Environmental Technology Research Articles

Potential of cyclodextrin-based formulations of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils in the control of the date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Pyralidae)

ABSTRACT Recently essential oils (EOs) encapsulation is experiencing growing applications in agricultural and agri-food sector. Encapsulation is reported as safe environmental technology leading to a reduction of conventional insecticides use. This study concerns the assessment of fumigant toxicity and persistence of Rosmarinus officinalis EO encapsulated in two cyclodextrins β-CD and HP-β-CD against larvae of the date moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae. The retention capacity, encapsulation efficacy, loading capacity and release behavior of the two inclusion complexes were investigated. Results showed that two studied CDs had in important retention capacity. Additionally, the encapsulation within CDs delayed the release of rosemary EO bioactive components; which explains the effectiveness of the encapsulated rosemary EO in CDs against E. ceratoniae fifth instars larvae. Furthermore, the encapsulation in the two CDs improved the persistence of the insecticidal toxicity. This study supports the use of cyclodextrins, mainly HP-β-CD, in the date industry for the control of insect pests.

The Implementation of Technology in School Learning Over the Last 50 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Scopus Database

This research aims to analyze research trends in the field of technology use in the school environment. Using predetermined keywords, researchers selected documents using the PRISMA method and obtained 599 final documents which were analyzed using the R Program Biblioshiny, Publish or Perish 8, and VOSviewer to map trends in research results with bibliometric analysis. From this analysis it can be concluded that research on the use of technology in the school environment began in 1974 until 2024 with peak publications in 2023 and peak citations in 2018. The United States is the most productive country in the field of most productive countries. Nanyang Technological University is the most productive affiliate, recording the highest number of publications. Journal Q1 "Computers and Education" is the most productive journal with the highest h-index. Hyuksoo Kwon from the Republic of Korea is the writer with the highest h-index. The publication with the highest citations. There are 11 keyword clusters, with the keywords "Artificial Intelligence", “Programming”, “Digitization”, “Online Learning”, “Augmented Reality”, and “Cloud Computing” being the next recommended keywords if you want to do research in the field of use technology in the school environment.

Integrating digital technologies into teaching embodied knowledge in the context of physical examination.

There is a growing presence of digital technologies in clinical learning environments. However, there is little research into how such technologies shape embodied teaching and learning for health professional students. This study aims to explore current teaching practices in health disciplines to illuminate how digital technologies are used to facilitate the development of embodied knowledge during student learning of physical examination. A qualitative interpretive approach was undertaken, sensitised by body pedagogics as a theoretical frame. In-depth interviews with 18 clinical educators across the disciplines of medicine, physiotherapy, midwifery and nursing were held. These interviews explored their current practices for teaching physical examination. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis combined with a 'thinking with theory' approach, in which the theoretical framework of body pedagogics was central to guiding the reflexive and interpretative process. We interpreted a framework of five approaches where digital technologies are used to develop bodily knowledge: for sensate knowing; for modelling; for rehearsing; for guiding practice and for providing feedback information. Findings suggest that in current teaching practices, digital technology may be used to facilitate multiple essential elements of physical examination instruction. We conceptualised a framework that extends body pedagogics, where we recognise the multiple roles of digital technology for developing bodily knowledge in the context of physical examination.

Integrated Optics Waveguides and Mesoporous Oxides for the Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compound Traces in the Mid-Infrared.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an ever-growing hazard for health and environment due to their increased emissions and accumulation in the air. Quantum cascade laser-based infrared (QCL-IR) sensors hold significant promise for gas monitoring, thanks to their compact, rugged design, high laser intensity, and high molecule-specific detection capabilities within the mid-infrared spectrum's fingerprint region. In this work, tunable external cavity QCLs were complemented by an innovative germanium-on-silicon integrated optics waveguide sensing platform with integrated microlenses for efficient backside optical interfacing for the tunable laser spectrometer. The waveguide chip was coated with a mesoporous silica coating, thereby increasing the signal by adsorptive enhancement of VOCs while at the same time limiting water vapor interferences. Different least square fitting methods were explored to deconvolute the resulting spectra, showing subparts-per-million by volume (sub-ppmv) limits of detection and enrichment factors of up to 22 000 while keeping the footprint of the setup small (29 × 23 × 11 cm³). Finally, a use-case simulation for the continuous detection of VOCs in a process analytical technology environment confirmed the high potential of the technique for the monitoring of contaminants. By successfully demonstrating the use of photonic waveguides for the monitoring of VOCs, this work offers a promising avenue for the further development of fully integrated sensors on a chip.

