Search Results (5,668)

The increasing demand for sustainable polymer composites has driven the development of hybrid laminates that combine natural, recycled, and synthetic reinforcements while maintaining adequate mechanical performance. However, the combined influence of stacking sequence and mineral filler addition on the mechanical behavior of such sustainable hybrid systems remains insufficiently understood. In this study, sustainable hybrid laminated composites based on epoxy reinforced with glass fiber (G), bamboo fiber (B), and flex banner (F) were fabricated with varying stacking sequences and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) filler contents (0 and 1 wt.%). A total of nine laminate configurations were produced and evaluated through flexural and impact testing. The results demonstrate that mechanical performance is strongly governed by laminate architecture and filler addition. The bamboo-dominant G/B/B/B/G laminate containing 1 wt.% CaCO₃ exhibited the highest flexural strength (191 MPa) and impact resistance (0.766 J/mm²), indicating a synergistic effect between reinforcement arrangement and CaCO₃-induced matrix strengthening. In contrast, the lowest performance was observed for the G/F/B/F/G configuration without filler. Overall, all hybrid composites outperformed neat epoxy, highlighting the potential of bamboo–flex banner hybrid laminates with CaCO₃ filler for sustainable composite applications requiring balanced mechanical properties. This work aligns with SDG 12 by promoting resource-efficient circular-economy practices through the utilization of flex banner material and natural fibers as reinforcements in epoxy-based hybrid composites. Full article

According to the degrowth concept, it is necessary to reduce material consumption and the use of natural resources in order to achieve a more sustainable and equitable economy. Consumers in wealthy countries should consider reducing their consumption levels, which can be hard to accept in these societies. The objective of the current study is to examine the role of environmental self-efficacy in building intention to reduce consumption voluntarily. The analysis was based on data collected from 705 respondents across Poland and Spain. To test the hypotheses, we used the PLS-SEM algorithm and IPMA. The current research results showed that both environmental concern and social norms lead to the intention to reduce consumption through environmental self-efficacy. The mediating effect of self-efficacy in the case of environmental concern’s influence on intention to reduce consumption is stronger in Poland than in Spain, whereas the same effect in the case of social norms’ impact on intention to reduce consumption is similar in both countries. We also observed that the direct effect of social norms on intention to reduce consumption was noticeable in both countries separately but not found after combining both countries’ samples. Full article

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb traditionally valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, however, growing attention has shifted toward the technical and environmental potential of the plant’s industrial by-products, particularly the fibrous material left after extraction. This review integrates botanical knowledge with engineering and industrial perspectives, highlighting the role of licorice fiber in advancing sustainable innovation. The natural fiber obtained from licorice roots exhibits notable physical and mechanical qualities, including lightness, biodegradability, and compatibility with bio-based polymer matrices. These attributes make it a promising candidate for biocomposites used in green building and other sectors of the circular economy. Developing efficient recovery processes requires collaboration across disciplines, combining expertise in plant science, materials engineering, and industrial technology. The article also examines the economic and regulatory context driving the transition toward more circular and traceable production models. Increasing interest from companies, research institutions, and public bodies in valorizing licorice fiber and its derivatives is opening new market opportunities. Potential applications extend to agroindustry, eco-friendly cosmetics, bioeconomy, and sustainable construction. By linking botanical insights with innovative waste management strategies, licorice emerges as a resource capable of supporting integrated, competitive, and environmentally responsible industrial practices. Full article

Bioarchaeology continues to generate growing volumes of data from finite and often destructively sampled resources, making data reusability critical according to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility and Ethics). However, much valuable information remains trapped in grey literature, particularly PDF-based reports, limiting discoverability and machine processing. This paper explores Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Named Entity Recognition (NER) techniques to improve access to osteoarchaeological and palaeopathological data in grey literature. The research developed and evaluated the Osteoarchaeological and Palaeopathological Entity Search (OPES), a lightweight prototype system designed to extract relevant terms from PDF documents within the Archaeology Data Service archive. Unlike transformer-based Large Language Models, OPES employs interpretable, computationally efficient, and sustainable NLP methods. A structured user evaluation (n = 83) involving students (42), experts (26), and the general public (15) assessed five success criteria: usefulness, time-saving ability, accessibility, reliability, and likelihood of reuse. Results demonstrate that while limitations remain in reliability and expert engagement, NLP and NER show clear potential to increase FAIRness of osteoarcheological datasets. The study emphasises the continued need for robust evaluation methodologies in heritage AI applications as new technologies emerge. Full article

