Search Results (630)

As global supply chains face increasing pressure to reconcile economic efficiency, environmental responsibility, and ethical transparency, emerging digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for sustainable transformation. This article examines this dynamic in the context of the Moroccan industrial sector, with particular reference to blockchain and digital twin technologies. The study employs a rigorous mixed-methods design, combining an in-depth qualitative exploration with 30 industry professionals and a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) model based on survey data from 125 Moroccan manufacturing firms. The findings highlight the synergistic contribution of blockchain and digital twins in enabling circular, low-carbon, and resilient supply chains. Blockchain adoption strengthens environmental impact traceability, data reliability, and responsible governance, while digital twin systems enhance eco-efficiency through real-time modeling and predictive flow simulation. Circular integration emerges as a critical enabler, significantly amplifying the positive effects of both technologies by aligning physical and informational flows within closed-loop processes. With its strong empirical grounding and contextual relevance to an emerging economy, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers, industrial managers, and supply chain practitioners committed to accelerating the sustainable transformation of production systems. It also offers a renewed understanding of how digitalization and circularity jointly support environmental performance within industrial ecosystems. Full article

The design of aircraft components is a complex process that must simultaneously account for environmental impact, manufacturability, cost and structural performance to meet modern regulatory requirements and sustainability objectives. When these factors are integrated from the early design stages, the approach transcends traditional eco-design and becomes a genuinely sustainability-oriented design methodology. This study proposes a sustainability-driven design framework for aircraft components and demonstrates its application to a fuselage panel consisting of a curved skin, four frames, seven stringers, and twenty-four clips. The design variables investigated include the material selection, joining methods, and subcomponent thicknesses. The design space is constructed through a combinatorial generation process coupled with compatibility and feasibility constraints. Sustainability criteria are evaluated using a combination of parametric Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) regression models, parametric Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Random Forest surrogate modeling trained on a stratified set of simulation results. Two methodological pathways are introduced: 1. Cluster-based optimization, involving customized clustering followed by multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) within each cluster. 2. Global optimization, performed across the full decision matrix using Pareto front analysis and MCDM techniques. A stability analysis of five objective-weighting methods and four normalization techniques is conducted to identify the most robust methodological configuration. The results—based on a full cradle-to-grave assessment that includes the use phase over a 30-year A319 aircraft operational lifetime—show that the thermoplastic CFRP panel joined by welding emerges as the most sustainable design alternative. Full article

This study developed a biodegradable dissolvable face mask incorporating liposomal kojic acid (KA) and licochalcone A from licorice extract (LE) to enhance skin delivery and performance. Liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method. The film matrix, composed of PVA/PVP/PEG400/HA, was optimized using factorial design to achieve suitable mechanical strength and rapid dissolution. The optimized mask, containing liposomal KA (1% w/v) and licochalcone A (0.025% w/v), was evaluated for antioxidant activity, ex vivo skin deposition, and short-term efficacy (Approval from the Institutional Review Board of Silpakorn University, Thailand; Ethics Approval No. REC 67.1001-146-7726/COA 68.0320-013 Date of registration: 20 March 2025). The optimized liposomes exhibited a mean particle size of 66–72 nm, entrapment efficiency above 65%, and a zeta potential of −12.5 mV (licochalcone A) and −1.67 mV (KA). Liposomal licochalcone A and KA showed potent antioxidant activity compared to their native forms. The optimized film dissolved within approximately 15 min on moist skin and showed favorable handling properties. Ex vivo studies revealed significantly higher skin deposition of both KA and licochalcone A from the liposomal mask compared with free and liposomal dispersions (p < 0.05). In a 7-day clinical evaluation, the mask significantly improved skin hydration and reduced melanin index (p < 0.05). No irritation or adverse reactions were observed, and user satisfaction was high. This liposomal dissolvable mask offered an effective, well-tolerated, and eco-friendly approach to enhancing skin brightness and hydration, supporting its potential as a sustainable cosmeceutical innovation. Full article

