Environmental Aspects Research Articles

Bioinspired Lignocellulose Foam: Exceptional Toughness and Thermal Insulation.

The biofoam exhibits significant advantages in environmental and sustainability aspects as an effective alternative to petrochemical foams; however, its limited mechanical stability seriously hinders its practical application. Herein, a synergistic strategy combining structural bionics and supramolecular cross-linking is proposed to fabricate a biodegradable lignocellulosic biofoam featuring a "pillar-spacer" microlattice texture, utilizing multiscale cellulose fibers (CFs) and sodium lignin sulfonate (SLS) as inspiration from the natural cuttlebone. Attributed to the robust interfacial bonding between nanoscale cellulose and SLS, akin to "rebar and cement", complemented by the mechanical support from cellulose microfibers, the CFs/SLS biofoam with a low density of 62 mg cm-3 exhibits a compression modulus of 6.56 MPa, nearly four times higher than that of the CF biofoam (1.67 MPa). Additionally, it exhibits excellent thermal insulation, boasting a remarkably low thermal conductivity of 0.046 W m-1 K-1, outperforming recently reported biofoams and plastic foams. Moreover, integrating a functional SiO2 nanocoating results in the SiO2@CFs/SLS foam, which delivers satisfactory flame retardation and smoke inhibition without compromising the mechanical strength or thermal insulation. This work highlights the potential for developing sustainable, eco-friendly, and mechanically robust biofoams for practical applications.

Fair energy transition: a comparative study in the Kyushu (Japan) and Santa Catarina (Brazil) regions

The Fair Energy Transition (FET) is defined as a process of change and momentum towards an economic model of low carbon emissions, which guarantees social equity, environmental sustainability, and the protection of human rights. The main objective of this study was to analyze and compare energy security indicators and identified the main public FET policies in the Kyushu region (Japan) and Santa Catarina (Brazil) focused on coal mining. Data on the internal supply, consumption, and external dependence on primary energy in Japan and Brazil (from 1970 to 2021/2022) were described. Electricity generation (from 2015 to 2022), supply and consumption by sector in Kyushu (2021) and Santa Catarina (2023) were also presented. The Shannon index was used as an indicator to assess fuel diversity. Coal mining activities and the main negative environmental impacts were addressed. The main public FET policies in the two countries and regions were described, analyzed, and compared. The key findings are non-renewable energy sources still occupy a significant position in both countries and regions. The Shannon index demonstrated that fuel diversity is greater in Brazil (Mean = 1.9) compared to Japan (Mean = 1.4), and in Kyushu (Mean = 0.9) compared to Santa Catarina (Mean = 0.8). Coal provides energy security and products for different industrial sectors and generates employment and income. However, it has several negative environmental and social effects. These results imply that the public transition policies aimed at coal mining must include social, economic, and environmental aspects, and involve different factors to be more representative, participatory, and democratic.

Sustainable Development Through Dynamic Emergency Evacuation Signage: A BIM- and VR-Based Analysis of Passenger Behavior

To explore the influence of emergency evacuation signs on passengers’ behavior during subway fires and to enhance evacuation efficiency sustainably, this study proposes a dynamic emergency evacuation sign scheme. Utilizing a building information modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) technology simulation platform, two schemes—current static signage and a novel dynamic signage system—are developed and evaluated. The research focuses on four scenarios combining varying crowd conditions (2:8 and 5:5) with signage types. Through experiments, we compare the performance of the current signage and the new dynamic signage in terms of evacuation efficiency and wayfinding difficulty. The results indicate that the dynamic identification system significantly improves evacuation efficiency, reduces incorrect route choices, and minimizes passenger confusion. Particularly in a complex scenario with a 2:8 crowd state, the dynamic signage effectively helps passengers avoid the negative impacts of group decision errors. Additionally, individual characteristics such as age, gender, spatial ability, and evacuation training experience significantly influence evacuation performance. By reducing risks, enhancing urban resilience, and optimizing evacuation processes, this study contributes to sustainable urban infrastructure safety. The findings provide a theoretical basis for designing sustainable emergency signage systems that address the social, economic, and environmental aspects of resilience in urban transportation.

