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The article presents the discussion on COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the contributions critical care. Topics include intensive care units (ICUs) around the world suddenly inundated with patients who were critically ill from an unknown virus, along with all the other patients needing critical care services; and warrants consideration of energy, clinical supplies, pharmaceuticals, technical equipment and physical facilities.

Abstract Building bricks were produced by utilizing deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) and alluvial soil by varying percentage of sludge at different firing temperatures. Different mix proportions were prepared with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of DPMS incorporation in alluvial soil by weight. Three firing temperatures of 900 °C, 950 °C and 1000 °C were investigated to simulate the typical condition of kiln. The density, firing shrinkage, water absorption, efflorescence, apparent porosity, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of the bricks were determined. The XRD and microstructural analysis of brick specimens were also studied. The optimum firing temperature was 950 °C. The thermal conductivity decreases with increase in percentage of deinking paper mill sludge. It was found that 15% deinking paper mill sludge gives optimum strength at firing temperature of 950 °C. Developed bricks satisfy the requirements of class 10 of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in terms of efflorescence, compressive strength and water absorption. Thermal conductivity results show that the developed brick was thermally more insulated than the conventional bricks and can be used as alternative to conventional bricks. This will address the issue of waste management through cleaner production and show the ways towards sustainable, economical and energy efficient construction. Highlights • Building bricks were developed utilizing deinking paper mill sludge (DPMS) & soil. • Maximum level of DPMS in production brick is 15% at firing temperature of 950 °C. • The developed bricks satisfies the requirement of class 10 bricks of BIS. • Developed bricks are sustainable and thermally insulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year the pulp and paper industry consumes billions of metres cubed of water and produces huge amounts of highly polluted wastewater that needs to be treated. Conventional techniques of wastewater treatment require a high energy input and their environmental impact is debatable. Thus, the need to find new sustainable, environmentally friendly and efficient treatment techniques is urgent. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are the technology of the future since they simultaneously treat wastewater and produce clean energy. The historical development of this technology towards its application to wastewater treatment was described. The application of MFCs in pulp and paper wastewater treatment is a new and developing field of investigation that still needs to overcome many limitations before its use on an industrial scale. This article reviews the limits of conventional treatment methods and the current state of the art MFC systems for pulp and paper wastewater treatment. The paper provides an overview of the electrogenic microorganisms able to produce electricity from pulp and paper wastewater. The bacteria, isolated at different stages of pulp and papermaking, are best suited for electrogenic activity in harsh environments. It was shown that MFC technology fully meets the requirements of sustainable pulp and paper wastewater treatment and, in terms of the input-output energy balance, remains energetically and environmentally competitive when compared to conventional treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often think of paper as an environmentally harmful product because trees are cut down to make it. A new generation that has grown up in today's digital society may think that the use of digital devices is a waste-free way to protect our environment. Although the pulp and paper industry is making various efforts to preserve the environment, it has not been properly recognized. Developing new technologies to produce better products at lower cost while protecting our environment is important. But it is also important to enhance the image of the pulp and paper industry in the eyes of the public. The pulp and paper industry's efforts to reforestation for raw materials and to expand the recycling of waste paper should be more widely introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• RCF wastes brick achieves 24% lower thermal properties than the control brick. • RCF wastes brick requires 10% lower firing temperature than the control brick. • Utilizing as-received waste materials requires zero grinding energy, benefiting manufacturers and cutting emissions. • Lower firing temperature saved $158,460 by cutting 417 tonnes of CO 2. Building materials drive the global economy, yet face severe environmental hurdles: resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation. In order to mitigate the impact from these challenges, authorities seek sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives as an urgent need. This study focuses on the utilization of as-received rejected contaminated fines (RCF) obtained from the yellow bins' waste (paper) recycling process, in brick production. Diverse tests assessed the brick performance, including compressive strength, absorption rate, thermal conductivity, 3D CT scanning for morphological analysis, and durability analysis. Additionally, a leachate analysis was performed to evaluate the environmental implications. Economic benefits, particularly the reduction of CO 2 emissions, were also evaluated. The findings confirmed that as-received waste can be utilized for fired clay brick production without the need for pulverization. The novel brick product made with as-received RCF waste exhibited superior thermal characteristics (up to a 31.25 % reduction compared to control bricks) while meeting the essential compliance requirements outlined by national standards. Moreover, each firing cycle led to a potential value of up to USD 158,460 through a reduction of 417 tonnes of CO 2 , resulting from a 9.5 % reduction in firing temperature (1000 °C). The results from this study offer valuable insights into the potential of using RCF waste as a sustainable alternative in the brick manufacturing industry. This alternative could address the soaring demand in the current market, resolve the escalating solid waste crisis, and mitigate clay shortages, while providing a sustainable solution for the brick industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing human-made environmental problems such as deforestation is an ongoing educational challenge. Promising educational approaches include cooperative decision-making and attempt via a high level of motivation to promote pro-environmental behaviors. Knowledge about the forest ecosystem, including its threats, is supposed to strengthen responsibilities and individual behavioral preferences. The "Save the Forests!" module engages students in hands-on learning activities under the frame of an educational Escape Game (Edu Breakout). Based on nine workstations, it includes various cooperative activities focusing on the forest ecosystem, its ecosystem services, and common tree species. Students realize advantages of recycling, gain insight into paper production and associated resource consumption, compare eco-labels for sustainable paper products, and reflect on consumer decisions. Additionally, the students learn about habitat situations after clear-cutting, forest fires, or storm damages (succession), including strategies for dealing with deadwood based on scientific data. Besides experiments and challenging tasks, students learn about the ecological footprint and greenwashing by clarifying often-used terms in sustainability contexts. In an accompanied quantitative study approach, students participating in the learning module significantly increased their knowledge scores in a pre-post comparison (n = 135, p < 0.001, d = 0.58). