Search

Upcycling iron slag into a monolithic catalyst has led to low‐cost heterogeneous catalytic ozonation (HCO) strategies for water treatment. The primary industrial challenges are the low chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction rate in treating authentic wastewater and difficulties sustaining close‐loop reaction cycles. In this study, we present a monolithic catalyst transformed from low‐cost iron oxide scale slag (IOSM) for highly efficient, sustainable ozone catalysis. The IOSM, constituted of 59.70 % Fe2O3 and 40.30 % Fe3O4, effectively decomposes ozone into superoxide radicals (⋅O2−) through a close‐loop cyclic reaction facilitated by interfacial charge transfer. This mechanism enables super‐fast degradation of 100 mg L−1 tetracycline at ozone concentrations below 1.00 mg L−1 in just four minutes, with the iron leaching merely at 59 μg L−1 after 10 cycles. In tests with authentic antibiotic wastewater, the IOSM‐based HCO system achieves a record‐breaking 81.70 % COD reduction within two hours. This research underscores the potential of upcycling industrial waste into highly effective ozone catalysts for sustainable practices in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative agriculture aims to utilise more diverse pasture species and enhance animal performance through sustainable soil management and pasture quality. This study evaluated the influence of regenerative and conventional farming on dairy cow performance and milk production under different pasture mixes and management strategies. Monthly herd test records were used to model individual lactation curves for daily milk, fat, and protein yield for the 2022–2023 season using random regression with third-order orthogonal polynomials. Total yields were calculated from predicted daily yield. Treatments were SPCM: Standard pasture under conventional management, DPCM: Diverse pasture mix under conventional management, and DPRM: Diverse pasture mix under regenerative management. Total milk yield was similar across treatments, averaging 3370 kg (SPCM), 3649 kg (DPCM), and 3626 kg (DPRM) for the 2022–2023 season. No significant differences were observed in fat, protein, milk solids yield, or milk composition. Cows on diverse pastures, regardless of management approach, showed heavier liveweights than those on standard pastures. DPCM and DPRM cows averaged 474 kg, significantly greater than SPCM cows at 464 kg (P < 0.0001), likely due to longer grazing rotation and higher post-graze mass. These findings suggest that pasture species diversity, regardless the management, enhances liveweight without affecting milk composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell culture is a cornerstone of in vitro biological research. Whilst glassware was once commonplace in tissue culture facilities, in recent decades laboratories have moved towards a heavy reliance on single use plastics for routine procedures. Single use plastics allow for accessible, sterile, and often affordable equipment that comes at a high environmental cost. We developed a glassware preparation and cleaning process that allowed the comparison of "traditional" plastic-heavy, and adapted "sustainable," cell culture practices, to empirically compare the sterility, viability, and proliferative capacity of cells cultured with differing techniques, by observing IL-6 production, morphology, and proliferation rate of cultured human pulmonary fibroblast cells. During which, we calculated the carbon footprint of traditional versus sustainable methods. We additionally endeavored to provide a realistic overview of the steps required to transition to more sustainable cell culture practices and make suggestions to ease the cost, labor, and time required to uptake similar practices in other laboratories. Cells cultured using reusable glassware did not show signs of contamination or stress compared to cells grown solely with plasticware, and glassware baked at 180°C for 120 min was sufficiently decontaminated and depyrogenated for culturing these cells. An individual researcher adopting the same methodology could reduce their carbon footprint by 105.92 kg of Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) whilst also saving money (£408.78) over a 10-year period. We predict that these benefits would be greater if more researchers were to uptake these adapted practices. We intend for this paper to reassure researchers that viable, sterile, and sustainable routine cell culture can be achieved with little upfront cost to the researcher, with the prospective benefit of greatly reducing the cost to the environment. We additionally hope that increased uptake, and thus demand of more sustainable practices, encourages suppliers, policy makers, and funding bodies to make sustainable practices more accessible to individual researchers and institutions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field level investigation was during the month of November, 2021-22 to observe integrated effect of different nutrient sources on growth, yield, quality and economics of tomato. The field work was conducted in Randomized Block Design consisting of eight different nutrient combinations like-Treatment-1: (control), Treatment-2: (100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer), Treatment-3: [100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+15 t Farm yard manure-ha ], Treatment-4 [75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+7.5 t ha-1 Farm Yard Manure+Biofertilizer (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria+Azotobacter)], Treatment-5 [75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+4 t ha-1 vermicompost+Biofertilizers (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria+Azotobacter), Treatment-6 [75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+2 t ha-1 vermicompost+Biofertilzers (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria+Azotobacter)], Treatment-7 [75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+0.5 t ha-1 Neem cake+Biofertilizers (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria+Azotobacter)], Treatment-8[75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+2 t ha-1 Mustardcake+Biofertilizers (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria+Azotobacter)]. Combined application of 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+2 t ha-1 vermicompost+Biofertilzers (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria+Azotobacter) recorded significantly maximum values for the vegetative parameters. This treatment also recorded maximum values for number of fruits plant-1 (45.89), fruit weight (35.62 g), yield plot-1 (40 kg) and yield ha-1 (70.08 t) and benefit:cost ratio (2.8). Maximum TSS (4.8°Brix), ascorbic acid (24.05 mg 100 g-1) and lycopene content (4.69 mg 100 g-1) were noticed with 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer+4 t ha-1 vermicompost+Biofertilizers (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria+Azotobacter). Experiment data showed that combination of 2t ha-1 of vermicompost and mixture of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Azotobacter along with 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer was proved as beneficial for sustainable production of tomato in new alluvial plains of West Bengal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban waterfronts have evolved into vibrant centres of recreation, tourism, and economic activities, becoming focal points for social, cultural, and religious gatherings in modern cities. The historical development of riverfronts sought to elevate the economic status and image of neighbouring cities during the industrial era. However, with the growing emphasis on riverfront revitalization projects in recent times, it has become imperative to prioritize environmental sustainability and