Ecological Footprint Research Articles

Advancing sustainable healthcare: a concept analysis of eco-conscious nursing practices

BackgroundAs the healthcare sector grapples with its environmental footprint, the concept of Eco-conscious Nursing emerges as a pivotal framework for integrating sustainability into nursing practice. This study aims to clarify and operationalize Eco-conscious Nursing, examining its attributes, antecedents, consequences, and providing operational definitions to guide future research and practice.MethodsUtilizing a systematic literature review across PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL Ultimate, this study identifies and analyzes existing theories, frameworks, and practices related to eco-conscious nursing. Through conceptual analysis, key attributes, antecedents, and consequences of Eco-conscious Nursing are delineated, leading to the formulation of comprehensive operational definitions.ResultsThe study reveals Eco-conscious Nursing as a multifaceted concept characterized by environmental stewardship, sustainable healthcare practices, and a commitment to reducing the ecological impact of nursing care. Operational definitions highlight the role of education, awareness, and institutional support as antecedents, with improved environmental health and sustainable healthcare outcomes as key consequences.ConclusionEco-conscious Nursing represents a crucial ethos for the nursing profession, emphasizing the necessity of sustainable practices within healthcare. The operational definitions provided serve as a foundation for embedding eco-conscious principles into nursing, addressing the urgent need for sustainability in healthcare settings. Future research should focus on the empirical application of these definitions and explore the economic and cross-cultural dimensions of eco-conscious nursing.

Socially Acceptable Feed Formulations May Impact the Voluntary Feed Intake and Growth, but Not Robustness of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Society is becoming more demanding with aquaculture’s environmental footprint and animal wellbeing. In order to potentially mitigate these concerns, feed formulations could be based on eco-efficient (circular economy-driven) or organic ingredients. This study aimed to investigate the growth performance, feed utilization, and health status of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) when fed with such feeds. The growth trial lasted for 8 weeks, and fish had an initial weight of 31.0 ± 0.5 g (mean ± SD). Fish were fed until visual satiation, in quadruplicate, with one of three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental feeds: a commercial-like feed without fishmeal (PD), a diet based on ingredients compatible with organic certification (ORG), or a feed formulated using circular economy-driven subproducts and emergent ingredients (ECO). Fish fed ECO showed a tendency for decreased feed intake, while ORG fish significantly reduced their intake compared to those fed PD. Consequently, fish fed ECO (62.7 ± 5.4 g) exhibited almost half the growth than those fed PD (107.8 ± 6.1 g), while ORG fish almost did not increase their weight (32.7 ± 1.3 g). ECO and ORG diets had a lower digestibility for protein, lipid, and energy when compared to PD. Feed utilization of fish fed ECO or ORG was also lower than those fed PD. From the health-related genes analyzed, only glutathione reductase (gsr) showed statistically significant differences, being more expressed in fish-fed ECO than those fed PD. Thus, even when such novel formulations induced extreme effects on voluntary feed intake, their impact was noted only in fish growth, but not in robustness.

Online solutions and sustainability in festival tourism

The article describes the activities of the Arts for Rural Development Foundation and the Hungarian Tourism Programme Foundation (MTPA) and details how they support online solutions for festival tourism and sustainability. By means of examples, the Arts for Rural Development Foundation shows how festivals can be a tool for rural development. The Valley of Arts Festival and the Kerekdomb Festival are outstanding examples of cultural events which have had a long-term impact on the region’s economy and community. The Foundation’s mission is to boost the economy of rural areas and to preserve and promote local cultural and built heritage. Involving volunteers and partners, excellent communication and sustainable methods, the events actively support rural development. The MTPA focuses on the development and competitiveness of the domestic events sector by providing professional materials, conferences and international contacts. RaKÉTa supports the professional development of event organisers and the coordination of events through a scholarship programme and a unique calendar of events. The Valley of Arts Festival’s sustainability strategy reduces its environmental footprint through a range of environmentally friendly solutions, supporting public transport and making progress on waste management. The MTPA also focuses on training event organisers and increasing their international visibility, helping the Hungarian events sector to grow and become more competitive.

