Search Results (30,640)

In response to the growing interest in sustainable and material-efficient architectural solutions, this study focuses on innovative applications of engineered timber in lightweight structural systems. It investigates the material optimization and structural performance of engineered timber thin-shell structures through an integrated parametric design approach. The study compares three prefabricated, panelized building systems, gridshell, segmented full-plate shell, and ribbed shell, to evaluate their efficiency in terms of material intensity, stiffness, and geometric behavior. Using Rhinoceros and Grasshopper environments with Karamba3D, Kiwi3D, and Kangaroo plugins, a comprehensive parametric workflow was developed that integrates geometric modeling, structural analysis, and material evaluation. The results show that segmented ribbed shell and two segmented gridshell variants offer up to 70% reduction in material usage compared with full-plate segmented timber shells, with hybrid timber shells achieving the best balance between stiffness and mass, offering functional advantages (roofing without additional load). These findings highlight the potential of parametric and computational design methods to enhance both the environmental efficiency (LCA) and digital fabrication readiness of timber-based architecture. The study contributes to the ongoing development of computational timber architecture, emphasizing the role of design-to-fabrication strategies in sustainable construction and the digital transformation of architectural practice. Full article

Urban resilience has emerged as a critical paradigm for addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change, rapid urbanization, and social inequality, positioning green public spaces as catalysts for social, ecological, and institutional transformation. This article presents a systematic review conducted under the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, examining how collaborative and community participation influenced transformative urban resilience in green public spaces between 2021 and 2025. A total of 6179 records were initially identified across ScienceDirect and MDPI (last search: July 2025), of which 26 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed, empirical, published 2021–2025). Methodological rigor was strengthened through the application of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT, 2018) and confidence in qualitative evidence was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach, enhancing transparency and reliability. Data extraction and synthesis followed a theoretical-methodological coding framework, allowing for the comparison of participatory strategies, typologies of green spaces, resilience dimensions, and applied instruments. The results show that multi-actor co-management, co-design, and community self-organization are the most frequent participatory strategies, while urban green infrastructure, pocket parks, and urban gardens constitute the predominant spatial contexts. Socio-ecological and social-participatory resilience emerged as dominant theoretical perspectives, with qualitative and mixed-methods designs prevailing across studies. Evidence synthesis through GRADE-CERQual identified seven key pathways—multi-actor co-management, Nature-based Solutions, community-based actions, social equity, cultural identity, institutional innovation, and planned densification—each contributing differently to resilience dimensions. Overall, the findings highlight that transformative resilience depends on deep, inclusive participatory processes, multi-level governance, and the integration of social, ecological, and cultural dimensions. Despite the heterogeneity of designs and unequal data adequacy, this review confirms that transformative urban resilience is a co-produced process grounded in community action, ecological sustainability, and collaborative governance. Strengthening underexplored areas—technological innovation, cultural resilience, and standardized methodological instruments—is essential for advancing comparative research and practice. Full article

Against the backdrop of the suddenness and inherent uncertainty of emergencies, pre-disaster emergency facility location and emergency relief stockpiling are critical for improving the efficiency and sustainability of emergency response. This paper focuses on the emergency response network design problem considering uncertain transportation time and emergency demands. We cluster historical disaster events and extract cluster-specific statistical features, such as the average value, mean absolute deviation, and probabilistic statistical distance of uncertain parameters, constructing an ambiguity set based on the disaster feature and multivariate probability distribution information. Then, to minimize the total rescue cost, a feature-driven two-stage distributionally robust optimization model is formulated to determine reliable pre-disaster emergency facility locations, inventory decisions, and post-disaster resource allocation strategies. Finally, through an earthquake case in Sichuan Province of China, this work verifies that incorporating disaster clustering information enables a superior trade-off between the robustness and conservatism of emergency rescue decisions. Compared with the benchmark model, the proposed method displays better out-of-sample performance and can effectively enhance the sustainability of emergency response in uncertain environments. Full article

Addressing the growing threat of climate change requires urgent and sustainable solutions for managing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. This review investigates the latest advancements in technologies for capturing and converting CO₂, with a focus on approaches that prioritize energy efficiency, environmental compatibility, and economic viability. Emerging strategies in CO₂ capture are discussed, with attention to low-carbon-intensity materials and scalable designs. In parallel, innovative CO₂ conversion pathways, such as thermocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photochemical processes, are evaluated for their potential to transform CO₂ into valuable chemicals and fuels. A growing body of research now focuses on integrating capture and conversion into unified systems, eliminating energy-intensive intermediate steps like compression and transportation. These integrated carbon capture and conversion/utilization (ICCC/ICCU) technologies have gained significant attention as promising strategies for sustainable carbon management. By bridging the gap between CO₂ separation and reuse, these sustainable technologies are poised to play a transformative role in the transition to a low-carbon future. Full article