ecological considerations in the planning and execution of these initiatives. This paper delves into the revitalization plans of the Sabarmati and Patna riverfronts in India, undertaking a comparative assessment of their development strategies and challenges encountered in ecological preservation. The study seeks to explore the interplay between the river and environmental concerns and analyse the positive impacts of ecological improvements on the social and economic dimensions of these urban waterfronts. Additionally, the research scrutinizes the alignment of these various aspects with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, presenting an integrated approach towards fostering holistic and sustainable urban riverfront development. The study on riverfront development projects revealed that successful projects prioritize social inclusivity, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability, contributing to the long-term success and well-being of both communities and ecosystems. The research demonstrates the potential for holistic and sustainable urban development through riverfront revitalization, offering valuable insights and case studies for future urban redevelopment projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioregenerative food systems that routinely produce fresh, safe-to-eat crops onboard spacecraft can supplement the nutrition and variety of shelf-stable spaceflight food systems for use during future exploration missions (i.e., low earth orbit, Mars transit, lunar, and Martian habitats). However, current space crop production systems are not yet sustainable because they primarily utilize consumable granular media and, to date, operate like single crop cycle, space biology experiments where root modules are sanitized prior to launch and discarded after each grow-out. Moreover, real-time detection of the cleanliness of crops produced in spacecraft is not possible. A significant paradigm shift is needed in the design of future space crop production systems, as they transition from operating as single grow-out space biology experiments to becoming sustainable over multiple cropping cycles. Soilless nutrient delivery systems have been used to demonstrate post-harvest sanitization and inflight microbial monitoring technologies to enable sequential cropping cycles in spacecraft. Post-harvest cleaning and sanitization prevent the buildup of biofilms and ensure a favorable environment for seedling establishment of the next crop. Inflight microbial monitoring of food and watering systems ensures food safety in spaceflight food systems. A sanitization protocol, heat sterilization at 60°C for 1 h, and soaking for 12 h in 1% hydrogen peroxide, developed in this study, was compared against a standard hydroponic sanitization protocol during five consecutive crop cycles. Each cropping cycle included protocols for the cultivation of a crop to maturity, followed by post-harvest cleaning and inflight microbial monitoring. Microbial sampling of nutrient solution reservoirs, root modules, and plants demonstrated that the sanitization protocol could be used to grow safe-to-eat produce during multiple crop cycles. The cleanliness of the reservoir and root module surfaces measured with aerobic plate counts was verified in near real time using a qPCR-based inflight microbial monitoring protocol. Post-harvest sanitization and inflight microbial monitoring are expected to significantly transform the design of sustainable bioregenerative food and life support systems for future exploration missions beyond low earth orbit (LEO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic residue left in the environment from plastic chewcards in three pest mammal monitoring operations was estimated at an average of 15% of the starting weight. This finding highlight the issue of single-use plastics within New Zealand’s (NZ) conservation sector. A review of other research operations across NZ shows a significant number of plastic chewcards are deployed, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution in environmentally sensitive areas. Our research shows the need for sustainable alternatives to plastic chewcards in order to mitigate the environmental impact. Alongside an estimation of microplastic being left in the environment, we evaluated wood-pulp chewcards as a potential alternative to corflute chewcards, with results indicating wood-pulp cards maintain comparable interaction rates across key pest species. By identifying the environmental issues of microplastics in the environment and offering a potential alternative, we aim to open a dialogue about adopting more sustainable tools and practices in the NZ conservation sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing global concern for sustainability is particularly acute in the fashion industry, often viewed as a major contributor to environmental degradation. In response, eco-green products emerged, prioritizing sustainable practices and minimizing harm to the environment. To effectively market these products, it's crucial to enhance knowledge and skills in eco-green marketing. This community service program at Namira Ecoprint Surabaya aims to combine sustainability with effective marketing, raising consumer awareness about eco-friendly products and their benefits. This community service program has successfully raised awareness and understanding of effective marketing strategies, the advantages of sustainable products, and how eco-friendly products can stand out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To mitigate the transmission losses, glass vias have the potential to replace silicon vias in wireless transmission systems. In the wake of limitations of the existing methods, ECDM is an evolving process for glass micro drilling. However, the process control of ECDM is compromised due to variation in electrolytic conditions in terms of concentration and temperature. As a result, poor stability and sustainability hampers the commercial viability of the ECDM process. Therefore, present communication attempted to enhance the stability and sustainability of the ECDM with a novel approach and termed as controlled-ECDM. Subsequently, the process stability (real time based) of the controlled-ECDM has been compared with basic-ECDM using the user's preference rating and I-MR chart. The results indicated a 20.65% gain in overall stability by controlled-ECDM. Additionally, the assessment of electrolyte emissions and performance on the radar graph indicated an improvement in the sustainability of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the global construction industry expands, it is imperative to prioritize economic sustainability due to the consequential effect on procurement practices. The procurement of building works, a pivotal phase in the realization of construction projects, requires a comprehensive framework to assess tenders that emphasise economic viability and align with sustainability principles. While traditional procurement processes primarily focus on cost considerations, the contemporary construction landscape necessitates a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices encompassing the economic dimension. Several studies have been conducted on public procurement and sustainability. Nevertheless, most of these studies focused on the environmental side of sustainability, leaving the social and economic dimensions unexplored. Hence, this study explores the sustainable economic criteria for assessing tenders in procuring building works. The study adopted the mixed research method; therefore, qualitative and quantitative data were employed in collecting the data for the study. The analysis deduced that the criteria for assessing the economic sustainability of tenders were categorized into management-related, technical, and