Exploring sustainable agricultural production models to coordinate system productivity, soil biological health and eco-efficiency in the semi-arid region

Designing sustainable agricultural models is imperative to enhance farm productivity, and soil health with minimum ecological footprints. Therefore, three cropping systems viz., maize-mustard (M-Mus), maize + cowpea-mustard (M + C-Mus), pigeon pea-wheat (PP-W) were tested under four production scenarios viz., integrated organic management (IOM), integrated crop management (ICM), conventional system (CS), and conservation agriculture (CA) for three consecutive years (2018–2021) to find out the productive, soil supportive, and eco-efficient production model. The ICM recorded significantly higher system productivity i.e. 12107, 12889, and 12866 kg ha−1 during 2018–19, 2019–20, and 20–21 over other production system, respectively. Among the cropping systems, the PP-W system registered the maximum system productivity of 12007.0 kg ha−1 during 2018–19, 11899 kg ha−1 in 2019–20, and 12247 kg ha−1 during 20–21. This led to ∼15% higher average system productivity over the maize-mustard system. Nutrient (N, P, and K) acquisition was the highest by the M + C-Mus system followed by the PP-W system. All soil biological indicators considerably improved under IOM followed by ICM across the soil profile after three years. Cultivation of the PP-W system under IOM registered the highest energy use efficiency (73.24). Concerning the eco-efficiency index (EEI), cultivation of PP-W under the IOM production scenario registered ∼ 2.85 times higher EEI (0.20 US$ MJ−1) over the M-Mus cropping under CS. Thus, findings inferred that legume-embedded systems under either IOM or ICM production scenarios are sustainable production models for fetching higher profitability with minimum environmental impact under semi-arid regions.

Tailoring hydrophobicity and strength in spider silk-inspired coatings via thermal treatments

The advent of advanced coatings has transformed material functionalities, extending their roles from basic coverage and visual appeal to include unique properties such as self-healing, superior hydrophobicity, and antimicrobial action. However, the traditional dependency on petrochemical-derived materials for these coatings raises environmental concerns. This study proposes the use of renewable and alternative materials for coating development. We present the use of bioengineered spider silk-inspired protein (SSIP), produced through recombinant technology, as a viable, eco-friendly alternative due to their ease of processing under ambient pressure and the utilization of water as a solvent, alongside their exceptional physicochemical properties. Our research investigates the effects of different thermal treatments and protein concentrations on the mechanical strength and surface water repellency of coatings on silica bases. Our findings reveal a direct correlation between the temperature of heat treatment and the enhancements in surface hydrophobicity and mechanical strength, where elevated temperatures facilitate increased resistance to water and improved mechanical integrity. Consequently, we advocate SSIPs present a promising, sustainable choice for advanced coatings, providing a pathway to fine-tune coating recipes for better mechanical and hydrophobic properties with a reduced ecological footprint, finding potential uses in various fields such as electronics.

Drivers of housing developers’ perception on future construction reuse material premium for wood

The construction sector has significant environmental footprints due to its extensive con-sumption of resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. Strategies like ex-panding the reuse of construction materials may contribute towards the sector's environmen-tal objectives. Enhancing the reuse of wood, a material associated with low environmental impacts, may further improve the sector's environmental outcomes. However, at this point, reuse of wood materials is marginal. Understanding the willingness of market agents to embark on such use will aid in policy and market development. This study examines the behavioral and institutional factors that affect the premium of housing developers for the use of reused wood materials in the construction of future residential and leisure buildings. It is based on a novel concept known as the construction reuse material premium (CRP). A conceptual model is developed from a comprehensive theoretical framework based on both theory of planned behavior and institutional theory. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey in fall 2022, targeting Norwegian housing development companies. Survey data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that housing developers' attitudes, regulatory and market conditions, and company size negatively influence expected CRP, suggesting developers foresee a greater shift in their willingness to accept costs for reused materials compared to consumer willingness to pay. In contrast, stakeholder influence and positive subjective norms toward reuse are associated with a more favorable market outlook for buildings using reused materials.

