Search Results (28)

The bio-prospecting of bioactive phytochemicals from invasive flora presents a sustainable paradigm for the ecologically conscious management of major invasive pest S. invicta. Ageratina adenophora, while recognized for its allelopathic insecticidal properties, exhibits poorly characterized toxicological profiles and mechanistic underpinnings against S. invicta, warranting systematic investigation to elucidate its mode of action. This study elucidates the bioactive insecticidal compounds of A. adenophora and their toxicological impacts on S. invicta, including behavioral, metabolic, and enzymatic perturbations, via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) profiling. The ethanol extracts of the roots, stems, and leaves of A. adenophora have shown control effects on S. invicta, with an LC₅₀ (50% lethal concentration) of 331.847, 188.256, and 166.253 mg/mL at 48 h, respectively. Metabolite profiling of A. adenophora revealed that safranal and dihydrocoumarin are relatively high in plant leaves, and they showed significant insecticidal activity and behavioral inhibitory effects on S. invicta with LC₅₀ 349.042 mg/L and 118.336 mg/L at 48 h, respectively. Notably, these two bioactive compounds disrupted the normal energy production through glucose metabolism and the citrate cycle, which eventually led to the death of S. invicta. Further, these two compounds also activated the detoxification metabolic pathway of S. invicta. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of these bioactive compounds in the integrated management of S. invicta and may lead to the development of a new biopesticide. Full article

Generation Z is emerging as a powerful force in shaping global consumer behavior, particularly in the market of digital and technological products. This study examines how specific branding dimensions, such as online brand experience, engagement, image, trust, loyalty, awareness, behavioral intention, and brand knowledge, influence Gen Z’s purchase intention, emphasizing sustainable consumption. Sustainable consumption, in this context, refers to the preference for tech products that minimize the environmental impact through eco-friendly design, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing. Using a quantitative approach, this cross-sectional research explores the effects of online brand experience, engagement, image, trust, loyalty, awareness, behavioral intention, and knowledge on purchasing newly launched technological products that align with sustainability. Data were collected from a Gen Z sample using a combination of convenience and systematic sampling, and multiple regression analysis identified the most significant predictors of purchase intention. The results indicate that online brand experience, brand image, brand trust, and brand loyalty play the most crucial roles, having a greater effects on Gen Z’s purchase intention, while brand awareness and knowledge also contribute. However, brand engagement and behavioral intention have weaker effects. These findings suggest that brands targeting Gen Z should prioritize building a strong, trustworthy, and engaging online presence while highlighting their sustainability efforts, and when Gen Z consumers have favorable digital interactions with a brand, perceive its image positively, trust it, and feel loyal to it, they are more likely to consider purchasing its sustainable offerings. This study enhances the understanding of Gen Z’s consumer behavior and offers insights for businesses seeking to foster sustainable consumption by highlighting the importance of developing marketing strategies that strengthen online brand experience, cultivate trust and loyalty, and clearly communicate sustainability values, such as through engaging digital content, transparent messaging, and eco-conscious branding, to effectively foster sustainable consumption among this environmentally conscious and digitally driven generation. Full article

Smart home technologies (SHT) offer numerous benefits to consumers. This study explored the relationship between the perceived benefits of and the likelihood of subsequently purchasing SHT among Taiwanese consumers. The study conducted a survey in May 2024 and collected data from 424 respondents of various ages, educational backgrounds, and income levels. Data on the perceived benefits of SHT, the perceived challenges of adopting these technologies, current methods for managing household tasks and energy consumption, and the likelihood of purchasing SHT were collected. The perceived benefits of SHT include enhanced comfort, security, and energy efficiency. Comfort and energy efficiency but not enhanced security were significant predictors of adoption. Proficiency in online research but not general technical proficiency also significantly predicted adoption. Consumers dissatisfied with current home energy management methods were more likely to adopt SHT. Positive perceptions of benefits and dissatisfaction with current methods drive the adoption of SHT. As there is increasing environmental awareness in Taiwan, this study verifies that environmentally conscious consumers affect their buying decisions positively. This study highlights how SHT can improve quality of life while promoting sustainable development. The study offers valuable insights into consumer buying behaviors and contributes to the SHT industry with actionable suggestions for improving product design, incorporating more green technology into their products, enhancing user interfaces, strengthening security protocols, and upgrading interoperability between different smart home devices that may facilitate users to embrace SHT. Full article