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in the manufacturing of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-based cellulose nanopaper (CNP). The analysis delves into customizing CNPs through nanofiber manufacturing, mechanical refining, and chemical treatments. The report underscores the growing interest in CNPs derived from CNF due to their exceptional properties and eco-friendly attributes. CNP strength significantly enhanced through mechanical refining encompassing cellulose nanofibrillation were breaking down of cellulose into nanofibers takes place. Conversely, dense CNF network formed through filtration and casting method. Chemical treatments such as dispersion, functionalization, and coating methods followed by drying and consolidation introduce custom functionalities for diverse applications. These applications span packaging, electronics, energy harvesting, EMI shielding, optoelectronics, nanogenerators, transparent conducting films, water treatment, bioelectronics, and neuromorphic computing. The study conducts an in-depth investigation to assess CNP's effects on promoting sustainability and minimizing environmental waste, making a significant contribution to the circular economy. This investigation underscores the pursuit of innovation and aligns with the principles of progressing toward a more environmentally sustainable future. [Display omitted] • Explores CNF production, refining and chemical treatments for CNP customization. • Remarkable properties of CNP draw academic and industrial interest. • CNP applied in packaging, electronics, energy, and environmental science. • Investigates role of CNP in circular economy. • Emphasizes CNPs as eco-friendly, fostering innovation and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separators are indispensable components in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), providing efficient pathways for lithium ions to travel and isolating the positive and negative electrodes to avoid short circuits. However, traditional polyolefin-based separators exhibit inferior electrolyte affinities, limited porosities, and low thermal stabilities. In this study, a novel method was developed to prepare chitosan micro/nanofiber membranes as LIB separators using natural materials. The pore sizes of the chitosan micro/nanofibers separators were modulated by changing the diameters of the chitosan fibers. The results demonstrated that the chitosan nanofiber separators (CSNFs) had superior electrolyte uptake (281 %), excellent thermal dimensional stability, and electrochemical performance in LiFePO 4 /Li half-cell, as indicated by the higher discharge capacity after 100 cycles, and higher rate capacity than commercial Celgard2325 separator. This study paves the way for the fabrication of eco-efficient and environment-friendly separators for high-performance LIBs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the performance properties that drive the shelf price of kitchen paper towels and evaluate whether sustainability is an important driver for pricing. Nineteen products were compared according to their performance (softness, absorbency, and strength), technology, and fiber morphology. Metrics to rank the products in different grades (economy, premium, and ultra) according to their performance were provided. A multiple linear regression showed that absorbency and softness are the most significant properties used to predict the price. Market data indicates that there is a segment of consumers willing to pay a premium price for products marketed as "sustainable", even though their performance is comparatively inferior to the majority of the samples. Sustainable products are up to 85% more expensive than regular products. The metrics obtained in this work can contribute to improvement in market transparency, and aid companies in deciding strategies for product development and new investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable hydrophobic coatings on paper have become increasingly important due to the high demand for environmentally friendly materials. In this study, a novel sustainable hydrophobic coating was developed by combining natural rubber latex (NRL) and butyl stearate (BS). The NRL acts as binder and hydrophobic agent, while the butyl stearate improves the hydrophobicity of the coating. Different coating formulations containing 0–50 wt% BS were applied to the paper using a simple bar-coating method at a constant thickness, and the hydrophobic properties were evaluated by using contact angle, Cobb and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) measurements. The lowest WVTR value was 3.428 g/cm2. Day, obtained when NRL coated, and WVTR of 4.405 g/cm2.day was obtained with an addition of 50 wt% BS, lower than the uncoated paper (5.485 g/cm2.day). All the formulations promoted a remarkable decrease in water absorption (Cobb30 values decreased from 128 g/m2 to 0.8 g/m2, and Cobb60 values decreased from 134.4 g/m2 to 0.7 g/m2). Results showed that the coating effectively reduced the surface energy of the paper, resulting in a high contact angle of 90.6° and increased hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the NRL and butyl stearate coating demonstrated good mechanical properties, suggesting its potential as a sustainable and effective alternative to synthetic hydrophobic coatings. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for the development of sustainable hydrophobic coatings on paper, which can have significant environmental and economic benefits. [Display omitted] • Water resistant paper based on natural rubber latex and butyl stearate hydrophobic coating for packaging. • Butyl stearate addition improved the hydrophobicity of the NRL coating formulation. • Coating formulation potential as a sustainable and effective alternative to synthetic hydrophobic coatings. • NRL/BS coating technology may be a desirable choice for eco-friendly paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining cellulose from recyclable waste paper contributes to the sustainability of forest resources, water and energy savings, and the reduction of environmental pollution. However, waste paper collected under inappropriate conditions for recycling can be degraded in a short time, thus becoming economically useless. This study examined the factors affecting source-separated collection processes of waste paper in Istanbul hotels, as well as the correlation among these factors. The economic value of the assumed benefits of source-separated waste paper was also calculated. To achieve these objectives, various inputs and methods were used, including the percent tabulation technique and the chi-square independence test. As a result, it was determined that 70% of managers and employees of Istanbul hotels were sensitive to recycling waste paper, but they were not aware