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Synergy in the co-processing of lignocellulosic wastes and municipal biowaste (MB) can unlock their potential for biobutanol production. This study assessed the potential for biobutanol production through the co-processing of lignocellulosic waste and MB. Specifically, it compared the co-processing of paper waste with MB to that of garden waste and MB. Ethanol organosolv pretreatment served as a dual-function process for both pretreatment and detoxification purposes. Initial fermentation of hydrolysates from untreated paper waste using Clostridium acetobutylicum produced 0.9 g/L of acetone and ethanol but no detectable butanol. Organosolv pretreatment led to a significant increase in acetone and ethanol production but did not yield butanol. Co-processing paper waste with MB using organosolv pretreatment resulted in the production of 2.8–3.2 g/L butanol, along with increased acetone and ethanol production. Furthermore, co-processing a 1:1 (w/w) mixture of paper waste and MB under mild and severe pretreatment conditions produced 45.5 g and 43.4 g butanol, respectively, compared to 34.8 g and 14.4 g butanol when processing these waste streams separately. The study also explored the positive impact of co-processing garden waste with MB, a distinct lignocellulosic source, enhancing acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) yield by 27–40%. These findings highlight the potential of synergistic waste co-processing for achieving a more suitable balance of nutrients to enhance biobutanol and ABE production from biowastes. Additionally, the simultaneous treatment of lignocellulosic waste and municipal biowaste offers a simplified approach to waste processing, contributing to advancements in sustainable biomass utilization and bioenergy production. [Display omitted] • The fermentation of the paper-derived hydrolysates led to acetone but not butanol. • Co-processing with municipal biowaste led to butanol production from paper waste. • The synergy of co-processing and organosolv pretreatment led to higher ABE yields. • The pretreatment positively affected the starch release and cellulose hydrolysis. • Ethanol is a byproduct used as a pretreatment agent to help process circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landfilling of paper mill sludge (PMS) has been restricted or even banned in many countries due to the raised concern about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contamination of the soil and water, calling for a sustainable PMS management approach. The potential valorization of PMS to nanomaterials combined with traditional biorefinery was examined in this work. Three types of PMS-derived cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were prepared and evaluated: enzymatically assisted CNF (AU: with in-house produced enzyme and CT: with commercial enzyme), mechanically pretreated CNF (BT), and chemically pretreated CNF by TEMPO oxidation (TEMPO). It was found that enzyme-assisted mechanical fibrillation-derived CNFs had a comparable average diameter (27.9 nm for AU and 22.7 nm for CT) with that produced from mechanical pretreatment (26.5 nm for BT) and TEMPO oxidation pretreatment (20.0 nm for TEMPO), and they showed the best drainage properties among the three types of CNF. The CNFs resulting from enzymatic pretreatment reduced 15% of energy consumption compared to the mechanical method and had better thermostability than TEMPO oxidation method. In addition, the on-site produced enzyme showed similar performance to the commercial enzymes towards the CNF properties. These findings provide new insights into a promising integrated strategy in engineering CNF from PMS with on-site enzyme production as a novel and sustainable approach for PMS management and valorization. [Display omitted] • A novel and integrated biorefinery strategy was developed for enzyme hydrolysis-assisted CNF fabrication. • The in-house enzyme was comparable to the commercial enzyme in CNF preparation. • The CNF prepared by enzyme was compared with that using mechanical and chemical pretreatment. • The enzyme-hydrolysis-assisted CNF had the best drainage property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper mills are among the most polluting industries, responsible for many organic and inorganic compounds emissions. The fibres electro-kinetic features strongly affect the ability to retain fillers since the fillers–fibres interactions are charge induced. The control and the prediction of these parameters would represent a precious aid for process management, allowing the fillers retention enhancement, a lower environmental impact and the paper sheet properties streamlining. The work presented deals with the implementation and training of four artificial neural networks (ANNs) for the prediction of the main electrochemical and physical features of cellulose pulp and paper. First, two ANNs predict the electrochemical parameters. Following, they were applied to predict the paper sheet properties and fillers retention. The neural models implemented showed outstanding prediction performance, with R2 in the order of 0.999 and a low mean error. The results demonstrate how Artificial Neural Networks may be a valuable instrument for paper mill pollutant reduction. However, they suggest a more inclusive investigation for a better fibres behaviour representation. • Main process parameters of an industrial papermaking process were identified. • Experimental datasets were achieved during industrial production. • Artificial Neural Networks were trained for process parameters prediction. • Accurate predictions of papermaking process were obtained. [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]

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]

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]

Over the past decade, the number of member states in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) has risen by 40%. The UNCOPUOS continues to be one of the largest committees in the United Nations, with recent additions representing many emerging space nations including the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, Angola, Guatemala, and Bangladesh, among many others. This paper addresses the role of emerging space nations in updating and refining current policies and norms of behavior related to the long-term sustainability of the space environment. The paper provides examples of the recent implementation of long-term space sustainability design and operational guidelines in the national space strategies of several emerging space nations, highlighting the importance nations give to the development of legal mechanisms to regulate the peaceful use of the space environment. Examples of both national and regional initiatives are presented including Thailand's 2021 Draft National Space Act, aimed at creating a national legal regime and establishing a governmental agency dedicated to developing space policies for the registration of objects launched into outer space and space debris mitigation measures, and the National Space Law Initiative (NSLI) study group consisting of Australia, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam to create a framework that aims to promote information sharing and mutual learning in relation to the participants' respective national regulatory frameworks for long-term space sustainability. More recently, new initiatives have been developed that celebrate the efforts of satellite mission operators with the aim to reduce the likelihood of space debris and collisions among space objects. The Space Sustainability Rating (SSR) was created by the World Economic Forum, the European Space Agency, the University of Texas at Austin, BryceTech, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and is now hosted by the EPFL Space Centre. The SSR is a rating system to assess and recognize missions that are designed to be compatible with sustainable and responsible operations, reducing the potential harm to the orbital environment and the impact on other operators. The SSR comprises six modules aimed at assessing missions for their compatibility with sustainable and responsible operations. This paper specifically focuses on evaluating the Detection, Identification and Tracking (DIT) scores for satellite missions launched by emerging space nations. The DIT module of the SSR serves as a standardized measure for assessing space sustainability. The paper adopts an exploratory multi-case study approach. Through this focused study, the paper identifies barriers and unique challenges emerging space nations face, including experiences of operator organizations, launch options, financial constraints, technical options available, and other relevant factors. • Paper title: Role of Emerging Nations in Ensuring Long-term Space Sustainability. • UNCOPUOS membership rises 40%, highlighting emerging nations in space policy. • Emerging space nations prioritize guidelines for peaceful and sustainable space use. • SSR serves as an effective tool for evaluating space sustainability metrics. • Case study on THEOS, CBERS, and SumbandilaSat reveals barriers for new players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity markets offer considerable promise but are accompanied by controversies. Here, we map the utilization of native species (NS) from Brazil's biodiversity across eleven industrial sectors: foodstuffs, beverages, textiles, clothing, leather, wood, pulp and paper, biofuels, pharmochemicals, rubber and furniture. We show that there exists a diverse range of NS use in industrial products (48%) and activities (73%). These economic activities represent potential annual exports of approximately USD $50 billion. However, we found that only 1% of the potential business, USD $500 million of annual exports, is consolidated and can be traced to such products. We show that biodiversity markets and larger annual revenues locate in municipalities away from places in which biodiversity products originate. Therefore, the biodiversity business in Brazil remains largely untapped. This prompts a critical examination of the role of biodiversity within the Brazilian industry and its alignment with the Brazilian Biodiversity Law and the Nagoya Protocol. Our study is a pioneering effort that provides strategic recommendations. We suggest that the responsibility for sustainable NS utilization predominantly falls on sectors dominated by major corporations, most notably pharmochemicals and biofuels. These industry sectors possess the potential to lead the transition towards responsible and sustainable