commercial-related criteria, with the most significant variables being competitiveness, resource management skills, resource requirement assessment and profitability. The study's findings can potentially influence the assessment tenders of construction firms for building works. Thus, it suggested that the management practices of the bidders must be thoroughly evaluated as it is a crucial factor in ensuring economic sustainability from the onset of the project processes. This study presents a novel to ascertain the criteria for assessing the sustainable economy of tenders in procuring building works in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. The results of this study can be a source of data to guide the evaluation of tenders in the construction industry in Ghana and other developing countries within the Sub-Saharan Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union’s Green Deal emphasizes life science and biotechnology as key drivers for achieving a circular economy. However, the prevalent use of non-sustainable single-use plastics derived from petrochemical sources in life science research and development contradicts this ecological goal. This study presents a viable alternative through on-site sterile 3D printing of single-use plastics using poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The sterile printing of PLA demonstrates a substantial reduction in CO2eq emissions per shake flask, decreasing from 260 g CO2eq to 145 g CO2eq. Suitability for cell culture was demonstrated for sterile printed PLA, autoclaved high-temperature PLA and for suspension cell cultures in shake flasks using CHO and insect cells as well as adherent Vero cell cultures in cell culture wells. Further optimization of sustainable shake flasks is achieved by utilizing recycled PLA, resulting in a remarkable reduction to 73 g CO2eq, constituting a 72% decrease in CO2eq emissions compared to conventional single-use plastics. Moreover, by employing geometric optimization to minimize material usage, emissions can be further reduced to 44 g CO2eq, representing an 83% reduction in CO2eq emissions. Anticipated advancements in PLA production suggest future carbon net negative PLA production, potentially achieving zero carbon emissions for single-use plastics using PLA. The exceptionally cost-effective nature of 3D printed single-use plastics, coupled with negligible capital costs for implementation, positions sterile 3D printing as a practical solution aligned with the 2030 Green Deal goals. Moreover, ongoing improvements in bioplastic production underscore the feasibility of meeting the 2050 targets of carbon neutrality for single-use plastics in life science research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the administration of ritonavir (RIT)-boosted nirmatrelvir (NMV) on May 25, 2023, for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in patients who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19. In accordance with sustainability and environmental friendliness, simple, eco-friendly, and sustainable spectrophotometric methods were established for concurrently estimating RIT and NMV in newly launched copackaged pills. The suggested solutions for resolving the spectral overlap between RIT and NMV involve the following mathematical methods: the first derivative method (1D), second derivative method (2D), and dual-wavelength zero-order method (DWZ). When ethanol was used as a green dilution solvent, the linearity range was adjusted (10–250 µg/mL) for both drugs. The procedures resulted in a high correlation coefficient (not less than 0.9996) and satisfactory levels of detection and quantification. Additionally, method validation was performed in accordance with International Council for Harmonization norms. Moreover, a detailed ecological and sustainability evaluation protocol was established to confirm the greenness and whiteness of the methods. Finally, the proposed method, along with previously reported methods for analysing NMV and RIT, were reviewed analytically and ecologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, microalgal biotechnology has attained great acceptance among various researchers and industries for the green and sustainable production of different bioactive compounds. They provide multiple metabolites and molecules, making them an ideal candidate for cosmetic formulators and cosmeceutical companies. Nevertheless, numerous microalgae strains have never been studied for their pharmaceutical, nutritional and cosmeceutical purposes. Even less, only some have been cultivated on a large scale for bioactive compound production. Here, we have studied the cosmetic and cosmeceutical potentials of different microalgal strains for sunscreen as adjuvants and boosters in a green, carbon‐neutral and sustainable platform. Other bioactive compounds were exploited, and the available products in the market and the published patents were also reviewed. From our review, it will be possible to combine the fundamental and practical aspects of microalgal biotechnology toward a greener and more sustainable future for the cosmetic/cosmeceutical areas of the photoprotection scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought poses a significant ecological threat that limits the production of crops worldwide. The objective of this study to examine the impact of soil applied biochar (BC) and peatmoss (PM) on the morpho-biochemical and quality traits of tobacco plants under drought conditions. In the present experiment work, a pot trial was conducted with two levels of drought severity (~ well-watered 75 ± 5% field capacity) and severe drought stress (~ 35 ± 5% field capacity), two levels of peatmoss (PM) @ 5% [PM+ (with peatmoss) and PM- (without peatmoss)] and three levels of rice straw biochar (BC0 = no biochar; BC1 = 150 mg kg− 1; and BC2 = 300 mg kg− 1 of soil) in tobacco plants. The results indicate that drought conditions significantly impacted the performance of tobacco plants. However, the combined approach of BC and PM significantly improved the growth, biomass, and total chlorophyll content (27.94%) and carotenoids (32.00%) of tobacco. This study further revealed that the drought conditions decreased the production of lipid peroxidation and proline accumulation. But the synergistic approach of BC and PM application increased soluble sugars (17.63 and 12.20%), soluble protein (31.16 and 15.88%), decreased the proline accumulation (13.92 and 9.03%), and MDA content (16.40 and 8.62%) under control and drought stressed conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the combined approach of BC and PM also improved the leaf potassium content (19.02%) by limiting the chloride ions (33.33%) under drought stressed conditions. Altogether, the balanced application of PM and BC has significant potential as an effective approach and sustainable method to increase the tolerance of tobacco plants subjected to drought conditions. This research uniquely highlights the combined potential of PM and BC as an eco-friendly strategy to enhance plant resilience under drought conditions, offering new insights into sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture faces challenges balancing the need for increasing crop production with environmental protection. Straw mulching is widely used to improve crop productivity, while reducing nitrogen application is an effective strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the comprehensive evaluation of soil properties, GHG emissions, and soil quality under straw mulching conditions with different N application rates has not been extensively studied, especially in the Loess Plateau region of Central Gansu. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conducted, involving two tillage practices (CT: conventional tillage, CTS: conventional tillage + straw mulching) and three fertilization levels (LN: low nitrogen fertilizer, 55 kg N ha−1; MN: medium nitrogen fertilizer, 110 kg N ha−1 HN: high nitrogen fertilizer, 220 kg N ha−1). Based on the greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI), the minimum data set (MDS) was constructed by principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and Norm value, and the weighted index method was applied to comprehensively evaluate the soil quality. Our results showed that compared with CT, CTS significantly increased crop yields and improved the content of soil nutrients, and it was more effective when applying moderate amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. Wheat field soil behaves as a nitrous oxide (N2O) emission source and a methane (CH4) absorption sink. CTS–MN and CTS–LN reduced N2O emission by 52.95–87.76%, increased total CH4 uptake by 16.69–43.60%, and slowed down global warming potential (GWP) by 35.70–48.17% compared with CTS–HN in 2021–2022. They also reduced GHGI. Furthermore, CTS enhanced soil quality at different nitrogen application levels compared with CT, with CTS–MN exhibiting the highest Soil Quality Index (SQI) over the two years. Consequently, considering both economic and environmental benefits, CTS–MN can be regarded as a key practice for the sustainable development of agroecosystems in the Loess Plateau region of Central Gansu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of creating a prototype of a self-sufficient houseboat that is capable of prolonged independence from power grids and freshwater sources. In this design, electricity demand is met by a photovoltaic installation, and the energy is stored in batteries. Fresh water for living needs may be obtained from many sources, depending on the environmental conditions, such as through purifying outboard water, desalinating seawater, and collecting and storing rainwater. No waste production of the vessel can be achieved in two ways: waste can be treated and discharged into a body of water, or processed into fertiliser for later use in agriculture. Four possible locations were analysed: Rome, Lisbon, Gdańsk and Stockholm. The findings reveal that the length of time for which the unit is autonomous and emission-free depends on the geographical location of the facility. In periods when there is overproduction of energy, the system can produce hydrogen, donate energy to the grid, use it for the needs of its own movement, or perform other useful work, e.g. cleaning or aerating the water body on which it is floating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive sustainability framework tailored to schools in conflict areas, which suffer from weaknesses in education infrastructures and services. The primary objective is to assess the sustainability of public schools in these areas, focusing on the West Bank of Palestine. Concerning international assessment tools, which often prioritize the environmental aspect over social and economic considerations, this study offers a comprehensive collection of indicators addressing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability in public schools. The research methodology integrates insights from the literature review, the Palestinian context, and experts' opinions, which were collected through questionnaires. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used to determine the weights of the indicators. Applying this methodology to 54 Palestinian public schools revealed a low level of sustainability. Improvement recommendations include implementing green building principles, promoting social inclusion, and collaborating with local organizations to enhance economic conditions. This study provides a foundation for future research endeavors by presenting a robust framework for assessing sustainability in public schools in the Palestinian Territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review aims to explore the traditional plant knowledge and utilization practices among the local tribal communities in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, India. To document ethnobotanical uses, the published literature including journals, floras and other online published sources was surveyed. A total of 370 taxa belonging to 290 genera and 82 families were identified. Local communities employ these plant species for various purposes. Traditional medicinal practices in local communities involve the use of both monoherbal and polyherbal remedies. Notably, this study indicated a higher prevalence of dermatological and gastrointestinal disorders in the district. Interestingly, research has also found that 34 invasive plant species are being utilized by the local tribal communities for healing various ailments. We have also computed the citation index (CI) and use index (UI) for each species. This study illuminates the rich traditional plant knowledge and its multifaceted applications within the local tribal communities of Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, India. The documentation of traditional plant knowledge in this region provides valuable insights into conservation efforts and the development of sustainable practices that respect the intricate bonds between people and nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the efficacy of ridge gourd peel‐derived activated carbon (RGAC), activated with zinc chloride, for the removal of the antibiotic pollutant cephalexin (CFX) from aqueous solutions. Ensuring the elimination of cephalexin residues from aquatic environments is crucial for curbing the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria and preserving the balance of ecosystems. RGAC exhibits exceptional characteristics, with a surface area of 945.857 m2/g and a pore size of 1.7 nm, as determined through thorough structural analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis confirm the presence of various functional groups on RGAC's surface which aids in adsorption process, while zeta potential analysis indicates a negative surface charge of −18.11 mV. As experimental investigation, batch study was conducted considering distilled water spiked with CFX under standard condition for treatment with RGAC. Impressively, RGAC demonstrates a high CFX adsorption capacity of 37.56 mg/g, also achieving more than 90% CFX removal efficiency. Fitting of the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.9647) and the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics model (R2 = 0.99) reveals strong agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Furthermore, real‐time sampling and regeneration studies underscore RGAC's potential as a commercially viable adsorbent for addressing antibiotic micro‐pollutants in aquatic environments. Throughout six cycles of regeneration studies, a stable pattern emerged, showcasing rejection rates consistently between 81% and 93%. These findings contribute significantly to the advancement of environmentally sustainable water treatment strategies and pollution mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of organic dyes like methylene blue (MB) from industrial effluents serves as potential source of potable water. Photocatalytic degradation using sustainable catalyst is deemed to be an affordable solution. In this work, Nd2O3/MgO nanocomposite with different compositions (1, 3, and 5wt% Nd2O3 with MgO) have been achieved using hydrothermal synthesis and characterized extensively. Interestingly, increasing Nd2O3 proportion (1–5%) enhances light absorption, and decreases band gap and electron–hole recombination. The efficacy of the photocatalysts is tested with the degradation of MB dye, through optimizing Nd2O3/MgO proportion, contact time, catalyst dose, and pH. Interestingly, control experiments reveal that 5wt% Nd2O3/MgO achieve 99.6% degradation of MB in 90 min at pH 7, compared to 88.8% with bare MgO under same condition. Kinetic data show that 5wt% Nd2O3/MgO exhibits ca. 3 times higher degradation rate compared to MgO. For the first time, our work enable MgO-based sustainable photocatalyst development with minimum (5 wt%) rare-earth combination to achieve excellent photocatalytic degradation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article assesses the awareness level of youth towards the aspects related to sustainable apparel production and consumption in North India. The study examines the difference in awareness among male and female university students and identified factors that affect youth awareness and behaviour, including personal, family and economic variables.

