Sustainable Society Research Articles

Advanced theoretical modeling methodologies for electrocatalyst design in sustainable energy conversion

Electrochemical reactions are pivotal for energy conversion and storage to achieve a carbon-neutral and sustainable society, and optimal electrocatalysts are essential for their industrial applications. Theoretical modeling methodologies, such as density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD), efficiently assess electrochemical reaction mechanisms and electrocatalyst performance at atomic and molecular levels. However, its intrinsic algorithm limitations and high computational costs for large-scale systems generate gaps between experimental observations and calculation simulation, restricting the accuracy and efficiency of electrocatalyst design. Combining machine learning (ML) is a promising strategy to accelerate the development of electrocatalysts. The ML-DFT frameworks establish accurate property–structure–performance relations to predict and verify novel electrocatalysts' properties and performance, providing a deep understanding of reaction mechanisms. The ML-based methods also accelerate the solution of MD and DFT. Moreover, integrating ML and experiment characterization techniques represents a cutting-edge approach to providing insights into the structural, electronic, and chemical changes under working conditions. This review will summarize the DFT development and the current ML application status for electrocatalyst design in various electrochemical energy conversions. The underlying physical fundaments, application advancements, and challenges will be summarized. Finally, future research directions and prospects will be proposed to guide novel electrocatalyst design for the sustainable energy revolution.

Diplatinum Single-Molecular Photocatalyst Capable of Driving Hydrogen Production from Water via Singlet-to-Triplet Transitions.

Solar-driven hydrogen production is regarded as one of the most ideal methods to achieve a sustainable society. In order to artificially establish efficient photosynthetic systems, efforts have been made to develop single-molecular photocatalysts capable of serving both as a photosensitizer (PS) and a catalyst (Cat) in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Although examples of such hybrid molecular photocatalysts have been demonstrated in the literature, their solar energy conversion efficiencies still remain quite limited. Here we demonstrate that a new dinuclear platinum(II) complex Pt2(bpia)Cl3(bpia = bis(2-pyridylimidoyl)amido) serves as a single-molecular photocatalyst for HER with its performance significantly higher than that of the PtCl(tpy)- and PtCl2(bpy)-type photocatalysts developed in our group (tpy = 2,2': 6',2''-terpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). The outstanding feature is that Pt2(bpia)Cl3 can produce H2 even by irradiating the lower-energy light above 500 nm, which is rationalized due to the direct population of triplet states via singlet-to-triplet transitions (i.e., S-T transitions) accelerated by the diplatinum core.To the best of our knowledge, Pt2(bpia)Cl3 is the first example of a single-molecular photocatalyst enabling hydrogen production from water via the S-T transitions using lower-energy light (> 580 nm).

Diplatinum Single‐Molecular Photocatalyst Capable of Driving Hydrogen Production from Water via Singlet‐to‐Triplet Transitions

Solar‐driven hydrogen production is regarded as one of the most ideal methods to achieve a sustainable society. In order to artificially establish efficient photosynthetic systems, efforts have been made to develop single‐molecular photocatalysts capable of serving both as a photosensitizer (PS) and a catalyst (Cat) in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Although examples of such hybrid molecular photocatalysts have been demonstrated in the literature, their solar energy conversion efficiencies still remain quite limited. Here we demonstrate that a new dinuclear platinum(II) complex Pt2(bpia)Cl3 (bpia = bis(2‐pyridylimidoyl)amido) serves as a single‐molecular photocatalyst for HER with its performance significantly higher than that of the PtCl(tpy)‐ and PtCl2(bpy)‐type photocatalysts developed in our group (tpy = 2,2′: 6′,2′′‐terpyridine, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine). The outstanding feature is that Pt2(bpia)Cl3 can produce H2 even by irradiating the lower‐energy light above 500 nm, which is rationalized due to the direct population of triplet states via singlet‐to‐triplet transitions (i.e., S‐T transitions) accelerated by the diplatinum core. To the best of our knowledge, Pt2(bpia)Cl3 is the first example of a single‐molecular photocatalyst enabling hydrogen production from water via the S‐T transitions using lower‐energy light (> 580 nm).

