Sustainable Development Approach Research Articles

Effect of Recycled Fibers on the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Sand Concrete

Recycling waste in construction materials is part of a sustainable development approach aimed at creating new materials with characteristics that have been shown to be competitive with traditional materials. In this context, this study aims to recover steel, copper and aluminum wastes from blacksmiths’ workshops together with the reuse thereof in the form of reinforcing fibers in sand concrete. However, in order to assess the impact of this waste on the concrete properties, we introduced such wastes in the form of fibers at different proportions (0.4 %, 0.8 % and 1.2 %). Further, a series of tests was then carried out to determine the evolution of the concrete characteristics in the fresh state (workability and density) and in the hardened state (compressive strength, flexural strength, compressive strength obtained using a sclerometer and the speed of ultrasonic waves), as well as the concrete’s durability (absorption coefficient by immersion, by capillarity and the porosity accessible to water). In closing, the behavior of the concrete was assessed in the face of a chemical attack by H2SO4 and HCl by measuring mass loss. In virtue of thus, the results obtained demonstrated a positive evolution of certain properties of sand concrete as a function of the type and percentage of fibers incorporated into the composition of the concrete.

Ecosystem health assessment of East Kolkata Wetlands, India: Implications for environmental sustainability

The East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) in Kolkata, India, span 12,500 ha and are a vital ecological zone providing several benefits, including water purification, flood control, and biodiversity support. This study investigated land use and land cover (LULC) alterations in the EKW from 1991 to 2023, using a random forest (RF) machine learning model. Significant LULC changes were observed over the 32 years, with wetland areas decreasing from 91.2 km2 in 1991 to 33.4 km2 in 2023, reflecting substantial habitat loss and reduced ecosystem services. Conversely, agricultural land expanded from 27.8 km2 to 58.7 km2, driven by economic and food production needs, and built-up areas increased dramatically from 0.2 km2 to 10.5 km2, indicating rapid urbanization. This study evaluated the health, resilience, and ecosystem functionality of EKW by analysing human-induced land use changes and using ecological indicators and landscape metrics. Landscape and class level metrics such as PLAND, largest patch index (LPI), total edge (TE), edge density (ED), number of patches (NP), and patch density (PD) were used to analyse the spatiotemporal dynamics of the wetlands. This study revealed a significant increase in fragmentation, with the number of patches increasing from 2689 in 1991 to 4532 in 2023, despite a consistent decrease in core wetland areas. Ecosystem health indicators, such as the ecosystem structure index (ESI) and landscape deviation degree (LDD), were used to assess landscape metrics and fragmentation changes. The ESI and other metrics revealed significant temporal fluctuations, providing insights into landscape structure, connectivity, and heterogeneity. The ESI improved from 0.87 in 1991 to 1.03 in 2023, indicating enhanced connectivity and diversity. Conversely, the LDD increased from 20.6% to 56.85%, indicating a shift towards impervious surfaces. The vegetation productivity and ecosystem health index (EHI) decreased, indicating biodiversity loss and reduced carbon sequestration. The EHI also dropped from 0.67 to 0.55, signifying ongoing environmental stress. This study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to maintain the ecological integrity of the EKW amidst urbanization and land use changes and recommends a balanced approach for sustainable urban development and enhanced wetland resilience.

Energy Storage Application of CaO/Graphite Nanocomposite Powder Obtained from Waste Eggshells and Used Lithium-Ion Batteries as a Sustainable Development Approach.

The reuse of waste materials has recently become appealing due to pollution and cost reduction factors. Using waste materials can reduce environmental pollution and product costs, thus promoting sustainability. Approximately 95% of calcium carbonate-containing waste eggshells end up in landfills, unused. These eggshells, a form of bio-waste, can be repurposed as catalytic electrode material for various applications, including supercapacitors, after being converted into CaO. Similarly, used waste battery electrode materials pose environmental hazards if not properly recycled. Various types of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, are extensively used worldwide. The recycling of used lithium-ion batteries has become less important considering its low economic benefits. This necessitates finding alternative methods to recover and reuse the graphite rods of spent batteries. Therefore, this study reports the conversion of waste eggshell into calcium oxide by high-temperature calcination and extraction of nanographite from spent batteries for application in energy storage fields. Both CaO and CaO/graphite were characterized for their structural, morphological, and chemical compositions using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS techniques. The prepared CaO/graphite nanocomposite material was evaluated for its efficiency in electrochemical supercapacitor applications. CaO and its composite with graphite powder obtained from used lithium-ion batteries demonstrated improved performance compared to CaO alone for energy storage applications. Using these waste materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices results in cheaper, greener, and sustainable processes. This approach not only aids in energy storage but also promotes sustainability through waste management by reducing landfills.

