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The development of self-powered UV photodiode on green substrate is still a challenge. In this study, highly conductive Al doped ZnO (AZO) film was sputter-deposited on paper substrate at room temperature; subsequently, paper-based Schottky photodiodes were successfully fabricated by following Au-ZnO-Al and Au-ZnO-AZO-Al structure designs, respectively. These UV light-based devices operate successfully without external power. Au-ZnO-AZO-Al photodiode shows improved response and faster speed compared to Au-ZnO-Al photodiode. The one-dimensional Poisson simulation results demonstrate that the improvement is attributed to the strong electric field in the ZnO-AZO n-n+ high-low junction, thus, enhancing the collection rate and drifting speed of the photogenerated carriers. In addition, AZO can form favorable ohmic contact with the Al electrodes, further improving the device performance. The photo-response of the paper-based photodiode device shows high reproducibility and stability. Based on these outstanding results, we conclude that these paper-based electronic devices have great potential to replace conventional petroleum-based flexible electronic devices, thus, contributing to the green/sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) enable the affordable, easy, rapid, and reliable detection of a range of analytes at the point-of-care. Cellulose is a versatile substrate for antibody attachment. However, how immunoreagents are immobilized onto cellulose plays an important role in assay performance. To provide an overview of the different antibody immobilization strategies used for developing PADs, we here critically review the existing literature from the last decade (2013–2023). First, we introduce cellulose as a substrate and summarize the different fabrication techniques for developing PADs. Thereafter, we delve into how antibodies are immobilized onto cellulose passively, covalently, or by affinity linkage. Affinity-based immobilization is further explored in a case study focused on using recombinant bifunctional proteins with cellulose-binding modules to anchor immunoreagents to cellulose. The final section discusses the validation and sustainable development of PADs addressing the existing and future challenges associated with developing such devices. [Display omitted] • Strategies for antibody immobilization onto cellulose substrates are reviewed. • Immobilizing antibodies in a site-selective manner improves analytical performance. • Cellulose requires modification before antibodies can be covalently attached to it. • Cellulose-binding modules facilitate antibody attachment onto unmodified cellulose. • Future challenges of developing sustainable paper-based immunoassays are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing pressure on natural resources and the climate has been noted by businesses and governments worldwide, who now face the difficult task of integrating paths of environmental sustainability and economic growth. One promising approach to sustainable development, reducing the pressure on natural resources and solving waste problems is circular economy. From different ways of implementing circular economy, this study focuses on the productization of industrial side streams, which carry a great deal of underutilized potential. In this article, the productization of pulp and paper industry side stream, fiber sludge, for commercial use as a dust-binding agent is studied via a descriptive, in-depth case study. Apart from inconsistent quality, fluctuating supply, cost of storage and logistics, what makes industrial side stream utilization challenging is the lack of knowledge that stakeholders have about side streams and their utilization and the lack of new value chain development for their commercial use. Therefore, it is essential for all parties involved to have a clearer vision of what is being sold for what purposes, through productization. This study found that the productization of side streams follows the same steps as the productization of any other traditional product, and the productized side streams can be added to the company's product portfolio as by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Index of recycling sustainability for assessing waste paper recycling. • Integrating methodology of GIS and value chain model. • Historical changes of informal recyclables distribution sites in Beijing. • Value chain of waste paper recycling in Beijing may face challenges in the future. • Policy implications to improve waste paper recycling in Beijing. China established a self-organized and market-driven recycling system, which was dominated by the informal sectors. In recent years, the amount of domestically-recycled waste paper grew slower than expectation in China, which may be resulted from a decline in economic sustainability of current recycling system. For understanding the waste paper recycling system in most cities in China, the economic mechanism remains unclear and the city-level data is extremely insufficient. In this work, an index of recycling sustainability (IRS, benefit divided by cost) is analyzed with a resolution of 1 km2 grid in Beijing City, by adopting value chain and GIS methodology. Five degrees of IRS are defined, from high-degree (IRS > 1.10) to low-degree (IRS < 0.95). Different stakeholders in the informal waste paper recycling system were interviewed to fill the data gap. Results show that: (1) from 2015 to 2018, the informal recycling of waste paper accounted for approximate 80% in Beijing; (2) the number of informal recyclables distribution sites decreased from 27 to 11, and their average distance to the city-center rose from 27.5 km to 40.9 km; (3) in 2015 and 2018, the grids with high-degree IRS accounted for 99.5% and 89.2%, respectively, indicating a sustainable waste paper recycling industry in Beijing; and (4) according to the scenario analysis, if the operating cost rises by 30%, the grids with low-degree IRS accounts for 98.5%, indicating a nontrivial challenges when the recycling cost keeps increasing in the future. Policy recommendations are put forward for a more sustainable paper waste recycling system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic-coated paper straws are insufficient to solve the plastic pollution problem because microplastics are formed during their degradation. In this study, upgraded paper straws were prepared by coating with biodegradable sodium alginate/cellulose nanofiber/stearic acid (SA/CNF/STA) on the surface of paper without additional adhesives. The tensile strength of the paper was enhanced synergistically by the coated SA and CNF after cross-linking with Ca2+ ions, reaching a maximum (26.46 MPa) when the mass ratio of SA to CNF was 4:1. The straws were prepared by spirally winding coated paper into tubes. Subsequent STA modification with different concentration (1–40%) improved the water stability of the paper straws. The paper straws exhibited excellent mechanical properties (including 13.45 MPa of flexural strength, 13.30 MPa of compressive strength) and hydrophobicity (103.67° of maximum water contact angle). After 130 days of soil burial, the paper straws were completely degraded. The comprehensive performance of prepared straws exceeds that of commercially available products in the same category, and they are safe and biodegradable. Paper straw in the work is in line with the concept of green and low-carbon development. [Display omitted] • Processing a paper straw based on biomass resource coatings. • SA/CNF hybrid coating synergistically enhanced the tensile strength of the straw. • The STA imparts satisfactory water stability to the straw. • The comprehensive performance of the straw outperforms commercial straw products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Superstructure of integrated biorefinery in pulp and paper industry was developed. • It includes pulping, biochemical production and black liquor utilization sections. • Lignocellulosic biomass extracted from eucalyptus and bagasse are the feedstocks. • Potential of integrated biorefinery process was illustrated in three scenarios. • Integrated succinic acid and lactic acid can improve profitability. Abstract This work aims at developing sustainable processes for pulp and paper industry by integration of the biorefinery concept to an existing pulp and paper process. A systematic methodology employing a superstructure-based process synthesis approach is employed with support from computer-aided tools to determine potential pathways for a long-term sustainable growth objective. A superstructure of the multi-product biorefinery process network for the pulp and paper industry is developed. It is divided into three sub-networks, a chemical pulping section, a biochemical production section and a black liquor utilization section. Superstructure optimization is performed with the objective to maximize profit to determine optimal integrated networks for three scenarios. The obtained results provide useful insights for further development of the optimal networks as sustainable integrated biorefinery combined with pulp and paper mills. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Papermaking enterprises are currently under both environmental pressure and economic pressure for sustainable development in China. Thus, the efficiency, effectiveness, and benefits of resource utilization need to be improved. High-consumption and high-pollution companies should manufacture paper using sustainable methods. This study highlights a resource value flow analysis from the circular economy perspective, developing an extension of material flow cost accounting and modifying it by accounting for environmental damage as well as economic benefits. With reference to the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, this specific case study was conducted to verify the comprehensive utility of resource value flow analysis by establishing decision-making prioritization according to the dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss–external environmental damage costs." In general, applying a resource value flow analysis can both reduce resource consumption and minimize environmental damage, enhancing the sustainable development of a process industry with limited resources. Highlights • Material flows and value flows form an interactive unit in the resource value flow analysis model. • The resource value flow analysis model extends the environmental dimension of material flow cost accounting. • A dualistic diagnosis of "internal resource loss and external environmental damage costs" can achieve both economic profits and environmental benefits. • The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle was introduced to strengthen the practical application of the resource value flow analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guiding industries to produce in an effective and environmentally sustainable manner has become a key issue for governments around the world. Over the past 15 years, series of regional and industrial development policies have been introduced by the Chinese government. This has influenced the geographical distribution and energy efficiency performance of China’s industries. This paper quantifies the influence of enterprises geographical distribution on energy efficiency improvement in the paper industry and aims at providing some helpful suggestions on industrial development to policy makers. The main results show that, firstly, the paper industry in eastern China shows obvious characteristic of agglomeration. The average location quotient is 1.2278. However, following the industrial and regional development policies, the characteristic of agglomeration is weakening. Secondly, only when agglomeration reaches a certain level (location quotient is above 0.5447) will industrial agglomeration positively impact on industrial energy efficiency improvement (a 1% increase in agglomeration will increase dynamic energy efficiency by at least 0.23%). Thirdly, the regional development policies carried out by the government slow the pace of energy efficiency improvement in China’s paper industry. The empirical results indicate that the government needs to consider regional characteristics and consciously guide industrial enterprises to concentrate in the dominant area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of an exploratory experimental study to manufacture eco-friendly lightweight bricks through binary mix of paper mill sludge (PMS) and soil. The pre-manufacture activities include mineralogical, chemical, thermal and index properties characterisation of two kinds of soils (laterite and alluvial) and PMS. The mix ratio between PMS and soil was varied (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and two firing temperatures 850 °C and 900 °C were tested in order to emulate the typical conditions of a kiln. The performance of incorporating PMS into the mix was tested by evaluating properties such as linear shrinkage, compressive strength, water absorption, mass loss on ignition, and bulk density of bricks as recommended by the relevant Indian and ASTM standard codes. X ray diffraction results confirmed that the addition of PMS does not show any phase transformation and only enhances the porosity thereby leading to weight reduction. Based on the results, an optimum mix of 10% PMS with both soil types was found suitable for brick production at a firing temperature of 900 °C. Results obtained in this study will be helpful to brick industry for commercial production of PMS incorporated bricks leading to sustainable use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a mathematical model has been developed for sustainable inventory, in which the effects of environmental factors on social factors, have been investigated. To this end, first, we revised Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model by adding income from waste sales to this model. Next, considering the emission of sulfur oxides (SO x ), nitrogen oxides (NO x ) gases, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) indicators in waste water as a measure of water organic pollutants, we proposed a Green Economic Order Quantity (GEOQ) model. Then in order to examine interdependency between environmental aspects and social aspects, we introduced the sustainable model by adding environmental ergonomics in the terms of the effect of SO 2 emission on human health. Since the structure of the model consists of nonlinear objective function and linear constraints, the model could be solved based on an exact nonlinear constrained solution method. Finally, we examined the effectiveness of the proposed model demonstrated in a real case study of pulp and paper mill. Validation of the model was done by comparing the cost function of the proposed model with the pure economic model and the actual data. The results of study showed that proposed sustainable model plays a significant role in determining the order quantity and reduction of cost function, sulfur oxides (SO x ) and nitrogen oxides (NO x ) emissions, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in waste water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on bio-based, fluorine free, and silane free superhydrophobic paper was of great significance in promoting the development of sustainable materials. Herein, we presented a facile and green method for fabricating superhydrophobic paper. First, a cellulose-based hydrophobic material (DAC-ODA) was synthesized by reacting dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) with octadecylamine (ODA) via a Schiff base reaction. Then, silica nanoparticles was used to enhance the surface roughness of the coating. The resulting coated paper exhibited superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of 155 ± 0.6° and a sliding angle of 4.1 ± 0.4°. Moreover, excellent repellent performances towards both cold and hot water were also observed. The superhydrophobicity of the coated paper were well maintained even when exposed to acidic/alkaline erosions and high temperature environment. Additionally, the coated paper demonstrated good recyclability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Thus, this cellulose-based superhydrophobic paper would be potential candidates for fabricating disposable superhydrophbic packaging materials with broad applications. [Display omitted] ● A green and facile approach to prepare cellulose-based superhydrophobic paper. ● The fabrication process is free of organic solvents and fluorinated reagents. ● Superhydrophobic paper has degradability, recyclability, and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a traditional energy and carbon intensive sector, it becomes imperative for the global paper industry to realize green development. This paper aims to provide guidance for the green transformation of global paper industry by evaluating the global paper industry green development level in a systematic and dynamic way. This paper employs text-mining method to develop paper industry green development evaluation indicator system and adopts market-extended LCA model and entropy-TOPSIS method to calculate the paper industry green development level of 48 countries/regions. The results show that during 2000–2030 the paper industry green development level of developing countries improves faster than developed countries, where those of developing and developed countries increase from 0.3369 to 0.3938 and from 0.5120 to 0.5517 respectively and the gap between them narrows from 0.1751 to 0.1579. The comparative analysis reveals that the paper industries of developed and developing countries are in different green development stages. Developing countries, represented by China, improve greatly in economic and social dimensions, but decline seriously in ecological dimension due to enlarging resource consumption and environmental damages. On the contrary, developed countries tend to saturate in economic and social dimensions and have been improving fast in ecological dimension, gradually realizing the decoupling of industrial economic development and environmental damages. To further promote the global paper industry green development, developing countries should focus on promoting the coordinated development between economic growth and environment protection and developed countries should play a leading role in the global green transformation by promoting optimal allocation of resources and cross-regional communications of green technologies. • A paper industry green development indicator system is developed based on text mining. • A global paper industry green development model is built with market-extended LCA. • Complex interactions among the indicators are internalized in the evaluation. • A spatial-temporal analysis is performed on global paper industry green development level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a traditional energy and carbon intensive sector, it becomes imperative for the global paper industry to realize green development. This paper aims to provide guidance for the green transformation of global paper industry by evaluating the global paper industry green development level in a systematic and dynamic way. This paper employs text-mining method to develop paper industry green development evaluation indicator system and adopts market-extended LCA model and entropy-TOPSIS method to calculate the paper industry green development level of 48 countries/regions. The results show that during 2000–2030 the paper industry green development level of developing countries improves faster than developed countries, where those of developing and developed countries increase from 0.3369 to 0.3938 and from 0.5120 to 0.5517 respectively and the gap between them narrows from 0.1751 to 0.1579. The comparative analysis reveals that the paper industries of developed and developing countries are in different green development stages. Developing countries, represented by China, improve greatly in economic and social dimensions, but decline seriously in ecological dimension due to enlarging resource consumption and environmental damages. On the contrary, developed countries tend to saturate in economic and social dimensions and have been improving fast in ecological dimension, gradually realizing the decoupling of industrial economic development and environmental damages. To further promote the global paper industry green development, developing countries should