biodiversity practices within Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water removal during paper manufacturing is of primary importance to production rate and cost efficiency for the pulp and paper industry. It is crucial to develop methods to reduce energy consumption by increasing the percent solids in the paper web entering the dryers from the presses. This research aimed to develop a fundamental understanding of the effect of bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatments on a bleached softwood fiber matrix and evaluate the impact on the percent solids of the paper web after pressing. Experiments included enzymatic, refining, and cationic polymer pretreatments on the bleached softwood pulps, followed by laboratory papermaking and determining the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) after pressing and the pulp and paper properties. The combined effect of mild refining, controlled enzymatic pretreatments, and cationic strength aids proved to enhance the water removal during wet pressing (up to 35 % reduction) and increase paper strength (up to 60 % increase). The results of increased solids after pressing were used to calculate the potential reduction in drying energy during paper manufacturing. Energy savings of around 10 % for paper drying could be achieved through fiber matrix modification by bio-chemo-mechanical pretreatment. Enzymatic pretreatments have previously been conventionally applied before refining as an energy-saving method. However, this research shows that synergistic actions of enzymes added after refining modify the fibers and create the optimal conditions for enhancement in drainage, press dewatering, and paper properties. [Display omitted] • Enzyme-assisted fiber modifications improve press dewatering and paper strength. • Enzyme blends can enhance fiber cell wall flexibility and fibrillation. • Synergistically, enzymes increased ∼35% press dewatering and ∼60% tensile strength. • Enzymes, mild refining, and cationic biopolymers enhance paper process efficiency. • This research introduces alternative methods for decarbonizing the paper industry. [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]

Aotearoa New Zealand's emerging New Space economy provides an opportunity for key actors to focus on space and sustainability issues beyond space debris. The conflict between competing definitions and paradigms of sustainability highlights the importance of diverse values, assumptions, and drivers of change that shape the normative understanding of space sustainability issues. This paper recognises that Indigenous knowledges and practices are in parallel with systems-thinking and transdisciplinary approaches to space and sustainability. The aim of this paper is to describe how current actions can have long term impacts on using and accessing space commercially, scientifically, and culturally. • Space sustainability requires a transdisciplinary approach to explore the definitions and values at various scales. • Space sustainability in New Zealand involves addressing issues beyond space debris. • Space sustainability requires addressing businesses in New Zealand, where sustainability frameworks are poorly implemented. • Space sustainability requires policy interventions beyond compliance with environmental legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The need to build a long-term or even permanent base is now a significant concern with the development of the exploration of extraterrestrial celestial bodies. Sulfur concrete was first proposed as a new building material in the 20th century. Recently, sulfur concrete has attracted much interest, as sulfur is considered one of the most accessible resources on the Moon and Mars, thanks to the in-situ resource utilization methodology. In addition, sulfur concrete is one of the most promising building materials for improving terrestrial sustainability or extraterrestrial exploration. So far, reviews have only focused on developing sulfur concrete and extraterrestrial building materials. This review paper summarizes the history of sulfur concrete development and different modified sulfur concretes. Previous research on extraterrestrial building materials is also reviewed. The unique advantage of sulfur concrete as an extraterrestrial material is justified, as no water is used during mixing. Lunar and Martian soil simulants are also examined as possible aggregate types. Finally, further improvements are proposed to broaden the application of sulfur concrete and the corresponding treatments. The possibility of recyclability and circularity is discussed from a sustainable development point of view. This review article provides readers with a detailed overview of sulfur concrete and its history, why it is more promising and accessible as an (extra)terrestrial building material, the challenges of its future application, and corresponding treatments to overcome the obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of CaO for lime-based plaster and render generates 1.2 t CO 2 /t CaO, consumes 1.78 t CaCO 3 /t CaO. This research paper examines the environmental and economic performance of upcycling paper mill sludge (PMS) and carbide lime (CL) as replacements for hydrated lime (HL) in lime-based plasters production. For this, a new Cradle-to-Gate industrial-scale inventory is designed, upscaling recent lab-scale innovations, investigating PMS and CL treatment processes, followed by a Cradle-to-Grave scenario analysis. The results show that incorporating CL in the plaster yields better environmental and economic outcomes compared to PMS. The intermediate treatment for CL is cost-effective and has low carbon emissions. The upcycling of CL eliminates 100% of CO 2 emissions, while PMS reduces emissions by 11%. The production of the traditional binder HL is more expensive than upcycling PMS (+69%) and CL (+65%), with carbon taxes accounting for 35%, 44% and 15% of production costs, respectively. The effect of an equilibrated carbon price to ensure fair market competition, considering the natural carbonation of lime (carbon credit) is discussed, and the cost assessment reveals a 47% and 54% reduction for upcycled plasters using PMS and CL, respectively, compared to traditional HL. [Display omitted] • Availability, properties, and treatments of secondary lime resources. • Industrial-scale inventory for upcycling carbide lime (CL) & paper sludge (PS). • Cradle-to-Grave assessment: CL reduces CO 2 most, trailed by PS and hydrated lime. • Key factors for Cradle-to-Grave impact: lime kiln heat consumption (PS) and drying operation (CL). • Cost analysis of carbon taxes and credits across the material's life-cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal scavenging grants material circularity, but its potential contribution to the sustainability of a Supply Chain (SC) is far from being a trivial issue. Thus, this paper aims to understand what is the impact of formal scavenging on the sustainability of an SC and quantify it. Accordingly, a case study in an Italian Pulp and Paper circular SC was developed through the lenses of the Triple Bottom Line. This SC consists of five groups of stakeholders and a formal scavenger that collects and redistributes wastepaper. The findings show that, in a one-year time window, the formal scavenger generated an economic value of over €3 million and led to saving 718 tCO 2 e and an energy equivalent to that consumed by 1000 average Italian families every year. In addition, it created new stable jobs and directly contributed to decreasing the waste tax in the geographical area in which it operates. Furthermore, formal scavenging proved to be effective in building up SC resilience in the face of unexpected changes in the prices and volumes of wastepaper. The results contribute to framing formal scavenging as a collaboration-based solution to enable the achievement of sustainability benefits in closed-loop SCs and provide actionable suggestions for SC managers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the world has witnessed a rapid increase in the number space actors and new satellites being launched into space. Coupled with the steady increase of orbital debris from the space activities of previous decades, this has given rise to concerns about the long-term sustainability of space activities. This paper describes the international process to develop the UN Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities (usually referred to in abbreviated form as "the LTS Guidelines"). We present the general content of the guidelines and the first steps by the international community to implement these guidelines. To frame this discussion in the context of the present Special Issue focusing on space environment management and space sustainability, we present some suggestions on how COSPAR could support the implementation of the LTS Guidelines and further multilateral work on space sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space habitats, facing extreme conditions in space and on other planetary bodies, should have redundancy and versatility. Although the main challenges in the field have been identified as changes in gravity, radiation protection, extreme temperatures (fluctuations), changes in daylight patterns, and lack of (or less) atmosphere, more (unknown) challenges will inevitably emerge. Therefore, space habitats should extend beyond redundancy and adapt to their surroundings. There are many adaptability strategies for terrestrial habitats but none of these strategies were developed to work in the extreme conditions of outer space. This paper proposes application of a novel adaptability strategy, the Rhythmic Buildings strategy, which aims to develop buildings that adapt to the rhythms of the building's context (frequency, speed, and intensity of changes occurring on the case study location). The strategy is applied to the case study of a Martian habitat at Jezero Crater. The Rhythmic Buildings strategy includes the Rhythmic Framework and its 33 parameters (such as daylight and outdoor temperature) as well as analytical, technical, and design tools – collectively the Rhythmic Toolbox. First, the Framework tool was used to map the changes in the context following the environmental, economy, and society aspects. The rhythms of the case study context include local temperature, pressure, solar radiation, strong weather events (i.e. storms), but also comfort needs of the crew. These rhythms were then translated into a habitat design using an adapted version of the bubble diagram method. Lastly, novel technologies and materials