Environmental Sustainability Issues Research Articles

Experimental evaluation of mechanical characteristics of concrete composites reinforced with jute fibers using bricks waste as alternate material for aggregates

In order to achieve high strength in concrete composites, various fiber reinforcements in plain concrete composites (PCC) are used. Steel is widely used for this purpose but the main issue in using steel as a reinforcement member is rusting, which results into structure deterioration. So, the alternative is to use a durable, environment friendly, and cost-effective natural fiber. Jute Fiber is used in this study for the reinforcement of plain concrete composites while, the plain concrete composites were made with cement, sand, and bricks waste. The comparative study of using bricks waste as an alternative material to crush bricks is also presented in this research study. Bricks waste and its disposal is becoming an environmental challenge. This study proposes jute fibers as a reinforcement element and uses bricks waste as an alternative material to crushed stone. M20 grade concrete with various volumetric percentages (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00%) of 10 mm long jute fibers are produced. An increase of 39% and 37% in compressive strength and split tensile strength, respectively, was observed after the addition of jute fibers. Therefore, the use of jute fibers and bricks waste to replace crushed stone is an effective way to mitigate environmental pollution and sustainability issues.

Preparation and characterization of AChE immobilized magnetic bio-nanocomposites (Fe3O4@Cht/Au) for pesticide detection

Free enzymes cause difficulties in many applications due to their insufficient stability, loss of activity in a short time, and most importantly, although they are costly, they are used only once in reactions, lose their effect and cannot be recovered from the environment. Magnetic nanoparticles coated with biocompatible polymeric material are potential candidates for promising enzyme carriers due to their multifunctional pore surfaces, easy removal from the environment provided by the magnetization, ability to main stability under various harsh conditions. This study prepared a biosensor candidate based on the inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzyme by organophosphate pesticides from chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles doped with gold. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction diffractometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the structure of synthesized nanocomposites. Magnetic characteristics of the nanocomposites were assessed using VSM. Bio-nanocomposite (Fe3O4@Cht/Au/AChE) was used to determine environmental pollutants qualitatively. Remediation of organophosphate-containing wastewater is an essential issue for environmental sustainability. In this work, Dichlorvos and Chlorpyrifos were selected as organic pollutants to assess the enzymatic activity of immobilized Fe3O4@Cht/Au/AChE. Optimum conditions for AChE enzyme were immobilized nanostructures (Fe3O4@Cht/Au/AChE) were determined. The optimum pH for the immobilized enzyme was found to be 8, and the optimum temperature was found to be 60 °C. Retained immobilized enzyme activity is found to be around 50% for the 20th reuse. In the presence of 150 µL pesticide, retained immobilized enzyme activity is found to be around 25%. Method validation was performed for pesticides. When using immobilized AChE, the LOD (limit of detection)-LOQ (limit of quantitation) values for Dichlorovos and Chlorpyrifos was obtained in the range of 0.0087–0.029 nM and 0.0014–0.0046 nM, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD%) values, which are indicators of precision, were found to be below 2%.

Impact of Plant Protein Intakes on Nutrient Adequacy in the US.

There is an increasing interest in plant-based diets and higher levels of plant proteins due to rising concerns around health and environmental sustainability issues. We determined the effects of increasing quartiles of plant protein in the diet on nutrient adequacy using a large nationally representative observational dataset. Twenty-four-hour dietary-recall data from NHANES 2013-2018 from 19,493 participants aged 9+ years were used to assess nutrient intakes. Nutritional adequacy was assessed by estimating the percentage of the population with intakes below the EAR or above the AI. A quartile trend was assessed using regression and the significance was set at Pquartile trend < 0.05. With increasing quartiles of plant protein, the adequacy decreased for calcium, potassium, and vitamin D and increased for copper and magnesium for adolescents. Among the adults aged 19-50 years, the adequacy decreased for protein, choline, selenium, vitamin B12, and zinc and increased for copper, folate, iron, magnesium, thiamin, and vitamin C with increasing quartiles of plant protein. The adequacy for calcium, vitamin A, and zinc decreased and it increased for copper, folate, magnesium, thiamin, and vitamin C with increasing quartiles of plant protein among adults aged 51+ years. The results indicate that diets of mixed protein sources (from both animals and plants) are the most nutritionally adequate.

