Sustainable Paradigm Research Articles

Sustainable metallic syntactic foams containing cork particles

Metallic syntactic foams are fabricated through the combination of ZA27 alloy and cork particles. This novel methodology embodies a holistic sustainability paradigm, harnessing a fully recyclable metal matrix alongside naturally proliferating cork. It results in samples with densities from 2007 to 2251 kg/m3 and around 60 % porosity. Uni-axial compression tests reveal a high offset yield strength (26.7 to 37.8 MPa) and substantial energy absorption of 13.4 to 20.4 MJ/m3.

Point-of-care devices engaging green graphene: an eco-conscious and sustainable paradigm.

The healthcare landscape has experienced a profound and irreversible transformation, primarily driven by the emergence of nanomaterial-assisted point-of-care (POC) devices. The inclusion of nanomaterials in POC devices has revolutionized healthcare by enabling rapid, on-site diagnostics with minimal infrastructure requirements. Among the materials poised to lead this technological revolution, green graphene emerges as a compelling contender. It possesses a unique combination of exceptional material properties and environmentally conscious attributes. These attributes include its substantial surface area, unparalleled electrical conductivity, and inherent biocompatibility. This article embarks on an exploration of POC devices incorporating green graphene. It meticulously dissects the intricacies of their design, performance characteristics, and diverse applications. Throughout the exposition, the transformative impact of green graphene on the advancement of POC diagnostics takes centre stage. It underscores the material's potential to drive sustainable and effective healthcare solutions, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of healthcare technology.

Existentialism and environmental destruction: Should polluters face criminal punishment or an existential crisis?

This study examines how existentialism, which emphasizes purpose, freedom, and individual life, affects environmental harm. The study asks: should environmental polluters face only criminal penalties or existential crises as a deeper moral responsibility? Conceptual normative research is used in this work. This study analyses existentialist and environmental criminal law literature to link existential crises to environmental degradation. The results imply that existentialism—a philosophy that analyses meaning, freedom, and existence—is linked to rampant environmental deterioration. This study suggests that environmental harm perpetrators should confront an “existential crisis” rather than criminal punishment. The crisis is forcing a reorientation of values and actions, which affects business behaviour, environmental ethics, and criminal law. Existentialism in Environmental Law and ethics broadens “responsibility” and “accountability,” while offering a more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable paradigm.

К ВОПРОСУ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ФИНАНСОВОЙ ДОСТУПНОСТИ В КОНТЕКСТЕ СОВРЕМЕННОЙ ТЕОРИИ ФИНАНСОВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ

The article is devoted to the consideration of a number of relevant issues of modern financial development theory and financial inclusion, whose enquiries to improve the methodology of practical regulation and theoretical basis have recently become increasingly popular both in the scientific environment and the real sector of the economy. The paper examines the necessity of interpreting financial development at the current stage of formation of its theory directly in the paradigm of sustainability for the purposes of compliance with the current global economic challenges. The author considers historical aspects of the development of the current conjuncture of financial inclusion in Russia and determines the most significant factors in the evolution of financial inclusion by means of regression analysis. In the course of the research the features of financial inclusion are studied from the point of view of the possibility of its excessiveness and the existence of financial inclusion boundaries is confirmed. The article points out the risks and risk-forming factors characteristic of financial inclusion, which increase in the course of implementation of measures by the regulator and financial institutions to improve financial inclusion, and formulates a number of recommendations to harmonise financial inclusion in Russia and reduce the impact of negative effects from the consequences of the identified risks and threats.

Models for Sustainable Open Access Land Management That Integrate Economic, Social, and Environmental Balance

This study delves into the intricate process of crafting a sustainable model for managing open access land, utilizing an integrative approach that employs structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis while broadening the conventional triple bottom line framework. By amalgamating the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of the triple bottom line with the governance variables inherent in the pentuple bottom line concept, this approach aims to achieve a more nuanced and holistic balance in the management of open access land. Through a meticulous blend of primary and secondary data collection methods, the study employs SEM analysis to scrutinize the intricate interplay between variables representing each dimension. The findings of this research shed light on the intricate mechanisms through which open access land management can be guided toward a more comprehensive sustainability paradigm, enriched by the multifaceted considerations encapsulated within the pentuple bottom line model. The ramifications of these revelations extend far beyond academic discourse, advocating for the adoption of a more all-encompassing model in open access land management practices, thereby fortifying collective efforts toward achieving holistic sustainable development objectives.

