Search Results (2,407)

This study addressed the persistent limitation of discontinuous and labor-intensive compost monitoring procedures by developing and field-validating a low-cost sensor system for monitoring oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and methane (CH₄) under tropical windrow conditions. In contrast to laboratory-restricted studies, this framework integrated rigorous calibration, multi-layer statistical validation, and process optimization into a unified, real-time adaptive design. Experimental validation was performed across three independent composting replicates to ensure reproducibility and account for environmental variability. Calibration using ISO-traceable gas standards generated linear correction models, confirming sensor accuracy within ±1.5% for O₂, ±304 ppm for CO₂, and ±1.3 ppm for CH₄. Expanded uncertainties (U₉₅) remained within acceptable limits for composting applications, reinforcing the precision and reproducibility of the calibration framework. Sensor reliability and agreement with reference instruments were statistically validated using analysis of variance (ANOVA), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland–Altman analysis. Validation against a reference multi-gas analyzer demonstrated laboratory-grade accuracy, with ICC values exceeding 0.97, ANOVA showing no significant phase-wise differences (p > 0.95), and Bland–Altman plots confirming near-zero bias and narrow agreement limits. Ecological interdependencies were also captured, with O₂ strongly anticorrelated to CO₂ (r = −0.967) and CH₄ moderately correlated with pH (r = 0.756), consistent with microbial respiration and methanogenic activities. Nutrient analyses indicated compost maturity, marked by increases in nitrogen (+31.7%), phosphorus (+87.7%), and potassium (+92.3%). Regression analysis revealed that ambient temperature explained 25.8% of CO₂ variability (slope = 520 ppm °C⁻¹, p = 0.021), whereas O₂ and CH₄ remained unaffected. Overall, these findings validate the developed sensors as accurate and resilient tools, enabling real-time adaptive intervention, advancing sustainable waste valorization, and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 and 13. Full article

Ammonia (NH₃) is a major anthropogenic pollutant originating from agricultural activity, particularly livestock operations. NH₃ emissions from livestock slurry storage pose risks to environmental quality and human health. Reducing NH₃ emissions aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3, SDG 12, SDG 14, and SDG 15. This study evaluates the performance of the commercially available SOP^® LAGOON additive under real-scale farm conditions for mitigating NH₃ emissions. Two adjacent slurry storage tanks of a dairy farm in Northern Italy were monitored from 27 May to 7 September: one treated with SOP^® LAGOON and one left untreated (serving as a control). In the first month, the treated tank showed a 77% reduction in NH₃ emissions. Emissions from the treated tank remained consistently lower than those from the control throughout the monitoring period, reaching an 87% reduction relative to the baseline levels by the end of the period. The results suggest that SOP^® LAGOON is an effective and scalable strategy for reducing NH₃ emissions from liquid manure storage, with practical implications for farmers and policy makers in regard to designing sustainable manure management practices. Full article

In the context of increasing interest in healthy and sustainable nutrition, the food industry is challenged to develop innovative products that combine high nutritional quality with consumer acceptance. This study evaluated the potential of pumpkin seed flour (PSF) as a natural ingredient in biscuit formulations. PSF was analyzed for its proximate composition, and biscuits were formulated by replacing rice flour with various concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The products were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, fiber, and ash content, subjected to microbiological testing, and evaluated sensorially using a 9-point hedonic scale. Results showed that PSF incorporation in biscuits significantly increased protein content from 6.20% in the control to 9.80% and fiber content from 2.10% to 5.90% in the formulation containing 30% PSF. Lipid content also increased proportionally with PSF addition. All samples complied with microbiological safety standards, and sensory evaluation indicated that biscuits with 10 and 20% PSF achieved the highest acceptability, particularly in terms of taste and texture. Overall, the use of PSF improves the nutritional density of biscuits, enhances their nutritional value, and supports sustainable food production by valorizing underutilized plant resources, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

As the transformative influence of novel technologies sweeps across industries, organisations are called upon to position their staff in the equally dynamic operational environment, which includes embedding technical and legal communication skills in their training programs. For many organisations, internal and external communication of data modelling and related concepts, reporting, and monitoring still pose major challenges. The aim of this research is to develop an effective data training framework for learners with or without mathematical or computational maturity. It also addresses subtle aspects such as the legal and ethical implications of dealing with organisational data. Data was collected from a training course in Python, delivered to government employees in different departments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A structured questionnaire was designed to measure the effectiveness of the training program using Python, from the employees’ perspective, based on three key attributes: their personal characteristics, professional characteristics, and technical knowledge. A descriptive analysis of aggregations, deviations, and proportions was used to describe the data attributes gathered for the study. The main findings revealed a huge knowledge gap across disciplines regarding the core skills of big data analytics. In addition, the findings highlighted that previous knowledge about statistical methods of data analysis along with prior programming knowledge made it easier for employees to gain skills in data analytics. While the results of this study showed that their training program was beneficial for the vast majority of participants, responses from the survey indicate that providing a solid knowledge of technical communication, legal and ethical aspects would offer significant insights into the big data analytics field. Based on the findings, we make recommendations for adapting conventional data analytics approaches to align with the complexity or the attainment of the non-orthogonal United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Associations of selected responses from the survey with some of the key data attributes indicate that the research highlights vital roles that technology and data-driven skills will play in ensuring a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. Full article

