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Climate change poses a critical global challenge, impacting not only the social and geopolitical spheres but also economic activity, asset values, and financial stability. Addressing this complex issue requires a [...]

This study discusses how Bangladeshi libraries have adopted green methods to protect the environment, focusing on the Dhaka University Library (DUL), while exploring the associated opportunities and challenges. As there is no library in the country that is LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified, this study outlines how the DUL can be transformed into a green library and aims to inspire other libraries to implement similar techniques. The work also provides a framework for libraries that are designing a new green building, renovating existing structures, and educating the public and library professionals about the benefits of creating and operating sustainable green libraries for both the users and the environment. A mixed-methods research design drives the study with 404 DUL patrons and 15 staff members participating in surveys and face-to-face interviews. This study revealed important perceptions of the DUL users and library professionals toward a green library. Finally, it identifies several challenges, including a lack of knowledge about green technology, budget constraints, low public awareness, and insufficient willingness among users and staff. In addition, the study highlights some opportunities, such as offering a healthy indoor and outdoor environment and initiating a project that could inspire other libraries to adopt green practices, with a particular focus on DUL. The insights gained from this study would help the DUL execute a green library concept and pave the way for further research on green libraries in Bangladesh.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to investigate the relationship among green environmental technologies, resource efficiency, population density and ecological footprint in 38 OECD member countries between 2000 and 2019. The Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQREG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators are used to analyse this relationship. Based on the results, strong evidence of a negative relationship between green environmental technologies, resource efficiency, population density and ecological footprint emerges, suggesting that these factors contribute to environmental improvement in OECD economies. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics among these variables and provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders striving for sustainable environmental management and policy formulation. In this context, countries should develop standard guidelines and best practices on green technologies and resource efficiency, making it easier for sectors to adapt in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare and epidemiology undoubtedly has many benefits for the population. However, due to its environmental impact, the use of AI can produce social inequalities and long-term environmental damages that may not be thoroughly contemplated. In this paper, we propose to consider the impacts of AI applications in medical care from the One Health paradigm and long-term global health. From health and environmental justice, rather than settling for a short and fleeting green honeymoon between health and sustainability caused by AI, it should aim for a lasting marriage. To this end, we conclude by proposing that, in the upcoming years, it could be valuable and necessary to promote more interconnected health, call for environmental cost transparency, and increase green responsibility. Highlights Using AI in medicine and epidemiology has some benefits in the short term. AI usage may cause social inequalities and environmental damage in the long term. Health justice should be rethought from the One Health perspective. Going beyond anthropocentric and myopic cost–benefit analysis would expand health justice to include an environmental dimension. Greening AI would help to reconcile public and global health measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telecommunication plays a crucial role in the modern society, and its importance in Ghana's rapid digital and economic transformation is very relevant. Ghana is however confronted with huge telecommunication towers doted in the skylines of its major cities with some towers mounted in homes and on roof top of structures. The objective of this research was to investigate the major challenges associated with the urban deployment of the towers and suggest sustainable approach to its deployment. Using quantitative descriptive design, data was collected from the three leading telecommunication companies in Ghana receiving a response rate of 77.6%. Analysis of responses showed that, land acquisition and use challenges, compliance with regulatory and statutory issues, community occupational health issues, neighbourhood challenges and urban planning regulations are the key factors that affect the deployment of towers in Ghana. The research postulates that the urban deployment of telecommunication towers would require an integrated and regulated planning approach that constrains environmental impact, diminishes land use, optimises existing urban infrastructure through co-location and the deployment of advanced technologies such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites, High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G in managing the growing urban demand for urban telecommunication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses data from listed companies in China from 2008 to 2021, constructs a comprehensive evaluation of corporate environmental performance from the perspective of internal efficiency and externalities based on the text analysis method, and analyzes the impact and mechanism of environmental performance on profitability. In addition, we find that improving environmental performance can significantly increase profitability, especially if the company tackles pollution at the source. Furthermore, the impact of environmental performance on profitability tends to be driven by external markets. Obtaining environmental certifications, awards, and green patents can provide positive feedback and significantly increase profitability. In addition, the mechanism analysis shows that environmental performance affects firm profitability by improving green technology innovation, reducing financing constraints and increasing operating income. Finally, the results of the heterogeneity analysis show that the profitability-enhancing effect of environmental performance is stronger in non-state-owned firms, in clean industries firms and in regions with carbon emission trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time under laboratory conditions, the virulence of a unique cypovirus strain, DsCPV-1, which has broad host specificity, was tested on nontarget aquatic organisms (natural species: Gammarus lacustris, Anopheles messeae, Coenagrion lunulatum, Cloeon robusta, Chironomus sp., Ilyocoris cimicoides, and Plea minutissima; laboratory species: Aedes aegypti and Daphnia magna), a terrestrial pollinator species (Apis mellifera), and an entomophage (Podisus maculiventris). The probability of this virus's accumulation in the bodies of invertebrates and of its transmission along a trophic chain was evaluated by two approaches: bioassays and a molecular diagnostic analysis. In the bioassays, there was no significant increase in mortality among all the tested aquatic and terrestrial nontarget species exposed to DsCPV-1 as compared with control groups (no virus). When we fed Podisus maculiventris with caterpillars having active DsCPV-1 infection (i.e., with the virus replicating in the host) no viral replication was observed in bug. No replication was also observed in mosquitos as well as in bee after viral treatment. Thus, the results show that the DsCPV-1 virus has excellent environmental safety toward many invertebrate species and can be recommended for the control of lepidopteran pests in forestry and agriculture as insecticide with light effect on environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of green technology (GT) and green innovation (GI) in green management practices (GMP) is an important key in today's digital and sustainable era. This article discusses how e-learning (EL) acts as an antecedent variable in strengthening green innovation (GI) and the application of green technology (GT) to green management practices(GMP). This study analyzes whether e-learning influences green management practices by mediating green technology and green innovation. This study uses cross-sectional data that collects population data at one point to analyze the prevalence of variables or relationships between variables in the sample. The population consisted of lecturers in higher education in Indonesia. The results show that e-learning influences green innovation, technology, and management practices. Similarly, green innovation and green technology significantly affect green management practices. It is also firmly established that green innovation and technology are effective mediator variables for e-learning and green management practices. Therefore, green management practices in universities cannot ignore the important role of e-learning, investing in green innovation and green technology to support the achievement of sustainable education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-carbon city pilot policy (LCCPP) is an important part of achieving "dual carbon" goals and promoting green technology innovation (GTI) in Chinese export enterprises. This study integrates Green Technical Barriers to Trade (GTBTs), LCCPP, and the GTI of exporting enterprises into a unified framework based on data from A-share market Chinese non-financial export enterprises from 2007 to 2021 and discusses how export enterprises should optimize green innovation resource structure with support from LCCPP to facilitate enterprise GTI when facing GTBTs. Several findings are uncovered: (1) GTBTs have a significant negative impact on the GTI of Chinese export enterprises, and the LCCPP significantly mitigates the negative impact of GTBTs on export enterprises' GTI. (2) After distinguishing the heterogeneous characteristics of export enterprises, the moderating effect of the LCCPP becomes even more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, general trade enterprises, and enterprises whose export destinations are high-income countries. (3) Further exploration of the moderating effect of the LCCPP with different policy instruments and intensities is needed. We found the best moderating effect on export enterprises' GTI under high policy intensity, and only market-based policy instruments had a significant moderating effect. These findings provide direction for policymakers expanding the pilot scope of low-carbon cities as well as theoretical support for realizing foreign trade growth for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ilex paraguariensis (IP) extract was added to prepare edible films using a central rotational composite design (CCRD) 22 with IP extract and sorbitol concentrations as variables. The IP extract was characterized by color parameters, total phenolic content, caffeine, flavonoids, and chlorophyll content, and antioxidant activity and the edible films were assessed for the same analysis and thickness, water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility in water, fluorescence, photodegradation and UV/Vis light barrier, FT-IR, thermogravimetry, and differential exploratory colorimetry. Sorbitol increased thickness and WVP, while the extract influenced the concentration of phenolic compounds in the films. The optimum concentrations of extract and sorbitol were 10% and 15%, respectively. Films presented thermal resistance (until 230 °C) and an excellent barrier to UV light. Furthermore, these films could carry compounds originally in IP, showing good functional properties concerning the water vapor barrier (showing a great variation scale due to the possibility to increase sorbitol or not, between 3.33 and 5.27 g mm/m2 day KPa). The films showed great potential to replace conventional primary packaging, and if consumed with food, as a bullet paper, they can add nutritional value to the packaged product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) in green technology as an alternative to organic solvents has grown over the past decades. In this work, for the first time, the effect of dilution with water on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of lactic acid-based NADES with choline chloride (NADES1), sorbitol (NADES2), and glucose (NADES3) was systematically studied. According to FTIR data, after the dilution of NADESs with water, the strong hydrogen bonds weakened, however, were not destroyed after dilution of up to 40% water. The dilution of NADES with water resulted in a linear decrease in density and refractive index and in a linear increase in pH. The equations for the prediction of NADES density, pH, and refractive index as a function of water content were calculated. The viscosity decreased by half after adding approximately 10% water. The initial viscosity of NADES2 and NADES3 was significantly different. However, after adding 20% of the water, the viscosity was almost the same. The most pronounced decrease in surface tension (by 46.7%) was found for NADES1. The water activity was decreased in the following order: NADES3 > NADES1 > NADES2. The dilution of NADES with water caused a gradual increase in water activity. NADES1 showed the lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) (7.8, 3.9, and 0.98 mg/mL) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) (15.6, 7.8, and 1.95 mg/mL) for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was decreased by 2–8 times after the addition of 40% water. The water activity for all tested NADES together with low pH could explain the antimicrobial effect. The revealed regularity can be useful for the prediction of NADES properties and for the selection of green solvents on a laboratory and industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for sustainable and healthy practices has led to an increased interest in the electrolyzed water (EW) application. This technology has garnered widespread acceptance as a sanitizer within the food industry. It also enhances the nutritional, functional, and sensory properties of food products to improve quality and safety. This review undertakes a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in electrolysis technology, exploring its applications in fruits and meat industry and its impact on nutritional, functional, microbiological, safety, and sensory characteristics. It is concluded that the EW should be considered an essential component of industrial equipment sanitization and food product decontamination by offering antimicrobial benefits and promoting functional component accumulation. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of EW can be compromised by the presence of organic matter and equipment corrosion. Furthermore, it provides a concise overview of EW generation, elucidates the influential factors governing its production, and delineates prospective directions for research and development in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green technology has received continuous attention and facing challenges of transformation because of the growing environmental concern, especially the carbon emissions resulting in global warming. In the Industry 4.0 era, green technology transforms into smart green technology benefits from the convergence with digital technologies. However, little research investigates the role of green and digital technology convergence (GDC) on carbon emission reduction. This study proposes a novel measurement of the GDC level of enterprise based on the network method and examines its pattern and dynamic. Moreover, we empirically analyze the impact of GDC on carbon emission reduction. Results show that GDC has a significant carbon reduction effect. Moreover, GDC reduces enterprises' carbon emissions by improving green innovation quality. Furthermore, an enterprise's technology convergence capability moderates the focal relationship. The heterogeneity analysis results reveal that the carbon reduction effect of GDC is stronger in large, state-owned, non-labor-intensive and heavy-pollution enterprises. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the fusion of greening and digitalization and provide useful insights for sustainable development policy-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid the increasingly severe global climate change situation, green technology innovation has become an important means to promote carbon reduction and achieve the transition to a low-carbon economy. This study aims to systematically analyze the relationship between green technology innovation and carbon emission performance in the urban agglomeration of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, exploring the degree of coupling and coordination between different cities. Utilizing data from 2011 to 2021, we employ methods such as the Coupling Coordination Degree Model and fixed effects model to achieve our objectives. Our findings reveal that both green technology innovation and carbon emission performance in this region are on an upward trend; however, the growth rate of green technology innovation showed a slowdown in 2021. Notably, there are disparities in the coupling coordination degree among cities, with economically developed areas exhibiting a faster growth rate. Moreover, green technology innovation significantly enhances carbon emission performance, and heterogeneity tests indicate that this impact is even more pronounced in cities with weaker environmental regulations. Despite regional differences, the overall trend remains positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Paris Accord emphasizes the obligation of nations to contribute to Nationally Determined Contributions and mitigate environmental pollution. Consequently, countries worldwide are actively seeking to discern the influence of various factors on improving environmental quality. Among these factors, innovation and financial sector development are indispensable in curtailing environmental pollution. Employing panel data from 1996 to 2018, we investigate the tripartite relationship between environmental pollution, innovation, and financial development within the G-20 countries. The findings of this study reveal that both innovation and financial development contribute to reducing environmental pollution in the long term. However, no significant relationship is observed in the short term between innovation, financial development, and environmental pollution. To further explore these dynamics, we conduct separate analyses for each country to examine the connection between innovation, financial development, and environmental pollution. Our results indicate that the short-term impact of innovation varies considerably across most G-20 countries. Nonetheless, in the long term, enhanced innovation catalyzes diminishing environmental pollution. These findings underscore the significance of innovation as a pivotal factor in alleviating environmental pollution through innovations in products, processes, and technologies. Similarly, financial sector development plays a vital role in promoting environmental quality by facilitating initiatives such as green lending and supporting research on green technologies and renewable energy solutions. Consequently, countries should reassess their policies and take proactive measures to address and mitigate environmental pollution effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the digital economy, digital technology is an important driving force to promote green development and achieve the "dual-carbon goal". Taking 1746 Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share enterprises from 2015 to 2022 as research objects, we empirically examine the relationship between government subsidies, digital transformation, and corporate green technology innovation. The study shows that (1) there is an inverted "U"-shaped relationship between government subsidies and corporate green technological