Habituated to Denial

The article discusses the mechanisms of climate change denial. It starts from the observation that habituation to denial is based on a process that is exactly the opposite on the content level: the process of repeated aha-experiences, i.e., sudden insights into reality of the climate crisis. In the first part, the author summarises the developments of recent years, which came to a symbolic end at COP 28 in Dubai, when the President introduced the contradictory idea that the transition to a sustainable paradigm is only possible by simultaneously maintaing the fossil fuel paradigm. In the second part, the article summarises some of the main points of what was probably the first interdisciplinary symposium on climate change, organised in 1975 by Margaret Mead. Referring to the conference’s position paper, the author first develops the basic framework for productive interaction between the social and natural sciences as Mead envisioned it and then presents the social consequences of the fact that the relationship remained institutionally disorganised—and eventually had to organise itself.

Environmental, social, governance and sustainable development goals: promoting sustainability in universities

PurposeHigher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly aware of their role in developing and implementing a sustainable paradigm, with the potential to accelerate progress toward sustainable development (SD). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) practices of the University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL) and, based on this analysis, indicate how HEIs in general can contribute to the promotion of these concepts.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on the authors' experiences and participant observations made during the establishment of sustainability practices at UNISUL. Additional data collected from documentary research and literature review were analyzed qualitatively.FindingsThe results show that sustainability is present in UNISUL’s educational and management processes as actions related to all SDGs and, thus, to all ESG dimensions. On the other hand, it was noted that many actions identified in the literature are not present, with governance being the dimension with fewer practices, thus indicating possibilities for improvement. In this way, new practices were suggested.Originality/valueNew actions linked to SDGs and ESG at UNISUL were identified that can be adopted by other HEIs.

Design for Circular Economy in a Strong Sustainability Paradigm

Given the strategic role of design when addressing societal changes and its prominence in the circular economy (CE) discourse and practice during the past decade, a plethora of tools and methods is nowadays available to support organizations in the transition from a linear model of production to a circular one. The need for an intersection of CE, corporate sustainability, strategic design and strong sustainability is gaining momentum. Considering (a) the critical voices pointing out several limitations to the CE concept, (b) the call for linking CE to a strong sustainability paradigm and (c) the implementation mechanisms for an effective contribution to sustainable development, the focus of this research is to address the gap in CE and circular design frameworks due to missing elements therein for its successful implementation, using a Delphi method approach. Our results strongly suggest that the current CE and circular design concepts and practices are insufficient to meet the challenge of addressing strong sustainability, and new models are needed. To conclude, a new definition of design for CE in a strong sustainability paradigm and a first approach to the main elements of the new model assisted by guiding principles are proposed.

Beyond Metrics: Navigating AI through Sustainable Paradigms

This manuscript presents an innovative approach to the concept of sustainability in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), recognizing that sustainability is a dynamic vision characterized by harmony and balance. We argue that achieving sustainability in AI systems requires moving beyond rigid adherence to protocols and compliance checklists, which tend to simplify sustainability into static criteria. Instead, sustainable AI should reflect the balance and adaptability intrinsic to the broader vision of sustainability. In crafting this vision, we draw upon the principles of complex systems theory, the wisdom of philosophical doctrines, and the insights of ecology, weaving them into a comprehensive paradigm.

