Sustainable Strategies Research Articles

Degradation of potato peels using amylase- and pectinase-producing fungal strain in an electrochemical cell and by-product analysis

ABSTRACT Degradation of the waste using amylase- and pectinase-producing fungal strains in Microbial fuel cells (MFC) can be a sustainable and economic strategy for solid waste management. An isolate of the fungal strain Aspergillus niger, which showed amylase and pectinase activities was implemented for potato peel waste degradation. MFC was constructed and the highest OCV was observed using KMnO4 in catholyte (1586 ± 63 mV/m3) with anode graphite electrode-coated MWCNT. MFC in fed-batch mode was also performed by adding 10% of the sample every 24 h, and an improved result was obtained. The power density observed with 100-ohm and 1000-ohm external resistors was 119 ± 7 W/m3 and 42 ± 9 W/m3, respectively. From MFC operation at an optimised condition removal rate of COD, ammoniacal-nitrogen, reducing sugar and TSS were 37.69%, 67.72%, 72.64%, and 65.95% respectively. Sugar and byproduct analysis in digested product was done by HPLC, various value-added products were generated from waste sample.

Forage accumulation and nutritive value in extensive, intensive, and integrated pasture-based beef cattle production systems

Context A challenge for the livestock sector is to improve the production and nutritive value of forage grasses through sustainable management strategies. Aims This study evaluated the impact of management on the productive and nutritive value of five pasture-based production systems: irrigated pasture with 600 kg nitrogen (N) ha−1 (IP600); rainfed pasture with 400 kg N ha−1 (RP400); rainfed pasture with 200 kg N ha−1 (RP200); silvopastoral with 200 kg N ha−1 (SP200); and degraded pasture without N fertilisation (DP0). Methods During two experimental years, samples were collected pre- and post-grazing to determine forage and nutritional parameters. Land-saving effects and efficiencies of N fertilisation and water use were calculated. Key results For C4 grasses, forage mass accumulation was greater for IP600 and RP400. IP600 also presented the greatest leaf area index and crude protein concentration, whereas DP0 presented the lowest values of both. For C3 grasses in the IP600 treatment, greater forage mass accumulation and leaf area index were found in winter than in autumn; all nutritional characteristics were not affected by season of the year. For land-saving effect, and N- and water-use efficiencies, IP600, RP400 and RP200 presented higher values than DP0 and SP200. Conclusions More intensified systems with proper management allowed better productive and nutritional characteristics than degraded pasture or silvopasture, especially during seasons with greater precipitation or when irrigated. Implications Intensification practices make better use of natural resources (water and land) and agricultural inputs (N fertiliser) to ameliorate the effects of seasonality and improve quality and productivity of tropical grasses in pasture-based livestock production systems.

Climate change and liver disease: a mini review

Climate change poses a growing threat to human health and well-being, with emerging evidence pointing to its intricate relationship with liver diseases. Indeed, climate change influences liver diseases through various direct and indirect mechanisms. Alcohol-related liver disease, Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), and viral hepatitis are the three most common causes of liver disease, and all are susceptible to the effects of climate change. Shifts in dietary habits driven by altered food availability, substance abuse exacerbated by social instability, extreme weather events affecting healthcare access, and the emergence of waterborne infections are among the factors exacerbating liver disease incidence and severity. On the flip side, healthcare systems, including liver units, significantly contribute to climate change through energy consumption, medical waste, and transportation emissions. The need for sustainable healthcare practices, telemedicine, and waste reduction strategies is becoming increasingly evident. Recognizing this intricate interplay and addressing the dual interaction between climate change and liver disease is imperative for safeguarding human health and reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare facilities. As climate change continues to unfold, understanding its implications for liver disease is critical for public health and environmental sustainability.

"We are not being taught sustainable citizenship!"