Variability in Heating Demand Predictions: A Comparative Study of PHPP and Mc001-2022 in Existing Residential Buildings

The construction industry is a key driver of environmental change due to its extensive use of resources and high emissions, thus significantly burdening global efforts towards sustainable development targets. A large portion of the environmental footprint of buildings results from the energy required to sustain indoor comfort levels. Thus, enhancing the energy efficiency of existing buildings becomes critical in reducing their environmental impact. This study explores the impact of thermal performance improvements on the heating demand, employing numerical modeling and two energy performance methodologies, PHPP and Mc001-2022, across various climatic datasets and case studies in Romania. The results show substantial variability in heating demand predictions: Mc001-2022 predicts up to 27.2% higher continuous heating demands and 21.0% higher intermittent demands compared to PHPP in one case study. In the second case study, the differences range from 8.1% higher to 6.9% lower for continuous heating and from 3.3% higher to 9.9% lower for intermittent heating, depending on the scenario. These findings underscore the importance of the methodological choice and localized climatic data in heating demand assessments, highlighting the need for a tailored, context-specific approach to energy performance assessment, integrating multiple energy efficiency measures suited to the unique characteristics of each building.

Towards a more realistic estimation of urban land take by combining cadastral parcels and building footprints

Despite its importance as a research issue, a widely accepted methodology of estimating land take resulting from urbanization has not yet been reached. Accurate geospatial datasets are currently available at a European and global level; however, different methods of quantifying urban land take could lead to diverse outputs, potentially resulting in underestimation. This can be alarming as encroaching urban sprawl is emerging as a major environmental challenge by destroying natural habitats, consuming productive agricultural land, and contributing to climate change by increasing energy demands. To address this knowledge gap, we propose an estimation of urban land take that combines cadastral parcels and building footprints. Land parcels can be considered as a suitable minimum mapping unit as they are directly related to the spatial level where economic decisions on land use conversion are made. The proposed geospatial method is compared to methods that depend on datasets of High Resolution Layer Imperviousness, Global Building Footprints (alone), Corine Land Cover, Urban Atlas, and Global Human Settlement Layer. The method is exemplified in case studies in Greece, specifically: (a) two islands of the South Aegean Region (Mykonos and Thera), that are heavily impacted by tourism development and sprawl and (b) a peri-urban zone (Thermaikos-Michaniona) within the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, impacted by intense suburbanization. Results show that urban land consumes important shares of available land since the mid-20th century, this fact highlighting the dynamic encroachment of urban development. Calculation shows that other methods could underestimate urbanized areas by up to 80%–90%. In the discussion section, the advantages of shifting the focus from the pixel to the parcel are further justified, while explicit links to spatial planning policies for sprawl containment are drawn. Such policies could be informed by more realistic estimations of urban land take, in order to proceed with strategic and regulatory measures to support the ‘no net land take’ policy of Europe.

Life cycle assessment based optimization of scenarios of reusable glass bottles using context-specific key parameters

Reusable glass bottles are experiencing a resurgence, driven notably by societal concerns and regulations. While single-use glass bottles generally have higher environmental footprint compared to plastic bottles, reusable systems could reduce both impacts related to single-use (e.g., climate change, energy consumption) and plastics (e.g., microplastic pollution). The environmental benefits of reusable bottles can vary across systems and this can be overlooked by stakeholders who rely on generic results for communication and a limited number of parameters to design their systems. This study addresses this gap by developing a systematic analysis of the variability of life cycle assessment results, within the specific case study of a new beverage. As a result, a list of key parameters to consider for the specific case study is set, enabling to propose targeted mitigation strategies. The commonly used generic key parameters are complemented with context-specific key parameters, empowering stakeholders to develop efficient systems and communicate their environmental performance accurately. Different configurations are likely to be influenced by other key parameters, and require specific mitigation strategies. In this perspective, stakeholders need assistance in: (1) designing context-specific strategies, and (2) translating – complex and plural – life cycle assessment results into actionable decisions.

Quantitative sustainability assessment for in-situ electrical resistance heating coupled with steam enhanced extraction: An effective approach for the development of green remediation technologies