Sustainable tourist behavior is a rapidly growing field within sustainable tourism. This study contributes to this emerging body of knowledge through a systematic literature review combining bibliometric and qualitative analysis of 331 publications. Key themes in sustainable tourist behavior research, including intended and actual behaviors, were identified with scholarly debates in this field discussed critically. Sustainability topics widely studied in other disciplines have been overlooked from a tourist behavior perspective, including waste classification and recycling, as well as applications of sustainable design to the management of the visitor economy. Additionally, this analysis revealed imbalances in sustainable development practice and research related to the visitor economy and gaps in theory development. This study builds on these findings and discusses an agenda for future research in sustainable tourist behavior. The findings contribute to shaping the conceptualization of sustainable tourist behavior, recognizing its dynamic nature, providing an overview of theories and antecedents, and underscoring the significance of considering diverse factors in future research. They also suggest that decision‐makers in tourism should prioritize understanding tourist sustainable behavior through market segmentation, incorporate design and technology into sustainable initiatives, and align strategies with the specific needs and requirements of tourists for effective and sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore sustainable innovation within MSMEs in West Java, focusing on understanding, and driving factors. Utilizing a qualitative approach, we conducted interviews with 11 MSMEs from the food, beverage, and service sectors. Our findings indicate varying levels of awareness of sustainable innovation, with primary external drivers being market competition and consumer demand, while the internal driver is MSMEs decision. The study highlights the need for targeted support to enhance SME innovation capabilities, and emphasizing the role of continuous learning. These insights contribute to the broader knowledge of sustainable practices in MSMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to determine the existing conditions of coastal settlements in the Petoaha sub-district, Nambo District, Kendari City. Identifying the factors that influence coastal settlements in Petoaha Village, Nambo District, Kendari City and creating a model for environmentally-based sustainable coastal settlement development in Kendari City. This research is a qualitative research using 6 informants who have an understanding of the sustainable coastal settlement development model in Kendari City. The research results show that the model for developing residential areas is sustainable, including environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability and economic sustainability. Environmental sustainability includes developing empty areas, including for the construction of houses and open spaces (green spaces), which can function as water catchments, parks for playing and other community activities. building a house can set aside part of the land as open space (green open space) which can function as protection and air conditioning and can be used as a place for family activities. House buildings are designed using windows and ventilation that comply with minimum SNI standards so that lighting and air circulation can be maximized and can reduce the use of lights during the day and reduce the use of air conditioning both during the day and at night, in addition to saving electrical energy can be done by using solar panels. Socio-cultural sustainability includes community activities and habits of gathering, working together and playing together within the Petoaha Village,. Meanwhile, economic sustainability includes community activities in their respective business fields by utilizing the facilities and infrastructure of nearby markets, fishing docks, Pertamina ports and mining companies as sources of income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the first all‐printed vertically stacked organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) operating in accumulation mode; the devices, relying on poly([4,4′‐bis(2‐(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)‐2,2′‐bithiophen‐5,5′‐diyl]‐alt‐[thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐2,5‐diyl]) (pgBTTT) as the active channel material, are fabricated via a combination of screen and inkjet printing technologies. The resulting OECTs (W/L ≈5) demonstrate good switching performance; gm, norm ≈13 mS cm−1, µC* ≈21 F cm−1 V−1 s−1, ON–OFF ratio > 104 and good cycling stability upon continuous operation for 2 h. The inkjet printing process of pgBTTT is established by first solubilizing the polymer in dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene), a non‐toxic, cellulose‐derived, and biodegradable solvent. The resulting ink formulations exhibit good jettability, thereby providing reproducible and stable p‐type accumulation mode all‐printed OECTs with high performance. Besides the environmental and safety benefits of this solvent, this study also demonstrates the assessment of how the solvent affects the performance of spin‐coated OECTs, which justifies the choice of Cyrene as an alternative to commonly used harmful solvents such as chloroform, also from a device perspective. Hence, this approach shows a new possibility of obtaining more sustainable printed electronic devices, which will eventually result in all‐printed OECT‐based logic circuits operating in complementary mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its harmful health impacts, fluoride contamination of water sources is a serious environmental concern. In this study, a sustainable and economical approach was used to separate nanocellulose from agricultural wastes including an outer cover of cotton seed and groundnut shell. Through a simple and scalable production method, the resultant nanocellulose was modified and inserted into a bio composite matrix. The biocomposite materials were well characterized. The performance of the nanocellulose biocomposites was assessed through the adsorption of fluoride by the effects of contact time, catalyst load, pH, and temperature. The outcomes showed quick and effective removal of fluoride, obtaining a removal efficiency of over 85% in a short contact period. Furthermore, the regeneration and reusability of the nanocellulose biocomposites were examined, indicating their potential for multiple adsorption cycles without significant loss. The findings contribute to the development of eco-friendly and efficient solutions for fluoride in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rural service sector's entrepreneurial venture into peer-to-peer accommodations (P2PAs) has gained momentum in rural US communities through platforms such as Airbnb with recent success attributed to a heightened urban-rural migration amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. P2PAs provide benefits such as regional economic