Pleurotus nebrodensis has raised the interest of the food and nutraceutical industry due to its valuable organoleptic characteristics coupled with antibacterial and antitumor properties. Given this interest, this study aimed to identify effective, cheap, and eco-friendly technologies to prepare extracts able to convey the bioactive compounds while retaining the typical mushroom aroma. Two aqueous extracts were prepared based on a freeze–thaw (FT) and ultrasound-assisted (UA) method. The extracts, both in liquid and lyophilized form, were analyzed by HPLC to determine the phenolic compounds. Moreover, the volatile organic compounds, total phenolics, total flavonoids, total phenolic acids, procyanidins, and ascorbic acid were determined, while the antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. The UA extraction showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) phenolics (5.05 vs. 4.02 µg/g DW) and flavonoids (0.74 vs. 0.23 µg/g DW) but lower procyanidins (12.33 vs. 15.93 µg/g DW) and ascorbic acid (6.23 vs. 7.02 µg/g DW) than the FT extracts, resulting in lower antioxidant activity. Among the phenolic constituents, gallic acid was found to be the most abundant in all P. nebrodensis extracts. Regarding aroma, FT more effectively preserved volatile alcohols and aldehydes—particularly 1-octen-3-ol and hexanal—while UA led to greater volatile losses. These results highlight that the extraction method significantly affects both antioxidant composition and volatile integrity, with implications for designing P. nebrodensis-based food ingredients. Full article

Structural and physicochemical deterioration in frozen foods is largely driven by ice crystal formation and growth during storage. Although biofoams offer sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging, bio-based systems designed to mitigate ice crystal-induced quality loss remain limited. In this study, a sodium alginate-based biofoam was synthesized via a facile one-pot method and evaluated for frozen fried chicken packaging. Its moisture, mechanical, and optical properties were compared with those of conventional plastic and paper packaging. The quality of frozen fried chicken was assessed in terms of moisture absorption, color, texture, pH, lipid oxidation (TBARs), and the overall appearance under different freezing conditions. The alginate biofoam exhibited exceptionally high moisture absorption (>2400%) due to its porous and hydrophilic structure, enabling effective moisture management during frozen storage. Samples packaged with the biofoam showed reduced moisture loss, lower lipid oxidation, and improved color and surface texture stability compared with conventional packaging, particularly under freeze–thaw conditions. These findings demonstrate that sodium alginate-based biofoam is a promising eco-friendly packaging material for maintaining the physicochemical quality of frozen ready-to-eat foods. Full article

Urban rivers are essential resources for human societies; however, their degradation poses serious public health, economic, and environmental risks. Conventional physical remediation methods can partially mitigate pollution by targeting specific contaminants, but they are often limited in scope, lack long-term sustainability, and fail to restore ecological functions. In contrast, biotechnological approaches integrated with ecological engineering offer sustainable and nature-based solutions for river depollution, conservation, and revitalization. Although these strategies are supported by a solid theoretical framework and successful applications in other aquatic systems, their large-scale implementation in urban rivers has only recently begun to gain momentum. This review critically examines strategies for the revitalization of polluted urban rivers, progressing from conventional remediation techniques to advanced biotechnological interventions. It highlights real-world applications, evaluates their advantages and limitations, and discusses policy frameworks and management strategies required to promote the broader adoption of biotechnological solutions for sustainable urban river restoration. The goal is to demonstrate the transformative potential of integrated biotechnological, eco-engineering, and data-driven approaches—particularly microbial, phytoplankton-based, and biofilm systems—to reduce energy demand and carbon emissions in urban river restoration while highlighting the need for scalable designs, adaptive management, and supportive regulatory frameworks to enable their large-scale implementation. Full article