Education on sustainability is a crucial goal that requires a transformative shift in teacher education to drive meaningful changes oriented to action. A cross-sectional study with an exploratory design investigated preservice science teachers' perceptions regarding teaching sustainable citizenship, specifically focusing on the climate crisis and earthquakes-tsunamis. The study was conducted in two Chilean universities with similar teacher preparation programs. The team designed a podcast series, which was used and evaluated by the 13 participants through action research. Three group discussions explored their perceptions of the resources, as well as the aims and challenges of teaching sustainable citizenship and the podcasts. We used Grounded Theory steps, including triangulation by the researchers to ensure reliability, to qualitatively analyse the data. The results reveal a constraint on teaching in areas where the participants lacked the necessary preparation and background knowledge as students and preservice teachers. The main challenges were related to interdisciplinarity, the social dimension of socio-scientific issues and context-responsive teaching methods. The perceived aims were the development of students' critical thinking, informed positioning, and encouraging active citizen participation. Preservice teachers found the podcast series to be a valuable new epistemic and pedagogical resource that can support their efforts to teach sustainable citizenship and implement pedagogical strategies. The autonomous usage of the device triggered reflection processes, particularly regarding the human rights perspective, which unveiled the socio-political dimensions inherent in science education. It promoted personal re-positioning as active citizens and educators and empowered them to seek out and pursue the changes needed to reshape future classrooms. We discuss these findings in the context of teacher preparation and the use of educational technology in teacher education.

Analyzing the effects of digital transformation on handling human resources management

In the contemporary business landscape, digitization has become imperative for competitiveness. Despite the perspective of employees regarding the accessibility of electronic human resource management (e-HRM), their ability to adapt to the digital age still causes many problems. This study explores employee understanding of digital transformation within the HR department of an IT company and identifies priority processes for automation. The research addresses the ambiguities in the literature, focusing on the rapid technological advances of Industry 4.0. Through semi-structured interviews, we reveal new perspectives directly from HR employees. The results indicate the need for strategic approaches to ensure efficient processes and traceability. Recommendations include integrating an integrated strategy of digital solutions. Anticipating future needs alongside present needs is crucial for sustainable digitization strategies, improving competitiveness in the digital age.

PGPB Consortium Formulation to Increase Fermentable Sugar in Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue: A Study in the Field.

Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue is used as the primary raw material in tequila production due to its fructans (inulin) content. This study evaluates the formulation of a plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) consortium (Pseudomonas sp. and Shimwellia sp.) to increase sugars in A. tequilana under field conditions. A total of three doses were tested: low (5 L ha-1), medium (10 L ha-1), and high (15 L ha-1), with a cellular density of 1 × 108 CFU mL-1 and one control treatment (without application). Total reducing sugars (TRS), inulin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and plant growth were measured in agave plants aged 4-5 years at 0 (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months. Yield was recorded at T12. The TRS increased by 3%, and inulin by 5.3% in the high-dose treatment compared to the control at T12. Additionally, a low content of sucrose, glucose, and fructose (approximately 1%) was detected. At T12, the weight of agave heads increased by 31.2% in the medium dose and 22.3% in the high dose compared to the control. The high dose provided a higher inulin content. The A. tequilana plants were five years old and exhibited growth comparable to the standards for 6-7-year-old plants. This study demonstrates a sustainable strategy for tequila production, optimizing the use of natural resources and enhancing industry performance through increased sugar content and yield.

Using Optimized Spectral Indices and Machine Learning Algorithms to Assess Soil Copper Concentration in Mining Areas

