Material Resources Research Articles

The transition toward a Circular Economy (CE) presents a transformative solution to global sustainability challenges by promoting resource efficiency, waste minimization, and material regeneration. This study explores the pivotal role of chemical engineering in advancing circular practices through innovative waste valorization and resource recovery strategies. Key technologies—including biomass conversion, plastic and electronic waste recycling, and food waste bioprocessing—are analyzed for their capacity to mitigate environmental impacts and close material loops. Chemical engineering principles such as catalysis, separation processes, and process intensification underpin these approaches, enhancing energy efficiency and resource utilization. Integration of digital tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and system optimization further enables real-time process control and sustainability assessment. However, widespread CE implementation faces barriers including technological limitations, high capital costs, and fragmented regulations. Overcoming these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration among industry, academia, and policymakers to develop scalable, cost-effective solutions. The study emphasizes the importance of next-generation catalysts, bio-based processing, and data-driven systems in achieving a resilient, low-waste industrial future. By bridging science, technology, and policy, chemical engineering can catalyze the global transition to a sustainable and circular economy.

In ancient civilisations, bitumen was widely used for its multifunctional applications in construction, sealing, and adhesion, evidencing early expertise in material engineering and resource optimisation. Here, Sumerian bitumen-based artefacts were studied through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and machine learning to investigate ancient practices for the repair, reuse, and recycling of everyday materials. The materials are dated back to the 3rd millennium BC and come from the archaeological site of Abu Tbeirah (Iraq). Four primary classes were identified based on their molecular composition, which revealed a specific gradient determined by the varying proportions of bitumen and other fillers. These composition-based classes were then applied to predict the classification of the undetermined samples, which constitute 50% of the entire dataset, via a kernel-based support vector machine (SVM). The new findings are consistent with philological sources that reference distinct formulations of use in everyday life. The findings offer a new perspective on the social and historical importance of the circular economy.

ABSTRACT To what extent do people believe they should pursue potential-realization, compared to other goals? Across three experiments (N = 712), we found that U.S. adults valued pursuing potential-realization more than other major social and psychological goals, such as feeling a sense of belonging, experiencing happiness, or seeking status (Studies 1–2). This held whether we had participants imagined themselves pursuing these goals in abundant or deprived life conditions (Study 2). The only exception was that people valued pursuing material resources more than potential-realization in deprived life conditions (Study 2). High valuation of potential-realization was also observed among Chinese participants, who did not value material resources more than potential-realization – even in deprived conditions. This suggests that the effect is not limited to individualist cultures (Study 3). These findings reveal the robust valuation of pursuing potential-realization across contexts and cultures, highlighting it as a key pathway to understanding the self and the good life.

This study examines the formation and implementation of the New York City Department of Education’s Gender Guidelines. Drawing on 41 interviews with policymakers, professional development providers, and school staff, as well as policy documents and media sources, we examine how marked fears of pushback influenced policy formation and shaped how schools interpreted and took up the policy. The case of NYC offers a valuable example of how policies can leverage pushback and motivate positive school cultural change when they incorporate the appropriate human and material resources to scaffold whole-school deliberation and conciliatory processes. Ultimately, we argue that policy stakeholders would benefit from carefully attending to the roots and nuances of parents’ dissenting perspectives throughout the formation and implementation of gender policies

Education in remote regions faces complex obstacles such as poor infrastructure, limited teachers, and transportation difficulties. Arastamar Christian Elementary School (SDK Arastamar Bone), founded in 2016 in Fat Village, Nunkolo District, Timor Tengah Selatan, East Nusa Tenggara, reflects the community’s determination to uphold children’s right to education despite isolation and constraints. This study describes the school’s efforts to deliver quality learning, strategies for sustainability, teaching innovations, and the support from parents, the community, and local authorities. Using a qualitative descriptive case study, data were obtained through interviews with teachers, parents, the principal, and education officials. Findings show that SDK Arastamar Bone symbolizes perseverance and hope. Teachers remain committed even with minimal salaries, while parents and villagers contribute voluntarily through labor, donations, and active participation. The foundation and government also provide vital support, ensuring continuity of educational activities. Despite enduring challenges such as limited facilities, staff shortages, and local skepticism, the school continues to thrive. The experience of SDK Arastamar Bone highlights that true educational success lies not only in material resources but also in collaboration, faith, and shared vision to nurture future generations in Indonesia’s remote communities.