of the entire benefits of waste paper recycling. It was also determined that because of waste paper recycling, 18 thousand trees, 5 million kWh of electricity, 3 thousand tons of water, and 1.3 thousand tons of fuel oil were saved, and the generation of 27 thousand tons of CO2 was prevented annually. Hotels in Istanbul provide the economy with an annual average of 752 tons of waste paper, which corresponds to 78% of the foreign trade deficit of Turkey's paper and paper products sector in the last five years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin‐carbohydrate complexes (LCC) underpin the comprehensive properties of natural wood. Facile restoration of LCC analogues in paper is challenging because of the charge repulsion between negatively charged lignin and pulp fibrils. A camouflage strategy is discovered to prepare positively charged lignosulfonate–polyamide‐epichlorohydrin complex (LPC) nanoparticles, which are effectively incorporated in pulp through the "LPC–pulp" attraction instead of "lignosulfonate–pulp" repulsion. Water‐resistant LPC paper sheets are prepared in ≈20 min without pressurization. They exhibit high tensile strength (41 MPa), surviving boiling water treatment for 14 days, on par with the strength of pristine paper and certain plastics in a dry state. The camouflage strategy applies to various pulps and processing technologies, as exemplified by a paper separator showing exceptional electrolyte wettability and rate capability in lithium‐ion batteries. This work establishes advanced cellulose valorization with combined strength, water stability, and tailored microstructures replacing petroleum polymers in engineering and energy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the printing and packaging industry, sustainability is defined as manufacture and practices that reflect responsibility for the environment and resources to meet the needs and expectations of future generations. In this article, raw material management, cellulose resources, industrial forests, ecological and renewable alternative fiber resources were examined in the framework of the sustainability of the printing and packaging industry. The recycling of printed materials and packaging and the effects of paper-ink types and product design in this recycling have been discussed. The effect of separation and processing at the source on the efficiency of paper recycling, economy and ecology was emphasized. The greenhouse gas emissions of solvents used in inks and cleaners, the impact on climate change, water footprint and carbon footprint issues were examined. Suggestions have been made on environmental sustainability in the printing industry, what needs to be done for a competitive production, successful optimization, minimization of waste, use of existing possibilities, recycling and evaluation of alternatives and use of clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare contributes to environmental harm. Trainee-led Research and Audit in Anaesthesia for Sustainable Healthcare (TRA2SH) is an Australasian network focused on sustainable anaesthesia practice. TRA2SH hypothesised that trainee-led audits alongside education presented on a scheduled national day, called Operation Clean Up, can improve engagement with sustainability initiatives. This paper aims to describe the first two years of Operation Clean Up in terms of goals, achievements and data collected so far. Environmental themes for Operation Clean Up were chosen based on available evidence (life cycle analyses and observational studies). The first Operation Clean Up (OCU 2020) focused on reducing the unnecessary use of single-use disposable absorbent pads (known as 'blueys' in Australia, 'greenies' in New Zealand). OCU 2021 included: refuse desflurane, reduce bluey use, reuse drug trays, and recycle paper and cardboard. TRA2SH provided an information pack to trainees who presented educational material to their department and fed back procurement figures to quantify each item. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse de-identified pooled data submitted to a centralised database. Eight departments submitted data for OCU 2020 and six provided follow-up data. Bluey use was reduced from a median of 37 to 34 blueys per ten surgical encounters. Fifteen departments submitted pre-campaign data for OCU 2021 with follow-up data to be collected during OCU 2022. Baseline data showed a median bluey use of 31 per ten surgical encounters. Volatile-related emissions were calculated; desflurane's proportion was 70% of these emissions yet was 11% of volatile procurement. Two participating departments removed desflurane from their formulary following OCU 2021. Operation Clean Up is a practical model for implementing sustainability initiatives using trainees as eco-leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a well-established and informative method of understanding the environmental impacts of consumer products across the entire value chain. However, companies committed to sustainability are interested in more methods that examine their products and activities' impacts. Methods that build on LCA strengths and illuminate other connected but less understood facets, related to social and economic impacts, would provide greater value to decision-makers. This study is a LCA that calculates the potential impacts associated with Bounty ® paper towels from two facilities with different production lines, an older one (Albany, Georgia) representing established technology and the other (Box Elder, Utah), a newer state-of-the-art platform. This is unique in that it includes use of Industrial Process Systems Assessment (IPSA), new electricity and pulp data, modeled in open source software, and is the basis for the development of new integrated sustainability metrics (published separately). The new metrics can guide supply chain and manufacturing enhancements, and product design related to environmental protection and resource sustainability. Results of the LCA indicate Box Elder had improvements on environmental impact scores related to air emission indicators, except for particulate matter. Albany had lower water use impacts. After normalization of the results, fossil fuel depletion is the most critical environmental indicator. Pulp production, electricity, and fuels for product production drive fossil fuel depletion. Climate change, land occupation, and particulate matter are also relevant. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by pulp, electricity, papermaking, and landfill methane from the disposed product, drive climate change impacts. Pulp provides significant offsets to balance climate change impacts due to sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Ninety-nine percent of land occupation is for the growth of the trees for pulp production. Papermaking, electricity, and pulp production cause the most potential particular matter formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the biggest challenges to the sustainable manufacture of liquid ammonia and the prevention of worldwide water contamination is the development of effective electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO 3 −) to NH 3 with high stability. Herein, a highly active and serviceable electrocatalyst is synthesized by pyrolysis, composed of nanostructure nickel phosphide (Ni 2 P) embedded in nitrogen phosphide doped carbon (NPC) followed by deposition on carbon paper (CP) to improve the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction. Various characterization techniques investigate the crystallinity, morphology, and chemical components of the Ni 2 P-NPC/CP nanoparticles. The results support the formation of nanostructure Ni 2 P and strong synergistic interactions between Ni 2 P and NPC, which resulted in substantial active sites and high electrical conductivity. Excellent performance of Ni 2 P-NPC/CP nanoparticles is achieved for electrocatalytic NO 3 − reduction with an NH 4 + yield rate of 2.468 mg h−1 mg cat. −1 and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 84.6% at −1.2 V vs. RHE. Additionally, Ni 2 P-NPC/CP nanoparticles exhibit exceptional robustness and endurance. Studies using isotope labeling have been carried out, and the results show that nitrate reduction produces ammonia. Ni 2 P-based electrocatalysts can effectively treat nitrate wastewater to recover ammonia and facilitate its use in diverse industrial applications. • Ni 2 P-NPC/CP offers a highly active and durable electrocatalyst for the conversion of nitrate to ammonia. • Ni 2 P-NPC/CP achieved NH 4 + yield rate of 2.468 mmol h−1 mgcat−1 and Faradaic efficiency of 84.6% at −1.2 V. • The unique Ni 2 P-NPC/CP ensures robustness and practical options for continuous nitrate reduction processes. • Ni 2 P-NPC/CP offers a carbon-free energy solution through the selective conversion of nitrate to NH 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invention of paper as a writing material greatly promoted the development and spread of civilization. However, its large-scale production and utilization has also brought about huge environmental and sustainability concerns. It is desirable to develop a strategy for paper that can be used in a reprintable manner. In this work, ZnO-based photocatalytic reactions have been applied in preparing a reprintable paper that works through the color conversion of methylene blue. The resulting paper does not require additional ink and can be repeatedly printed for 20 cycles keeping over 77% of the initial contrast ratio. The reprintable raw materials can be retained for more than 2 months in the ambient environment. A fast color-switching time of about 10 s has been achieved, which can be attributed to the high photo-induced electron transfer rate from the ZnO to the dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable, efficient use of renewable bio-based additives in the production of various materials fits well into the concept of sustainability. Here, the concept of coaggregation of mineral filler particles and starch granules for improving filler-fiber interaction in paper-based cellulosic networks is presented. Coaggregation of precipitated calcium carbonate filler particles and uncooked, unmodified corn starch granules by cationic polyacrylamide (a cationic high molecular weight polymer flocculant) in combination with bentonite (an anionic microparticle) prior to addition to cellulosic fiber slurry delivered enhanced filler bondability with cellulosic fibers. For instance, under the conditions studied, preaggregation resulted in an increase in filler bondability factor from 9.24 to 15.21 at starch dosage of 1% (on the basis of the dry weight of papermaking stock). The swelling and gelatinization of the starch granules in starch-filler preaggregates or hybrids enabled the “bridging” of the gaps in cellulosic networks, leading to structural consolidation and strength enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting is considered to be a natural, sustainable, and highly beneficial method for solid waste disposal. The objective of this study was to investigate the two-stage composting of green waste (GW) as affected by the addition of sugar beet pulp (SBP; at 0, 25, and 35%) and/or paper waste (PW; at 0, 5, and 10%) as bulking agents. The combination of SBP and PW greatly improved the composting conditions and the final compost quality in terms of composting temperature; pH; emissions of ammonia, nitrite nitrogen, and carbon dioxide; lignocellulose degradation; microbial abundance; enzyme activities; particle-size distribution; the ratio of water-soluble organic carbon to organic nitrogen; and phytotoxicity. The optimal two-stage composting process of GW and the highest quality compost product were obtained with the combination of 25% SBP and 10% PW. This optimal combination of bulking agents produced a mature and stable final compost product in only 20 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp mill excess sludge (PMES) is an industrial biomass waste containing high moisture, many organic compounds, and highly concentrated adsorbed organic halides (AOX). The safe disposal and recycling of PMES using an environmentally friendly and sustainable treatment represents a major challenge. In this study, alkali-oxygen cooking was used to recover cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from PMES while removing AOX in a one-pot process. Single-parameter experiments showed that more than 95% of AOX was effectively removed, meeting sewage emission standards, and greater than 70% of cellulose was recovered as CNC. A response surface experimental design was then applied to determine the optimal reaction conditions. A temperature of 200 °C, alkali dosage of 35 wt%, and reaction time of 5 h resulted in an AOX removal rate of 96.57% and CNC recovery rate of 73.78%. The results of this study not only demonstrate an environmentally friendly, sustainable strategy for the treatment and recycling of PMES into CNC, And the alkali-oxygen cooking process can be applied other cellulose-rich industrial wastes to recover value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is a well-established biological process for converting biomass in waste streams into a renewable energy source, and it also contributes to the treatment of these waste streams. In this introductory mini-review, some fundamental aspects of anaerobic digestion for use in the pulp and paper industry and other sectors are briefly summarized. The contents include the basics of anaerobic digestion, feedstocks, key process parameters, and typical anaerobic digesters/reactors and their representative manufactures. Fostering the more efficient and widespread commercial use of anaerobic digestion technologies would be a critical strategy to address the issues of energy, the environment, and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production systems are being restructured to close production cycles via implementing circular economy (CE) practices. The planted tree industry in Brazil has shown potential for applying CE practices due to its efficient use of resources and inclination towards environmental innovation. However, some gaps and difficulties have been observed in several industrial segments so that the logic of the circular production system is put into practice more effectively and intensely. In this context, the aim was to investigate the use and impacts of CE practices in the Brazilian planted tree industry by sector of operation and scale of enterprises based on the ReSOLVE framework. Data were collected from 34 companies that answered a questionnaire, corresponding to 47.2% of Brazilian planted tree industry companies. Data analysis involved univariate and multivariate statistical techniques, considering the grouping of companies by sector of activity (forest producer, pulp and paper, and timber processing) and scale (small, medium, and large). The results revealed that "pulp and paper" and medium- and large-scale companies had the most significant application of CE practices and