Impact of Sustainable Financial Literacy and Digital Financial Inclusion on Women's Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intention

ABSTRACTThis study draws upon resource‐based theory to explore the effect of sustainable financial literacy on women's intentions to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship, focusing on digital financial inclusion as a mediating factor. Empirical data was collected from 266 female students from various esteemed Indian Institutes, and the research hypotheses were tested using partial least square structural equation modeling with the help of SmartPLS 4 software. The study revealed that sustainable financial literacy significantly impacts women's intention toward sustainable entrepreneurship. Additionally, digital financial inclusion partially mediates the relationship between sustainable financial literacy and entrepreneurial intent. These findings provide policymakers with a constructive model for implementing sustainability literacy to enhance generating intention among women to be involved in sustainable businesses that consider social and environmental aspects and not just profitability, contributing to achieving SDG and enhancing the nation's economic development.

Analysis of Sustainable Fisheries Marketing to Achieve SDGS (Sustainable Development Goals): A Study on SDG Integration in Fishery Product Marketing Practices

This research examines sustainable fisheries marketing strategies and their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on integrating SDGs into fishery product marketing practices. The study addresses the global challenge of overfishing and declining fish populations through a quantitative approach, surveying middle-up management personnel at PT. XYZ. Using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Square analysis, the research investigates the relationships between fish stock measurement, ecosystem impact assessment, and local community welfare in sustainable marketing practices. The findings demonstrate significant positive relationships between these environmental and social factors with sustainable marketing practices, which in turn influence SDG integration in the fisheries sector. The research contributes theoretically to sustainable marketing model development in fisheries and provides practical recommendations for industry stakeholders and policymakers. Results emphasize the importance of integrating environmental, social, and economic aspects in fisheries marketing strategies to achieve sustainable development objectives.

Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method for Evaluating and Ranking Renewable Energy Sources: A Case Study of Markazi Province

In the past ten years, electricity consumption in the Markazi province of Iran has risen discernibly, escalating from 40,568.7 MWh to 45,018 MWh, an annual growth rate of nearly 11%. In response to this surge and with a primary focus on mitigating air pollution and safeguarding the environment, there has been a notable emphasis on adopting clean energy sources. Now the question is, which one of our options is appropriate? Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques are widely utilized in evaluating energy technologies. These methods are valuable as they consider both positive and negative criteria, mirroring real-world scenarios. Additionally, each method in this approach has its distinct advantages and limitations. In this study, the ELECTRE method was employed alongside four overarching aspects, encompassing ten criteria, to select the optimal option. The Shannon entropy method was also used to evaluate the importance of each criterion for the ranking of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). The obtained weights revealed that the environmental aspect exerts the most significant influence on determining the optimal option. The conclusive findings of the research indicate that solar photovoltaics emerged as the optimal choice, with wind energy closely following in the ranking.

Assessing the Industrial Edge of the Lipase-Mediated Oxidation of 2,5-Diformylfuran to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid: Rotating Bed Reactors, an “Acyl-Donor-Free” Oxidation Concept, and Environmental Aspects

Assessing the Industrial Edge of the Lipase-Mediated Oxidation of 2,5-Diformylfuran to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid: Rotating Bed Reactors, an “Acyl-Donor-Free” Oxidation Concept, and Environmental Aspects

Sustainable Earthen Construction: A Meta-Analytical Review of Environmental, Mechanical, and Thermal Performance

