Sustainable Approach Research Articles

Towards a sustainable decision analysis approach for moisture-safe building envelope design

Energy-efficient building designs, notably through adding insulation, can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by over 40 %, but may also increase risk of condensation. Therefore, a comprehensive decision analysis approach is essential for selecting optimal building envelope assemblies while considering their hygrothermal, economic, and environmental implications. This study introduces a novel decision analysis method based on the inutility decision analysis (IDA) concept, in which the building envelope with the lowest inutility is considered the optimal choice. Initially, different building envelope assemblies were assessed through probabilistic hygrothermal analysis combined with a machine learning metamodel. Subsequently, the environmental and economic consequences associated with each assembly were quantified by integrating moisture-related damage into these assessments. Combining these outputs yielded inutility indices for the case studies, guiding the selection of the most optimal alternative. The results indicated that an external wall, with a minor risk of moisture-related failure, may outperform other alternatives when considering economic and environmental metrics. However, the final decision on the acceptability of such risk should rest with the customers or owners. Balancing the trade-off between performance longevity, cost, and occupants’ health is crucial.

Engineering Plant Metabolism for Synthesizing Amino Acid Derivatives of Animal Origin Using a Synthetic Modular Approach.

The biosynthesis of amino acid derivatives of animal origin in plants represents a promising frontier in synthetic biology, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to enhancing the nutritional value of plant-based diets. This study leverages the versatile capabilities of Nicotiana benthamiana as a transient expression system to test a synthetic modular framework for the production of creatine, carnosine, and taurine-compounds typically absent in plants but essential for human health. By designing and stacking specialized synthetic modules, we successfully redirected the plant metabolic flux toward the synthesis of these amino acid derivatives of animal origin. Our results revealed the expression of a standalone creatine module resulted in the production of 2.3 μg/g fresh weight of creatine in N. benthamiana leaves. Integrating two modules significantly carnosine yield increased by 3.8-fold and minimized the impact on plant amino acid metabolism compared to individual module application. Unexpectedly, introducing the taurine module caused a feedback-like inhibition of plant cysteine biosynthesis, revealing complex metabolic adjustments that can occur when introducing foreign pathways. Our findings underline the potential for employing plants as biofactories for the sustainable production of essential nutrients of animal origin.

Experimentation on Sargassum wightii as a flash powder igniter for attaining eco-friendly combustion on pyrotechnics

Firecrackers are a vital element of cultural festivities that happen worldwide. However, the hazardous by-products they emit have a significant impact on environmental pollution, leading to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Aluminium powder serves as the fuel in the traditional flash powder mixture, nitrate of potassium serves as an oxidizing agent, and sulphur acts as the igniter at exact concentrations. The presence of sulfur in the flash powder mixture is critical as it acts as an igniter, contributing to the formation of sulfur dioxide, which can cause environmental harm. We carried out an experiment employing Sargassum wightii brown seaweed powder as a replacement for sulphur at specific amounts to lessen the effects of sulphur in flash powder. We discovered that Sargassum wightii brown seaweed powder may replace up to 50% of the sulphur significance in the flash powder mixture without impairing the flash powder's traditional performance. Our experiments included impact and friction sensitivity, SEM, and FTIR analyses to evaluate the improved flash powder composition. The results revealed that the modified flash powder mixture SP5 and SP10 emits less emission by 12% and 21%, and produces similar noise performance of 108 and 107 dB(A) to the normal flash powder composition (SP), affirming that the SP10 flash powder is a viable alternative. Moreover, in our relentless pursuit to mitigate the detrimental effects on our environment, we have ingeniously introduced a novel product—the Chinese cracker made from vegetable waste paper. Not only does this innovative solution address concerns regarding land pollution, but it also presents a sustainable approach to consumer goods.

A Green Chemo-Enzymatic Approach for CO2 Capture and Transformation into Bis(cyclic carbonate) Esters in Solvent-Free Media.