reported more significant impacts. [Display omitted] • Explores a segmented analysis of the circular economy by scale and sub-sector groups. • Scores of circular practices and their impacts are presented according to the groups. • The association between circular practices and impacts by group are analyzed. • Propositions to enable the adoption of circular practices are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has indicated high economic and environmental costs of human paper usage. Technologies have been developed to reduce consumers' paper use behavior, including mechanical dispensers that institute a delay between opportunities to obtain each consecutive unit. However, there is no empirical evidence that these dispensers or delays reduce paper use. In Experiment 1, implementing a delay between paper-unit deliveries using mechanical dispensers in a university café resulted in a significant decrease in units per person, material per person, and cost per person, compared to free-access dispensers. In Experiment 2, a relatively long delay was more effective than a short delay in reducing paper consumption in a laboratory experiment using mechanical dispensers. These results indicate that delays could be used to decrease paper use in many contexts on a larger scale. More research is necessary to determine the underlying behavioral mechanisms responsible for the observed reduction and the cost–benefit relationship under different circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of Health Services Waste (HSW) is similar to household waste. Therefore the proper waste segregation avoids the contamination of ordinary waste and that reduces the potential risk to public health, besides providing the recovery of recycling waste. Our main objective with this study was to promote the recovery of paper and to evaluate the disposal of recyclable waste or the reuse of the containers of infectious waste, in the maternity of a public hospital, located in São Paulo city. With this, a secondary objective was to promote the recovery of paper in such an environment. The initiative to recover recyclable paper took place in two stages: a period without orientation and a period with it. In the period without orientation we observed the loss of recyclable waste, due to the potential of contamination by the presence of infectious waste. On the other hand, during the period under orientation, the contamination of the wastes was avoided although inadequate segregation of other recyclable waste, such as plastic, occurred. In the containers of group A (infecting waste), we recorded 340 occurrences of waste that could be recycled or reused. Irregularities in the segregation stage demonstrate the need for continuing education programs on the importance of recycling and of proper segregation of HSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assembly of biofibers into paper-based products fits well into green chemistry principles. Biobased additives such as cationic starch and carboxymethyl cellulose are widely used in the paper industry. Edible additives, which often can be regarded as “safer” than regular biobased additives, may also play a role in tailorable design of paper-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Discovery of oxidase-like activity and degradable property of γ-MnOOH nanowires. • Understanding of the degradation-activity correlation of γ-MnOOH nanozymes. • Designing a colorimetric platform for POC detection of OPs and AChE activity. • Low LODs, high selectivity, anti-interfere capacity, and workable in real samples. • This portable detection platform possessing great ecological sustainability. Despite the tremendous achievements of existing sensing techniques, sensitive and portable sensing of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in a non-polluting manner remains a challenging issue. This work proposed a facile colorimetric paper sensor using γ-MnOOH nanowires (NWs) as a degradable nanozyme and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogenic indicator for rapid and sensitive screening of OPs and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The sensing mechanism was based on the easy disintegration of the oxidase-like γ-MnOOH NWs into invalid Mn2+ ions by the selective reaction with thiocholine (TCh) produced by AChE and acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCh), triggering a remarkable activity loss of MnOOH nanozymes towards TMB oxidation. The concentration of OPs, as an AChE inhibitor, was measured by the changes in absorbance at 652 nm or blue color of oxTMB products. Such detection platform in solution state achieved relatively low limits of detection (LODs) for AChE activity (0.007 mU mL−1), and for two typical OPs, i.e., omethoate (0.35 ng mL−1) and dichlorvos (0.14 ng mL−1), respectively. Further, the portable assembly of such AChE-nanozyme tandem reaction on test paper performed well, reaching LODs of 0.1 mU mL−1 for AChE, 10 ng mL−1 for omethoate, and 3 ng mL−1 for dichlorvos, respectively. Meanwhile, this sensing system showed great selectivity and anti-interfering capacity in both solution and solid states, and worked well in real serum and vegetable samples. The abovementioned results, along with evidence of its good ecological sustainability, demonstrated the superiority of this well-performing platform for application in the food, environmental, and medical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper mills are indispensable for any nation as far as the growth of the nation is concerned. Due to fast growth in population, urbanization and industrialization, the demand and consumption of paper has increased tremendously. These put high load on our natural resources and force the industry to look for alternative raw material. Rice straw is a lignocellulosic material abundantly available in wood short countries like China, India, Bangladesh, etc. and can be used as raw material for this industry. Open burning of rice straw releases noxious green house gases to the air and poses serious threats to global air chemistry and human health. So, it is a dual benefit option (for farmers and industries) to use rice straw as a raw material in pulp and paper industry. Organosolv pulping using acids are the prominent choices of researchers to convert this residue into valuable pulp but in developed countries only. Developing world favours the soda and soda-AQ processes as these are economical. As a virtue of less lignin content in comparison to wood, rice straw requires less harsh conditions for cooking and can be easily pulped. Bleaching is a crucial step of paper making but also responsible for causing water pollution. Many studies revealed that during the process more than 500 chlorinated compounds are released that are highly toxic, bioaccumulative and carcinogenic in nature. Most of the industries over the globe switch on to the elemental chlorine free short sequence bleaching methods using chlorine dioxide, hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide. This paper presented the effective need of ecofriendly, economically reliable pulping and bleaching sequences in case of rice straw to eliminate the problems of chlorinated compounds in wastewater of paper mills. Such approach of using waste as a raw material with its environmentally safe processing for making paper can prove to be valuable towards sustainable growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for high-performance bio-based materials towards achieving more sustainable manufacturing and circular economy models is growing significantly. Kraft lignin (KL) is an abundant and highly functional aromatic/phenolic biopolymer, being the main side product of the pulp and paper industry, as well as of the more recent 2nd generation biorefineries. In this study, KL was incorporated into a glassy epoxy system based on the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and an amine curing agent (Jeffamine D-230), being utilized as partial replacement of the curing agent and the DGEBA prepolymer or as a reactive additive. A D-230 replacement by pristine (unmodified) KL of up to 14 wt.