focus on promoting the coordinated development between economic growth and environment protection and developed countries should play a leading role in the global green transformation by promoting optimal allocation of resources and cross-regional communications of green technologies. • A paper industry green development indicator system is developed based on text mining. • A global paper industry green development model is built with market-extended LCA. • Complex interactions among the indicators are internalized in the evaluation. • A spatial-temporal analysis is performed on global paper industry green development level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-quality materials contained in separately collected (SC) packaging waste generate environmental and economic burdens associated to both sorting operations of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and landfilling of non-recyclable materials. In this study, based on quantification of both impurities and recyclable fractions, the quality of SC municipal packaging waste streams was determined by compositional analysis of the waste entering a MRF throughout a year. Foreign materials (% w/w) found in the monitored SC glass, paper plus cardboard and lightweight packaging waste, were on average 5.0, 14.7 and 23.0, respectively, while landfilled materials (% w/w) after MRF sorting operations were on average 4.3, 10.3 and 22.0, respectively. A Life Cycle Assessment study was conducted to determine the environmental impact of SC packaging waste streams quality of three different scenarios: current situation (CS), better (BS) and ideal (IS) scenario with reduced presence and absence, respectively, of improper materials in the three examined SC packaging waste streams. Emission of 32.1 kg CO 2 eq/t waste was calculated for the current situation with a reduction by 66.1% and 98.0% in CO 2 eq emission for BS and IS scenario, respectively. Similar emission reductions were calculated for ozone depletion, ionizing radiations, particle matter formation, fossil fuel depletion and primary energy demand impact categories. The environmental life cycle costing study demonstrated that total savings of € 35.2 and € 66.6 for each ton of SC packaging waste stream entering the MRF could be obtained for BS and IS scenario, respectively. [Display omitted] • Impurities in packaging waste streams generate environmental and economic burdens. • 23.0% of impurities were found in separately collected lightweight packaging waste. • Plant sorting operations generate 32.1 kg CO 2 eq for each ton of packaging waste. • € 35.2/ton of sorted packaging waste could be saved by reducing impurities content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campaigns by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) pressuring companies to adopt sustainability standards have caught academic interest in recent years. Critics of this approach toward increasing biodiversity protection and social justice argue that campaign successes are often short-lived while proponents emphasize the potential of NGO campaigns to achieve positive environmental and social change in the absence of governmental legislation. Focusing on the recent forest conservation policy of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), a leading pulp and paper company operating in Southeast Asia, we analyze the challenges companies face in implementing sustainability commitments made as a result of NGO and market pressure. Drawing from research on policy implementation and corporate greening we identify key activities to help entrench APP's commitments in the company's operations. Furthermore, we suggest that a range of actions by different stakeholder groups can achieve broader effects of APP's commitments toward better environmental and social stewardship in the region's pulp and paper sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inkjet printing Ag nanoparticles on paper coated with chitosan or N,N, N -trimethyl chitosan to obtain SERS substrates. • Biopolymer coatings not only reduce the rugosity and porosity of the paper but also confer hydrophobicity to the paper. • SERS sensitivity and reproducibility was improved when compared with non-coated counterparts. Paper-based sensors for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of water pollutants have gained much attention in the last decades. However, most of the fabricated paper-based SERS substrates still face some limitations regarding reproducibility and uniformity. In this work, we report the fabrication of hydrophobic paper-based SERS substrates with high reproducibility and uniformity by inkjet printing Ag colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) on office paper pre-treated with chitosan (CH) or N,N, N -trimethyl chitosan (TMC). We demonstrate that the previous coating of paper with such biopolymers substantially improves the SERS performance of the paper substrates. In screening experiments, crystal violet (CV) 100 μM was used as molecular probe, leading to an increase of about 9- and 7-fold in the observed SERS intensity when the papers were coated with CH and TMC, respectively. Also, the reproducibility of the substrates coated with the biopolymers increased more than 2 times compared to non-coated office paper. We suggest that the improved performance of the coated substrates is related to a more uniform deposition of the AgNPs on the paper surface due to the hydrophobic nature, low porosity and roughness of the coated paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A system of indicators has been established for the high-quality economic development index developed by the Chinese government. • High-quality economic development is divided into five dimensions. • Reliance on the resource industry has significantly reduced the level of high-quality economic development. • The theoretical mechanisms of the impact of resource industry dependence on high-quality development are analyzed. • Government governance capacity weakens the impact of resource industry dependence on high-quality economic development. In resource-dependent regions, the meaning of high-quality economic development has yet to be clarified by published research, despite substantial scholarly interest in the topic. With the help of the economic development index developed by the Chinese government, this paper accurately measures high-quality economic development in 30 provinces in China and investigates how resource dependence and government governance capability affect regional high-quality economic development. Research has found that resource industry dependence has a significant inhibitory effect on high-quality economic development. Additionally, the analysis of the mechanisms revealed that resource industry dependence reduces high-quality economic development through a series of effects including crowding out innovation, weakening coordination, lagging green development, hindering global openness, and sharing in weakening. Further research has revealed that government governance capacity weakens the impact of resource industry dependence on high-quality economic development. A detailed analysis of three subsystem indicators of government governance capacity, namely policy planning, capability commitment, and performance assessment, indicates that they all have a weakening effect. To this end, the paper proposes policy recommendations, including increasing innovation inputs, advancing industrial restructuring, promoting green development, enhancing marketization levels, and constructing a diversified employment system. These measures aim to transform resource disadvantages into resource advantages and facilitate high-quality economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest for a sustainable future, the bio-economy and biorefineries have emerged as pivotal agents of transformation. This review paper offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, resource scarcity, and the demand for renewable and bio-based products are the key drivers shaping this sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and agro-industry play an indispensable role, acting as the primary suppliers of the essential feedstock for biorefineries. They not only fuel the bio-economy but also foster sustainable farming practices and rural development, forming a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries, the workhorses of the bio-economy, optimize resource usage, minimize waste, and produce a diverse range of bio-based products. Innovative biorefinery techniques are at the forefront, revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the array of feedstock's, thereby creating higher value-added derivatives. These value-added products, spanning biofuels, bio-plastics, and more, drive the market towards a greener and circular economy. The bio-economy's commitment to sustainability is evident through waste reduction and the promotion of circular economy principles. Policy, regulation, and market developments shape the bio-economy by promoting bio-based industries while favouring eco-friendly alternatives, creating a competitive and healthy ecosystem. While the bio-economy shows promise, it faces challenges. Optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstocks, and solving biorefinery environmental issues need technological breakthroughs and research. In summary, the bio-economy and biorefineries orchestrate a sustainable symphony, driven by environmental consciousness, rooted in agriculture, refined by innovative techniques, and harmonized by the production of bio-based products. The stage is set for a greener, more sustainable future. Bio-economy and biorefineries have become crucial drivers of transformation in the pursuit of a sustainable future. The review paper provides a thorough and easily understandable examination of the diverse bio-economy landscape. Environmental concerns, limited resources, and the need for biodegradable and renewable products are some of the main things that are shaping the sustainable paradigm. Agriculture and the agro-industry play a big role in this because they provide biorefineries with the feedstock they need. The bio-economy is not only fuelled by them, but they also contribute to