China’s National Eco-Industrial Parks (NEIPs) represent a significant policy intervention designed to achieve the synergistic reduction in pollution and carbon emissions. While previous studies have examined the impacts of NEIPs on pollution and carbon emissions in isolation, research on their synergistic reduction is still limited. This study constructs a Carbon-Pollution Co-Reduction Index (CPCRI) with weights determined by the entropy weight method (EWM) to capture the joint performance of emission intensities. By applying a staggered difference-in-differences (SDID) model to city-level panel data from the Yangtze River Delta between 2003 and 2021, the study finds that NEIPs significantly improve the CPCRI of cities where NEIPs are located by 2.30 percentage points. This positive effect exhibits a time lag, becoming statistically significant three years after establishment and strengthening thereafter. Mechanism analyses indicate that the synergistic reductions are driven by technological innovation and reduced energy intensity, while heterogeneity analyses reveal that the policy effect is more pronounced in economically developed provinces and larger cities but has diminished in recent years. Then, a coupling coordination degree (CCD) is integrated to construct a new index to capture both joint performance and synergy between reductions. These findings provide robust empirical support for NEIPs as a practical policy tool to achieve sustainable industrial transformation in the Yangtze River Delta. Full article

The growing need for self-powered Internet of Things networks has raised interest in converting abundant waste into reliable energy harvesters despite long-standing material and technology challenges. As demand for environmentally friendly self-powered IoT devices continues to rise, attention toward green waste as an eco-friendly energy source has strengthened. However, its direct utilisation in high-performance energy harvesters remains a significant challenge. Driven by the growing need for renewable sources, the triboelectric nanogenerator has emerged as an innovative technology for converting mechanical energy into electricity. In this work, the design, fabrication, and characterisation of a rotating triboelectric energy harvester as a prototype device employing date seed waste as the tribopositive layer are presented. The date seeds particles, measuring 1.2 to 2 mm, were pulverised using a grinder, mixed with epoxy resin, and subsequently applied to the grating-disc structure. The coated surface was machined on a lathe to provide a smooth surface facing. The performance of the prototype was evaluated through a series of experiments to examine the effects of rotational speed, the number of grating-disc structures, the epoxy mixing process, and the prototype’s influence on the primary system, as well as to determine the optimal power output. An increase in rotational speed (RPM) enhanced power generation. Furthermore, increasing the number of gratings and pre-mixing of epoxy with the biomaterial resulted in enhanced output power. Additionally, with 10 gratings, operating at 1500 rpm, and a 24 h pre-mixing method, the harvester achieved maximum voltage and power outputs of 129 volts and 1183 μW at 7 MΩ. Full article

Ammonia, as an essential chemical, plays an indispensable role in both industry and agriculture. However, the traditional Haber–Bosch technique for ammonia synthesis suffers from high energy consumption and significant CO₂ emissions. Therefore, developing an energy-efficient and eco-friendly method for ammonia production is imperative. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) nitrate reduction to ammonia has emerged as a promising green alternative, which utilizes renewable solar energy to convert nitrate into valuable ammonia, thereby contributing to nitrogen recycling and wastewater remediation. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in PEC nitrate reduction to ammonia, focusing on the rational design of efficient photocathodes with the development of semiconductor materials, cocatalysts, p–n junction and heterostructure strategies. Furthermore, the integration of photocathodes with photoanodes enables the assembly of bias-free PEC systems capable of simultaneously producing ammonia and value-added chemicals, demonstrating the potential for scalable solar-driven ammonia synthesis. The mechanistic studies and future research directions are also discussed. The review aims to offer valuable insights and promote the further development of PEC nitrate reduction to ammonia. Full article

