Sustainable Benefits Research Articles

A Study on the Impact of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge on the Economy of Bangladesh

The Padma Bridge, a monumental infrastructure project in Bangladesh, stands out for its promise of significant economic benefits. This comprehensive study delves into its unique impact on both local and national economies. Employing a case study methodology, we provide in-depth insights into how the Padma Bridge, with its distinct features such as [unique feature 1] and [unique feature 2], influences Bangladesh's economic landscape. Drawing upon an analysis of 33 prior studies, we identify critical information regarding the bridge's economic impact, examining its role in reducing travel times, enhancing trade, and stimulating new investment opportunities in the previously isolated southwestern region. Our analysis underscores the bridge's pivotal role as a driver of economic growth and development, estimating potential increases in GDP and job creation. Furthermore, our findings align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to Trans-Asian Networks, reassuring researchers about the project's sustainability and long-term benefits for Bangladesh. This study sheds light on the Padma Bridge's economic significance and offers valuable insights for infrastructure development projects worldwide.

Pendampingan UMKM: Meningkatkan Daya Saing Dan Inovasi di Era Digital Pada UMKM Bintang Emas di Desa Kasengan, Kecamatan Manding, Kabupaten Sumenep

The SME assistance program entitled "SME Assistance: Enhancing Competitiveness and Innovation in the Digital Era for Bintang Emas SMEs in Kasengan Village, Manding Subdistrict, Sumenep Regency" was implemented from March 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024. This program aims to enhance digital capacity, product innovation, and modern marketing strategies for Bintang Emas SMEs. Through digital marketing training, product innovation workshops, and technical assistance, participants learn to utilize digital technology and e-commerce platforms to enhance the visibility and sales of their products, including the flagship product of cassava chips. The results showed a 25% increase in sales in the first three months, an improvement in product variety and quality, as well as an enhancement in business and financial management skills. This program also successfully fostered a spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration in the local community and strengthened the relationship between SMEs and the surrounding community. With these achievements, it is hoped that Bintang Emas SMEs will continue to innovate and adapt to market changes, providing sustainable benefits to the local economy and the welfare of the local community.

Enhancing food security through keyhole gardening in Lesotho

ABSTRACT Keyhole gardens are gaining prominence worldwide due to their sustainable agricultural benefits. Additional evidence is required to inform keyhole gardening policy guidelines for combating food insecurity and poverty. This study employed an endogenous treatment effects estimator with ordered outcomes to assess keyhole gardening impact on food security. The study included data from 2,014 households in Lesotho. Our analysis shows that keyhole gardens have a 30.60% likelihood of achieving food security and reducing moderate and severe food insecurity by 11.02% and 41.62%, respectively. As a result, government and aid agencies should prioritize food-insecure households in keyhole garden initiatives.

Dynamic response, durability, and carbon footprint analysis of the marl clay treated with sodium lignosulfonate as a sustainable-environmentally friendly approach

In the current study, the marl clay was improved by different contents of sodium lignosulfonate (NLS) and cured at different times and then, all samples were subjected to Bender Element (BE), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and Brazilian Tensile Strength (BTS) tests considering two different dry condition (DC) and wet condition (WC). The durability of the samples was further controlled by a special technique, namely the soaking test. The carbon footprint analysis was undertaken for a low-volume trench project to address the sustainability benefits associated with replacing cement and lime as traditional stabilizers with NLS. The results show that the reuse of NLS as a non-traditional alternative for stabilizing marl soil can play an influential role in improving dynamic parameters as well as sustainable development. It has been observed that the CO2 emission decreases up to 5.6 and 4.4 times compared to lime and cement, respectively. Additionally, the use of NLS enhances the UCS by 249%, BTS by 208%, and small strain shear modulus by 117%. Furthermore, reducing the adverse effects of the WC on soil properties, among others, was the main finding of utilizing the NLS in marl stabilization with curing time. NLS-treated marl samples were able to preserve the integrity of their particles even after being soaked in water for a period of 3 weeks. In contrast, the particles of the untreated sample started to disintegrate within a few seconds of initiating the soaking test. Finally, possible equations correlating the dynamic and static moduli were reported in this study.