The Role of Sustainability Statements in Investor Relations: An Analysis of the Annual Reports of Airline Companies

Investors are one of the primary target audiences for corporate communication; they seek non-financial as well as financial information from the companies they invest in, and they consider the social and environmental sustainability of these companies in addition to their economic sustainability. Because of this, as a tool for investor relations, annual reports now routinely and regularly incorporate non-financial information. This study examined thirty annual reports from six public airline firms issued between 2018 and 2022. A total of 8115 expressions on social, economic, and environmental sustainability issues—divided into 125 themes—were coded and analyzed in Maxqda 2020. Among the conclusions was the fact that, in 2022, all of the examined companies devoted 9% of their pages to sustainability statements and included them as an individual topic in their reports. It was found that 64% of both the sustainability-related pages of the reports and the messages of the company managers included in the report consisted of social sustainability statements, with the theme of governance playing an important role in these explanations. Additionally, it was revealed that the topics of governance issues (22.6%), the natural environment (21.7%), and human resources development (15.5%) are the most frequently discussed social, environmental, and economic sustainability themes in corporate annual reports.

Evaluating Carbon Emissions during Slurry Shield Tunneling for Sustainable Management Utilizing a Hybrid Life-Cycle Assessment Approach

The construction sector is one of the principal contributors to carbon dioxide emissions (CDEs) and has a vital role to play in responding to the issue of long-term environmental sustainability. This research proposes a process-based hybrid life-cycle assessment (LCA) method depending on a process-based LCA and an input–output LCA. The process-based hybrid LCA model provides a supplementary method to quickly estimate carbon emissions that are not considered in the system boundary due to the limitation of inventory data. The proposed hybrid method was applied to a carbon emissions assessment in a slurry shield tunnel. The results suggest that 93.88% of emissions are from materials. Of the materials contribution, 55.9% comes from steel and 34.55% arises from concrete. It has also been found that emissions during the tunneling stage are negatively correlated with the efficiency of tunnel construction. Recommendations for carbon emissions reductions in tunnel construction are provided for promoting sustainable transportation and management.

Digital Fashion Technologies &amp; Practices: Design Driven Sustainable Transition in Fashion Industry

Contemporary clothing manufacturing, purchasing and consumption models have made the fashion industry the second most polluting industrial sector. This contribution aims at analysing promising technologies, methodologies and practices that are tackling environmental sustainability issues related to the fast-fashion industry. The contribution analyses how, leveraging on technology innovation, the combination of tangible processes, such as the selection of production means and materials, and intangible practices, such as digital fashion, designers can contribute to the sustainable transition of the fast-fashion sector mediating between customer expectations, production economy constrains and environmental sustainability.

Safe Farming: Ultrafine Bubble Water Reduces Insect Infestation and Improves Melon Yield and Quality.

Melon pest management relies on the excessive application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, developing a new cropping system that is sustainable and eco-friendly is important. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H2 and O2 (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased shoot height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also discovered that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestation in melons. Based on cryo-scanning electron microscope (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H2 or O2 that helped to deter insect infestation, we prepared UF water enrichment of H2 (UF+H2) and O2 (UF+O2) separately and irrigated melons. Cryo-SEM results indicated that both UF+H2 and UF+O2 can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H2 significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We planted melons in a plastic greenhouse and irrigated them with ultrafine water enrichment of hydrogen (UF+H2) and oxygen (UF+O2). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness were all better than the control without ultrafine water irrigation. UFW significantly increased trichome development, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. This system thus provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production.

Design principles for sustainable community currency projects

AbstractCommunity currencies (CCs) are alternative forms of money usually issued and managed by citizens, NGOs and companies as well as local public administrations. Used to trade goods and services in limited territories or among a certain community, CCs are composed of symbolic, cultural, and social dimensions and fully immersed in particular economic and institutional contexts. Despite the increasing adoption of CCs, the discussion on guiding principles and values to address their purposes, particularly in relation to environmental sustainability issues is still scarce in the literature. Given this gap, this paper relies on the following research question: what are the design principles to be considered for community currency projects oriented to sustainable development goals? We follow the design science research paradigms to describe the design principles of a CC project. We analyze the institutional and economic context in which they are implemented, the goals for what they were created, the processes and mechanisms to rely upon their operation, and how they are evaluated according to their specific goals and to their implications to the sustainable development goals. It is important to emphasize that in this article we focus on improving the understanding of CC projects and what should be considered in their evaluation, however not to the extent on how they should be implemented. The design principles framework presented in this paper specifies guidelines to discuss principles to be considered within a range of different possibilities of diversified CC implementation strategies.