The functioning of the energy sector in Poland has been changing over recent years, influenced by growing concern for the environment. The concept of inclusive leadership can play a key role in the emergence of behavioral changes related to the development of environmental awareness and the initiation of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors by employees. The guiding objective of this study is to verify a moderated mediation model of the impact of pro-environmental consciousness (PEC) on the mediating role of the fulfillment of the psychological contract for the environment (PCFE) in pro-environmental inclusive leadership (PEIL) and pro-environmental work behavior (PEWB) relationships in the energy industry. By self-completing a survey questionnaire using the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method, responses were collected from 649 respondents employed in various energy industry organizations. Structural equation modelling based on maximum likelihood with bootstrap estimation was used to test the hypothesis model. The findings confirm the assumptions of the research model, demonstrating a direct relationship between pro-environmental inclusive leadership and pro-environmental work behavior. Additionally, a mediating condition was found, where the fulfillment of the psychological contract for the environment mediates the relationship between pro-environmental inclusive leadership and pro-environmental work behavior, and pro-environmental consciousness moderates this process. It was found that higher pro-environmental consciousness enhances the indirect effect of pro-environmental inclusive leadership on employees’ pro-environmental work behavior through the fulfillment of the psychological contract for the environment. This highlights the importance of the fulfillment of the psychological contract for the environment and a pro-environmental consciousness in the effectiveness of pro-environmental leadership. The analysis indicates that managers who apply a pro-environmental inclusive management style contribute to an increasingly pro-environmental consciousness and the promotion pro-environmental work behavior among employees. Furthermore, the indirect effect of green leadership on employees’ green actions, through the fulfillment of a psychological contract for the environment that is moderated by their pro-environmental consciousness, highlights the importance of environmentally conscious leaders in building effective employee–employer relationships. These relationships facilitate the implementation of initiatives that accelerate the pace of change and enhance efforts to build tomorrow’s modern energy industry based on low- and zero-carbon energy sources. Additionally, this is one of the first studies in the Polish energy industry to provide insight into the role and importance of green leadership and green behavior in the energy industry. Full article

Workplace energy conservation is vital for sustainability, as it reduces environmental harm, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves natural resources. Such procedures lead to significant financial savings, adherence to environmental standards, enhanced corporate social responsibility, and improved organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). This study investigated the impact of organizational culture (OCULT) on OCB, with environmental knowledge (EK) and attitude toward energy savings (ATES) as mediating factors. Components of the theories of planned behavior and value-belief-norm were evaluated through a structural equation model, showing that OCULT influences OCB through EK and ATES, suggesting OCULT’s direct and indirect effects on OCB. The degree to which EK and ATES mediate these effects varies, emphasizing the importance of a strong OCULT in fostering an environmentally conscious workplace. Specifically, the findings reveal that OCULT is responsible for positively impacting ATES and EK, with path coefficients of 0.587 and 0.661, respectively. OCB is positively influenced by it (coefficient of 0.228). The research indicates that knowledge is vital in improving organizational behaviors, with a significant correlation between EK and OCB (coefficient of 0.675). Mediation analysis indicates that EK mediates the relationship between OCULT and OCB (standardized estimate of 0.344), and that ATES and EK together can enhance OCB (standardized estimate of 0.078), demonstrating a robust and meaningful causal effect mediating this link. This outcome is the product of the mutually beneficial interaction among various variables. This study highlights the importance of integrating cultural considerations into knowledge management to foster a more engaged and proactive workforce, which will enhance organizational performance. As a practical implication, managers should promote energy-saving behaviors and nurture a supportive OCULT to enhance OCB. Incorporating sustainability into core organizational strategies will result in a dedicated workforce actively participating in OCB and energy-saving initiatives. Full article