The Treatment of Municipal Solid Waste in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam: An Environmental and Technological Analysis of Current and Future Scenarios

The population growth of South-Asian countries is contributing significantly to the escalating volume of municipal solid waste (MSW). Presently, waste management in this region predominantly relies on landfilling, necessitating a shift towards a more sustainable paradigm. To address this imperative, this study explores the feasibility of extending the European-based waste management system for treating MSW in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Assuming as current scenario the direct disposal in landfill, the environmental and technical performances of five other proposed scenarios based on the following technologies were assessed: mechanical–biological treatment; incineration; their combination; mechanical recycling; composting and anaerobic digestion. As expected, all alternative technologies showed potential for improving the current scenario. However, from an environmental point of view, incineration of mixed MSW emerged as the sole option that yielded a discernible environmental benefit for all the countries involved in the study (achieving a carbon footprint of about −0.111 t-CO2-Eq./FU). Recycling-based scenarios achieved higher benefits for Thailand and Vietnam (−0.145 and −0.186 t-CO2-Eq./FU, respectively), but not Cambodia (0.072 t-CO2-Eq./FU) due to the lack of valuable materials to recycle. Technical findings showed how separate collection remains the system generating the least amount of waste for disposal (about 0.185 t), having a synergic effect on the combined approach of mechanical–biological treatment and incineration, which boasts the highest specific energy yield (about 0.339 and 1.183 kW/t, for electric and thermal energy, respectively). These results underscore the imperative to extend the analysis to the economic domain, combining diverse criteria to identify the most sustainable solution.

Sustainable additive manufacturing of interference screws made from eco-friendly filament for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a sustainable manufacturing approach because it can lower emissions and have a lower negative impact on the environment. 3D-printed interference screws from poly-lactic acid, eco-friendly filament, by fused deposition modelling (FDM), were fabricated with different process parameters. The most popular technique for reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament is interference screw fixation. This study considered the role of the AM sustainability paradigm in terms of material input for FDM and product manufacturing. This study considered the role of the AM sustainability paradigm in terms of material input for FDM and process efficiency by investigating the effect of the AM process parameters, such as printing temperature (PT), printing speed (PS), and infill percentage (IP) on the density and stripping torque (ST). Later, the degradation profile of the screw was analyzed using the weight loss of screws. The experimental design of the fully factorial design was with two levels for each process parameter. The significant process parameters and their interactions were through statistical analysis of the resulting design. Results have shown that PT, PS, and IP significantly influenced the density and ST of 3D-printed interference screws. In five weeks, 3D-printed interference screws started to lose weight.

Tungsten tailings issues and reprocessing solutions

This paper aims to provide an overview of tungsten (W) tailings properties, detrimental impacts of these tailings, approaches to mitigate these impacts, and a presentation of methods to reprocess them to capture their economic value. Since W is widely used in a variety of industries, it has been extensively mined since the 19th century, and the mining continues to generate significant volumes of tailings. Recent data show that global W production stands at 84 kt per year, and more than 100 Mt of W tailings exist containing over 100 kt of WO3. The tailings contain variable amounts of valuable products and deleterious environmental substances. Some of the contained metals are in great demand for the energy transition. However, these tailings usually contain FeS2/Pyrrhotite and FeAsS minerals, which, when exposed to air and water, can produce acid mine drainage. As such, W tailings may pose environmental and human health risks. Globally, the reprocessing of W tailings presents a potential resource that can be regarded as a paradigm of sustainability and circular economy. Flotation, enhanced gravity separation, and wet high-intensity magnetic separation have been reported to be the common approaches to reprocessing W tailings. However, W processing presents particular difficulties owing to complex material properties, such as fine particle size, surface weathering, similarity in surface properties exhibited by gangue materials (fluorite, apatite, calcite), low concentrations of the elements of interest, and poor mineral liberation.

Electrochemical denitrification by a recyclable cobalt oxide cathode: Rapid recovery and selective catalysis

Cathodic aging and fouling have presented significant challenges in the realm of electrochemical denitrification for engineering applications. This study focused on the development of an economical and recyclable nanoporous Co3O4/Co cathode through anodization for nitrate reduction. What distinguished our cathode was its exceptional sustainability. Cobalt from the inactive catalyst could be reclaimed onto the substrate, enabling the regeneration of a new Co3O4 layer. This innovative approach resulted in an exceptionally low Co catalyst consumption, a mere 1.936 g/1 kg N, making it the most cost-effective choice among all Co-based cathodes. The Co3O4 catalyst exhibited a truncated octahedron structure, primarily composed of surface Co2+ ions. Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the bonding between the O atom in NO3- ions and the Co atom in Co3O4 was thermodynamically favorable, with a free energy of − 0.89 eV. Co2+ ions acted as "electron porters" facilitating electron transfer through a redox circle Co2+–Co3+–Co2+. However, the presence of two energy barriers (*NH2NO to *N2 and *N2 to N2) with respective heights of 0.83 eV and 1.17 eV resulted in a N2 selectivity of 9.84% and an NH3 selectivity of 90.02%. In actual wastewater treatment, approximately 78% of TN and 93% of NO3- were successfully removed after 3 h, consistent with the prediction kinetic model. This anodization-based strategy offers a significant advantage in terms of long-term cost and presents a new paradigm for electrode sustainability.