Adoption of Biotechnology in Livestock Production

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to investigate the adoption of biotechnology in livestock production. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the adoption of biotechnology in livestock production. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the adoption of biotechnology in livestock production offered significant benefits for productivity, animal health, and environmental sustainability. Genetic improvements, disease management, and reproductive technologies were highlighted as key areas where biotechnology had a positive impact. However, the study identified barriers such as high costs, regulatory challenges, and limited access in developing regions. Recommendations included supportive policies, increased investment in research, and capacity-building efforts to enhance the adoption of biotechnology, ultimately aiming to transform livestock systems and contribute to global food security and sustainable development Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Planned Behaviour, Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Technology Acceptance Model may be used to anchor future studies on the adoption of biotechnology in livestock production. The study recommended integrating socio-economic factors into theoretical frameworks, enhancing practical training and capacity-building for farmers, and harmonizing regulatory frameworks to promote biotechnology adoption. It also emphasized public education campaigns to address misconceptions, suggested environmental sustainability practices, and called for ongoing research and innovation. These recommendations aimed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the livestock sector, ultimately contributing to global food security and sustainable development. Keywords: Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Markers, Reproductive Technologies, Artificial Insemination (AI), Embryo Transfer (ET), In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Compaction and shear characteristics of recycled construction & demolition aggregates in subgrade: Exploring particle breakage and shape effects

Recycling construction and demolition (C&D) wastes into useable aggregates in subgrade applications offers significant sustainability benefits. However, the characteristics of recycled aggregates, including particle morphology, crushing strength, and shear behavior, differ substantially from natural aggregates. This paper presented an extensive experimental study on the compaction and mechanics performances of recycled concrete and brick aggregates, with a particular focus on the effects of particle breakage and shape characteristics. The compaction of recycled aggregate specimens comprising three structural types was evaluated using heavy Marshall compaction (HMC) and Superpave gyratory compaction (SGC). The compaction characteristics and particle breakage were examined, enabling a profound understanding of the compaction mechanisms associated with both methods. Furthermore, triaxial shear tests were performed to scrutinize the influences of particle shape, compaction degree, and confining pressure on shear characteristics. Results showed that after 80 gyratory rotations in SGC, the compaction degree of recycled aggregates aligned with the targeted results obtained from HMC. Changes in fractal dimension after compaction exhibited direct correlations with the two-dimensional shape distribution. Axial coefficient, fractal dimension and confining pressure most strongly influenced shear strength. In light of these insights, prediction models for shear strength parameters were proposed using multiple regression analysis. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the relationships between aggregate morphology, compaction response, breakage behavior, and shear performance. These findings can facilitate optimized design and construction using recycled aggregates to advance sustainable infrastructure development.

Brief Notes on the European Geographical Indication Law: Among Sustainability Implications and Artificial Intelligence Applications

Purpose: Geographical indications (GIs) within the European Union are – as is known – legally protected designations highlighting unique qualities of products tied to their place of origin; accordingly, GIs can promote sustainable agricultural practices, preserve traditional knowledge and contribute to rural development, but, notwithstanding, issues in verifying and authenticating GI products persist. Within this framework, this paper investigates the intersection of EU geographical indication law with sustainability goals and potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining GI compliance and enhancing consumer trust. Study design/methodology/approach: The behind research employs a mixed-methods approach; in fact, it includes a systematic review of relevant EU legislation and policy documents alongside qualitative case studies exploring the use of AI-based technologies (e.g., precision agriculture, terroir monitoring, traceability systems…) in GI value chains. Findings: The analysis confirms the wanted complex interplay between GI law and sustainability; in this way, while GIs can be powerful tools for promoting environmentally responsible production, existing frameworks may not fully capture all dimensions of sustainability; in addition, case studies demonstrate the promise of AI in improving product traceability, combating fraud and supporting informed consumer choices regarding GI products. Originality/value: Therefore, the paper argues for a more holistic approach to GI law that integrates sustainability metrics beyond geographic origin, suggesting that responsible AI adoption presents the potential to significantly strengthen GI systems: policy recommendations should include incentivising the development of ethical AI solutions for GI verification, promoting data sharing along supply chains, and raising consumer awareness of the sustainability benefits associated with GI products.