The maritime transport sector’s reliance on fossil-based fuels remains a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable alternatives such as marine biofuels. Thermochemical pyrolysis of biomass and plastic waste represents a promising route for producing renewable and recycled marine fuel feedstocks. This review provides an integrated analysis of the full production and upgrading chain, encompassing pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and polymer-derived resources, catalytic upgrading, and qualitative evaluation of product distribution and yield trends. Particular emphasis is placed on montmorillonite-based catalysts as naturally abundant, low-cost, and environmentally benign alternatives to conventional zeolites. The review systematically examines the influence of key montmorillonite modification strategies, including acid activation, pillaring, and ion-exchanged, on acidity, textural properties, and catalytic performance in catalytic cracking and hydrodeoxygenation processes. The analysis shows that catalyst modification strongly governs the yield, selectivity, and reproducibility of biofuels. By adopting this integrated perspective, the review extends beyond existing works focused on isolated upgrading steps or zeolitic catalysts. Key research gaps are identified, particularly regarding long-term catalyst stability, deep deoxygenation of real bio-oils, and compliance with marine fuel standards. Full article

Globally, timber production continues to dominate multiple-use forest management despite evidence from many managed landscapes that ecological integrity and biodiversity are not being sustained under that land-use model. This includes Algonquin Park where two centuries of road building, logging, and aggregate mining have contributed to a ~82% (6200 km²) reduction in unlogged, roadless (>1 km from roads) habitat at a mean decline rate of 32 km²/yr. There are at least ~5500 km of roads that fragment Algonquin Park into 732 roadless habitats covering 18% of the Park’s area. Almost 40,000 ha of these habitats are unprotected from logging. Decline of roadless habitat in Algonquin has contributed to the impairment of ecological integrity and decline of at least 34 species across all trophic levels, including at least 17 species-at-risk. Restoring the natural Algonquin Park landscape would result in job losses; however, data suggest that new recreation–tourism and research–education jobs would help to offset these losses. A new agency could build on existing infrastructure to monitor, research, educate about, maintain, and restore biodiversity and recreational resources in the greater Algonquin Park Region, with the park as the central hub. Restoration could be focused on roadless areas as an “integrative” indicator of ecological integrity. Full article

Achieving the ambitious EU goals of zero-waste manufacturing requires innovative tools and methodologies that address both efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for assessing the efficiency and eco-efficiency of industrial processes, in order to support zero-waste manufacturing strategies. The proposed approach assesses critical performance metrics while integrating environmental-impact analysis to provide a holistic view of process optimization. The methodology was applied to two industrial use cases in the composites sector, a field with significant environmental impact due to the resource-intensive nature of composite manufacturing and challenges associated with the end-of-life management. By implementing this dual assessment, the study identifies key areas for improvement in operational performance and sustainability, offering actionable insights for process optimization and waste reduction. The results reveal that labor costs emerged as the primary contributor to the total costs for both use cases, more than 50%. On the other hand, the resin infusion phase accounts for the majority of the environmental impacts, accounting for more than 70% of the total impacts. This analysis highlights that eco-efficiency assessments, integrating environmental and cost data, allow the identification of inefficiencies, helping industries to prioritize improvement areas. In this specific case, the high environmental impact of resin infusion needs enhanced waste monitoring and process optimization, while the labor-intensive operations need streamlined workflows to reduce operational time and associated costs. The present methodology intends to serve as a practical tool for industries aiming to balance high-performance manufacturing with reduced environmental impact. Full article

Increasing global water scarcity has intensified the adoption of water reuse as a sustainable strategy, particularly in regions affected by drought and pressure on natural resources. This paper presents a systematic review of the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in water reuse projects, focusing on research trends, methodological approaches, and opportunities for improvement. A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for studies published from 2020 onwards using combinations of the keywords “life cycle assessment”, “LCA”, “water reuse”, “water recycling”, and “wastewater recycling”. Twelve studies were selected from 57 records identified, based on predefined eligibility criteria requiring quantitative LCA of water reuse systems. The results reveal a predominance of European research, reflecting regulatory advances and strong academic engagement in this field. The most frequently assessed impact categories were global warming, eutrophication, human toxicity and ecotoxicity, highlighting the environmental relevance of reuse systems. Energy consumption and water transport were identified as critical hotspots, especially in scenarios involving long distances and fossil-based energy sources. Nevertheless, most studies demonstrate that water reuse is environmentally viable, particularly when renewable energy and optimized logistics are applied. The review also emphasizes the need to better integrate economic and social dimensions and to adapt LCA methodologies to local conditions. Overall, the findings confirm LCA as a robust decision-support tool for sustainable planning and management of water reuse systems. Full article