The increasing migration phenomenon in rural areas presents significant challenges to the educational system, particularly regarding the linguistic inclusion of newly arrived students. The lack of material and human resources prevents the provision of an adequate transitional period for these children to learn Spanish before being fully integrated into the classroom, which hinders their initial participation and academic performance. RACODI (Shared Roots in Linguistic Diversity and Inclusion) is a micro-research project based on methodological innovation for foreign language learning in a rural setting. It stems from the main project AGORA (Technological and Methodological Innovation for Language Teaching and the Generation of Synergies in Rural Areas). Its main objective is to include students from immigrant families through language learning in a primary school in Calanda, Teruel, using custom-designed linguistic activities for 5th- and 6th-grade students. Although the project includes multiple lines of action, this article focuses specifically on teachers' perceptions following an educational intervention, highlighting their role as essential agents in decision-making and in validating the proposal. Preliminary results show that teachers are cautious when evaluating the project globally, although they do perceive improvements in social inclusion, linguistic skills, and academic performance. This cautiousness is attributed to the short time frame of the project so far. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for family involvement, which entails cooperative work between the school and other local and regional institutions.

Artotambang is a sub-village that has an illegal sand and stone mining area in its territory. Seeing the mining assets operating in their area, the community then formed a community activity group (pokgiat) as an institution authorized to manage, secure and develop these assets. They then developed these assets through various businesses under the Sub-Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDus). This research aims to look at the scheme and strategy of organizing “pokgiat” through the perspective of Resource Mobilization Theory. The method used is qualitative with a case study approach. The types of data used are primary and secondary data. While the data collection technique involves three main methods: interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study show that the community activity group and BUMDus of Artotambang have successfully mobilized various types of resources to manage and develop their sand mining levy assets. This success can be seen from their ability to effectively manage human, material, non-material and organizational resources. In addition, the organization has also had a positive impact on economic and social aspects. The economic aspect can be seen from the increase in income and community welfare. Meanwhile, the social aspect can be seen from the close social cohesiveness. However, although these two groups have provided great benefits to the community, there are major critical notes and suggestions that need to be considered to maintain the sustainability of these groups, these notes are mainly regarding: institutional legality, potential conflicts, regeneration mechanisms, and transparency and accountability. .

BackgroundClinical treatment guidelines are designed to improve quality of care by offering clear recommendations for health workers; however, across many settings, implementing guidelines is a challenge. For over 20 years, comprehensive World Health Organization guidelines for care of hospitalized children have provided guidance for treating the primary causes of childhood death. These recommendations were adapted in Kenya and codified in the Basic Paediatric Protocol; however, adherence to these evidence-based interventions remains suboptimal.MethodsThis qualitative study identified the barriers and facilitators of providing guideline-adherent care to children admitted to two hospitals in Kenya. The semi-structured question guide was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Three focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with 35 health workers. Participants were nurses, doctors, clinical officers, or nutritionists (including in-charges and clinical supervisors). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded using a TDF-based codebook, validated, and analyzed for themes.ResultsTDF domains with the greatest influence on the thematic findings were environmental context and resources, social influences, beliefs about consequences, and beliefs about capabilities. Health workers were knowledgeable about guidelines and felt strongly that adherence to them was beneficial; however, they also faced barriers implementing them. Challenges related to the environmental context were pervasive, including shortages of staff and supplies. Participants praised the simplicity of guidelines but also noted that simplified diagnostic criteria don’t align with complex patient presentations. While guidelines empowered some nurses to make clinical decisions, respondents reported that strict professional roles sometimes delayed diagnosis and treatment. Further, health workers reported some deviations were intentional (ex. when guidelines were not aligned to their beliefs) and other times they were unintentional (ex. when complex patient presentations make guideline adherence difficult).ConclusionsKnowledge of guidelines and motivation to use them were not major determinants in this analysis. Rather, human and material resource shortages presented the greatest barrier to guideline adherence in this setting. Improving guidelines by involving health workers in participatory development of guidelines would improve both clarity and feasibility. Health workers are well-versed in guideline recommendations, so educational strategies should focus on knowledge gaps or changes in the latest version of guidelines.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43058-025-00790-1.