The Self-reliant India and Development Trajectory Process: Emerging Regional Strategies in Sustainability Paradigm

Development means to bring a kind of change and improvement in lives of humans and societies inhabiting settlements, areas and regions. The process has never been uniform in practice as humans live in varied places and manifest complex socio-cultural geographies. To improve life conditions is to provide for basic amenities and necessities. This requires coherence and integrated management of environmental conditions which are subject to unprecedented changes and effects. However, to a majority of people improvement in living status still persists as the bigger challenge in countries of the Global South. In India, the new economic policy-led economic reforms and subsequent increase in economic activities has had a greater pressure on the natural environment. In this backdrop, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a blended policy and strategy since it has bundle of targets to be achieved in order to address basic necessities of human population and maintaining society-nature relations. The performance of regions in the country in delivering SDGs has been a geographically variable phenomenon. The regional inequalities including social, economic, infrastructural, and environmental aspects are the emerging geographies of the post-liberalized India which need to be tackled under newer development policy. To check further exaggeration of environment and society-nature relations, and upholding position of a vibrant economy, the Self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) approach of India is to strengthen planning, governance and management of sustainable development process more in an integrated regional development framework and utilization of indigenous resources. Study is based on secondary sources of data and information, this provides a constructive perspective in understanding regional performance of sustainable development and the role that self-reliant strategy is to play strengthening process of development in the country.

Comprehensive review on lignocellulosic biomass derived biochar production, characterization, utilization and applications

Biochar is an ample source of organic carbon prepared by the thermal breakdown of biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising precursor for biochar production, and has several applications in various industries. In addition, biochar can be applied for environmental revitalization by reducing the negative impacts through intrinsic mechanisms. In addition to its environmentally friendly nature, biochar has several recyclable and inexpensive benefits. Nourishing and detoxification of the environment can be undertaken using biochar by different investigators on account of its excellent contaminant removal capacity. Studies have shown that biochar can be improved by activation to remove toxic pollutants. In general, biochar is produced by closed-loop systems; however, decentralized methods have been proven to be more efficient for increasing resource efficiency in view of circular bio-economy and lignocellulosic waste management. In the last decade, several studies have been conducted to reveal the unexplored potential and to understand the knowledge gaps in different biochar-based applications. However, there is still a crucial need for research to acquire sufficient data regarding biochar modification and management, the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass, and achieving a sustainable paradigm. The present review has been articulated to provide a summary of information on different aspects of biochar, such as production, characterization, modification for improvisation, issues, and remediation have been addressed.

Mechanical and Sound Absorption of Rice Straw Fiber Reinforced Bio-Epoxy Composites for Lightweight Components in Rail Vehicles

The study explores the possibility of using rice straw fiber reinforced bio-epoxy composites as lightweight components for rail vehicles, which is in line with the current sustainability demands in transportation. The analysis covers various mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus and impact strength. Furthermore, the study focuses on testing the sound absorption coefficient of the composites, examining their ability to absorb sound energy across frequencies crucial for rail environments. The investigation also explores the effect of NaOH treatment on fiber-matrix compatibility, highlighting the ideal treatment parameters to prevent any unintended structural modifications. Despite having lower tensile strengths than neat epoxy, the composites display improved mechanical behavior and sound absorption properties. The study highlights the potential of these composites to contribute to sustainable rail solutions, promoting both performance and eco-conscious design. With their superior mechanical properties and sound absorption, these composites could lead to a shift in material preferences in the rail industry, paving the way for a sustainable paradigm in rail vehicle design.

