Search Results (1,140)

Sri Lanka provides a home for a significant number of fruit species, and yet most of them are underutilised due to a lack of awareness regarding their therapeutic potential. Different plant parts from these fruits have been used for centuries to cure various diseases in traditional medicine, as fodder and to overcome hunger. Despite having remarkable health benefits and being resistant to extreme environmental conditions, these fruits are still confined to home gardens and forests, while some commercially cultivated major fruits remain dominant in the market. Hence, gathering information on the nutritional and health benefits of these fruit species will enhance people’s awareness, ensure food security through value-added food product development, facilitate livelihoods for rural farmers and also establish long-term sustainability. The main objective of this review is to highlight the phytochemical potential of some underutilised fruit varieties in Sri Lanka while exploring their health-promoting aspects, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. Many research studies have been conducted on commonly available major fruits. However, there is a notable gap in research that explores pharmacological aspects of these fruits. Further research is warranted in developing methods for sustainable harvesting and postharvest practices for underutilised fruits from Sri Lanka. Characterisation of health benefits associated with underutilised fruits will help to develop awareness about their potential and possibly foster commercial interest. Developing nutraceuticals or functional foods from these fruits will help us to focus on enhancing their sustainable production. Full article

The circular economy necessitates the identification of waste management methods that minimise the use of environmental resources and do not generate secondary waste streams, whose management poses further challenges. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the environmental and energy performance of slaughterhouse waste treatment using anaerobic digestion and incineration. The quantity of greenhouse gases emitted during slaughterhouse waste processing was adopted as the evaluation criterion. Although the incineration of slaughterhouse waste delivered a higher net energy yield compared with anaerobic digestion, it was characterised by substantially higher carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy. Anaerobic digestion of poultry slaughterhouse waste demonstrated superior environmental performance, provided that the resulting digestate is utilised as a source of plant nutrients. The modification of the anaerobic digestion technology did not lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy produced. The most effective method for the treatment of poultry slaughterhouse waste was anaerobic digestion without co-digestion, combined with the use of digestate as a feedstock for fertiliser production. For small slaughterhouses generating less than 3 tonnes of waste per day, incineration was the more rational solution. The efficient utilisation of slaughterhouse waste critically depends on its processing at the place of generation. Full article

This research focused on the development and characterisation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) modified with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of sodium naproxen (NPX). Different percentages of TiO₂ (5% and 25%) were tested and compared to non-imprinted polymers (NIPs). FT-IR analysis confirmed the interaction between methacrylic acid and TiO₂, promoting the formation of specific binding sites and presenting a good imprinting factor. The results showed that the MIP with 5% TiO₂ had the highest adsorption and retention capacity, attributed to the imprinting effect and the reduced interference from TiO₂. The surface of the MIPs is heterogeneous, as it was indicated by the Freundlich isotherm model. The K_F for the MIP with 25% of TiO₂ was higher than for the materials with 5%; values for the MIP/TiO₂ 5% and the NIP/TiO₂ 5% K_F were 4.808 and 4.163 (mg/g)(L/mg)^1/n respectively, while for the MIP/TiO₂ 25% was 6.542 (mg/g)(L/mg)^1/n and for the NIP/TiO₂ 25% it was 2.736 (mg/g)(L/mg)^1/n. Kinetic studies followed the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting more active binding sites in MIPs. Photocatalytic experiments achieved 60% degradation, demonstrating the degradation performance of MIPs; however, this behavior is restricted by the slow degradation of NPX. The materials were evaluated using a water sample (Querétaro River, México); the sample was preconcentrated and analyzed, detecting a concentration of 0.332 mg/L of NPX. This finding highlights the MIPs’ potential application in environmental monitoring and treatment; nevertheless, due to the recalcitrant nature of NPX, MIPs should be used along with other advanced treatment methods to achieve effective removal. Full article