Design for Repowering of Wind Farms: An Initial Framework

The need for clean and cost-effective energy sources is more pertinent than ever. Wind energy positions itself as a global contender in this role, offering a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly energy option. Furthermore, the wind energy industry is already starting to see numerous wind farms reaching 20+ years of life that require either repowering or decommissioning decisions to be made. Repowering offers many potential economic and sustainable benefits; however, many operators are faced with challenging decisions regarding whether to repower and how to optimally repower. This paper aims to address these challenges by introducing a novel comprehensive framework, known as “Design for Repowering”. In Design for Repowering, wind farms of the future would be designed with planned repowering in mind. Through integration of multiple criteria, including health monitoring/sensors, digital twins, and social/environmental factors, we aim to address open questions about repowering, such as the optimal timing, strategy, and economics of repowering decisions. Furthermore, the framework is applied to several case studies, illustrating its potential for solving some of the long-term challenges expected in the future of wind energy.

Waste management and circular economy: A review of sustainable practices and economic benefits

The increasing global population and rapid urbanization have escalated the generation of waste, posing significant environmental challenges. In response, the adoption of sustainable waste management practices and the promotion of circular economy principles have gained momentum as effective strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and harness economic benefits. This review examines the current state of waste management, focusing on the integration of circular economy principles to create a more sustainable and resilient system. The review begins by exploring contemporary waste management practices, emphasizing the challenges posed by escalating waste volumes, inadequate infrastructure, and the environmental repercussions of traditional disposal methods. It then delves into the concept of the circular economy, elucidating its core principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover. The integration of these principles into waste management strategies is discussed as a transformative approach to minimize resource depletion, energy consumption, and environmental pollution. Furthermore, the economic benefits associated with the adoption of circular economy practices are critically analyzed. The review explores how the shift towards circularity can stimulate innovation, create new business models, and generate employment opportunities. It also highlights the potential for cost savings through resource efficiency, reduced waste disposal expenses, and the creation of secondary markets for recycled materials. Case studies and exemplary initiatives from various sectors and regions are examined to provide insights into successful implementations of sustainable waste management and circular economy practices. The review concludes by outlining key policy implications, emphasizing the importance of regulatory frameworks that incentivize circular practices and foster collaboration between stakeholders. This comprehensive review contributes to the understanding of the interplay between waste management and circular economy principles, offering valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and researchers seeking to create a more sustainable and economically viable approach to waste management in the face of global environmental challenges.

Fragmentation, birds, and conservation of the "Polylepis" Forest in Southern Peru

In the southernmost Andean regions of Peru, Moquegua, and Tacna, close to Chile and Bolivia borders, large forest stands of Polylepis species are essential for the social, economic, and environmental functionality of six basins. However, the need for more knowledge about their ecology, limited conservation efforts, and insufficient technical capacities for territorial regulation could accelerate their structural and functioning deterioration. Using landscape ecology -interdisciplinary science shaped by geography and biology- we found that in four evaluated areas, the composition of birds (and therefore also the resources they use) is differentiated by the influence of landscape fragmentation. Only two protected areas were legally recognized in the region, but they were established to cover small and remote isolated territories, which makes it challenging to conserve them effectively. Due to the poverty conditions common among the local communities, extractive or pastoralist activities conducted in large areas can trigger higher forest fragmentation rates. Under these circumstances, the valuable ecosystem services in the study area would be permanently lost or maintained at high risk. Because of these risks, specific measures were proposed to improve the social-environmental management of the forest by implementing mechanisms aimed at generating sustainable economic benefits in a healthy environment and social peace.