innovation, while digital transformation plays a mediating role, and there is a difference between the quality and quantity of digital transformation in promoting green technological innovation. (2) Through the analysis of the moderating effect, it is found that market concentration has an obvious inhibitory effect between enterprise digital transformation and green technology innovation. (3) The study, by classifying the nature of enterprises, shows that the promotion effect of digital transformation on green technology innovation is weaker under heavily polluted enterprises than under non-heavily polluted enterprises, but the promotion interval of the relationship between government subsidies and green technology innovation is larger. Therefore, enterprises should make full use of digital technology to inject new impetus into their innovation activities, and the government should fully consider the appropriate space for enterprises to receive subsidies, make reasonable use of the incentive effect of government subsidies, and smooth the information docking channels for government and enterprise subsidies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze trends, pioneers, emerging issues, and potential future research in the field of digital technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data, fintech, and digital transformation for corporate sustainability. Using VOSviewer, R-studio, and BiblioMagika, this bibliometric review analyses 1251 articles published between 1995 and 2024 from the Scopus database. It highlights gaps in the knowledge and possible areas for further research in digital technologies and sustainability. Based on the findings, it can be determined that recent scholarly work has focused on topics such as digitalisation and sustainability, AI and sustainable development, blockchain and environmental technology, financial technology and green innovation, and energy policy and carbon emissions. This study is useful in helping emerging scholars identify and understand current trends in digital technologies and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the impact of digital technology innovation on energy efficiency and energy intensity, and further provide new insights for addressing emerging challenges in energy economics. Focusing on the panel data of 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2020, this study thoroughly investigates the process by which the digital economy influences regional energy intensity through the mechanism of technological spillovers, utilizing the fixed-effect model, the mediatedeffect model, and the spatial Durbin model. The systematic empirical analysis clearly demonstrates that the vigorous development of the digital economy significantly reduces regional energy intensity, and this effect remains stable after tests for endogeneity and robustness. Further analysis reveals that green technology innovation is a crucial pathway through which the digital economy reduces regional energy intensity. Additionally, the digital economy positively and indirectly lowers the energy intensity of neighboring provinces through technological spillovers. However, it is noteworthy that the rapid growth of the digital economy since 2017 has also triggered the so-called "energy rebound effect," which has led to an increase in energy consumption in neighboring regions to some extent. Therefore, to achieve a sustainable reduction in regional energy intensity and promote coordinated regional development, it is essential to continuously strengthen the development of a digital economy centered on digital technology to fully realize its technological spillover effects. These findings not only provide a scientific basis for the formulation of regional energy policies but also offer valuable insights for China in promoting green development and achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the perspective of green technology innovation, this paper takes listed companies in China's manufacturing industry from 2012 to 2022 as the research sample, and adopts the Driscoll-Kraay standard error method to explore the relationship between intelligent manufacturing and the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. The results show that intelligent manufacturing can promote high-quality development of manufacturing industry Green technology innovation plays an mediating role in the above relationship. The above findings still hold after considering robustness tests and endogeneity treatments. Heterogeneity analysis indicates the application of intelligent manufacturing in state-owned enterprises, CEO separately enterprises and heavily polluting industries has a stronger role in promoting the development of manufacturing industry. This paper complements the existing research results on intelligent manufacturing and also establishes a realistic path for the high-quality development of China's manufacturing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving energy utilization efficiency is a crucial means to achieve energy conservation, emission reduction, and green development. At present, to establish a high-quality development framework and satisfy the growing need for a better life among all its people, China must steadfastly pursue the path of green development. Although China's substantial economic scale and achievements in ecological civilization construction provide favorable conditions for green transformation, there remains a significant gap compared to developed countries in the application of green and clean technologies. Confronted with technological bottlenecks, leveraging emerging technologies such as industrial robots from the new round of scientific and technological revolutions to improve the green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) is of critical importance to China's green development. This study explores the potential impact of industrial robots on enhancing China's GTFEE. It begins by reviewing the current research landscape in this field, highlighting its shortcomings, and theorizing potential impact pathways of industrial robots. Subsequently, the paper analyzes data from 2010 to 2019 on the usage of industrial robots and GTFEE across 276 cities at the prefectural level or above in China. Through empirical regression models that incorporate control variables and interaction terms, the study investigates the specific impacts of industrial robots on energy efficiency and their mechanisms of action. The results indicate that industrial robots significantly enhance the GTFEE of Chinese cities, especially in the Northeastern region. Industrial robots notably improve the GTFEE in resource-based cities, old industrial bases, and low-carbon pilot cities. Additionally, robots indirectly boost GTFEE by increasing labor productivity. Enhanced