There is a lack of quantitative methodology for the sustainability assessment based on field data in the process of innovative technology development for groundwater remediation. This study developed a quantitative assessment framework, a model based on the life cycle assessment integrated with best management practices (LCA-BMPs), to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of in-situ electrical resistance heating coupled with steam enhanced extraction (ERH-SEE), an innovative technology being demonstrated in the field. The results indicated that ERH-SEE offered better environmental sustainability performance compared to ERH only, with a reduction in carbon emissions by 52.6 %. ERH-SEE also significantly reduces human toxicity, resource consumption, and ecosystem impacts under the same remediation scenarios. The further assessment indicated that if taking the renewable energy share in energy structure in different countries into consideration, higher shares of renewable energy used in energy supplies can substantially reduce the environmental footprint of the studied scenarios. The economic sustainability assessment results showed that ERH-SEE was more sustainable than ERH only, as it reduces direct economic costs by 35.7 % and provides higher levels of worker employment. Regarding the social sustainability, ERH-SEE involved more complex operational procedures and presented more health risk exposure scenarios compared to ERH only, resulting in slightly more pronounced worker safety issues. Based on the final normalized results, the overall sustainability results of ERH-SEE and ERH only were 78.4 and 61.5, respectively, demonstrating that the sustainability performance of ERH-SEE was better than ERH only. It can be concluded that the application of ERH-SEE in groundwater remediation where significant heterogeneities occur in subsurface can increase the sustainability in developing countries, due to the lower percentage in renewable electricity in the energy supply. This study provided new insights into the technology development for the remediation of soil and groundwater contamination.

Innovative PEEK in Dentistry of Enhanced Adhesion and Sustainability through AI-Driven Surface Treatments.

This research investigates using Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) in dental prosthetics, focusing on enhancing the mechanical properties, adhesion capabilities, and environmental sustainability through AI-driven data analysis and advanced surface treatments. The objectives include improving PEEK's adhesion to dental types of cement, assessing its biocompatibility, and evaluating its environmental impact compared to traditional materials. The methodologies employed involve surface treatments such as plasma treatment and chemical etching, mechanical testing under ASTM standards, biocompatibility assessments, and lifecycle analysis. AI models predict and optimize mechanical properties based on extensive data. Significant findings indicate that surface-treated PEEK exhibits superior adhesion properties, maintaining robust mechanical integrity with no cytotoxic effects and supporting its use in direct contact with human tissues. Lifecycle analysis suggests PEEK offers a reduced environmental footprint due to lower energy-intensive production processes and recyclability. AI-driven analysis further enhances the material's performance prediction and optimization, ensuring better clinical outcomes. The study concludes that with improved surface treatments and AI optimization, PEEK is a promising alternative to conventional dental materials, combining enhanced performance with environmental sustainability, paving the way for broader acceptance in dental applications.

Ecological consciousness, moral self-identity and green conspicuous behavior: Moderating role of religiosity

Due to its substantial ecological imprint, the fashion industry is coming under closer examination in a time of increased environmental awareness. Therefore, the interplay of ecological awareness and sustainable consumption in the fashion industry is the focus of this empirical research. This study examines the mediating role of empowerment and self-transformation between moral self-identity, ecological consciousness consumer behavior (ECCB), and consumers' purchase behaviors, along with the moderating role of religiosity. Under the Value Belief Norm theory paradigm, the hypotheses were assessed after collecting data from 542 consumers in Pakistan. The results indicate that empowerment and self-transformation mediate the relationship between self-identity and ECCB with consumers' purchase behaviors. Also, the results provide strong support for religiosity as the boundary condition. The empirical results add to the body of research by illuminating the complex relationship between environmental consciousness and actual spending behaviors, particularly in the context of fashion.

459 A new approach to measuring dry matter intake, from drylot to pasture: Activities of the alliance for regenerative livestock

Abstract The current state of feed intake measurement for cattle in confinement relies on expensive monitoring systems. There is no effective method for measuring feed intake in grazing animals. To address these limitations, our research aims to tap into the potential of passively collected data, such as data from the Internet of Things (IoT), to address practical challenges in animal agriculture. This includes improving livestock management, optimizing resource allocation, and reducing ecological footprints. The benefits of our research extend beyond improved livestock management to include reducing ecological footprints, such as water, carbon, and environmental footprints. Grazing livestock have a crucial role in nutrient cycling in grasslands and advancing more sustainable livestock production systems. This requires innovation of research methods for quantifying intakes of animals housed in a variety of systems including confinement facilities that lack expensive feed intake systems and for grazing animals. Currently, the industry standard for determining feed intake are equations published in the Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (NASEM, 2016). Our recent efforts using machine learning approaches (Blake et al., 2023) dramatically outperforms the equations. Using the same dataset, the NASEM (2016) approach overestimates intake by 34%. We have developed a predictive algorithm utilizing data collected from animals in confinement where individual feed intake (ground truth) is known. We have developed machine learning models such as Repeated Measures Random Forests (RMRF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) to better predict feed intake in confined cattle. We have also used these predictive algorithms to determine feed intake of grazing animals and animals in confinement without feed intake systems and validated the predictive value of the approach.

