Search Results (12,660)

Carbon dioxide-derived oligocarbonate diols (OCDs) represent a promising class of sustainable raw materials that can enhance the environmental profile of polyurethane (PUR) coatings without compromising their performance. In this work, six oligocarbonate diols, differing in chemical structure (aromatic, aliphatic, and cycloaliphatic), were employed as modifiers in solvent-based PUR coatings designed for wood substrates. The study evaluates the influence of OCD’s chemical nature on the mechanical and optical properties of the resulting coatings. The results demonstrate that the structure of the oligocarbonate diol plays a decisive role in determining coating performance. PUR systems containing aliphatic soft segments exhibited the most favorable mechanical response, particularly in terms of wear resistance, outperforming coatings modified with cycloaliphatic and aromatic OCDs—wear reduction ranged between 43% and 71%. In contrast, the highest hardness values (0.46 and 0.41) were observed for the coatings incorporating aromatic moieties, indicating increased rigidity associated with aromatic structures. Importantly, adhesion at the wood–coating interface remained excellent and unaffected by the type of OCD used (cross-cut class I or II), confirming the compatibility of all investigated formulations with wooden substrates. Overall, the findings clearly show that newly developed CO₂-based oligocarbonate diols are effective and versatile modifiers for polyurethane wood coatings, enabling the tuning of functional properties while supporting more sustainable coating technologies. Full article

To meet 2050 climate targets, the construction sector must reduce CO₂ emissions and transition toward circular material flows. Recycled aggregates (RA) derived from construction and demolition waste (CDW) and industrial byproducts such as oil shale ash (OSA) show potential for use in concrete, although their application remains limited by standardisation and performance limitations, particularly in structural uses. This study aims to develop and evaluate low-strength, resource-efficient concrete mixtures with full replacement of natural aggregates (NA) by CDW-derived aggregates, and partial or full replacement of cement CEM II by OSA–metakaolin (MK) binder, targeting non-structural 3D-printing applications. Mechanical performance, printability, cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment, eco-intensity index, and transport-distance sensitivity for RA were assessed to quantify the trade-offs between structural performance and global warming potential (GWP) reduction. Replacing NA with RA reduced compressive strength by ~11–13% in cement-based mixes, while the aggregate type had a negligible effect in cement-free mixtures. In contrast, full cement replacement by OSA-MK binder nearly halved compressive strength. Despite the strength reductions associated with the use of waste-derived materials, RA-based cement-free 3D-printed specimens achieved ~30 MPa in compression and ~5 MPa in flexure. Replacing CEM II with OSA-MK and NA with RA lowered GWP by up to 48%, with trade-offs in the air-emission, toxicity, water and resource categories driven by the OSA supply chain. The cement-free RA mix achieved the lowest GWP and best eco-intensity, whereas the CEM II mix with RA offered the most balanced multi-impact profile. The results show that regionally available OSA and RA can enable eco-efficient, structurally adequate 3D-printed concrete for construction applications. Full article

Residential buildings in Mediterranean regions remain major contributors to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Existing studies often assess renewable energy technologies or innovative building solutions in isolation, with limited attention to their combined performance across different residential typologies. This study evaluates the integrated impact of solar renewable energy systems and smart building technologies on the energy performance of residential buildings in Cyprus. A typology-based methodology is applied to three representative residential building types—detached, semi-detached, and apartment buildings—using dynamic energy simulation and scenario analysis. Results show that solar photovoltaic systems achieve higher standalone reductions than solar thermal systems, while smart building technologies significantly enhance operational efficiency and photovoltaic self-consumption. Integrated solar–smart scenarios achieve up to 58% reductions in primary energy demand and 55% reductions in CO₂ emissions, and 25–30 percentage-point increases in PV self-consumption, enabling detached and semi-detached houses to approach national nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) performance thresholds. The study provides climate-specific, quantitative evidence supporting integrated solar–smart strategies for Mediterranean residential buildings and offers actionable insights for policy-making, design, and sustainable residential development. Full article

Soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, is usually grown on a large scale, with pest control based on chemical insecticides. However, the overuse of chemicals has led to several adverse effects requiring more sustainable approaches to pest control. Results from Integrated Pest Management (IPM) employed on Brazilian soybean farms indicate that adopters of the technology have reduced insecticide use by approximately 50% relative to non-adopters, with yields comparable to or slightly higher than those of non-adopters. This reduction can be explained not only by the widespread use of Bt soybean cultivars across the country but also by the adoption of economic thresholds (ETs) in a whole Soybean-IPM package, which has reduced insecticide use. However, low refuge compliance has led to the first cases of pest resistance to Cry1Ac, thereby leading to the return of overreliance on chemical control and posing additional challenges for IPM practitioners. The recent global agenda for decarbonized agriculture might help to support the adoption of IPM since less chemical insecticides sprayed over the crops reduces CO₂-equivalent emissions from its application. In addition, consumers’ demand for less pesticide use in food production has favored the increased use of bio-inputs in agriculture, helping mitigate overdependence of agriculture on chemical inputs to preserve yields. Despite the challenges of adopting IPM discussed in this review, the best way to protect soybean yield and preserve the environment remains as IPM, integrating plant resistance (including Bt cultivars), ETs, scouting procedures, selective insecticides, biological control, and other sustainable tools, which help sustain environmental quality in an ecological and economical manner. Soon, those tools will include RNAi, CRISPR-based control strategies, among other sustainable alternatives intensively researched around the world. Full article

U.S. hospitals generate considerable food waste, contributing to environmental degradation strategies. This study evaluated the feasibility, impact, and perception of a novel composting program implemented at Rhode Island Hospital over six months beginning in December 2024. Compostable waste bins were installed in the cafeteria with educational signage. Surveys assessing composting knowledge, attitudes, and roles in waste management were distributed to staff, patients, and administrators. Collected food waste was transported to Bootstrap Compost, which provided daily weight data used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions reductions, compare composting with landfill disposal costs, and project annual outcomes. Over the study period, 490.6 kg of food waste were diverted from landfills, corresponding to a reduction of 0.35 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions. While composting was more expensive than landfill disposal ($6.45/kg vs. $0.24/kg), cost neutrality could be achieved with diversion rates at or above 116 kg per day. Surveys revealed strong support for composting but limited awareness of its relevance to healthcare’s environmental footprint. Respondents suggested improvements in education, signage, and infrastructure. This program demonstrated how hospital-based composting initiatives align with healthcare institutions’ environmental stewardship goals while highlighting financial and logistical challenges relevant for pilot–scale efforts. Full article

To investigate whether Echinacea purpurea polysaccharides (EPP) alleviate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by modulating gut microbiota, we utilized a mixed antibiotic (ABX)-induced gut dysbiosis model and a co-housing model in rats. ABX treatment severely reduces microbial richness and functional diversity, decreasing SCFA-producing bacteria and impairing the anti-inflammatory effect of SCFA-mediated EPP. Without ABX, EPP significantly ameliorates IBD symptoms and colonic pathology damage in rats, reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) (p < 0.05), inhibits the activation of the TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathways, and reverses gut microbiota imbalance by partially restoring Bacteroidetes abundance and reducing Firmicutes levels. Among co-housed rats, the EPP-treated group exhibited significantly lower Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors, and colonic expression of pro-inflammatory pathway-related gene (TRAF6, STAT3) (p < 0.05) without ABX. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a significant reduction in Firmicutes abundance (p < 0.05) alongside significant increases in Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria abundances, accompanied by elevated levels of acetic acid and propionic acid (p < 0.05). These findings suggest recipient mice restored microbial function and acquired IBD-regulating ability post-microbial exchange. EPP alleviates IBD-related pathological injury by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 and TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathways, with its therapeutic mechanism intricately linked to the microbiota–metabolite–host axis. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of different energy system configurations for Energy Communities (ECs) supplied by multiple renewable-based technologies, with a specific focus on solar solutions in the Mediterranean region. The authors have studied and then proposed the optimal aggregation of different end-user loads within possible energy system configurations (identifying the most adequate combination of prosumers, i.e., households, municipality offices, commercial activity, and others) in order to narrow the gap between peak/off-peak demand and renewable energy availability by also integrating energy storage technologies, and in order to pursue a sustainable energy transition in urban contexts proposing smart cities at low CO₂ emissions. The study demonstrates that increasing the complexity of the generation mix involves a tangible influence on self-sufficiency and self-consumption, as well as on the mitigation of CO₂ emissions. In fact, a more complex system configuration, including heat pumps and energy storage, allows for up to five months of 100% self-sufficiency and almost 100% self-consumption for the entire year. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, relevant CO₂ reduction potential is possible, with up to 50% of CO₂ emission reduction, when heat pumps, solar cooling, and energy storage are installed. Full article

SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a highly transmissible, enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that has mutated into several variants, complicating vaccine strategies and drug resistance. Novel treatment modalities targeting conserved structural vulnerable points are essential to combat these variants. The primary aim of the current study is to test the mechanical vulnerability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus envelope and spike proteins to focused, high-frequency ultrasound waves (25 MHz) in vitro. Utilizing a preliminary pretest and posttest study design, the study was conducted on a virus sample within a distilled water matrix, under controlled laboratory biosafety conditions. Since detailed imaging tools were unavailable, viral disruption was indirectly measured using real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values. Ct values increased significantly after high-frequency ultrasound exposure, indicating a reduction in amplifiable viral genomic material. A paired t-test indicated a significant difference between the pretest and posttest Ct (p < 0.001), which is supported by Monte Carlo test results that revealed statistically significant shifting in viral load categories (p = 0.001, two-sided). Specifically, 85.7% of high-viral-load samples converted to low or moderate content, 46.7% of low or moderate samples were shifted to negative content. This intervention produced a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.422). These results indicate that ultrasound may offer a promising non-pharmacological approach to destroy or inactivate SARS-CoV-2 variants in an aqueous environment. Full article

Monitoring soil CO₂ is essential for accurately quantifying the sources and sinks of atmospheric greenhouse gases and for providing carbon emission reduction strategies. However, the limited portability and high cost of conventional soil CO₂ monitoring equipment have severely restricted large-scale and long-term field observations. To address these constraints, this study has successfully designed and fabricated a portable and low-cost soil respiration system (SRS) based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor technology and Long-range radio (LoRa) wireless communication. The SRS enables multi-point synchronous measurements and remote data transmission. Its reliability was rigorously evaluated through both simulated and field comparative experiments against the LI-8100A. The results demonstrated a high level of agreement between the measurements of the SRS and the LI-8100A, with the coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.996 and 0.997, respectively, for the simulation and field experiments, with the corresponding root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.090 and 0.089 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. The Bland–Altman analysis further confirmed the consistency between the two systems, with over 95% of the data points falling within the acceptable limits of agreement. These findings indicate that the self-developed SRS substantially reduces costs while maintaining reliable measurement accuracy. With its wireless transmission and multi-point deployment capabilities, the SRS offered an efficient and practical solution for addressing the challenges of monitoring spatial heterogeneity of soil respiration, demonstrating considerable potential for broader application in CO₂ flux monitoring research. Full article

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction is a promising approach to mitigate rising atmospheric CO₂ levels while converting CO₂ into valuable products such as CH₄. Conversion into other useful substances further expands its potential applications. However, the efficiency of the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is strongly influenced by device geometry and CO₂ mass transfer in the electrolyte. In this work, we present and evaluate microchannel electrocatalytic devices consisting of a porous Cu cathode and a Pt anode, fabricated via metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE). The porous surfaces generated through MACE enhanced reaction activity. To study the impact of the distance between electrodes, several devices with different channel heights were fabricated and tested. The device with the highest CH₄ selectivity had a narrow inter-electrode gap of 50 μm and achieved a Faradaic efficiency of 56 ± 11% at an applied potential of −5 V versus an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. This efficiency was considerably higher than that of the device with larger inter-electrode gaps (300 and 480 μm). This reduced efficiency in the larger channel was attributed to limited CO₂ availability at the cathode surface. Bubble visualization experiments further demonstrated that the electrolyte flow rate had a strong impact on supplied CO₂ bubble morphology and mass transfer. At a flow rate of 0.75 mL/min, smaller CO₂ bubbles were formed, increasing the gas–liquid interfacial area and thereby enhancing CO₂ dissolution into the electrolyte. These results underline the critical role of electrode gap design and bubble dynamics in optimizing microchannel electrocatalytic devices for efficient CO₂RR. Full article