A Practice Report on CLIL in Japan: Focusing on Biomimicry at the National Institute of Technology

This paper presents a soft-CLIL (content and language integrated learning) practice focused on biomimicry, conducted at Japan’s National Institute of Technology (NIT). Biomimicry involves solving problems and creating new things by drawing inspiration from animals, plants, and other living organisms to design and enhance human-made products and processes. Learning about biomimicry aligns with the educational objectives of NIT, which aims to cultivate individuals capable of contributing to realizing a more sustainable society through innovative technologies. With this goal in mind, I implemented a soft-CLIL class focused on biomimicry for second-grade students at NIT, aged 16-17. After studying exemplary cases of biomimicry, students delivered presen­tations on the topic. Some students attempted to apply the concept of biomimicry to propose concrete solutions for addressing social problems.

Implementasi Beragama Maslahat dan Berkebudayaan Maju dalam Kehidupan Keluarga Muhammadiyah Kota Surakarta

The application of the concept of religious welfare and advanced culture is an important strategy in facing the challenges of modernity and in line with the vision of the 2025-2045 RPJPN to build a harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable society. The Muhammadiyah family in Surakarta City as part of one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, plays an important role in realizing these values through education, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the concept of religious welfare and advanced culture in the lives of Muhammadiyah families in Surakarta City, and how these values can help families face the challenges of modernity and contribute to national development. The research method used is a qualitative approach with interview and documentation techniques. Data were obtained from Muhammadiyah family members, related literature, and relevant organizational policies. The results of the study show that Muhammadiyah families in Surakarta have succeeded in internalizing religious values through religion-based education, philanthropy through Lazismu, and inclusive health and education services.

Guanine-Assisted Contrived Low Pt-Integrated Mo2C/C for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Due to the high cost of the available Pt electrocatalysts, the large-scale water electrolysis production of hydrogen has been hindered. Hydrogen generation via electrochemical water splitting is a renewable energy essential to a sustainable society, creating a distinct material interface that shows Pt-like properties with long-term stability crucial to hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). Here, we synthesized the guanine-assisted facile synthesis of 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C having a layered type morphology via solid state calcined process followed by chemical reduction. The well-developed 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C heterostructure is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to understand the percentage of Pt doped on Mo2C/C. The as-synthesized 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C heterostructure exhibits a better HER activity than a commercial Pt/C with a small overpotential of 19 mV to reach a current density at 10 mA cm-2 with a Tafel slope of 28 mV/dec. The catalyst 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C shows a long-term stability of 42 h in 0.5 M H2SO4. The layered sheet structure with the N-doped carbon (C) nanosheet, encapsulating well-dispersed Pt within the layers, significantly enhances the reaction kinetics of the 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C. This design creates a synergistic effect among Mo2C, Pt, and the carbon matrix, improving catalytic performance. Theoretical calculations using the density functional theory (DFT) indicate the active sites for hydrogen evolution on Pt-integrated Mo2C/C. The 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C possessed a significantly reduced ΔGH* value (-0.06 eV) as compared to the pristine Mo2C/C material (ΔGH* = 0.34 eV), suggesting a higher catalytic activity. This simple method offers a fresh means to make clearly defined carbides and sheds light on creating low-Pt catalysts for a scalable HER.