Optimizing Rural Landscape Planning and Design: A Random Forest Algorithm Approach for Sustainable Development

This study addresses challenges in rural planning amid economic growth and the implementation of rural revitalization policies. The aim is to enhance the integration of cultural and ecological elements in rural areas, combating issues such as the fading village atmosphere and incomplete agricultural chains. The research focuses on optimizing the random forest algorithm to explore innovative approaches to landscape planning and design for rural human settlements. Using the moving window method, the study computes two-dimensional and three-dimensional landscape indices in surrounding villages of Beijing, conducting a multi-scale analysis of the living environment. Power function fitting indicates an optimal window size of approximately 700 meters for studying the relationship between art patterns and three-dimensional landscape patterns in the rural area. The findings offer insights into improving rural living environments through effective landscape planning and design influenced by artistic modes.

A disaster resilience-based approach for sustainable development: An example for managing the COVID-19 pandemic

A disaster resilience-based approach for sustainable development: An example for managing the COVID-19 pandemic

Advancements in Green Materials for Concrete in South East Asia: A Mini Review

The rapid growth in the global population necessitated an increase in construction activities to provide shelter for humans, consequently driving the construction industry's significant contribution to the GDP of ASEAN countries. This study specifically examined the utilization of green materials for concrete in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Construction, being a material-intensive sector, consumed vast amounts of natural resources and generated substantial waste and harmful emissions, posing significant environmental challenges. In response, sustainable development initiatives were prioritized across ASEAN nations to address these issues. Governments and relevant authorities implemented various strategies to promote sustainable practices in construction, including providing financial support to both public and private sectors. Among these practices, the adoption of green materials for concrete stood out as a promising approach for sustainable development in the construction sector. By incorporating recycled aggregates, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and other environmentally friendly alternatives, these countries aimed to reduce resource consumption, minimize waste generation, and mitigate environmental impact. Embracing sustainable construction practices not only promoted environmental stewardship but also contributed to long-term economic viability and social well-being in the ASEAN region.

The Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Quality Changes in Freeze-Dried Snacks Obtained with Fruit Pomace and Pectin Powders as a Sustainable Approach for New Product Development

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of storage temperature on quality changes in freeze-dried carrot–orange–ginger (COG) snacks obtained with 2% of apple (AP) or blackcurrant (BP) pomace powder or 1.5% of pectin (LMP). The material was stored at 4, 25 and 40 °C for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months in pouches impermeable to vapour, oxygen and light. Water content and activity, texture, colour, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were examined to evaluate the products’ quality. During storage, water content and activity fluctuations were noted, but no critical values were exceeded. Texture properties remained stable in snacks with pomace powders compared to those with pectin, the hardness of which significantly decreased when stored at ambient and elevated temperatures. However, the product with pectin was found to change colour the least over time. The results obtained for chemical properties were not clear, but they strongly indicated the occurrence of the transformation of some chemical compounds. Overall, a lowered temperature helped to maintain the quality of the freeze-dried snacks for the longest time. The presented research contributes to the general knowledge of the behaviour of innovative products with the addition of nonconventional but sustainable compounds, revealing the potential for quality and stability improvements.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF A CITY-FORMING ENTERPRISE ACTIVITY IN ARCTIC INDIVIDUAL CITY (EVIDENCE OF KOSTOMUKSHA)

An extended use of natural and geostrategic potential of the Arctic determines the relevance of studying the development of mono-cities as key elements of settling framework of a macroregion. GO Kostomuksha has been a positive exception for a long time due to a favorable socio-economic situation and successful leveling of environmental risks. The article examines social and environmental aspects of the activity of the city-forming enterprise GO Kostomuksha. The purpose of the work is to identify the key social and environmental aspects of the activity of a city-forming enterprise that determines the sustainable development of a single-industry town. The research methodology includes the concept of sustainable development, dialectical and formal-logical approaches, a combination of methods of statistical and sociological analysis. The originality of the study lies in the choice of an object - the city of Kostomuksha, which recently received “Arctic” status, which has not been sufficiently studied in this status from a socio-economic point of view. The study is based on official statistics, reporting data of holdings and enterprises, as well as the results of a survey of the population of Kostomuksha. The study reveals that, despite a high burden of existing production on the environment, ecological problems occupy the last place (only 3,7% of respondents noted the environmental situation as a problem) on the list of crucial issues for the city. At the same time, almost half of respondents share the responsibility for the environment condition as personal. The perceived connection of the personal future with the city is higher among the employees of the enterprise than among other residents (78,6% vs. 60%). The conclusion is made about the expediency of a wider media and social networks coverage of such areas of the enterprise's activity as “preservation of the environment”, “social security and charity”, “household welfare of the population”, as well as a more intensified interaction in these areas with local authorities. The results are applicable in the framework of regulating the development of local communities in single-industry towns in the Arctic and maximizing social effects as a part of ESG agenda by large holdings and enterprises.

