Search Results (2,000)

This research investigates the integration of green cores as central biophilic elements in residential architecture, proposing a climate-responsive design methodology grounded in architectural optimization. The study begins with the full-scale refurbishment of a compact urban apartment, wherein interior partitions, fenestration and material systems were reconfigured to embed vegetated zones within the architectural core. Light exposure, ventilation potential and spatial coherence were maximized through data-driven design strategies and structural modifications. Integrated planting modules equipped with PAR-specific LED systems ensure sustained vegetation growth, while embedded environmental infrastructure supports automated irrigation and continuous microclimate monitoring. This plant-centered spatial model is evaluated using quantifiable performance metrics, establishing a replicable framework for optimized indoor ecosystems. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)-specific LED systems and embedded environmental infrastructure were incorporated to maintain vegetation viability and enable microclimate regulation. A programmable irrigation system linked to environmental sensors allows automated resource management, ensuring efficient plant sustenance. The configuration is assessed using measurable indicators such as daylight factor, solar exposure, passive thermal behavior and similar elements. Additionally, a post-occupancy expert assessment was conducted with several architects evaluating different aspects confirming the architectural and spatial improvements achieved through the refurbishment. This study not only demonstrates a viable architectural prototype but also opens future avenues for the development of metabolically active buildings, integration with decentralized energy and water systems, and the computational optimization of living infrastructure across varying climatic zones. Full article

Urban school environments often face significant thermal discomfort due to extensive paved surfaces, limited vegetation, and outdated building designs. This study examines how green spaces can mitigate temperature extremes and improve thermal comfort at two secondary schools in Coimbra, Portugal: Escola Secundária José Falcão (ESJF) and Escola Secundária D. Dinis (ESDD). Using a mixed-methods approach that combined school community surveys with on-site microclimatic measurements, we integrated user feedback on comfort with data on temperature and humidity variations across different indoor and outdoor spaces. Results revealed that tree-shaded areas consistently maintained lower air temperatures and higher relative humidity than unshaded zones, which experienced intense heat accumulation—up to a 5 °C difference. At ESJF, the older infrastructure and large asphalt surfaces led to severe heat retention, with east-facing classrooms recording the highest indoor temperatures. ESDD’s pavilion-style layout and existing green spaces provided comparatively better thermal conditions, although insufficient vegetation maintenance and limited shade reduced their effectiveness. The findings demonstrate a clear correspondence between the school community’s perceptions of thermal comfort and the measured microclimatic data. Vegetation—particularly deciduous trees—plays a critical role in cooling the school microclimate through shading and evapotranspiration. Strategic interventions such as expanding tree cover in high-exposure areas, installing green roofs and walls, and carefully selecting species can significantly reduce temperature extremes and improve outdoor usability. In addition, fostering environmental education and participatory co-design programs can encourage sustainable behaviors within the school community, underlining the importance of inclusive, nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. This research highlights that integrating green infrastructure in school design and management is a cost-effective strategy for thermal regulation. Green spaces, when co-designed with community involvement, not only enhance climate resilience and student well-being but also contribute to broader sustainable urban development goals. Full article

Rapid urbanization and frequent extreme events have made urban flooding a growing threat to residents. This issue is acute in old urban districts, where extremely limited land resources, outdated standards and poor infrastructure have led to inadequate drainage and uneven pipe settlement, heightening flood risk. This study applies InfoWorks ICM Ultimate (version 21.0.284) to simulate flooding in a typical old urban district for six return periods. A risk assessment was carried out, flood causes were analyzed, and mitigation strategies were evaluated to reduce inundation and cost. Results show that all combined schemes outperform single-measure solutions. Among them, the green roof combined with pipe optimization scheme eliminated high-risk and medium-risk areas, while reducing low-risk areas by over 78.23%. It also lowered the ponding depth at key waterlogging points by 70%, significantly improving the flood risk profile. The permeable pavement combined with pipe optimization scheme achieved similar results, reducing low-risk areas by 77.42% and completely eliminating ponding at key locations, although at a 50.8% higher cost. This study underscores the unique contribution of cost-considered gray-green infrastructure retrofitting in old urban areas characterized by land scarcity and aging pipeline networks. It provides a quantitative basis and optimization strategies for refined modeling and multi-strategy management of urban waterlogging in such regions, offering valuable references for other cities facing similar challenges. The findings hold significant implications for urban flood control planning and hydrological research, serving as an important resource for urban planners engaged in flood risk management and researchers in urban hydrology and stormwater management. Full article