% was achieved while KL–epoxy composites with up to 30 wt.% KL exhibited similar thermo-mechanical properties and substantially enhanced antioxidant properties compared to the neat epoxy polymer. Additionally, the effect of the KL particle size was investigated. Ball-milled kraft lignin (BMKL, 10 μm) and nano-lignin (NLH, 220 nm) were, respectively, obtained after ball milling and ultrasonication and were studied as additives in the same epoxy system. Significantly improved dispersion and thermo-mechanical properties were obtained, mainly with nano-lignin, which exhibited fully transparent lignin–epoxy composites with higher tensile strength, storage modulus and glass transition temperature, even at 30 wt.% loadings. Lastly, KL lignin was glycidylized (GKL) and utilized as a bio-based epoxy prepolymer, achieving up to 38 wt.% replacement of fossil-based DGEBA. The GKL composites exhibited improved thermo-mechanical properties and transparency. All lignins were extensively characterized using NMR, TGA, GPC, and DLS techniques to correlate and justify the epoxy polymer characterization results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the economic efficiency of sunflower production in the pedoclimatic conditions specific to the outskirts of the city of Timișoara different technological options in the period 2020-2022. The experiment was trifactorial (of the 4 x 3 x 3 type), with 3 factors: D - density; F - fertility; T - technology. Ten plants were chosen from each plot and a series of measurements were made. Based on the values obtained, descriptive statistical indices related to the different technological factors were calculated, namely: arithmetic mean, error of the mean and coefficient of variation. The results showed that the profit had a variation between 849 RON/ha in the case of plants grown at a density of 49,261 g.g./ha on unfertilized agrofund prepared by scarification + ploughing and 1,990 RON/ha for plants grown at a density of 59,524 g.g./ha on the agricultural land fertilized with N50P50K0 and prepared by ploughing. In 55% of cases, the technological variants produced a profit of over 1,500 RON/ha. The research related presented in this paper concerns useful information that will allow superior, high-quality, and sustainable productions under the conditions of the current climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to address the complex exchanges between natural resource efficiency and economic growth has become increasingly discussed in worldwide strategies and position papers. Resource depletion, environmental challenges and climate change are just a few topics related to fast industrialization and economic expansion. The question is how information regarding crops, climatic factors, or solutions used in plant treatment are managed. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the scientific environment regarding quantitative indicators and models for the assessment of sustainable agriculture practices. The study is based on a bibliometric analysis made using Web of science database and processing using biblioshiny environment from R package. The most relevant works and influential authors in the field of quantitative modelling for sustainable agriculture were identified and a set of indicators and metrics for evaluating efforts in transitioning towards sustainability were synthetised. Integrating practical data into quantitative models can provide insights into trends, correlations, or even predictions, and the results obtained serve as inputs for decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to comprehensively examine the critical role of rural development in the broader framework of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing a robust mixed-methods research design, we explore global and regional rural development policies through a cross-cutting analysis. The primary objective is to uncover the profound and positive impact of specific interventions on critical SDG indicators, with a particular focus, on poverty reduction, improved access to education and healthcare, and significant progress in agricultural productivity. Our research uses a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative analysis, qualitative insights from community engagement sessions, and spatial analysis using GIS-based mapping. Preliminary results show a promising correlation between sustainable agricultural practices and meeting the SDGs, with a 30% reduction in food insecurity rates, while the qualitative insights indicate a notable increase in community cohesion and empowerment, highlighting the impact of rural development on well-being. Summarising these multi-faceted findings, our study highlights the symbiotic relationship between rural development initiatives and the SDGs. The imperative for context-specific and adapted strategies is evident from the spatial analyses, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, integrated and locally informed approach to achieve sustainable and equitable overall development. The paper advocates the recognition of rural development as a key driver for positive change in pursuit of the SDGs, providing valuable insights for policy makers, practitioners and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its inception nearly 100 years ago, flexible packaging has seen tremendous growth due to its ability to meet packaging needs at the lowest cost and with the least amount of material usage. The modern era of flexible packaging began in the early twentieth century with the introduction of cellophane, a transparent "wonder" film which enabled the development of large distribution channels of pre-packaged goods and changed consumer lifestyles and buying habits. New processes and materials have continually advanced flexible packaging technology. In concert, the scientific understanding of materials and polymer processing has progressed. This paper traces the history of flexible packaging, describing major developments in technology and the science behind them. Flexible packaging has constantly evolved to meet new demands and challenges. This bodes well for the future as the industry address its end-of-life shortcomings and moves towards a more circular economy. Learnings from the past, guided by improved scientific insight and engineering principles, can be leveraged to adapt flexible packaging to changing market, societal and regulatory demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A call for papers for a second Special Issue on environmental attunement in health, sport and physical education is presented. Suggested themes include notions of the environment and nature in research and practice, possibilities and challenges of translating environment, sustainability and nature from policy and curriculum documents into practice, and philosophical and theoretical links to emplaced and embodied learning. Submission instructions are presented.