Contract manufacturing is a pivotal strategy for brand owners, yet small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies struggle to evolve beyond transactional roles into sustainable strategic partners. This study addresses this gap by empirically validating and refining the Mahove–Matope Sustainable Contract Manufacturing Company Maturity Model (SCMC-MM), a novel framework designed to guide SMEs through a holistic transformation. Through a seven-month longitudinal case study grounded in design science research approach within a South African food manufacturing SME, the model was implemented and evaluated using structured assessments, in-depth interviews, and longitudinal operational data. The application catalysed a system-wide transformation, yielding significant results, including a 133% increase in revenue, ISO 22000 certification, and perfect delivery reliability. Furthermore, the study theoretically refines the framework by identifying and incorporating novel critical success factors for contract manufacturing companies, such as industrial clustering and transformational leadership. The results demonstrate that the SCMC-MM offers a practical, actionable, and scalable tool for building resilient supply chain partnerships. It provides a structured pathway for SMEs to achieve simultaneous gains in economic performance, social equity through enhanced workforce capability and ethical practices, and environmental stewardship via formalised safety, health, and environmental and risk management systems, thereby contributing directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 9 in emerging markets. Full article

Over the 21st century, the confluence between engineering and universal accessibility has emerged as a key research domain, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of inclusive layout in technological innovation. Despite the growing number of studies on sustainability and inclusion, there is still a lack of comprehensive analyses exploring how engineering contributes to universal accessibility within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study addresses this gap by providing the first large-scale mapping of research trends, collaborations, and thematic evolution in this field. The present bibliometric analysis examines the evolution of engineering research in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, stressing its role in encouraging universal accessibility. Through a systematic review of scholarly works produced over the last twenty years, this study uncovers dominant issues, evolving research fronts, and the global relevance of engineering-based approaches to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. Analyzing citation dynamics, publication trajectories, and institutional involvement, this study underlines the contribution of engineering to building inclusive societies and ensuring equitable access to technology and infrastructure. Discoveries underscore that cross-sector collaboration and technological innovation are essential to overcoming accessibility challenges among disfavored populations, directly advancing SDG 10 on reducing disparities and SDG 11 on sustainable urban development. Full article

The global spread of glyphosate (GLY) via agricultural runoff poses a significant threat to ecosystems, human health, and the environment, underscoring the need for sustainable agricultural practices. A comprehensive study on glyphosate contamination in runoff water, flowing surface waters, groundwater-influenced, and stagnant water samples was conducted from 2019 to 2021, across a diverse range of landscape types and environmental zones. This research constitutes a novel contribution to the field, focused on several distinct regions, including agricultural regions, tourist zones, and ecologically sensitive areas, including the Beka Natura Reserve, Natura 2000 sites and the Coastal Landscape Park in Poland. Glyphosate residues, with a maximum concentration range of 43.0–8406 ng/L, were detected in 63.5% of water samples collected from protected and unprotected areas. Glyphosate concentrations in water at high-tourism areas were highest in runoff samples from recreational and protected areas, including the Czarna Wda River in Ostrowo (512 ± 9.91 ng/L). Investigated water samples showed target hazard quotient values for glyphosate < 1, indicating no human health risk, and risk quotient values for GLY < 0.1, indicating a low ecotoxicological risk. The presented study is aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to contribute to global sustainability goals. Full article