Recent advancements in nanotechnology and materials science have enabled the development of magnetic photocatalysts with improved efficiency, stability, and reusability, offering a promising approach for wastewater treatment. The integration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into photocatalytic processes has gained significant attention as a sustainable method for addressing emerging pollutants—such as antibiotics and pharmaceutical compounds—which pose environmental and public health risks, including the proliferation of antibiotic resistance. Surface modification techniques, specifically applied to MNPs, are employed to enhance their photocatalytic performance by improving surface reactivity, reducing nanoparticle agglomeration, and increasing photocatalytic activity under both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. These modifications also facilitate the selective adsorption and degradation of target contaminants. Importantly, the modified nanoparticles retain their magnetic properties, allowing for facile separation and reuse in multiple treatment cycles via external magnetic fields. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in surface-modified MNPs for wastewater treatment, with a focus on their physicochemical properties, surface modification strategies, and effectiveness in the removal of antibiotics from aqueous environments. Furthermore, the review discusses advantages over conventional treatment methods, current limitations, and future research directions, emphasizing the potential of this technology for sustainable and efficient water purification. Full article

Fecal retention is a distinctive reproductive strategy in certain leaf beetles, which enables females to use accumulated fecal material to protect their eggs and enhance offspring survival. The adult flea beetle Asiophrida xanthospilota (Baly, 1881) is a specialist herbivore that feeds on the leaves of Cotinus coggygria Scop. (Anacardiaceae). Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-computed tomography, we described and illustrated the hindgut anatomy of adult female A. xanthospilota during the pre-mated and post-mated reproductive phases. We further examined the physiological changes in the hindgut associated with fecal retention, and assessed hindgut muscle activity across these two reproductive stages. The hindgut of adult A. xanthospilota consists of three regions: ileum, colon, and rectum. The ileum is a thin, straight or coiled, tube enclosed by malpighian tubules and supported by circular and longitudinal muscles. The colon lies between the ileum and rectum, possesses a chitinized cuticle, and is externally covered with tracheae and tracheoles. A rectal valve separates the colon from the rectum, which forms the posterior end of the alimentary canal and is characterized by intimal spines and robust circular muscles. During the post-mated phase, fecal retention causes pronounced dilation of the hindgut, substantially increasing the volume occupied by food remnants. Electromyographic recordings revealed high hindgut muscle activity in pre-mated females, characterized by short and variable bursts, whereas post-mated females exhibited reduced activity with longer and more sustained bursts. The functional implications of these specialized structural features are discussed. Overall, these morphological and physiological adaptations enhance the fecal retention strategy by increasing fecal capacity, regulating hindgut motility, and enabling the formation of a protective fecal case around the egg mass. Full article

The utilization of sustainable feedstocks offers significant opportunities for innovation in sustainable and efficient processing technologies, targeting a vacuum residue upgrade industry projected to be valued at around USD 26 billion in 2024. This review examines advances in catalytic strategies for upgrading waste-derived products (plastics, tires) and biomass, in addition to heavy oil feedstocks. Particular emphasis is placed on hydrogen addition pathways, specifically, residue hydroconversion facilitated by dispersed nanocatalysts and waste co-processing methodologies. Beyond nanoscale catalyst design and reaction performance, this work also addresses refinery-level sustainability impacts. The advanced catalytic conversion of heavy oil residue demonstrates superior conversion efficiency, significant coke suppression, and improved carbon utilization, while life cycle and illustrative techno-economic comparisons indicate greenhouse gas reductions and a net economic gain of approximately USD 2–3 per barrel relative to conventional refining under scenarios assuming decarbonized hydrogen production. Co-processing of plastics, tires, and biomass with heavy oil feedstocks is highlighted as a practical and effective approach. Together, these findings outline a rational catalytic pathway toward optimized refining systems. Within the framework of the circular carbon economy, these catalytic processes enable enhanced feedstock utilization, integration of low-carbon hydrogen, and coupling with carbon-capture technologies. Full article