The increasing challenges of urbanization and environmental degradation have led to a greater need for built environments that minimize ecological consequences while actively contributing to ecosystem services (ES). Bio-Inspired Design (BID) is a promising approach that translates natural-system ideas into architectural and urban solutions. This study investigates how BID can be used to deliver and improve ecosystem services, like climate regulation, air purification, and energy, in the built environment, focusing on applications in hot climates and at the meso scale. The study conducts a qualitative and integrative analysis of bio-inspired concepts derived from existing research and innovative practices. It examines specific ecosystem services—selected based on previous studies—and illustrates how these strategies can improve environmental performance in urban contexts. A conceptual framework for linking biological analogies to urban functions is proposed. The framework emphasizes the interdisciplinary relationships between architecture, urban design, material science, and environmental engineering. This provides a helpful guide for researchers and practitioners on how to use BID to enhance sustainability results. The study suggests that incorporating BID principles into urban design procedures can potentially transform built environments into active contributors to ecosystem functioning, enabling them to provide ES rather than merely consuming resources. While this conclusion is conceptual, the framework highlights pathways for more resilient and sustainable urban futures. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable livestock systems requires efficient methods for monitoring forage biomass. This study evaluated spectral (RGB and multispectral), textural (GLCM), and area attributes derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery to predict buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) biomass, also testing the effect of soil pixel removal. A comprehensive machine learning pipeline (12 algorithms and 6 feature selection methods) was applied to 14 data combinations. Our results demonstrated that soil removal consistently improved the performance of the applied models. Multispectral (MSI) sensors were the most robust individually, whereas textural (GLCM) attributes did not contribute significantly. Although the MSI and RGB data combination proved complementary, the model with the highest accuracy was obtained with CatBoost using only RGB information after Boruta feature selection, achieving a CCC of 0.83, RMSE of 0.214 kg, and R² of 0.81 in the test set. The most important variable was vegetation cover area (19.94%), surpassing spectral indices. We conclude that integrating RGB UAVs with robust processing can generate accessible and effective tools for forage monitoring. This approach can support pasture management by optimizing stocking rates, enhancing natural resource efficiency, and supporting data-driven decisions in precision silvopastoral systems. Full article

The natural gas sector, as a pivotal transition fuel, is fundamentally constrained by the “Energy Trilemma”—the intertwined and often competing goals of energy security, affordability, and sustainability. Current research predominantly focuses on the demand side, leaving a significant gap in understanding the synergistic dynamics within production regions, which are critical to resolving this trilemma at its source. To address this gap, this study constructs a “Safety–Economy–Green” (S-E-G) evaluation framework aligned with the trilemma’s dimensions. Utilizing panel data (2011–2021) from four major Chinese natural gas production regions (Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, and Shanxi). By integrating the Entropy Weight Method, a Coupling Coordination Model, and Kernel Density Estimation, it delineates the system’s synergistic dynamics from both temporal and regional perspectives. The key findings are as follows: (1) Significant disparities and polarization are observed in the S and G dimensions, while the E dimension shows a narrowing gap, with its peak height increasing by 177.8% and bandwidth shrinking by 64.2%. G has emerged as a constraint on overall system coupling coordination. The persistently high coupling degree—rising from 0.87 in 2011 to 0.97 in 2021 while consistently exceeding the coordination degree, which increased from 0.45 to 0.62—underscores the continued need for improvement in synergistic development. (2) The coupling coordination degree of the S-E-G system underwent a three-stage evolution: rapid improvement (2011–2013, from 0.36 to 0.58 at 7.3% annually), fluctuating adjustment (2014–2017, between 0.58 and 0.66), and finally high-level stability (2018–2021, stabilizing at 0.76–0.80). (3) Obvious regional differentiation exists: Sichuan achieved a moderate level of 0.76 by 2021, Shaanxi maintained primary coupling coordination (0.6–0.7), while Chongqing and Shanxi remained marginal, fluctuating between 0.4 and 0.6. Enhancing subsystem coordination and implementing differentiated pathways are therefore essential for these regions’ sustainable development. The study suggests promoting the sustainable development of natural gas production regions by enhancing subsystem coordination and exploring differentiated pathways, thereby providing practical guidance for the energy transition of resource-based regions. Full article

This paper introduces flourishing circularity as a transformative approach to resource assessment that transcends both traditional Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and conventional circular economy concepts. We demonstrate RBV’s fundamental limitations in addressing the polycrisis of breached planetary boundaries and social inequities. Similarly, while the circular economy focuses on resource reuse and recycling, it often merely delays environmental degradation rather than reversing it. Flourishing circularity addresses these shortcomings by reconceptualizing natural and social capital not as externalities but as foundational sources of all value creation. We develop a comprehensive framework for assessing resources within an open systems perspective, where competitive advantage increasingly derives from a firm’s ability to regenerate the systems upon which all business depends. The paper introduces novel assessment tools that capture the dynamic interplay between organizational activities and coevolving social and ecological systems. We outline the core competencies required for flourishing circularity: regenerative approaches to social and natural capital, and systems thinking with cross-boundary collaboration capabilities. These competencies translate into competitive advantage as stakeholders increasingly favor organizations that enhance system health. The framework provides practical guidance for transforming resource assessment from extraction to regeneration, enabling business models that create value through system enhancement rather than depletion. Full article