A sustainable approach for CO2 capture and chemo-enzymatic transformation into bis(cyclic carbonate) esters from CO2, glycidol, and organic anhydrides under solvent-free conditions has been demonstrated. The chemo-enzymatic process is based on two consecutive catalytic steps, which can be executed through separated operations or within a one-pot combo system, taking advantage of the synergic effects that emerge from integrating ionic liquid (IL) technologies and biocatalysts. In a first step, lipase-catalyzed transesterification and esterification reactions of different diacyl donors (e.g., glutaric anhydride, succinic anhydride, dimethyl succinate, etc.) with glycidol in solvent-free under mild reaction conditions (70 °C, 6 h) produce the corresponding diglycidyl ester derivatives in up to 41% yield. By a second step, the synthesis of bis(cyclic carbonate) esters was carried out as a result of the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 (from an exhausted gas source, 15% CO2 purity) on these diglycidyl esters, catalyzed by the covalently attached 1-decyl-2-methylimidazolium IL (supported ionic liquid-like phase, SILLP), in solvent-free condition, leading up to 65% yield after 8 h at 45 °C and 1 MPa CO2 pressure. Both key elements of the reaction system (biocatalyst and SILLP) were successfully recovered and reused for at least 5 operational cycles. Finally, different metrics have been applied to assess the greenness of the solvent-free chemo-enzymatic synthesis of bis(cyclic carbonate) esters here reported.

Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting for Civil Engineering Applications

This work embarks on an exploration of piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH), seeking to unravel its potential and practicality. PEH has emerged as a promising technology in the field of civil engineering, offering a sustainable approach to generating energy from ambient mechanical vibrations. We will explore the applications and advancements of PEH within the realm of civil engineering, focusing on publications, especially from the years 2020 to 2024. The purpose of this study is to thoroughly examine the potential and practicality of PEH in civil engineering applications. It delves into the fundamental principles of energy conversion and explores its use in various areas, such as roadways, railways, bridges, buildings, ocean wave-based energy harvesting, structural health monitoring, and even extraterrestrial settings. Despite the potential benefits of PEH in these domains, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include inefficient energy conversion, limitations in scalability, concerns regarding durability, and issues with integration. This review article aims to address these existing challenges and the research gap in the piezoelectric field.

Phlorotannins contribute to the ameliorative bioactivities of Ecklonia maxima-derived bioproduct in salt-stressed Solanumlycopersicum

Seaweed-derived bioproducts are increasingly being deployed as an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to crop management under stressful growth conditions including salinity. The bioactivities of seaweed-derived extracts are linked to the presence of diverse groups of bioactive compounds. In the present study, the phlorotannins present in the seaweed Ecklonia maxima and Kelpak®, an E. maxima-derived bioproduct, were quantified and identified. Three phlorotannins were identified in E. maxima, namely eckol, 2-phloroeckol, and dibenzodioxin-fucodiphloroethol. Eckol (589.11 – 822.54 μg l−1) and dibenzodioxin-fucodiphloroethol (85 – 895 μg l−1) were present in Kelpak®. Phlorotannin bioactivity was investigated in tomato seedlings grown under NaCl-induced salinity stress. The seedlings treated with either individual phlorotannins (i.e., eckol or a fraction containing 2-phloroeckol and dibenzodioxin-fucodiphloroethol) or Kelpak® resulted in a reprogramming of biomass allocation as indicated by an increased root-to-shoot ratio. Phlorotannin and Kelpak® treatments induced the accumulation of antioxidants with an attendant augmentation of the antioxidant capacities and inhibition of membrane damage in the NaCl-stressed seedlings. Kelpak® treatment induced an increase in abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation and phlorotannin treatments lowered the ABA content of the stressed seedlings. These results demonstrated that phlorotannins contributed to the ameliorative actions of Kelpak®. The more potent effects of Kelpak®, in comparison to phlorotannins, in improving dry matter accumulation, ABA content, antioxidative properties, and inhibiting tissue injury of the salt-stressed tomato seedlings may be attributed to the presence of other bioactive components in the Kelpak® product.