levels of green innovation and environmental regulations also positively moderate the effectiveness of industrial robots in improving energy efficiency. The findings of this research can assist local government agencies in coordinating and implementing policies that are conducive to green development, making better use of industrial robots to serve the people, and are of significant importance for promoting the transformation of China's economy and society towards high-quality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the "carbon neutrality" strategy is implemented, green technology R&D, a core competitive strength for sustainable enterprise development, is an essential pathway for China's transformation and green growth. Green technology, a breakthrough over traditional production technologies, involves lengthy and costly R&D processes with high risks typically beyond the reach of a single enterprise. It requires the heterogeneous functions of enterprises, universities, and research institutions to complement each other's advantages and establish an "industry–university–research" collaborative innovation alliance for green technologies. This paper constructs differential game models for non-cooperative and cooperative green technology R&D involving a green manufacturer and a research institution. We solve and compare the profits for both parties under these scenarios, apply a time-consistent payment distribution mechanism to allocate cooperative profits, and ensure that neither party deviates from the optimal cooperative trajectory over a prolonged period, achieving Pareto improvement and enhancing social welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of the digital economy on urban environmental pollution by analyzing panel data from 283 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2019 and using the digital technology comprehensive pilot zone of China as a natural experiment. The results demonstrate that digital technology has a significant effect in reducing pollutant emissions and empowering urban environmental governance. The findings are proven to be robust based on various tests, including parallel trend, PSM-DID, and placebo tests. Our analysis further shows that digital technology is particularly effective in controlling pollution in old industrial areas, high digital areas, and low energy efficiency areas. We also find that the national digital technology integrated pilot zone can mitigate environmental pollution in prefecture-level cities by increasing public environmental awareness and encouraging green technology innovation. Moreover, our research indicates that digital technology-enabled urban pollution control can contribute to the formation of a new urbanization pattern in China. These findings provide valuable insights for promoting the digital economy and achieving the goal of carbon reduction in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the long-term interplay between trade policy, energy efficiency, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in South Korea, using data spanning from 1985 to 2023. By applying the Fourier autoregressive distributed lag (FARDL) model, the analysis reveals that while trade liberalization initially leads to a 0.23% increase in CO2 emissions for each 1% rise in trade openness—driven by the energy demands of industrial expansion—integrating energy efficiency standards within trade agreements helps mitigate these effects over time; this results in a 0.26% reduction in emissions for every 1% improvement in energy efficiency. The study also highlights the dual role of foreign direct investment (FDI), which contributes to a short-term 0.08% rise in emissions but significantly reduces carbon intensity in the long term by facilitating the adoption of cleaner technologies. These findings underscore the importance of innovation and FDI in decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. The study advocates for the incorporation of energy efficiency measures into trade agreements and the prioritization of green technologies, recommending strategies that could enable South Korea to reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 40% by 2030. This research positions South Korea as a key actor in achieving global climate goals while maintaining economic competitiveness, offering valuable insights into the balance between sustainable development and industrial growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental hazard posed by global warming necessitates the development of sustainable, eco-friendly power production unit based on renewable energy principles. Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPP) are the resource that fits this description. Here, the chimney is equipped with a larger roof at bottom, referred as collector, absorbs the sunlight to warm the air inside. This heat creates an upward draft, resulting a forward motion of air, which rotates the turbine. There is a better possibility of enhancing the performance of an SCPP with modification of factors such as chimney height, collector area, collector angular position. Hence, this research objective is to study the alteration in efficiency of an SCPP with collector angular modifications, such as completely slopped, intermediately sloped profiles, as well as the effects of various chimney designs with area ratios larger than one. An additional study of a semi divergent (SD) chimney with a completely slanted collector, positioned vertically. Initial analysis is performed using ANSYS-FLUENT, and a simulation environment is modeled to mimic the various chimney and collector configurations in preparation for the experimental work. The better model is chosen from these simulations and experimented in true environmental conditions. It was determined that the average increase in temperature within the SCPP was 17 K. The research found that the collector setup with a slope of 50% (case-2) resulted in a peak velocity 12% higher than that of the fully sloped configuration (case-1). Additionally, case-2 was 23% more productive than the Manzanares facility. On the other hand, case-3's semi divergent chimney with a complete slopped collector outperformed the other two by 23% and 12%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A developing trend in stormwater treatment and management is the use of green technologies. Plant biofilters have been gaining increasing use in support of green technology objectives. This technical note reports on the development and preliminary testing of a laboratory-scale plant biofilter prototype for ammonia removal using a South African native plant species (Juncus effusus). The prototype design was based on a conceptual model for nitrogen fixation, plant uptake, bacterial nitrification and soil sorption. Additionally, a