This study examines the main earthen constructions—such as adobe, compressed earth blocks (CEBs), and rammed earth walls (REWs)—highlighting their potential to reduce the environmental impact compared to conventional materials. Through a systematic literature review (2013–2024) and a meta-analysis, the mechanical, thermal, and sustainability properties of these constructions are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the use of additives, such as stabilizers and fibers from various industrial and agro-industrial by-products, as leading actors influencing the mechanical and environmental performance of earthen constructions (EnCs). Remarkable improvements in the compressive and flexural strength are found, especially in stabilized CEBs and REWs, where strengths of up to 24 MPa are reached in certain mixtures, comparable to conventional materials such as concrete. However, the impact of these admixtures on environmental aspects, as measured through metrics such as the global warming potential (GWP), remains poorly documented. This review also shows that numerical methods like finite element modeling (FEM) have been crucial to modeling and predicting the performance of these materials, contributing to the understanding of their dynamic and structural responses. The findings suggest that, although CEB is currently the most studied onshore technique, future challenges include the standardization of admixtures and regulation of sustainable practices globally.

Competitive evaluation and multi-stage planning of park integrated energy systems

Optimal planning for the park integrated energy system (PIES) is essential for energy efficiency improvement and carbon neutrality. A reasonable evaluation method is the key to guide PIES planning. However, indicators for the PIES planning schemes are various with high penetration of renewable energy, large carbon emissions and multiple energy forms coupling, which brings challenges to find out the benchmark planning scheme for PIES development. Herein, we extend a competitive evaluation method that considers the aspects of energy, economy, environment, reliability and greening development level for PIES with different energy planning trends. We formulate a multi-stage planning model for PIES dynamic development aiming at investment and operation cost minimization. We set a group of comparable PIESs with different energy planning trends to evaluate and determine the benchmark PIES to motivate the others. The competitiveness of our evaluation method is reflected in that the benchmark is determined by the competition of different PIESs and it may change through multi-stage planning. A practical PIES with eight functional areas is adopted for competitive evaluation in multi-criteria over multi-stage planning optimization, and their pros and cons are evaluated and compared. By comparing the evaluation efficiency, the benchmark of PIES planning can be dynamically adjusted.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Technology-Assisted Physical Activity Intervention Studies Among Older Adults: Scoping Review.

The rapidly emerging integration of both technological applications and environmental factors in physical activity (PA) interventions among older adults highlights the need for an overarching investigation. This scoping review compiled the current literature and aimed to provide an overview of the role of physical, social, socioeconomic, and systemic environmental factors in technology-assisted PA interventions for older adults. We systematically searched 6 common databases up to September 16, 2024, for original longitudinal studies (with at least one preintervention measurement and one postintervention measurement) that reported on the role of environmental factors in technology-assisted PA interventions for independently living, community-dwelling older adults. In a stepwise process, data on study characteristics (step 1), environmental factors and their role in the included studies (step 2), and intervention outcomes and effects by type of environmental factor (step 3) were summarized. A total of 8020 articles were screened, and 25 (0.31%) were included. Most studies were conducted in Europe (11/25, 44%), followed by North America (5/25, 20%), Asia (5/25, 20%), and Oceania (4/25, 16%). Social environmental factors were most often considered (19/25, 76%), followed by factors from the physical (8/25, 32%), socioeconomic (1/25, 4%), and systemic environment (1/25, 4%). Environmental factors were used as the outcome (8/25, 32%), setting variable (7/25, 28%), moderator or facilitator (8/25, 32%), and intervention component (3/25, 12%). In most studies (19/25, 76%), the intervention had a beneficial effect on the outcome of interest, and the included environmental factor played a supportive role in achieving this effect. In some studies, no effect (3/25, 12%), mixed effects (2/25, 8%), or adverse effects (1/25, 4%) of the interventions were reported. This is the first comprehensive description of how environmental factors interact with technology-assisted interventions to increase or optimize PA in older adults. It was found that the investigation of environmental factors in this field is at an early stage. Environmental factors were found to play a supportive role in achieving beneficial effects of technology-assisted PA interventions, but the findings were based on a heterogeneous empirical platform. Still, certain aspects such as the application of virtual reality environments and social (or peer) comparison have shown significant potential that remains to be leveraged. A better understanding of intervention results and support in tailoring intervention programs can be provided through the inclusion of environmental aspects in technology-assisted PA interventions for older adults.