Interaction of Digital Trends and Sustainable Development: The role of Contemporary Art

The purpose of the work is to analyze the impact of digital technologies on the sustainable development of contemporary art - an overview of the main trends that have emerged as a result of the integration of new media into artistic practices. The article methodologically classifies various genres of digital art by means of a critical qualitative analysis of practices, artworks, installations, exhibitions, collectives and events at the forefront of artistic innovation with new technologies. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive analysis of digital art through the prism of the concept of sustainable development. The work considers digital art not just as another technological innovation, but as a full-fledged artistic phenomenon of our time. The systematization of artistic practices associated with the use of the latest technologies is carried out, their common conceptual foundations are revealed. In addition, the article deals with issues of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, inclusiveness of digital practices. The dilemmas around the balance of technological innovation and artistic freedom from the perspective of sustainability ethics are outlined. The conclusions provide a conceptual understanding of optimal pathways for developing digital art in relation to societal sustainability.&#x0D; Keywords: digital art, sustainable development, new media art, network art, generative art, interactive art, AI, VR, AR, digital culture

Support farmers: sustainability claims that influence moral satisfaction and purchase intention

PropósitoEste artículo evalúa las respuestas de los consumidores a los argumentos de sostenibilidad en una fruta. Se comparan los efectos de este factor en la satisfacción moral y la intención de compra de los consumidores con respecto a 12 argumentos de sostenibilidad.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueSe realizó un experimento de modelo mixto con siete frutas (guayaba, piña, manzana roja, manzana verde, uva roja, uva verde y aguacate) para evaluar los efectos de los 12 argumentos de sostenibilidad sobre la intención de compra a través de la satisfacción moral, en relación con una condición de control.HallazgosLos resultados muestran que las afirmaciones de apoyo a los agricultores locales son las que más influyen en los consumidores. Las afirmaciones relativas a la producción de los agricultores locales afectan positivamente a la satisfacción moral y a la intención de compra.Implicaciones prácticasEste trabajo adopta un enfoque de la sostenibilidad basado en el comportamiento del consumidor, lo que permite a las organizaciones considerar los resultados del comportamiento del consumidor que podrían afectar a sus inversiones estratégicas y a su compromiso con la responsabilidad social.OriginalidadLos estudios relacionados con la alimentación no han arrojado resultados consistentes respecto a la relevancia que los argumentos de sostenibilidad tienen para los consumidores. Este estudio difiere de los anteriores, ya que se centra en la fruta, un producto importante por cuestiones de sostenibilidad social y medioambiental. Este estudio demuestra que, en el caso de la fruta, los argumentos de sostenibilidad son significativas para los consumidores jóvenes a través del efecto mediador de la satisfacción moral. Así, el efecto de los argumentos se predice por el significado que estos tienen para el consumidor.

Electrifying the future: analysing the determinants of electric vehicle adoption

Purpose This study aims to emphasize green energy-driven solutions to address environmental sustainability issues, particularly to promote the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). This study intends to investigate user adoption of EVs as the existing predicament of converting car owners to EV buyers, demanding a push to create a facilitating environment for EV uptake. Design/methodology/approach A survey-based quantitative study involving 330 car owners and potential buyers was conducted involving four predictors, i.e. financial benefits, social influence, charging infrastructure and range consciousness. Environmental concerns and socio-demographic factors such as age, family income and gender were considered as moderators between these predictors and EV adoption intention. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to analyse the proposed relationships. Findings The findings indicated that financial benefits (ß = 0.169, t = 3.930), social influence (ß = 0.099, t = 2.605), range consciousness (ß = 0.239, t = 3.983) and charging infrastructure (ß = 0.142, t = 4.8) significantly impact EV adoption. Family income was the most significant moderator with a large effect size (F square = 0.224), followed by environmental concern (F square = 0.182) and age (F square = 0.042) having a medium moderation effect and, subsequently, gender (F square = 0.010) as a mild moderator. Originality/value By analysing environmental concerns as a moderator, this study fosters a novel understanding of how environmental concerns impact EV adoption, which has not been explored. Additionally, the empirical assessment of the socio-economic and socio-demographic factors of EV adoption helps to offer a consumer perspective to the government and policymakers in undertaking initiatives to promote EV adoption.

