indicating their potential application as tire treads for fuel‐efficient and green tire manufacturing.The study emphasized the composites viability as sustainable and eco‐friendly tire materials, offering potential benefits for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental footprint in tire manufacturing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formamidinium (FA)-based quasi-2D perovskites show attractive potential for use in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) owing to their broad absorption range and high stability. However, the toxic solvents used in their fabrication process hinder their further commercialization. Using a green solvent system to prepare highquality perovskite films is a crucial step in solar cell manufacturing. Herein, we employed a green solvent triethyl phosphate (TEP) to prepare an FA-based quasi-2D perovskite precursor and studied antisolvent effects by comparing less toxic petroleum ether (PE) and dibutyl ether (DBE). We found that the sample treated with the lower polarity solvent PE produced better perovskite films with larger grain sizes and fewer defects. The advantages of using PE as an antisolvent during film growth and the characterization of their properties are discussed and elucidated. Finally, a champion PCE of 17.42% was obtained with a solar cell configuration of ITO/PTAA/perovskite/PCBM/BCP/Ag, which is the highest value among FAbased quasi-2D PSCs containing perovskite layers fabricated using an all-green solvent system. This work provides a promising way to use an all-green process to fabricate high-performance quasi-2D PSCs in an environment-friendly manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]