Search Results (1,064)

The electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) offers an energy-saving and environmentally friendly approach to producing hydrocarbon fuels. The use of a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) flow cell has generally improved the rate of CO₂RR, while the gas diffusion layer (GDL) remains a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully engineered a novel metal–organic framework (MOF) heterojunction through the controlled coating of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) on ultrathin nickel—metal–organic framework (Ni-MOF) nanosheets. This innovative architecture simultaneously integrates GDL functionality and exposes abundant solid–liquid–gas triple-phase boundaries. The resulting Ni-MOF@ZIF-L heterostructure demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving a formate Faradaic efficiency of 92.4% while suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to 6.7%. Through computational modeling of the optimized heterojunction configuration, we further elucidated its competitive adsorption behavior and electronic modulation effects. The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate an improvement in electrochemical CO₂ reduction activity with suppressed hydrogen evolution for the heterojunction because of its hydrophobic interface, good electron transfer capability, and high CO₂ adsorption at the catalyst interface. This work provides a new insight into the rational design of porous crystalline materials in electrocatalytic CO₂RR. Full article

This study explores key factors influencing Aging-in-Place Attachment (AiPA) among older adults in Macau’s high-density community spaces, emphasizing interactions between the built environment, behavior, and psychology. A multidimensional framework evaluates environmental, behavioral, human-factor, and psychological contributions. A mixed-methods, multisource approach was employed. This study measured spatial characteristics of nine public spaces, conducted systematic behavioral observations, and collected questionnaire data on place attachment and aging intentions. Eye-tracking and galvanic skin response (GSR) captured visual attention and emotional arousal. Hierarchical regression analysis tested the explanatory power of each variable group, supplemented by semi-structured interviews for qualitative depth. The results showed that the physical environment had a limited direct impact but served as a critical foundation. Behavioral variables increased explanatory power (~15%), emphasizing community engagement. Human-factor data added ~4%, indicating that sensory and habitual interactions strengthen bonds. Psychological factors contributed most (~59%), confirming AiPA as a multidimensional construct shaped primarily by emotional and social connections, supported by physical and behavioral contexts. In Macau’s dense urban context, older adults’ desire to age in place is mainly driven by emotional connection and social participation, with spatial design serving as an enabler. Effective age-friendly strategies must extend beyond infrastructure upgrades to cultivate belonging and interaction. This study advances environmental gerontology and architecture theory by explaining the mechanisms of attachment in later life. Future work should explore how physical spaces foster psychological well-being and examine emerging factors such as digital and intergenerational engagement. Full article

This study discusses the role of organizational pro-environmental behavior in driving sustainable development. Studies of green practices highlight their capacity to achieve ecological goals while delivering economic sustainability with business strategies for sustainable businesses and advancing environmental sustainability law. It also considers how the development of artificial intelligence, resource management, big data analysis, blockchain, and the Internet of Things enables companies to maximize supply efficiency and address evolving environmental regulations and sustainable decision-making. Through digital technology, businesses can facilitate supply chain transparency, adopt circular economy practices, and produce in an equitable and environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, intelligent business management practices, such as effective decision-making and sustainability reporting, enhance compliance with authorities while ensuring long-term profitability from a legal perspective. Integrating business innovation and digital technology within legal entities enhances economic efficiency, reduces operational costs, improves environmental sustainability, reduces paper usage, and lowers the carbon footprint, creating a double-benefit model of long-term resilience. The policymakers’ role in formulating policy structures that lead to green digital innovation is also to ensure that economic development worldwide is harmonized with environmental protection and international governance. Using example studies and empirical research raises awareness about best practices in technology-based sustainability initiatives across industries and nations, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Biopolymers, owing to their environmentally friendly and sustainable characteristics, have become a promising alternative for soil stabilization in geotechnical engineering. The application of protein-based biopolymers as binders for soil stabilization is less prevalent in geotechnical engineering compared to polysaccharide-based biopolymers. This study explores the potential of gelatin, a protein-based biopolymer derived from animal collagen, for stabilizing silty sand and improving its geotechnical properties. Gelatin was mixed into the soil at concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 2% of the dry weight of soil, and its effects on various soil characteristics were evaluated. The tests conducted include liquid limit, plastic limit, compaction behavior, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS); the addition of 1% gelatin led to an approximate 1.69 times increase in the strength of the unamended soil. After 28 days of curing, the UCS improved by approximately 5.03 times compared to the untreated soil, and the treated soil exhibited increased resistance to deformation under load. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that gelatin facilitated the formation of a cohesive matrix, enhancing particle bonding and reducing void spaces within the soil. Carbon footprint analysis (CFA) conducted on an isolated footing stabilized with gelatin showed that the carbon emissions were reduced by 99.8% and 99% compared to traditional stabilizers such as lime and cement. Additionally, the interaction between the biopolymer and the fine-grained soil is distinctly evident in the FTIR and XRD analysis through hydrogen bonding and the formation of cementitious compounds. Full article

