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Amide bond synthesis is ranked as the second most important challenge in key green chemistry research areas identified by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute. While developing more sustainable amide bond forming reactions has been in focus, significantly less attention has been given to human toxicity and environmental aspects of the underlying amine and acid substrates and their corresponding coupled products, a potentially important contribution to the overall sustainability of the amide-bond-forming reactions. Here, we explore biocatalytic amide bond formation from a safer-and-more-sustainable-by-design perspective in which commercially available amines and acids as well as their corresponding amide products were evaluated in silico based on potential human toxicity and environmental fate and exposure. This in silico filtering resulted in a panel of 188 amine and 54 acid building blocks that could be classified as safe, referred to herein as "safechems". To enable couplings of safechems, we generated a panel of robust and promiscuous ancestral ATP-dependent amide bond synthetases (ABS) using McbA from Marinactinospora thermotolerans SCSIO 00652 as a template. Ancestral ABS enzymes exhibited complementary specificities in the coupling of a representative safechem subset of 17 amines and 16 acids while showing an increased thermostability of up to 20 °C compared to the extant biocatalyst. Finally, the pool of safechems and their corresponding amides were evaluated by USEtox (the UNEP-SETAC toxicity model), analysing not only the intrinsic properties of the compounds but evaluating their complete impact pathway including fate, exposure and effects. The amides were in general predicted as more toxic compared to the starting acids and amines through non-additive effects, emphasising that focusing on the toxicity of the building blocks alone is not sufficient to strive towards low human and ecotoxicity impact. Pursuing a safer and more sustainable by design perspective in the implementation of safechems did not prevent us from generating an array of novel products with potentially potent applications as exemplified here by enzymatic synthesis of substructures that are part of drug candidates for e.g. cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A detailed mechanistic investigation of the Zn (II)‐catalyzed Csp–Csp2 (Sonogashira‐type) cross‐coupling reaction is reported herein, using the Density Functional Theory method. The present study unveiled an unconventional non‐redox mechanism for Zn‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction, where the oxidation state of Zn remains intact throughout the catalytic cycle. Our study further revealed the significant role of the base in controlling the feasibility of cross‐coupling reactions that are catalyzed by electron‐deficient metal centers. Our study indicates that K3PO4 acts as an ancillary ligand (Lewis base) for the electron‐deficient Zn (II) catalytic center rather than as a proton abstractor for the nucleophilic coupling partner (phenylacetylene) in this reaction. The active catalyst was identified to be a four‐coordinate bis‐DMEDA Zn (II) complex. The mechanism proceeds via the initial activation of the nucleophilic coupling partner (phenylacetylene), followed by the electrophilic coupling partner (organic halide) activation liberating the cross‐coupled product by a concerted nucleophilic substitution pathway. The turn‐over limiting step was identified to be the activation of the electrophilic coupling partner. The activation barrier obtained for the reaction, 31.0 kcal/mol concords well with experimental temperature requirements (125°C). The coordination by base is found to stabilize the rate‐determining intermediates and transition states involved in the reaction. The mechanistic insights gained from this study could aid in the rational design and development of sustainable cross‐coupling reactions using zinc as the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of its move towards net zero, the chemical industry, over time, will transition away from fossil-based chemical feedstocks towards more sustainable, 'green' carbon—biomass, recycled waste and captured carbon dioxide. One gateway to transforming these feedstocks into the vital chemicals and fuels society relies on is via synthesis gas or 'syngas'—a gaseous mixture of chemical building blocks (H2, CO and CO2). While today the majority of syngas is produced via steam reforming of natural gas, commercially available technologies are enabling syngas production and transformation from sustainable feedstocks. The optimization of sustainable syngas technologies would not be possible without the integrated development of both catalyst and process technology and the associated skills in chemistry and chemical engineering. This paper covers three example technologies that are unlocking the role of syngas as a gateway to sustainable fuels and chemicals and highlights the innovative developments in catalyst and process design that have enabled their optimization and commercialization. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Green carbon for the chemical industry of the future'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, when regenerable alternative green sources are attracting more caution under sustainability targets, kapok and coconut fibers, known as natural fibers, have come to the fore as a very significant raw material source. In this experimental study, compressive strength, thermal insulation, and pore structure characteristics of kapok fiber (KP)– and coconut fiber (CC)–incorporated concrete samples under different curing conditions were analyzed. For that purpose, randomly distributed fiber-incorporated concrete mixtures containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% KP and CC fiber by the weight of cement were prepared and under H2O2 and NaClO curing conditions, the effects of KP and CC fiber inclusion on properties mentioned above of fiber-incorporated concrete samples were researched in detail. Experimental results depict that a maximum thermal conductivity coefficient decrease of 24.31% was detected at a content ratio of 1.5% by the reason of the pore modification effect of used natural fibers in the H2O2 curing group. Because of the remarkable pore modification effect of KP fiber incorporation into the cement matrix compared to the CC fiber inclusion cases, strong linear correlations revealing the insulation-strength mechanism could be detected for both H2O2 and NaClO curing cases. This work intends to promote sustainable development in the building industry by integrating natural fibers into concrete mixtures as an innovative design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to strict governmental regulations, manufacturers have increasingly focused on recovering end-of-life (EoL) products through disassembly lines, aiming to achieve economic benefits while addressing the environmental aspects of supply chain sustainability. Disassembly line balancing (DLB) has become a key challenge for enterprises seeking to perform environmentally conscious manufacturing as part of a closed-loop supply chain policy. Therefore, designing a sustainable closed-loop supply chain requires analyzing interrelated problems by focusing on strategic-, tactical-, and operational-level decisions simultaneously. This study introduces an integrated problem that addresses multi-manned DLB, lot sizing, and reverse supply chain (RSC) design problems. To mathematically represent the problem, a generic optimization model is developed to minimize overall costs, including station opening, inventory holding, shortage, transportation, and collection center/facility opening costs. This study addresses several research questions to explore the impact of distribution strategies (centralized and decentralized) on multi-manned DLB and lot size decisions within the context of reverse supply chain design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan (Ch), a natural polysaccharide, is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and various beneficial properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The objective of this study is to investigate the functionalization of zinc oxide (ZnO) with chitosan to develop a novel ZnO@Ch adduct for use in cosmetic formulations, specifically as a sun protection agent. The functionalization was achieved through ionotropic gelation, which enhanced the stability and reduced the photocatalytic activity of ZnO, thereby improving its safety profile for skin applications. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful functionalization, while TGA and DSC characterized the thermal properties and stability. The Zeta potential and particle size analyses demonstrated improved stability of ZnO@Ch across various pH levels compared to uncoated ZnO. The structure of the obtained adduct was also confirmed by SEM analysis. The ZnO@Ch adduct exhibited enhanced stability at neutral and slightly alkaline pH values, reduced photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO, and had lower cytotoxicity in 3T3 cells compared to pure ZnO, particularly at higher concentrations. The ZnO@Ch adduct provided a higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) than pure ZnO, indicating enhanced UV protection. The adduct's ability to provide higher SPF at lower ZnO concentrations offers economic and environmental benefits, aligning with sustainable product design principles. Future studies will focus on optimizing the formulation and testing the efficacy and safety at higher concentrations to fully realize its potential as a natural, eco-friendly sunscreen ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the food packaging industry, ventilated corrugated paperboard boxes are crucial for sustainable transport of fresh products. While these boxes' ventilation holes advance air circulation, they also impact the material's compression or buckling strength. Variations in hole geometry and location affecting this strength are explored, considering the composite material, multi-layered structure. Traditional mechanical analyses, which often require simplifications, may not fully capture this complexity, leading to less accurate predictions of the paperboard's strength. To address these challenges, a machine learning (ML) approach was utilized, employing the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) to develop a predictive model for the buckling strength of corrugated paperboard boxes with ventilation cutouts. This physics-informed ML model, trained on a compression dataset resulting from experimental tests for plates with a single cutout in three shapes and Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations for plates with various patterns of circular cutouts, provides highly accurate estimates of the plates' buckling strength. It achieved 91.7% accuracy on experimental data and 94.68% on FEM simulation data, showcasing its reliability. A new tool for predicting the buckling strength of corrugated paperboard is provided by this research, along with insights that can inform the design of more sustainable packaging solutions. Furthermore, the methodology and findings have broader applications, potentially benefiting sectors like aerospace and construction, where similar structural materials are used. • ML predicted compression strength of sustainable VCP plates with high efficiency. • Improved VCP design reduces package's material waste in distribution cycles. • Shape, size, location, & pattern of cutouts influence VCP plate buckling strength. • ML ranks factor importance, efficiently enhancing VCP box designs. • Findings apply to various scales and industries beyond packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the strong interest concerning the responsive façades, today there are still few built examples and few tools to assess their benefits due to the complex description of the phenomenon. Energy simulations should consider the interactions between a time-varying environment and an environment-dependent envelope, increasing the intricacy of the problem; moreover, these strong environment–envelope interlinkages increase the importance of the location and climate scenarios considered. The aim of this study is to provide a tool to easily model these phenomena in different geographical and climate contexts. For this purpose, an innovative interactive computational platform (ICP) was developed based on EnergyPlus as a simulation engine, Python as a simulation manager, and Grasshopper as a user interface. Thanks to a single user-friendly environment, the users can simply select the climate scenario, the location, the responsive technology, and its main properties to set and run the dynamic energy simulation. After an overview of the current state of the art, this study provides a description of the structure and workflow adopted for developing this platform and details regarding its functioning and input management. Finally, the platform was tested to run an evolutionary optimization of an electrochromic window control strategy in different climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The credibility crisis of science is a growing topic of investigation. This study approaches the problem from the sustainability of the scholarly communication system by merging argumentation with information science. Design/methodology/approach: Coding and content analysis drawing from a well-established textual argumentative tradition; a novel non-textual approach to complex communication and, an overlooked definition of sustainable information, were applied to 34 research works. The retrieval was carried out using Inciteful, a tool exploring literature networks. Additional information, such as keywords, mapping to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and citations were acquired through the OpenAlex API. Operationalisation of concepts from the theoretical framework underpinned the selection and analysis of documents. Findings: Scholars virtually involve peers, funding agencies, research councils, policymakers, experts, practitioners and representatives of the public in their formal written production. The described coalitions are occasional, while the needed ones are deep. Three forms of scholarly communication were found: traditional, dialogical and complex depending on the involved audiences. The sample tells us about the sustainability of the scientific communication system and the impact it may have on the public construction of imaginaries of science. Originality/value: This investigation frames scholars, their products and societies as intertwined dialogical entities constantly communicating and impacting each other. Direct and indirect forms of scholarly communications are addressed too, showing how poor sustainability in these processes may entail a failure to reach different layers of societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of implementing industrialized construction to achieve sustainable future-proof healthcare facilities is not only about construction methods themselves but also about how to shift design methodologies. COVID-19 has raised the attention of research and practices in using modular design and construction for healthcare facilities. However, the lifespan and functional differences between general and emergency healthcare facilities mean that their sustainable design requirements are not exactly the same. Drawing from 27 interviews and design review sessions with 19 international groups of experts, this research proposes a modular adaptable hospital design (MAHD) approach based on the Open Building Concept (OBC). This includes an evaluation framework composed of five design categories and 23 subcategories complemented with a set of design guidelines and it concludes by identifying a future implementation pathway. This research extends the implementation of OBC through theoretical contributions for modular and adaptable designs and practical guidelines for future design implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are widely used for different applications due to their cost and convenience. However, their synthesis relies on petroleum-based acrylic monomers, which negatively affects their biodegradability and recyclability. Hybrid acrylic polymers combining acrylic monomers and acrylate-functionalized lactide-based macromonomers could help solve this issue. Recently, we reported on the remarkable biodegradability of these hybrid PSAs in their latex format when using fungal treatments. In this study, we focused on the degradation of dried PSA films, a prevalent application format in commercial settings, by utilizing fungal consortia and solid-state fermentation. Our findings indicated that the type of fungal treatment, carbon source provided, and substrate thickness significantly affected biodegradation rates. The co-culture of Pestalotiopsis microspora and Trametes versicolor demonstrated particularly promising results, achieving degradation rates exceeding 50%, notably, when utilizing wheat bran as a carbon source. Moreover, the renewal of culture media and inoculum further amplified PSA biodegradation. These results underscore the potential of fungal