The present paper concentrates on reviewing and summarizing approaches to the problems and prospects of developing public administration in the field of mine action in Ukraine. The paper analyzes the concept of “public administration” in the context of the issues addressed in the study. It specifies that the possibility of public administration beyond the strictly defined system of executive authorities established by law (in particular, at the level of budgetary institutions, such as the Centre for Humanitarian Demining) is important for understanding the diversity of elements within the public administration system in the field of mine action. The main elements of the system, as defined by the Law of Ukraine “On Mine Action in Ukraine”, are highlighted. The paper argues that the system of public administration in the field of mine action exists in two parallel dimensions: the formal one (the model established by law) and the actual one (the system that has been developed and operates in practice). Using the example of the Mine Action Centre and the Centre for Humanitarian Demining, the paper demonstrates the extent of the discrepancy between the formal and actual state of this system. Depending on the shortcomings in public administration on which researchers focus, as well as the scale and content of the proposed changes, the paper substantiates the division of all approaches presented in the scientific literature and analytical documents into two broad categories: approaches aimed at improving the existing system of public administration in the field of mine action; approaches that involve the development of a new system of public administration in this field. It is emphasized that a common feature of the first group of approaches is the tendency to preserve the main structure and principles of organizing public administration, while the changes concern clarifying the functions and powers of public authorities, improving the mechanisms of their interaction and eliminating duplication among state institutions with similar functions. It is concluded that the second group of approaches is based on the international standards for managing the field of mine action and aims at maximum centralization and concentration of management functions, as well as material, human and other resources, within a dedicated central executive authority in this field and its operational body.

Introduction. Countries with significant human capital and a developed scientific base have more prospects for sustainable long-term development. To effectively participate in the restoration and post-war development of the domestic economy, Ukrainian medical science, which until recently operated according to the post-Soviet model, requires further organizational and functional changes. Aim. To conduct a comparative analysis of options for organizing medical science in Ukraine and leading countries of the world and to substantiate approaches to the development of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, taking into account international experience and the European integration vector of Ukraine's development. Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study is based on a systemic approach. The article uses the methods of structural and logical analysis, bibliosemantics, abstraction and generalization. An analysis of the current legislative framework of Ukraine, acts of international law and scientific literary sources on the work of academies of medical sciences in Ukraine and the world was conducted (a total of 52 documents). Results. The National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine manages significant material and human resources and allocated budget funds. International experience shows that similar organizations exist in almost 30 countries of the world, including such leading ones as the USA, UK, France, Australia, Brazil, India, Canada, Switzerland. In a number of leading countries of the world, academies of medical sciences have been created or have acquired new high development opportunities over the past decades. Conceptual approaches to the development of academic medical science in Ukraine are proposed, taking into account the existing challenges and opportunities in the context of European integration. Conclusions. Academic medical science will play an important role in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, contributing to the development of human potential by improving the quality of education, health care and scientific innovations. Its integration into the national recovery strategy creates the prerequisites for strengthening the labor force and stimulating economic growth. Support for scientific research and the development of medical infrastructure are important factors in the formation of a sustainable society and increasing the country's competitiveness at the international level.

Introduction: Frequent users are a small but important group of patients in the emergency department (ED). This group is often the target of interventions that redirect visits to other areas of the healthcare system under the premise that some of these visits could be best managed elsewhere. Most existing interventions do not consider sociodemographic factors when targeting specific populations, while larger scale policy initiatives often do not reach those who would most benefit from alternative points of healthcare access. In this study we use population-level survey data linked to health administrative data to describe frequent ED users and those whose visits are potentially avoidable and could benefit from additional points of healthcare access. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study of responses from 18-74 year-old Ontario residents to the Canadian Community Health Survey from 2001–2014, which we linked to administrative health data for one-year following survey completion. We categorized participants according to the frequency of their ED use in the year following survey date and whether any of their visits were potentially avoidable. Associations between category of ED use and various sociodemographic, health, and behavioural factors were examined with multinomial logistic regression. Results: A total of 181,369 eligible respondents were included in this study. Of these, 1,460 (0.8%) were frequent users (four or more visits) with one or more potentially avoidable visits in the year following survey date. Compared to non-ED users, frequent users with avoidable visits were associated with the lowest quintile of household income (aOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.37, 2.65), rural-dwelling (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.77), and the highest quintile of material resource deprived neighbourhoods (aOR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.47, 3.36). They were more likely to have poor self-reported physical (17.2% vs 9.0%) and mental health (4.1% vs 2.7%) compared to total cohort, and more likely to have comorbidities (63.3% vs 48.7%), but less likely to access a usual provider of care for their healthcare needs (33.3% vs 28.2% without a usual provider of care). Conclusion: This study provides a novel description of frequent ED users for whom some of their visits were potentially avoidable. As efforts are made to redesign access to primary and community care, and with increasing emphasis on virtual care and other initiatives to reduce avoidable ED use, the healthcare system should ensure that these interventions are responsive to the needs of the people at higher likelihood of needing them.