Measuring the Connection Between Open Innovation, Dynamic Capabilities, and LinkedIn in Tech-Based Companies

AbstractOrganizations face challenges in acquiring the necessary expertise and dynamic capabilities (DCs) to rapidly develop products and services due to the current technological environment. Open innovation (OI) offers greater flexibility by enabling cooperation with external partners and motivating personnel to adopt new business approaches. Social media can play a crucial role in this strategy, providing valuable information that can enhance the performance of innovation projects by accessing market insights and innovative technical solutions. The article aims to analyze how social media and OI strategy, integrated with DCs, can enhance business opportunities and challenges. This research proposes an analytical framework contributing to literature and theory on using social media analysis to gauge innovation strategy implementation and contrast it with DC theory. It provides a comprehensive framework addressing essential characteristics to navigate changing scenarios by using an innovative method (netnography) to understand and measure companies’ interaction on social media, utilizing primary data (surveys on openness to innovation) and secondary data (LinkedIn data analyzed through machine learning and natural language processing). The empirical section of the paper quantifies the strategic advantages of OI and DCs with a focus on eight innovative multinational tech-based corporations, analyzing their “degree of openness” and adaptability. Organizations that are more open and accumulate integrated knowledge gain competitive advantages, enhancing their ability to innovate, coordinate, rapidly market, and respond to market changes, demonstrating the development of DC alongside OI. Managerial implications relate to the need to match OI strategy with DCs associated with social media.

Unlocking Innovation, Enabling Sustainability: A Policy Framework for System‐Wide Change

ABSTRACTThis study aims to provide comprehensive guidelines for effective and sustainable system‐wide transformation in innovation policies by considering emerging challenges and trends. For effective survival and growth in advanced technological environment and fast‐changing market environment, changes and innovation are integral for organizational structure. Our suggested framework explores the key challenges facing to contemporary innovation systems; these challenges are experimentation, demand assessment, directionality, coordination and learning. This also study considers the generic features of innovation systems like actor's capabilities and interest, network and proper institutional set‐up. These three generic features can translate experimentation, demand articulation, directionality, coordination and learning to quantifiable and make them policy analysis oriented. Our proposed framework advocates that organization innovation policy should consider actor, network and institution‐focused models. Otherwise, the transformational change will be overly abstract, a non‐actionable policy agenda, and unable to provide a complete picture of challenges at the operational level.

Revealing the effects of industrial structure upgrading and environmental technologies on environmental quality: Evidence from Asia

Revealing the effects of industrial structure upgrading and environmental technologies on environmental quality: Evidence from Asia

RECEIVING AND ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOCARBON MATERIALS FROM HOUSEHOLD WASTE

The aim of this research is the development of new carbon materials based on agricultural waste and a detailed study of their physicochemical properties, which allows to evaluate the potential directions of use of these materials in industry and environmental technologies. Within the framework of the work, four types of waste were chosen, in particular, wood sawdust, apple cake, as well as wheat and corn husks, which are widely available and rarely used as raw materials for creating adsorbents. The selected materials were subjected to the process of pyrolysis at a temperature of 500°C for one hour, which effectively preserves the porous structure of the material and improves its adsorption properties. The obtained samples of biocarbon materials were analyzed using nitrogen porosimetry, which made it possible to determine their adsorption potential, porosity, and total surface area. The results of the study showed a significant difference in the adsorption capacity of the samples, depending on the type of raw material. The sample based on corn husk demonstrated the highest adsorption activity, which indicates its potential for water purification from various types of pollution, including organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals and other toxic substances. In addition, an additional analysis of the samples was carried out in order to assess their potential in other industries. In particular, the revealed porosity and surface area of ​​the materials allow us to consider them as promising components for filtration systems, catalysts in chemical reactions, materials for energy storage, as well as means for environmental protection and environmental restoration. The results of the study confirm that the use of agricultural waste for the creation of functional carbon materials is not only economically beneficial, but also an ecologically appropriate approach, which contributes to reducing the amount of waste and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.

Is Sustainable Innovation an Impetus to Sustainable Development Goals? Evidence From the EU

ABSTRACTInnovations in environmental technology are essential to address sustainability challenges. This study examines the sustainable development goals (SDGs) relationship with environmental technological innovation (ETI) in EU countries during 2000–2022, using a panel bootstrap causality approach. The result indicates bidirectional causality between SDGs and ETI. Furthermore, the findings indicate that SDGs have a causal impact on ETI in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. Similarly, ETI has a significant influence on SDGs in Austria, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. However, the remaining countries have no causal relationship between SDGs and ETI. The robust results further validate and confirm the reliability of the main findings, supporting the theoretical framework. Policymakers should incorporate the principles of SDGs into national innovation programs, providing targeted financing, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to support initiatives that align with SDGs.