Development of an integrated sustainability indicator for the local people surrounding a reservoir project

Sustainable benefits from water resource development involve many factors that need to be holistically considered for implementing management policies. The study aimed to develop a set of key sustainability indicators following the social context surrounding a reservoir. The results show the quality-of-life is the highest significance, followed by natural resource conservation, risk management, participation, and equality, respectively. The indicator of the highest significance in the quality of life was confidence in livelihoods against flood and drought. The findings can apply to the assessment of sustainable development from reservoir projects and support a broader analysis of key sustainability criteria in various areas.

Perjalanan Songket: Transformasi Menghidupkan UMKM di Kota Palembang

Songket, as one of Indonesia's textile cultural heritage, has a long history that reflects the richness of tradition and outstanding craftsmanship. However, in recent decades, songket has faced challenges that threaten its survival, including fashion changes, lack of artisan regeneration, and competition with modern textile products. This article explores the journey of songket from its heyday in the past to the revitalization efforts made to restore that glory in the modern era. Through a qualitative approach, this study explores strategies applied by various stakeholders, including craftsmen, designers, government, and communities, to maintain and promote songket as a relevant cultural product with high economic value. Case studies from various songket-producing regions in Indonesia show that design innovation, education, and cross-sector collaboration play an important role in this process. The results of this study provide insight into how reviving cultural heritage can be a source of pride and economic sustainability for local communities. In conclusion, songket's journey from heritage dreams to real glory is an inspiring example of how traditional cultural richness can be integrated into contemporary contexts to create sustainable benefits.

Farming non-typical sentient species: ethical framework requires passing a high bar

More widespread farming of species not typically used as livestock may be part of a sustainable approach for promoting human health and economic prosperity in a world with an increasing population; a current example is peccary farming in the Neotropics. Others have argued that species that are local to a region and which are usually not farmed should be considered for use as livestock. They may have a more desirable nutrient profile than species that are presently used as livestock. It may also reduce the pressure from hunting on other wild species, and cause less environmental damage than exotic species. We propose a sentiocentric utilitarian framework that could be used to decide whether species that are local, but generally not used as livestock, should be farmed. To illustrate the use of our decision-making framework, we employ two contrasting neotropical case studies: the Spotted Paca (Cuniculus paca) and the Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). We argue that it may be acceptable to use non-sentient species that are typically not farmed as livestock. However, research should determine whether farming them offers human, environmental or sustainability benefits. In addition, we recommend that if invertebrate species are considered for farming, research should be conducted to determine the likelihood that they are sentient. Finally, given the ethical failings of current livestock farming practices, we argue that a high bar must be met if ‘new’ species that are sentient are to be farmed.

TURNING FOOD WASTE INTO GREEN ENERGY A BIO-GAS REVOLUTION

The Bio Gas Revolution stands as a beacon of sustainable innovation, revolutionizing waste management by converting discarded food into valuable green energy through biogas production. This abstract encapsulates the multifaceted approach of this revolution, encompassing waste food diversion strategies, cutting-edge anaerobic digestion technologies, renewable energy generation processes, circular economy principles, and the ensuing environmental-economic sustainability benefits. It underscores the transformative potential of harnessing waste food as a fundamental resource for renewable energy, heralding a new era of environmental preservation, resource optimization, and economic viability in the global energy land scape. It highlights the transformative potential of utilizing waste food as a critical resource for renewable energy, leading to significant environmental benefits, resource efficiency gains, and economic opportunities.. It emphasizes the transformative potential of harnessing waste food as a valuable resource for renewable energy production, contributing significantly to environmental preservation, resource efficiency, and economic viability” Key Words: Food Waste Management, Green Energy, Biogas Production, Sustainable Waste Disposal Submit Research Paper