development, small business and destination word of mouth marketing, and conservation of natural resources. Increasing P2PA activity in rural communities necessitates a theoretical anchor for P2PA management strategies that comprehensively examines potential P2PA impacts in rural communities and future rural destination trajectories that might be influenced by P2PA development. Thus, this study builds upon a previous theoretical framing of P2PA impacts which utilized both socio-ecological systems theory and tourism development models through its application in a rural destination. Even more, this study's superimposition Actor-Network Theory (ANT) on this existing theoretical framework provides deeper insight into the iterative relationship between P2PAs and the communities that host them. This study counters a binary positioning of P2PAs as either solely positive or negative disruptions in a tourism system. Instead, it explores the complex network of internal and external "agents" in rural communities potentially impeding or compounding the effects of P2PAs on rural community resilience to inform development of P2PA management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiology laboratories are pivotal hubs for exploring the potential of microorganisms and addressing global challenges. Particularly, Environmental Microbiology facilities hold substantial influence in advancing knowledge and capabilities crucial for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This raises the imperative of integrating sustainable practices to mitigate the environmental impact of research activities and foster a culture of responsibility. Such an approach not only aligns with global sustainability objectives but also catalyses innovative, eco-conscious methodologies in scientific research aimed at tackling pressing environmental issues. Concerns regarding the environmental footprint of laboratory practices have stimulated innovative improvements within the scientific community, ranging from resource-efficient initiatives to the management of essential commodities like water and energy. This perspective discusses specific areas where microbiology laboratories can enhance their sustainability efforts, drawing on reports and case studies of pioneering groups. Additionally, it explores potential collaborators to support these endeavours and emphasises the pivotal role of early career researchers in driving this transition. By initiating discussions and sparking curiosity within the environmental microbial community, this commentary seeks to propel the microbial ecology field toward a greener future, starting from within the laboratory environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global disparity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a major challenge, with many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) experiencing limited access to MRI. The reasons for limited access are technological, economic and social. With the advancement of MRI technology, we explore why these challenges still prevail, highlighting the importance of MRI as the epidemiology of disease changes in LMICs. In this paper, we establish a framework to develop MRI with these challenges in mind and discuss the different aspects of MRI development, including maximising image quality using cost‐effective components, integrating local technology and infrastructure and implementing sustainable practices. We also highlight the current solutions—including teleradiology, artificial intelligence and doctor and patient education strategies—and how these might be further improved to achieve greater access to MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean production, integral to sustainable agriculture and reliant on imports, faces vulnerability to international risk factors impacting domestic food security. The 2021 Central Rural Work Conference advocated strategic adjustments for sustainable soybean production amidst resource constraints, trade conflicts, and the lingering impact of COVID-19. This study scrutinizes the developmental framework of China’s soybean industry within current domestic policies. This paper uses the soybean sown area and soybean production in each province of China from 1995 to 2020 to measure China’s soybean concentration, production layout, and comparative advantage of regional scale, to analyze in depth the overall situation of China’s soybean production as well as the differences between regions, and to pave the way for the subsequent soybean production forecast. Further, taking the domestic soybean supply and demand situation in China in 2020 as the base period, while considering the growth values of soybean production under different scenarios, the potential forecasting model is utilized to estimate China’s soybean production under different scenarios. The results show that, in terms of inter-annual variability, revealing an upward trajectory from 1995 to 2020, with a shift to major soybean producing areas, notably in the northeast and the Huanghe-Huaihe-Haihe area. From inter-provincial changes, Soybean production on the left and right sides of the “Hu-Huanyong line” has significant heterogeneity; specifically, east of the “Hu-Huanyong line,” soybean production advantages are more obvious. Additionally, the study considered the actual planting situation of soybeans and envisaged two scenarios of compound planting and strip planting. The soybean production range in 2030 is expected to be 20.73–22.32 million tons and 21.15–27.55 million tons, with self-sufficiency rates varying from 18.57 to 19.98% and 18.95 to 24.68%, respectively. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of China’s soybean industry and its potential trajectories, employing a model combining historical trends, policy analysis, and technological advancements. Results suggest a promising future with strategic adjustments in planting structures. Recommendations emphasize policymakers’ prioritization of technological investments and sustainable planting practices to achieve projected production targets. Policy interventions must address challenges tied to resource limitations, trade conflicts, and the ongoing COVID-19 effects, ensuring soybean industry resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This text describes a study that investigates the mechanics, environmental benefits, and potential challenges of paper recycling machines. It highlights the importance of these machines in promoting a more sustainable future, and how they align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to address issues such as climate change, land use, responsible consumption and production, and poverty alleviation by promoting sustainable economies. This study explores the transformative potential of the recycling industry and its impact on the economy of Papua New Guinea (PNG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motorway service areas or rest area are defined as public facilities located next to a major road such as a motorway or a state highway, where drivers and passengers can rest, eat or refuel without exiting to secondary roads or entering cities, when choosing the location of the service area on the road, several factors must be taken into account, including: identifying the categories of road users and their requirements, the service buildings already on the road and the facilities in them, determining the distances between buildings on each road, determining the distance of the building from the right-of-way. The Arab Republic of Egypt occupies the thirty-first position in the world in terms of the length of its road network; the success of highways depends mainly on the network of services on it. Therefore, the need arose to study the design of service centers (rest areas) on the roads and the most important services they provide. With the increase in the negative impact of architecture on the environment, the need arose for a type of architecture that has less impact on the environment which is called environmental architecture. In this research, we will study the history and basics of designing service areas on the roads and the most important facilities and services that must be available in them and the alternative environmental methods to operate these centers as an alternative to traditional methods, and a case study of an already existing building that works with clean energies and sustainable practices.