Identifying the Determinants Contributing Towards the Achievements of SDGs: A Case Study of a Medical Institute

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to analyze the determinants that have helped a medical institution to achieve remarkable success in promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within health care. This research is intended to provide important insights into the role that higher education institutions can play in assisting healthcare systems with developing approaches for sustainable development. Taking a case study approach, this research examines the medical institution through comprehensive discussion with faculty and staff members as sources. Within the overall structure of the Case Study design, Grounded Theory is used to ensure a complete understanding. The research is carried out at the renowned medical institution in Pakistan. The whole study, covering a year's time, permits us to examine in depth the factors underlying institutions’ pursuit of SDGs. Inductive methods, and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. From among 250 faculty and staff, we deliberately selected a specific cohort of 15 faculty members and ten non-faculty personnel who had experience with university ranking systems and made contributions towards SDGs. The results indicate that institution’s success in reaching SDG objectives can be credited to five main elements: delivering high-quality education, carrying out top-notch research, offering social support, advocating for health and wellness, and actively striving for poverty reduction. This information is a key input for policymakers, educators and others who want to improve the function of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as agents in sustainable development within the field of healthcare. Through comprehensive and strategic planning that addresses each of these determinants, medical institutions have the power to transform society for a healthier tomorrow.

Transformative approaches for peace-centred sustainable development: The role of social and solidarity economy

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to forge a more equitable and sustainable world by integrating peace and development efforts. Despite this ambition, challenges persist as these initiatives often operate in isolation, limiting their collective impact. Moreover, the most affected populations by conflicts find themselves trapped without resources or capabilities. The lack of development often exacerbates underlying conditions, leading to recurring conflicts. The question arises then: How can vulnerable groups overcome these barriers collectively?The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) emerges as a transformative approach to achieving peace-centred sustainable development. SSE is a people-centred and nature-responsible economic model characterised by voluntary cooperation, collective goods, local action, and democratic governance. Additionally, SSE initiatives contribute significantly to achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering resilience, promoting well-being, and reducing inequalities. Although SSE is revolutionary in its principles, it has yet to be studied in an interdisciplinary manner within peace and conflict studies. This review article explores the potential of integrating SSE into peacebuilding and development agendas. Our study provides policy recommendations to enhance the impact of SSE on achieving the SDGs and promoting peace. We also identify barriers and limitations, advocating for an integrated approach to ensure collective and solidarity-driven development.

Nexus between climate change and mitigation approaches for sustainable development: a bibliometric review

Purpose Today’s world is struggling with the hardship of climate change that has drastically disturbed human life, wildlife and the earth’s biological system. This study aims to show how implementing climate change mitigation strategies and environmental protection measures can ensure sustainable development through collaborative efforts between governmental authorities and the nation’s populace. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review of studies is conducted from across the world concentrating on holistic, sustainable development, enabling a showcase of various conferences, action plans initiated and resolutions passed. VOSviewer software is used to quantify the results of bibliometric analysis and cluster analysis. A total of 260 research studies released between 1993 and 2022 on the Scopus platform are quantified in terms of topmost publications, collaborations among authors, citations index and year-wise publication. The search string has keywords including “climate change,” “sustainable development” and “environment protection.” Findings The study results revealed a steep increase in research publications in the last three years, from 2017 to 2021, which serves as the basis of the emergence of high-impact articles. The most cited document in this context throws light on assessing vulnerability to climatic risk and building adaptive capacity. It also draws attention to voluntary carbon markets’ rationale while condemning emission trading systems for climate change due to structural flaws, negative consequences and questionable emission-cutting effectiveness. Low energy demand, zero energy buildings and shared socioeconomic pathways should be implemented as strategies for sustainable development. Practical implications This study provides a significant opportunity to construct a valuable addition to mitigate climate change. Also, it shows a positive and significant correlation between mitigation and adaptation policies by analyzing publication efforts worldwide considering local climate risks and national adaptation mandates. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive approach, combining literature review, bibliometric analysis and cluster analysis to provide insights into current research trends, challenges and potential strategies for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The study’s emphasis on the correlation between mitigation and adaptation policies adds practical significance to its findings.