Multi-species encounters in the city: a more-than-human perspective on children’s arts-based exploration of urban natural spaces

ABSTRACT In this paper, we suggest that being with/in nature is important for all children but is experienced differently, particularly for urban or city-dwelling children. Recent anxiety about marginalised children’s lack of access to natural spaces, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential impacts of this upon their health and wellbeing are very real concerns for community organisations supporting children. As a response, an urban-nature arts-based project with two culturally diverse groups of children in Bristol in the Southwest of England was co-produced with artists, activity providers and academics in the autumn of 2022. This paper presents multi-species encounters from the project and uses more-than-human theory to challenge assumptions about urban-dwelling children’s relationships with, in, and as nature. We consider how child-nature encounters revealed religious, classed, and raced aspects that differently impacted visits to the three sites of urban ‘nature’ across Bristol. We suggest that through arts-based encounters children living in the city were proficient at grappling with the complexities and contradictions of personal and planetary health at a time of increasing climate and health emergencies. Findings suggest further participatory research with urban-dwelling children creatively exploring aspects of the local environment is of merit.

Psychometric Properties of Questionnaires to Assess the Family Food Environment in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review.

Given the diverse aspects of the family food environment, it is essential to clarify the availability of tools, the assessed dimensions, and the extent to which they offer a comprehensive and valid evaluation of the domestic food setting. This systematic review aims to assess the validity and reliability of instruments gauging the food environment within the pediatric population. A systematic literature search was conducted in the EMBASE, Medline (PubMed), SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PsychINFO databases until December 2023, resulting in the identification of 2850 potentially eligible articles. After a thorough screening process, comprising language and title criteria, abstract scrutiny, and full-text reading, 179 full papers were separately reviewed, and 52 were chosen for analysis. Predominantly conducted in the United States utilizing adapted tools, the investigations focused on the sociocultural environment as the most addressed domain. It covered 80.7% of instruments for children and 54.9% for adolescents. The prevailing reliability assessment method was internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha-coefficient. Acceptable values ranged from 0.70 to 0.96 for children and 0.77 to 0.94 for adolescents. Out of the 52 studies selected, only 22 presented validity measures, with a primary focus on convergent and construct validity assessed through Pearson or Spearman correlation. The findings indicate that, while questionnaires assessing the family food environment exhibited acceptable reliability, validity measures were deemed limited and somewhat ambiguous. Given the pivotal role of validity in evaluating methodological accuracy and relevance, particularly when measuring specific aspects, there is an imperative need to develop instruments that integrate robust validity measures for the comprehensive assessment of the family food environment. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022333228.

A typology of Australian beef producers and the sustainability challenge

Increasing public, consumer and researcher interest in agricultural sustainability is being paralleled by industry and supply chain activities aimed at addressing environmental, social and financial aspects of contemporary farming systems. Activities and practices at the farm level are important for the sustainability credentials of beef supply chains. Therefore, understanding and working with the perceptions, attitudes and motivations of those managing grazing lands and rangelands are critical to sustainability efforts. This study draws on a survey of 367 Australian beef producers to determine typologies of worldviews and attitudes that influence how industry engages both externally and internally with sustainability. The analysis identified four groups of beef producers on the basis of their perceptions of their industry’s sustainability, public support, and attitudes towards industry emissions. Two groups (referred to as Vulnerable majority and OK with the status quo) were very positive in their views of industry sustainability and were less concerned about their industry’s greenhouse gas emissions and associated challenges. The other two groups (labelled Moderate quarter and Open minority), although still reasonably positive in their view of industry sustainability, were more likely to acknowledge industry greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related challenges. Producer attitudes to public perceptions, and the degree to which they feel public support for their industry, had a significant influence in separating out the groups identified in this study. The findings have implications for engaging producers and the success of programs and policies designed to influence acceptance, and adoption, of sustainability-related technologies and practices. The findings also highlighted significant potential tensions and misunderstandings on how producers perceive public expectations and attitudes towards their industry. It is important that these different attitudes are accounted for in sustainability communication, especially that which is aimed at engaging producers.