Soil copper (Cu) contamination in mining areas poses a serious threat to the surrounding environment and human health. Timely determination of Cu concentrations is crucial for the ecological protection of mining areas. Hyperspectral remote sensing technology, with its non-destructive monitoring advantages, is essential for monitoring soil Cu pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. Using the hyperspectral technique for assessing soil Cu concentration, four machine learning models (support vector regression (SVR), random forest (RF), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and artificial neural network (ANN)), combined with three types of input variables (the full-band, sensitive bands, and optimized spectral indices (Opt-TBIs)) were employed. The hyperspectral reflectance of 647 soil samples from an abandoned tailings mine in western Inner Mongolia, China was collected. The sensitive bands were extracted using the successive projections algorithms (SPA), and 12 Opt-TBIs were selected. Results showed that the regions with higher soil Cu concentration extracted by SPA and Opt-TBIs were concentrated in the red edge and near-infrared regions. Compared with the full spectrum and SPA-sensitive bands, models based on Opt-TBIs successfully predicted soil Cu concentrations. The Opt-TBIs-RF model provided higher accuracy in estimating soil Cu among the four models. Using only four Opt-TBIs as input variables, the model maintained a stable performance in estimating Cu concentrations in different mining areas (R2Val = 0.72, RPDVal = 1.90). In conclusion, Opt-TBIs as input variables demonstrate good predictive capabilities for soil Cu concentrations in the study area, providing a basis for the formulation of sustainable strategies for soil reclamation and environmental protection in Inner Mongolia.

Nisin-based therapy: a realistic and eco-friendly biocontrol strategy to contrast Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca infections in planta

The lack of sustainable strategies for combating Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) highlights the pressing need for novel practical antibacterial tools. In this study, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strain ATCC 11454 (L. lactis), known for its production of nisin A, was in vitro tested against Xf subsp. pauca. Preliminary investigations showed that nisin A was involved in a strong antagonistic activity exhibited by L. lactis against Xf. Thus, the efficacy of nisin A was comprehensively assessed through a combination of in vitro and in planta experiments. In vitro investigations employing viable-quantitative PCR, spot assay, turbidity reduction assay, fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated nisin’s robust bactericidal effect on Xf at a minimal lethal concentration of 0.6 mg/mL. Moreover, results from fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies indicated that nisin directly and rapidly interacts with the membranes of Xf cells, leading to the destruction of bacterial cells in few minutes. In in planta tests, nisin also demonstrated the ability to tackle Xf infections within Nicotiana benthamiana plants that remained asymptomatic 74 days post inoculation. Furthermore, RPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses showed that nisin translocated to all parts of the plants and remains intact for up to 9 days. For the first time, this study underscores the nisin-based strategy as a realistic and eco-friendly approach to be further investigated against Xf infections in the field.

Osmolyte-producing microbial biostimulants regulate the growth of Arachis hypogaea L. under drought stress

Globally, drought stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity. Improving the drought tolerance of crops with microbial biostimulants is a sustainable strategy to meet a growing population’s demands. This research aimed to elucidate microbial biostimulants’ (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) role in alleviating drought stress in oil-seed crops. In total, 15 bacterial isolates were selected for drought tolerance and screened for plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes like phosphate solubilization and production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and exopolysaccharide. This research describes two PGPR strains: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus AC06 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BA01. The present study demonstrated that these strains (AC06 and BA01) produced abundant osmolytes under osmotic stress, including proline (2.21 and 1.75 µg ml− 1), salicylic acid (18.59 and 14.21 µg ml− 1), trehalose (28.35 and 22.74 µg mg− 1 FW) and glycine betaine (11.35 and 7.74 mg g− 1) respectively. AC06 and BA01 strains were further evaluated for their multifunctional performance by inoculating in Arachis hypogaea L. (Groundnut) under mild and severe drought regimes (60 and 40% Field Capacity). Inoculation with microbial biostimulants displayed distinct osmotic-adjustment abilities of the groundnut, such as growth parameters, plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, proline, and soluble sugar in respective to control during drought. On the other hand, plant sensitivity indexes such as electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were decreased as well as cooperatively conferred plant drought tolerance by induced alterations in stress indicators such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Thus, Acinetobacter sp. AC06 and Bacillus sp. BA01 can be considered as osmolyte producing microbial biostimulants to simultaneously induce osmotic tolerance and metabolic changes in groundnuts under drought stress.