This article analyses the impact of ground-source heat pumps on the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a residential building, depending on the temperature of the ground source, the flow temperature of the heating system, and the domestic hot water temperature. In the section on heating, the best results were obtained for the 35/28 °C system at a ground temperature of 1 °C, for which the SCOP was 4.81, the system efficiency was 3.90, the final energy was 5.6 kWh/m²yr, and the primary energy was 13.9 kWh/m²yr. The least favourable heat pump heating option was recorded for the 55/48 °C system and a ground temperature of −1 °C, with a SCOP of 3.31 and a primary energy of 17.4 kWh/m²yr. For domestic hot water, the best results were achieved at a temperature of 47 °C and a ground temperature of 1 °C, for which the SCOP reached 3.88, and the primary energy was 23.6 kWh/m²yr, whereas the least favourable variant (55 °C/−1 °C) was characterised by a SCOP of 3.31 and primary energy of 27.5 kWh/m²yr. It was demonstrated that lowering the temperature on the upper-source side improves the system’s energy performance to a greater extent than changes in ground temperature. At the same time, improvements in energy efficiency reduced pollutant emissions and lowered the equivalent emission ZrSO₂ index. The results confirm that the actual energy and environmental potential of ground-source heat pumps depend primarily on their integration with low-temperature systems. Full article

Macroalgal species are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans and are well recognised for their biotechnological, ecological, and pharmacological potentials, containing a wide range of diverse bioactive compounds. In many coastal habitats worldwide, excessive accumulations of algal biomass (including rapidly growing blooms and drift accumulations resulting from dislodgement from benthic habitats) are commonplace and can pose environmental and economic challenges. In this study, we report occurrences of algal blooms and drift accumulations during 2024 and 2025 involving three major macroalgal clades, Chlorophyta, Phaeophyceae, and Rhodophyta, from two distinct marine regions: the North Atlantic Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. Species identified included Grateloupia turuturu, Polyides rotundus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Ulva spp., Sargassum spp. and Fucus spp., among others. The indicated species are known for their diverse pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Specialised bioinformatic tools were employed to assess the potential of identified macroalgae as a source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). For selected macroalgal species, in silico screening of publicly available databases was performed to identify previously reported and characterised AMPs associated with these species. This in silico approach presents a promising strategy for discovering novel antimicrobial agents with potential activity, especially against drug-resistant bacteria. Finally, applying proteomics methodologies for in silico evaluation of the selected algal species advances modern technologies for the sustainable use of natural resources. Full article

Slow travel, characterised by reduced pace, immersion, and interaction with the surroundings, is increasingly recognised as a sustainable mobility practice in the context of leisure. This paper examines emotional well-being and environmental restorativeness as experiential qualities associated with slow travel. Data were collected through a multilevel mixed methods research design combining spatial analysis with intercept surveys conducted with 19 walkers and 31 cyclists, capturing participants’ reflections during their leisure activities. Participants’ responses were analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns in the experiential and affective qualities of walking and cycling for leisure in non-urban settings. The findings suggest that participants frequently described their slow travel experiences in terms of emotional well-being and environmental restorativeness, referring to feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and personal fulfilment during walking and cycling. Participants’ descriptions frequently referred to specific physical features, such as vegetation, water, and open landscapes, in conjunction with positive affective experiences. These patterns are interpreted as thematic co-occurrences between environmental characteristics and experiential qualities of slow travel. By highlighting how walkers and cyclists describe their experiences in relation to the environment, the study provides exploratory insights into the experiential qualities of slow travel. While the findings are context-specific, they provide a foundation for future research on the relationship between movement, environment, and well-being, highlighting the intertwined role of physical features, experiential qualities, and psychological states and pointing to possible connections between slow travel experiences, motivations related to mobility practices, and broader discussions on sustainable mobility. Full article