Liberating Silence: Sociological Explorations

Past sociological scholarship has narrowly considered silence, with a few exceptions. This paper considers neglected aspects of silence in sociology, focusing on its positive, liberating dimensions. After a review of multidisciplinary research on the subject, we theorize silence sociologically, linking “spaciousness” with George Herbert Mead’s concept of a meaningful pause between stimulus and response. We provide a critique of social conditions that stand in the way of a freely chosen and accessible capacity to be silent. We draw in part on our experiential and research knowledge of forms of meditation to illustrate our argument. We discuss increasing silence commodification in global capitalism and introduce the notion of sensory exploitation. Next, we offer a few suggestions for the social design of silence. In the spirit of public sociology, this partial blueprint contributes to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive society. The conclusion contemplates several potential critiques of our perspective and articulates a response.

Design of functional and stable adhesion systems using reversible and movable crosslinked materials

Abstract Stable, tough, and functional adhesion systems are urgently needed for a sustainable society. As a resolution, supramolecular scientists have introduced reversible and movable crosslinked materials into adhesion systems. Reversible crosslinks can repeatedly associate and dissociate. Therefore, reversible crosslinked materials show self-healing and stimuli-responsive properties. Moreover, movable crosslinks are topological crosslinks in which the polymer chains penetrate the cavities of cyclic molecules. The sliding of the movable crosslinks with deformation enabled the achievement of materials showing high toughness and self-relaxation. Adhesion systems with reversible and movable crosslinks have improved adhesion and cohesion, stability, and functionality. This novel concept for the design of adhesion systems is expected to increase the lifetime of adhesives and ameliorate environmental problems.

Exploiting Mixed Waste Office Paper Containing Lignocellulosic Fibers for Alternatively Producing High-Value Succinic Acid by Metabolically Engineered Escherichia coli KJ122

Succinic acid is applied in many chemical industries in which it can be produced through microbial fermentation using lignocellulosic biomasses. Mixed-waste office paper (MWOP) containing lignocellulosic fibers is enormously generated globally. MWOP is recycled into toilet paper and cardboard, but the recovery process is costly. The reuse of MWOP to alternatively produce succinic acid is highly attractive. In this study, pretreatment of MWOPs with 1% (v/v) H2SO4 at 121 °C for 20 min was found to be optimal. The optimal conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of H2SO4-pretreated MWOP (AP-MWOP) were at 50 °C, with cellulase loading at 80 PCU/g AP-MWOP. This resulted in the highest glucose (22.46 ± 0.15 g/L) and xylose (5.11 ± 0.32 g/L). Succinic acid production via separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) by Escherichia coli KJ122 reached 28.19 ± 0.98 g/L (productivity of 1.17 ± 0.04 g/L/h). For simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), succinic acid was produced at 24.58 ± 2.32 g/L (productivity of 0.82 ± 0.07 g/L/h). Finally, succinic acid at 51.38 ± 4.05 g/L with yield and productivity of 0.75 ± 0.05 g/g and 1.07 ± 0.08 g/L/h was achieved via fed-batch pre-saccharified SSF. This study not only offers means to reuse MWOP for producing succinic acid but also provides insights for exploiting other wastes to high-value succinic acid, supporting environmental sustainability and zero-waste society.

How is health considered in urban transport planning? A review of the literature.

Urban transport is an important determinant of population health. Ensuringi health is well considered in urban transport planning is important to create healthy cities, healthy populations and sustainable societies. This review aimed to describe how health is considered in urban transport planning. A narrative literature review was conducted. Eligible literature included research articles, review articles, perspective articles, policy reports and technical reports published in English since 2013. PubMed, the Transport Research Integrated Database and grey literature sources were searched. Seventy articles were included, predominantly from high-income countries. Findings indicated that while urban transport is well recognised as a determinant of health, health considerations are often underprioritized in urban transport planning. Key issues identified included systemic power imbalances favouring car-orientated planning, insufficient legislative frameworks to promote health, the non-holistic assessment of health impacts in established environmental assessment processes, transport appraisal methodologies which undervalued health and differences between the health and planning professions in their preferred sources of evidence with associated challenges in knowledge translation. A consistent theme in the literature was that a strategic approach needed to be taken to improve how health is considered in urban transport planning and central to this was building relationships to enable collaborative and partnership working. Health was poorly considered in urban transport planning. Contributing issues related to power, legislation, impact assessment and knowledge translation. A strategic approach is important to address these issues.