consortia in solid-state cultures to substantially enhance the biodegradation of hybrid acrylic PSA films, offering insights for the design of more sustainable adhesive bio-based products and finally leading to an environmentally responsible end of the PSAs lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern life is marked with the extensive use of machine tools. The latter stand for high consumers of electrical energy which increase carbon emissions. For this reason, various solutions aiming to reduce energy consumption in industrial sector are elaborated. One solution lies in the use of economical materials for the spindle rotation system supported by active magnetic bearings (AMBs), which corresponds to a problem that has never been undertaken so far. A new conception for machine tool spindle rotation system is elaborated for sustainable design. The spindle material is composed of a carbon epoxy hollow shaft wrapped with a steel layer and supported by AMBs. A Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling of the spindle rotation system was carried out to assess its dynamic consumed energy and power during the acceleration and cutting phases. For an accurate estimation, the power consumed by the spindle system was calculated taking into account the dynamic behavior of the cutting force and losses generated by the bearings. A comparison between energies consumed by the proposed spindle system and the steel spindle system was enacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is one of the most produced biofuels worldwide; however, all existing plants base their production on vegetable or animal oils. These raw materials, whose availability is limited due to their origin, might harm food safety. In this way, alternatives such as oils from insects have been attractive. Specifically, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can consume various organic residues and bio-transform them into lipids, representing around 40% of the total weight of BSFL. Hence, this work addresses the optimal supply chain (SC) design for biodiesel production, using BSFL's oil as feedstock to substitute conventional diesel with a B20 blend. This was achieved by developing and optimizing a mathematical model. Results indicate that it is possible to satisfy 15.09% of the Mexican diesel demand with a B20 blend. Additionally, CO2 emissions have decreased by 58% compared to the current situation, in which only conventional diesel is used. Moreover 38,967,708 tons of organic residues are valorized, leading to the implantation of a sustainable biodiesel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Lot Size Optimization is an important challenge of Supply Chain Management as it seeks to balance the economic goals of minimizing costs with environmental and social objectives, ensuring efficient production and inventory management while reducing environmental impact and enhancing social responsibility. Metaheuristic algorithms play a crucial role in solving Sustainable Lot Size Optimization problems by efficiently exploring large and complex search spaces to find near-optimal solutions that balance economic, environmental, and social objectives, often outperforming traditional optimization methods in terms of flexibility and scalability. With this attitude, in this paper, a new metaheuristic algorithm called Sales Training Based Optimization (STBO) is designed to solve Sustainable Lot Size Optimization applications. The fundamental inspiration in the design of STBO draws upon human behaviors observed during sales training. The theoretical framework of STBO is thoroughly described, and its implementation process is mathematically formulated in two distinct stages: the exploration phase and the exploitation phase. The efficiency of STBO to address Sustainable Lot Size Optimization applications has been evaluated on 10 study scenarios. The optimization outcomes reveal that STBO consistently delivers highly effective solutions by seamlessly integrating exploration with exploitation throughout the search. Furthermore, a thorough comparison was conducted, revealing how STBO's results stack up against those from twelve widely recognized metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation findings conclusively demonstrate that the STBO approach consistently outperforms competitors, achieving superior performance across all study scenarios. These insights confirm that the STBO approach serves as a highly reliable and potent optimization tool, capable of addressing a wide range of optimization challenges in diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is an important resource for performing ablution before prayer. However, lack of communication and information between prayer congregations regarding the amount of water used during ablution, the absence of environmental protection consciousness, and the impact of cultural behavior can be the factors causing wasteful water use during ablution. This study aims to design and implement an internet-based monitoring system that integrates cultural values in evaluating ablution water consumption. The correlation between cultural dimensions and preferences for an online monitoring system of ablution practices was examined using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results showed that uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and long-term orientation were identified to significantly influence online monitoring preferences for ablution activities. The preferences of sensor accuracy, safety case to cover from water, and durable material were determined as the most important design specifications for online monitoring systems. The real-time evaluation of online monitoring was performed through smartphone applications and web-based interfaces. Considering cultural preferences when developing a water monitoring system strategy can increase awareness regarding environmental sustainability, advocate for conscientious water management, and control water usage. The inclusion of cultural value in the design process is expected to provide valuable insights for product designers when establishing design specifications. Additionally, it expands the usefulness of Hofstede's cultural theory in the context of the creation and development of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major challenge for the construction industry is to design and produce sustainable construction materials that are efficient in their performance and can be affordable for construction projects. The objective of this study is to determine the viability of incorporating waste products such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) to produce concrete with polypropylene (PP) fibers. SCBA is an industry waste that has certain pozzolanic properties, however, it shows limited mechanical properties when used as a cement replacement. To improve the mechanical and durability performance, metakaolin (15%) and PP fiber (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were incorporated in the SCBA blend as a ternary additive. Some of the important characteristics explored include compressive strength, tensile strength, density, water absorption, acid resistance, and sorptivity. The study reveals that the incorporation of 15% metakaolin in the composite enhanced the compressive strength by 7%, 8.2%, and 9.1% for PP fiber additions of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, while the acid resistance enhanced by 4%, 6% and 8% relative to the control mix for the same value of pp fiber. Furthermore, cost evaluation confirms that the overall costs of concrete with 15% metakaolin and 5% SCBA were 12.2% less than the control concrete, thus making this option economically feasible. This research proves that the inclusion of SCBA, metakaolin, and PP fibers into the concrete mixture brings a sustainable approach that enhances mechanical properties and durability while assisting sugar manufacturing plants in the proper disposal of wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐current‐density water electrolysis is considered a promising technology for industrial‐scale green hydrogen production, which is of significant value to energy decarbonization and numerous sustainable industrial applications. To date, substantial research advancements are achieved in catalyst design for laboratory‐based water electrolysis. While the designed catalysts demonstrate remarkable performance at laboratory‐based low current densities, they suffer from marked deteriorations in both activity and long‐term stability under industrial‐level high‐current‐density operations. To provide a timely assessment that