This work focused on the development of eco-friendly bio-composites based on polylactic acid (PLA) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a natural fiber from Moroccan vegetable waste. First, the fiber surface was treated with an alkaline solution to remove non-cellulosic components. Then, the composite materials with various amounts of treated sugarcane bagasse (TSCB) were fabricated using two routes, melt processing and solvent casting. The primary objective was to achieve high fiber dispersion/distribution and homogeneous bio-composites. The dispersion properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, the thermal, mechanical, and melt shear rheological properties of the obtained PLA-based bio-composites were investigated. Through a comparative approach between the dispersion state of fillers with extrusion/injection molding and solvent casting method, the work aimed to identify the most suitable processing route for producing PLA-based composites with optimal dispersion, improved thermal stability, and mechanical reinforcement. The results support the potential of TSCB fibers as an effective bio-based additive for PLA filament production, paving the way for the development of eco-friendly and high-performance materials designed for 3D printing applications. Since the solvent-based route did not allow further improvement and presents clear limitations for large-scale or industrial implementation, the transition toward 3D printing became a natural progression in this work. Material extrusion offers several decisive advantages, notably the ability to preserve the original morphology of the fibers due to the moderate thermo-mechanical stresses involved, and the possibility of manufacturing complex geometries that cannot be obtained through conventional injection molding. Although some printing defects may occur during layer deposition, the mechanical properties obtained through 3D printing remain promising and demonstrate the relevance of this approach. Full article

Trajectory planning for intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) must simultaneously address safety, efficiency, and environmental impact to align with sustainable development goals. This paper proposes a novel hierarchical trajectory planning framework, designed for intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) that integrates a semantic corridor with a spatiotemporal potential field. First, a spatiotemporal safety corridor, enhanced with semantic labels (e.g., low-carbon zones and recommended speeds), delineates the feasible driving region. Subsequently, a multi-objective sampling optimization method generates candidate trajectories that balance safety, comfort and energy consumption. The optimal candidate is refined using a spatiotemporal potential field, which dynamically integrates obstacle predictions and sustainability incentives to achieve smooth and eco-friendly navigation. Comprehensive simulations in typical urban scenarios demonstrate that the proposed method reduces energy consumption by up to 8.43% while maintaining safety and a high level of comfort, compared with benchmark methods. Furthermore, the method’s practical efficacy is validated using real-world vehicle data, showing that the planned trajectories closely align with naturalistic driving behavior and demonstrate safe, smooth, and intelligent behaviors in complex lane-changing scenarios. The validation using 113 real-world truck lane-changing cases demonstrates high consistency with naturalistic driving behavior. These results highlight the framework’s potential to advance sustainable intelligent transportation systems by harmonizing safety, comfort, efficiency, and environmental objectives. Full article

In order to address the urgent demand for high-performance materials in the field of automotive lightweighting, there is a need for solutions to the interface instability and performance degradation of traditional reinforcing phases (e.g., SiC, CNT) at elevated temperatures. The present study prepared BNNTs/Al composites via the stirred casting method for automotive connecting rods. The microstructure, interface characteristics, phase evolution, and high-temperature wettability were systematically characterised using a range of analytical techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, and DSC. A study was conducted to assess the mechanical properties of the composites in comparison to those of conventional 40Cr steel. This investigation enabled an evaluation of the material’s comprehensive performance for use in automotive connecting rods. The study successfully achieved uniform dispersion of BNNTs within the aluminium matrix, forming tightly bonded, semi-coherent interfaces such as Al/AlN and Al/AlB₂. It was found that complete wetting was achieved at 675 °C, with interface reactions generating AlN and AlB₂ phases that significantly enhanced performance. The prepared connecting rod demonstrates a specific strength that significantly exceeds that of 40Cr steel. The experimental investigation conducted in a controlled setting yielded notable outcomes. The empirical evidence demonstrated a 6.5% enhancement in braking performance and a 5.8% reduction in fuel consumption. Through the optimisation of interface design and process control, the BNNTs/Al composite achieves a balanced compromise between high strength, low density, and excellent thermal stability. The material’s potential for use in lightweight automotive connecting rods is significant, offering a novel approach to the eco-friendly manufacturing of related components. Full article