The digital supply chains enabled by Big Data Analytics (BDA) capabilities have become a business significance to develop a competitive and sustainable supply chain. The implementation of BDA for sustainable supply chains introduces various organisational challenges for the manufacturing firms demanding complementary capabilities. This study presents an investigation of the linkages between BDA capabilities, circular economy (CE) practices, and sustainable supply chain (SSC) flexibility on the SSC performance. Based on a survey of 320 manufacturing organisations, the study presents very interesting results. It is revealed that the BDA does not have a direct effect on sustainable performance. The CE practices and SSC flexibility are significant mediating variables between the BDA capabilities and SSC performance. The BDA is found to drive the implementation of CE practices. Further, CE practices are found to develop SSC flexibility with the BDA complementing these flexibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the influence of various biofertilizer sources on turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivation in Eastern Nepal. The research was conducted at G.P Koirala College of Agriculture and Research Centre, Sundarharaicha, Morang, Nepal, from April 2023 to January 2024. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments including T1: Recommended dose (RD) of NPK, T2: Goat manure (GM), T3: Organic manure (OM), T4: Poultry manure (PM), T5: Vermicompost (VC), T6: Farmyard manure (FYM), T7: Control, replicated three times. Turmeric cultivation practices were implemented following standard agronomic procedures. The recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer, NPK, exhibited the highest enhancement across multiple vegetative and reproductive growth parameters of turmeric, with notable increases in plant height, leaf number, tillers per plant, primary and secondary fingers per clump, fresh rhizome yield, dry yield, and dry recovery percentage. Among the organic sources, goat manure and poultry manure also showed promising results in enhancing turmeric yield and quality. Specifically, NPK recorded the highest fresh rhizome yield at 21.30 tons ha-1, while goat manure and poultry manure yielded 20.35 tons ha-1 and 18.69 tons ha-1, respectively. In contrast, the lowest fresh rhizome yield was observed in the control group, indicating minimal enhancement in yield without fertilizer supplementation. The results highlight how organic farming methods may be a good substitute for traditional chemical fertilizers in the context of sustainable turmeric production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current petrochemical-based adhesives adversely affect the environment through substantial volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during production, contributing to air pollution and climate change. In contrast, vegetable oils extracted from bio-resources provide a compelling alternative owing to their renewability, abundance, and compatibility with adhesive formulation chemistry. This review aimed to critically examine and synthesize the existing scholarly literature on environmentally friendly, sustainable, and high-performance polyurethane adhesives (PUAs) developed from vegetable oils. The use of PUAs derived from vegetable oils promises to provide a long-term replacement while simultaneously maintaining or improving adhesive properties. This quality renders these adhesives appropriate for widespread use in various sectors, including construction, automotive manufacturing, packaging, textile, and footwear industries. This review intended to perform a comprehensive assessment and integration of the existing research, thereby identifying the raw materials, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in knowledge concerning vegetable oil-based PUAs. In doing so, it responded to these gaps and proposes potential avenues for future research. Therefore, this review accomplishes more than merely evaluating the existing research; it fosters the advancement of greener PUA technologies by identifying areas for improvement and innovation towards more sustainable industrial practices by showcasing vegetable oil-based PUAs as viable, high-performance alternatives to their petroleum-based counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of ultrafine particles provided a new way to solve problems in the fields of energy, environment, and medicine, and had become one of the most promising technologies. Therefore, the application of ultrafine particles required the development of cleaner, greener, and more efficient preparation methods. The new freeze-dissolving technology has been applied in manufacturing of KHCO3 ultrafine particles, with an aqueous solution of 0.02–0.1 g KHCO3/g water. Frozen ice particles were formed after dripping the solution into liquid nitrogen. The antisolvent ethanol was used to dissolve the ice spherical template at a temperature below 273.15 K, and the pre-formed KHCO3 ultrafine particles inside the ice template remained in the ethanol aqueous solution. The ice particles were put into the freeze dryer to isolate the ultrafine KHCO3 particles. Compared with the particles produced with traditional freeze-drying technology, the ultrafine powder/particles produced by the freeze-dissolving technology were smaller with narrower size distribution. The freeze-dissolving technology has demonstrated a much more sustainable and efficient manufacturing process than the traditional freeze-drying process. In addition, the influence of the concentrations of KHCO3 and the sizes of ice particles were investigated with the discussions of mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapid urbanization sweeping through emerging nations, such as India, there has been a substantial increase in wastewater production, which poses a significant challenge in terms of its treatment and sustainable use. Conventional wastewater treatment methods, including the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), membrane bioreactor (MBR), activated sludge process (ASP), sequencing batch reactors (SBR), and others, have demonstrated their effectiveness but come at a considerable cost. As these systems age, their operational and maintenance expenses escalate, rendering them less practical and sustainable. Despite the establishment of numerous wastewater treatment plants aimed at adhering to the regulations set forth by the Central Pollution Control Board of India (CPCB), high operating and maintenance costs have resulted in the abandonment of many of these facilities. There is a persistent need for sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly wastewater management technology to address this pressing issue. A solid immobilised biofilter (SIBF) system is currently under research as a potential solution because of its natural, cost-efficient, and sustainable characteristics. This study engages in a compelling comparative case study of two hospitals in Maharashtra, India. This contrasts the conventional wastewater treatment method (MBBR) with the natural treatment approach (SIBF). This study utilizes a 30-year life cycle cost analysis approach, which