helps bridge the gap between laboratory‐scale fundamental research and industrial‐scale practical water electrolysis technology, here the current advancements in various commercial water electrolyzers are first systematically analyzed, then the key parameters including work temperature, current density, lifetime of stacks, cell efficiency, and capital cost of stacks are critically evaluated. In addition, the impact of high current density on the electrocatalytic behavior of catalysts, including intrinsic activity, long‐term stability, and mass transfer, is discussed to advance the catalyst design. Therefore, by covering a range of critical issues from fundamental material design principles to industrial‐scale performance parameters, here the future research directions in the development of highly efficient and low‐cost catalysts are presented and a procedure for screening laboratory‐designed catalysts for industrial‐scale water electrolysis is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green technology (GT) and the utilization of renewable energy (RE) are widely acknowledged as a catalyst for energy efficiency, economic growth, and a tool for combating environmental degradation. Although various studies have examined the ecological repercussions of these two improvements, they have primarily used traditional pollution indicators (namely, carbon emissions and ecological footprint) and ignored nations with the highest cleaner energy adoption. To bridge this gap, the present research seeks to analyze the relationship between GT, RE consumption, economic growth, trade, and load capacity factor in the top‐10 renewable economies. In addition to environmental pollution indicators, the study utilizes the load capacity factor as a novel proxy for environmental quality and investigates the load capacity curve hypothesis using the Cross‐sectional‐autoregressive distributed lag model from 1990 to 2021. According to the empirical findings, all explanatory variables have a significant long‐term effect on the load capacity. More precisely, GT and RE consumption contribute to the sustainability of the ecosystem, while trade increases the ecological deficit. Furthermore, the findings do not support the validity of the load capacity curve hypothesis, implying that the environmental restorative benefits of economic well‐being may not manifest in the latter stages of economic growth. Given these findings, policymakers in the top‐10 renewable economies should seize the environmental prospects offered by GT and RE and update trade and growth policies in a way that promotes biocapacity while simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint to reach the long‐term sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 7 and 13. [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]

Advancing the energy‐intensive Haber–Bosch process faces significant challenges due to the intrinsic constraints of scaling relations in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we reported an approach of bending the "seesaw effect" to regulate the scaling relations over a tailored α‐Fe metallic material (α‐Fe‐110s), realizing highly efficient light‐driven thermal catalytic ammonia synthesis with a rate of 1260 μmol gcatalyst−1 h−1 without additional heating. Specifically, the thermal catalytic activity of α‐Fe‐110s was significantly enhanced by the novel stepped {110} surface, exhibiting a 3.8‐fold increase compared to the commercial fused‐iron catalyst with promoters at 350 °C. The photo‐induced hot electron transfer further accelerates the dinitrogen dissociation and hydrogenation simultaneously, effectively overcoming the limitation of scaling relation over identical sites. Consequently, the ammonia production rate of α‐Fe‐110s was further enhanced by 30 times at the same temperature with irradiation. This work designs an efficient and sustainable system for ammonia synthesis and provides a novel approach for regulating the scaling relations in heterogeneous catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the low specific surface area and high recombinant light generation carriers of BiOBr, loading BiOBr onto suitable Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is an effective strategy to unleash its efficient visible light response and intrinsic catalytic activity. In this study, using classic MOF CAU‐17 as a precursor, using a straightforward co‐precipitation technique, four BiOBr/CAU‐17 composites with distinct MOF contents values BCAU‐1, BCAU‐2, BC, AU‐3, and BCAU‐4 were created, and their photo‐catalytic characteristics were examined. The BCAU‐2 composite exhibited much higher photo‐catalytic degradation efficiency for Rhodamine B (RhB) and Tetracycline (TC) than the pristine materials, counter compositions, and early reported materials. XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and EDX results revealed the strong synergistic photo‐catalytic effect of BiOBr and CAU‐17. The photocatalytic degradation of TC was significantly enhanced by the BiOBr bimetal modification, with the 2 wt.% BiOBr/CAU‐17 nanocomposite achieving an 87.2 % degradation of TC and 82 % Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal within 60 min. The high photo‐degradation efficiency of BCAU‐2 composite should be attributed to the efficient transfer of photo‐generated carriers at interfaces and the synergistic effect between BiOBr/CAU‐17. Furthermore, the experiments on the capture of the active species proved that the main active free radicals involved in the degradation of RhB and TC are attributed to the photo‐induced holes h+ and ⋅ O2− under visible light. The catalyst's efficacy is corroborated by the outcomes of photoluminescence spectroscopy and photo current response. This study offers a new understanding for the design of green synthesis schemes for photo‐catalytic dye degradation and removal of certain antibiotics from the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in the journal "Advanced Functional Materials" discusses the evolution and impact of reticular materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), in academic and industrial settings. It highlights the exponential growth in research interest and publications on reticular materials, with MOFs being the most explored subclass. The article also emphasizes the increasing industrial relevance of reticular materials, particularly in applications like sensing, water harvesting, gas storage, and separation. The text underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and closer academia-industry partnerships to unlock the full technological potential of reticular materials to address societal challenges and generate societal benefits. [Extracted from the article]

To help ensure a prosperous future on Earth for coming generations, academia and industry need to transform the way they plan and carry out the synthesis of novel materials to make them more environmentally sustainable. In particular, the field of reticular materials, i.e., metal‐organic frameworks, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, and covalent organic frameworks, has great potential to outperform other materials and revolutionize various fields of applications. This review highlights several key aspects from the choice of their starting materials, solvents and synthetic methodologies that fall under the umbrella of the Green Chemistry principles, and incorporates a Circular Economy perspective by providing relevant strategies such as reuse, regeneration, or recycling to maximize the value of the Earth's available resources. Moreover, it will shed light on the life cycle assessment results of selected reticular materials and consider how constraints imposed by Green Chemistry principles, life cycle assessment metrics, and circular patterns will shape the future rational sustainable design and discovery of reticular materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advancements in sustainable apparel design, upcycling practices still face challenges limiting creativity and efficiency. This study develops a Modular Redesign System (MRS) using 3D digital technology to improve the upcycling process. The MRS was created with CLO3D and Aftereffects, producing ten redesign samples and demonstration videos. In-depth interviews with South Korean upcycling apparel designers were conducted to assess the system’s perceived effectiveness and explore key issues in upcycling design. The MRS involves four stages: Selection, Virtualisation, Virtual Ideation, and Construction and Fitting. Findings highlight the MRS’s ability to enhance ideation, reduce material waste, and save time and costs, offering