Transitioning to Low-Carbon Heating: Decision-Making Approach for Cold Communities

Abstract Selecting a sustainable heat energy supply system for high-altitude, cold-climatic communities in developing countries is essential for both decision-makers and the scientific community. However, no comprehensive guide or framework exists to address this issue and decarbonize cold communities sustainably. This research aims to fill that gap by identifying and developing a methodology for selecting a suitable heat energy supply system, using Kyrgyzstan as a case study. The approach takes into account renewable energy sources, local conditions, and specific criteria necessary for designing a sustainable energy supply. The paper introduces a decision-making framework based on 17 criteria, covering geographical, environmental, economic, technical, and social aspects, derived from the opinions of over 20 experts. This framework serves as a guide for selecting and designing an appropriate heat energy supply system. Five heat supply options are analyzed in Kyrgyzstan’s high-altitude, cold rural setting to demonstrate the framework's potential. The analysis reveals that centralized district heating is the most suitable solution, scoring 79% for system selection. This methodology is partially or fully transferable to regions or countries with similar climates and local circumstances, offering a valuable resource for the development of sustainable heat energy solutions in cold, high-altitude communities.

Теоретические аспекты оценки разработки системы мероприятий устойчивого развития бассейна нижней Волги

This article discusses the theoretical aspects of evaluating the development of a system of measures for the sustainable development of the Lower Volga basin. The research topic is relevant because the ecological platform for the development of the Lower Volga basin of the Russian Federation ensures the strategic functioning and stability of territorial development in the international arena. The purpose of the study is to study the functioning of project management for the sustainable development of territories, taking into account environmental issues, namely, building a socially adapted society with the allocation of public funds to improve the environmental situation. Proactive budgeting as one of the types of financial institutions in the modern world is gaining relevance, as it allows to improve the environmental aspects of the Lower Volga basin.

PROCESS-ORIENTED MANAGEMENT OF ENTERPRISE TRANSFORMATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT

The article explores the theoretical and practical aspects of implementing process management for change management at enterprises in the context of the transition to a circular economy. A comprehensive analysis of the current state of implementation of the process approach at industrial enterprises of Ukraine was carried out and the key problems of its implementation were identified, including: insufficient theoretical and methodological base, lack of practical experience in implementing circular business models, limited resources for system transformations and a low level of staff readiness for changes. A methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of process changes has been developed, which is based on a multi-level system of key performance indicators (KPI) and takes into account economic (operating costs, resource saving, profitability), environmental (waste, emissions, energy efficiency) and operational (cycle duration, productivity, quality) aspects of activity enterprises. A mechanism for integrating the principles of circularity into the business processes of industrial enterprises is proposed, which includes interrelated components: organizational, technological and infrastructural support, which creates the basis for the effective transformation of a linear model of production into a circular one. A set of practical recommendations for the implementation of a process approach to change management has been formed, which covers nine key areas: strategic level, organizational support, technological aspects, process changes, infrastructural support, interaction with stakeholders, monitoring and control, risk management and development of corporate culture. The key factors for the success of the implementation of process changes in the conditions of the transition to a circular economy have been determined, including: a clear strategic vision, an effective change management system, the involvement of personnel, the development of the necessary competencies and the formation of an appropriate corporate culture.