Causality of CO2 Emissions, Energy Consumption, Renewable Energy on Economic Growth in Asia Case Studies of 6 Asian Countries

This research was conducted to examine the relationship and influence between CO2 emission variables, energy consumption, and renewable energy on economic growth in 6 countries in the Asia Pacific region, namely Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, China, and South Korea. These countries have different levels of economic growth. Economic activities carried out in each country produce different externalities. Therefore, this research was conducted to examine the relationship between CO2 emissions, energy consumption, renewable energy, and economic growth in 2014- 2020. The data used in this study were obtained from the World Bank and the Statistical Review of World Energy. The research was conducted using the panel data regression method with the fixed effect model (FEM) as the best model. The results of this study indicate that renewable energy, total energy consumption, and CO2 emissions have a significant effect on economic growth. Meanwhile, per capita energy consumption variable has no significant effect on economic growth. From the R-square value, all variables have a correlation of 99% and as much as 1% is explained by variables outside the study. Further suggestions from this research are the government and related agencies regarding environmental sustainability issues due to CO2 emissions which continue to increase energy consumption and is believed to hamper economic growth in 6 Asian countries.&#x0D; Keywords: consumption of energy, emission CO2, economic growth, panel data regression, renewable energy

Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems: The Potential of Home Hydroponics

The global food system is currently facing significant challenges that make it unsustainable and environmentally harmful. These challenges not only threaten food security but also have severe negative impacts on the environment. Efforts have been made to reform agrifood systems and align them with the built environment, but emerging obstacles have revealed the weaknesses in these systems, particularly in less self-sufficient countries. This review outlines the primary environmental problems associated with global agrifood systems and the challenges in promoting food security. It emphasizes that the increasing global population and urbanization need rational and equitable changes in food systems, including production, distribution, storage, and consumption. These changes should aim to minimize environmental impacts by protecting and efficiently utilizing natural resources such as air, water, soil, and biodiversity, reducing food loss and waste, and mitigating pollution that contributes to ecosystem degradation and climate change. In this context, hydroponics emerges as a sustainable, plant-based food production technique that can be employed as a solution in urban areas. It can be implemented in domestic microproduction systems, serving as a complementary alternative to conventional food production methods. This study also provides insights into the challenges that need to be addressed in order to enhance home hydroponic systems. The integration of hydroponics into urban food production offers the potential to tackle both food security and environmental sustainability issues, providing a path toward more resilient and efficient food systems.

“A World of Possibilities”: The Future of Technology in Higher Education, Insights from the COVID-19 Experience

During the emergency online pivot, two faculties (i.e., divisions) of a large Irish university aimed to document insights about teaching and learning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. An anonymous online survey of all teaching staff within each faculty was undertaken, some of the results of which are presented here. Key findings focus on the use of online technology in higher education, demonstrating the differential impacts on different disciplines and year groups, and pointing to levels of educator readiness and the need for focused professional development and training to prepare staff for integrating online learning to ensure satisfactory outcomes. The emergency online pivot led to significant progress in the use of technology in higher education, and greater academic staff recognition of the benefits and scope afforded by technology. Arising from their COVID-19 experiences, staff expressed a strong preference for blended learning as opposed to learning taking place either fully online or in-person. The potential role of hybrid learning in ongoing efforts towards sustainability was also noted. Many of our findings align with recent research, which is discussed throughout. We argue that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to online education is not appropriate, with greater nuance required and consideration of the rapidly changing educational landscape and issues of environmental sustainability.

Coverage of Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Issues in Saudi Arabias Electronic Press

Coverage of Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Issues in Saudi Arabias Electronic Press

Safe Farming: Ultra-Fine Sparkling Water can Reduce Insect Pests and Increase Melon Yield and Quality

Melon pest control relies on over-application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, it is important to develop a new growing system that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H2 and O2 (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased branch height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also found that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestations in melons. Based on cryoscanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H2 or O2 to prevent insect damage, we prepared UF enriched water with H2 (UF+H2 ) and O2 (UF+O2 ) alone and irrigated the melons. Cryo-SEM results show that UF+H2 and UF+O2 can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H2 significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We grow muskmelons in plastic greenhouses and use ultrafine water-rich hydrogen (UF+H2 ) and oxygen (UF+O2 ). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness are all better than those without ultrafine water irrigation of comparison. UFW significantly promoted the development of trichomes, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. The system therefore provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production.