Development of a Mathematical Experience from a STEM and Sustainable Development Approach for Primary Education Pre-Service Teachers

Advances in education are increasingly important, and it is necessary to look for methodological strategies that enhance the value of mathematics in society and promote integrated training that helps students reason critically and rigorously. In this sense, math trails with a focus on STEM and sustainable development are a good resource to connect mathematics with the environment in a transversal way with other disciplines. A total of 35 postgraduate students in secondary education and 30 undergraduate students in primary education participated in this research and received a training course from experts in mathematics teaching. During the experience, the graduate students designed trails that were tested by the undergraduate students after a prior review by three in-service primary teachers. Likert scale questionnaires and open questions were asked of the students to evaluate the training received and the execution of the experience. Likewise, it was also decided to hold a debate with the participants and a guided interview with in-service teachers to assess the possible application of the resource in primary education courses. The results show a very positive assessment of the experience and allow us to support this approach to promote a change in the teaching–learning of mathematics in the last years of primary education.

Evaluating the resilience of residential buildings during a pandemic with a sustainable construction approach

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catastrophic event that has affected all aspects of human life worldwide. Due to the high genetic mutations of the virus, there has been a prolonged search for definitive therapeutic discovery, leading to extended periods of home quarantine. As a result, homes have become multipurpose spaces for work, education, sports, and other daily activities. Given the importance of residential buildings as the first line of defense against possible future pandemics, a model has been proposed to assess their readiness to handle pandemics using a sustainable development approach. This study investigates the most crucial criteria for evaluating residential buildings and applies them in a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) process. The final evaluation model is presented using the SWARA and COCOSO methods, along with a set of criteria selected and weighted by experts. The study shows that the criteria related to health and safety are more critical than other sectors. Buildings that meet the standards of this group better are likely to have a higher score.

Efficient Anthocyanin Recovery from Black Bean Hulls Using Eutectic Mixtures: A Sustainable Approach for Natural Dye Development.

There is a growing interest in exploring new natural sources of colorants. This study aimed to extract anthocyanins from broken black bean hulls (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by modifying water with a eutectic mixture (choline chloride:citric acid (ChCl:Ca)). Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was employed and optimized in terms of temperature (30-70 °C), ultrasound power (150-450 W), and eutectic mixture concentration in water (1-9% (w/v)), resulting in an optimal condition of 66 °C, 420 W, and 8.2% (w/v), respectively. The main quantified anthocyanins were delphinidin-3-O-glycoside, petunidin-3-O-glycoside, and malvidin-3-O-glycoside. The half-life of the anthocyanins at 60 °C increased twelvefold in the eutectic mixture extract compared to the control, and when exposed to light, the half-life was 10 times longer, indicating greater resistance of anthocyanins in the extracted eutectic mixture. Additionally, the extracts were concentrated through centrifuge-assisted cryoconcentration, with the initial cycle almost double the extract value, making this result more favorable regarding green metrics. The first concentration cycle, which showed vibrant colors of anthocyanins, was selected to analyze the color change at different pH levels. In general, the technology that uses eutectic mixtures as water modifiers followed by cryoconcentration proved to be efficient for use as indicators in packaging, both in quantity and quality of anthocyanins.

Spatial Distribution and Differentiation Analysis of Coastal Aquaculture in China Based on Remote Sensing Monitoring

Multiple datasets related to pond and marine aquaculture have been published using diverse remote sensing technologies, yet a comprehensive dataset detailing spatial distribution on both land and sea sides is lacking. Firstly, a meticulous comparison of datasets which we selected related to aquaculture ponds and marine, ensuring consistency in trends. Subsequently, the datasets published by our team were edited and integrated to illustrate aquaculture activities on both sides of China’s coastal zone. Finally, a spatial differentiation of coastal aquaculture in major provinces was analyzed. This analysis also utilizes the types of coastline and statistical data, guiding coordinated resource management efforts. The results unveil a distinctive spatial distribution pattern, concentrating aquaculture in the northern regions—Bohai Sea, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Pearl River coasts in Guangdong. The provinces rich in aquaculture resources, such as Shandong, Guangdong, and Liaoning, exhibit extensive coastlines. However, remote sensing monitoring suggests an underestimation of Liaoning’s marine aquaculture compared to statistical yearbook data. Furthermore, southern provinces like Guangdong and Fujian exhibit significantly higher aquaculture output than Liaoning. Zhejiang leads in fishing output. The paper outlines the future development direction of coastal aquaculture, emphasizing a strategic, integrated land–sea approach for sustainable development.