were selected to address the rhythms which includes adaptive properties of materials. Results of the study show that the context's most important challenges are the daily temperature fluctuations and weekly crew schedule, while the most promising adaptability opportunity lies in the daily daylight rhythm. The design that followed the Rhythmic Buildings strategy directly addresses nine out of the 33 parameters and indirectly addresses a further five parameters. The proposed Martian habitat utilises the rhythms of daily temperature cycles and the 24 h daylight rhythm to reinforce the materials structures. The habitat is adaptive and responsive to its surroundings and the crew's needs. In the discussion, speculations are made on how space architecture can develop itself by intrinsically adapting to the rhythms of the environment and evolve into their own typologies, distinctly different than Earth architecture. • Introduces an adaptability strategy for Space Architecture called Rhythmic Buildings. • Using a novel analysis and design Toolbox to design a Martian habitat. • Design of a habitat that responds to the rhythms of the context. • Outlines criteria for the use of responsive materials and ISRU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analyzing the effect of stochastic interference on the stability of the space environment. • Distinguishing the different orbital capacities. The prediction of the environment in space and the description of its characteristics as well as the use of space debris model data to provide guidance for future launch activities to maintain the long-term sustainability of space have always been important objectives of space debris model use and construction. Because space debris model construction is accompanied by extensive randomness, the stochastic analysis method is adopted in this paper to model the flux data of the MASTER model through the population model. On this basis, stochastic terms are added for further analysis, and different stability classifications are given from the perspective of probability measures to distinguish flux stabilities that are difficult to distinguish by ordinary differential equations. The corresponding characteristics and future launch effects are also quantified. Finally, three different cases, fast convergence, slow convergence and long-term oscillation, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propose an end-of-use condition estimation method based on reliability and warranty policy. • Present a two-stage optimization model for the Re -X decision-making problem. • Develop a condition-based end-of-use processing policy under demand uncertainty. • Reduce lifecycle cost and environmental impact for product family. • Demonstrate the methodology with case study and result analysis. The concept of circular economy has been diffused in recent decades to promote economic growth that does not add to the burden on natural resource extraction. Re -X options (e.g., reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, recycle) have been gradually adopted in the product development process and optimized to reduce or eliminate waste and pollution. Although manufacturing incorporating Re -X options can be more environmentally friendly, it involves more sources of uncertainty than traditional manufacturing since the end-of-use products can be collected from multiple origins with various quantities and qualities, and the market demand for both new and remanufactured products cannot be forecasted perfectly. Thus, there is a need to optimize the Re -X policy to alleviate the negative impacts of the higher uncertainty. One option is using the reliability information of new products to estimate the end-of-use conditions and applying multi-stage stochastic optimization to capture multiple demand scenarios. This paper develops a two-stage stochastic optimization model to optimize the quality thresholds for reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing options. Our objective is to minimize the total cost, energy consumption, and environmental impact of producing and providing warranty service for a product family. The model employs reliability information of product components to estimate the warranty service cost and the end-of-use conditions of the returned resources. A case study on a general product family is implemented to illustrate the efficacy of the optimization model. Results show that the two-stage optimization can achieve cost and environmental impact reduction for a hybrid manufacturing and remanufacturing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated bamboo presents significant potential for applications in the construction industry. The stress-strain relationship and failure mechanism of laminated bamboo across the service temperature range, spanning from low to high temperatures, remain incompletely elucidated. Addressing this research gap, this paper conducts experiments on tension and compression of laminated bamboo in both parallel to grain direction and perpendicular to grain direction across an extensive temperature range of −40 to 80 °C. Temperature reduction factors according to Eurocode 5 are established, followed by adjustments based on RO constitutive model. Subsequently, a two-section constitutive model for laminated bamboo materials under service temperature is developed. This model is designed to accurately describe the stress-strain relationship of laminated bamboo in various temperature environments. The constitutive model proposed in this paper adeptly predicts the strain hardening behavior of laminated bamboo during compression, demonstrating high accuracy post-yield stress and addressing the non-convergence issue prevalent in most existing models. Additionally, the influence of temperature on fracture mechanism was explored using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The study delves deeply into the fundamental reasons behind temperature's effect on the mechanical properties of laminated bamboo, examining it from a chemical composition standpoint. This study not only offers significant insights for the application of laminated bamboo in construction projects but also serves as a valuable resource for advancing the understanding of laminated bamboo's mechanical behavior under various temperature conditions. The findings are crucial for architects, engineers, and material scientists, guiding them in optimizing the use of laminated bamboo in sustainable building practices and enhancing the structural integrity of bamboo-based construction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the urgent need for sustainability, this paper provides a critical discussion and serves as a pivotal resource for stakeholders in the mining and construction sectors. It advocates repurposing mining waste into concrete aggregate, promoting eco-friendly practices. The paper conducts a thorough review of recent developments, technological innovations, and methodologies to showcase mining waste's potential as a sustainable construction material. Highlighting more than a decade of research, our analysis reveals significant environmental, economic, and practical benefits, such as reduced ecological footprints through waste minimization and resource conservation, alongside cost-effective material alternatives. This investigation offers an in-depth look at these advantages and sparks essential discussions about incorporating advanced recycling technologies into conventional construction workflows. Promoting circular economy principles, the study underscores the dual gains: lessening environmental impact and progressing towards resource efficiency. Aiming to alter industry perceptions and practices, the work encourages a shift towards environmental stewardship and innovation. Ultimately, this paper aims not only to disseminate knowledge but also to motivate action. It provides readers with the necessary insights to lead a transition towards more sustainable industry norms, thus establishing a new benchmark for addressing sustainability challenges with creativity and collective effort. • This paper enhances construction sustainability by repurposing mining waste effectively. • This paper advocates for integrating recycling and circular economy principles in construction. • This paper promotes an industry-wide sustainability shift by leveraging mining waste's potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable product design (SPD) is instrumental in improving the sustainability of a product throughout its entire life cycle. To attain this goal, decisions related to SPD should consider a spectrum of influential factors. Despite numerous SPD studies, a unified perspective among their findings is lacking, and comprehensive research on SPD factors is still needed. This gap in research affects the ability to comprehensively address the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts associated with each life cycle stage of a product during its design phase. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the SPD factors available in the literature. To achieve this objective, the methodology involved: (1) conducting a systematic review of literature to explore SPD factors, (2) categorizing the key factors into themes related to product sustainability using an inductive approach, and (3) mapping these factors across the entire product life cycle. In the literature reviewed, a total of 297 factors pertaining to the economic, environmental, and social aspects of SPD were identified. Among these, 219 factors were mentioned only once in the in the articles analyzed, while 43 factors were frequently addressed by at least three papers. These frequently considered factors were categorized into nine primary themes: quality and reliability, manufacturability, costs, and financial gain under the economic aspect; resources, waste and emissions, and end-of-life (EOL) management under the environmental aspect; and functionality and usability, and social well-being under the social aspect. In light of their influence on life cycle-oriented product design, this study mapped the factors across the total product life cycle (TPLC) stages. The results of this paper provide valuable insights into SPD by addressing its impacts on sustainability throughout the life cycle of a product. Future research can capitalize on these results to comprehensively address issues concerning product sustainability. • Identification, categorization, and mapping of sustainable product design (SPD) factors were carried out. • A wide range of factors have been considered for SPD in the literature reviewed. • The