In the shift toward sustainable energy, there is a strong demand for efficient and durable energy storage solutions. Supercapacitors, in particular, are a promising technology, but they require high-performance materials that can be produced using simple, eco-friendly methods. This has led researchers to investigate new materials and composites that can deliver high energy and power densities, along with long-term stability. Herein, we report a green synthesis approach to create a composite material consisting of reduced graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles (rGO/Ag). The method uses ascorbic acid, a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables, as a non-toxic agent to simultaneously reduce graphene oxide and silver nitrate. To enhance electrochemical performance, the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the rGO structures is optimized. In this study, different molar concentrations of silver nitrate (1.0, 0.10, and 0.01 M) are used to control silver nanoparticle loading during the synthesis and reduction process. A correlation between silver concentration, defect density in rGO, and the resulting capacitive behavior was assessed by systematically varying the silver molarity. The synthesized materials exhibited excellent performance as supercapacitor electrodes in a three-electrode configuration, with the rGO/Ag 1.0 M composite showing the best performance, reaching a maximum specific capacitance of 392 Fg⁻¹ at 5 mVs⁻¹. Furthermore, the performance of this optimized electrode material was investigated in a two-electrode configuration as a coin cell device, which demonstrates a maximum areal-specific capacitance of 22.63 mFcm⁻² and a gravimetric capacitance of 19.00 Fg⁻¹, which is within the range of commercially viable devices and a significant enhancement, outperforming low-level graphene-based devices. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of specific LED light spectra on the growth and physiology of Changchuan No. 3 Capsicum annuum L. seedlings. The experimental design involved exposing pepper seedlings to six different spectral light combinations for 7, 14, and 21 days, with the treatments consisting of 2R1B1Y (red/blue/yellow = 2:1:1), 2R1B1FR (red/blue/far-red = 2:1:1), 2R1B1P (red/blue/purple = 2:1:1), 4R2B1G (red/blue/green = 4:2:1), 2R1B1G (red/blue/green = 2:1:1), and 2R1B (red/blue = 2:1). The results demonstrated distinct spectral regulation of seedling development: compared to the white light (CK), the 2R1B1FR (far-red light supplementation) treatment progressively stimulated stem elongation, increasing plant height and stem diameter by 81.6% and 25.9%, respectively, at day 21, but resulted in a more slender stem architecture. The 2R1B1G (balanced green light) treatment consistently promoted balanced growth, culminating in the highest seedling vigor index at the final stage. The 2R1B1P (purple light supplementation) treatment exhibited a strong promotive effect on root development, which became most pronounced at day 21 (126% increase in root dry weight), while concurrently enhancing soluble sugar content and reducing oxidative stress. Conversely, the 2R1B1Y (yellow light supplementation) treatment increased MDA content by 70% and led to a reduction in chlorophyll accumulation, while 2R1B (basic red–blue) resulted in lower biomass accumulation compared to the superior spectral treatments. The 4R2B1G (low green ratio) treatment showed context-dependent outcomes. This study elucidates how targeted spectral compositions, particularly involving far-red and green light, can optimize pepper seedling quality by modulating photomorphogenesis, carbon allocation, and stress physiology. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for designing efficient LED lighting protocols in controlled-environment agriculture to enhance pepper nursery production. Full article