Here we present a retrospective, integrative review of the approaches and discoveries of our “collaboratory”, a meta-laboratory comprising cross-disciplinary collaborations across laboratories at fourteen different universities and clinics in seven different countries with shared lead investigators. By tying together insights from four decades of research and discovery, applied across cell types, as well as different tissues, organ systems, and organisms, we have aimed to elucidate the interplay between organisms’ movement and the physiology of their tissues, organs, and organ systems’ resident cells. We highlight the potential of increasing imaging and computing power, as well as machine learning/artificial intelligence approaches, to delineate the Laws of Biology. Codifying these laws will provide a foundation for the future, to promote not only the discovery of underpinning mechanisms but also the sustainability of our natural resources, from our brains to our bones, which serve as veritable “hard drives”, physically rendering a lifetime of cellular experiences and millennia of evolution. Full article

Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—framed around social, environmental, and governance dimensions—offers societies across the world the possibility of achieving long-term prosperity and ensuring that future generations enjoy a high quality of life. Governments pursue the 17 SDGs in accordance with their own socioeconomic and cultural contexts, institutional capacities, and available resources. Because countries differ substantially in structure and capability, their progress toward these goals varies, making the systematic measurement and analysis of SDG performance essential for appropriate timing and efficient resource allocation. This study proposes a hybrid assessment system to evaluate the sustainable development performance of upper-middle-income developing countries under both fuzzy and non-fuzzy environments. This integrated evaluation system consists of four main stages. In the first stage, evaluation criteria and alternative countries are specified, relevant data are obtained, and an initial decision matrix is developed. In the second stage, an efficiency analysis is conducted to identify countries that are efficient and those that are not. In the third stage, evaluation criteria are weighted using AHP and Fuzzy AHP methods. In the final stage, the TOPSIS and Fuzzy TOPSIS methods are used to rank efficient countries depending on sustainable development performance criteria. As a result, six countries were identified as inefficient countries based on sustainable development: China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Paraguay, Namibia and Turkmenistan. The AHP and Fuzzy AHP methods produced similar criterion weight values compared to each other. The criteria were prioritized from most important to least one as follows: Life expectancy, expected years of schooling, mean years of schooling, gross national income per capita, CO₂ emissions per capita, and material footprint per capita. While some countries achieved similar rankings using the TOPSIS and Fuzzy TOPSIS methods, most countries achieved different rankings because of the multidimensional nature of sustainable development. When the rankings obtained from the fuzzy and non-fuzzy approaches were compared, a noticeable level of overlap was observed, with a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of 68.73%. However, the fuzzy TOPSIS method is considered more reliable for assessing sustainable development performance due to its ability to handle data uncertainty, imprecision, and the multidimensional nature of SDG indicators. The results of this study demonstrate that analyses related to sustainable development, which may not contain precise and clear values and have a complex structure encompassing many areas such as social, environmental, and governance, should preferably be conducted within a fuzzy logic framework to ensure more robust and credible evaluations. Full article

Liquefaction in urban areas has repeatedly caused severe damage to infrastructure, including manhole uplift, road subsidence, and failure of buried utility lines, as evidenced by reports during major earthquakes such as the 1964 Niigata earthquake and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Although natural sand has been widely used as backfill, excess pore water pressure leads to rapid loosening. This study evaluates slag–dried sludge mixed soil as a new liquefaction-resistant backfill that improves disaster mitigation while promoting resource recycling. Compaction, cone penetration, and shaking table tests were conducted with sludge mixing ratios of 0–30%, identifying 20% as optimal. Liquefaction in slag-only soil occurred at 1013 s (7 m/s²), whereas the 20% mixture delayed it to 1380 s (11 m/s²), increasing the acceleration threshold by 1.5 times and extending the onset time by 36%. Therefore, the acceleration required for liquefaction to begin was approximately 1.5 times higher, and the occurrence time was extended by approximately 36%. Also, the cone index reached 7750 kPa, exceeding the traffic load requirement of 1200 kN/m², while still allowing for sufficient permeability and workability compared to the use of natural clay particles. The improved backfill material proposed is promising as a sustainable urban infrastructure technology that simultaneously reduces liquefaction damage, improves the resilience of urban infrastructure, and reduces environmental impact through waste recycling. Full article