463 Cyber-Physical Systems with robots and AI for precision dairy farming

Abstract The emergence of precision livestock farming (PLF) offers a transformative lens through which to prioritize animal welfare. At the heart of this transformation lies the rumen, a complex microbial ecosystem within dairy cows responsible for converting feed into nutrients and impacting cow health, productivity, and environmental footprint. Despite its pivotal role, our understanding of the inner workings of the rumen remains limited due to a lack of real-time monitoring tools. My research leverages AI and robotics in PLF to address this gap, focusing on developing a closed-loop system for continuous, in-vivo rumen monitoring. This system employs cyber-physical systems (CPS) embedded with modular sensors and adaptive algorithms. These sensor modules, powered by AI-based data tracking, autonomously monitor rumen temperature, humidity, pressure, and methane concentration, enabling early detection of imbalances and prompt interventions to maintain optimal rumen health. A key innovation is the self-powered in-vivo robot capable of traversing the rumen’s stratified layers. Guided by AI-powered localization, this robot unlocks unparalleled access to new data, aiding in identifying specific regions associated with conditions like subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and methane production. This non-invasive approach eliminates the need for traditional cannulation, minimizing stress on the animal and opening new avenues for animal scientists. The impact of this research extends beyond individual cow health. By optimizing rumen function, we can improve feed efficiency, reduce methane emissions, and promote overall sustainability in dairy farming. Additionally, real-time data insights pave the way for precision nutrition, tailored interventions, and improved disease prevention, directly enhancing animal welfare. This novel approach to rumen monitoring represents a significant step towards realizing the full potential of PLF. By integrating AI and robotics, we can usher in a future where animal welfare and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand, ultimately contributing to a more responsible and ethical dairy industry.

72 Environmental impacts associated with the removal of productivity enhancing technologies from three different post-weaning feed management strategies in Saskatchewan: A case study

Abstract The purpose of this research was to examine the use of productivity enhancing technologies (PETs) and post-weaning management on the environmental impacts of beef steers in western Canada. The PETs considered in the current study included ionophores (i.e., monensin, 33 ppm) and hormone implants (i.e., Ralgro, 36 mg zeranol). The production management systems considered were direct finishing (Heavy), confined backgrounding prior to finishing (Medium), and confined and pasture-based backgrounding prior to finishing (Light). The objectives were to model and compare environmental outcomes [greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), ammonia (NH3) emissions, land requirements and water use] using a whole-farm perspective and better understand the environmental footprint of the Canadian beef industry. Compared with natural steers, PETs led to a 10 to 13% reduction in GHG emissions (CO2e kgּ boneless beef-1), a 10 to 32% decrease in NH3 emissions (kg NH3ּּ kg boneless beef-1), a 9 to 22% reduction in land use (haּ kg boneless beef-1) and 12 to 25% decrease in water (m3ּ kg boneless beef-1) use. Direct finishing compared with backgrounded, and 2-stage backgrounded steers reduced GHG by 32% and 39% kg CO2eּ kg boneless beef-1, NH3 emissions by 36% and 52% kg NH3ּ kg boneless beef-1, land requirements by 25% and 73% haּ kg boneless beef-1 and water use by 18% and 51% m3ּ kg boneless beef-1, respectively. Varying post-weaning strategies allows producers to value-add (additional weight through backgrounding) and maximize the use of available feed (grazing). The full environmental impacts of removal of PETs from Canadian beef production must consider a whole-systems approach including economic viability, ecosystem services, as well as consumer demand and social acceptance.