Towards Sustainable Additive Manufacturing: Exploring Ecofriendly Materials for Green 3D Printing

The area of additive manufacturing, usually referred to as 3D printing, has recently experienced major growth and advancement, leading to dramatic changes across different industries like as healthcare and aerospace. But the issue of environmental sustainability remains to be of extreme significance, considering the significant utilization of resources and production of waste that relates to conventional 3D printing materials and methods. The objective of this research study is to examine the potential and efficacy of environmentally friendly materials in the wider context of 3D printing. This study examines recent advances in sustainable materials, with a focus on analysing their environmental effects, efficacy, and feasibility comparative to conventional equivalent. The research also investigates the implementation of environmentally friendly techniques within the method of additive manufacturing, covering aspects such as obtaining of materials, energy usage, and management of waste. The results of our investigation indicate that making use of environmentally friendly materials, combined with green production techniques, has the potential to considerably decrease the ecological impact of 3D printing. This progress holds promise for furthering the sustainability of additive manufacturing and designing a more sustainable future.

Critical Interconnectedness of Awareness, Waste Management and Infrastructure in Environmental Discourse and Practice

Awareness, waste management (WM) and infrastructure are closely linked issues of environmental sustainability. Perception levels shape household activities which have to do with waste generation, waste collection, waste disposal, and waste recycling. Urban, sub-urban and rural infrastructure in turn impacts WM. Botswana’s laudable vision 2036 to transform into a knowledge-based economy has implications for knowledge and for the gaseous, liquid, and solid environment. The objective of this study is to examine a few environmental issues that are germane to having a knowledge-based economy in the twenty-first century. The methodology is qualitative; hence data collection is through the desktop modality to source relevant orthographic and pictorial information from academic journals, books, pictures, and newspapers, etc. The issues are examined from the viewpoints of selected frameworks of environmental education, specifically those of behavioural change, personal change and social change. The procedure is also comparative between Botswana and other cross border urban, semi-urban, and rural geographic settings and experiences in Southern Africa (Durban, Cape Town), East and Central Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania), and West Africa (Lagos State, Ogun State, Osun State). The study found that an adequate level of awareness, the formulation and implementation of an effective WM policy, and the provision of basic infrastructure, are important requirements to drive a knowledge-based economy.

Barriers to adaptation of environmental sustainability in SMEs: A qualitative study.

This study examines the antecedents of environmental sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of a developing country and explores the specific internal and external factors for environmental sustainability. The study focused on SMEs in Balochistan, Pakistan, utilizing convenience and purposive sampling techniques to select a sample size of 30 SMEs. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that lack of finance and education are major barriers to recognizing and addressing environmental sustainability issues, along with the lack of government support and regulations to ensure compliance with environmental safety laws, hence leading to low concern for sustainability practices among SMEs. Awareness and attitude of SME owners/managers, along with customer demand and government policies, influence the adoption of environmental sustainability practices. Overcoming financial constraints and promoting cooperation among stakeholders are key to fostering sustainable practices in SMEs. This research makes an important contribution to the sustainable management literature by providing new and in-depth insights into the barriers that impede environmental sustainability in SMEs of developing countries.

МЕТОНІМІЯ В ОНЛАЙН-ДИСКУРСІ GREENPEACE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC НА FACEBOOK

Greenpeace Australia Pacific is an “independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems” (Greenpeace Australia Pacific, 2023), such as the issues of climate change and environmental sustainability. The aforementioned problems are often communicated by Greenpeace Australia Pacific to its stakeholders and the general public via online means, for instance, Facebook. Given that currently there is insufficient research that investigates Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s online discourse on Facebook, this article presents a mixed-methods study that aims to explore how metonymy is used in disseminating environmental and climate change-related issues by Greenpeace Australia Pacific. In order to do so, the study involves a corpus of status updates that are found on Greenpeace Australia Pacific’ official Facebook page. The corpus is searched manually for the presence of metonymy and the types of metonymic mappings. The results of the qualitative analysis indicate that there are the following metonymic mappings in the corpus: “from a fossil fuel corporation to a polluter”, “from the name of the corporation to its actions”, “from the name of the country to the country’s government”, “from the name of the environmental organisation to its actions”, and “from the name of the vessel to its actions”. Thereafter, a quantitative analysis of the corpus is carried out in order to calculate the most frequent types of metonymic mappings. The results indicate that the metonymic mapping “from the name of the corporation to its actions” is the most frequent in the corpus, whose occurrence is concomitant with multimodality. These findings and their discussion are further presented in the article.