In recent years, the concept of the prosumer has garnered extensive attention across various fields, including marketing, energy consumption, and innovation research. This attention is driven by the significant role prosumers play in developing more efficient, sustainable, and health-conscious market systems, propelled by advancements in social and technological domains. Broadly defined, a prosumer is an individual who acts as both a producer and a consumer. Originally coined by Toffler in the 1980s, the term describes individuals who blur the lines between producers and consumers by engaging in the creation of value for their own use or for others. Prosumers are seen as external partners who participate in co-creation processes with organizations, contributing to innovative outcomes and the production of the products and services they consume. The concept of the prosumer, individuals who simultaneously act as producers and consumers, has gained significant attention across various sectors. This entry explores the evolving role and impact of prosumers on sustainability, innovation, and market dynamics. A comprehensive literature review and empirical analysis were conducted to understand prosumer behavior and contributions. The findings reveal that the prosumers’ roles range from significantly enhancing sustainability by generating renewable energy to promoting personalized education via teacher–prosumer models. They also drive technological advancements in fields such as 3D printing and cryptocurrency. The study concludes that prosumers have the potential to foster a more resilient and inclusive economy, although challenges such as regulatory barriers and technological dependencies must be addressed to fully leverage their contributions. Full article

The implementation of e-jeepneys stands as a change process that will eventually transition to the modernization of the public transport system in the Philippines. To address concerns about jeepneys’ effects on the environment, energy use, society, the economy, and policies, their acceptability in the Philippines must be considered. This research study aims to identify the sources of influence on Filipinos’ adoption of e-jeepney utilization as a mode of transportation using the extended Pro-Environmental Planned Behavior (PEBP) model. A total of 502 commuters voluntarily answered the survey questionnaire. Based on the findings, perceived environmental concern (PEC) is the most significant determinant influencing attitude (AT) and, thus, affecting the Filipinos’ behavioral intention (BI) towards the adoption of e-jeepneys. Conversely, AT was the primary determinant of BI, which strongly supported the notion of AT as a strong driving force shaping behavioral decisions. Moreover, perceived authority support (PAS) emerged as a strong predictor of subjective norms (SNs), demonstrating the influence of institutional support on societal perceptions. As a result, more environmentally conscious people are more likely to view e-jeepneys positively and intend to use them as a mode of transportation. The endorsement or support from authoritative figures or institutions notably influences subjective norms, which are individuals’ perceptions of social pressures regarding the use of e-jeepneys. Full article

Environmental sustainability is an important issue in supply chain management (SCM). New energy vehicles (NEVs) have significant environmental value when compared to traditional fuel vehicles (FVs). Currently, there is intense competition between fuel and new energy vehicles, owing to differentiated pricing strategies. This paper focuses on behavior-based pricing (BBP) strategies between energy vehicles and fuel vehicles in a two-echelon supply chain wherein consumers are environmentally conscious. A two-period game-theoretic model is built to examine the effect of consumers’ environmental concerns on competition between fuel and energy vehicles, behavior-based pricing strategies, supply chain efficiency, and social welfare. The analytical results indicate that consumers’ environmental concerns facilitate the market share competition by new energy vehicle firms in the second period. If consumers care more about the environment, supply chain efficiency is improved in cases of retail as well as wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies. Wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies benefit all members of the supply chain, but this is not the case for retail behavior-based pricing strategies. If consumers are sufficiently concerned about the environment and new energy vehicle firms are more efficient, a win–win–win scenario for firms, consumers, and social welfare occurs in the two behavior-based pricing strategies. Counterintuitively, green innovation improves new energy vehicle, fuel vehicle as well as overall supply chain efficiency, in three cases. Full article

Although technical improvements to engines and aftertreatment systems have the greatest impact on pollutant emissions, there is also potential for reducing emissions through driver behavior. This potential can be realized in the very short term, while better emission-control technologies only take effect once they have penetrated the market. In addition to a change in driving style, the vehicle owner’s choice of vehicle technology and size class will also have an impact on the future emissions of the vehicle fleet. The effects of different driving styles, the tire choice, the vehicle size class, and propulsion technologies on energy consumption and tailpipe and non-exhaust emissions are analyzed in this paper for different traffic situations and start temperatures for cars with petrol and diesel combustion engines and for battery electric vehicles. The analysis is completed with the corresponding upstream emissions from fuel and electricity production. The analysis is based on a vehicle simulation using the Passenger car and Heavy-duty Emission Model (PHEM), which is based on a large database of vehicles created using measurements of real driving conditions. For the assessment of the driving style, a novel method was developed in an H2020 project, which reproduces a measured trip with a virtual eco-driver. Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO_2eq) increase with increasing vehicle size, but can be reduced by around 20% for conventional vehicles and 17% for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) through an environmentally conscious driving style. On average, BEVs have around 50% lower CO_2eq emissions than conventional vehicles, if the emissions from vehicle production are also taken into account. On an average journey of 35 km, the cold start of modern diesel vehicles accounts for around half of the total NO_x emissions, while the proportion of cold starts for petrol vehicles is around 25%. Tire and brake wear together generate a similar amount of PN23 emissions as the exhaust gases from new cars. Full article