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major agricultural pest worldwide, causing significant economic loss to maize crops. Its control largely depends on synthetic pesticides, which contribute to resistance development, harm non-target organisms, and lead to environmental degradation. Essential oils and their main components offer a more sustainable and ecologically sound alternative for the management of S. frugiperda. This study evaluated the effects of selected essential oils and their bioactive compounds on the survival and behavior of S. frugiperda using toxicity and preference assays. Peppermint essential oil and its major constituent, pulegone, significantly reduced the survival of S. frugiperda, with effects similar to those caused by synthetic insecticides. Eucalyptus essential oil and its main compound, 1,8-cineole, also influenced the behavior of S. frugiperda, suggesting potential for use in repellents. These findings highlight the use of essential oils and their main constituents/active constituents as bioinsecticides and their integration into environmentally friendly pest management strategies. Full article

The development of sustainable cementitious materials is crucial to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have emerged as promising environmentally friendly alternatives; however, their compatibility with natural stone in heritage structures remains poorly understood, especially regarding salt migration and related damage to stones. This study presents a novel methodology for assessing salt movement in solid materials between two types of stones—Boñar and Silos—and two types of binders: blended Portland cement (BPC) and an AAM. The samples underwent capillarity and immersion tests to evaluate water absorption, salt transport, and efflorescence behavior. The capillarity of the Silos stone was 0.148 kg·m⁻²·t^−0.5, whereas this was 0.0166 kg·m⁻²·t^−0.5 for the Boñar stone, a ninefold difference. Conductivity mapping and XRD analysis revealed that AAM-based mortars exhibit a significantly higher release of salts, primarily sodium sulfate, which may pose a risk to adjacent porous stones. In contrast, BPC showed lower salt mobility and different salt compositions. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the compatibility between alternative binders and heritage stones. The use of AAMs may pose significant risks due to their tendency to release soluble salts. Although, in the current experiments, no pore damage or mechanical degradation was observed, additional studies are required to confirm this. A thorough understanding of salt transport mechanisms is therefore essential to ensure that sustainable restoration materials do not inadvertently accelerate the deterioration of structures, a process more problematic when the deterioration affects heritage monuments. Full article

Amid the increasing complexity of urban risks, urban parks not only serve ecological and recreational functions but are increasingly becoming a critical spatial foundation supporting public psychological resilience and social recovery. This study aims to systematically evaluate the daily adaptability of urban parks in the context of micro-risks. The research integrates the theories of “restorative environments,” environmental safety perception, urban resilience, and social ecology to construct a five-dimensional framework for perceived resilience, encompassing resilience, safety, sociability, controllability, and adaptability. Additionally, a dynamic feedback mechanism of perception–behavior–reperception is introduced. Methodologically, the study utilizes the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to identify 17 core indicators, constructs a causal structure and weighting system using DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP), and further employs the VIKOR model to simulate public preferences in a multi-criteria decision-making process. Taking three representative urban parks in Guangzhou as empirical case studies, the research identifies resilience and adaptability as key driving dimensions of the system. Factors such as environmental psychological resilience, functional diversity, and visual permeability show a significant path influence and priority intervention value. The empirical results further reveal significant spatial heterogeneity and group differences in the perceived resilience across ecological, neighborhood, and central park types, highlighting the importance of context-specific and user-adaptive strategies. The study finally proposes four optimization pathways, emphasizing the role of feedback mechanisms in enhancing urban park resilience and shaping “cognitive-friendly” spaces, providing a systematic modeling foundation and strategic reference for perception-driven urban public space optimization. Full article