The Significance and Implementation Methods of Sustainable Marketing: A Case Study of Procter & Gamble

The necessity of protecting the environment is clear due to the escalating worldwide environmental problems and the growing environmental consciousness among consumers, making it a vital topic of discussion for humanity. Businesses should strive to achieve maximum economic benefits while also taking into account environmental considerations to ensure a sustainable and optimal solution that benefits both the economy and the environment. Sustainable marketing has evolved as a new concept to assist firms in their operations. This paper examines the importance and strategies for sustainable marketing through methods of literature analysis and case study, such as Procter & Gamble. This study concludes that sustainable marketing benefits organizations by improving their brand image, increasing consumer loyalty, and steering their development towards more ecologically responsible practices. Sustainable marketing has problems such as significant expenditure and uncertain returns on benefits. Thus, organizations should assess themselves before developing precise sustainable marketing strategy. The primary contribution of sustainable marketing is to enhance firm economic benefits while also significantly contributing to environmental conservation.

Qualitative assessment of optimizing the well spacings based on the economic analysis

The design of well spacing significantly influences the sustainability and economic benefit of geothermal energy extraction. However, most studies have predominantly employed heat production-related parameters as indicators of well spacing, and a comprehensive analysis of well spacing design based on an economic model is necessary for practical implementation. In this study, an economic indicator considering the benefits derived from heat production and operating costs is proposed and applied in the Caofeidian, a typical abandoned oilfield in the Bohai Bay Basin. It offers a refined portrayal of directional wells, moving beyond rudimentary representations, to capture their appropriate degree of complexity and behavior in drilling configurations. First, by integrating thermophysical information and site investigation data from previous oil investigations, a heterogeneous 3D model is constructed to forecast the 30-year temperature and pressure evolution. Then, a modified levelized cost of heat (LCOH-HT) is proposed to perform economic analysis in optimizing the well spacing, revealing an optimal range of 300–600 m for the different selected wells. In comparison with results derived solely from heat production considerations, drilling and pumping costs contribute to a 300 m reduction in the optimal well spacing based on the proposed approach, as a larger well spacing leads to increased hydraulic losses and drilling cost, necessitating greater pumping efforts and costs. This finding underscores the need to balance economic and thermal considerations. In addition, we found the difference in the optimal well spacing in space is also caused by the porosity variations. Porosity affects fluid temperature and pressure, leading to changes in the benefits and costs associated with pressure fluctuations. Notably, this novel economic analysis method is not limited to spacing optimization; it can also be used to optimize operating parameters, such as the flow rate, which could provide practical strategies for geothermal energy extraction.

Evaluation Challenges of Leadership Management in the Energy Sector using Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach

Leadership management has various benefits and advantages in the energy sector, such as improving energy sector development and obtaining sustainability benefits. However, the leadership management faces multiple challenges in the energy sector that must be evaluated and ranked. So, this study used the fusion multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology to assess and rank the challenges of leadership management in the energy sector. The WASPAS method is a fusion MCDM method used to rank the alternatives. Five experts are invited to evaluate the criteria and alternatives. Fourteen criteria and 13 alternatives were collected in this study. The results show that alternative 4 is the best and alternative 8 is the worst. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to show the stability of the alternatives' ranks. The sensitivity analysis was conducted in two parts. In the first part, the lambda value of WASPAS changed between 0 and 1. In the second part, 14 cases are introduced in criteria weights. The results show that the rank of alternatives is stable in different cases.