plug compartment was incorporated into the design to simulate plug flow as part of the conceptual model. Biofilter models with and without inoculated bacteria were compared. Ammonia reduction, nitrite and nitrate formation were observed. Results showed that the inoculated plant biofilter performed best, with an average of 61% reduction in ammonia within the filter compared to 15% in the normal plant biofilter. The incorporation of a plug compartment aided in slowing down the ammonia infiltration rate, increasing the retention time, and allowing for nitrification to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of mechanical activation parameters such as mechanical activation rotation speed (0-550 rpm), mechanical activation time (15- 75 min), and solid/ball ratio (1/20-1/50) on the leaching efficiencies in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. In addition to mechanical activation, the study explores the use of organic acids, specifically citric acid, as leaching agents to enhance metal recovery. A green and innovative recycling process is developed, focusing on optimal conditions of 15 minutes activation time, 450 rpm rotational speed, and a 1/20 solid/ball ratio. The synergistic effect of mechanical activation and organic acid leaching is examined to optimize the process for sustainability and efficiency in recovering valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries. Results indicate that these parameters significantly influence leaching efficiencies, with the highest yields achieved under the identified conditions. This research contributes to advancing sustainable practices in battery recycling by integrating mechanical activation and organic acid leaching as effective and environmentally friendly approaches. The findings highlight the potential of these methods in advancing green technology and materials science, paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly battery recycling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green technology, encompassing sustainable practices in food production, extends to dietary fiber extraction. This study aimed to enhance dietary fiber extraction from the selected barley varieties (Jou‐17, Sultan‐17, and Pearl‐21) using the ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE) technique. This process involved washing, drying, de‐fatting (using ethanol as green solvent), and protein removal steps. The response surface methodology (RSM) technique was used to optimize the yield of soluble dietary fiber (SDF; β‐glucan) with time, temperature, and power. Optimal conditions yielded the highest SDF (5.21%) in all selected varieties after 17.5 min at 41.70°C with 130.5 W. FTIR pattern confirmed the functional group in the tested sample. TGA and DSC spectra determined the thermal of SDF (β‐glucan). Monosaccharide composition confirmed that SDF (β‐glucan) is glucose in nature. Proximate analysis indicated that Jou‐17 had the highest moisture (13.4%) and crude fiber (10.10%) content. Sultan‐17, on the other hand, had the maximum levels of ash (2.75%), crude fat (1.22%), and protein (8.84%). The NFE, water‐holding capacity, oil‐holding capacity, and foaming capacity of extracted SDF (β‐glucan) in the "Pearl‐21" barley variety were determined to be 78.37%, 14.07 g/g, 6.99 g/g, and 126.17%, whereas highest foaming‐stability (96.26%) was observed in Jou‐17 variety. PCA also confirmed the association in studied variables. In a nutshell, optimizing the extraction of SDF (β‐glucan) from the selected barley varieties using green technology and its favorable properties opens up promising paths for future endeavors and contributes to the advancement of sustainable and health‐conscious practices in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the potential impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy on economic growth proxies by gross domestic product and environmental quality proxies by carbon dioxide emissions across eight selected Asian countries from 2000 to 2020. This study contributes by calculating green total factor productivity and carbon total factor productivity based on the famous Solow's residual via employing a modified extensive growth accounting model that internalized ignored factors such as energy efficiency and renewable energy. The employed panel cointegration techniques confirm that all variables are co-integrated with carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth. The pooled mean group/autoregressive distributed lag model analysis results indicate that energy efficiency is positively associated with both environmental quality and economic growth. Renewable energy hurts economic growth but has a positive effect on environmental quality which suggests the necessity of implementing an effective strategy for renewable energy alongside energy efficiency measures to enhance economic growth and environmental quality in the selected Asian countries. The findings from the fully modified ordinary least squares estimator are consistent with the environmental quality model. The average growth rate of green total factor productivity is positive despite negative contributions from energy efficiency and renewable energy. Similarly, the average growth rate of carbon total factor productivity is negative despite positive contributions from labor and capital. This discrepancy may be attributed to the beneficial effects of labor and capital as input productivity-driven. Embracing renewable energy sources can take significant steps toward improving environmental quality for future generations. Focusing on green technologies that enhance energy efficiency can substantially promote environmental quality and stimulate sustainable economic growth through innovation and climate change integration to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern society, the use of bioactive compounds in various foods and cosmetic industry sectors through the development of general foods, functional foods, cosmetics, customized cosmetics and several pharmaceuticals has become one of the key technological sources. The most critical step in isolating and purifying bioactive compounds from natural plant materials is the extraction process. Over the past five years, there has been a reasonable compromise between economic, social, and environmental requirements, resulting in safer and more efficient traditional and non-traditional extraction methods. This literature review aims to comprehensively review green extraction technologies for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials from 2020 to 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of carbon tax policies on carbon emissions in the context of green technology spillovers among manufacturers. We develop a differential game model that incorporates both horizontal and vertical