Effects of Sustainable Rice Management on the Behavior and Bioefficacy of Bispyribac-Sodium: A Medium-Term Study

The practices (tillage and flooding) used for rice crops are unsustainable, especially in areas characterized by water shortages, such as the Mediterranean region. Therefore, it is necessary to develop sustainable methods in order to ensure the viability of rice production. However, it is essential to understand the effects that alternative management can have on herbicide behavior. In this context, this paper describes the first field experiment conducted to evaluate the medium-term effects of different agricultural practices on the fate of bispyribac sodium (BPS). Thus, the treatments were as follows: tillage and flooding (TF), tillage and sprinkler (TS), and no-tillage and sprinkler (NTS). In addition, “alperujo” compost (AC) from olive mill waste was used in each treatment (TF-AC, TS-AC, and NTS-AC). The AC was applied only once in 2015 when the TS and NTS treatments were implemented. The AC amendment increased the adsorption of BPS and its irreversibility, thereby decreasing the BPS leaching capacity. Furthermore, throughout this study, the BPS persistence was up to 1.85 times greater with sprinklers than in the flooding condition, which could explain the high values of BPS effectiveness (increased by a factor of 1.45 on average) found with sprinklers. Therefore, the implementation of sprinklers in combination with AC can be considered a sustainable strategy for Mediterranean rice production, at least in the medium term, as it reduces BPS water pollution and increases its weed control efficiency.

Epoxiconazole degradation in water samples: a comparative study of Fenton, photo-Fenton, solar photo-Fenton, and solar photolysis processes.

Epoxiconazole (EPO) is classified as a persistent organic pollutant due to its ability to persist in the environment for prolonged periods. Its degradation is pivotal in mitigating its environmental impact. This investigation focuses on assessing the degradation of EPO using various methodologies, namely Fenton, photo-Fenton, solar photo-Fenton, and solar photolysis, conducted in both Milli-Q water and groundwater. These experiments encompassed evaluations at both the standard pH typically used in photo-Fenton reactions and the natural pH levels inherent to the respective aqueous environments. Additionally, EPO degradation products were analyzed after a 60-min reaction. Notably, in systems utilizing groundwater, the inclusion of additional iron was unnecessary, as the naturally occurring iron content in the groundwater facilitated the intended processes. Specifically, in Milli-Q water, solar photo-Fenton demonstrated an EPO degradation efficiency of 97%. Furthermore, the substitution of Milli-Q water with groundwater in Fenton-like processes did not significantly affect the efficacy of EPO degradation. These findings underscore the potential of solar photo-Fenton as an economically viable and environmentally sustainable strategy for EPO degradation.

Blockchain self-update smart contract for supply chain traceability with data validation

Abstract A sustainable supply chain management strategy reduces risks and meets environmental, economic and social objectives by integrating environmental and financial practices. In an ever-changing environment, supply chains have become vulnerable at many levels. In a global supply chain, carefully tracing a product is of great importance to avoid future problems. This paper describes a self-updating smart contract, which includes data validation, for tracing global supply chains using blockchains. Our proposal uses a machine learning model to detect anomalies on traceable data, which helps supply chain operators detect anomalous behavior at any point in the chain in real time. Hyperledger Caliper has been used to evaluate our proposal, and obtained a combined average throughput of 184 transactions per second and an average latency of 0.41 seconds, ensuring that our proposal does not negatively impact supply chain processes while improving supply chain management through data anomaly detection.

Study on Spatialization and Spatial Pattern of Population Based on Multi-Source Data—A Case Study of the Urban Agglomeration on the North Slope of Tianshan Mountain in Xinjiang, China