Heat and high-irradiance stress increasingly threaten almond production in Mediterranean environments, where rising temperatures and prolonged summer droughts impair photosynthetic performance and yield. This study evaluated the effectiveness of three mineral-based shielding materials: kaolin, basalt powder, and zeolite. We hypothesized that the foliar application of reflective mineral materials would reduce leaf temperature, enhance photosynthetic efficiency, and improve yield without altering nut nutraceutical quality. A two-year field experiment (2024–2025) was conducted using a randomized block design with four materials (untreated control, kaolin, basalt powder, and zeolite). Physiological traits (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf temperature, and SPAD index), morpho-biometric and biochemical parameters, and yield components were assessed. Kaolin and basalt powder significantly lowered leaf temperature (−1.6 to −1.8 °C), increased stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis, and improved photochemical efficiency (Fv′/Fm′) and electron transport rates. These treatments also enhanced drupe weight, kernel dry matter, and productive yield (up to +32% compared with the control). Zeolite produced positive but less prominent effects. No significant differences were detected in fatty acid profile, total polyphenols, or antioxidant capacity, indicating that the materials did not affect almond nutraceutical quality. Principal component analysis confirmed the strong association between kaolin and basalt powder and improved eco-physiological performance. Overall, mineral shielding materials, particularly kaolin and basalt powder, represent a promising, sustainable strategy for enhancing almond orchard resilience under Mediterranean climate change scenarios. Full article

Improving fuel and energy efficiency in agricultural tillage is critical for sustainable farming and reducing environmental impacts. In this study, the effects of forward speed and tillage depth on the fuel efficiency parameters of a tractor–chisel plough combination were investigated under controlled field conditions on clay soil. Specific fuel consumption (SFC), fuel consumption per unit area (FCPA), and overall energy efficiency (OEE) were evaluated at four forward speeds (0.6, 0.95, 1.2 and 1.4 m·s⁻¹) and four tillage depths (15, 19.5, 23 and 26.5 cm). SFC ranged from 0.519 to 1.237 L·kW⁻¹·h⁻¹, while OEE varied between 7.918 and 18.854%. Higher forward speeds significantly reduced fuel consumption and improved energy efficiency, whereas deeper tillage increased fuel use and reduced efficiency. Optimal operation occurred at speeds of 1.2–1.4 m·s⁻¹ and shallow to medium depths. Five machine learning algorithms: Polynomial Regression (PL), Random Forest Regressor (RFR), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Decision Tree Regressor (DTR), were applied to model fuel efficiency parameters. RFR achieved the highest accuracy for predicting SFC, while PL performed best for FCPA and OEE, with the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) below 2%. Models such as PL and RFR excel in data structures dominated by nonlinear relationships. These results highlight the potential of machine learning to guide data-driven decisions for fuel and energy optimization in tillage, promoting more sustainable mechanization strategies and resource-efficient agricultural production. Full article

Interventions on Heritage Buildings (HBs) involve significant challenges due to their tangible (embodied in the material, architectural, physical and technical integrity of the cultural asset), and intangible values (linked to socio-historical–cultural and collective identity, memory, customs and symbols meanings), which must be preserved while also adapting to current sustainability and circular economy goals. However, current conservation and management practices often lack systematic tools to trace, assess, and organise material and component information, hindering the implementation of circular strategies. In line with the European Union’s objectives for climate neutrality and resource efficiency and sufficiency, Material and Product Passports (MPPs) have emerged as digital tools that enhance data traceability, interoperability and transparency throughout a building’s lifecycle. This paper examines the potential of MPPs to support circular management of HBs by analysing the structure of MPPs and outlining the information flows generated by rehabilitation, maintenance and adaptive reuse strategies. A mixed methods approach, combining literature review and data structure analysis, is adopted to identify how the different categories of data produced during maintenance, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse processes can be integrated into MPP modules. The research highlights the conceptual opportunities of MPPs to document and interlink historical, cultural, and technical data, thereby improving decision-making and transparency across intervention stages. The analysis suggests that adapting MPPs to the specificities of historic contexts, such as authenticity preservation, reversibility, and contextual sensitivity, can foster innovative, sustainable, and circular practices in the conservation and management of HBs. Full article