Abstract Scientific modelling is widely used to simplify and understand complex phenomena, yet its role in artistic practices remains underexplored. This study examines how Vincent Van Gogh’s engagement with colour theory and cognitive modelling parallels scientific methodologies. By analyzing historical records, including letters to his brother Theo, Émile Bernard’s writings, and Van Gogh’s paintings from the Van Gogh Museum’s digital archive, I investigate how his "box of yarns" functioned as an experimental tool and model for studying colour interactions. Despite being limited to a specific period of Van Gogh's painting, this method played a fundamental role in the artist's evolution, facilitating the development of his expressive and highly textured brushstrokes. This investigation also reveals that the box of yarns represents the culmination of Van Gogh’s cognitive and creative journey, situated within the dynamics of complex adaptive systems. In particular, the Lotka–Volterra model provides a useful framework for interpreting the fluctuations in his painting production as the result of interactions between internal and material resources, emotional states, and environmental stimuli. These dynamics are further connected to the Four C Model of Creativity, mapping the artist’s work from experimental exploration to a lasting cultural impact. By reframing Van Gogh’s work through the use of modelling, this study challenges the conventional view of him as purely intuitive or tormented, positioning modelling as a key cognitive bridge between scientific reasoning and artistic creation.

ABSTRACT Background One of the main consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the imposition of social distancing and prolonged confinement, causing limitations for occupational participation worldwide. This particularly affected autistic children and their families, due to the characteristics of autism, the limitations in accessing different forms of support, and the reduction of the social and physical environment. Objective To explore the impact of contextual challenges and performance pattern changes in the occupation of autistic children and their families in southern Chile during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology Qualitative research with a descriptive-narrative design, conducting a total of 8 semi-structured interviews with four mothers between 30 and 45 years old. Results The results are organised into three categories: interaction with the outside world, transformations in play, and school as a challenge for adaptation. Conclusions The pandemic represented an important contextual change that affected performance patterns and skill development for autistic children and their caregivers in southern Chile, generating a significant impact on their well-being. This not only reflects the particular needs of autistic children, but also to the limitations in the personal and material resources of families to face the various challenges of the health crisis.

Barriers and Facilitators to Best Practices in Microtransitions in Care in Post-acute and Long-Term Care: A Mixed-Methods Study.

BackgroundHealth professional education is essential for training effective clinicians and skilled health workers, supporting universal healthcare. It includes disciplines like medicine, nursing, and allied health across various institutions. The educational climate significantly affects teaching, learning, and student satisfaction, impacting curriculum success and academic achievement. A competency-based curriculum (CBC) focuses on applying knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, enhancing graduates’ readiness for the labor market. While instructors have concerns about CBC adoption, its proper implementation can improve educational quality and graduate competencies. This study will examine the experiences and challenges faced by university instructors in implementing CBC in Ethiopian health science colleges and seek strategies to address these challenges effectively.MethodologyThis study adheres to the phenomenological theory and uses a qualitative research methodology. The study includes 20 male and 16 female instructors, school deans, department heads, and module coordinators from 2 universities. The investigation focuses on themes related to training, administration, motivation, and resources as well as potential strategies to overcome the challenges in CBC implementation.ResultsThe study investigated various factors affecting the implementation of CBC. The findings indicate that the most common challenges are inadequate training for instructors regarding the curriculum and shortage of educational resources necessary for its implementation. Additionally, challenges related to motivation, administration, and resources were identified as contributing factors that hindered CBC implementation. Beyond identifying these barriers, the study proposes context-specific strategies, including targeted faculty development programs, optimized resource allocation, and enhanced administrative support, which collectively aim to improve curriculum adoption and effectiveness. These findings provide actionable insights to inform policy and practice in similar educational environments facing implementation hurdles.Conclusion and RecommendationTo effectively implement a CBC in Ethiopian health science colleges and prepare graduates for the job market, several key actions are necessary. University administrators, departments, and instructors must engage in discussions to identify solutions. Continuous awareness, capacity-building training, and organized workshops on CBC are crucial for overcoming the major challenges. Moreover, prioritizing human and material resources, equipping demonstration and simulation rooms, and expanding practical sites are essential interventions to facilitate its implementation. Additionally, effective communication with all stakeholders is vital for successful CBC implementation.