sustainable farming practices and rural development, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Biorefineries are the backbone of the bio-economy as they effectively utilize resources, minimize waste, and generate a wide array of bio-based products. At the forefront of innovation, biorefinery techniques are revolutionizing efficiency and expanding the range of feedstock's available. This, in turn, leads to the creation of higher-value derivatives and value-added products, such as biofuels and bioplastics, promoting a greener and more circular economy. The commitment of the bio-economy to sustainability is demonstrated through its efforts to reduce waste and promote the principles of a circular economy. Policy, regulation, and market developments impact the bio-economy by working together to support bio-based industries and encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives. As a result, a competitive and healthy ecosystem is created. Although the bio-economy holds promise, it also encounters various challenges. Technological breakthroughs and research are necessary for optimizing conversion efficiency, discovering new feedstock's, and solving biorefinery environmental issues. In essence, a commitment to the environment guides how the bio-economy and biorefineries collaborate in a sustainable manner by utilizing innovative methods to refine and produce bio-based products. This harmonious process creates a symphony of sustainability, paving the way for the dream of a greener, more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Electrochemical properties were explored using smartphone photos. • The paper microzones method is accurate for high dye concentrations. • Using the paper microzones and smartphone to make experiments more green chemistry. • The spectrophotometric method is more adaptable than the paper microzones method. Methods of electrochemical correlation are becoming more complex and costly with the lack of a simple electrolytic analysis method. Herein, an interesting analysis of the performance of electrocatalytic degradation of different dyes was carried out using a modified paper microzones method (PMZs) performed with a smartphone, and data from spectrophotometers were used for comparative analysis. At the same voltage and in the same reaction cell, the same mass of sodium sulphate, acetic acid and pure water were added according to the strength of the electrolyte to degrade methyl orange(MO), fuchsin basic(FB), methylene blue(MB) and the mixture of these dyestuffs. When measured by the PMZs method, the correlation coefficients were above 0.9 in the concentration range of 5–50 mg/L, the range of variation of LOD values was 3.843–9.561 mg/L and the range of variation of LOQ was 11.646–28.973 mg/L. When measured by the spectrophotometric method, some of the dyes only had a greater correlation in the range of 5–40 mg/L. The range of variation of LOD values was 0.900–9.213 and the range of variation of LOQ was 2.727–27.917 mg/L. When FB was used as a degradation object, the decrease in absorbance at 80 min was 21.83%, 35.93%, 60.90% and the increase in grey value was 0.40%, 3.04%, 3.25% under the conditions of electrolytes only water, CH 3 COOH, Na 2 SO 4 , respectively, and maintained P less than 0.05 at different moments. Hence, the related results contribute to the further application and development of green chemistry PMZs in electrochemical analysis and environmental science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovered paper is one of the major raw material for recycled papermaking industry. In China, the domestic recovered paper recycling system is incomplete and the amount of recyclable recovered paper cannot satisfy the papermaking demand. Therefore, the recycled papermaking industry is extremely dependent on imported recovered paper as their raw fiber source. In 2018, Chinese government announced a ban on unsorted recovered paper and tightened the import quota for recovered paper, which resulted in a dramatic drop in the importing amount of recovered paper. It is an urgent issue to explore alternative production routes that are more economical and environmentally friendly. Herein, life cycle cost assessment is used to compare and analyze the recycled papermaking industry based domestic recovered paper and three alternatives (including straw, imported deinked pulp and imported wood pulp) as the raw materials. The results show that the life cycle cost of domestic recycled paper based recovered papermaking is significantly lower than the other three alternatives, whereas its external cost is higher than that of the production routes based on the imported deinked pulp and imported wood pulp. With the increasing price of the domestic recovered paper, imported deinked pulp is the trend of recycled papermaking industry in China. • Life cycle cost assessment is applied to the recycled paper industry in China. • LCC of four papermaking schemes based on different raw materials were assessed. • LCC for six types of paper products ranges from 924 to 1227 USD/t in 2017. • Imported recovered pulpboard is the best choice of wastepaper material supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste generated from pulp and paper industry is revisited. • The review covers serious impacts of waste on human health and environment. • Resource generated (energy, product) from different waste materials are reviewed. • Alternative resource generation reduces pollution load of industry. • Integration of industries for waste utilization will help in zero waste emission. Pulp and paper industry is swiftly budding to fulfill industrial needs and with the growth of this industry, a large amount of waste has also generated which includes biological sludge generated from the wood digestion process, fly ash accumulation and lime mud produced in chemical reagent recovery circuit. There are many health hazards associated with generated wastes and this waste material can be utilized in sustainable ways to generate useful resources through technological innovations. This review highlights a few useful aspects of waste conversion to resources like the production of green energy, sorbent development, and clinker preparation. The generation of resources from such wastes is a revolutionary and innovative concept for sustainable development including valorization of the generated waste to integrate pulp and paper industry with biorefinery. This review paper focuses on the sustainable utilization of waste from such industry along with its efficiency and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of dry regions has become a key issue for global development. Their natural and cultural landscapes are facing threats resulting from ongoing global changes. This paper presents an overview of geomorphological, climatic-environmental, and archaeological studies in the hyper-arid eastern Tarim Basin (Lop Nur), northwest China, a world-renowned crossroad for early east-west communications, to provide a scientific foundation for sustaining its nature-culture heritage. The late Quaternary landscape changes in the Lop Nur region are characterised by cycles between oases and yardang deserts, shaping the extensive aeolian landform. Archaeological evidence suggests humans' adaptation and resilience to today what are viewed as inhospitable environments since the late Pleistocene by exploiting the diverse range of oasis resources, movement, and encouraging adjacent populations to diversify their subsistence base. Settlement- and regional-scale deterioration of available water resources, affected by environmental and climatic dynamics, caused the eventual abandonment. Periodic occupation and abandonment in the Lop Nur region accompanying oasis-desert/yardang environment cycles provide important lessons for present-day policymakers to contextualise the relationship between human communities and fragile ecosystems. The open-air sites in the Lop Nur region represent the best-preserved oasis-desert civilisation, suffering cultural history losses. We propose the urgent necessity to establish a transdisciplinary database, construct a master chronological framework of settlement, and integrate the culture-nature heritage within the network of the Silk Roads. The scientific management of river networks is also critical for protecting those riverine cultural relics. The site- and group-level management of heritage needs to be adapted to the projected changes in climate and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the world's first large-scale commercial Power-to-X (PtX) plant in Kassø, Denmark. This innovative facility combines solar photovoltaic (PV), an electrical grid, green hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, and district heating in an integrated system. We conduct an in-depth analysis to explore optimal operating conditions, the potential for sector coupling within the power and heat sectors, and the economic feasibility of the integrated system. In particular, we study different scenarios considering changes in solar PV power generation, electricity market price, CO 2 price, and methanol price to explore their impacts on the system performance. Our results show that the electrolyzer's operation, a pivotal component of the system, heavily depends on the electricity spot price as well as the methanol price. Based on the green production of methanol, a premium price of 4800 DKK/t (0.64 €/t) is considered in this study (selling price of 8400 DKK/t). The results show that in case of high electricity prices (2022 spot market) or no premium price for methanol, the optimum annual production of methanol decreases by 58% and 67%, respectively. Furthermore, we observe that the variability of solar power output significantly impacts the plant's performance and economic viability, as it supplies about 30% of the plant's power consumption. Although the results are unique to the Kassø plant, the study's techniques and insights can be applied to other comparable systems around the world. The study also highlights how crucial it is to take market, climate, and technical factors into account when developing and running integrated energy systems. • Techno-economic analysis of the world's first large-scale commercial