The Role of Customary Law in Forest Governance and Conservation in Jambi, Indonesia: A Case Study of Makekal Hulu Village within the Customary Territory of the Suku Anak Dalam

Indonesia's forests face increasing pressures from deforestation and degradation. While national laws exist to protect these vital ecosystems, their implementation often faces challenges, particularly in areas inhabited by indigenous communities with distinct customary laws and practices. This study examines the role of customary law (adat law) in forest governance and conservation in Jambi Province, Indonesia, focusing on Makekal Hulu village within the customary territory of the Suku Anak Dalam. This qualitative study employed a case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with adat leaders, community members, government officials, and NGO representatives. Focus group discussions were conducted to gather diverse perspectives on forest management practices. Relevant documents, such as adat regulations, government policies, and NGO reports, were also analyzed. Additionally, data was utilized to enhance understanding of resource use dynamics and land-use change patterns. The findings reveal that adat law plays a significant role in regulating access to and use of forest resources in Makekal Hulu. Adat institutions, led by the village elder and guided by customary beliefs, enforce rules related to logging, hunting, and land clearing. These rules often complement national laws, providing a localized and context-specific approach to forest management. However, challenges exist in harmonizing adat law with national legislation, particularly concerning land tenure conflicts and external pressures from logging and plantation interests. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of recognizing and incorporating adat law into forest governance frameworks in Indonesia. By integrating traditional knowledge and practices with national policies, a more effective and sustainable approach to forest conservation can be achieved. This requires collaboration between government agencies, adat communities, and civil society organizations to ensure that adat law is respected and supported within the broader legal framework.

Effect of Different Concentrations of Tomato Leaf Extract on Aphid Control in Rape Production in Zimbabwe

Rape (Brassica napus) is an important vegetable crop grown by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe to achieve food and nutritional security. However, productivity and quality of rape are greatly dampened by aphids which reduce its palatability and quality. Chemical pesticides, while effective, pose environmental risks and can lead to pest resistance and resurgence, besides residual effects and bioaccumulation along the food chain. Tomato leaves are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, that have shown promise as a botanical pesticide against aphids in other crops. This research aimed to establish the aphicidal components in tomato leaf extract using TLC and UV-Vis Spectroscopy; establish toxicity of the extract using laboratory bioassay, investigate the potential of different concentrations of tomato leaf extracts as a natural, environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to pest management against aphids in rape production at Kushinga Phikelela Agricultural College in Zimbabwe. A CRD with four treatments (0%, 20%, 40% and 60% of tomato leaf extract) and distilled water (negative control) replicated five times each was used. Aphid infestation (scored on a scale of 0-9), yield, leaf size, and plant height were measured fortnightly. Data was analysed for statistical significance using ANOVA while separation of significant means was done by Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Difference Test (LSD (5%). The results from combined analysis using TLC and UV- Vis Spectroscopy indicated that tomato leaf extract used in this research contained compounds (Solanine, Tomatine, Chaconine) which are known to be toxic to pests. There was a highly significant (p<0.001) difference among treatments on aphid mortality. The highest aphid mortality (95.57%) while the lowest (4%) was observed in 60% and 0% leaf extract respectively. Aphid infestation, leaf size and plant height were highly significant (P<0.001) during weeks 4, 6, 8 and 10 after transplanting. Aphid infestation in week 10 mean score was 8.8, 6.2, 3.8 and 0.8 for 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% tomato leaf extract respectively. Other parameters such as yield and leaf size were highest in the plots that received 60% tomato leaf extract sprays. Highly significant difference (P<0.001) in yield was observed in weeks 8 and 10, while significant difference (P<0.05) in yield was noted in weeks 4 and 6. However, in week two there were no significant differences among the treatments in yield and aphid infestation. Tomato leaf extracts contain secondary metabolites toxic to aphids and this can be used by resource constrained farmers. We recommend the use 60% tomato leaf extracts to control aphids in rape to sustainably achieve high yields.

Animal health as a function of farmer personality and attitude: using the HEXACO model of personality structure to predict farm-level seropositivity for Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi in dairy cows.