The article comments on the Draft 2018 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation from the South African Department of Science and Technology. Topics discussed include the goal of accelerating the deployment of science, technology and innovation (STI), policy objectives in the draft document including human capability development, sustainability and enhanced economic growth, and the view that the white paper failed to prioritize performance and human capability issues.

Cellulosic paper has combined characteristics of renewability, biodegradability, flexibility, and recyclability. Based on disassembly-initiated fiber processing, the conversion of regular paper into a multifunctional wet-strength product was explored. In this concept, disassembly generates cellulosic additives for surface engineering. Encouragingly, the use of the aqueous solvent system containing mixed metal salts allows controllable fiber disassembly and formation of room-temperature-stable cellulosic solutions, leading to wet and dry strengthening of paper following cellulose regeneration. In-situ generation of cellulosic film-forming additives led to the increase of dry and wet strengths by more than 8 and 35 times respectively, in the case of a typical grade of quantitative filter paper. The engineered paper shows flame-retardant, antibacterial, and liquid-barrier features. The combination of functional properties of cellulosic paper can shed light on diversified applications, e.g., replacement of difficult-to-degrade synthetic plastics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hornification processes undergone by the fibers in the paper industry recycling processes lead to the loss of properties of the final products, which exhibit poor mechanical properties. Among the most promising solutions is the reinforcement of secondary fibers with cellulose nanofibers. The present work addresses two important issues: the efficient production of cellulose nanofibers from scarcely exploited agricultural wastes such as horticultural residues and vine shoots, and their application as a reinforcement agent in recycled linerboard recycling processes. The effect of the chemical composition and the pretreatment used on the nanofibrillation efficiency of the fibers was analyzed. Chemical pretreatment allowed a significantly higher nanofibrillated fraction (45–63%) than that produced by mechanical (18–38%), as well as higher specific surface areas (>430 m2/g). The application of the nanofibers as a reinforcing agent in the recycled linerboard considerably improved the mechanical properties (improvements of 15% for breaking length, 220–240% for Young's modulus and 27% for tear index), counteracting the loss of mechanical properties suffered during recycling when using chemically pretreated cellulose nanofibers from horticultural residues and vine shoots. It was concluded that this technology surpasses the mechanical reinforcement produced by conventional mechanical refining used in the industry and extends the number of recycling cycles of the products due to the non-physical modification of the fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on the use of lime sludge-paper waste at cement plant, Naokari Limestone Mines, Awarpur for sustainable zero waste mining. Topics include showing a longstanding impact on sustainability and cost benefit for the entire cement industry; unloading lime sludge near crusher hopper feeding started by wheel loader with ROM limestone feeding; and stopped unloading under the blast for avoiding jamming in crusher.