Power-to-X (PtX) plant in Kassø, Denmark. • Insights to optimal operating conditions, sector coupling potential, and economic feasibility of Power-to-Methanol plants. • Analysis of the impact of market dynamics on the operational efficiency and economic viability of the integrated plant. • Study of the role of intermittent solar power and its impact on the performance and economic sustainability of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adoption of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds is shaped by various factors. • Insurance companies and pension funds with positive effects. • Also supporting impact of stock markets, new technologies and financial development. • Lesser importance of the financial motives. • In case of mutual funds and institutional variables results are mixed. Despite the growing interest in various topics related to sustainable (ESG) investing, some issues remain understudied, such as the determinants of their utilization at the macro level. This paper contributes to the state of knowledge two-directionally. First, it shows the development of sustainable investing exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in European countries. Second, it traces the significant determinants of adopting sustainable investing/ESG ETFs in Europe. More specifically, we aim to determine which financial, technological, social or institutional factors have the most significant impact on the growth of levels and over-time dynamics of the sustainable investing ETFs. The empirical sample covers five European economies: France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom and the period of the analysis is 2006–2020. Adopting panel regression analysis, we investigate twenty different variables that potentially impact the development of sustainable investing ETFs across examined countries. Our results confirm the positive effects of the development of insurance companies and pension funds for the assets of the ESG ETFs. Also, factors such as stock markets development, ICT adoption, financial access and literacy, and the prevalence of tertiary-level education demonstrate a positive impact on ESG ETFs. The role of the financial performance and tax levels resulted in being neutral, thus indicating the lesser importance of the financial motives in relation to the other factors. The results were mixed in the case of the mutual funds and institutional variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Offering a novel fuzzy robust approach for closed-loop supply chain network design. • Examining the hybrid uncertainties and flexibility of constraints in the problem. • Considering economic, responsibility, and environmental subjects in modeling. • Using the interactive fuzzy programming approach to solve the multi-objective model. • Introducing a new application for stone paper closed-loop supply chain network design. Nowadays, the production of stone paper, in addition to its widespread utilization in various fields, does not require water consumption, cutting down trees, and stone paper products are easily recyclable and recoverable. Due to the importance of developing and using stone paper and paying attention to environmental matters, Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network Design (CLSCND) is very important for stone paper products. Moreover, due to epistemic, randomness uncertainties, the uncertainties in Objective Function (OF), and the flexible constraints for CLSCND in the real world, this paper introduces a novel Mixed Robust Stochastic, Possibilistic, and Flexible Programming (MRSPFP) approach based on credibility theory. The different attitudes of the Decision-Makers (DMs) are addressed by a more flexible measurement of the optimistic and pessimistic parameters using the criterion of credibility. In the study, a comprehensive procedure is proposed for stone paper CLSCND, to minimize costs, increase responsiveness by minimizing transit time between different facilities, and regarding environmental concerns into account through minimizing carbon emissions. The model is solved utilizing an interactive fuzzy programming solution procedure and the Best-Worst Method (BWM). The results of sensitivity analysis, the effect of changing the problem parameters, and the performance of the proposed model are investigated and compared. The results show that the MRSPFP model has a better performance compared to other previous models. The MRSPFP model performs better in strategic decisions that require high investment costs due to the minimization of the absolute deviation of OF from its mean. Also, the applied results of the study show that CLSCND has a good capability and potential for sustainable development in the field of stone paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable application of an up-flow anaerobic baffled reactor (UABR) to treat real paper and cardboard industrial effluent (PCIE) containing bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropan-1, 3-diol) was investigated. At a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 11.7 h and a bronopol concentration of 7.0 mg L−1, the removal efficiencies of total chemical oxygen demand (COD total), COD soluble , COD particulate , total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), carbohydrates, and proteins were 55.3 ± 5.2%, 26.8 ± 2.3%, 94.4 ± 4.6%, 89.4 ± 2.6%, 84.5 ± 3.2%, 72.1 ± 1.8%, and 22.4 ± 1.8%, respectively. The conversion of complex organics (e.g., carbohydrates and proteins) into bio-methane (CH 4) was assisted via enzyme activities of, in U (100 mL)−1, α-amylase (224–270), α-xylanase (171–188), carboxymethyl cellulase (CM-cellulase) (146–187), polygalacturonase (56–126), and protease (67,000–75300). The acidogenic condition was dominant at a short HRT of 2.9 h, where methane yield dropped by 32.5%. Under this condition, the growth of methanogenic bacteria could be inhibited by volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulation. The analysis of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra detected peaks relevant to methylene and nitro groups in the sludge samples, suggesting that entrapment/adsorption by the sludge bed could be a major mechanism for removing bronopol. The economic feasibility of UABR, as proposed to receive 100 m3 d−1 of PCIE, showed a payback period (profits from environmental benefits, biogas recovery, and carbon credit) of 7.6 yr. The study outcomes showed a high connection to the environmental-, economic-, and social-related sustainable development goals (SDGs). [Display omitted] • First study on biogas recovery from real paper and cardboard industry effluents (PCIE). • Up-flow anaerobic baffled reactor showed 55.3% COD removal and 191 mL CH 4 (g COD removed)−1. • The acidogenic condition was dominant at a short HRT of 2.9 h. • Sustainable application of UABR was evaluated via cost benefits analysis. • Payback period from pollutant removal, biogas recovery, and carbon credit was 7.6 yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Significant reduction (18.44%) in overall Spanish GHG emissions from 2008 to 2018, highlighting some differences depending on the considered phase of the crisis. • The total intensity effect has been noticeable negative, especially in Agriculture, Transport, and Other Services. • The total carbonization effect has contributed to increase GHG emissions by 5.86%, being particularly negative in the case of Industry. • Per capita production effect was strongly negative in Industry and slightly positive in the rest of the economic sectors. • R&D, more eco-friendly technologies, green energies, circular economy and consumer green attitudes: the best strategies to reduce GHG emissions. The reduction of GHG emissions to reverse the greenhouse effect is one of the main challenges in this century. In this paper we pursue two objectives. First, we analyze the evolution of GHG emissions in Spain in 2008–2018, at both the global and sectoral levels, with the variation in emissions decomposed into a set of determining factors. Second, we propose several actions specifically oriented to more tightly controlling the level of emissions. Our results showed a remarkable reduction (18.44%) in GHG emissions, mainly due to the intensity effect, but also to the production-per-capita effect. We detected somewhat different patterns among the various sectors analyzed. While the intensity effect was the most influential one in the agricultural, transport, and others sectors, the production-per-capita effect was predominant in the case of industry. The carbonization effect was revealed as crucial in the commerce sector. The above findings highlight the importance of the energy efficiency measures taken in recent years in the Spanish economy, also pointing to the need to deepen those strategies and to propose new measures that entail greater efficiency in emissions. Additional efforts in areas like innovation, R&D, diffusion of more eco-friendly technologies, and a greater use of greener energies all prove to be essential reduction actions to fight the greenhouse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A methodology that defines and ranks KPIs encompassing the entire FSC. • A KPIs co-creation process involving experts and FSC stakeholders. • A new criteria (SMART +) that incorporates the digitization capability of KPIs. • An index that assesses the readiness of FSCs to implement FLW prevention strategies. The impact of food loss and waste (FLW) generation on food supply chains' (FSC) sustainability represents a challenge embodied in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3. This problem requires a methodology to measure such an impact in a rigorous, holistic, and standardized way that can be applied to any FSC. This paper aims to develop and validate a single index to assess the readiness of FSCs to implement FLW prevention strategies and measure their impact: the so-called FOODRUS index. The co-creation methodology followed incorporates experts and FSC stakeholders feedback. The index has been validated in 3 FSCs: The Slovak pilot scored 74.35%, the Spanish pilot reached 68.79%, and the Danish pilot was rated 61.14%. Its calculation, eased by the FOODRUS index self-assessment tool (described in the Appendix), allows quick diagnosis of the FSC capability to implement FLW prevention strategies considering both the knowledge provided by experts and the experience of the FSC stakeholders that participated in its co-creation process. In this way the FSC can assess its FLW prevention performance at a strategic and management level, with the aim of improving its sustainability impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A life cycle assessment (LCA) of solid recovered fuel (SRF) was conducted. • SRF production process contributes to about 35.6 kg CO 2 -eq per ton. • A maximum of −1752.03 kg CO 2 -eq was obtained with about 80 % of SRF biogenic carbon. • A footprint of −542.09 to −1729.05 kg CO 2 -eq can be found due to coke substitution. • The study recommended SRF production to mitigate the global carbon footprint. Solid recovered fuel (SRF) from non-recyclable waste obtained from source separation and mechanical treatments can replace carbon coke in cement plants, contributing to the carbon neutrality. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the SRF production from non-recyclable and selected waste was conducted in an Italian mechanical treatment plant to estimate the potential environmental impacts per ton of SRF produced. The analysis would contribute to evaluate the benefits that can be obtained due to coke substitution in best- and worst-case scenarios. The avoided impacts achieved were assessed, together with an evaluation of the variables that can affect the environmental benefits: SRF biogenic carbon content (in percentage of paper and cardboard); transportation distances travelled from the treatment plant to the cement kiln; the renewable energy used in the mechanical facility. On average, about 35.6 kgCO 2 -eq are generated by the SRF transportation and production phase. These impacts are greatly compensated by coke substitution, obtaining a net value of about −1.1 tCO 2 -eq avoided per ton of SRF. On balance, the global warming potential due to SRF production and consumption ranges from about −542 kgCO 2 -eq to about −1729 kgCO 2 -eq. The research recommended the use of SRF to substitute coke in cement kilns also in low densely-populated areas to mitigate environmental impacts and achieve carbon neutrality at a global level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Country ownership is one of the four guiding principles for the Immunization Agenda 2030. • There is little practical guidance on what country ownership is and how to operationalize it. • Measles and rubella programs are used to illustrate country ownership in operation. • Five elements of country ownership - commitment, coordination, capacity, community participation, and accountability - are described. • Our work is a useful guide for immunization program strategy development. Country-owned, as opposed to donor-driven, is a principle within the development sector that recognizes the centrality of countries' leadership, systems, and resources in executing programs and achieving sustainable development. In alignment with this notion, the Immunization Agenda 2030 was developed with country ownership as one of four core principles of the ambitious ten-year plan. This means that the success of immunization programs, including those with eradication and elimination goals such as polio, measles, and rubella, and those with broader equity goals to "leave no one behind" on immunization, would be largely driven by country systems. In this paper we deconstruct country ownership into five operational principles: commitment, coordination, capacity, community participation, and accountability. Through this lens, we illustrate how two countries, Nepal and Nigeria, have exemplified country ownership in their measles and rubella elimination programs and we infer the ways in which country ownership drives system performance and sustains program efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable hydrogen is considered as one of the key technologies that may be needed to fully decarbonise our economies, providing the high-temperature heat, fuels and feedstock that might not be possible to electrify. Several pilot projects are underway, and some assessments of the economics of green hydrogen have been published. However, most of them have assessed the costs of producing renewable hydrogen in large-scale, grid-connected units. Another option, pointed by many as a robust strategy in the early stages, is to produce hydrogen locally, in "hydrogen valleys", to serve industrial demand. In this paper, the economics of the different technical configurations and strategies that might be used for this decentralised, variable-demand option are analysed, accounting for the impact that a non-constant operation may cause on the operational efficiency of electrolysers, and for the potential benefits of local hydrogen storage. Our results show that when hydrogen demand is variable, production costs are higher compared to the constant demand case, due to the higher electrolyser size required. Electricity price optimization plus hydrogen storage can be a valuable option in some cases, although the cost benefit is negligible (about 1%) unless price volatility in the market increases with higher RES shares, or investment costs decrease significantly. Sourcing electricity exclusively from a dedicated renewable power plant can only become competitive if electricity market prices rise as observed recently or triggered by increasing CO 2 prices. • Different production strategies are compared to minimise H 2 production costs. • Faraday efficiency increases costs for variable electricity generation. • Electricity price optimization is best for H2 valleys, although compression costs may change this. • Direct H 2 production from renewable plants is not competitive with current prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely recognized as low-carbon transportation that adopts green and clean technology with contributing to mitigating global climate change. However, it appears that the practice in using EVs has not gained widespread popularity despite the promotion of various incentives with the presence of various restricting factors and challenges. In conducting this study in the context of China, we hypothesize that restricting factors have varying impacts on promoting EVs in China, where the adoption of EVs is of great potential. This paper identifies these restricting factors by applying AHP-FCE integrated approach, and these factors are classified into five dimensions, namely, technical, infrastructural, economic, governance and social. The results indicate that the top five restricting factors are security issues, limited driving range, long charging time, improper distribution of charging stations and lack of sharing between charging piles respectively. Our research contributes to a better understanding of EV restricting factors and their significance, which offers the assistance in the formulation of policies and decisions in order to promote effectively EVs in China. • The promotion of EVs is of great potential in China for mitigating global climate change. • Explore the RFPEVs in China using AHP-FCE integrated approach. • The RFPEVs in China can be classified into five dimensions, namely, technical, infrastructural, economic, governance and social. • The technical and infrastructural related are the most important constraints. • The main three important restricting factors are security issues, limited driving range, long charging time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering biogas upgrading to feed energy systems and its significant impact on the biogas energy density, a novel polygeneration system utilizing biogas from landfill waste is designed, simulated, and studied in this paper. The primary innovation is to design a biogas upgrading technology for a novel multigeneration system using a thermal matching approach. This system is capable of simultaneously generating power, providing heating, producing fresh water, and extracting liquid carbon dioxide in an environmentally sustainable manner, thus resulting in reduced environmental impacts. For this purpose, a cryogenic separation system based on liquefied natural gas cold utilization is employed for biogas upgrading and biomethane separation. The proposed process also consists of a Kalina cycle, an organic Rankine cycle, a multi-effect desalination technology, and a heating provider unit. This system is simulated within the Aspen HYSYS software and is undergone a comprehensive analysis from the viewpoints of energy, exergy, environmental, and economic. The results indicate that the proposed structure achieves energy and exergy efficiencies of 80.91% and 43.76%, respectively. Environmental assessment reveals that the emission intensity is 90.43% lower in polygeneration mode compared to power generation mode, and the system's net emission is equal to 23,041.51 kg/h. The economic evaluation demonstrates that the total unit cost of products is minimized in polygeneration operation (1.84 $/GJ), while it is highest in power generation condition (7.564 $/GJ). The investigations show that when a system is modified from a single generation to polygeneration, all thermodynamic, economic, and environmental indicators face an improvement. [Display omitted] • Design of a new trigeneration system using biogas upgrading and LNG regasification. • Sustainable scheme for producing power, heating, fresh water, and liquid carbon dioxide. • Aspen HYSYS is used for simulation and thermo-enviro-economic analysis is done. • Energy and exergy efficiencies of the whole system equal 80.91% and 43.76%. • Net emission and total unit cost of products equal 23,041.51 kg/h and 1.84 $/GJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving energy efficiency is regarded as a key path to tackling global warming and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2020, the energy consumption of the world's ten major energy-consuming countries accounted for 66.8% of the global total. This paper applied data envelopment analysis (DEA) to calculate these ten major energy-consuming countries' total-factor energy efficiency (TFEE) at national and sectoral levels from 2001-2020, and explored the influencing factors of