Infections with Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi impinge upon dairy cow health and welfare and represent a major economic factor in livestock industry. Control measures largely rely on the use of anthelminthic drugs. However, reports of anthelmintic resistance necessitate sustainable approaches. Farmer characteristics such as attitude and personality are crucial for the implementation of control strategies and on-farm practices. In the present study, the HEXACO (Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Openness to experience) model of personality structure, which conceptualizes human personality, was used to evaluate the relationship of farmer aspects with on-farm bulk tank milk seropositivity for F. hepatica and O. ostertagi. Moreover, information on farm structure, housing, management, and farmers' attitude was collected in a face-to-face interview. Farm-level seropositivity for F. hepatica and O. ostertagi was predicted via elastic net regression. Out of 193 farms housing 8,774 cows in the German Federal State of Bavaria, 47 farms (24.4%) were seropositive for F. hepatica, 77 farms (39.9%) for O. ostertagi, and 42 farms (21.8%) for both endoparasites. The model for F. hepatica seropositivity selected the covariates pasture access, O. ostertagi seropositivity, higher farmer conscientiousness, and organic farming as relevant predictors. Seropositivity for O. ostertagi was predicted by F. hepatica seropositivity, pasture access, organic farming, and farmers being neutral regarding their satisfaction with animal health on their farm. Higher values for the HEXACO factors extraversion and emotionality were inversely associated with O. ostertagi seropositivity. The present work emphasizes the importance of farmer traits in regard to animal health and parasite occurrence. For the effective acceptance and implementation of sustainable control strategies for livestock helminth infections, it is crucial to consider these aspects to holistically address the challenges of managing parasitic diseases. Moreover, tailored communication strategies can be developed incorporating the understanding of individual stockman characteristics and subsequently ensuring encouragement of stakeholders.

Development of a novel energy efficient integrated system for concurrent waste water treatment, hydrogen production and carbon capture- A sustainable approach

Microbial Electrochemical Cells (MECs) technology offer a promising, integrated solution for wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. The present research aims to optimize the operation of a hybrid system for achieving high-efficiency wastewater treatment, carbon capture, and hydrogen production. Multi-criteria decision methods are used to identify optimal conditions for maximum performance. Wastewater Flow Rate (WFR), Energy Consumption (EC), Nanocomposites Concentration (NC), and Temperature (T) are chosen as input parameters. Utilizing the Entropy-TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method, the optimal outputs were determined for specific input settings. The proposed system exhibited optimal input settings at 1100 m³/day (WFR), 95 kW (EC), 34 mg/L (NC), and 36 °C (T). NC emerged as the most influential parameter, holding a significance weightage of 32%, followed closely by temperature. Under these optimized conditions, the system demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a Wastewater Treatment Efficiency of 98.1%, Carbon Capture Efficiency of 97%, and a Hydrogen production flow rate of 17.76 m³/hr. This research lays a foundation for sustainable and versatile wastewater management practices, emphasizing the potential of MEC systems in contributing to cleaner and resource-efficient industrial ecosystems.

Novel and reusable magnetic MOF nanocomposite coupled ionic liquid- promoted efficient chemical fixation of CO2 into α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates

Carbon dioxide as a C1 building block to synthesize α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates is an environmental and sustainable approach. In this work, we designed and synthesized a type of multifunctional magnetic MOF nanocomposite catalysts, which could realize the carboxylic cyclization of CO2 and propargylic alcohols into α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions. Among all the prepared nanocomposites, the MnFe2O4@SiO2@Cu-MOF nanocomposite is the best in catalytic activity combined with the tetrabutylphosphonium acetate ([Bu4P]OAc) ionic liquid cocatalyst. The catalytic system MnFe2O4@SiO2@Cu-MOF/[Bu4P]OAc displayed excellent performance in catalyzing the carboxylic cyclization of CO2 and different propargylic alcohols, and a series of α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates were obtained in high to excellent yields (88 ∼ 98 %) under mild reaction conditions (0.2 MPa, 35 °C). In addition, the two-component catalytic system had high stability and reusability, and can be easily separated and reused up to six consecutive cycles without considerable decrease in catalytic activity. Moreover, using the ionic liquid [Bu4P]OAc as the cocatalyst, the nanocomposite had good substrate adaptability for the catalytic carboxylic cyclization, which opens interesting prospects for the development of new magnetic MOF nanocomposites as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the chemical transformation of CO2 into value-added chemicals.