Adolescent vaping has become a persistent health and behavioural challenge in schools, yet many institutions lack reliable tools to detect and respond to concealed e-cigarette use. This study addresses this problem by evaluating the real-world performance of a low-cost “Internet of Things” (IoT) vape detection system deployed across 37 high-risk restroom and change-room locations at a large Australian Independent school. The aim was to determine whether an IoT-based environmental monitoring platform could accurately identify vaping events, support timely staff intervention, and provide actionable insights into student behaviour patterns. A longitudinal case study design was used, collecting continuous particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) data at one-minute intervals over an 18-month period, where PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ refer to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 µm and ≤ 10 µm, respectively, reported in micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³). Threshold-based alerting, cloud-based data processing, and school-led Closed-circuit television (CCTV) verification were combined to assess detection accuracy, temporal trends, and operational responses. The system recorded more than 300 vaping-related incidents, with clusters aligned to predictable times of day and higher prevalence among senior students. Operational detection performance was high, with alert events characterised by rapid, concurrent PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ excursions consistent with vaping-related aerosol profiles, although staff responsiveness declined over time due to alert fatigue and competing priorities. A major environmental smoke event demonstrated the need for context-aware logic to reduce false positives. The findings demonstrate that real-time aerosol monitoring is not only technically reliable but also highly effective in detecting vaping within school environments. These perspectives help explain why user engagement, alert fatigue, and institutional follow-through are as critical as sensor accuracy itself. Ultimately, the effectiveness of vape detection relies on strong organisational commitment, well-defined response workflows, and alignment with broader wellbeing and policy strategies. When these elements are in place, such systems can evolve from simple detection tools into intelligent, integrated components of school health governance. Full article

The installation of floating offshore wind turbines presents significant operational challenges due to coupled vessel platform dynamics and sensitivity to environmental conditions. This study proposes a response-based methodology for defining allowable operational limits and assessing operability for floating wind turbine generator (WTG) installation using the Nordic Wind concept. The approach integrates hydrodynamic modelling, time-domain simulations, and probabilistic weather-window analysis to evaluate installation feasibility under realistic offshore conditions. The methodology explicitly accounts for coupled vessel spar interactions, heading-dependent system response, and response-based failure criteria, including relative motion, gripper forces, and impact velocity. Allowable sea-state limits are derived for key installation phases and applied to multiple case studies representing different geographical locations and project scales. The results show that installation operability is governed primarily by system response rather than environmental parameters alone. Peak wave period and wave heading are identified as dominant factors, with longer wave periods leading to reduced operability due to response amplification. Across all case studies, the mating phase is found to be the most restrictive operation, controlling overall installation feasibility. Head sea conditions generally provide improved operability, while following seas lead to increased relative motion and reduced performance. The comparative analysis further demonstrates that environmental severity and project scale jointly influence installation duration. Milder environments result in higher operability, whereas harsher conditions, particularly those characterised by long-period swell, significantly reduce feasible weather windows. Larger installation campaigns increase cumulative exposure to weather downtime, even under favourable conditions. The proposed framework extends existing operability assessment methods by incorporating coupled multi-body dynamics and response-based criteria specific to floating wind installations. The results provide a quantitative basis for defining operational limits and support improved planning and decision making for offshore wind turbine installation. Full article

Understanding the mechanisms driving patterns of alpha and beta-diversity through temporal variation in taxonomic diversity remains a fundamental question in community ecology surveys. Insects represent a species-rich group playing several roles in ecological processes. However, knowledge of their temporal distribution and seasonality remains limited, particularly in subtropical regions. We investigated intra-annual patterns of alpha and beta-diversity of butterflies in Restinga ecosystems of southern Brazil, a subtropical region characterised by marked seasonality. Butterflies were monitored throughout one year using Malaise interception traps, and data were grouped by season. We tested seasonal differences in temperature and humidity and evaluated their association with patterns of richness, abundance, evenness, and species composition. Temperature was the main environmental filter structuring butterfly assemblages compared to humidity. Butterfly richness and abundance peaked in summer, followed by spring, coinciding with higher temperatures, while diversity declined markedly during winter. Although we expected winter assemblages to represent nested subsets of other seasons, beta-diversity analyses revealed high species turnover among seasons. Our findings demonstrate that temperature drove the structure of butterfly assemblages across seasons, highlighting the importance of monitoring to increase knowledge on the temporal dynamics and distribution of insects in the subtropical region. Full article