The urban agglomeration on the north slope of the Tianshan Mountains is a pivotal place in Western China; it is essential for the economic growth of Xinjiang and acts as a critical bridge between China’s interior and the Asia–Europe continent. Due to unique natural conditions, the local population distribution exhibits distinct regional characteristics. This study employs the spatial lag model (SLM) from conventional spatial analysis and the random forest model (RFM) from contemporary machine learning techniques. It integrates traditional geographic data, including land cover data and nighttime light data, with geographical big data, such as POI (points of interest) and OSM (OpenStreetMap), to build a comprehensive indicator database. Subsequently, it simulates the spatial population distribution within the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains in 2020. The accuracy of the results is then compared and assessed against the accuracy of other available population raster datasets, and the spatial distribution pattern in 2020 is analyzed. The findings reveal the following: (1) The result of SLM, combined with multi-source data, predicts the population distribution as a relatively uniform and nearly circular structure, with minimal spatial differentiation. (2) The result of RFM, employing multi-source data, better captures the spatial population distribution, resulting in irregular boundaries that are indicative of strong spatial heterogeneity. (3) Both models demonstrate superior accuracy in simulating population distribution. The spatial lag model’s accuracy surpasses that of the GHS and GPW datasets, albeit still trailing behind WorldPop and LandScan. Meanwhile, the random forest model significantly outperforms the four aforementioned population raster datasets. (4) The population spatial pattern in the urban agglomeration on the north slope of the Tianshan Mountains predominantly consists of four distinct circles, illustrating a “one axis, one center, and multiple focal points” distribution characteristic. Combining the random forest model with geographic big data for spatialized population simulation offers robust scientific validity and practicality. It holds potential for broader application within the urban agglomeration on the Tianshan Mountains and across Xinjiang. This study can offer insights for studies on regional population spatial distributions and inform sustainable development strategies for cities and their populations.

Horizon scan survey to identify key research questions to promote sustainability of the marine recreational fishery in Namibia

Horizon scan survey to identify key research questions to promote sustainability of the marine recreational fishery in Namibia

Heterointerface-Rich Ni3N/WO3 Hierarchical Nanoarrays for Efficient Glycerol Oxidation-Assisted Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution.

Glycerol oxidation-assisted water electrolysis has emerged as a cost-effective way of co-producing green hydrogen and HCOOH. Still, preparing highly selective and stable nickel-based metal electrocatalysts remains a challenge. Herein, heterostructure Ni3N/WO3 nanosheet arrays of bifunctional catalysts with large specific surface areas loaded on nickel foam (denoted as Ni3N/WO3/NF) were synthesized. This catalyst was for glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with excellent catalytic performance, a voltage saving of 267 mV compared to oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and a HER overpotential of 104 mV at 100 mA cm-2. The cell voltage in the assembled GOR//HER hybrid electrolysis system reaches 100 mA cm-2 at 1.50 V, 296 mV lower than the potential required for overall water splitting. This work demonstrates that replacing GOR with OER using a cost-effective and highly active Ni-based bifunctional electrocatalyst can make hybrid water electrolysis an energy-efficient, sustainable, and green strategy for hydrogen production.

Hydroxyl-Bonded Co Single Atom Site on Boroncarbonitride Surface Realizes Non-sacrificial H2O2 Synthesis in the Near-Infrared Region.

Photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from O2 and H2O under near-infrared light is a sustainable renewable energy production strategy, but challenging reaction. The bottleneck of this reaction lies in the regulation of O2 reduction path by photocatalyst. Herein, we construct the center of the one-step two-electron reduction (OSR) pathway of O2 for H2O2 evolution via the formation of the hydroxyl-bonded Co single-atom sites on boroncarbonitride surface (BCN-OH2/Co1). Our experimental and theoretical prediction results confirm that the hydroxyl group on the surface and the electronic band structure of BCN-OH2/Co1 are the key factor in regulating the O2 reduction pathway. In addition, the hydroxyl-bonded Co single-atom sites can further enrich O2 molecules with more electrons, which can avoid the one-electron reduction of O2 to •O2 -, thus promoting the direct two-electron activation hydrogenation of O2. Consequently, BCN-OH2/Co1 exhibited a high H2O2 evolution apparent quantum efficiency of 0.8% at 850nm, better than most of the previously reported photocatalysts. This study reveals an important reaction pathway for the generation of H2O2, emphasizing that precise control of the active site structure of the photocatalyst is essential for achieving efficient conversion of solar-to-chemical. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Education Financing Model Transformation to Build Education Accessibility Through Free School Fees at PKBM Golden