As(III) Removal via Combined Addition of Mg- and Ca-Based Adsorbents and Comparison to As(V) Removal via Those Mechanisms

Damage to human health caused by As-contaminated water can be prevented using proper As-removal techniques, such as employing excellent arsenic adsorbents. In this study, the combined addition of Mg- and Ca-based adsorbents was investigated for the efficient removal of As from contaminated water. Following a previous study on As(V), As-removal tests targeting As(III) and several additional tests, including X-ray diffraction analysis, were conducted to clarify the mechanism of the improved performance of the combined-addition As removal. Similarly as for As(V), the combined additions of both MgCO3 + CaO and MgCO3 + Ca(OH)2 improved As(III)-removal performance while inhibiting the leaching of base material components; however, they did not remove As(III) as effectively as As(V). The differences in the removal ratios of As(V) and As(III) in these combined additions were concluded to be primarily due to the different As-removal mechanisms. Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3 were generated, and As(III) was incorporated into the generated precipitate of Mg(OH)2 but not into that of CaCO3. Conversely, As(V) was incorporated into both Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3. Additionally, MgCO3 + Ca(OH)2 was evaluated as a more efficient combined-addition method because MgCO3 + Ca(OH)2 exhibited a higher As-removal ratio value than MgO + CaO. Proposals have been made to remove As(III) using activated carbon modified with heavy metals or transition elements, or concrete waste grafted with polymers, but these methods are complicated to prepare, costly, and involve the risk of leaching of harmful components. Adsorbents that use general Mg and Ca components as their base material do not contain such harmful components. The Mg- and Ca-based adsorbents are readily available and low-cost, and, best of all, there is no concern that they will leach harmful components. Therefore, widespread use of Mg- and Ca-based adsorbents as a measure against arsenic contamination could greatly contribute to a sustainable society.

Are explorers greener? Investigating the role of personality traits, connectedness to nature and attitudes toward exploring in various pro-environmental behaviors.

Previous research has suggested that individual characteristics, such as personality traits, are crucial for pro-environmental behaviors. However, the joint role of more specific environment-related individual dispositions on various pro-environmental behaviors has not yet been investigated and is the aim of this study. A total of 649 adults (18-59 years old) assessed their pro-environmental behaviors, personality traits, the connectedness to nature, attitudes toward exploration, and spatial anxiety. Personality traits (openness and conscientiousness) were related to some of the pro-environment behaviors (transportations and purchasing). Connectedness to nature was the factor most associated with the pro-environment behaviors (conservation, citizenship, purchasing). Moreover, newly we showed that attitudes toward exploration were associated with citizenship and purchasing behaviors. Overall, the results newly highlighted the importance of environment-related characteristics alongside general personality traits. Fostering environmental-related personality factors, such as connection to nature and attitudes towards exploration, may drive positive environmental action, suggesting novel approaches to build a more sustainable society.