Facilitating Rapid OH-/H2O Transport in Anion Exchange Membranes via Ultra-Stable Heteroatom-free Micropores.

Efficient OH- conduction in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is pivotal for the advancement and industrialization of sustainable electrochemical technologies in alkaline environments, including water electrolysis, fuel cells, and CO2 electroreduction. We here designed AEMs with a novel class of rigid heteroatom-free micropores (HFMs), engineered at the molecular level to facilitate rapid ionic transport in an ultra-stable manner. By manipulating monomers, our design strategically controls the torsional angles and energy barriers within the polymeric backbones, creating sub-nanometer ionic channels that precisely regulate porosity. These hydrophilic micropores significantly enhance the mobility of OH-/H2O, achieving over a 150% increase in self-diffusion coefficient compared to commercial AEMs and elevating OH- conductivity to a leading 215 mS cm-1 at 80 °C. Moreover, the robust carbon-carbon bond construction in HFMs offers the stability that is four orders of magnitude higher under severe alkaline conditions compared to existing wisdoms, with a demonstrated operational lifespan of over 4000 hours. The integration of HFM-AEMs into water electrolyzers not only supports the use of platinum group metal-free catalysts but also exhibits exceptional energy efficiency and extended durability, highlighting their substantial potential for wide-ranging applications in emerging electrochemical technologies.

Facilitating Rapid OH‐/H2O Transport in Anion Exchange Membranes via Ultra‐Stable Heteroatom‐free Micropores

Efficient OH‐ conduction in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is pivotal for the advancement and industrialization of sustainable electrochemical technologies in alkaline environments, including water electrolysis, fuel cells, and CO2 electroreduction. We here designed AEMs with a novel class of rigid heteroatom‐free micropores (HFMs), engineered at the molecular level to facilitate rapid ionic transport in an ultra‐stable manner. By manipulating monomers, our design strategically controls the torsional angles and energy barriers within the polymeric backbones, creating sub‐nanometer ionic channels that precisely regulate porosity. These hydrophilic micropores significantly enhance the mobility of OH‐/H2O, achieving over a 150% increase in self‐diffusion coefficient compared to commercial AEMs and elevating OH‐ conductivity to a leading 215 mS cm‐1 at 80 °C. Moreover, the robust carbon‐carbon bond construction in HFMs offers the stability that is four orders of magnitude higher under severe alkaline conditions compared to existing wisdoms, with a demonstrated operational lifespan of over 4000 hours. The integration of HFM‐AEMs into water electrolyzers not only supports the use of platinum group metal‐free catalysts but also exhibits exceptional energy efficiency and extended durability, highlighting their substantial potential for wide‐ranging applications in emerging electrochemical technologies.

Local Business Environment – Theory, Practice: Case Study in Thanh Hoa Province

The prevailing business environment in a region or locality has a significant impact on the performance of businesses in that region or locality. A healthy business environment can not only enhance the growth and success of businesses, but also enhance their ability to sustain and develop sustainably in the locality. The literature review shows that a small number of empirical studies have examined the local business environment. This study attempts to highlight the factors that make up the business environment in provincial localities, as well as clarify the level of satisfaction that entrepreneurs themselves receive from them. For the purpose of the survey, information was provided by 156 entrepreneurs from Thanh Hoa province, who assessed the level of improvement in the local business environment using a 5-point Likert scale, a type of personal interview scale. Principal component analysis of 6 factors showed that factors related to the economic environment, local legal and institutional environment were assessed to have a higher level of influence on improving the local business environment than the group of factors related to the local science, technology and socio-cultural environment.

Performance and land characteristics of brackishwater pond to support sustainability of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture intensive technology.