Clean air is listed by the United Nations under several Sustainable Development Goals. Particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ground-level ozone (O₃) are pollutants with severe public health and environmental impacts. In China, multiple fine-scale datasets integrating ground monitors, satellites, and chemical transport models have been developed to estimate PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations, but differences between the fine-scale datasets complicate applications in exposure and policy research. This study presents the first systematic intercomparison of five PM_2.5 datasets (V5.GL.03, Ma et al. 2021, Huang et al. 2021, CHAP, TAP) and two O₃ datasets (CHAP, TAP) from 2014 to 2023, evaluated against ground-based observations at national, regional, and provincial levels. We present both operational (single time point) and dynamic (change over time) evaluations to understand how model results compare with observations for each year, and quantify the performances of the models in assessing long term changes in air quality. Results show nationwide declines in PM_2.5 (by 22.1 µgm⁻³; regional range: 8.4–30.1 µgm⁻³) and O₃ (by 28.5 µgm⁻³; regional range: 19.3–34.3 µgm⁻³). Operational and dynamic evaluation shows that CHAP consistently has higher R² (greater than 0.7 in all regions) and lower errors (less than 3.7 µgm⁻³ in all regions) compared to other datasets across most years and regions for PM_2.5. The same is true for TAP for O₃ (R² greater than 0.3 and ME less than 28.6 µgm⁻³ in all regions). However, the model performances vary spatially and temporally in alignment with several factors ranging from the number of observational monitors in a location, to recent changes in pollutant concentration levels, to extreme meteorological conditions. For example, higher predictive errors (>3.6 µgm⁻³) in operational evaluations are observed in all datasets for PM_2.5 in the sparsely monitored northwest region. Similarly, we find higher errors (ME > 28.5 µgm⁻³) in all O₃ datasets in the densely populated northern region, especially in the heavily industrialized Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) area. Full article

Ozone treatment in the food and horticulture product capitalization sectors is widely acknowledged as completely safe for human use, in accordance with the most recent rules of the relevant authorities. Ozone-generating devices for research and education are known to allow the introduction of ozone gas for many uses, especially in food and agricultural applications. Despite their usefulness, their high cost prevents them from being widely available in research and educational institutions in underdeveloped nations, limiting practical training and the development of local applications to support the capacities of the food and agriculture sectors. In this study a device was constructed to generate ozone (O₃) using the high-voltage principal circuit. An Arduino board was used to accomplish the control operation. An MQ-131 ozone sensor was utilized to measure the ozone concentration with a measuring unit of (%); however, the detecting range of the MQ-131 sensor is 10~1000 ppb, so in the present study, a formula to covert the measuring units between ppm and (%) for the concentration of the generated ozone (Y) as (Y, %) = 0.0333 × (Y, ppm) was presented. Different ozone concentrations are generated by varying the high voltage level from 20 to 35 kV with an increment of 5 kV and flow rate variations of 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 L/min. It was found that ozone concentration increases with increasing applied high voltage and decreases with increasing oxygen flow rate at a fixed applied high voltage. This study uses experimental data in a multiple linear regression analysis to predict ozone concentration based on levels of high voltage and oxygen flow rate, with a coefficient of determination of 0.7686 using a testing dataset. The findings provide evidence of the viability of constructing an inexpensive ozone generator with inexpensive parts, thereby promoting sustainable technological advancement. Drawing from our research, we can highlight the educational value and cost-effective benefits of employing an ozone-generating device, which can be used to produce ozone for a variety of purposes. Full article

The construction industry is one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally impactful sectors, responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, over one-third of energy consumption, and a significant share of raw material depletion. These figures underscore the urgent need to transform conventional approaches to project delivery and resource management. Integrating construction management with environmental engineering offers a comprehensive pathway to enhance efficiency, mitigate environmental pressures, and align the sector with international sustainability commitments. This paper presents a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 to evaluate sustainable practices that connect these two domains. The review focuses on five thematic areas: project delivery and management strategies with sustainability goals, environmental engineering tools such as pollution control and life cycle assessment, green certification frameworks, waste reduction and circular economy practices, and the integration of emerging digital and material technologies. Together, these areas illustrate how managerial systems and engineering solutions can jointly foster sustainable outcomes. The review indicates notable progress in fields such as green certification adoption, the use of Building Information Modeling for resource efficiency, and advanced recycling technologies. However, persistent challenges remain. These include the uneven uptake of sustainable practices between developed and developing economies, limited application of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, and insufficient policy coordination to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By synthesizing dispersed insights across disciplines, this review contributes an integrated perspective that clarifies current achievements, highlights unresolved gaps, and suggests directions for future research and practice. The analysis is intended to support policymakers, industry professionals, and scholars in accelerating the transition toward a more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible construction sector. Full article

Biotechnology is increasingly recognized as a key driver for achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, public awareness of its role remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions and opinions regarding the relationship between the SDGs and biotechnology among the general adult population in Spain. A validated online survey was distributed, yielding 274 responses. Although 84.3% of the respondents were familiar with the 2030 Agenda, positive perceptions of the SDGs were especially common among women and individuals with higher levels of education. Regarding biotechnology, 54.4% considered themselves knowledgeable, and nearly half (48.2%) recognized its potential contribution to health (SDG 3) and environmental sustainability, but its role in social and economic SDGs was less recognized. This study highlights the need for targeted educational and communication strategies to raise awareness and show how concrete biotechnological applications can contribute to sustainable development. Emphasizing these practical contributions can position biotechnology as a visible driver of progress and foster greater public engagement with science in achieving the 2030 Agenda. Full article