Innovation as an Attribute of the Sustainable Development of Pharmaceutical Companies

An orientation towards strengthening the competitiveness of enterprises through an effective response to market expectations is nowadays associated with sustainable development. Despite the articulation of the role of innovative solutions in this respect, the literature has not sufficiently explored this issue. Hence, the aim of the article was to analyse the impact of innovation on the sustainable development of enterprises in the pharmaceutical sector operating in the market in Poland. For the purposes of this study, the scope and spectrum of reference for innovative solutions in pharmaceutical entities was diagnosed based on the results of a diagnostic survey. In part of the in-depth study, an assessment of the impact of innovation on the sustainable development of the surveyed enterprises was conducted. The above was performed using appropriately selected methods of a qualitative and quantitative nature, including economic analytical techniques (cause-effect analysis, dependency analysis). The research sample was made up of companies operating on the pharmaceutical market in Poland; therefore, the results of the research refer only to these entities and there are no grounds for transferring them to the general population of enterprises in this sector in the country under study. This paper’s findings indicate that the idea of creating added value, growing out of a broad concern for social, environmental and economic aspects, is determined by an innovative approach that enhances environmental security, responding to societal expectations, while at the same time aiming to maximise the economic impact on activities. Companies that invest more heavily in innovation achieve better results in sustainable development, as confirmed by research. Companies are aware of this and are directing development expenditure into solutions that strengthen their ability to respond effectively to market expectations, with the strongest implementation of the above based on product innovation.

Harnessing knowledge management for sustainable supply chain practices in the pharma industry

ABSTRACT The research investigates the interplay between Knowledge Management (KM) and Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) within the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the integration of KM factors to bolster sustainability practices. The pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges in managing supply chains due to environmental impacts and sustainability pressures. The methodology involved expert consultations and systematic literature reviews to identify and validate key KM and SSCM factors. Utilizing a grey-DEMATEL method, the study identifies essential components of KM and SSCM, aiming to establish a framework that enhances resilience, evaluates environmental impact, and fosters sustainable initiatives. Managers are advised to focus on knowledge creation and effective auditing processes to foster innovation and maintain competitiveness. This work highlights the need for comprehensive frameworks that consider social, economic, and environmental aspects, ultimately contributing to improved decision-making and operational efficiency in the sector, particularly in emerging economies.

Farmers’ Willingness to Achieve Energy Self-Sufficiency in Kosovo

Agriculture accounts for a significant economic share in less-developed countries, especially Kosovo, where there is a lignite-dominated energy supply. Lignite’s partial replacement with locally produced renewable energy sources could play an essential role in reducing farmers’ costs and preparing the country for EU accession. Using a sample of 120 farmers, the Best–Worst Scaling (BWS) technique was used to assess farmers’ preferences for renewable energy applications and to measure the importance of seven key characteristics associated with the willingness to become energy self-sufficient. The results show a significant preference for “lower energy costs” and “environmental friendliness”. Using cluster analysis, it is shown in a statistically reliable way that while the decisions of smaller farms are influenced by economic factors and the role of energy self-sufficiency is negligible, a non-negligible share of larger farms already have already adopted self-sufficiency in energy production (solar panels, byproducts) and also consider the environment and convenience aspects necessary in their decisions. Farmers play an important role in local economic development. Therefore, regulatory schemes with differentiation by farm size may play an important role in promoting local energy management in Kosovo and similar less developed countries.

As Cores no Ambiente Laboral: Impacto nas Emoções, Saúde, Bem-Estar e Produtividade dos Trabalhadores

This study analyzed the relationship between colors and various aspects of the work environment, such as emotions, health and productivity. The review of recent scientific articles showed that colors have a significant impact on workers, and can positively or negatively influence their well-being and performance. Warm colors, such as red, stimulate energy but can cause irritability, while cool colors, such as blue, promote calm and concentration. The research also highlighted the importance of combining colors with natural elements and of workers' participation in choosing the colors of the environment. The review concluded that the appropriate choice of colors can optimize the work environment, increasing employee satisfaction and productivity. However, the research identified the need for further studies to deepen the understanding of the complexity of the relationship between colors and human behavior in the work context.