Antifouling coatings are integral to the maritime economy. The efficacy of the applied painting system is closely correlated with susceptibility to fouling and the adhesion strength of contaminants. A fouled hull might result in an elevated fuel consumption and journey expenses. Biofouling on ship hulls also has detrimental environmental consequences due to the release of biocides during maritime travel. Therefore, it is imperative to develop eco-friendly antifouling paints that inhibit the robust adhesion of marine organisms. This study aimed to assess a biocide-free antifouling coating formulated with polymers intended to diminish molecular adhesion interactions between marine species’ adhesives and the coating. The evaluation included laboratory corrosion experiments in artificial seawater and the immersion of samples in a marine environment in Attica, Greece, for varying durations. The research indicates that an antifouling coating applied to naval steel in an artificial seawater solution improves corrosion resistance by more than 60%. The conductive polymer covering, comprising polyaniline and graphene oxide, diminishes corrosion current values, lowers the corrosion rate, and enhances corrosion potentials. The impedance parameters exhibit analogous behavior, with the coating preventing water absorption and displaying corrosion resistance. The coating serves as a low-permeability barrier, exhibiting exceptional durability for naval steel over time, with an operational performance up to 98%. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an essential vegetable crop cultivated worldwide, but its production is highly vulnerable to tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD), which is transmitted by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). Management strategies typically focus on controlling either the virus or its vector. This study evaluates the effectiveness of multi-disease and insect-resistant tomato lines, developed by the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), which integrate Ty-1/Ty-3 genes for virus resistance and WF2-10 and WF3-09 genes for whitefly resistance. Virus accumulation, whitefly settling behavior, and adult mortality were assessed among multi-resistant lines, a Ty-resistant line, a whitefly-resistant line, and a susceptible check using preference bioassays, controlled inoculation experiments, and acylsugar quantification. Multi-resistant lines exhibited significantly higher acylsugar concentrations, reduced whitefly preference for settling, and increased whitefly adult mortality. Additionally, these lines displayed less severe disease symptoms and lower virus accumulation over time than Ty-resistant, whitefly-resistant, and susceptible controls. These findings highlight the superior efficacy of combined virus and vector resistance in mitigating tomato yellow leaf curl Thailand virus (TYLCTHV) transmission. This research underscores the importance of integrated genetic resistance as a key element of sustainable integrated pest management strategies, offering an environmentally friendly solution for safeguarding global tomato production. Full article

This study aimed to develop and characterize biodegradable films based on potato starch reinforced with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers, with the goal of improving their mechanical and thermal properties for potential use in sustainable packaging. The films were prepared through the thermal gelatinization of starch extracted from tubers, combined with nanofibers obtained by electrospinning CMC synthesized from potato starch. Key electrospinning variables, including solution concentration, voltage, distance, and flow rate, were analyzed. The films were morphologically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemically analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and their thermal properties were assessed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated an increase in tensile strength to 14.1 MPa in the reinforced films, compared to 13.6 MPa for pure starch and 7.1 MPa for the fiber-free CMC blend. The nanofibers had an average diameter of 63.3 nm and a porosity of 32.78%. A reduction in crystallinity and more stable thermal behavior were also observed in the composite materials. These findings highlight the potential of using agricultural waste as a functional reinforcement in biopolymers, providing a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. Full article

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with recycled tire steel fibers (RTSFs) was studied to evaluate its mechanical properties and cracking behavior. Using acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, researchers tested various RTSF replacement rates in compression and flexural tests. Results revealed a clear trend: mechanical properties initially improved then declined with increasing RTSF content, peaking at 25% replacement. AE analysis showed distinct patterns in energy release and crack propagation. Signal timing for energy and ringing count followed a delayed-to-advanced sequence, while b-value and information entropy changes indicated optimal flexural performance at specific replacement rates. RA-AF classification demonstrated that shear failure reached its minimum (25% replacement), with shear cracks increasing at higher ratios. These findings demonstrate RTSFs’ dual benefits: enhancing UHPC performance while promoting sustainability. The 25% replacement ratio emerged as the optimal balance, improving strength while delaying crack formation. This study provides insights into the mechanism by which waste tire steel fibers enhance the performance of UHPC. This research provides valuable insights for developing eco-friendly UHPC formulations using recycled materials, offering both environmental and economic advantages for construction applications. Full article