Intensive technology Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture has been applied in Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi Province, but information on the performance of Pacific white shrimp culture and the land characteristics or environment of the pond has not yet been obtained. The research purposes are to find out the performance and the land characteristics or environment of Pacific white shrimp culture intensive technology to serve as a basis for determining the culture development. Five transects perpendicular to the shoreline and three transects parallel to the coastline, or 15 water sample stations, were identified in the field. Other data was obtained from the extraction of Sentinel-2 and SPOT (Satellite pour l'Observation de la Terre) satellite imagery 7. The size of intensive technology Pacific white shrimp culture ponds in Bulukumba Regency ranges from 1600 to 5000 m2 which is stocked with fry with a stocking density of 100-300 ind./m2 which can produce 12.0-50.0 tons/ha/cycle after rearing for 100-142daysof culture with a food conversion ratio of 1.2:1-2.0:1. The land characteristics of intensive technology Pacific white shrimp culture ponds in Bulukumba Regency are characterized by elevation from 10.0 to 20.0m above sea level, wavy topography, tidal range between 1.35 and 1.70m, dominated by Latosol or Cambisol and Alfisol or Mediterranean soil great groups, the quality of the source water can generally support Pacific white shrimp culture, and the annual rainfall is from 1341 to 1763mm and it is not built on former mangrove land. It is recommended that existing Pacific white shrimp culture ponds increase the capacity and capability of their wastewater treatment plant ponds and implement better water management and feed management so that the quality of wastewater from intensive technology Pacific white shrimp culture ponds can also be better so that productivity can be increased and sustainable.

Gallium Oxide and Its Applications in Electronics: An Overview

Gallium oxide (Ga₂ O₃ ), a semiconductor, has recently attracted the attention of many researchers and specialists due to its large band gap and thermal stability, which has made it widely used in several fields, including modern electronics and optoelectronics. In this paper, the many forms and properties of gallium oxide materials will be highlighted, as well as a complete analysis of their distinctive properties. The synthesis and fabrication procedures will also be discussed, which may shed light on the problems and progress made in this field. Some of the most common applications of gallium oxide will also be explored, including flash memory devices and gas sensors, in addition to its future use in data storage and environmental monitoring technology. In addition, an overview of the commercial prospects will be provided, with expectations indicating significant growth in the market, with an estimated increase of 44% by 2033, which will contribute significantly to the semiconductor industry.

Influence of Generative Artificial Intelligence on HR Practices: The Role of Innovation Climate

This research uses the Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory postulating that organizational success is a product of social and technical sub-systems, and examine the effects of generative AI on the HR practices. Furthermore, the study focuses on the mediating role of innovation climate on the relationship between generative AI and HR practices in the hospitality sector. A sample of 327 participants is selected by a convenient sampling technique from hotel employees. The data is collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results of the study bring essential insights into the interactions between technological dynamics and organizational environments in the case of HR functions in the technology oriented world. Findings shows that generative AI has a massive positive impact on the HR practices and innovation climate positively influence HR Practices. This finding supports the notion that Innovation Climate mediate the relation between generative AI and HR practices. The findings imply that generative AI improves HR Practices but that its full potential is unlocked with a robust innovation climate. The study’s findings contain practical and managerial implications for professionals, managers, and leaders as well as policymakers who desire to improve HR practice and create an innovative environment using generative AI. To attain benefits, HR leaders need to spend as much as they can on the AI driven tools which is capable of doing these processes but handles HR teams to work together to benefit from AI.

Generalization Process of the Integrated Mathematical Model Created for the Development of the Production Geometry of Complicated Surfaces

Computer modelling of technical constructions is increasingly carried out using software that includes more detailed knowledge, which requires an increase in the level as well as an expansion of the scope of the geometric knowledge. A significant part of motion transmission mechanisms are worm drive pairs, for which the separation of the parts dealing with the theoretical and practical problems found in the literature can be experienced in numerous instances. Due to the different technical features, in many cases the helical surfaces are not designed and manufactured in a geometrically correct way, or the best solution is not the compulsory chosen. The geometric model describing the production process of the worm surfaces provides the basis for examining the deviation between the surface mathematically determined by the designer and the surface produced. An integrated mathematical kinematic model was developed for the production geometrical analysis of the elements of cylindrical and conical worm gear drive pairs for machining with a traditional thread grinding machine, which causes a serious pitch fluctuating error among several other problems in the case of machining the conical worm. Modelling of the production process of surfaces and the simultaneous study of the manufacturing errors is basically performed with the toolbox of descriptive geometry, including the use of the projective invariants. Knowing the inheritance of the invariants of projective geometry, the aim was the mathematical generalization of the integrated model and the creation of a projective relationship between the reference surfaces of conical and cylindrical spiral surfaces. As a result, the improved constructive geometric model was created, in which the method of analytically creating the projective geometric relationship between the reference surfaces of conical and cylindrical helicoid surfaces has been described for the first time in this article. This procedure is considered the most important result of the present article. Another significance of the further development presented is that during production of the conical helicoid surface, the thread pitch fluctuation has been eliminated. The results obtained, consisting of an improved geometric model, lead to a new geometry of the technological environment regarding the relative position of the cutting tool and the workpiece as well as the relative motion between them.