practical solutions to current challenges in apparel redesign. The MRS also shows potential for mass customisation, serving as an effective communication tool for personalised upcycling services. This study bridges a gap in the literature by integrating 3D virtual simulation with modular design to advance sustainable and efficient upcycling practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Polypropylene composites with different contents of zinc‐ammonium salts (3, 5 and 7 wt%) and nanocellulose (1 wt%) after enzymatic bioconversion were characterized by structural, dispersion‐morphological, thermal, antimicrobial and mechanical analysis. It was shown that the use of a newly synthesized salt significantly affected the formation of the supermolecular structure of the polymer matrix and increased the nucleation activity, thermostability and flexibility of the composite materials. Moreover, the addition of the inorganic filler allowed to obtain composites with very good antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. An interesting relationship between the degree of filler dispersion in the polymer matrix and the formation of polymorphic varieties was elucidated in the study, which contributes to the improvement of final performance characteristics of composite materials. It is noteworthy that a hybrid filler in the form of nanometric cellulose and a biocidal additive containing zinc‐ammonium complex salt was used for the first time. Research has shown that such polymer composites can find application during the manufacture of smart packaging materials with enhanced barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor as well as improved biocidal characteristics, which will notably extend food storage time. At the same time, the presented process of obtaining the innovative composite materials is an excellent example of sustainable technologies for the design of antimicrobial treatments, while guaranteeing the possibility of further processing of these composite materials through material recycling. Zinc‐ammonium complex with antimicrobial properties was obtained The strength properties and thermal stability of the composites were improved Degree of filler dispersion in polymer affects formation of polymorphic varieties The composites can be applied in the production of smart packaging materials [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we demonstrate the formation of new stimuli‐responsive aqueous biphasic systems (ABS), able to respond simultaneously to temperature and pH, or just to one stimulus, therefore allowing the design of more sustainable separation processes. This dual behavior is achieved with ABS formed by mono‐ or dicationic protic ionic liquids as phase‐forming components, being defined by the ionic liquid cation chemical structure or its basicity. While ABS comprising monocationic ionic liquids only respond to the effect of temperature, systems comprising dicationic ionic liquids are simultaneously affected by both temperature and pH variations. Dicationic ionic liquids are here identified as the key to unlock a double response to stimuli, which is due to the presence of two pKa values afforded by the cation. The reported findings contribute to increase the customizability of double stimuli‐responsive ABS based on ionic liquids, whose development was up to date limited to ionic liquids bearing pH‐responsive anions, opening the door towards the development of more sustainable separation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent breakthroughs in heterogeneous catalysis emphasize the need for novel materials capable of driving organic transformations. The present study explores two copper phosphonate hybrid framework materials, 2D Cu3[(Hhedp)2(C4H4N2)].2H2O (Cu(II)Pyz‐P) and 3D Cu3[(H3hedp)2(C4H4N2)4(SO4)].2H2O (Cu(I/II)Pyz‐P), as single crystals isolated via hydrothermal synthetic strategy using H4hedp (1‐hydroxyethane 1,1‐diphosphonic acid) and N‐donor secondary ligand (Pyrazine; C4H4N2). Cu(II)Pyz‐P contains exclusively +2 oxidation state of copper, while Cu(I/II)Pyz‐P is characterized by a mixed oxidation state, where copper +2 phosphonate is embedded within the network formed by copper +1 state. Moreover, magnetic study elucidates the distinct oxidation states of both compounds by showing deviations from each other. The aforementioned compounds are exceedingly effective for catalyzing multicomponent reactions, that is, A3 coupling reaction and click reaction. Cu(I/II)Pyz‐P ensures the regioselective synthesis of triazole with high purity, while A3 coupling reaction is facilitated by both the compounds. Solvent‐ and additive‐free efficient multicomponent reactions are explored for the first time in the copper phosphonate hybrid framework structures. The present study reveals the promise of copper‐based hybrid phosphonate frameworks as durable and efficient catalysts for organic synthesis, providing cost‐effective and sustainable ways for advanced catalytic transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable school design is becoming increasingly important worldwide, particularly in the UAE, where schools are significant energy consumers. This study explores the impact of courtyard orientation on microclimate and energy consumption in UAE schools, utilizing a standardized template applied across 70 existing schools. By employing advanced simulation tools, ENVI-met and IES-ve software, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of air temperature and energy use related to different courtyard orientations, specifically on key dates of September 21st and March 21st, representing seasonal variations. The results indicate that North-facing courtyards consistently provide cooler microclimates compared to other orientations. Specifically, North-facing courtyards showed temperature reductions of 1.31°C in September and 1.9°C in March compared to the least favorable orientations. This orientation recorded the lowest average mass temperatures of 29.36°C in September and 25.13°C in March, surpassing the West-facing orientation by 0.39°C and 0.45°C, respectively. The primary factor for this improvement is the reduced solar radiation exposure on East-West aligned courtyards, which significantly lowers the heat gain. Additionally, the study assessed Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) readings and cooling demands, both of which were found to be lower in North-facing courtyards. Cooling load reductions varied between 1% and 4%, depending on the day, further emphasizing the efficiency of this orientation. These findings suggest that strategic courtyard orientation is a critical design consideration for enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency in school buildings. The implications of this research are significant for sustainable design and construction practices. By highlighting the benefits of optimal courtyard orientation, this study offers practical solutions for reducing energy consumption and improving the indoor and outdoor thermal environments of schools. These insights contribute to the broader goal of developing greener, more sustainable educational facilities, particularly in hot climates like the UAE. This research not only informs architects and urban planners but also supports policymakers in implementing effective sustainability strategies in the educational sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of vertical greenery systems (VGSs) applied to several typical wall configurations on indoor thermal conditions in a building module situated in the Mediterranean climate of Catania, Italy. By means of dynamic simulations in TRNSYS vers.18, the research compares the thermal behavior of walls made of either hollow clay blocks (Poroton) or lava stone blocks against a lightweight wall setup already in place at the University of Catania. The primary focus is on evaluating the VGSs' capability of reducing peak inner surface temperatures and moderating heat flux fluctuations entering the building. The findings indicate that adding an outer vertical greenery layer to heavyweight walls can decrease the peak inner surface temperature by up to 1.0 °C compared to the same bare wall. However, the greenery's positive impact is less pronounced than in the case of the lightweight wall. This research underscores the potential of green facades in enhancing the indoor thermal environment in buildings in regions with climates like the Mediterranean one, providing valuable insights for sustainable building design and urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving Urban Flood Resilience (UFR) is essential for modern societies, requiring