This study, conducted in the Cheile Nerei–Beușnița National Park (southwestern Romania), tested the hypothesis that the life-form structure of woody plants reflects the main ecological gradients of moisture, temperature, and soil reaction in a temperate protected ecosystem characterised by sub-Mediterranean influences and a predominantly calcareous substrate. The analysis focused on the woody flora of the area, comprising 64 species belonging to 22 families, and included the assessment of life-form structure, phytogeographical spectrum, and ecological preferences based on Ellenberg indicator values. Life forms were classified according to Raunkiaer’s system, identifying megaphanerophytes, mesophanerophytes, and nanophanerophytes. The woody flora was dominated by nanophanerophytes, followed by megaphanerophytes and mesophanerophytes, indicating a complex vertical structure. The phytogeographical spectrum showed a predominance of European elements, alongside Eurasian and sub-Mediterranean components. Ecological analysis revealed a dominance of mesophilous and mesothermal species, consistent with mesic and temperate environmental conditions. Soil reaction preferences were mainly basiphilous and neutrophilous, reflecting the calcareous substrate, with vertical differentiation of ecological niches between tree and shrub layers. The high proportion of native species (>90%) and the limited presence of alien taxa indicate a high level of ecological integrity and resistance to biological invasions. Overall, the results demonstrate that the structure of woody plant life forms and their ecological preferences accurately reflect the main ecological gradients of the ecosystem. The combined use of life-form spectra and ecological indicator values provides a useful framework for assessing ecosystem structure, stability, and conservation status in temperate protected areas. Full article

Industrial symbiosis (IS) research has documented many successful ecosystems but still lacks an empirically grounded typology linking resource flow configurations to environmental outcomes across diverse contexts. This study develops such a typology and tests whether distinct configurations achieve comparable environmental performance through different pathways—the configurational principle of equifinality. Drawing on 68 documented IS ecosystems across 48 countries, we apply k-means clustering to five flow-intensity dimensions—material, energy, water, logistics, and knowledge—and characterise the resulting partition using one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD post hoc tests, multinomial logistic regression, and a Cox proportional-hazards model. Four configurations emerge: a dominant low-flow group (n = 34) and three coordinated configurations—energy–knowledge (n = 11), material-dominant (n = 16), and water-oriented (n = 7). The three coordinated configurations all significantly outperform the low-flow group on environmental performance (F(3, 57) = 11.60, p < 0.001), with effect sizes very similar and no significant differences among them, providing direct empirical evidence for equifinality. Economic performance does not differ significantly across configurations, and the multinomial model of contextual predictors is jointly insignificant—a pattern we read as consistent with equifinal contextual pathways rather than as a methodological flaw. Robustness checks across alternative clustering algorithms, operationalisations, and sub-samples support the typology’s stability. This study contributes an empirically grounded framework for circular economy practice that moves beyond one-size-fits-all prescriptions and offers a configurational lens for the design of sustainable industrial ecosystems. Full article

Bovine ocular squamous cell carcinoma (BOSCC) is the most common ocular tumour in cattle, with a multifactorial aetiology involving ultraviolet (UV) radiation, genetic factors, pigmentation, and management practices. A detailed epidemiological characterisation of BOSCC in the Azores, Portugal, is provided, with particular emphasis on its spatial distribution and potential risk determinants. Data were obtained through an epidemiological questionnaire completed by field veterinarians between August 2023 and March 2025. A total of 85 BOSCC cases were recorded across 62 farms—45 on Terceira Island and 17 on São Miguel Island. All affected animals were adult Holstein Friesian dairy cows, managed under extensive pasture-based systems. The nictitating membrane was the most frequently affected structure (69.5%), and multiple lesions occurred in 20% of the cases. Farms located at 200–400 m of altitude presented the highest number of cases. Continuous exposure to UV under pasture-based management represents the main environmental risk factor. Although periocular pigmentation may provide partial protection, other environmental and genetic factors can also contribute to tumour development. Artificial insemination is considered a promising preventive tool, enabling genetic selection for protective traits such as periocular pigmentation. This research provides the first regional epidemiological characterization of BOSCC in the Azores, highlighting the interplay among environmental, genetic, and management-related factors in disease occurrence. Full article