Path Analysis of The Carbon Market's Impact on Corporate Carbon Emission Reduction

The focus of this study is to explore how carbon markets have been effective in motivating companies to reduce carbon emissions globally. Through the setting of emission quotas and a series of fair and strict trading rules, the carbon market not only stimulates the intrinsic motivation of enterprises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also pushes forward climate governance on a global scale. This paper elaborates on the theoretical basis and operational mechanism of the carbon market, especially its key role in facilitating enterprises to reduce emissions through economic incentives, improving their ability to comply with environmental regulations, creating more market access opportunities, promoting innovation in environmental technologies, and enhancing the green brand image of enterprises in the eyes of the public. This study aims to provide insights for business managers to help them optimize their carbon reduction strategies and references for policymakers to promote corporate emissions reduction more efficiently and accurately when formulating relevant policies to jointly address global climate change challenges.

Impact of environmental policies, regulations, technologies, and renewable energy on environmental sustainability in China’s textile and fashion industry

Impact of environmental policies, regulations, technologies, and renewable energy on environmental sustainability in China’s textile and fashion industry

Assessing the economic performance of agrivoltaic systems in vineyards – framework development, simulated scenarios and directions for future research

IntroductionThis paper introduces a framework for assessing the economic performance of agrivoltaic systems (AVS) in vineyards. The study aims to classify factors influencing the profitability of integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems with viticultural practices, emphasizing potential synergistic benefits. Focused on the geographic and climatic conditions of Geisenheim, Germany—home to the first AVS installation in viticulture in Germany—the framework highlights the need to explore economic and operational parameters to assess AVS feasibility.MethodsThe study operationalized its framework by simulating various scenarios based on key variables such as capital expenditures (CAPEX), operational expenditures (OPEX), and revenue streams from grape and energy production. Key factors considered included solar radiation, panel transparency, and regulatory impacts. Scenarios evaluated included: i) Configurations with fully opaque and semi-transparent PV modules. Ii) Adjustments for full mechanization of viticulture practices. Iii) Self-consumption of the produced energy. The framework employed these simulations to evaluate economic outcomes and identify profitability determinants under different conditions.ResultsFindings indicate that under current conditions in Germany, AVS systems are not economically viable for widespread adoption. Key results include: Economic Outcomes: High initial costs (CAPEX) and insufficient revenue from combined grape and energy production lead to negative net present values over a 20-year period across all simulated scenarios. Profitability Determinants: CAPEX and energy prices emerged as critical factors, while viticulture-related costs and revenues had a minor impact on overall profitability. Potential Improvements: Scenarios incorporating multiple positive changes—such as premium wine pricing, higher feed-in tariffs, and increased self-consumption of energy—demonstrated potential for economic feasibility.DiscussionThe study underscores that high CAPEX and low revenues from grape and energy production are the main barriers to AVS profitability. For AVS systems to achieve economic sustainability, substantial reductions in installation costs, increases in energy prices, or technological advances in efficiency are required. Promising configurations combining multiple favorable changes suggest a pathway toward economic feasibility but highlight the need for further development and innovation. The framework provides valuable guidance for future research and investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of: i) Long-term Trials: To evaluate viticultural impacts and synergistic benefits. Ii) Dynamic Models: Incorporating evolving revenue streams, cost structures, and regulatory impacts. iii) Broad Assessments: Exploring the environmental and social benefits of AVS alongside economic performance. Continuous updates to the framework will ensure its relevance, reflecting advancements in PV technology, viticultural practices, and policy environments. This approach will help bridge the gap between renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

Using virtual reality simulation to address racism in a healthcare setting

Racism continues to plague Western societies’ institutions, including the healthcare system. Despite the evidence of racism’s negative impacts on healthcare providers, administrators, patients, and families, healthcare workers report hesitancy in taking action to address racism in the workplace. Simulation, with its experiential pedagogy and foundation in psychological safety, may be an educational tool to support practical training. Guided by a social cognitive view of regulation of learning, we piloted virtual reality (VR) modules focused on addressing bias, privilege, and microaggressions. We used pre-/post-surveys, reflective journals, built-in VR platform data, and simulation debriefing session notes to better understand the effectiveness and usability of these VR modules in our organization. Overall, participants found the VR modules highly valuable, and we noted a shift in participants’ reported intentions to take action to address racism in the workplace. Participants also noted the importance of a multifaceted plan that goes beyond education to ensure a meaningful culture shift toward addressing racism at work. Practical lessons from this pilot study included the necessity of an informed debriefing plan focused on participants’ positionality and power and the need to deeply understand our institution’s information technology (IT) environment to ensure successful deployment of VR technology.