the implementation of effective practices in different countries to mitigate hydrological events. Green Water Systems (GWSs) emerge as a promising alternative to achieve UFR, but they are still poorly explored and present varied definitions. This article aims to define GWSs within the framework of sustainable practices and propose a regulation that promotes UFR. Through a systematic review of existing definitions and an analysis of international regulations on sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDSs), this study uncovers the varied perceptions and applications of GWSs and their role in Blue–Green Infrastructure (BGI). Furthermore, the research puts forth a standardized definition of GWSs and emphasizes the implementation of SuDSs in Peru. This approach aims to address the existing knowledge gap and contribute to the advancement of sustainable urban infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is an important resource for performing ablution before prayer. However, lack of communication and information between prayer congregations regarding the amount of water used during ablution, the absence of environmental protection consciousness, and the impact of cultural behavior can be the factors causing wasteful water use during ablution. This study aims to design and implement an internet-based monitoring system that integrates cultural values in evaluating ablution water consumption. The correlation between cultural dimensions and preferences for an online monitoring system of ablution practices was examined using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results showed that uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and long-term orientation were identified to significantly influence online monitoring preferences for ablution activities. The preferences of sensor accuracy, safety case to cover from water, and durable material were determined as the most important design specifications for online monitoring systems. The real-time evaluation of online monitoring was performed through smartphone applications and web-based interfaces. Considering cultural preferences when developing a water monitoring system strategy can increase awareness regarding environmental sustainability, advocate for conscientious water management, and control water usage. The inclusion of cultural value in the design process is expected to provide valuable insights for product designers when establishing design specifications. Additionally, it expands the usefulness of Hofstede's cultural theory in the context of the creation and development of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosques, revered as sacred spaces, are distinguished by their sustainable architectural designs. A critical aspect of these designs is the implementation of daylighting strategies, essential for ensuring adequate light levels, particularly for reading the Holy Quran. Traditional daylighting typologies in mosques, such as multi-lateral lighting, clerestories, skylights, and shading devices, are widely recognized. However, the potential application of electrochromic (EC) switchable glazing within mosque architecture remains underexplored. This study delves into the effectiveness of various daylighting typologies, assessing their performance before and after the integration of EC switchable glazing in the Al-Shagroud Mosque located in Saudi Arabia. Employing comprehensive radiance simulations in accordance with the LEEDv4.1 standards, the study evaluates additional metrics including useful daylight illuminance (UDI300–3000lux), workplane illuminance (WPI), uniformity index (Ui), and daylight glare probability (DGP) under multiple scenarios. The results demonstrate that clerestory lighting effectively meets LEEDv4.1 benchmarks but exhibits limitations in achieving uniform light distribution, particularly in the men's prayer hall. In contrast, the women's prayer hall benefits from a combination of clerestory lighting and shading devices, which improves light quality and mitigates glare issues. However, the use of skylights without adequate shading leads to excessive WPI and high DGP levels, compromising visual comfort. Moreover, managing daylight quantity and quality through the integration of different typologies, including hybrid models, presents substantial challenges. The integration of EC switchable glazing, while maintaining optimal WPI and reducing DGP, offers enhanced visual comfort in prayer areas. Nevertheless, this technology faces difficulties in ensuring even light distribution, as evidenced by lower uniformity index values. This research highlights the critical need for optimizing daylighting in mosques to balance sustainability and comfort, without detracting from their sacred ambiance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality built environments significantly enhance residents' health, urban livability, and sustainability. However, the lack of precise pre-evaluation of designs and user perceptions during the design phase often results in suboptimal improvements. This study proposes a method for evaluating and optimizing design schemes based on multidimensional physical environment simulations and virtual perception, using a university campus as a case study. Initially, we establish simulation models for sound, wind, thermal, and light environments and analyze the current state of virtual perception in the campus environment. Subsequently, we integrate the evaluation results of the physical environment and virtual perception to identify three priority intervention areas and develop corresponding design strategies. Finally, we reapply the method for pre-evaluation of the design schemes and further optimize the designs. The results show that the optimized schemes receive positive feedback in virtual perception evaluations. This study leverages the combined use of multidimensional physical environment simulations and VR technology to create an immersive virtual environment with measurable physical perception experiences, providing a new approach for guiding the sustainability of built environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-doped carbon nanospheres and porous carbon were produced by a hydrothermal template and the activation of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA as a nitrogen source and activator) and ZnCl2 (only as an activator) from a poly(Ri-S-ε-CL-PDMS) multiblock/graft copolymer produced using a renewable resource and eco-friendly autoxidation. N-doped carbon nanospheres (PPiSiHMTA) exhibited excellent CO2 adsorption (2.73 mmol/g at 0 °C and 0.15 atm, 1.72 mmol/g at 25 °C and 0.15 atm) and CO2/N2 selectivity (344–512). Despite the higher BET surface area and pore volume, porous carbon (PPiSi) showed low CO2 adsorption (1.21 and 0.71 mmol/g, 0.15 atm) and CO2/N2 selectivity (57 and 112). PPiSiHMTA and PPiSi have low isosteric heats of adsorption (Qst, 18–33 kJ/mol) and stability in humid environments. In addition, PPiSiHMTA exhibited an excellent CO2 recycling performance. The experimental data on CO₂ adsorption was evaluated using various isotherm models, including Freundlich, Langmuir, Sips, and Temkin. The results demonstrated a nearly perfect fit between the Freundlich isotherm and the experimental data, indicating the heterogeneous nature of the adsorbent surfaces. Our study is promising for industrial applications, offering excellent CO2 adsorption, CO2/N2 selectivity, moisture stability, and porous material fabrication strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are increasingly encouraged to enhance their environmental friendliness and safety while maintaining optimal energy density and cost‐effectiveness. Although various electrolytes using greener and safer glyme solvents have been reported, the low charge voltage (usually lower than 4.0 V vs Li/Li+) restricts the energy density of LIBs. Herein, tetraglyme, a less‐toxic, non‐volatile, and non‐flammable ether solvent, is exploited to build safer and greener LIBs. It is demonstrated that ether electrolytes, at a standard salt concentration (1 m), can be reversibly cycled to 4.5 V vs Li/Li+. Anchored with Boron‐rich cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) and mitigated current collector corrosion, the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode delivers competitive cyclability versus commercial carbonate electrolytes when charged to 4.5 V. Synchrotron spectroscopic and imaging analyses show that the tetraglyme electrolyte can sufficiently suppress the overcharge behavior associated with the high‐voltage electrolyte decomposition, which is advantageous over previously reported glyme electrolytes. The new electrolyte also enables minimal transition metal dissolution and deposition. NMC811||hard carbon full cell delivers excellent cycling stability at C/3 with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.77%. This work reports an oxidation‐resilient tetraglyme electrolyte with record‐high 4.5 V stability and enlightens further applications of glyme solvents for sustainable LIBs by designing Boron‐rich interphases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the green design of rate‐splitting multiple access (RSMA) for multicell, multiantenna downlink communication systems to maximize rate fairness under quality of service (QoS) constraints. An optimization framework is developed to minimize the weighted sum power consumption by jointly optimizing transmit beamformers, power allocation, and common/private rate split while ensuring per‐user minimum rate requirements. The algorithm design explicitly considers the rate fairness among users via a newly proposed green fairness index. The nonconvex transceiver design problems are transformed into tractable forms and efficiently solved by applying tools from alternating optimization and successive convex approximation. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed green RSMA optimization framework can effectively balance the throughput among cell‐edge and cell‐center users, hence combating the near‐far effect. Simulation results show that at 20‐dB SNR, green RSMA achieves over 20% and 50% sum rate improvement compared with NOMA and OMA, respectively. Moreover, green RSMA maintains high fairness among users, even when the channel conditions are disparate. When the weakest user is located 120 m from the base station, green RSMA exhibits a 21.2% higher fairness index than NOMA, showcasing its ability to ensure equitable service quality across users. The framework also achieves substantial energy efficiency gains, consuming less power while providing higher data rates than baseline schemes. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of green RSMA in enhancing spectral efficiency, user fairness, and energy efficiency in multicell, multiantenna communication systems, making it a promising solution for sustainable and high‐performance wireless networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global discourse on sustainability has heightened the importance of integrating sustainable design principles into interior architecture education. However, the implementation of such education faces complex challenges. This investigation draws upon Scopus-indexed papers published within the timeframe spanning from 2009 to 2023. Through a comprehensive analysis of these scholarly sources which contributed from 32 referred journals, this study examines these challenges, aiming to provide insights and strategies for effective implementation of Sustainable Interior Architecture Education. A primary challenge is the lack of a structured approach, leading to fragmented learning experiences for students. The wide-ranging concepts within sustainable design, coupled with resistance to change and limited resources, further complicate integration efforts. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness among educators and students about the significance of sustainability in interior architecture, hindering motivation and understanding of sustainable practices. Evaluation methods also prove challenging, as traditional approaches may not adequately assess sustainable design principles. Pedagogical challenges arise from balancing fundamental design skills with sustainability teachings. Industry alignment and cultural variations further impact the implementation process. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of sustainable leadership on environmental performance, specifically examining how employee well-being and innovation mediate this relationship, and how organizational resilience moderates this relationship within the information technology sector in Denmark. Utilizing a cross-sectional design and drawing on sustainable leadership theory and social exchange theory, the research employed PLS-SEM analysis. Hypotheses were tested, exploring the variables' direct, moderated and mediated relationships. The results support all hypotheses, revealing positive relationships between sustainable leadership and environmental performance, employee well-being, and innovation. Furthermore, employee well-being and innovation mediate the relationship between sustainable leadership and environmental performance. Organizational resilience moderates the association between sustainable leadership and environmental performance. This research offers valuable insights into the dynamics of sustainable leadership in the IT sector, emphasizing its positive impact on environmental performance and organizational outcomes. The study suggests practical implications for leaders and identifies avenues for future research. This study extends the understanding of sustainable leadership by empirically examining its multifaceted impact in the specific context of Denmark's information technology sector. Incorporating both sustainable leadership theory and social exchange theory enriches the theoretical framework, contributing to the originality of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational predictions of vaporization properties aid the de novo design of green chemicals, including clean alternative fuels, working fluids for efficient thermal energy recovery, and polymers that are easily degradable and recyclable. Here, we developed chemically explainable graph attention networks to predict five physical properties pertinent to performance in utilizing renewable energy: heat of vaporization (HoV), critical temperature, flash point, boiling point, and liquid heat capacity. The predictive model for HoV was trained using ∼150 000 data points, considering their uncertainties and temperature dependence. Next, this model was expanded to the other properties through transfer learning to overcome the limitations due to fewer data points (700–7500). The chemical interpretability of the model was then investigated, demonstrating that the model explains molecular structural effects on vaporization properties. Finally, the developed predictive models were applied to design chemicals that have desirable properties as efficient and green working fluids, fuels, and polymers, enabling fast and accurate screening before experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating focus on environmental concerns and the swift advancement of eco‐friendly biodegradable batteries raises a pressing demand for enhanced material design in the battery field. The traditional polypropylene (PP) that is monopolistically utilized in the commercial LIBs is hard to recycle. In this work, we prepare a novel water degradable separators via the cross‐linking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dibasic acid (tartaric acid, TA). Through the integration of non‐solvent liquid‐phase separation, we successfully produced a thermally stable PVA‐TA membrane with tunable thickness and a high level of porosity. These specially engineered PVA‐TA separators were implemented in LiFePO4 (LFP)|separator|Li cells, resulting in superior multiplicative performance and achieving a capacity of 88 mAh g−1 under 5 C. Additionally, the straightforward small molecule cross‐linking technique significantly reduced the crystalline region of the polymer, thereby enhancing ionic conductivity. Notably, after cycling, the PVA‐TA separators can be easily dissolved in 95 °C hot water, enabling its reutilization for the production of new PVA‐TA separators. Therefore, this work introduces a novel concept to design green and sustainable separators for recyclable lithium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative approach was pursued for sustainable packaging design using Cycle Generative Adversarial Networks (CycleGANs), tailored for wood packaging engraving. The methodology includes four phases: user participatory design, assembly scheme design, detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) optimization, and computer numerical control (CNC) engraving production. Each phase targets sustainability from design to final product, minimizing environmental impact and economic costs. Emphasizing early user participation helps adapt designs to user needs and environmental standards. Innovations such as real-time updates of packaging patterns via cloud-based iterations and an FEA optimization system enhance durability and aesthetics. This approach improves the environmental footprint and recyclability of