The present study investigates the psychological impact of lighting color on spatial impressions within indoor settings, drawing on Mehrabian and Russell’s PAD model. The purpose of this study is to explore potential variations in spatial impressions, encompassing affectivity, tranquility, and thermality, across six different lighting colors (i.e., red, green, blue, yellow, orange, and purple). A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted with 101 participants, utilizing a color-changing LED lighting fixture to expose participants to actual lighting conditions rather than simulated images. The findings revealed significant differences in spatial impressions among the six lighting colors, indicating that the choice of lighting color has an impact on how people perceive space impressions. Blue lighting elicited the most favorable affective responses, while red lighting was perceived most negatively. Although purple lighting yielded the highest tranquility mean, it was not statistically different from other cool hues and was also associated with sleepiness and dullness. By incorporating secondary colors and employing real-time lighting exposure, this study offers a novel contribution to existing research on color and lighting. Full article

Postharvest studies on Cerrado fruits remain scarce, and the use of LED light during storage is a recent and promising strategy. Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), a native Cerrado fruit with high nutritional and economic value, is also highly perishable, which limits its marketability. This study evaluated the postharvest quality of cagaita fruits stored under LED light of different wavelengths. Fruits were exposed to red, green, blue, or white LEDs, or kept in the dark (control), under continuous illumination (24 h per day) for 5 days at room temperature (25.7 ± 2 °C). Green LED light significantly (p < 0.05) increased lightness, chroma, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), while maintaining a more stable pH compared with the control and, in some cases, other LED treatments. Overall, green LED was the most effective treatment for preserving the physicochemical and bioactive quality of cagaita fruits during storage. These findings provide evidence that LED light can help extend shelf life and enhance the market potential of this native Cerrado fruit. Full article

The acceleration of industrialization and urbanization have led to the increasingly serious problem of waste gas pollution. Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH₃), formaldehyde (HCHO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) emitted from industrial production, transportation, and agricultural activities have posed a major threat to the ecological environment and public health. Although traditional physical and chemical treatment methods can partially reduce the concentration of pollutants, they face three core bottlenecks of high cost, high energy consumption, and secondary pollution, and it is urgent to develop sustainable alternative technologies. In this context, probiotic waste gas treatment technology has become an emerging research hotspot due to its environmental friendliness, low energy consumption characteristics, and resource conversion potential. Based on the databases of PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library, this paper systematically searched the literature published from 2014 to 2024 according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria (such as research topic relevance, experimental data integrity, language in English, etc.). A total of 71 high-quality studies were selected from more than 600 studies for review. By integrating three perspectives (basic theory perspective, environmental application perspective, and waste gas treatment facility perspective), the metabolic mechanism, functional strain characteristics, engineering application status, and cost-effectiveness of probiotics in waste gas bioconversion were systematically analyzed. The main conclusions include the following: probiotics achieve efficient degradation and recycling of waste gas pollutants through specific enzyme catalysis, and compound flora and intelligent regulation can significantly improve the stability and adaptability of the system. This technology has shown good environmental and economic benefits in multi-industry waste gas treatment, but it still faces challenges such as complex waste gas adaptability and long-term operational stability. This review aims to provide useful theoretical support for the optimization and large-scale application of probiotic waste gas treatment technology, promote the transformation of waste gas treatment from ‘end treatment’ to ‘green transformation’, and ultimately serve the realization of sustainable development goals. Full article