SPD factors affect the economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability. • The mapping of the SPD factors highlights the need for life cycle-oriented product design. • A framework integrating the SPD factors, triple bottom line, and total product life cycle is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual study explores the alignment between servitization—a shift from selling products to offering services—and circularity principles. The study introduces institutional confluence—a configuration of institutional pressures that enhance business model legitimacy to stakeholders and facilitate operational success— which can serve as a driver aligning servitization with circular principles. Institutional confluence has the capacity to trigger novel business models, shape resources and processes, enhance value capture, and inhibit unsustainable business models. The study develops the concept and underscores the role of institutional confluence in promoting this alignment and subsequent environmental sustainability. The article utilizes illustrative case examples from servitization and circular business models to develop the concept of institutional confluence serving sustainable servitization. The study offers strategic insights for managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that integrates servitization and circularity from the outset of business model design. It advocates for policies that leverage regulatory, normative, and mimetic pressures to foster sustainable business practices. The article contributes to the servitization literature by delineating the mechanisms through which institutional forces facilitate or hinder the integration of servitization and circularity, offering directions for future research to explore these dynamics across different contexts and industries. • Management scholars have tended to view the uptake of servitized circular business model frameworks through an internal business model lens, with firm-level innovation capabilities. We look beyond the focal company and consider how business model development interacts with wider societal development. • This paper utilizes institutional influences as explanatory drivers for this process. • The paper introduces the concept of institutional 'confluence', a mutually reinforcing process of interactivity between institutional pressures, for servitized circularity. • Policymakers are encouraged to enhance normative socio-cultural pressures for servitized circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Self-shading in facade components is less studied compared to building form. • Solar radiation remains the predominant performance indicator in the studies. • Coupling Finite Element Method could improve building energy simulation results. • SPEA-2 is the most commonly used genetic algorithm in self-shading studies. • Opaque materials, such as metallic solids, are less studied in self-shading. Self-shading in facades can serve as a strategy to reduce heat gain and improve the energy efficiency of building envelopes. It leverages the form of the building envelope or its components to provide partial protection against solar radiation. Although self-shading strategies have been studied in various contexts, there still exists a lack of a comprehensive review of the current state of research in this field. This study addresses this gap by conducting a review of the literature related to self-shading facades. The scoping process included a total of 234 papers, out of which 38 relevant papers were selected for the review. These are discussed under the topics of self-shading morphology, materials, research methodology, climate and orientations, as well as performance indicators. The findings of the literature review show that self-shading façades reduce heat gain through various self-shading aspects, including morphology, shaded surface area, and construction materials. Opportunities for further exploration and improvement remain, particularly for self-shading of opaque building components. While there have been several studies on self-shading brick wall configuration, other common materials used in the building industry such as steel have received limited attention in research to date. Furthermore, there is still little consensus on best-performing angles, forms and orientations of self-shading facades, making it difficult to identify preferable shapes and orientations that can be applied in practice. This literature review also demonstrates the need for further advancements in simulation tools and more comprehensive methodologies to examine self-shading strategies. Addressing these gaps is crucial to improve building performance through self-shading in order to advance practical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific contributions to BIM-sustainability integration have gained momentum in recent years due to the influential role of BIM as a well-accepted approach for sustainable construction practices. In this regard, some systematic reviews and informatic analysis papers have addressed this topic. Although these papers have provided useful insights, we go deeper into the body of knowledge through a critical lens. In addition, in this paper, keyword combination is broadened as opposed to other reviews, and critical insight is applied to synergies between BIM and sustainability through gap-spotting. For this purpose, 98 journal articles are selected and grouped into four major categories, namely: (i) BIM-based Life-Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA); (ii) BIM for green buildings; (iii) BIM-aided construction waste management; (iv) state-of-the-art topics. The work's novelty lies in giving a holistic understanding of previously dismissed issues and a critical area review. Finally, the research gaps and future opportunities are discussed and tabulated. [Display omitted] • 543 articles on BIM and sustainability are analysed, deploying critical review and gap-spotting techniques. • The application of BIM in all sustainability dimensions is critically discussed. • BIM-LCA and BIM-LCC have received the most attention in synergy between BIM and sustainability. • BIM-Sustainability integration is rarely implemented in infrastructure projects. • This paper can be expanded into open-BIM to address some of the data-interoperability difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing global energy demand and limited production of conventional crude oil, the extraction of unconventional heavy and extra-heavy oil is receiving unprecedented attention. China is the fourth largest producer of heavy oil. High viscosity and complex formation environments increase the difficulty of exploiting heavy oil. To alleviate the economic cost and environmental pollution pressure brought by heavy oil production, China has achieved significant advancement in the innovation of heavy oil recovery, including accelerating the transformation of thermal technology to non-thermal technology and the use of new energy technology to achieve the goal of low-carbon economy and green environmental protection. Based on the background of heavy oil in China, this paper recharacterizes the high-viscosity mechanism of heavy oil. From different aspects, including basic principles, main characteristics, applicability, limitations, and challenges, this paper comprehensively reviews existing heavy oil recovery technologies, including thermal recovery, in-situ upgrading, cold recovery, and new energy technologies. Currently, in China, the main target of heavy oil recovery is achieving the "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" goals, which can be described as low energy consumption, low emission, and low pollution. To facilitate the low-carbon transition in the extraction of heavy/extra-heavy oil and attain environmental sustainability goals, it is essential to increase the proportion of non-thermal factors in thermal recovery technologies, develop efficient in-situ catalysts, adopt clean cold extraction techniques, and advance the development of new energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable and integrated management of resources is a crucial approach to achieving sustainable regional development in the face of limited land and increasingly scarce water resources. This paper proposes a multidimensional optimization model to jointly optimize land use patterns and water resource allocation under the conditions of maximizing economic benefits and minimizing social differences, ecological loads, environmental pollution, and carbon emissions. The optimization model is solved using the affiliation function method and then combined with random forest (RF) and cellular automata (CA) models to further obtain the optimal spatial layout of land use. This paper takes the Mid-Yangtze River City Cluster as an example and optimizes the land use pattern and water allocation in the region in 2020 and 2030. The results of the study show that the optimized water and land resource allocation scheme performs better than the status quo in all dimensions. The optimized economic benefits, social effects, ecological effects, environmental effects, and overall sustainability in 2020 are increased by 45.97%, 22.89%, 10.07%, 24.65%, and 42.73%, respectively. By 2030, overall sustainability reaches 0.69. The developed modeling framework helps to elucidate the internal linkages between land use and water allocation, and it provides decision-makers with diversified approaches to land and water resource management and adjustment for different cities in different periods, which promotes the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. [Display omitted] • The intrinsic relationship between different land use types and water demand is addressed. • A sustainable approach to integrated management of land and water resources is proposed. • The synergistic optimization of the economy, society, ecology and the environment is developed. • The spatial patterns of land use for the balanced development of urban agglomerations are promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to introduce a new sustainable business excellence model, called Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 (KMEM21), a theoretical framework that combines Knowledge Management and Business Excellence Models (BEMs), proposing an approach applicable to organizations to directly contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper through a qualitative-exploratory methodology makes an analysis and benchmarking, emphasizes the integration of Knowledge Management and three specific