Printing as a process itself generates many environmental concerns. The paper addresses ink management in terms of environmental issues in the label printing industry, focusing on its environmental implications. The goal is to demonstrate how a proper ink management system impacts overall printing process efficiency and environmental sustainability for printing companies. The paper introduces an empirical approach to managing components for label and packaging production, utilizing automatic ink dispensing systems. The results demonstrate that the proper management of ink dispensing to minimize waste in packaging printing is crucial for optimizing operating print costs, potentially reducing the amount of ink needed to prepare colors by 52% and achieving energy savings of 37%. This approach fulfills the goal of sustainability by addressing environmental, economic, and social concerns. By optimizing ink usage and energy consumption, companies can significantly reduce operating costs and enhance economic performance. Simultaneously, these practices improve product quality, meet consumer demands for sustainable packaging, and create better working conditions for employees. Future directions and practical implications for supporting operational excellence in production are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research into green technologies is driven by the worldwide push for eco‐friendly materials and energy solutions. The focus is on synergies that prioritize sustainability and environmental benefits. This study explores the potential of abundant, non‐toxic, and sustainable resources such as paper, lignin‐enriched paper, and cork for producing laser‐induced graphene (LIG) supercapacitor electrodes with improved capacitance. A single‐step methodology using a CO2 laser system is developed for fabricating these electrodes under ambient conditions, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional carbon sources. The resulting green micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) achieve impressive areal capacitance (≈7–10 mF cm−2) and power and energy densities (≈4 μW cm‐2 and ≈0.77 µWh cm−2 at 0.01 mA cm−2). Stability tests conducted over 5000 charge–discharge cycles demonstrate a capacitance retention of ≈80–85%, highlighting the device durability. These LIG‐based devices offer versatility, allowing voltage output adjustment through stacked and sandwich MSCs configurations (parallel or series), suitable for various large‐scale applications. This study demonstrates that it is possible to create high‐quality energy storage devices based on biodegradable materials. This development can lead to progress in renewable energy and off‐grid technology, as well as a reduction in electronic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Methodology Results Conclusion This paper reports on the scholarship activity of the ‘Sustainability in Dentistry’ Special‐interest Group (SiG), which met at the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) annual conference in Liverpool on 25 August 2023. The aim of this study was to (i) identify current teaching practices and approaches to embedding Environmental Sustainability (ES) in the curriculum in ADEE attendee schools and (ii) explore existing barriers/challenges to incorporating ES in dental education and consider potential solutions.A mixed‐methods approach was used to fulfil the aims of this study. A pre‐workshop questionnaire was used to explore current teaching practices, challenges and drivers of embedding ES in the curriculum. An interactive workshop at the in‐person meeting in Liverpool was used to propose key strategies to overcome the most frequent challenges to embedding ES in the curriculum.The majority of respondents (56%) reported that their institutions do not currently teach ES. Traditional didactic forms of teaching were mostly reported to teach ES in non‐clinical environments, and a transition to more environmentally sustainable materials and instruments was the most popular response for clinical teaching. Key barriers to embedding ES in the curriculum were identified, including time constraints and the overloaded curriculum, a lack of expertise/knowledge to teach and lack of practical guidance to support educators, limited learning resources for staff and students and resistance from colleagues regarding the relevance of ES in dentistry. The special‐interest group participants proposed strategies to overcome these challenges that centred around 14 themes.This paper reports recent scholarship activity by ADEE's ‘Sustainability in Dentistry’ SiG. Key strategies for overcoming the most common challenges to embedding ES in the curriculum are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of coal for hydrogen generation presents a multifaceted approach employing processes like coal gasification, pyrolysis, or high-temperature steam reforming. These methodologies entail reacting coal with steam or oxygen under elevated temperatures, yielding a gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and various byproducts. This paper delves into the exploration of hydrogen generation from coal, highlighting techniques such as gasification, pyrolysis, and other emerging methods. Notably, hydrogen discoveries within coal basins have garnered significant attention due to their implications for energy production and environmental sustainability. Certain coal basins harbor deposits rich in hydrogen, surpassing conventional coal reserves in their hydrogen content. These hydrogen-rich coals, including select sub-bituminous and lignite varieties, offer promising avenues for hydrogen production and utilization. However, the utilization of coal for hydrogen generation is not without its challenges. Technical hurdles, such as process efficiency and environmental concerns, demand rigorous investigation and innovative solutions. This paper addresses the challenges faced in coal-based hydrogen generation while elucidating the potential future prospects. It explores avenues for enhancing process efficiency, mitigating environmental impacts, and integrating coal-based hydrogen generation into broader energy strategies. Moreover, it underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in unlocking the full potential of coal for sustainable hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somalia faces many challenges in providing adequate and accessible healthcare to its population, particularly in rural and remote areas. Lack of infrastructure, resources, and security hinders the delivery of quality health services and the prevention and control of diseases. However, modern technologies such as mobile phones, the Internet, and telemedicine offer new opportunities to digitize health care and improve health outcomes in Somalia. This paper explores the current state of healthcare in Somalia, the potential benefits, and challenges of using modern technologies to digitize healthcare, and the best practices and recommendations for implementing such technologies in the Somali context. This paper examines a telemedicine project that connects remote healthcare facilities with urban specialists. We assess its effectiveness and sustainability, showing its potential to improve healthcare in rural areas of Somalia. The review concludes that modern technologies can play a vital role in digitizing healthcare in Somalia, but they require careful planning, coordination, and evaluation to ensure their effectiveness and suitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed review of the plasma gasification process for waste disposal. Due to Shifting economies and consumerism culture, ample change can be seen across the globe in the form of rapid industrialisation and burgeoning urbanisation, which results in a massive increase in waste generation. Plasma gasification technology is an emerging solution for processing a wide range of waste making it a highly sustainable, efficient, and ecologically sound process. This literature review discusses the feasibility of the plasma gasification method and its superiority over other conventional waste disposal techniques. A comprehensive analysis of different methods of plasma generation for gasification is done in this literature review. The review paper presents a detailed coverup of the entire process of plasma gasification and post-processes. The article discusses the notable advancement, current scenario, and possibilities in plasma gasification methodology in terms of the design of plasma torch, modelling of gasifiers, generation of syngas, and power production. It provides an overview of advanced simulation tools helpful in the analysis of the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) process. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the recent advances in plasma gasification, highlighting the technical aspects, environmental benefits, and economic viability of the technology. It also reviews the latest research and developments in plasma gasification and discusses the challenges and limitations of the technology, as well as the future prospects and potential applications. • Plasma gasification methodology for waste treatment is discussed in detail. • Prominent thermal and non-thermal practices are discussed and compared in this literature review. • Selective use of plasma gas for enhanced efficiency and optimised gas yield/composition. • Hybrid systems offer versatility in processing diverse feedstocks and can achieve higher energy efficiencies. • Plasma-catalysis approach with NTP shows desirable syngas yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]