The sustainability of Korla fragrant pear orchards has been increasingly threatened by prolonged intensive agricultural practices. In response, biofertilizers and green manures have gained attention due to their potential to enhance soil structure, activate microbial functions, and improve nutrient uptake. However, the dynamic changes in soil bacterial communities under such interventions remain inadequately understood. This study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in 7- to 8-year-old Korla fragrant pear orchards in Bayin’guoleng Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. The treatments included: conventional fertilization (CK), biofertilizer (JF), oil sunflowers (DK1) with 25 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 27 kg·hm⁻², oil sunflowers (DK2) with 25 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 33 kg·hm⁻², sweet clover (CM1) with 20 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 21 kg·hm⁻², and sweet clover (CM2) with 20 cm row spacing and a seeding rate of 27 kg·hm⁻². During the 2023 pear season, soil samples from the 0–20 cm layer were collected at the fruit setting, expansion, and maturity stages. Their physical and chemical properties were analyzed, and the structure and diversity of the soil bacterial community were examined using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Fruit yield was assessed at the maturity stage. Compared to CK, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased by 101.00%, 38.99%, and 50.38% in the JF, DK2, and CM1 treatments, respectively. DK1 and CM1 treatments resulted in a 152.28% and 145.70% increase in the relative abundance of the taxon Subgroup_7, while JF and DK2 treatments enhanced the relative abundance of the taxon Gitt-GS-136 by 318.91% and 324.04%, respectively. The Chao1 index for CM2 was 18.76% higher than CK. LEfSe analysis showed that the DK2 and CM2 treatments had a more significant regulatory effect on bacterial community structure. All treatments led to higher fruit numbers and yield compared to CK, with JF showing the largest yield increase. Fertilizer type, soil nutrients, and bacterial community structure all significantly positively influenced pear yield. In conclusion, high-density oil sunflower planting is the most effective approach for maintaining soil microbial community stability, followed by low-density sweet clover. This study provides a systematic evaluation of the dynamic effects of bio-fertilizers and different green manure planting patterns on soil microbial communities in Korla fragrant pear orchards, presenting practical, microbe-based strategies for sustainable orchard management. Full article

Reducing carbon emissions in the industrial sector is a critical component of achieving green and sustainable development. We employ quantile vector autoregressive methods to analyze the dynamic interactions of industrial carbon emissions across various countries. Initially, we observe that, under normal conditions, developed countries led by the EU exhibit a significant total spillover effect. Secondly, during extreme quantile conditions, the spillover effects of EU-led developed countries shift from positive to negative, whereas in the UK, the opposite trend is observed. This highlights the importance of considering carbon transfer’s role in emission reduction during extreme quantile scenarios. Thirdly, we find that China’s industrial carbon emissions spillover effects remain relatively stable at all times. Lastly, total spillover effects are highly volatile during extreme market conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings will help clarify each country’s emission reduction responsibilities within the international industrial system and facilitate a more equitable allocation of emission reduction tasks. Full article

In the study of person-environment interaction, a well-established research field provided evidence on the power of natural environments and natural built spaces to improve human well-being. However, urban life or certain health conditions may make access to natural environments more difficult. This begs the question: is it possible to replicate the positive effects of green environments in interior spaces? To answer the question, here we manipulated the acoustic and visual features of five rooms to have nature-inspired indoor environments and urban-like indoor environments. To test the effect of these environmental features on people’s well-being two measures were taken into account: participants’ emotional state and participants’ physiological states (i.e., electrodermal activity levels). The results showed that nature-inspired rooms evoked more positive emotional states and led to decreased levels of electrodermal activity (i.e., relaxation) in participants. The findings align with so-called biophilia interior design, a practical perspective focused on the importance of bringing nature (e.g., colours and materiality) into built environments for optimising people’s health and well-being. Full article

Green design by manufacturers is essential for achieving supply chain sustainability, and large retailers may exhibit altruistic preferences to incentivize such efforts. Accordingly, this study develops three game-theoretic models of a two-echelon supply chain composed of a manufacturer and a dominant retailer, with and without altruistic preferences, to examine how altruism and green design affect firms’ optimal decisions and environmental impact. In addition, two coordination mechanisms—green design cost-sharing and two-part tariff contracts—are proposed under altruistic preferences. We find that the dominant retailer’s altruistic preference can motivate the manufacturer to improve the green design level and increase system profit. Although the dominant retailer has altruistic preference, they cannot always lower the total environmental impact of products, so it is helpful to motivate the manufacturer to reduce the environmental adverse impact by increasing investments in green design. Both the two contracts designed in this paper can achieve incentive compatibility and perfect coordination of supply chain. However, with the retailer’s altruistic preference enhancement, the feasible range of the two contracts will be reduced. Full article