Traditional magnesium oxysulfate cement (MOSC) is prepared from light-burned magnesia, magnesium sulfate heptahydrate with a large amount of energy consumption and CO₂ release. This study used brucite and dilute sulfuric acid to prepare magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) solution where the temperature exceeded 70 °C; light-burned magnesia was added to create a new type of sustainable low carbon MOSC, of which the performances were evaluated. Additionally, the effects of MgSO₄ solution temperatures on sustainable low carbon MOSC were investigated. The results showed that as the temperature of the MgSO₄ solution increased, the setting time and the fluidity of the sustainable low carbon MOSC decreased. The compressive strength of this material showed that the samples prepared with 20 °C MgSO₄ solution exhibited increasing compressive strength, reaching 34 MPa at 3 d age. However, the samples prepared with 40 °C and 60 °C MgSO₄ solution showed compressive strength reduction as 23 and 18.2 MPa at 3 d age. Microscopic analysis revealed that the type of hydration products was not altered by the MgSO₄ solution temperatures. Under 60 °C of the MgSO₄ solution, the content of 3·1·8 crystalline phase in the material increased to 18.5%, while the 5·1·7 crystalline phase decreased to 13.1%. The porosity of the material increased to 26.55%. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural systems poses significant ecotoxicological risks through bioaccumulation in food chains. While lime-based amendments are widely applied for Cd immobilization, mechanistic understanding of bioavailability control pathways remains limited. This study employed a meta-analysis methodology based on 260 datasets from 55 publications to systematically investigate the mechanisms and differences in the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and calcium oxide in regulating Cd migration in acidic soil–plant systems. The study revealed that lime-based materials synergistically regulated Cd migration through two processes: chemical fixation and ionic competition. Results showed lime application reduced soil available Cd by 33.0%, decreased grain Cd by 44.8%, increased soil pH by 15.6%, and enhanced exchangeable Ca by 35.2%. Chemical fixation was evidenced by Cd transformation from labile to stable forms (residual Cd: +29.5%, acid-soluble Cd: −17.5%). Ionic competition was quantitatively confirmed through strong negative correlation between exchangeable Ca and grain Cd (R² = 0.704). Among the materials, Ca(OH)₂ exhibits the highest efficiency in rapid pedogenic passivation (58.7% reduction in available Cd), whereas CaCO₃ demonstrates superior long-term grain Cd attenuation (65.7% inhibition) via sustained Ca²⁺ release and rhizosphere-regulated dissolution. This study advances mechanistic understanding of Cd bioavailability control and establishes quantitative frameworks for predicting ecotoxicological outcomes, providing scientific basis for optimizing remediation strategies to minimize Cd transfer through agricultural food chains. Full article

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite decades of progress in ventilatory support. Mechanical ventilation, while essential for oxygenation, may exacerbate lung injury through excessive mechanical power delivery, even when using lung-protective strategies. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO₂R) was conceived to enable “ultra-protective” ventilation, allowing for further reductions in tidal volume and respiratory rate by selectively removing CO₂ at low extracorporeal blood flows, typically between 0.3 and 1.0 L/min. This physiological decoupling of ventilation and gas exchange aims to mitigate ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) while maintaining adequate acid–base homeostasis. Although early physiological studies demonstrated feasibility, large, randomized trials have failed to show a survival benefit and have raised concerns about bleeding and technical complications. Recent evidence suggests that these neutral outcomes may stem from the biological and physiological heterogeneity of ARDS rather than from inefficacy of the intervention itself. Patients with high driving pressures, poor compliance, or hyperinflammatory phenotypes may derive greater benefit from ECCO₂R-mediated mechanical unloading. Ongoing technological improvements, including circuit miniaturization, enhanced biocompatibility, and integration with renal replacement therapy, have improved safety and feasibility, yet the procedure remains complex and resource-intensive. Future research should focus on phenotype-enriched trials and the integration of ECCO₂R into precision ventilation frameworks. Ultimately, ECCO₂R should be regarded not as a universal therapy for ARDS but as a targeted physiological tool for selected patients in experienced centers. Full article