total-factor energy efficiency with the Tobit regression model. The results showed significant difference in the ten countries' energy efficiency. The United States and Germany topped the list for total-factor energy efficiency, while China and India were at the bottom. Meanwhile, the energy efficiency of the industrial subsector has increased significantly over the past two decades, while that of the other subsectors has been relatively flat. The industrial structure upgrading, per capita GDP, energy consumption structure, and foreign direct investment had significant impacts on energy efficiency with national heterogeneity. Energy consumption structure and GDP per capita were determinative factors of energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel aviation CO 2 emissions reduction method by introducing a market-based incentive mechanism. An aviation carbon emissions prediction model is proposed to characterize both the microscopic flight dynamics and the macroscopic air traffic demand trend. Based on emissions prediction, a linear climate response model is applied to evaluate the environmental impact of the aviation carbon emissions. Finally, a market-based framework for aviation CO 2 emissions reduction is established based on a two-phase carbon trading model, which provides a piecewise charge method through emission taxation and cap-and-trade. A case study is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework using a real-world dataset from the Hefei Air Traffic Control Zone in China. Three scenarios are defined to describe the possible development speed of sustainable aviation fuel application in the future: not applied, medium-speed development, and high-speed development. The results show that the carbon peak will be reached in 2025 in the high-speed development scenario, when the emission amount and associated environmental impact will be reduced by 23.7% and 22.3%, respectively. Thus, the market-based framework proposed in this paper can effectively reduce aviation CO 2 emissions and mitigate the effects of global warming. • An aviation CO 2 emissions prediction model is proposed considering both microscopic flight dynamics and macroscopic traffic demand. • A more efficient market-based CO 2 emission reduction framework is developed based on a two-phase carbon trading model by means of taxation and cap-and-trade. • Case study shows that the proposed method has a more optimal incentive for CO 2 emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, we analyze the diffusion and adoption of paper making machinery in the Indonesian pulp and paper industry, from 1923 till 2000. We develop a machine level index of technological sophistication (mach), which measures the technological distance of each paper machine to the world technological frontier. The data reveal a pattern of rapid technological catch up. But catch up was not an industrywide phenomenon. Some modern firms installed state-of-the-art machinery, while others installed older vintages. The paper argues that industrial policy has played an important role in the speed and nature of diffusion of paper making machinery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Genetics/genomics offer new opportunities for personalized treatment in oncology. • The model of mutational oncology is extremely complex. • Universal access, homogeneity and sustainability should be warranted. • The Molecular Tumor Board empowerment in clinical oncology practice is a challenge. The development of innovative technologies and the advances in the genetics and genomics, have offered new opportunities for personalized treatment in oncology. Although the selection of the patient based on the molecular characteristics of the neoplasm has the potential to revolutionize the therapeutic scenario of oncology, this approach is extremely challenging. The access, homogeneity, and economic sustainability of the required genomic tests should be warranted in the clinical practice, as well as the specific scientific and clinical expertise for the choice of medical therapies. All these elements make essential the collaboration of different specialists within the Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs). In this position paper, based on experts' opinion, the AIOM-SIAPEC/IAP-SIBioC-SIC-SIF-SIGU-SIRM Italian Scientific Societies critically discuss the available molecular profiling technologies, the proposed criteria for the selection of patients candidate for evaluation by the MTB, the criteria for the selection and analysis of biological samples, and the regulatory and pharmaco-economic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosized plasmonic metallic nanoparticles such as Pd have gained significant attention due to their diverse applications in catalysis, sensing, and light-to-heat conversion. However, the development of scalable and environmentally friendly synthesis routes for such nanoparticles is crucial for the sustainable development of industrial applications. In this work, we address this challenge by synthesizing Pd-nanoparticles on the cellulose filter paper (Pd-Cellulose) via two scalable green synthesis routes: low-temperature thermal and plasma synthesis. We found that adjusting synthesis conditions allowed us to achieve an optimum morphology that maximizes light absorptance. The nature of the reduction species during synthesis significantly impacts the morphology and heat-transfer properties of the resulting material. Compared to thermally synthesized Pd-Cellulose, the absorbers synthesized with plasma have smaller particles size and higher coverage, which leads to higher broadband light absorptance and more intense heat transfer to the surroundings. The optimized Pd-based light absorbers were utilized in a solar-to-steam desalination system, resulting in an evaporation rate of 1.30 kg/m2h for the open system and a filtration rate of 0.7 kg/m2h for the closed system. Our findings provide insights into the green and scalable synthesis and optimization of Pd-based light absorbers and their potential application in sustainable renewable energy systems. [Display omitted] • Pd-nanoparticles are synthesized via two synthesis routes: thermal and plasma synthesis. • The optimum morphology is achieved for maximized light absorptance. • The nature of the reduction species impacts the morphology and heat-transfer properties of nanoparticles. • A new lab-scale solar-to-steam desalination system with Pd-Cellulose is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Agnostic markers represent the novel frontier of precision medicine. • The first agnostic drugs have been approved regardless of tumor histology. • This model presents a great potential to change the oncological therapeutic scenario. • Despite the clinical opportunity, critical aspects are emerging. • A governance is mandatory to ensure genomic testing homogeneity and sustainability. The personalized medicine is in a rapidly evolving scenario. The identification of actionable mutations is revolutionizing the therapeutic landscape of tumors. The morphological and histological tumor features are enriched by the extensive genomic profiling, and the first tumor-agnostic drugs have been approved regardless of tumor histology, guided by predictive and druggable genetic alterations. This new paradigm of "mutational oncology", presents a great potential to change the oncologic therapeutic scenario, but also some critical aspects need to be underlined. A process governance is mandatory to ensure the genomic testing accuracy and homogeneity, the economic sustainability, and the regulatory issues, ultimately granting the possibility of translating this model in the "real world". In this position paper, based on experts' opinion, the AIOM–SIAPEC-IAP–SIBIOC–SIF Italian Scientific Societies revised the new agnostic biomarkers, the diagnostic technologies available, the current availability of agnostic drugs and their present indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses farmers’ networking strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The focus is on internal barriers of farmers’ networks with respect to the management of the group and collective learning processes. These aspects determine to an extent the success or failure of collective strategies. Based upon case study material we will draw lessons and present ideas on how management and learning can be enhanced. We argue that in collective strategies the focus should not only be on the goal of the group, but that attention to the process of cooperation such as safeguarding coherence, monitoring and evaluation of goals and views, shared responsibility and balanced leadership is a prerequisite for effective collective action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the potential role of hydrogen (H 2) in the Belgian transport sector in the context of sustainable and environmentally friendly growth. This paper starts by examining the energy-climate roadmap and the emission mitigation programme defined by the Belgian federal government in the context of environmental sustainability. Then, the Belgian situation is critically evaluated in light of the needs for H 2 fuel in the transport sector, as well as issues about a roadmap on environmental considerations for a sustainable future, while preserving the country's economic stakes. There are several key advances in this direction, especially as H 2 is seen as one of the best viable options for sustained development, unlike other possibilities. This paper also highlights some limitations that make it difficult to accelerate the transition to a sustainable H 2 energy future. Although there are many interests in favour of an advanced and non-polluting transport system, there are differing views on the approach to be taken in political decision-making at national level. Therefore, this study will help public authorities to better integrate environmental and sustainability issues in the context of a transition to a comprehensive hydrogen economy in the current transport sector. • An in-depth analysis of hydrogen's role in the Belgian transport sector is presented. • Considerations of sustainable and environmentally friendly growth are addressed. • It highlights the constraints and