Business Excellence Models (Management Excellence Model (MEG) from Brazil, Baldrige Excellence Framework, and EFQM). This integration uncovers relationships between organizational concepts associated with Knowledge Management and BEMs, which contributes to new insights in the literature regarding these concepts' interplay. BEMs are presented as tools that can catalyze the power of Knowledge Management towards achieving SDGs. However, it's noted that the existing BEMs might not be adequate, as the goal extends beyond organizational improvement and excellence to encompass sustainable development aligned with SDGs. The article suggests that specific organizational concepts, identified through a literature review and aligned with Knowledge Management and BEMs, can be selected as indicators associated with the constructed KMEM21 and the SDGs. These indicators are intended to form a bridge between the new model and the SDGs. However, given the comprehensive nature of the theory, model development, application, result acquisition, and analysis, the article's primary contribution will be in its focus on elaborating the instrument and technique, demonstrating the creation of a theoretical framework for the SDGs. Future works will showcase the application of the proposed KMEM21 method in five Brazilian organizations, members of Global Compact, to compare the achieved objectives and the results obtained with the organizations' performance and their sustainability reports. [Display omitted] • There is a visible relationship between knowledge management and business excellence models, aided by shared organizational concepts. • Achieving the SDGs in organizations can be done by using the traits incorporated into knowledge management and business excellence models. • The Knowledge Management Excellence Model 21 represents an original approach, acting as a new sustainable business excellence model. • A comprehensive model can be constructed using a methodology that incorporates an instrument, a technique, and a method. • KMEM21 presents a strategic path that aligns with business excellence principles and the sustainable development objectives, offering a framework for organizational success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to decentralized energy solutions is critical for the development of rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). One form of decentralized energy technology, agrivoltaics (AV), has gained attention in the last decade as a means to tackle energy poverty in off-grid communities. The success of renewable energy (RE) projects of any kind, however, depends on existing challenges and risks that may be faced at different stages. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify and analyze the main risk factors when implementing agrivoltaics on a community level in SSA. Based on the PESTLE framework, the paper develops a first risk classification system for international agrivoltaic projects in rural farming communities in SSA. By making use of a mixed-methods approach, the research enables the prioritization of potential risks in terms of their occurrence and significance; furthermore, it discusses mitigation strategies. Results indicate that there are various multifaceted risks associated with agrivoltaics, primarily including financial challenges and regulatory barriers. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement as well as a need for long-term community engagement and capacity building to ensure a successful implementation and sustainability of agrivoltaic projects. • Development of the first risk classification system for international agrivoltaic projects in rural communities in SSA. • A mixed-methods approach was used for identifying, classifying and rating potential risks. • Financial risks and regulatory barriers appear to be highly critical. • In addition, stakeholder involvement and long-term community engagement were considered essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world strives to achieve a sustainable future, the exploration of alternative and renewable raw materials for energy storage and energy conversion has gained significant attention. A growing trend on "Waste to Energy" approach has attained prominence. Accordingly, chicken eggshells, a residual from poultry industry, have emerged as a promising candidate due to their abundant availability, low cost, and unique physical and chemical properties. This review article presents an overview of recent advancements in utilizing eggshell waste for energy storage and energy conversion applications. It discusses the transformation of eggshells usage into functional materials, along with their performance in various energy-related applications. The potential of eggshell-based materials in improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact is highlighted, providing insights into the future prospects of this sustainable resource. [Display omitted] • Relevance to Sustainability: The review article addresses the global imperative of achieving a sustainable future, making it highly relevant to current environmental concerns. • Focus on Alternative Materials: The review explores the use of alternative and eco-friendly materials for energy storage and conversion. • Waste to Energy Trend: The "Waste to Energy" approach, which is gaining prominence worldwide, is at the core of this review paper, showcasing its relevance in addressing waste management and energy challenges simultaneously. • Diverse Energy Storage Applications: The review explores a wide range of energy storage applications, including capacitors, batteries, and other devices. • Promising Energy Conversion Applications: The paper discusses energy conversion applications such as fuel cells and hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Most of China still faces notable water poverty with obvious spatial variations. • Unconventional water use does not always have a positive impact on water poverty. • The impact shows an inverted U-shaped tendency as per capita GDP increases. • Sustainable water management plans should be tailored to local economy. Unconventional water serves as a bridge to water sustainability. However, many developing nations still have a long way to go in terms of unconventional water utilization. Different regional characteristics lead to different consumption capacities for unconventional water. Consequently, more unconventional water use (UWU) may not necessarily be positive for alleviating water poverty. However, there is a significant research gap in this field. This paper aims to answer three key questions: "Whether UWU consistently alleviates water poverty?" "Is this effect spatially heterogeneous?" and "What role do economic factors play in addressing water poverty?" For that, this paper focused on 30 provinces in China, with the sample period spanning from 2006 to 2021. To identify the mechanisms through which UWU alleviates water poverty, this paper employed a panel fixed-effects model using the Water Poverty Index (WPI) as the dependent variable and the square of UWU amount as an independent variable. The results indicate a non-linear impact of UWU on WPI, with the significance of impact influenced by GDP per capita (PGDP). Furthermore, threshold regressions were conducted with PGDP as the threshold variable. The results revealed a double-threshold effect of PGDP in the impact of UWU on WPI, displaying "U" or inverted "U" shape as PGDP develops: When PGDP is less than or equal to RMB 13,574, UWU demonstrates a negative effect on WPI; when PGDP ranges from RMB 13,574 to RMB 53,653, the effect turns positive; however, when PGDP exceeds RMB 53,653, the effect turns back to negative. The findings confirm that more UWU is not always better. Sustainable utilization plans of water resources must be tailored to local conditions, especially considering the unique characteristics of the regional economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We carried out an analysis of 344 construction firms in Majorca over seven years. • We used 'pooled ordered probit' and 'pooled probit regressions' methodologies to fit the models. • Lower accident rates can improve company earnings. • Evidence of the higher the accidents in a company the lower its probability of survival. • The risk of bankruptcy increases as the number of accidents rises. Introduction : This paper examines the relationships between the reported accidents of workers in construction firms and the probability of those firms' survival. Method: Between 2004 and 2010, a sample of 344 Spanish construction firms from Majorca were selected. The study built panel data with the reported official accidents from the Labor Authority records and the firm survival or mortality from the Bureau van Dijḱs Iberian Balance Sheet Analysis System database. The hypothesis is that a higher number of accidents directly affects the probability of the company surviving in the sector. By using a probit regression model with panel data, the relationship between these two variables were explored to test the hypothesis. Results: The study found evidence that an increment in accidents decreases the probability of the company continuing to operate, or worse, going bankrupt. The results can be useful to highlight the importance of defining policies to control those accidents effectively, since this may be a key factor in the sustainability, competitiveness, and growth of the construction sector for the economy of a region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a concept of two-tuple linguistic trust/distrust relationship (LTR). • The propagation operator of indirect two-tuple LTR is presented. • A three-level consensus identification rule which considers self-confidence is proposed. • Adjustment rule which considers trust relationship, consensus degree and reliability is analyzed. Large-scale group decision making (LSGDM) is very common in real world, and especially how to reach a relatively consensus status in a social network is a hot topic. In this paper, we propose a concept of two-tuple linguistic trust/distrust relationship (LTR) which could present both trust and distrust degrees by semantics. The trust/distrust representation scheme can unburden individuals from providing numerical trust or distrust degree to just presenting linguistic variables. Transformation rule from two-tuple LTR to numerical trust degree is then analyzed, followed by the propagation operator of indirect trust/distrust relationships. The advantage of the propagation operator lies in that ignorance in trust/distrust relationships can be tackled