Approaches for sustainable professional skill development for vocational education students in Thailand.

This article presents a research study that aims to explore sustainable approaches for developing professional skills in vocational education students in Thailand. This is the second phase of the research, which utilizes a qualitative research methodology. The key informants in this study are administrators of vocational education institutions, teachers, and students currently enrolled in vocational education institutions in Thailand, totaling 36 participants. The research uses a purposive sampling method and snowball sampling method. Data collection methods include document analysis, in-depth structured interviews, and observation. The results of the interviews are analyzed, and the content analysis is summarized. The research process consists of 4 steps: 1) literature review, 2) data collection, 3) data analysis, and 4) verification and confirmation. The research findings highlight several key considerations, including: 1) factors influencing the development of professional skills among vocational education students, such as curriculum design, support and counseling, practical training in workplaces, interactive learning, problem-solving and analytical thinking skills development, practical learning, and supportive learning environments, 2) approaches for sustainable professional skill development involve employing the appropriate approaches for self-development. The steps include setting clear goals and plans, active learning and training, technology skill development, experiential learning, problem-solving skill development, participation in professional activities, self-reflection, and continuous self-improvement. These approaches aim to enhance the competencies of vocational education students, ensuring quality and efficiency as part of lifelong learning and sustainable development.

A Mini Review on Sewage Sludge and Red Mud Recycling for Thermal Energy Storage

Sewage sludge and red mud, as common industrial waste, have become a research hotspot in the field of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, reducing carbon emissions, and solving environmental problems. However, their treatment and disposal have always been a difficult problem in the environmental field. Utilizing these two materials for thermal energy storage can not only improve energy utilization efficiency but also further reduce carbon emissions during their treatment process, providing a new approach for sustainable development in the industrial sector. This article summarizes the research progress for the resource recovery of sewage sludge and red mud for direct thermal energy recovery and composite phase change energy storage. After proper treatment, sludge and red mud can be directly used as energy storage materials. In addition, sludge and red mud can be combined with phase change materials to prepare composite materials with an excellent energy storage performance. This composite has broad application prospects in fields such as solar energy utilization and building energy efficiency. However, there are still some challenges and issues in this resource recovery and utilization, such as potential environmental pollution during the treatment process, the long-term stability of energy storage materials, and cost-effectiveness, which require further research and resolution. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential of sewage sludge and red mud as energy storage materials, to explore their feasibility and advantages in practical applications, and to reveal the research progress, technical challenges, and future development directions of these two materials in the field of thermal energy storage.

Data science approaches for sustainable development

Data science approaches for sustainable development

Enhancing University Performance Evaluation through Digital Technology: A Deep Learning Approach for Sustainable Development

Enhancing University Performance Evaluation through Digital Technology: A Deep Learning Approach for Sustainable Development

A sustainable and energy efficient approach for development of electrically conductive materials and their characterizations

In this study, composite castings of electrically conductive materials were prepared using electromagnetic energy of frequency 2.45 GHz. Three separate sets of castings were produced inside the domestic microwave applicator cavity, with reinforced compositions of up to 15% in steps of 5% for each composite cast (copper (Cu) + 5% molybdenum (Mo), Cu + 10% Mo, and Cu + 15% Mo). A microwave radiation exposure time of 12 min was required for the complete melting of pure copper powder. However, the addition of Mo reinforcement caused a reduction in exposure time to 11.33 min (min) for the Cu-15% Mo composite cast. The formation of different phases was revealed by the X-ray diffraction analysis of the cast samples. Only a 0.92% copper oxide phase was detected in the pure copper cast samples. The composite cast samples exhibited peaks corresponding to Cu64O, Cu6Mo5O18, and MoO2. Microstructure analysis demonstrated that the grains grew in an equiaxed manner with a uniform dispersion of the reinforcements. The maximum microhardness achieved is 99.2 ± 4.99 Hv for Cu + 15% Mo which is 1.66 times better than microwave-cast copper sample.