conventional wood packaging. The research aims to shift perceptions in the packaging industry towards more sustainable practices, showcasing the practical applications of advanced digital tools in traditional manufacturing. It offers a scalable model for integrating sustainability into packaging design, providing valuable insights and inspiring future innovations in environmentally friendly practices across the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the dynamics of rocket plume impingement on flat surfaces is critical for designing effective and sustainable landing pads. The current near vacuum study measures the surface pressures and temperature profiles arising on a flat surface due to highly underexpanded, axisymmetric plume impingement. The experiments were conducted in a dedicated, large-volume plume-regolith facility situated at the University of Glasgow. A total of eight tests were conducted, comprising of both constant and pulsed firing modes. The impingement plate is located at stand-off distances equal to 4 and 16 times the nozzle exit diameters and plate inclinations of 0 ° and 30 °. Reduced stand-off distance increases impingement pressure, with a transient peak in the early stages of impingement indicating the presence of a primary shock wave. Higher stand-off distance resulted in decreased impingement pressure without an initial peak, but with a spike at the end of impingement once the nozzle had stopped firing. For inclined plates, the centerline impingement pressure magnitude decreased by around 40% compared with the 0 ° inclination. The measured pressures at lower stand-off height are then compared with the results of both a two-way coupled direct simulation Monte Carlo/Navier–Stokes–Fourier solver and an analytical theory. The results from all methods are in good agreement with each other, with the simulation and experimental centerline pressures being within 1% of each other. As the optical thickness of the gas is very low in the experimental case, the numerical method is used to generate a Schlieren image to analyze the shock structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wettability of lubricant oil produces a velocity slip at the water–lubricant oil interface when the lubricant oil contacts the rectangular microgroove, leading to a reduction in the friction resistance at the boundary wall. However, lubricant oil is highly susceptible to changes in external shear force and can escape from the rectangular microgroove, degrading its slippery properties. This study investigated the influence of wettability and structure width on the stability and drag reduction performance of lubricant oil via simulation. The results indicated that lubricant oil stability is related to wettability and structural width. The lubricant oil remained stable at contact angles of 1° and 150° and a width of 0.4 mm. Based on slip velocity, the maximum drag reduction at a width of 0.6 mm in a turbulent environment was 13.4%. Our findings could provide valuable insights into surface design using lubricant oil, helping researchers avoid detrimental designs and enhance sustainable drag reduction performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive power has gained acknowledgment as an ancillary service, indispensable for generators to ensure the dependable process of power systems. Moreover, it carries the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of delivering active power to consumers. Additionally, a strategic injection of reactive power at specific points holds the capability to alleviate transmission constraints, enabling cost-effective power distribution to heavily loaded regions. Given the inherent characteristics of reactive power provision, it necessitates efficient and dependable local procurement and management strategies. However, prevailing models fail to encompass the diverse dimensions of reactive power costs, leading to inefficiencies. Thus, an optimal resolution is imperative to rectify these complexities. This study introduces an innovative market mechanism for delivering reactive power ancillary services (RPAS), with a specific emphasis on its localized implementation. The proposed approach leverages the Sailfish Optimizer and is implemented on the General Algebraic Modeling System platform. The effectiveness of this novel mechanism is demonstrated through application to the IEEE 30-bus and PJM 5-bus systems, incorporating wind energy sources. The objective function takes into account the critical role of reactive power in maintaining bus voltage within acceptable limits and evaluates the availability of reactive power reserves within the system. The adoption of this utility function results in a noteworthy reduction in the total payment associated with RPAS, concurrently leading to an improvement in system-wide bus voltage and the preservation of necessary reactive power reserves across the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores hydraulic rams, a technology that exploits the effect of water hammer to pump water without the need for external artificial energy. Although first developed in the 18th century, a comprehensive numerical model elucidating the dynamics of each element, including valve manoeuvres, remains absent. Few authors have contributed specific models, often relying on simplistic approaches like rigid water column theory, or the method of characteristics (MOC) for water hammer equations with either instantaneous valve manoeuvre boundary conditions, or depicting the hydraulic ram as a single-node boundary condition. Some use sophisticated computational fluid dyamics (CFD) based models, primarily for optimizing individual components like the waste valve. Addressing this gap, this work introduces a novel comprehensive numerical model detailing full system dynamic – pipes, junctions, and valve behaviour. Analytical validation and experimental verification, using original laboratory-scale data, affirm the model's reliability. This advance improves understanding of hydraulic ram performance and encourages innovative, environmentally sustainable designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sets out to analyse the role of axiological variables — values, pro-environmental identity and moral obligation — in pro-environmental behaviours. To do this, we carried out two studies with a non-experimental cross-sectional design: the first on sustainable clothing consumption (n = 480; 70.6% women; Mage = 26.62, SD = 10.63) and the second on the adoption of a vegetarian lifestyle (n = 217; 73.5% women; Mage = 32.04, SD = 10.75). The data were collected in Spain by means of an online questionnaire using the snowball technique. In both studies, regression analysis showed that pro-environmental identity and moral obligation predict both sustainable clothing consumption and vegetarian lifestyle. Moral obligation is the main predictor of both pro-environmental behaviours. The axiological variables explain 53% of the variance for sustainable clothing consumption and 41% of the variance for a vegetarian lifestyle, highlighting that the axiological route is key to reversing our impact on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leave-one-out (LOO) green fluorescent protein (GFP) approach to biosensor design combines computational protein design with split protein reconstitution. LOO-GFPs reversibly fold and gain fluorescence upon encountering the target peptide, which can be redefined by computational design of the LOO site. Such an approach can be used to create reusable biosensors for the early detection of emerging biological threats. Enlightening biophysical inferences for nine LOO-GFP biosensor libraries are presented, with target sequences from dengue, influenza, or HIV, replacing beta strands 7, 8, or 11. An initially low hit rate was traced to components of the energy function, manifesting in the over-rewarding of over-tight side chain packing. Also, screening by colony picking required a low library complexity, but designing a biosensor against a peptide of at least 12 residues requires a high-complexity library. This double-bind was solved using a "piecemeal" iterative design strategy. Also, designed LOO-GFPs fluoresced in the unbound state due to unwanted dimerization, but this was solved by fusing a fully functional prototype LOO-GFP to a fiber-forming protein, Drosophila ultrabithorax, creating a biosensor fiber. One influenza hemagglutinin biosensor is characterized here in detail, showing a shifted excitation/emission spectrum, a micromolar affinity for the target peptide, and an unexpected photo-switching ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]