barriers to the full development of H 2 in Belgium. • There is no unified national public policy for hydrogen development. • Policies should prioritise R&D, training and social empowerment of hydrogen energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the skills landscape of the emerging green hydrogen industry in Australia drawing on data collected from a study that gathered insights on training gaps from a range of hydrogen industry participants. A total of 41 industry participants completed a survey and 14 of those survey respondents participated in industry consultations. The findings revealed widespread perceptions of training and skilling as being very important to the industry, but under-provisioned across the sector. Data were analysed to consider the problem of skilling the green hydrogen industry and the barriers and enablers as perceived by industry stakeholders. In this paper we argue that urgent cross-sector attention needs to be paid to hydrogen industry training and skill development systems in Australia if the promise of green hydrogen as a clean energy source is to be realised. • Cross-sector collaboration is needed to support education and training on hydrogen energy. • Insufficient training is available to support skill development in hydrogen energy. • Training on electrolysers, fuel cells, hydrogen storage and refuelling stations is most needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: EcoDesign is a concept including human sustainability priorities together with business interrelations. Its main objective in the improvement of product development methods is to reduce environmental loads. EcoDesign also includes a more open ambition to use inspiration from a wider field of positive examples of smart products and methods, effective system solutions and attractive designs. It is not clear what sustainable product development is; what we can do is to try our best to find better solutions, get going and make sure that we learn from what happens. Our main goal with this issue was to monitor “How to make it happen?” but we ended up with more questions and the lower ambition of, “What''s happening”. Life-style elements such as brand label economy, development of new economies in Asia, aging populations in the old economies etc. makes the picture even more complex and we still wonder, “How to make it happen”. However, a few focal points can be observed: The tools in EcoDesign are not as important as specification and goal setting in early product development phases. How to organize product development is crucial in order to reach higher degrees of sustainability. The interrelations between resources and functionality must be enhanced. Environmental affection must be integrated into the human life-style and throughout the entire life-cycle of all products and services. To us it seems impossible to define a sustainable life-style and force everyone to follow. We must engage all stakeholders in envisioning and creating the sustainable societies we hope to achieve. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The global energy issue is undergoing transformation owing to various factors, such as climate change and geopolitics. In the long term, the primary pathways to achieve sustainable energy development remain the clean energy and global cooperation. As the largest energy consumption centers, the Asia Pacific and North America possess complementary energy profiles and developmental needs for cooperation. This paper analyses various electricity or hydrogen transmission technologies suitable for the Pacific Rim energy system. The liquid hydrogen superconducting energy pipelines possess the potential to fulfill the demands of long-distance and large-scale energy transmission. Building upon this technology, a super energy pipeline project connecting East Asia and North America across 12 time zones was proposed. It is composed of pipelines and relay energy stations, which can realize large-scale storage and transportation of renewable energy as well as the diversified energy supply at terminals. The techno-economic evaluation of the project has been comprehensively conducted, and the investment can be recovered within 10 years. The project is expected to boost the progress of renewable energy, ensure regional energy security and promote the sustainable development of global energy. [Display omitted] • Proposes cross-continental energy transmission scheme for Pacific Rim. • Highlights the potential of liquid hydrogen superconducting energy pipelines. • Identifies the future requirements for the energy storage and transmission. • Presents a review of the existing global energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical objective recently facing the entire industry on this planet is to construct a sustainable industrial development. The possible way is provided by implementing process intensification, which provides real advantages in production processes, significantly reducing unit operation size, increasing whole plant efficiency, reducing energy consumption, shrinking capital investment, reducing waste disposal, and boosting feed material conversion into various valuable products. Membrane technologies contribute to process intensification's objectives due to their potential to convert conventional technology to achieve significant improvement of industrial processes. Conventional industrial techniques in the field of separation were replaced to membrane processes, which were widely reported positively impacting in the multi-area of industrial operation. This paper provides the ability and compatibility of the membrane to be implemented the process intensification strategies. Some cases of realization of process intensification in membrane technology have been discussed. Last but not least, the process integration of conventional membrane with advanced membrane unit has also been reviewed as one of the essential parts of process intensification. [Display omitted] • Process intensification (PI) efficiency can improve the membrane-based processes. • PI helpful reducing the amount of waste and emissions disposal. • The PI encourages innovation and the development of cleaner technologies. • The transformative potential of membrane-based technology in industry development. • The upgraded strategies for integrated of the essential parts of chemical process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of hydrogen refuelling stations worldwide has increased to over 700 due to the rapid development of green hydrogen energy. The risk assessment of hydrogen refuelling stations is indispensable to prevent accidents, and its foundation is accident scenarios screening. Although the integrated energy supply station containing fuels such as hydrogen, compressed natural gas (CNG), methanol eliminates the need for building hydrogen refuelling stations separately, the risk assessment for these complex systems has not been comprehensively studied. This paper proposes a scenario screening approach for identifying potential hazards in multi-fuel integrated energy supply stations. The risk of the processing unit was evaluated, and the leakage scenarios were pre-screened to identify credible leakage scenarios that adhere to the principle of maximum credibility by considering the frequency of occurrence and severity of consequences in two parts. Based upon acquired credible leakage scenarios, secondary screening of possible accident consequences was conducted by calculating the value of the credible factor to obtain the final maximum credible accident scenarios (MAS). Credible factors are derived from the accident probability, consequence severity, population density and asset density. By comparing the values of the credible factors, the accident scenarios with a low probability or low severity were eliminated, and the accident scenarios with the highest credible factors of each unit were retained as the MAS that require further consequence simulation analysis. The results offer a crucial foundation for the consequences and risk assessment of integrated energy supply stations. • Potential consequences of accidents caused by hydrogen and other fuel leaks. • Credible scenarios for fuel leaks are identified. • Maximum credible accident scenarios are determined. • Hydrogen compressor and associated piping are most susceptible to jet fires and explosions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, sustainable development has become a challenge for many societies due to natural or other disruptive events, which have disrupted economic, environmental, and energy infrastructure growth. Developing hydrogen energy infrastructure is crucial for sustainable development because of its numerous benefits over conventional energy sources. However, the complexity of hydrogen energy infrastructure, including production, utilization, and storage stages, requires accounting for potential vulnerabilities. Therefore, resilience needs to be considered along with sustainable development. This paper proposes a decision-making framework to evaluate the resilience of hydrogen energy infrastructure by integrating resilience indicators and sustainability contributing factors. A holistic taxonomy of resilience performance is first developed, followed by a qualitative resilience assessment framework using a novel Intuitionistic fuzzy Weighted Influence Nonlinear Gauge System (IFWINGS). The results highlighted that Regulation and legislation, Government preparation, and Crisis response budget are the most critical resilience indicators in the understudy hydrogen energy infrastructure. A comparative case study demonstrates the practicality, capability, and effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results suggest that the proposed model can be used for resilience assessment in other areas. • A Holistic taxonomy of resilience is proposed for hydrogen infrastructure. • A Novel IFWINGS is proposed for advanced qualitative resilience assessment. • Importance of regulation, government preparation, and crisis response budget are discussed. • A Practical and effective application on a real hybrid wind-hydrogen power plant is presented. • Framework provides a tool for promoting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]