Municipal wastewater treatment using an innovative two-stage sequential microalgal co-cultivation system with different hydraulic retention time: A sustainable approach to circular economy

The present study proposes a sustainable circular bioeconomy approach for municipal wastewater (MWW) treatment, employing a sub-pilot two-stage sequential microalgal co-cultivation system (TSSCS), and evaluates the impact of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on MWW treatment efficiency, as well as biomass and biomolecule productivity. In the first stage of TSSCS, 2 ratios of Tetraselmis indica and one ratio of Picochlorum sp. (2TS:1PC) were used for the treatment of 75% raw MWW + 25% ASN-III, while in the second stage, 2PC:1TS was employed for the treatment of 50% 2TS:1PC effluent+ 50% ASN-III. At the end of the first and second stages of TSSCS, nutrient removal efficiencies were as follows: total nitrate (TN) was <80% and 90% on HRT-10 and HRT-12; total phosphate (TP) was <85% and 95% on HRT-16, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was <75% and <85% on HRT-14 and HRT-10, respectively. In the TSSCS, 2TS:1PC (S1) and 2PC:1TS (S2) showed maximum biomass productivity of 2.65 and 2.78g/L on /L on HRT-14 and HRT-12, respectively. Additionally, biomass of 2TS:1PC (S1) and 2PC:1TS (S2) contains lipid content (38.67 and 40.67%), β-carotene (4.09 and 3.00mg/g), and astaxanthin (0.69 and 0.31mg/g), respectively.

One-bath dyeing and antibacterial finishing of cotton fabric using reactive dye and silver chloride: a sustainable approach

One-bath dyeing and antibacterial finishing of cotton fabric using reactive dye as colorant and silver chloride (AgCl) as an antibacterial agent was conducted to streamline the process and enhance its economic efficiency. The effectiveness of the antibacterial agent in reactive dyeing of cotton fabric, was evaluated through exhaust method with 0.5% AgCl and continuous (pad dry cure) method with 5 g/l of AgCl, utilizing various dye concentrations (1%, 3%, 5% for exhaust; 1g/l, 3g/l, 5g/l for pad dry cure) according to a standard reactive dye recipe. Characterization of the one-bath dyed, and antibacterial finished cotton fabric was performed using K/S values to determine the optimal dye shade concentration and antibacterial activity was evaluated using agar diffusion method. It was observed that the exhaust method revealed an optimum dye concentration at (AgCl 0.5% and dye 5%), while pad dry cure method showedoptimal dye concentration at (AgCl 5g/l and dye 5g/l). Antibacterial tests were conducted on the optimal specimens from both methods (AgCl 0.5%, 0.2%, dye 0.5% for exhaust; dye 5g/l, AgCl 5g/l, 2g/l for pad dry cure), showcasing resistance against bacterial growth. While inhibition zones were observed on treated specimens of the exhaust method, whereas the treated specimens of the pad dry cure method exhibited complete resistance to bacterial growth around the specimen.

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Creating Inclusive Workplace: Systematic Review

Organizations now use a variety of strategies to encourage diversity since it can result in beneficial effects including an increase in creativity and innovation. Nonetheless, the diversity of their workforces continues to present challenges and opportunities for organizations. Researchers are putting more emphasis on inclusion to improve workplaces by supporting a diverse workforce. The main goal of this study was to systematically review the existing literature to ascertain how Strategic Human Resource Management fosters inclusive workplaces inside the organization. The review process was carried out using the published articles that were taken from reputable journals’ databases for the years 2010 to 2023. After reviewing 78 published articles, finding suggest that Human Resource practitioners may concentrate on a variety of Human Resource practices and design policies across these three Human Resource practice domains to have an impact on employees’ knowledge and abilities, drive and effort, and opportunities to contribute. And also Line managers are typically seen as playing a crucial role in implementing Human Resource Management practices and enhancing an inclusive workplace. Overall, the implications of this systematic review suggest that SHRM can be a powerful tool for creating inclusive workplaces, but it requires a holistic and sustained approach that involves a commitment to diversity, leadership involvement, and conscious effort to dismantle barriers and biases. End up our systematic review by forwarding future line of research on existing literature.