This study investigates energy label awareness among Gazi University staff, exploring the influence of demographic factors on attitudes and perceptions. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research examines individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in shaping energy efficiency awareness. A cross-sectional survey of academic and administrative staff reveals significant differences in awareness across demographic groups. Gender-specific variations in attitudes towards energy-efficient products are evident, with the greatest difference observed between female (M = 3.93, SD = 1.16) and male staff (M = 3.58, SD = 1.30) on Capacity (I-11) (Z = −2.805, p = 0.005 < 0.05). Education level also significantly influences awareness scores, particularly on the status symbol item (I-18) (χ² = 24.543, p = 0.00 < 0.05). These findings, analyzed through Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Kruskal–Wallis Tests, provide nuanced insights into the demographic factors impacting energy label awareness. Interpretation of the findings on the complex relationship between demographic characteristics and energy label awareness with TPB provided valuable insights. The practical implications of the study highlight the imperative for tailored communication strategies and targeted interventions to raise awareness among different staff groups. By addressing these nuanced factors, the study significantly contributes to the development of effective energy policies, fostering a sustainable and energy-conscious academic community. Full article

This study explores the potential benefits of incorporating Recycled Demolition Waste (RDF) as an additive in ceramic mass for the brick industry, with a focus on applications such as thermoblocks. The research underscores the significance of sustainable waste management practices and environmental conservation by diverting waste from landfills. RDF, exhibiting combustion properties above 550 °C, emerges as a valuable candidate for enhancing clay-based materials, particularly in the brick production process where firing temperatures exceed 850 °C. Conducted in two phases, the research initially concentrated on RDF preparation, RDF integration with clay materials, and its influence on extrusion and drying phases. Employing innovative techniques involving brick and tile industry machinery coupled with sand incorporation yielded promising results. The grounding of RDF particles to less than 1 mm not only facilitated the mixing process but also ensured stable grinding temperatures within the hammer mill, reducing operational costs. During extrusion, challenges associated with unprocessed RDF material were addressed by utilizing ground RDF, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective process with enhanced plasticity and reduced water requirements. Practical implications for brick plant operations were identified, promoting resource and energy savings. Drying behavior analysis revealed the positive impact of RDF integration, showcasing reduced sensitivity, decreased drying linear shrinkage, and improved density properties. RDF’s role as an inert additive resulted in a 5% reduction in density, enhancing porosity and thermal insulation properties, particularly in thermoblock applications. In the brick industry, where durability, thermal performance, and cost-efficiency are paramount, this study emphasizes the potential benefits of incorporating RDF into clay-based materials. While further research is needed to address the firing procedure of RDF as a brick mass additive, the initial findings underscore the promise of this approach for sustainable and environmentally responsible brick production. This study contributes to the literature by shedding light on the advantages and challenges of integrating RDF into clay-based products, supporting sustainability and waste reduction in construction and manufacturing. The findings provide valuable insights into the performance and feasibility of these mixtures, offering crucial information for industries striving to adopt eco-conscious production methods. This article not only outlines the applied methodology and experimental setup but also presents results related to the behavior of RDF-inclusive clay block mixtures in the production environment. Anticipated to exert considerable influence on future practices and policies, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge concerning eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing processes. Full article

Energy-intense activities and the unpredictable and complex behavior of building occupants lead to an increase in building energy demand. It is, therefore, crucial to study underlying factors for building energy demand related to the users. Higher educational buildings are relevant to study for several reasons: they host the future workforce and citizens, they are predicted to increase in numbers, and they represent a building type less studied. Furthermore, green-rated buildings equipped with smart building systems also represent a research gap that is relevant to address since such a building design involves IoT-functionalities and digital features for the building occupants to interact with. There is also a conceivable risk that if the users know that the building is green-rated and technologically advanced, this may alter their perception of the building operation and thus their behavior. To study the relationship between building occupants and such green and smart educational structure, a survey was conducted in a Swedish higher educational building; as a result, 300 responses were collected and analyzed. The responses revealed that the building occupants act with energy awareness, and they are conscious about energy-saving behaviors. One building feature in particular was studied: the Digital Room Panels (DRPs). The DRP allows the building occupants to modify the indoor temperature and is, therefore, essential for thermal comfort. One key finding from the survey revealed that 70% of the building occupants did not know how the DRPs operate. This study argues that this result can be explained with a lack of communication and user friendliness. Inadequate interactions with building systems could also result in opportunities for energy saving might not be realized. The findings of this case study led to valuable recommendations and suggestions for future research endeavors. Full article