The growing importance of renewable energy sources and the implementation of circular economy principles highlight the need for the rational management of biomass combustion by-products. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition of ash produced through the combustion of various biomass fractions from four varieties of common hazel (Corylus avellana L.) in the context of its potential for secondary use. The analysis covered the shells, husks, leaves, and shoots of the following varieties: Kataloński, Olbrzymi z Halle, Olga, and Webba Cenny. Combustion was carried out under laboratory conditions at a temperature of 550 °C, and the content of macro- and micro-element oxides (P₂O₅, K₂O, CaO, SO₃, Cl, SiO₂, MnO, Fe₂O₃, NiO, CuO) and potentially toxic elements (ZnO, TiO₂, Cr₂O₃) was determined using the EDXRF method. The results showed significant variation in the chemical composition of the ash depending on the biomass fraction and variety. The highest P₂O₅ content was found in the leaves of the Kataloński variety (5.02), whilst the highest K₂O concentration was found in the husk of the Olga variety (47.33%). The maximum CaO content was found in the leaves of the Webba Cenny variety (32.60). The leaf and husk fractions were characterised by the highest content of nutrients of fertilising importance, whilst the shells exhibited the lowest values for most macronutrients. The content of potentially toxic elements was low. The results obtained indicate that the selective utilisation of specific fractions of hazel biomass can increase the efficiency of mineral recovery whilst maintaining environmental safety, in line with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials because they are grown biologically rather than produced through resource-intensive extraction and processing. This study evaluates MBCs for non-load-bearing wall panels and environmentally responsible substitutes for traditional building materials. A reproducible manufacturing process is presented, and heat-pressed panels are characterised for physical, mechanical, and chemical performance. Novelty lies in species-driven evaluation using rice-husk waste as the sole lignocellulosic substrate and a Queensland-native Amauroderma species. Five fungal species, Trametes hirsuta, Ganoderma sp., Amauroderma sp., Pycnoporus coccineus and Trametes versicolor, were cultivated on rice husks and compared under identical processing conditions. Statistical analysis showed species selection significantly influenced tensile strength, whereas flexural and compressive performance showed no significant interspecies differences. Panels achieved tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths up to approximately 0.47, 0.35, and 1.35 MPa, respectively, with Amauroderma exhibiting the highest stiffness and compressive performance. Composites from four of the five species showed low moisture sensitivity and favourable thermal behaviour relative to previously reported mycelium materials. These results demonstrate that fungal species selection is a key design lever and supports rice-husk-derived MBCs as sustainable insulation and non-load-bearing construction materials. Full article

Air pollution is one of the major environmental challenges threatening global sustainable development and human health. The World Health Organization identifies it as a critical factor contributing to non-communicable diseases and inequality, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. The findings highlight the negative effects of environmental degradation on physical health and underline the urgent need to incorporate health metrics, such as children’s fitness, into sustainability monitoring frameworks and public policies aiming at cleaner and healthier urban environments. The aim of this study was to examine the association between ambient particulate pollution and cardiorespiratory fitness in school-aged children from two rural villages in southern Spain characterised by relatively higher and lower levels of particulate matter. A total of 938 children (primary and secondary school levels) participated in a naturalistic pre–post study design. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 6 min walk test, where maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) was estimated. Assessments were conducted before and after a period characterised by unfavourable air-quality conditions in the higher-pollution village. The students were assigned by convenience into an experimental [n = 476 (EG)] and a control group [n = 462 (CG)]. The t-test, repeated measures analysis and MANOVA test were used in order to report differences within and between groups, as well as time-points and academic levels. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Significant differences between groups were reported within the pre-test period, showing elevated pre-test values in the CG compared to the EG. The EG showed a higher pre–post difference in estimated VO₂max compared to the CG for primary education level (16.19%, ES(d) = 0.91 vs. 3.07%, ES(d) = 0.26; p < 0.001, respectively); secondary education (EG: 12.29%, ES = 0.91 vs. CG: 1.69, ES(d) = 0.16); and the whole population (EG: 14.72%, ES = 0.91 vs. CG: 2.84, ES = 0.25). It seems that the environmental context, and specifically the air pollution in the area of residence, may be an important factor to consider in relation to the assessment of physical fitness in the school-aged youth population. Full article