Climate change is fundamentally reshaping modern terrorism through “environmental governance competition”—strategic contests where terrorist organizations exploit climate vulnerabilities to outperform states in delivering essential environmental services. Examining Islamic State, Al-Qaeda affiliates, Hamas, and Hezbollah operations across Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Gaza, and Lebanon (2010–2025), this research identifies three critical mechanisms: legitimacy-building through systematic environmental service provision, strategic adaptation of climate narratives within ideological frameworks, and dual exploitation of both material resources and symbolic environmental authority. Findings reveal a shift from opportunistic resource extraction toward sophisticated environmental governance weaponization, transforming climate disasters into instruments of territorial control and political legitimacy.

Who's responsible for health during extreme heat events? An ethnographic document analysis of health promotion materials in Australia.

The study examined population growth, available resources, and quality of life using an optimization tool of goal programming. The decision variable of the goal programming analysis was generated from the 4-year average of key variables of interest, namely population growth, available resource proxied by energy consumption, and quality of life proxied by the human development index, ranging from 2000 to 2023. The optimization technique of simplex goal programming analysis was adopted for the analysis. Based on the decision variables obtained from the averages of the relevant variables, the goal programming solutions could not satisfy any of the aspirational targets; hence, the non-optimization of the objective function after substituting the respective deviations into the objective function. The study, therefore, highlights the endemic flashpoint of the Nigerian economy wherein potentials and resource endowment are not sufficiently harnessed, hence the poor quality of life. The study therefore recommends urgent government intervention in the form of broad-based master plan on how to harness our resource endowment, both human and material, for the sole aim of promoting increased and sustainable improvement in the quality of life.

IntroductionThe global burden of chronic kidney disease, which has been exacerbated by the high number of patients requiring dialysis to sustain their lives. This makes the dialysis units a high-pressure unit prone to severe burnout. Nurses are particularly prone to burnout due to the demanding nature of their roles, combined with administrative burdens, staffing shortages, and organisational constraints. However, there is a dearth of studies examining burnout among nurses in dialysis units in resource-constrained settings.AimThe study explored burnout among nurses working in the dialysis unit of a Teaching Hospital, Ghana.MethodsA facility-based descriptive qualitative study research design was used to collect data from ten purposively selected nurses working in the dialysis unit of a Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Individual interviews were conducted with the participants using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes emerged from the data analysis: causes of burnout, impact of burnout, and coping with burnout among nurses. The causes of burnout identified included high workload with fewer staff, physical demands of dialysis, inadequate material resources, and emotional strain of dialysis care. Burnout impacted the physical, psychosocial, and emotional well-being of nurses, as well as impacting patient care. The nurses coped with burnout by employing personal resources such as physical and emotional self-care strategies, social support, as well as very little job resources like workplace adjustments.ConclusionsThe phenomenon of burnout is a serious occupational health challenge among nurses in dialysis units in resource-constrained settings like Ghana. The findings emphasise the need for increased job resources rather than individual coping mechanisms to effectively deal with the negative impact of burnout on nurses in the dialysis unit.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-025-03939-4.

People living with HIV (PLWH) experiencing chronic poverty may divert their antiretroviral therapy (ART) as an economic survival strategy, yet their lived experiences remain under examined. We conducted a phenomenological analysis of in-depth interviews with Black and Latino (N = 38) PLWH from two trials using the Intervention Innovations Team's Integrated Conceptual Model (IIT-ICM), which centers systemic and socioeconomic inequities in HIV care. Participants (74% cisgender men; 84% Black, mean age 48 years) reported high rates of food insecurity (85%), unemployment (90%), and unstable housing (52%), moderate-to-high-risk substance use (57% alcohol, 52% cannabis, 48% cocaine), and 76% reported past substance use treatment. Through inductive analysis of participant interviews, we identified three interrelated diversion processes: (1) Commodification, the transformation of prescribed medication into a material resource within informal or underground markets; (2) Navigation, the strategic management of care and survival within and against institutional systems; and (3) Reorientation, shifts in how individuals relate to treatment and its value over time, shaped by changing material, health, and emotional conditions. We characterize these processes as the "Economies of Diversion" model. By framing ART diversion as a structurally driven adaptive strategy, this work reveals how socioeconomically marginalized Black and Latino PLWH reconcile ART adherence guidelines with urgent material demands. Findings highlight the need to integrate economic supports, expand pharmacy-based financial incentives as harm-reduction alternatives, adopt autonomy-affirming clinical approaches, invest in upstream social protections, and pair long-acting injectable rollouts with economic benefits. Importantly, the Economies of Diversion model may also apply to other forms of medication diversion.