Both developed and developing countries increased their energy consumption while continuing to advance economically and financially. In parallel with increasing energy use, the intensification of anthropogenic activities has led to higher greenhouse gas emissions, exposing countries to the challenges of climate change and global warming. The environmental degradation resulting from rapid growth in both developed and emerging economies has drawn the interest of scholars, policymakers, and environmental advocates. This study aims to address the relationships between financial development, economic growth, energy consumption, and environmental degradation in G7 and E7 countries. Within this framework, panel cointegration and causality analyses were conducted using annual data from the period between 2000 and 2021 for the relevant countries. The results of the cointegration analysis indicate that the variables move together in the long run in both groups of countries. Furthermore, the long-term relationship coefficients reveal that economic growth and energy consumption contribute to environmental degradation in both G7 and E7 nations. Moreover, the results show that, unlike in E7 countries, financial development in G7 countries exacerbates environmental degradation, while trade openness mitigates it. Panel causality analysis reveals that in E7 countries, changes in financial development influence CO₂ emissions, and variations in CO₂ emissions, in turn, affect economic growth and trade openness. In G7 countries, the analysis results indicate a bidirectional causal relationship between trade openness and CO₂ emissions across the panel. The panel cointegration and causality analyses yield differing results at the country level. Given these findings, it can be recommended that both G7 and E7 countries transition from fossil fuel sources to clean energy sources in conducting economic activities, promote green economy initiatives, and expand the use of green finance instruments to mitigate environmental degradation. Full article

Plants can sense light signals using specific photoreceptors, activating light signaling pathways to precisely regulate photomorphogenesis and shade-avoidance responses. This study examines the molecular responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to the CoeLux^® lighting system, a unique LED-based light source designed to simulate natural sunlight. Previous studies found that the CoeLux^® light type, characterized by a higher blue-to-green ratio and reduced blue light levels, stimulates responses in plants comparable to those displayed in shade conditions. This research compared the effects of CoeLux^® lighting to conventional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, focusing on the expression of critical photomorphogenesis-related genes under both long- and short-term light treatments. Lower HY5 and elevated HFR1 expression levels were observed under the CoeLux^® light type and low-intensity light conditions. On the contrary, the influence of the CoeLux^® light type on COP1 and PIFs expression levels seems more marginal. These responses suggest a complex regulation involving both gene expression and protein-level adjustments. Additionally, mutant plants lacking these essential regulatory genes displayed altered morphologies under CoeLux^® light, underscoring the functional contribution of these genes in the adaptation to light. Our findings are twofold, advancing the understanding of plant–light relationships and plant adaptation to artificial light environments. These may foster strategies for optimizing indoor plant growth under simulated sunlight conditions. Full article

Nanocrystalline CoWO₄ sampled were synthesized using a simple mechanochemical approach and a solid-state reaction, respectively. The formation of nanocrystalline CoWO₄ was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The optical properties of the obtained samples were explored by diffuse reflectance UV–visible (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. A milling speed of 850 rpm led to the direct synthesis of monoclinic CoWO₄ with a short reaction time (1 h). The complete reaction did not occur in the solid-state synthesis. The obtained samples had monoclinic crystal systems with different lattice parameters. The average crystallite sizes of CoWO₄ were in the range of 20 to 180 nm. The TEM investigation showed that the morphology of the CoWO₄ particles differed depending on the preparation conditions. The values of the determined optical bandgap of CoWO₄ were the range of 1.89 to 2.18 eV, according to diffusion reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet-to-visible range. Broader blue–green emission spectra with peaks at 430 nm were observed for samples prepared via both routes. The CIE color coordinates of the CoWO₄ samples lay in the blue and purple regions. The quantum yields of the CoWO₄ samples synthesized after 1 h and 5 h milling times at 850 rom were 0.34 and 0.67%, respectively. This study proposes an affordable mechanochemical approach for blue–green phosphors that could possibly be used in various light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Full article