rationally. As for the consensus reaching process (CRP), three-level identification and adjustment mechanisms are proposed under the condition that individuals express their preferences in an uncertain distribution form. Trust relationship, consensus degree and reliability of individuals' judgments are all addressed comprehensively to narrow the opinion divergence. Self-confidence extent is utilized as a factor to adjust the opinions of non-consensus experts. The proposed method is further implemented in life cycle sustainability assessment to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness in dealing with realistic GDM problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The British Journal of Anaesthesia (BJA) had an eventful 2021, following what was a cataclysmic 2020 for the whole world. Despite the tragic challenges of multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unparalleled burdens this created for everyone working in anaesthesia and critical care, the BJA underwent a major transformation during 2021. The BJA strongly supported research and education relevant to the pandemic, and to the broader missions of anaesthesia, critical, and pain medicine. Innovations to the BJA in 2021 included a special section on COVID-19 and the Anaesthetist; a new open access journal in the BJA stable; creation of a new social media editor position; new webinar and author interview series; transition to a new manuscript management system; and a move away from paper to electronic publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information fusion field has recently been attracting a lot of interest within the scientific community, as it provides, through the combination of different sources of heterogeneous information, a fuller and/or more precise understanding of the real world than can be gained considering the above sources separately. One of the fundamental aims of computer systems, and especially decision support systems, is to assure that the quality of the information they process is high. There are many different approaches for this purpose, including information fusion. Information fusion is currently one of the most promising methods. It is particularly useful under circumstances where quality might be compromised, for example, either intrinsically due to imperfect information (vagueness, uncertainty, ...) or because of limited resources (energy, time, ...). In response to this goal, a wide range of research has been undertaken over recent years. To date, the literature reviews in this field have focused on problem-specific issues and have been circumscribed to certain system types. Therefore, there is no holistic and systematic knowledge of the state of the art to help establish the steps to be taken in the future. In particular, aspects like what impact different information fusion methods have on information quality, how information quality is characterised, measured and evaluated in different application domains depending on the problem data type or whether fusion is designed as a flexible process capable of adapting to changing system circumstances and their intrinsically limited resources have not been addressed. This paper aims precisely to review the literature on research into the use of information fusion techniques specifically to improve information quality, analysing the above issues in order to identify a series of challenges and research directions, which are presented in this paper. [Display omitted] • High information quality levels are crucial in information systems. • Information fusion is a promising and active field for improving information quality. • There is no synthesised and organised knowledge of the state of the art in this field. • Key aspects such as information fusion techniques, information quality measurement and applicability require research. • We surveyed the literature, analysed major issues and listed a series of challenges and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali-activated binder (AAB) is a product with lower carbon footprint and has great potential to be an alternative to Portland cement in civil construction. In this study, one-part AAB has been synthesized by mixing alternative sodium silicate powder, obtained from rice husk ash (RHA) and metakaolin (MK). The main objective was to verify the effect of MK (two types were used with different reactivity characteristics) and water content on the mechanical properties of pastes and mortars produced with the one-part AAB. Some tests were conducted (e.g. setting times, flexural and compressive strengths, elastic modulus) and the results indicated that the MK type and the water content directly affect different properties. As expected, the decrease in water content decreased the workability of the mortars and improved the mechanical strength. A more reactive MK provided an increase in compressive strength higher than 60%. The results confirm the possibility of producing an alternative sodium silicate powder from RHA dissolution, that when mixed with MK, results in AAB with acceptable compressive strength. This paper reveals that with the correct materials and a good mix design, the properties of this eco-friendly AAB can be considerably improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to fabricate and optimize eco-sustainable cement brick using different sizes of clay brick waste (CBW). The prime input factors of mixtures were clay brick powder (CBP) as a binder, fine-clay brick (FCB) as a fine aggregate, and coarse-clay brick (CCB) as a coarse aggregate, whereas the compressive strength was the main response of the generated eco-sustainable bricks. This was accomplished by utilizing the central composite design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Minitab-19. Twenty mixtures with CBW were generated and experimentally evaluated utilizing CCD concept in RSM. A multi-objective optimization approach was applied to obtain the optimum results for the input parameters. Based on an experimental program, the optimum mixtures were selected to investigate the physical and durability properties of the produced brick. The SEM test was also performed to determine the effect of the CBW particles on the microstructure of the brick. The life cycle assessment of mixtures is also performed in terms of global warming potential. The optimization showed that the input components CBP, FCB, and CCB had average optimum values of 21%, 0%, and 9.09%, respectively. The experimental results showed that employing CBW yields a durable and high freeze-thaw resistance of the eco-sustainable brick despite its high porosity and absorption. Furthermore, using cement brick with CBW particles is acknowledged as a more environmentally beneficial combination. The proposed models can speed up the process of mix design by using different sizes of brick waste to get the optimum eco-friendly cement brick properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous missions to Low-Earth Orbit, Moon and even Mars missions are the prospect for the coming decades of especially human spaceflight. The actors in these missions are commercial and institutional, public and private. The bandwidth of planned missions is wide, ranging from scientific exploration to commercial exploitation. In-situ resource utilization is planned to support such missions and thus reduce the amount of effort needed for transportation of goods to mission regions, e.g. by supplying water or fuel on the lunar or Martian surface. In the past decades the concept of sustainable development and sustainability has been evolved and became more and more relevant for many aspects of human life and society. These terms have also migrated into more specialized fields such as spaceflight. This paper systematically reviews the concepts of sustainable development and sustainability which have been formulated in a spaceflight context implicitly and explicitly. For this purpose, four perspectives are defined which originate from either Earth or space and alternate with the addressed object between Earth and space as well. It is explained and discussed how these concepts manifest in a spaceflight context, how they evolved over time and which implications result from the respective point of view. Subsequently, the formulation of space in-situ sustainable development is coined and an outlook is given how to further evolve this centric idea to enable a comprehensive evaluation of mission scenarios and roadmaps with regard to their sustainability. • Review of existing concepts concerning sustainability in spaceflight. • Relating these concepts to the original formulation for sustainability. • Pointing out gaps in existing concepts, e.g. disregard of social or environmental aspects. • Proposal of a new, comprehensive definition for space-in-situ-sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to show how taxation of intermediate items produced from virgin and recycled materials negatively impacts closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) results (labor, capital, returns, outputs, prices, profits, and dead-weight-loss). It offers remedies to alleviate tax inefficiencies. After formulating upstream and downstream production functions and recycling process, a Stackelberg game framework is analytically solved and data from steel industry and automobile stimulus program in the US are used to obtain numerical results. The results show that an optimum collection channel along with endogenous consumer return behavior can improve outcomes and reduce inefficiencies stemming from output taxation. The principal policy implication is that American, Chinese, Canadian, and German governments' tax incentive programs applied to items produced from recyclables are a sound strategy in the way of spurring their circular economies, improving environmental sustainability, and reducing economic loss. [Display omitted] • Legislators aim to reduce environmental impact of used products and propel sustainable business. • However, governments interventions can distort circular economy outcomes. • This paper proposes remedies to reduce economic and environmental distortions. • The remedies include optimal collection channel and incentive-responsive return program. • The paper quantifies the outcomes in the steel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural capital accounting plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. This paper aims to contribute to this field by conducting a bibliometric review of 1409 articles and employing explainable artificial intelligence modeling (XAI) to identify and predict the