LCA analysis for assessing environmenstal sustainability of new biobased chemicals by valorising citrus waste

The global shift towards using biomass for biofuels and chemicals is accelerating due to increasing environmental concerns and geopolitical strategies. This study investigates a biorefinery model using citrus-processing-waste, specifically citrus pulp, to produce high-value products for various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, flavours, fragrances, and food packaging. In Italy, particularly Sicily region, citrus processing generates significant amounts of waste, often improperly disposed of, contributing to environmental problems. Researchers have demonstrated that citrus waste can yield commercially valuable compounds. This study specifically focuses on orange peel waste (OPW), which constitutes about half of the fruit's weight, aiming to extract pectin and limonene through a combined process. The extraction process was carried out on a laboratory scale, and its sustainability was evaluated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) with SimaPro 8.1 software and the Impact 2002 + method. The functional unit adopted for this study is 300 g of OPW, obtained after the pre-treatment phase, from which 0.14 g of limonene and 8.22 g of pectin were extracted. The LCA results revealed that pectin extraction has a significantly higher environmental impact compared to limonene extraction, primarily due to the use of ethanol as a solvent, followed by electricity consumption. To mitigate this impact, the LCA assessed alternative, more sustainable solvents, resulting in a 73.4% reduction in the environmental footprint of the pectin extraction process. These findings underscore the critical role of LCA, even at the laboratory scale, in identifying environmental hotspots and providing insights for improving and optimizing processes for potential industrial-scale applications.

452 Data-driven strategic sustainability initiatives of beef and dairy genetics consortiums: A comprehensive landscape analysis for USA, Brazil, and Europe

Abstract The past two decades have witnessed beef and dairy genetic consortiums implementing data-driven germplasm propagation programs in global cattle systems. These programs optimize for multi-dimensional economic, environmental, and animal welfare related sustainability goals and are driven by consumer demands and shifts in supply chains. To summarize these programs and gain insights into the sustainability journey of industry, we did a comprehensive landscape analysis of the strategic initiatives of key global genetics companies, their germplasm offerings, and data platforms offered in three major cattle producing geographies, namely the USA, Brazil, and Europe. Within these locales, they followed selection index-based genomic and reproductive management strategies for both beef, dairy, and beef-on-dairy production, tailored to relevant market and climatic conditions (Figure 1). While individual traits in selection indices ranged between 40 to 90 traits, all traits could be broadly grouped into three: namely production, longevity, health and reproduction. In the USA, companies like ABS Global, Select Sires, Genex Cooperative, STGenetics, Zoetis, Vytelle offer genomic selection programs encompassing germplasm products, and genetic and production data tracking platforms across the beef, dairy, and beef-on-dairy value chains. These companies have implemented reproductive management programs such as in-vitro fertilized embryo transfer, sexed semen, along with genomic selection with a focus on future replacements based on multi-trait sustainability indices. These initiatives are customized for each of the cow-calf, backgrounding, and feedlot sector of beef production. In dairy, these companies have diversified data-driven production programs customizable to conventional and organic production systems. In Europe, companies like CRV, Viking Genetics, and Alta Genetics prioritize traits related to resource efficiency, animal welfare and environmental impact. Semen companies also offer data management tools tailored to European market requirements, alongside services for on-farm semen production and storage to reduce transportation-related emissions. In Brazil, companies such as ABS Pecplan, CRV Brazil, and Semex Brazil, developed herd management solutions focusing on traits like heat tolerance, tropical environmental adaptability, and disease resistance. The landscape analysis revealed a dynamic industry, evolving to meet sustainability goals and market demands. These enterprises collaborate with stakeholders across the value chain, including producers, policymakers, and industry associations, to scale data-driven production systems that balance profitability and environmental footprint of cattle production. As such, they have positioned themselves to capitalize on the growing interest in sustainable livestock production practices worldwide by aligning scientific and technical strategies with evolving regulatory requirements and consumer demands. The global cattle industry is positioned to venture forward by leveraging niche carbon markets and new marketing channels propelled by emerging principles of environmental, social, and corporate governance. Strategic germplasm and data-tracking platform initiatives by these groups thus become an integral part of the livestock sustainability solution palette and will contribute its share to a climate-neutral Earth by 2050.

