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The objective of this research is focused on 3D printing techniques using natural materials in the construction sector. Digital fabrication has captured widespread attention for its remarkable ability to craft parametric and complex geometry with relative ease. Beyond its technical prowess, this process holds great potential in addressing two pressing issues: waste management and carbon emissions, to reduce costs and environmental impacts. This study assesses the eco-efficiency of 3D printing with earthen composites compared to conventional construction materials in large-scale Robotic fabrication, employing the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to quantify the environmental impacts of materials suitable for 3D printing. An eco-efficiency analysis was employed to aggregate the results of LCA into a single framework to assist in decision-making by selecting the most optimized and eco-efficient alternative. The findings indicate that shell structures built using additive manufacturing and 3D printed materials can be better optimized for efficiency. This paper comprehensively examines 3D printing with earth materials, focusing particularly on biocomposites, byproducts, and direct extrusion printing methods. Comparative analysis highlights the materials, processes, and industries driving these advancements. There has been a surge of interest in reinforcing 3D-printed structures with natural fibres and additives. A significant aspect of this study explores how 3D printing, especially when utilizing natural materials and byproduct-based composites, can contribute positively to the environment.

3D concrete printing (3DCP) requires precise adjustments to parameters to ensure accurate and high-quality prints. However, despite technological advancements, manual intervention still plays a prominent role in this process, leading to errors and inconsistencies in the final printed part. To address this issue, machine learning vision models have been developed and utilized to analyze captured images and videos of the printing process, detecting defects and deviations. The data collected enable automatic adjustments to print settings, improving quality without the need for human intervention. This work first examines various techniques for real-time and offline corrections. It then introduces a specialized computer vision setup designed for real-time control in robotic 3DCP. Our main focus is on a specific aspect of machine learning (ML) within this system, called speed control, which regulates layer width by adjusting the robot motion speed or material flow rate. The proposed framework consists of three main elements: (1) a data acquisition and processing pipeline for extracting printing parameters and constructing a synthetic training dataset, (2) a real-time ML model for parameter optimization, and (3) a depth camera installed on a customized 3D-printed rotary mechanism for close-range monitoring of the printed layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article shows the proposal of a useful application, which facilitates communication and interaction between two people, promoting and putting into practice the concept of Freecycle. The aim is to improve the quality of life for people. Methodology/Approach: A contextualisation of the theme is done, namely the concept of Freecycle, showing how it emerged and evolved, as well as how technology can be applied to it for its promotion. Based on this study, the information systems and technological architectures of the proposed solution are shown. Findings: Freecycle has been gaining more and more relevance, being seen as a way to reduce the waste of goods, which can lead to the reduction of raw materials spent to produce new goods. The proposed application allows this concept to be put into practice, playing an active role in improving the quality of products. Research Limitation/implication: The application is under development, and this article presents the results achieved so far. In the future, more tests will be done when the application is fully developed with a larger population. Originality/Value of paper: The currently existing applications do not contemplate all the potentialities of Freecycle, so the proposed solution intends to improve the dissemination of this concept and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, protecting the quality of life on our planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human land‐use change is a major threat to natural ecosystems worldwide. Nonetheless, the effects of human land‐uses on the structure of plant and animal assemblages and their functional characteristics need to be better understood. Furthermore, the pathways by which human land uses affect ecosystem functions, such as biomass production, still need to be clarified.We compiled a unique dataset of fish, arthropod and macrophyte assemblages from 61 stream ecosystems in two Neotropical biomes: Amazonian rainforest and Uruguayan grasslands. We then tested how the cover of agriculture, pasture, urbanization and afforestation affected the taxonomic richness and functional diversity of those three species assemblages, and the consequences of these effects for animal biomass production. Single trait categories and functional diversity were evaluated, combining recruitment and life‐history, resource and habitat‐use, and body size.The effects of intensive human land‐uses on taxonomic and functional diversities were as strong as other drivers known to affect biodiversity, such as local climate and environmental factors. In both biomes, the taxonomic richness and functional diversity of animal and macrophyte assemblages decreased with increasing cover of agriculture, pasture, and urbanization. Human land‐uses were associated with functional homogenization of both animal and macrophyte assemblages. Human land‐uses reduced animal biomass through direct and indirect pathways mediated by declines in taxonomic and functional diversities.Our findings indicate that converting natural ecosystems to supply human demands results in species loss and trait homogenization across multiple biotic assemblages, ultimately reducing animal biomass production in streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]