Islamic Values in a Multicultural Society: An Analysis of Parenting and Social Integration of Muslim Minorities

This research examines Islamic education parenting and social integration of Muslim minorities in Tanjung Labu Village, Rantau Pulung Sub-district, East Kutai Regency. Using a qualitative method with a case study approach, this research aims to understand the dynamics of Islamic education and social integration strategies in the context of multicultural communities in transmigration areas. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The results show that the minority Muslim community in Tanjung Labu Village applies a variety of parenting patterns, from those that tend to be authoritarian in matters of principle to those that are more democratic in other aspects. Social integration efforts are seen in various aspects of life, including education, economy, and culture. Programs such as ‘Friday Taqwa’ in schools and cooperation in farmer groups show positive steps in realizing social integration. However, the research also identified challenges such as the lack of special programs for converts and potential discrimination. The study concludes that efforts to strengthen the social integration of Muslim minorities require a holistic, inclusive, and sustainable approach, involving the active role of the Muslim community and support from various relevant parties. The findings make an important contribution to understanding the complexities of Islamic education and social integration in minority contexts, as well as highlighting the importance of empowering Muslim converts.

Ecological implications of chromium-contaminated effluents from Indian tanneries and their phytoremediation: a sustainable approach.

Industrial activities are paramount to sustaining the economy in a rapidly developing nation and global powerhouse like India. Leather industries are important in the country's economic map due to the high revenue and employment generation opportunities. Several of these industries contribute largely to environmental pollution. The pollution of the environment is mainly caused by improper disposal of the tannery effluents that are highly rich in hexavalent chromium, a potent human carcinogen. Hexavalent chromium imparts toxic effects on the biotic components, which include plants, animals, and humans. The review portrays the current status of the Indian leather tanning sector and its impact on the Indian economy. The process of chromium tanning and its adverse effects on the environmental biotic components have been briefly discussed. Phytoremediation of these effluents using suitable hyperaccumulating plants has been suggested as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for the sustainable restoration of the polluted environment. The mechanism behind the remediation approach and the factors influencing it have been detailed. The manuscript briefly discusses some important advancements in the field of phytoremediation and emerging technologies and concludes by emphasizing further research for sustainable management of tannery wastes.

Rainfall characteristics under changing climate in Sundergarh district of Odisha

Most pronounced signal of warming world is the increase in intensity and frequency of extremeevents worldwide. Many researchers have reported the nature of these events in coastal district of Odisha, but forSundergarh district which comes under North-western Plateau Agro-Climatic Zone, it still needed to be studied. Thepresent study was conducted with an objective to study rainfall characteristics - rainfall climatology, rainy days, trend -their deviation and resulting meteorological drought in Sundergarh district of Odisha at block level using 34 years ofdaily rainfall data (1988-2022). IMD classification for rainy days was adopted to determine the frequency of rainy days indifferent categories. SPI was computed using Climpact to determine the occurrence and severity of meteorologicaldrought and identify episodes of dry and wet events during the study period for each block. MK test and Sen’s slopeestimator was used for detecting trend in rainfall (annual and seasonal) and rainy days at 95% significance level. Longterm rainfall analysis reveals that the mean annual rainfall of the district is 1290 ± 314 mm, most of which is receivedduring SW monsoon (86%) followed by post-monsoon (6.2%), pre-monsoon (5.7%) and least during winter (2.1%).Rainfall received in the months of July and August together accounts for more than 50% of the total. Spatial distributionof rainfall indicated that mean annual rainfall varies from 1071 mm (Subdega) to 1578 mm (Bonai). Annually, rainfall isdependable in most of the blocks. However, during pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter, CV is very high, so therainfall is not dependable. Bulk of annual rainfall received in the district is contributed by rain events of light to moderatecategory. Direction and magnitude of the trend of rainfall amount and rainy days varies a lot in different blocks. SPI values calculated for the district as a whole shows that frequency of occurrence of these drought events were: mild (34% of months); moderate (7.6% of months); severe (3.3% of months) and extreme (3.2% of months). The present study provides pertinent information on the rainfall climatology and its trend under climate change over the Sundergarh district of Odisha. Finding of the study suggests that there is an urgent need to raise awareness about the climate resilient society, train personnels about sustainable development approaches and highlight the necessity of water harvesting techniques at community level.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY OF SUSTAINABILITY AND HIGHEST BEST USE (SHBU) APPROACH FOR FELDA LAND DEVELOPMENT