factors that influence the impact of natural capital accounting (NCA) research, especially in terms of citations to this research. The findings revealed that the Journal of Cleaner Production is the leading publication in this field, with the highest h-index of 37. The XAI found that age of publication and number of references significantly impacted the likelihood of a paper receiving many citations. This study offers an innovative and practical framework for forecasting citation counts and provides effective strategies for authors and editors to enhance the citation impact of their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, energy communities initiatives have gained traction in Europe as a means to achieve energy transition goals, allowing citizen involvement in energy production, consumption, and distribution. Following the 2018 European directive RED II, these projects have rapidly increased across the continent, showcasing their potential for creating sustainable local energy systems. While studies highlight economic, environmental, and social benefits, barriers such as regulatory challenges, finance access, and low public awareness remain. This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review that explores the state-of-the-art of the academic research on energy communities. The study adopts a systematic approach to examine the body of literature on the topic to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon on the basis of rigorous and replicable research criteria. The reviewed material consists of 140 articles collected through the Scopus database, evaluated using specific structural dimensions to group the literature into analytical categories. The analysis of scientific papers published between 2018 and 2022 shows a growing attention towards Renewable Energy Communities, particularly those based on solar energy for electricity production, often combined with storage systems and heat pumps, whereas attention towards energy communities based on thermal energy production is still limited. Furthermore, most scholars focused on analysing specific territorial contexts; comparisons between different regions allows to highlight common features and elements characterizing each model. It emerged that the development of energy communities depends mainly on regulatory, financial, and managerial barriers that require an adequate institutional and legal framework capable of promoting their diffusion. Most studies address the topic from an economic perspective, often in association with incentivizing community models. However, a social perspective should be included by introducing the concept of energy sharing and methodologies for its distribution among all members of the community. The scientific community is called upon to continue investigating and supporting the development of community energy initiatives by providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local communities. This can help to overcome existing barriers and facilitate the diffusion of energy communities models, contributing to the achievement of sustainable and inclusive energy transition goals. • Systematic literature review exploring academic research on energy communities in Europe. • Structural dimensions and related analytical categories as framework to review 140 journal articles. • Most studies concern ECs based on renewable energy sources, with solar power being the predominant source. • Most employed technologies are related to the production of electricity from photovoltaic with batteries and heat pumps. • Most studied focus on Renewable Energy Community, while Citizens Energy Community are less considered in academic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extant research has highlighted the pros and cons of the use of (a) competition and (b) positive (peer) pressure as two mechanisms for invoking peer effects to bring about long-term behavior change. However, these mechanisms have been studied separately and in different contexts. In this paper, we compare the differential impacts of competition versus positive pressure-induced pro-environmental behavior change in the same target population. This study spans a seven-year horizon between 2013 and 2019 (pre-COVID) during which the workforce of about 2500 employees in the Stephan P. Clark Government Center in Miami, Florida, was split into four groups - one control and three treatment groups. Each treatment group was subjected to (a) a healthy inter-group competition through tracking, benchmarking, and comparing monthly group level electricity saving, and (b) positive pressure through the appointment of champions who encouraged pro-environmental behavior among their group members. Studying these mechanisms concurrently in the same population allows for a nuanced comparison of their differential impacts on pro-environmental behavior change. • In this paper, we compare the differential impacts of competition-induced spillover and supervision-induced peer pressure in affecting pro-environmental behavior change in the same target over a seven-year analysis horizon. • The study spans 2013-2019 during which the workforce of about 2500 employees in a building was split into four groups (one control and three treatment) and was subjected to both peer pressure and healthy competition. • The study spans 2013-2019 during which the workforce of about 2500 employees in a building was split into four groups (one control and three treatment) and was subjected to both peer pressure and healthy competition. • These results have implications for the design of pro-environment campaigns that could leverage peer effects through fostering an environment of intragroup pride and healthy inter-group rivalry sprinkled with intermittent supervisory interventions for making long-term impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of external steel bracing systems (named exoskeletons) has recently emerged as a convenient technique for seismic upgrading of existing RC structures, as it possibly limits disturbance or interruption of building occupancy. However, although some conceptual formulations of the design problem can be found in the scientific literature, there are no universally accepted design criteria. The present paper highlights how alternative design choices can reverberate their effects on (i) the seismic performance of the upgraded structural system, (ii) its economic and ecological impact. For the sake of simplicity and consistency with the most common approach of practicing engineers, the present study adopted a force-based seismic design approach. The critical discussion proposed herein was obtained by varying the intensity of the seismic base shear force adopted for the exoskeleton design. Results of the design assessment show that the adoption of larger values of exoskeleton seismic design forces may not be the most suitable choice, especially if economic and ecological impacts are taken into account. • The paper deals with designing steel exoskeletons for seismic retrofitting of existing RC frames. • A comparison between three different upgrading solutions is reported. • A critical discussion about upgrading interventions is provided including member- and foundation-level interventions. • The adopted design procedures are consistent with the most common practice. • Economic and ecological impacts are determined with the aim to rate the alternative seismic retrofit options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed Wetlands (CWs) were widely used as nature-based solution to effectively remove contaminants from wastewater, while offering benefits for ecological value and landscape services. However, one limited factor for practical applications of CW technology is the conventional construction style, which is a laborious and complex civil engineering. As such, an idea of modular CW (MCW) was proposed and embodiment was made for different scales of treatment wetland projects. This paper introduces the MCW concept and the efforts made to realize it. MCW is a revolutionary approach in wastewater treatment that combines efficiency, adaptability, and environmental sustainability. MCW represents a paradigm shift from traditional CWs, offering a pre-fabricated, modular solution that simplifies the complexities of civil engineering in wastewater management. These prefabricated modular structures, assembled off-site and installed on-site, provide a streamlined, flexible, and user-friendly alternative to conventional CWs. The innovative design of MCWs incorporates advanced substrates and technologies, integrating enhanced processes such as intermittent aeration, tidal flow, and circulating reflux. This novel approach significantly improves pollutant removal efficiency, reduces land usage, and addresses clogging issues through rapid module replacement. The paper comprehensively delved into the structural, substrate, plant, and operational aspects of MCWs. It highlights the environmental and economic benefits of MCWs, emphasizing their role as a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly solution for wastewater treatment. The study concludes by underscoring the potential of MCWs in spearheading new research and development in sustainable wastewater management, marking a new generation in CW systems. [Display omitted] • The novel concept of MCWs was firstly and comprehensively introduced. • Plastic modules were designed & made to allow quickly and flexibly assembling MCW. • Systematical strategies were applied to enhance the MCW treatment effectiveness. • Design factors were given for future design and management of MCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Anthropocene era, characterized by sustainability and environmental challenges, the Metaverse emerges as a virtual alternative with the potential to reduce the ecological footprint while enhancing human experiences. However, the development of Metaverse encounter unprecedented technical, social, and ethical challenges. Bioinspired technologies, referring to those developed with inspiration from the biological world, have demonstrated successful applications across various fields and show potential in addressing challenges within the Metaverse. This paper explores the integration of bioinspired technologies with the Metaverse, focusing on its social and ethical implications. It proposes a conceptual model for a bioinspired Metaverse, elucidating how bioinspired technologies may shape the evolution of the Metaverse through four dimensions: Enhancement of User Interaction, Promotion of Digital Inclusivity, Advancement of Sustainable