Pengimplementasian Hak Sosial Antara Pejabat dan Masyarakat di Negara Indonesia

This paper analyzes the implementation of citizenship rights in Indonesia, focusing on the interaction between public officials and the public. The important role of officials in policy making and implementation, as well as the active role of the public in participation and oversight, are discussed in depth. In addition, the article also presents some solutions to overcome these problems, with the aim of improving the quality of citizens' rights implementation. The implementation of citizenship rights between officials and the public in Indonesia is a complex and dynamic process. Despite the challenges, a commitment to democratic principles and the protection of citizens' rights can strengthen the relationship between officials and communities. With an inclusive and participatory approach, Indonesia can build a more just, transparent and sustainable society. The value of equality means that every citizen has equal rights, equal obligations, and equal standing before the law and government. This value in this reform era is very decisive for the journey of life in society, nation and state, as a signpost in achieving national ideals and national goals. Public participation in the political and decision-making process is essential to maintain the sustainability of democracy. People have the right to be involved in the discussion and determination of policies that affect their lives. Through elections, public forums and various other participatory mechanisms, people can express their aspirations and control public officials. This study analyzes the level of political participation in general elections in rural Indonesia. Through a survey of a number of respondents, this research identifies factors that influence political participation, such as education level, political awareness, and access to information. The results show that the level of political participation in rural areas is still low and is influenced by several obstacles. This research suggests the importance of improving the quality of political education and providing adequate infrastructure to increase people's political participation. As the subject of citizens' rights, the community has a very important role in ensuring these rights are realized. This paper discusses how the community can play an active role in political participation, oversight of the government, and in demanding their rights. The challenges faced by the community in carrying out this role, as well as efforts to increase community participation, are also reviewed.

Optimizing Design for Repairability: A Game Theoretic Approach for Incorporating Market Analysis

Abstract This article investigates the design decision facing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in determining the optimal degree of repairability by considering market dynamics. The article develops a game-theoretic model to optimize the degree of product repairability for smartphones in a market in which an OEM and a coalition of independent service providers compete in offering repair services. A survey is conducted to estimate the consumer-related parameters of the game theory model by considering factors such as repair cost, prior repair experience of customers, and the quality of repair services offered by the OEM and independent repair service providers. The findings reveal that regardless of the repairability level, the OEM's repair profits are maximized when a significant disparity in the quality of repair services between the OEM and their competitors exists. On the other hand, independent repair service providers' profits are maximized when there is a low disparity in the quality of repair services. Also, the results show why the adoption of a fully repairable device is not the optimal strategy adopted by OEMs. Instead, a sufficiently large degree of repairability can be the strategic choice, as it maximizes the total OEM's profits derived from both the sale of future products and the provision of repair services for previously sold devices. At the same time, this strategy can encourage repair practices among consumers toward a more sustainable society.

13C-metabolic flux analysis of respiratory chain disrupted strain ΔndhF1 of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Cyanobacteria are advantageous hosts for industrial applications toward achieving sustainable society due to their unique and superior properties such as atmospheric CO2 fixation via photosynthesis. However, cyanobacterial productivities tend to be weak compared to heterotrophic microbes. To enhance them, it is necessary to understand the fundamental metabolic mechanisms unique to cyanobacteria. In cyanobacteria, NADPH and ATP regenerated by linear and cyclic electron transfers using light energy are consumed by CO2 fixation in a central metabolic pathway. The previous study demonstrated that the strain deleted a part of respiratory chain complex (ΔndhF1) perturbed NADPH levels and photosynthetic activity in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. It is expected that disruption of ndhF1 would result in a decrease in the function of cyclic electron transfer, which controls the ATP/NAD(P)H production ratio properly. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ndhF1 deletion on central metabolism and photosynthesis by 13C-metabolic flux analysis. As results of culturing the control and ΔndhF1 strains in a medium containing [1,2-13C] glucose and estimating the flux distribution, CO2 fixation rate by RuBisCO was decreased to be less than half in the ΔndhF1 strain. In addition, the regeneration rate of NAD(P)H and ATP by the photosystem, which can be estimated from the flux distribution, also decreased to be less than half in the ΔndhF1 strain, whereas no significant difference was observed in ATP/NAD(P)H production ratio between the control and the ΔndhF1 strains. Our result suggests that the ratio of utilization of cyclic electron transfer is not reduced in the ΔndhF1 strain unexpectedly.