Quartz in high-purity form, i.e., with an iron content <100 mg/kg, has valuable properties such as superior UV transmission, thermal stability, and resistance to devitrification, which are highly useful for optical applications. In this study, acid leaching was tested to optimize the production of optical-grade quartz from mined quartz, transforming an environmentally polluting process into a sustainable one, aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Initially, when iron removal was obtained with direct, cross-current, and counter-current leaching methods, the results were unsatisfactory. However, a variation consisting of incorporating sulfuric acid regenerated via membrane filtration into the typical counter-current scheme was proven effective, reducing acid consumption and enhancing water recycling in the process, mitigating the environmental impact. The best optimized combination was the three-step counter-current method, with acid regeneration and fresh make-up after each cycle. The conditions were temperature 90 °C, solid-to-liquid ratio 30% wt/vol, time 3 h, and H₂SO₄ concentration of 1 M. The iron extraction yield was close to 89%. Full article

Farmland improvement has become an overwhelmingly favorable policy in developing countries, being expected to leverage a sustainable agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) to increase their agricultural competitiveness. Worldwide farmland improvement projects are experiencing an evolution from single goals to comprehensive goals (e.g., comprehensively improve the farmland quality by decreasing farmland abandonment and fragmentation and meanwhile improving soil–water conditions and machinery affordability). However, performances of comprehensive farmland improvement projects have been questioned, especially considering its implementary complexity and regional heterogeneity. This study applies a continuous difference-in-difference (DID) method to China’s provincial panel data (2005–2020) to analyze the impact of the high-standard farmland construction policy (which started China’s national project on comprehensive farmland improvement) on ATFP. Results show the policy significantly increases ATFP by 0.101 units. Moreover, parallel trend and robustness test results indicate the policy effect has stability and continuity. Heterogeneity analysis results show the policy effect is greater in major grain-producing regions than non-major grain-producing regions, the central regions than western or eastern regions, and regions with high disease—pest control and soil—water conservation levels than areas with low levels. Mechanism analysis results show the policy effect is achieved through three paths—operation scale increase (mediating effect size is 16.13%), planting structure adjustment (mediating effect size 12.80%), and agricultural disaster reduction (mediating effect size 13.74%). Thus, this study advocates sustainable and specialized high-standard farmland construction: it suggests post-construction policies maintaining high-standard farmland quality and detailed policies considering different regions’ heterogeneity. Full article

Background: Malnutrition is a significant national health problem in countries with low and intermediate incomes and was announced in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. Chemotherapy may have adverse effects on nutritional health issues and quality of life experience, particularly in patients with gastrointestinal (GIT) cancer. Our research’s objective was to determine the beneficial effects of oral nutrition supplements on nutritional status assessed by maintenance of whole-body composition and patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) in all GIT cancer patients treated with chemotherapy medications. Methods: Among the patients, the nutrition support (NS) group (n = 75) received 500 kcal daily of a balanced oral nutrition supplement formula for 12 weeks, while the control (C) group (n = 75) did not. Anthropometric measures, whole-body composition, nutritional status biomarkers, and the PG-SGA questionnaire were assessed. Additionally, this study analyzed whole-body composition, skeletal mass, fat mass, laboratory data, the complete lipid profile, albumin, total protein, adverse effects, and therapy delays. Results: After 12 weeks, the NS group showed a significant increase in body weight, with a mean difference of 1.27 ± 3.39, while the C group showed a mean difference of only 0.15 ± 0.42. Moreover, fat mass increased in the NS group, showing a mean difference of 0.55 ± 3.69, while the C group showed a fat mass loss with a mean difference of −0.21 ± 2.93. The fat mass index (FMI) indicated statistical significance between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the lean mass index between the two groups, favoring a steady increase in the NS group. The NS group showed improvements in the PG-SGA and nutritional biochemical markers, such as albumin. The initial findings from our study include data from a total of 150 patients, including 75 patients in the NS group and 75 patients in the C group. These results are consistent with earlier research. Conclusions: Early oral nutrition supplements for GIT cancer may enhance nutritional outcomes and reduce the delay of disease-related therapy. Additionally, they may help maintain body composition. Full article

The name Green Chemistry was coined in 1996 to point out the development of chemical substances and sustainable processes that reduce the formation of toxic products for the environment and humans. The urgent need to bring down the negative effects of the chemical industry to safeguard human health has been the driving force behind green chemistry and the need to respect the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This approach allows to increase the effectiveness of synthetic methods, to develop safer, less toxic, and environmentally sustainable chemicals. In this context, microwave-assisted organic reactions revolutionized the chemical synthesis; as a matter of fact, microwave chemistry led to a low environmental impact of the used solvents, and, over the years this overture has become the method of choice in synthetic chemistry. This review highlights in detail the main features of microwaves. Full article