green technology spillovers, analyzing scenarios with and without a carbon tax policy. Our equilibrium analysis demonstrates that a carbon tax policy effectively promotes carbon reduction in manufacturers experiencing green technology spillovers by increasing investment in green technology. The policy also mitigates the negative effect of free-riding among competing manufacturers (horizontal spillovers) while enhancing the positive effect of free-riding among non-competitors (vertical spillovers). Additionally, we find that raising carbon tax or fostering vertical spillovers can enhance the profitability of supply chain participants by expanding the market scale. Conversely, elevating consumer environment awareness yields greater benefits for those who innovate (the spiller) rather than those who adopt (the recipient). Our findings offer novel managerial insights for manufacturers navigating green technology spillovers in a landscape shaped by carbon tax policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the recent advances of and functional insights into hydrogel composites, materials that have gained significant attention for their versatile applications across various fields, including contemporary dentistry. Hydrogels, known for their high water content and biocompatibility, are inherently soft but often limited by mechanical fragility. Key areas of focus include the customization of hydrogel composites for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds, where improved mechanical properties and bioactivity are critical. In dentistry, hydrogels are utilized for drug delivery systems targeting oral diseases, dental adhesives, and periodontal therapies due to their ability to adhere to the mucosa, provide localized treatment, and support tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as mucoadhesion, controlled drug release, and stimuli responsiveness, make them ideal candidates for treating oral conditions. This review highlights both experimental breakthroughs and theoretical insights into the structure–property relationships within hydrogel composites, aiming to guide future developments in the design and application of these multifunctional materials in dentistry. Ultimately, hydrogel composites represent a promising frontier for advancing materials science with far-reaching implications in healthcare, environmental technology, and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the green bond market in China develops and its institutional structure improves, the green bond has emerged as a pivotal element within the broader framework of the green financial system. We focus on bond issuers in China's A-shares from the years 2010 to 2021 and explore green bond issuance and the spillover effect of green technology innovation under the market attention perspective. Findings are that: (1) Green bond issuance can produce the spillover effect in the industry and significantly enhance peer enterprises' green technology innovation. (2) From the viewpoint of market attention, analyst attention can significantly enhance the spillover effect of green bond issuance within the industry. The same is true for media attention and investor attention. (3) Further research shows that within the same industry, the spillover effect is more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, large-scale enterprises, and enterprises in regions with higher levels of green financial development. For the booming development of China's green bond market and the sustainable development of enterprises, this paper provides theoretical and practical foundations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract For the first time under laboratory conditions, the virulence of a unique cypovirus strain, DsCPV-1, which has broad host specificity, was tested on nontarget aquatic organisms (natural species: Gammarus lacustris, Anopheles messeae, Coenagrion lunulatum, Cloeon robusta, Chironomus sp., Ilyocoris cimicoides, and Plea minutissima; laboratory species: Aedes aegypti and Daphnia magna), a terrestrial pollinator species (Apis mellifera), and an entomophage (Podisus maculiventris). The probability of this virus’s accumulation in the bodies of invertebrates and of its transmission along a trophic chain was evaluated by two approaches: bioassays and a molecular diagnostic analysis. In the bioassays, there was no significant increase in mortality among all the tested aquatic and terrestrial nontarget species exposed to DsCPV-1 as compared with control groups (no virus). When we fed Podisus maculiventris with caterpillars having active DsCPV-1 infection (i.e., with the virus replicating in the host) no viral replication was observed in bug. No replication was also observed in mosquitos as well as in bee after viral treatment. Thus, the results show that the DsCPV-1 virus has excellent environmental safety toward many invertebrate species and can be recommended for the control of lepidopteran pests in forestry and agriculture as insecticide with light effect on environment.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are recognized as an emerging green solvent that can be applied to lignocellulosic biomass fractionation and valorization. A deep understanding of the physicochemical properties of DESs is of great significance to the development of biomass processing technology. Meanwhile, the importance of DESs is manifested by an increasing number of value-added chemicals derived from lignocellulose in DESs. This review focuses on the physicochemical properties of different types of DESs as well as examples of their application to lignocellulosic fractionation. Additionally, recent advancements in research on converting products from DESs fractionation into bio-based materials are highlighted. Potential obstacles and prospects for integrating DESs into biomass processing are also discussed.