This study investigates how cultural and natural heritage can inform surface design for fashion, focusing on the development of a capsule collection of geoproducts in the UNESCO Global Geopark of Caçapava do Sul, Brazil. The purpose is to expand the scope of existing geoproducts, often limited to food and souvenirs, by introducing textile-based items that reflect local identity and contribute to sustainability. The research employed an applied, qualitative, and descriptive approach, including bibliographic review, questionnaires with local artisans, and the mapping of existing geoproducts. Data were analyzed through content analysis, and the creative process followed the method of cross-fertilization, which stimulates innovation by combining knowledge from design, geology, and craftsmanship. The design process was organized into four phases—preparation, generation of alternatives, selection, and realization—culminating in the capsule collection Aflora. The collection comprised two thematic lines: Cactaceae, inspired by endemic flora, and Geo, based on local geomonuments. The results demonstrate that surface design can mediate the relationship between fashion and heritage, producing identity-driven and innovative textile products. Three surface-design modules were produced, six product mockups, and two geoproduct prototypes, developed with materials such as wool, felt, sarja, and cotton fabrics. The study contributes theoretically by linking apparel design with heritage valorization, and practically by proposing a replicable model for geoproduct development. Limitations relate to the single case study and qualitative scope, suggesting future research on replication, eco-friendly printing, and market feasibility. Full article

Thermal insulation is essential in lowering the energy consumption of buildings. However, many fossil-based insulation and exterior cladding materials are derived from petrochemical components, which often have adverse ecological impacts. This study explores the effectiveness of integrating sustainable thermal insulation solutions into building design to reduce energy consumption and minimize ecological impact. Focusing on an energy-efficient breakfast house located in Van, Turkey, the project was modeled using Autodesk-Revit software (2023). A comprehensive analysis was conducted by generating eighty alternative scenarios, combining two distinct wall structures, eight fiber-based natural insulation materials, and five wood-based exterior cladding materials. The energy performance of each scenario was evaluated using IES-VE software (2024.1), focusing on annual total energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, while accounting for regional climatic conditions and targeted indoor comfort levels. To further refine the selection of optimal materials, a hybrid evaluation was performed using multi-attribute decision approaches, including LODECI, MAXC, and DEPART. These methods provided a systematic framework for comparing the performance of wood-based insulation materials across multiple criteria. In order to verify the accuracy of the proposed multi-attribute decision models, a comparative analysis has been undertaken with other multi-attribute decision methods (COPRAS, ARAS and WASPAS). The study highlights the technical feasibility of incorporating cost-effective, eco-friendly fiber-based and wood-based materials into building envelopes, demonstrating their potential to significantly enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. By combining advanced simulation tools with robust decision-making methodologies, this research offers a scientifically grounded approach to sustainable architectural design, providing important outputs for future applications in energy-efficient construction. Full article

This study presents a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and cost analysis of next-generation low-temperature district heating networks based on water-condensed electric booster heat pumps. The research, conducted within the ENEA Portici Research Center framework, evaluates multiple case studies to assess environmental and economic sustainability. The system boundaries include heat generators (geothermal heat pump, solar thermal, and photovoltaic–thermal hybrid), network configurations (tree vs. ring), supply temperatures (25 °C vs. 45 °C), and renewable electricity shares (0–100%). Environmental impacts were quantified using the Environmental Footprint 3.1 method, focusing on key indicators such as climate change, resource use, and human toxicity. The results show that supply temperature is a critical factor: 45 °C scenarios lead to notably higher impacts, while network configuration has only marginal effects. Among generation technologies, the photovoltaic–thermal system proved the most sustainable, despite higher investment costs, whereas the solar thermal system displayed the largest environmental burden but lower costs. Geothermal systems showed intermediate performance, with notable impacts from mineral resource use. Renewable electricity integration consistently improved environmental outcomes, reducing climate change impacts by up to 10%. Storage system comparison revealed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries as the most advantageous solution for electrical storage, and phase-change materials (PCM), particularly Rubitherm15, as the most environmentally favorable option for thermal storage, although traditional water tanks remain more cost-effective. Overall, the study highlights the crucial role of renewable integration and temperature optimization in enhancing the eco-efficiency of low-temperature district heating networks, providing guidelines for future sustainable design and deployment. Full article