Sustainability and Highest Best Use (SHBU) approach is believed to be useful in assisting the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) to develop its land towards improving settlers’ prosperity and livelihood. This research aims to demonstrate a proposed strategy for implementing the SHBU using a mixed methods approach which integrates interviews and Geographical Information System-based Multiple-criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-based MCDA). The interview component seeks to obtain feedback and development aspirations from respondents in FELDA Gunung Besout 03, while GIS technology generates and displays the findings in spatial forms to empower decision-making. Data were analysed using content analysis and spatial analysis accordingly. The findings from interview shows that generally, the SHBU approach is suitable for land development. Besides, GIS-based MCDA reveals four types of future land development spanning about 796 hectares encompassing cropland, residential areas, and small business centres. The findings become the basis for crafting the implementation strategies aimed at developing FELDA land within the study area.

A practical approach to promoting sustainable development in the construction industry through the use of the LOTUS-Vietnamese green-building assessment tool

In the context of global climate change mitigation, building design optimization is crucial for effective and efficient resource management throughout a project’s life cycle. This study addresses the challenge of assessing green building levels using a Vietnamese perspective. A survey of over 220 participants, including investors, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders, was conducted to identify factors influencing green building assessments. Data analysis, employing SPSS software, explored 57 factors encompassing life-cycle economic optimization, energy and water conservation, material selection, project management, and strategic market benefits. The findings highlight effective energy management as a key determinant shaping sustainable building approaches and assessments. These results offer valuable insights for life cycle cost assessments and environmental impact evaluations during project implementation. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of project developers prioritizing factors that influence the achievement of green building goals based on LOTUS green building rating standards in Vietnam. The predicted results demonstrate that governments should enforce legislation and establish clear green construction regulations to promote environmentally friendly growth, and that construction companies should use environmentally friendly materials and practices in their projects. This research contributes to the knowledge base for scholars, designers, and sustainability experts by systematically identifying factors that influence green building assessments under LOTUS standards.

Efficient synthesis of highly hydrophobic lignin nanoparticles and their application as nano fillers for multifunctional composite membranes

Controlling the hydrophobic behaviors of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) is crucial and advantageous for their application as film Nano Fillers, yet it poses a significant challenge. Herein, we successfully developed a novel method for the preparation of LNPs with highly hydrophobic behaviors using ternary deep eutectic solution (DES)-H2O systems. The resulting LNPs exhibit a significantly reduced content of hydrophilic groups on their outer surface, leading to a zeta potential value of only −4.9 mV, and up to 140.0° of water contact angle (WCA). Afterwards, a “Dissolution-Restructuration” mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of the prepared LNPs. Firstly, DES demonstrates superior H-bonding capabilities, facilitating the complete disruption of inter- and intramolecular H-bonding in lignin, and resulting in the formation of a highly homogenized lignin network. Subsequently, the DES system undergoes compromise after adding water, triggering the reformation of both inter- and intramolecular H-bonding and π-π interactions. Consequently, lignin orderly self-assembles into LNPs with highly hydrophobic characteristics. Especially, using the as-prepared LNPs as Nano fillers, a series of LNPs-containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were successfully fabricated, exhibiting exceptional hydrophobic behaviors (with contact angles reaching up to 124.0°). Furthermore, the mechanical strength, UV-shielding capabilities, and biodegradability of the PVA films are significantly enhanced. This study introduces a sustainable and efficient approach for the synthesis of hydrophobic LNPs, thereby facilitating the broadening of applications for lignin-based functional composite film materials.