Directions for the development of human and citizen rights and duties in contemporary conditions

The article conducts an ontological study of the trends in the development of human and civil rights and duties in contemporary conditions. It proposes to understand human rights as fundamental moral and natural needs and opportunities of an individual to self-realize, as enshrined in legal forms, without limiting the freedom of others. It is determined that the contemporary development of human and civil rights and duties reflects the striving for a more just, equitable, and sustainable society. An important trend is the expansion of both rights and duties in the context of changing technological, environmental, social, etc. conditions, as well as the need to adapt to new challenges. The article identifies the directions of the development of human and civil rights and duties in modern conditions, including: globalization of human rights, expansion of environmental rights and duties, improvement of social rights and duties, guaranteeing digital rights and the right to accurate information, and strengthening the duties regarding civic activism. The most pressing directions for ensuring human rights in the context of armed aggression by one state against another are identified, in particular, ensuring human rights related to the restoration of justice and strengthening democratic values, ensuring the rights of victims of armed aggression, internally displaced persons, the right to accurate information, a clean environment, and others. The article substantiates the view that the building of a rule of law state is possible if such development is based on a common idea – justice, freedom, equality, and dignity as the key fundamental principles of social development. The article analyzes the normative consolidation of generations of human rights in fundamental international normative acts, in particular, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and also clarifies the state of their objectification in the Constitution of Ukraine. The ontological dimension of human and civil rights and duties is determined, which is characterized by social, economic, political, cultural, and security changes in society that, in one way or another, determine the trends in the development of modern state policy in this area.

Contributions of AI and Optimization Technologies to Seismic Isolation and Vibration Control: Advancing Towards Resilient and Sustainable Society

Contributions of AI and Optimization Technologies to Seismic Isolation and Vibration Control: Advancing Towards Resilient and Sustainable Society

Catalytic conversion of chitin biomass into key platform chemicals.

Chitin is the most abundant nitrogen-containing biomass on Earth and presents a compelling alternative to fossil fuels for chemical production. The catalytic conversion of chitin offers a viable approach for harnessing its inherent carbon and nitrogen contents, contributing to developing a green and sustainable society. This feature article reviews recent advances in shell waste biorefinery, with an emphasis on the contributions from our group. Efficient and sustainable chitin extraction methods are highlighted, along with the conversion of chitin biomass (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG), D-glucosamine, chitosan, and chitin) into key platform chemicals, mainly including furans, amino/amide sugars, organic acids and amino/amide acids. Catalytic strategies and production pathways are detailed, and current challenges and future research directions in chitin valorization are discussed.

Modification of Existing Stadiums for a Sustainable Society: A Proposal for an ECO STADIUM

Modification of Existing Stadiums for a Sustainable Society: A Proposal for an ECO STADIUM

EVALUATION OF BUILDING CRACKS USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BASED CRACK DETECTION SOFTWARE (ABECIS)

Various traditional methods have been applied to detect cracks, these are prone to errors, require high human capital, high cost of equipment is involved and it is time consuming. In recent times, more sophisticated technologically based methods have been developed and used in the detection and analysis of cracks, inclusive of more advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This study is aimed at evaluating the AI based Crack detection software for crack analysis. Cracks images were identified and captured using an android based smart phone from some selected residential buildings within Abuja and Benin-City. These crack images were analysed using Automated Building Exterior Crack Inspection Software (ABECIS). The software produced image segmentation and categorization. After the analysis, it consequently generated a report containing the confidence type, crack type, maximum confidence score, percentage of crack coverage and crack length. The cracks lengths for the selected images were also measured manually. The results indicate discrepancies between the crack lengths estimated by the software and those measured manually. The calculated Mean Absolute Error (MAE) is 0.84 while the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is 1.02. It was observed that greater error occurred in measuring the lengths of horizontal crack type. Despite these variations, ABECIS can significantly detect and measure the lengths of cracks to a reasonable degree of accuracy. The use of ABECIS saves time, cost, better analysis and portable record keeping for future review and maintainability of structural works for sustainable society. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of AI technology using ABECIS software can be advanced and promoted within the Nigerian construction industry for crack detection and analysis for effective maintainability and sustainability.