The Ayo Lanjut Sekolah program at the Golden Community Learning Activity Center offers access to tuition-free education for those disconnected from the formal education system. This study explores the management of education financing in the program context. Through a literature review approach, this study identifies funding strategies from external sources and evaluates their impact on program sustainability. The findings show that this innovative approach successfully improves access to education without imposing costs on learners. The implication emphasizes the importance of alternative models in education financing management to support education inclusivity for equal access to education that can be widely accepted. Suggestions for future research include further development in the understanding of education finance management and mapping sustainable funding models for similar programs. This research is expected to provide valuable guidance for education practitioners in designing inclusive and sustainable financing strategies to ensure equitable access to education for all. The study utilized a literature review to assess education financing management strategies at the Golden Community Learning Activity Center, focusing on the impact of the Ayo Lanjut Sekolah Program. Results indicated that sourcing external funding, such as government grants and corporate donations, positively affected program sustainability. This innovative approach addresses financing challenges for marginalized communities, enhancing educational access. The findings underscore the significance of inclusive financing models in improving education accessibility for marginalized groups.

Utilization of plant-derived wastes as the potential biohydrogen source: a sustainable strategy for waste management.

The sustainable economy has shown a renewed interest in acquiring access to the resources required to promote innovative practices that favor recycling and the reuse of existing, unconsidered things over newly produced ones. The production of biohydrogen through dark anaerobic fermentation of organic wastes is one of the intriguing possibilities for replacing fossil-based fuels through the circular economy. At present, plant-derived waste from the agro-based industry is the main global concern. When these wastes are improperly disposed of in landfills, they become the habitat for several pathogens. Additionally, it contaminates surface water as a result of runoff, and the leachate that is created from the waste enters groundwater and degrades its quality. However, cellulose and hemicellulose-rich plant wastes from agriculture fields and agro-based industries have been employed as the most efficient feedstock since carbohydrates are the primary substrate for the synthesis of biohydrogen. To produce biohydrogen from plant-derived wastes on a large scale, it is necessary to explore comprehensive knowledge of lab-scale parameters and pretreatment strategies. This paper summarizes the problems associated with the improper management of plant-derived wastes and discusses the recent developments in dark fermentation and substrate pretreatment techniques with the goal of gaining significant insight into the biohydrogen production process. It also highlights the utilization of anaerobic digestate, which is left over after biohydrogen gas as feedstock for the development of value-added products such as volatile fatty acids (VFA), biochar, and biofertilizer.

Survey of potential fungal antagonists of Coffee Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) on Coffea arabica in Hawai'i, USA.

Hemileia vastatrix, causal agent of coffee leaf rust (CLR), is an aggressive pathogen of coffee plants worldwide. Conventional fungicides play a major role in the suppression of this disease, but a recent shift toward eco-friendly farming practices has occurred and additional novel, effective, and sustainable strategies for CLR control are needed. Naturally occurring fungal antagonists could be well-positioned to meet this demand, but these fungi need to be isolated and tested for efficacy to identify organisms with potential. In this study, a survey of fungi associated with CLR lesions in four districts of Hawai'i Island, HI, USA (Kona, Ka'ū, Hāmākua, and Hilo) was conducted. Coffee leaves infected with CLR were collected from 22 locations and over 600 lesions were plated on ½ APDA and CTC 4T media. DNA was extracted from purified isolates and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) was sequenced and analyzed by BLASTn. In total, 194 isolates comprising 50 taxa were recovered. Several of the genera are known antagonists of CLR or other plant pathogens, including Simplicillium, Akanthomyces, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Clonostachys. The wide diversity of fungi associated with CLR lesions provide a wealth of possibilities for identifying potential CLR antagonists that could serve as a valuable tool for coffee farmers as part of an integrated pest management plan.

Framing sustainability strategies for the enactment of corporate actions with positive macro‐level impact: Evidence from a developing country

Framing sustainability strategies for the enactment of corporate actions with positive macro‐level impact: Evidence from a developing country