Mid-sized Philippine cities commonly rely on fixed-time traffic signal plans that cannot respond to short-term, demand-driven surges, resulting in measurable idle time at stop lines, increased delay, and unnecessary emissions, while adaptive signal control has demonstrated performance benefits, many existing solutions depend on centralized infrastructure and high-bandwidth connectivity, limiting their applicability for resource-constrained local government units (LGUs). This study reports a field deployment of TrafficEZ, a lightweight edge AI signal controller that reallocates green splits locally using traffic-density approximations derived from cabinet-mounted cameras. The controller follows a macroscopic, cycle-level control abstraction consistent with Transportation System Models (TSMs) and does not rely on stationary flow–density–speed (fundamental diagram) assumptions. The system estimates queued demand and discharge efficiency on-device and updates green time each cycle without altering cycle length, intergreen intervals, or pedestrian safety timings. A quasi-experimental pre–post evaluation was conducted at three signalized intersections in El Salvador City using an existing 125 s, three-phase fixed-time plan as the baseline. Observed field results show average per-vehicle delay reductions of 18–32%, with reclaimed effective green translating into approximately 50–200 additional vehicles per hour served at the busiest approaches. Box-occupancy durations shortened, indicating reduced spillback risk, while conservative idle-time estimates imply corresponding CO₂ savings during peak periods. Because all decisions run locally within the signal cabinet, operation remained robust during backhaul interruptions and supported incremental, intersection-by-intersection deployment; per-cycle actions were logged to support auditability and governance reporting. These findings demonstrate that density-driven edge AI can deliver practical mobility, reliability, and sustainability gains for LGUs while supporting evidence-based governance and performance reporting. Full article

This paper presents an experimental investigation of hydrogen enrichment effects on combustion behavior and exhaust emissions in a self-developed micro gas turbine fueled with a propane–butane mixture. Hydrogen was blended with the base fuel in volume fractions of 0–30%, and combustion was examined under unloaded operating conditions at three global equivalence ratios (ϕ = 0.7, 1.1, and 1.3). The global equivalence ratio (ϕ) is defined as the ratio of the actual fuel–air ratio to the corresponding stoichiometric fuel–air ratio, with ϕ < 1 representing lean, ϕ = 1 stoichiometric, and ϕ > 1 fuel-rich operating conditions. The micro gas turbine is based on an automotive turbocharger coupled with a custom-designed counterflow combustion chamber developed specifically for alternative gaseous fuel research. Exhaust gas emissions of CO, CO₂, and NO_x were measured using a laboratory-grade FTIR analyzer (Horiba Mexa FTIR Horiba Ltd., Kyoto, Japan), while combustion chamber temperature was monitored with thermocouples. The results show that hydrogen addition significantly influences flame stability, combustion temperature, and emission characteristics. Increasing the hydrogen fraction led to a pronounced reduction in CO emissions across all equivalence ratios, indicating enhanced oxidation kinetics and improved combustion completeness. CO₂ concentrations decreased monotonically with hydrogen enrichment due to the reduced carbon content of the blended fuel and the shift of combustion products toward higher H₂O fractions. In contrast, NO_x emissions increased with increasing hydrogen content for all tested equivalence ratios, which is attributed to elevated local flame temperatures, enhanced reaction rates, and the formation of locally near-stoichiometric zones in the compact combustor. A slight reduction in NO_x at low hydrogen fractions was observed under near-stoichiometric conditions, suggesting a temporary shift toward a more distributed combustion regime. Overall, the findings demonstrate that hydrogen–propane–butane blends can be stably combusted in a micro gas turbine without major operational issues under unloaded conditions. While hydrogen addition offers clear benefits in terms of CO reduction and carbon-related emissions, effective NO_x mitigation strategies will be essential for future high-hydrogen microturbine applications. Full article