distinctly reveals that the MBBR system carries a higher life cycle cost. In contrast, the SIBF system has significantly lower costs because of its reduced energy consumption and operational costs. Four laboratory tests, namely biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and pH, were used to evaluate the quality of the treated wastewater. This research makes a significant contribution to the field of cost-effective wastewater management solutions by evaluating the feasibility of system implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the perceptions of rural communities in the Sekhukhune District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa, towards sustainable heritage tourism development. It aims to comprehend local attitudes by analysing community views, recognising benefits and challenges, and assessing the potential for sustainable practices. The study, utilising a quantitative approach through a structured survey, reveals diverse opinions among rural residents. While acknowledging tourism's positive economic and cultural prospects, concerns arise about environmental impact and traditional lifestyle disruptions. The paper's significance lies in its distinct focus on rural communities, expanding beyond urban-centric research. It enriches the sustainable tourism discourse by presenting local perspectives and suggesting strategies aligning community aspirations with tourism development goals. Overall, the research highlights the necessity of involving and empowering rural communities, advocating for context-specific approaches that harmonise tourism growth with the preservation of rural heritage. This study provides crucial insights for policymakers and stakeholders shaping effective and inclusive strategies for sustainable heritage tourism development in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on sustainable marketing is mapped using bibliometric analysis, which offers a thorough picture of the field's current condition and future directions. By means of bibliometric analysis using VosViewer and the collection of 1.385 articles, the study indicates a noteworthy increase in publications and citations concerning the subject matter during the last ten years. Several important clusters actively studying Sustainable Marketing, including sustainable consumer behavior, sustainability orientation, consumption patterns, market segmentation, and stakeholder roles, were found through analysis of author collaboration patterns. "Sustainable marketing research" is the core research area, and the bibliometric network visualization displays the essential terms and relationships between concepts. Though less thoroughly, subjects including customer capital, sustainable management, sustainable business, and digital marketing were also covered. This article's bibliometric analysis reveals some intriguing mapping findings. Collaboration in research articles is revealed by the author's analysis. The report also presents the findings from studies on sustainable consumer behavior. The study method on consumer sustainability challenges, including customer capital, spending, and behavior, is outlined by the bibliometric analysis. Bibliometric analysis, thus, offers a mapping of sustainability research, particularly in terms of offering significant insights on specific sustainability challenges like consumer difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand on water resources, reduced land for agriculture, and concerns over food and nutrition security have prompted the evolution of innovative and complex food production systems. In this context, efficient and sustainable food production systems such as aquaponics are viewed as an important and environmentally friendly technology for adaptation under resource-limited environments. Producing food in soilless systems is a promising strategy, as this method utilizes significantly less water than traditional agriculture. However, optimizing growing conditions to enhance crop and fish yields in aquaponics is frequently ambiguous and is often not economically feasible. One of the strategies to improve plant yields and supply of nutrients in aquaponics is the application of probiotics. With this strategy, the crop yields in aquaponics are improved via a variety of mechanisms, including nitrogen fixation, solubilization of mineral nutrients, organic matter mineralization, plant hormone modulation, and biocontrol. As a result, incorporating probiotics in aquaponic systems is a strategy for mitigating environmental effects and advancing sustainable agriculture. This review paper provides the current knowledge of the use of probiotics in aquaponics. Suggestions for further studies on the effects of probiotics in aquaponic systems are proposed. Through literature review, integrating probiotics into aquaponic systems has the potential to improve nutrient supply, modulation of water quality parameters, and microbial communities, which are key processes in enhancing the productivity of aquaponic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Abras de Mantequilla wetland, located in Ecuador, is considered a RAMSAR site because of its extreme importance for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, this place faces challenges due to human activities such as water extraction, deforestation and fishing exploitation. There is a pressing need to protect this wetland not only to maintain its biodiversity, but also for its essential functions, such as water retention and purification. The present study focused on soil fertility, particularly in relation to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), in the secondary forest "Noé Morán" within the Abras de Mantequilla wetland. The key role of AMF in improving soil fertility was highlighted. The methods used included soil sampling and identification of AMF species, as well as analysis of soil physical and chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from the root zone of four tree species (Castilla elástica, Albizia saman, Erythrina poeppigiana and Duguetia peruviana) and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The results showed differences in soil physicochemical properties among the forest species studied, as well as variations in the abundance and diversity of AMF species associated with each tree species. The importance of understanding these soil-plant-microorganism interactions for promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Abras de Mantequilla wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to formulate recommendations for water conservation strategies through solving the causes of water scarcity. Through a qualitative approach, the study was conducted through a review of secondary data sourced from institutions related to the research topic, accompanied by an analysis review of relevant literatures. Secondary data obtained shows that the majority of urban communities choose boreholes/pumps and piped water as the main SAM for purposes other than drinking, while drinking is dominated by refill water. Among the strategies identified, NbS (Nature-based Solution) based on ecosystem strengthening and economic valuation through Payment for Ecosystem Service (PES) will support sustainable natural resource planning in urban areas by considering ecological aspects and community welfare. Sustainable water management in urban areas requires a synergy of driving factors such as policy formulation based on ecological sustainability, involvement of stakeholders with effective coordination, and community involvement in planning and management. Therefore, alignment of perceptions and goals between actors is required to achieve strategic steps and sustainable natural resource governance planning as an inevitable response to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]