This paper reviews the applications and performance advantages of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), engineered cementitious composite (ECC), and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in composite flexural members. UHPC is characterized by its ultra-high strength, high toughness, excellent durability, and microcrack self-healing capability, albeit with high costs and complex production processes. ECC demonstrates superior tensile, flexural, and compressive strength and durability, yet it exhibits a lower elastic modulus and greater drying shrinkage strain. RAC, as an eco-friendly concrete, offers cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, although it poses certain performance challenges. The focus of this review is on how to enhance the load-bearing capacity of composite beams or slabs by modifying the interface roughness, adjusting the thickness of the ECC or UHPC layer, and altering the cross-sectional form. The integration of diverse concrete materials improves the performance of beam and slab elements while managing costs. For instance, increasing the thickness of the UHPC or ECC layer typically enhances the load-bearing capacity of composite beams or plates by approximately 10% to 40%. Increasing the roughness of the interface can significantly improve the interfacial bond strength and further augment the ultimate load-bearing capacity of composite components. Moreover, the optimized design of material mix proportions and cross-sectional shapes can also contribute to enhancing the load-bearing capacity, crack resistance, and ductility of composite components. Nevertheless, challenges persist in engineering applications, such as the scarcity of long-term monitoring data on durability, fatigue performance, and creep effects. Additionally, existing design codes inadequately address the nonlinear behavior of multi-material composite structures, necessitating further refinement of design theories. Full article

Some additives currently used to enhance drilling mud’s rheological qualities have a substantial economic impact on society. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are currently imported. Food crops have influences on food security; hence, this research explored the potential of utilizing cow bone powder (CBP), a bio-waste product and a renewable resource, as an environmentally friendly fluid-loss additive for drilling applications, in comparison with CaCO₃. Both samples (CBP and CaCO₃) were evaluated to determine the most efficient powder sizes (coarse, medium, and fine powder), concentrations (5–15 g), and aging conditions (before or after aging) that would offer improved rheological and fluid-loss control. The results obtained showed that CBP had a significant impact on mud rheology when compared to CaCO₃. Decreasing the particle size (coarse to fine particles) and increasing the concentration from 5 to 15 g positively impacted mud rheology. Among all the conditions analyzed, fine-particle CBP with a 15 g concentration produced the best characteristics, including in the apparent viscosity (37 cP), plastic viscosity (29 cP), and yield point (25.5 lb/100 ft²), and a gel strength of 16 lb/100 ft² (10 s) and 28 lb/100 ft² (10 min). The filtration control ability of CaCO₃ was observed to be better than that of the coarse and medium CBP particle sizes; however, fine-particle-size CBP demonstrated a 6.1% and 34.6% fluid-loss reduction at 10 g and 15 g concentrations when compared to respective amounts of CaCO₃. The thermal behavior of the Mud Samples demonstrated that it positively impacted rheology before aging. In contrast, after aging, it exhibited a negative effect where samples grew more viscous and exceeded the API standard range for mud properties. Therefore, CBP’s excellent rheological and fluid-loss control ability makes it a potential, sustainable, and economically viable alternative to conventional materials. This superior performance enhances the thinning properties of drilling muds in stationary and circulating conditions. Full article

Plant parasitic nematodes cause huge economic losses to agriculture and forestry every year, and chemical insecticides destroy the ecological environment. Researching the mechanism by which small-molecule signaling substances regulate nematode behavior and development is important for developing environmentally friendly biological control agents. Nematode pheromones are essential chemicals signaling intraspecies and interspecies communication, regulating development, reproduction, and social behavior. Their structural diversity enables ecological adaptation and cross-kingdom interactions, influencing fungal predation and plant immunity. This review focuses on the classification, function, and regulatory mechanisms of nematode pheromones, interspecific signal transmission, and biosynthesis pathways. We pay special attention to their potential as environmentally friendly biological control agents as well as the challenges currently encountered in their application. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable materials has intensified the interest in natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs) as environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic composites. However, NFRCs often face limitations in thermal stability, restricting their use in high-temperature environments. To address this, the present study explores the hybridization of cellulosic flax fibers with protein-based wool fibers to improve thermal stability without compromising mechanical integrity. Wool–flax hybrid composites were fabricated using a bio-based epoxy resin through a resin infusion technique with different fiber proportions. The flexural properties of these composites were evaluated under varying temperature conditions to assess the influence of fiber composition and thermal conditions. This study specifically examined the impact of wool fiber content on the flexural performance of the composites under thermal conditions, including behavior near and above the matrix’s glass transition temperature. The results showed that the flexural properties of the hybrid biocomposites were significantly affected by temperature. Compared with specimens tested at room temperature, the flexural modulus of all variants decreased by 85–94%, while the flexural strength declined by 79–85% at 120 °C, depending on the variant. The composite variant with a higher wool content (variant 3W) exhibited enhanced flexural performance, demonstrating an average of 15% greater flexural strength than other variants at 60 °C and 5% higher at 120 °C. These findings suggest that incorporating wool fibers into flax-based composites can effectively improve thermal stability while maintaining flexural properties, supporting the development of sustainable biocomposites for structural applications. Full article