Urban sustainability depends on balancing transportation accessibility, housing affordability, and social equity. Displacement—defined in this study as the population-level loss of low-income households from a census block over time—poses a growing challenge to inclusive urban development. This study examines statistical relationships and spatial patterns linking transit accessibility, housing affordability, and low-income household displacement across the four largest counties in Tennessee. Negative binomial regression models are used to quantify relationships between transit accessibility, housing affordability, and displacement, revealing that housing affordability is consistently linked to displacement, while the effects of transit accessibility vary substantially across counties. Bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) identify localized clusters where displacement coincides with transit or housing constraints, and Multivariate Cluster Typology Analysis classifies census blocks into distinct typologies, highlighting region-specific trade-offs between accessibility and affordability. Together, the results demonstrate that displacement dynamics are highly context dependent, underscoring the need for place-based and sustainability-oriented policy responses. The findings provide an empirical basis for integrating transportation and housing strategies to reduce displacement risks and support equitable and sustainable urban development in diverse metropolitan contexts. Full article

Desalination is a vital solution to global water scarcity, yet its substantial energy demand persists as a major challenge. As the core energy-consuming components, pumps are fundamental to both membrane and thermal desalination processes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of renewable energy source (RES)-driven pumping systems for desalination, focusing on the integration of solar photovoltaic and wind technologies. It examines the operational principles and efficiency of key pump types, such as high-pressure feed pumps for reverse osmosis, and underscores the critical role of energy recovery devices (ERDs) in minimizing net energy consumption. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of advanced control and energy management systems (EMS) in mitigating the intermittency of renewable sources. It details essential control strategies, including maximum power point tracking (MPPT), motor drive control, and supervisory EMS, that optimize the synergy between pumps, ERDs, and variable power inputs. By synthesizing current technologies and control methodologies, this review aims to identify pathways for designing more resilient, energy-efficient, and cost-effective desalination plants, supporting a sustainable water future. Full article

We analyze the relationship between collusion sustainability in an infinitely repeated game using trigger strategies and the elasticity of substitution. To this end, we adopt a demand function with constant elasticity of substitution between the differentiated goods. Since our model exhibits a one-to-one relationship between the elasticity of substitution and demand price elasticity, we demonstrate that a larger elasticity decreases the sustainability of collusion. Intuitively, a more elastic demand function causes the increase in deviation profits to compensate for the increase in collusive profits, making collusion less easily sustained. This result holds regardless of whether firms compete in quantities or prices. Full article

To align with disaster monitoring and sustainable risk assessment, the low-carbon transition of fisheries necessitates comprehensive carbon emission management throughout the supply chain. As China advances supply-side structural reform, transitioning from traditional to low-carbon fisheries is vital for the green development of the industry and its associated sectors. This study employs input–output models and LMDI decomposition to examine the trends and drivers of embodied carbon emissions within China’s fishery production system from 2010 to 2019. By constructing a cross-sectoral full-emission accounting system, the research calculates total direct and indirect emissions, exploring how accounting scopes influence regional responsibility and reduction strategies. Empirical results indicate that while China’s aquatic trade and processing have steadily developed, the sector remains dominated by low-value-added primary products. This structure highlights vast potential for deep processing development amidst shifting global dietary habits. Factor decomposition reveals that economic and technological development are the primary drivers of carbon emissions. Notably, technological progress within fisheries emerges as the most significant factor, playing a pivotal role in both driving and potentially mitigating emissions. Consequently, to effectively lower carbon intensity, the study concludes that restructuring the fishery industry is crucial. Promoting low-carbon development and enhancing the R&D of green technologies are essential strategies to navigate the dual challenges of industrial upgrading and environmental protection. Full article

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) remains one of the most relevant traffic-related air pollutants in urban environments, despite decades of regulatory efforts and advances in vehicle emission control technologies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on ambient NO₂ concentrations associated with road transport, identifies key determinants of spatial and temporal variability, and evaluates the effectiveness of mitigation approaches under increasingly stringent air quality standards. The study is based on a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature reporting NO₂ measurements in urban, traffic, and background environments worldwide, complemented by an assessment of regulatory frameworks and mitigation strategies. The evidence confirms that road transport is the dominant contributor to elevated NO₂ concentrations, particularly at traffic sites, with traffic intensity, fleet composition, driving behavior, cold-start emissions, and street geometry emerging as primary controlling factors. Meteorological conditions influence dispersion but generally play a secondary role compared with emission-related drivers. Urban infrastructure, especially street canyons and tunnels, amplifies near-road NO₂ levels and population exposure. Mitigation measures such as Low Emission Zones, vehicle fleet modernization, and infrastructural interventions can reduce NO₂ concentrations, but their effectiveness is moderate and highly context-dependent. Sustained compliance with EU limit values and World Health Organization guideline levels requires integrated, multi-scale mitigation strategies. Full article