Bio‐based and effective: Cardanol‐piperidine derivatives for enhanced polypropylene resistance against thermo‐ and photo‐oxidative aging

AbstractBio‐based antioxidants have garnered attention for their sustainability and environmental benefits. In this study, we designed and synthesized three cardanol‐piperidine derivatives (HSs) by utilizing hydrogenated cardanol (HC) and piperidine derivatives to improve the aging inhibition of polypropylene (PP). These bio‐based antioxidants were intended as eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic antioxidants. The impact of these HSs on the thermal stability, thermo‐oxidative stability, and light stability of PP was thoroughly evaluated. The results unveiled that after 5 h of interaction with 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical, HSs exhibited a remarkable over 5‐fold increase in free radical scavenging efficiency as compared to HC. Moreover, the addition of HSs significantly increased the oxidation induction time and the initial oxidation temperature compared to pristine PP. After photo‐oxidative aging and thermo‐oxidative aging, the HS‐dosed PP demonstrated remarkable retention of elongation at break, reaching more than 72% and 69%. From the comparison with physical mixtures and the density functional theory calculations, an intramolecular synergism mechanism is proposed. The intramolecular synergism between hydrogenated cardanol and piperidine derivatives may be the main reason for the inhibition of PP aging.Highlights A method for constructing simultaneous efficient light, thermal, and oxygen stable polypropylene. The mechanism for achieving simultaneous stabilization of light, heat, and oxygen is the intramolecular synergy of phenol piperidine. The essence of intramolecular synergy of cardanol and piperidine derivatives is its' reduced hydrogen bond dissociation energy and energy gap.

Reimagining unbound road pavement technology: Integrating testing, design, construction and performance in the post-digital era

The Industry 4.0 revolution signifies a pivotal transition in pavement technology, emphasising the integration of digital and physical systems to revamp traditional, empirical-based pavement design, construction, and maintenance practices. This shift promises enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and a move towards integrated practices, highlighted by adopting “Digital Twin” technology. Unlike traditional Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twin technology offers a real-time, dynamic representation of physical infrastructure, enabling improved asset management through distributed sensing and predictive performance analytics. Leveraging findings from the Australian Research Council (ARC)’s Industry Transformation Research Hub for Smart Next Generation Transport Pavements (SPARC Hub), this paper focuses on the integration of pavement testing, design, construction, condition assessment and asset management into the lifecycle of unbound road pavements. The paper outlines how such technological integration streamlines decision-making processes and significantly boosts the functionality and longevity of pavement infrastructures. Despite facing challenges like cost, data security, and the need for specialised skills, the potential for digital technologies to improve pavement durability, efficiency, and sustainability is significant. Future research directions are identified to overcome implementation barriers, explore untapped technological potentials, and assess the sustainability benefits of digital approaches in pavement engineering, aiming to forge more resilient, efficient, and sustainable road networks for future generations.

Green Fabrication of Stackable Laser‐Induced Graphene Micro‐Supercapacitors under Ambient Conditions: Toward the Design of Truly Sustainable Technological Platforms

AbstractExtensive research into green technologies is driven by the worldwide push for eco‐friendly materials and energy solutions. The focus is on synergies that prioritize sustainability and environmental benefits. This study explores the potential of abundant, non‐toxic, and sustainable resources such as paper, lignin‐enriched paper, and cork for producing laser‐induced graphene (LIG) supercapacitor electrodes with improved capacitance. A single‐step methodology using a CO2 laser system is developed for fabricating these electrodes under ambient conditions, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional carbon sources. The resulting green micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) achieve impressive areal capacitance (≈7–10 mF cm−2) and power and energy densities (≈4 μW cm‐2 and ≈0.77 µWh cm−2 at 0.01 mA cm−2). Stability tests conducted over 5000 charge–discharge cycles demonstrate a capacitance retention of ≈80–85%, highlighting the device durability. These LIG‐based devices offer versatility, allowing voltage output adjustment through stacked and sandwich MSCs configurations (parallel or series), suitable for various large‐scale applications. This study demonstrates that it is possible to create high‐quality energy storage devices based on biodegradable materials. This development can lead to progress in renewable energy and off‐grid technology, as well as a reduction in electronic waste.