The study aimed to develop a potential biomaterial for neuroregeneration by the electrospinning of the biocompatible polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with innovative functionalized boron nitride quantum dots (F-BNQDs) synthesized via green chemistry using the amino acid taurine as a functionalization. The F-BNQDs were characterized and were found to be 16-21 nm in diameter, showed good photoluminescent characteristics, and their elemental composition was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The PVDF with F-BNQDs was prepared at three different concentrations, and the resulting electrospun fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle, biodegradation, water uptake, Schwann cell cytotoxicity, and cell behavior studies. The results of the study showed that the addition of F-BNQDs to PVDF resulted in enhanced mechanical properties, decreased contact angle, increased degradability, and water uptake. The lactate dehydrogenase assay revealed that 5% BN-PVDF had the lowest cytotoxicity. Fluroscent 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining showed that the increase in F-BNQD concentration up to 5% BN-PVDF enhanced cell behavior on the electrospun fibers. Therefore, the study concluded that 5% BN-PVDF would be suitable for further testing as a potential biomaterial for neuroregeneration in vivo. Highlights * Functionalized boron nitride quantum dots (F-BNQDs) were prepared using amino acid taurine. * The F-BNQDs were characterized and electrospun with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). * The incorporation of F-BNQDs to PVDF has enhanced its physicochemical properties. * All samples showed a single [beta]phase PVDF. * Schwann cells showed excellent compatibility and cell adhesion on F-BNQDs/PVDF. KEYWORDS electrospinning, functionalized boron nitride quantum dots, PVDF, Schwann cells, taurine, 1 | INTRODUCTION Peripheral nerve injuries have the potential to cause total transection of the nerve, necessitating surgical intervention to enable the regrowth of axons from the injured site to [...]

Kinetic and thermodynamics studies and the effect of process parameters such as seed average particle size, extraction time and temperature on the extraction of neem seed oil were investigated. Solvent extraction method was used with n-hexane as the solvent. The plot of percentage yield versus time showed that percentage yield increased with increase in time and temperature and decrease in seed average particle size. The highest percentage yield of 54.14% was obtained at optimum conditions of 0.5 mm average particle size, 55 ◦C temperature and 150 min extraction time. Kinetic study showed that pseudo second order model and Elovich’s model both described the extraction of neem seed oil based on least RMS and SD values. However, pseudo 2nd order gave highest R² value and calculated oil yield at aforementioned optimum conditions. Therefore, pseudo 2nd order model was chosen as best kinetic model for the process. Hyperbolic model, conversely gave no fit to the process. Thermodynamics parameters results 𝛥H (428.11 KJ/mol), 𝛥S (1.82 KJ/mol), and 𝛥G (-168.63 KJ/mol) for extracting oil from neem seed indicate that the process was endothermic, irreversible and spontaneous, respectively. The physiochemical properties show that neem oil has potential in biodiesel application. Fatty acid composition showed that neem seed oil is saturated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash (FA)-based geopolymer mortar is being considered for sustainability since it enjoys peculiar properties such as high mechanical properties and environmental benefits. However, the high curing temperatures of FA-based geopolymer mortar play a complex role in its outstanding mechanical behaviour thereby requiring other precursors, such as teff straw ash (TSA). In this study, we develop surface roughness properties of FAbased geopolymer mortars with TSA, where the ambient temperature is used for curing. The surface roughness characteristics of the FA-based geopolymer mortars with TSA exploit the surface roughness simulations from Gwyddion and the approach is demonstrated here in the contexts of spatial, hybrid and amplitude roughness parameters. The results show that some roughness parameters, including 𝑅a and 𝑅q values for FA-based geopolymer mortars with TSA, exhibit significant decreasing trends as the TSA contents increase. However, in comparison with the CA specimens (ambient temperature curing) and CE specimens (elevated temperature curing), the trends among the majority of the roughness parameters for FA-based geopolymer mortars with TSA turn out not to be very good probably due to changes in the internal structures of the mortars. Moreover, without the kurtosis values (Rku) of less than 3, it is easy to demonstrate that all the profiles of the investigated specimens reflect sharp valleys and peaks. The findings of surface roughness properties allow one to grasp the roughness parameters of FA-based geopolymer mortars with TSA. The approach for generating surface roughness properties of FA-based geopolymer mortars with TSA offers significant quantitative and qualitative information required for the bonding of mortar layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving economic sustainability in the garment manufacturing industry necessitates the implementation of several strategic measures. Basic strategies like adoption of automation, utilization of sustainable energy sources, diversification of markets and products, enhancement of supply chain resilience, etc. lead to the attainment of economic sustainability in the garment manufacturing industry. Additionally, the underlying component of these strategies for ensuring economic sustainability is the minimization of process waste, which can be effectively achieved through the application of lean manufacturing principles, specifically targeting the elimination of Muri, Mura, and Muda. This strategic commitment ensures business longevity amid evolving industrial landscapes, fostering innovation and competitiveness. In emerging economies like Bangladesh, pinpointing precise approaches to reduce waste is vital. This study explores into Muri, Mura, and Muda in the RMG sector, utilizing Pareto analysis, Fuzzy theory, Total Interpretative Structural Modeling (TISM), and Matriced’ Impacts Cruoses Multiplication Applique an un Classement (MICMAC) analysis. After the initial identification of 21 (twenty) factors, Pareto analysis pinpointed the primary 16 (sixteen) factors. Subsequently, these factors underwent analysis through fuzzy TISM and fuzzy MICMAC. The results highlighted ‘‘Demand variation’’, ‘‘Supplier variation’’, ‘‘Workforce variation’’, and ‘‘Energy supply variation’’ as the most crucial factors. The novelty of this study lies in exploring Muri and Mura factors in correlation with Muda employing the existing hybrid and effective methodology that combines Pareto analysis, Fuzzy MICMAC, and Fuzzy TISM methodologies. It offers fresh perspectives on their significance for economic sustainability in the garment sector. Prior research has not explored this integrated approach to reduce process waste by addressing Muri and Mura factors in emerging economies’ garment industries. This research is poised to significantly impact waste reduction in the RMG sector, enhancing competitiveness, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers, and ensuring industry standards adherence essential for sustained success. The contribution of this research is grounded in helping the practitioners and entrepreneurs in developing nations make strategic choices that will lead to the RMG sector’s resilience and, ultimately, economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]