Wave energy assessment and wave converter applicability at the Pacific coast of Central America

Nowadays, numerous governments have instituted diverse regulatory frameworks aimed at fostering the assimilation of sustainable energy sources characterized by reduced environmental footprints. Solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean energies were subject to extensive scrutiny, owing to their ecological merits. However, these sources exhibit pronounced temporal fluctuations. Notably, ocean dynamics offer vast energy reservoirs, with oceanic waves containing significant amounts of energy. In the Central American Pacific context, the exploration of wave energy resources is currently underway. Accurate numerical wave models are required for applied studies such as those focused on the estimation of exploitable wave power; and even more so in Central American region of the Pacific Ocean where existing numerical models simulations have so far relied on coarse resolution and limited validation field data. This work presents a high-resolution unstructured wave hindcast over the Central American Pacific region, implemented using the third-generation spectral wave model WAVEWATCH III over the period between 1979 and 2021. The results of the significant wave height have been bias-corrected on the basis of satellite information spanning 2005 to 2015, and further validation was performed using wave buoy and acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) records located in the nearshore region of the Central America Pacific coast. After correction and validation of the wave hindcast, we employed the dataset for the evaluation and assessment of wave energy and its possible exploitation using different wave energy converters (WECs). This evaluation addressed the need to diverse the energy portfolio within the exclusive economic zones of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador in a sustainable manner. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis was carried out on the advantages of harnessing wave energy, juxtaposed with the imperative of regulatory frameworks and the current dearth of economic and environmental guidelines requisite for development within the region.

447 Ex-food4feed: Keeping nutrients in the food chain - Sponsored by EAAP

Abstract The growing world population and rising income in developing countries create more demand for animal products. However, natural resources such as land, water, and nutrients are not boundless. As a consequence, competition of resources in food and feed production is an issue to be confronted with. One promising solution is relocating food losses into animal feeding, propelling the course of sustainability and circular economy in the livestock sector. Given this scenario, former food products (FFPs) represent great opportunities. Instead of ending up in landfill or compost, a better destination for FFPs is to be used as feedstuffs to replace traditional ingredients. FFPs are foodstuffs not accepted by the human market but have several advantages enabling them to enter swine feeding programs. FFPs are mainly composed of processed and ready-to-eat food products such as snacks and bakery goods. Thanks to industrial processing and their product type nature, FFPs are rich in easily digestible starch, simple sugars, fat, and energy contents comparable with cereal grains. Based on their nutritional features, these materials are extremely rich in carbohydrates, free sugars and, depending on their origin, also in fats. In addition, FFPs are often characterized by a high degree of processing including technological and heat treatments which can affect not only the availability of nutrients and the kinetics of digestion, but also gastro-intestinal health and animal response. On fresh matter basis, FFPs can substitute conventional feed ingredients up to 30 % in the diets of pigs. Starting from post-weaning piglets, FFP-based diet is able to maintain piglet growth without substantial effects on hindgut microbiota. In growing-finishing pigs, FFP-based diets at a 30 % inclusion level support growth performance of pigs without altering their nutrient and energy deposition efficiency, live body and carcass composition, and general meat quality traits. When considering liver proteome and plasma peptidome of pigs fed such diets, minor modulation occurs. To sum up, while maintaining the performance and wellbeing of pigs, the use of FFPs up to 30 % to replace classic feedstuffs represents a great potential in: i) mitigating food-feed competition, ii) re-distributing valuable food losses to livestock sector to produce animal protein, and iii) reducing environmental footprints resulting from animal production. All these aspects point out important concepts under the principles of circular economy and resilience enhancement in livestock farming, namely, making the most of resources to build a regenerative food system.

Does artificial intelligence affect the ecological footprint? –Evidence from 30 provinces in China

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology serves as a powerful tool to optimize energy efficiency and lessen ecological footprints. Using data from 30 provinces in China over the period from 2018 to 2022, this study investigates how regional AI development affects the per capita ecological footprint and explores the underlying mechanisms. The results show that: (1) Regional AI development can significantly decrease the ecological footprint, and this conclusion remains robust after a series of robustness checks. (2) Mediation effect analysis indicates that AI technology mainly decreases the ecological footprint by improving energy utilization efficiency. (3) The panel threshold model results show that AI's influence on the ecological footprint has a single energy efficiency threshold. Only when regional energy efficiency exceeds a certain threshold can AI fully exert its suppressive effect on the ecological footprint. (4) Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that the reduction effect of AI on the ecological footprint is more pronounced in the central and eastern regions of China. This paper helps clarify the specific impact of AI technology development on the ecological footprint and provides scientific evidence for regional technology development, energy efficiency improvement, and ecological environment policy formulation.