As the need to minimize environmental impacts continues to rise, it is essential to incorporate, advance, and adopt renewable energy sources and materials to attain climate neutrality in industrial operations. It is established that economic growth is built upon infrastructure, where the cement industry plays a crucial role. However, it is also known that this industry is actively looking for ways to transition toward low-carbon practices to encourage sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. To this end, the use of refuse-derived fuels to substitute fossil fuels is very appealing, as these have the potential to lower clinker production costs and CO₂ emissions. Bearing this in mind, the primary objective of this work is to gain insights into the combustion behavior in an industrial rotary kiln by studying real-life scenarios and to assess the potential of substituting alternative fuels for fossil fuels to reduce CO₂ emissions. A 3D CFD turbulent combustion model was formulated in Ansys^® considering a Pillard NOVAFLAM^® burner, where refuse-derived and petcoke fuels were used, and different secondary air mass flows were considered. From the obtained results, it was possible to conclude that the outcome of the combustion process is greatly influenced by the fuel-to-air ratio. Increasing the secondary air mass flow promotes the occurrence of a complete and efficient combustion process, leading to enhanced fuel conversion and the decreased formation of pollutants such as CO, soot, and unburned hydrocarbons. An increase in combustion efficiency from 93% to 96% was observed, coupled with a slight decrease in the pollutant mass fraction in the flue gas. Full article

The rising energy consumption in residential buildings within the hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) climate zone, driven by occupants’ pursuit of improved thermal comfort, necessitates effective energy conservation measures. This study established urban building energy models for 32,145 residential buildings in Changsha City, China, and conducted a comprehensive retrofit analysis of seven energy conservation measures (ECMs). Additionally, the study assessed the impact of residents’ conscious energy-saving behaviors concerning air conditioner (AC) control. The research commenced by creating six baseline models representative of the diverse building stock. Identifying seven commonly used ECMs, the study examined the potential of each measure for enhancing energy efficiency. To facilitate the analysis, a dedicated toolkit, AutoBPS-Retrofit, was developed to efficiently modify the baseline model for each ECM. Furthermore, the investigation delved into the investment cost of implementing the ECMs and evaluated their simple payback year (PBP) and net present value (NPV). The results demonstrate that tailored retrofit plans are essential when addressing envelope improvements, varying according to building types and ages. Retrofits targeting lighting systems offer both promising energy savings and favorable economic viability, albeit subject to residents’ preferences. Alternatively, upgrading the AC systems emerges as the most energy-efficient approach, yet the economic assessment raises concerns. The study’s findings offer practical insights for governments seeking to establish effective carbon reduction goals and policies. Moreover, the research can assist energy-saving institutions, real-estate companies, and stakeholders involved in renovation projects by offering guidance in making informed decisions to enhance energy efficiency in city-scale residential buildings. Full article

In this paper, we present the final results from the research project “Urban Abacus of Building Energy Performances (Abaco Urbano Energeticodegli Edifci–AUREE)” aimed at supporting the renovation process and energy efficiency enhancement of urban building stocks. The crux of the AUREE project is a Web–GIS GeoBlog portal with customized semantic dashboards aimed at sharing information on an urban built environment and promoting the participation of local stakeholders in its improvement. As the latest development of this research, a workflow that integrates the AUREE portal with BIM authoring and an open-source IoT platform is implemented and applied to an experimental case study concerning a public building in Carbonia (Italy). The headquarters of the Sotacarbo Sustainable Energy Research Center was selected as the case study. The presented results proved that it was possible to create a valid open system, which was accessible to both specialist and unskilled users, and aimed at guiding, through a progressive knowledge deepening, common end-users toward proper conscious “energy behaviors” as well as public administrations and decision-makers toward sustainable facility management. Later, the proposed open system could also be suitable to be used as an effective tool to support the rising “energy communities”. Full article