Neural mechanisms underlying interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior

Intergenerational sustainability is a pressing challenge, which is exacerbated by the fact that the current generation must make sacrifices today to ensure the well-being of future generations. There are large interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these interindividual differences have remained unexplored. Here, we combined fMRI with a consequential intergenerational sustainability paradigm in a sample of 72 healthy students. Specifically, we analyzed task-dependent functional activity and connectivity during intergenerational sustainable decision-making, focusing on the state-like neurophysiological processes giving rise to behavioral heterogeneity in sustainability. We found that differences in neural communication within and between the mentalizing (TPJ/DMPFC) and cognitive control (ACC/DLPFC) network are related to interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior. Specifically, the stronger the functional connectivity within and between these networks during decision-making, the more individuals behaved intergenerationally sustainably. Corroborated by mediation analyses, these findings suggest that differences in the engagement of perspective-taking and self-control processes underly interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainable behavior. By answering recent calls for leveraging behavioral and neuroscience for sustainability research, we hope to contribute to interdisciplinary efforts to advance the understanding of interindividual differences in intergenerational sustainability.

The Drivers of Change for Future Learning: How Teachers Were Taught in the COVID-19 Crisis and What Will Come Next?

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on education and resulted in huge changes. This research paper investigates on the factors driving change for future learning by studying the training of teachers during the COVID-19 crisis and their perceptions regarding the future of teaching. The study employed the methodology of opportunistic or emergent sampling to collect data from teachers aged 30–50 years who had experience in conducting online classes in different schools in KSA. The study suggests that effective virtual education depends on careful instructional design, audience consideration, and a systematic implementation model that produces various forms of teaching tailored to educational objectives. The research findings can guide future decisions about implementing online teaching, and the dimensions identified in this research can be compared with previous studies to derive key learning axes for future schools. The pandemic transition presents an opportunity to develop sustainable paradigms for future generations.

Circular waste management: Superworms as a sustainable solution for biodegradable plastic degradation and resource recovery

Bioplastics offer a promising solution to plastic pollution, however, their production frequently relies on edible biomass, and their degradation rates remain inadequate. This study investigates the potential of superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae) for polybutylene succinate (PBS) waste management, aiming to achieve both resource recovery and biodegradation. Superworms exclusively fed on PBS for a month exhibited the same survival rate as those on a standard bran diet. PBS digestion yielded a 5.13% weight gain and a 23.23% increase in protein composition in superworms. Additionally, carbon isotope analyses substantiated the conversion of PBS into superworm components. Gut microbes capable of PBS biodegradation became progressively prominent, further augmenting the degradation rate of PBS under composting conditions (ISO 14855-1). Gut-free superworms fed with PBS exhibited antioxidant activities comparable to those of blueberries, renowned for their high antioxidant activity. Based on these findings, this study introduces a sustainable circular solution encompassing recycling PBS waste to generate insect biomass, employing insect gut and frass for PBS degradation and fertilizer, and harnessing insect residue as a food source. In essence, the significance of this research extends to socio-economic and environmental spheres, impacting waste management, resource efficiency, circular economy promotion, environmental preservation, industrial advancement, and global sustainability objectives. The study's outcomes possess the potential to reshape society’s approach to plastic waste, facilitating a shift toward more sustainable paradigms.

Olympic Agenda 2020 and Paris 2024: Driving Change or Rhetoric as Usual?

Abstract Protests over sustainability concerns attached to hosting the Olympic Games have resulted in several bid withdrawals and a low number of candidate cities willing to host the most recent editions. Worried about the future, the International Olympic Committee adopted the Olympic Agenda 2020, promising to adapt the event to contemporary sustainability paradigms. Some of its urban-related reforms have already impacted recently hosted Games and are impacting the planning for those to come. The IOC claims that Paris 2024 will be the first Games to be fully aligned with the Agenda. This article addresses the urban preparations for Paris 2024 and assesses their alignment with the new reforms. The objective is to identify difficulties in the implementation of the Agenda and to outline future research that can, potentially, enhance its efficiency. Results reveal Paris 2024 is innovative but certain features are difficult to implement, leaving room to improve the Agenda.