Development, and Guidance of Ethical Considerations. This paper makes a significant contribution by adopting an innovative context - the bioinspired Metaverse - that facilitates a deeper reexamination of the relationship among technology, nature, and human society through interdisciplinary discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current environmental crisis calls for new sustainable materials and products. Mycelium-based materials are grown by fungi onto solid ligno-cellulosic substrates and are promising sustainable materials which still face barriers to entry. This review discusses the challenges and prospects for making mycelium products. First, the technical challenges, properties needs and scientific knowledge gaps are reviewed. Then, methods to tailor the performance of mycelium-based materials are proposed, using synthetic or natural means. Living mycelium-based materials are also considered as an interesting alternative. The potential market opportunities for these products and their distribution are also discussed along with the public acceptance and perception. Overall, this paper complements current reviews on mycelium materials fabrication and properties by highlighting key gaps and challenges to address to allow these materials to enter the market. The paper suggests directions of future research and development for including mycelium-based products in daily life and improving the sustainability of the materials commonly used and their production. • One barrier to entry for mycelium products is their biodegradability. • Mycelium products could be made competitive thanks to their biodegradability. • Mycelium materials' properties can be tailored using synthetic or natural means. • Mycelium-based materials can also be used as living engineering materials. • Positive public perception could increase by adopting holistic views of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) adoption is spreading worldwide, and it aims at decoupling the creation of value from resource consumption, leading to sustainable and responsible production and consumption as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 12. The circular transition will ask for the transformation of the companies and the workforce, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The set of required skills will be influenced by the circular transition, while the degree of implementation of circular activities will depend on the availability of adequate skills. Nevertheless, the extant literature has not reached a consensus on which competences are required for a circular transition, and few studies have approached this topic at all. This paper presents a systematic literature review to identify and categorize the skills that can facilitate the adoption of circular practices in manufacturing companies. The identified skills were systematically organized within a structured framework extending Porter's Value Chain. Leveraging the literature review's findings, the paper proposes a series of ideal job profiles for circular manufacturing, and it outlines some preliminary education and training paths. This research contributes to the current body of literature and practical understanding on the "human dimension" of circular manufacturing. [Display omitted] • Systematic literature review on skills required for circular manufacturing. • Skill classification based on circular manufacturing value-added activities. • Ideal job profiles modelled on the most relevant skills mentioned in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional acid extraction of xylan is inevitably accompanied by serious water pollution. This paper presented a sustainable treatment process for extracting xylan from sugarcane bagasse by phosphoric acid-based porous geopolymers containing sodium (Na-PAG) under mild hydrothermal conditions. The experimental investigation showed that the maximum xylan relative extraction rate reached 25.9% when the hydrothermal reaction time was 4 h, the hydrothermal temperature was 150 °C, the pH was 2, the mass ratio of bagasse fiber to Na-PAG was 3, the mass ratio of water to bagasse fiber was 8, and the bagasse fiber meshes were 40–80. Compared to the difference in hemicellulose content before and after the reaction using the Van Soest method, the selectivity of Na-PAG for hemicellulose was as high as 89.32%. The high acidity required for hemicellulose depolymerization was reduced by the "acid slow-release" property of Na-PAG. The black liquor obtained after separating xylan and Na-PAG can also be used for repeated experiments. The treatment process enables the reuse of solid and liquid waste, which is crucial for sugar-paper co-production and clean production. [Display omitted] • This work presented a mild sustainable process for extracting xylan from bagasse. • Na-PAG was the phosphoric acid-based porous geopolymers containing sodium. • The selectivity of Na-PAG for hemicellulose was 89.32% @ 150 °C and pH = 2. • The extracting xylan process enables the reuse of solid and liquid wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trams are experiencing a resurgence with worldwide network expansion driven by the need for sustainable and efficient cities. Trams often operate in shared or mixed-traffic environments, which raise safety concerns, particularly in hazardous situations. This paper adopts an international, mixed-methods approach, conducted through two interconnected studies in Melbourne (Australia) and Birmingham (UK). The first study involved qualitative interviews, while the second was an experimental study involving a virtual reality (VR) simulator and haptic master controller (i.e., speed lever). In tram operations, master controllers play a critical role in ensuring a smooth ride, which directly influences passenger safety and comfort. The objective was to understand how a master control system, enhanced with additional haptic feedback, could improve tram driver braking performance and perceptions in safety-critical scenarios. Interview results indicate that the use of the emergency brake is considered the final or ultimate choice by drivers, and their driving experience is a moderating factor in limiting its application. Combined with the experimental results, this paper highlights how implementing haptic feedback within a master controller can reduce the performance disparity between novice and experienced tram drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sharing economy was initially beckoned as a facilitator of exchanges that would not compromise future needs and held great promise for those at the lower end of the socioeconomic pyramid. However, as the sharing economy expanded, questions about its sustainability emerged. This expansion manifested in two main forms: an influx of new users and providers into existing operations and the emergence of new platforms, resulting in a proliferation of sharing economy models. By categorizing these models based on their resource utilization, this paper establishes a connection between scalability and compromised sustainability, shedding light on the interplay between the two. The paper identifies seven distinct configurations in the sharing economy: co-use, re-use, repeated use, sustainable output, pooling of resources, and products and services created specifically for individual users. These configurations serve as a tool to uncover the tensions between scalability and coordination, as well as between sustainability and provision. The paper contributes to prior research by bringing attention to how the sharing economy is entangled in these tensions and by developing a typology. Understanding how these tensions can be resolved presents a highly significant practical contribution, allowing stakeholders in the sharing economy to navigate the challenges of scalability and sustainability effectively. • Discusses the tension between the sustainability and scalability of sharing economy models. • Categorizes sharing economy models based on different resource uses. • Identifies co-use, re-use, repeated use, sustainable output, pooling, and services or products created specifically for individual users. • Highlights the presence of tension between scalability and coordination, and between sustainability and provision. • Develops a typology for sharing economy models, describing uni-sided, share-washing, true sharing, and resource efficiency models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) stands as one of the foremost utilized oxidizing agents in modern times. The established method for its production involves the intricate and costly anthraquinone process. However, a promising alternative pathway is the electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production, accomplished through the oxygen reduction reaction via a 2-electron pathway. This method not only simplifies the production process but also upholds environmental sustainability, especially when compared to the conventional anthraquinone method. In this review paper, recent works from the literature focusing on the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction promoted by carbon electrocatalysts are summarized. The practical applications of these materials in the treatment of effluents contaminated with different pollutants (drugs, dyes, pesticides, and herbicides) are presented. Water treatment aiming to address these issues can be achieved through advanced oxidation electrochemical processes such as electro-Fenton, solar-electro-Fenton, and photo-electro-Fenton. These processes are discussed in detail in this work and the possible radicals that degrade the pollutants in each case are highlighted. The review broadens its scope to encompass contemporary computational simulations focused on the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction, employing different models to describe carbon-based electrocatalysts. Finally, perspectives and future challenges in the area of carbon-based electrocatalysts for H 2 O 2 electrogeneration are discussed. This review paper presents a forward-oriented viewpoint of present innovations and pragmatic implementations, delineating forthcoming challenges and prospects of this ever-evolving field. [Display omitted] • H 2 O 2 stands as one of the foremost utilized oxidizing agents in modern times. • Promising alternative pathway is the electrochemical hydrogen peroxide production. • 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction promoted by carbon electrocatalysts. • Treatment of effluents contaminated with different pollutants are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]