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Policymakers and firms use behavioral interventions to promote sustainable development in various domains. A correct impact evaluation requires looking beyond the targeted domain and assessing its interactions with similar interventions. Existing evidence in this area is limited, leading to potential misestimation of behavioural interventions and poor guidance on their design. Here, we test the impact of a two-year social information campaign to nudge water conservation through a large-scale randomized controlled trial implemented with a multi-resource company,. We find that the water nudge significantly decreases water and electricity usage, but not that of gas. Spillovers arise for customers who do not receive nudges targeting the other resources. Customers receiving the water report are also significantly less likely to deactivate their gas and electricity contracts, regardless of whether they receive other reports. Our results suggest that multiple nudges strain users' limited attention and ability to enact conservation efforts. Users' constraints in attending to multiple stimuli need to be accounted in designing policy interventions to foster sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining the optimal soil quality stands a fundamental determinant for sustained yield of rice-wheat system (RWS) in Indo Gangetic plains (IGP) of India. To uphold soil quality, implementing minimum/no tillage along with addition of crop residue are required. To evaluate the long-term (15 years) impact of tillage and residue management experiment (LT&RE) initiated in 2006 on soil quality index (SQI) and to establish the quantitative relationship between the SQI and crops yield under various crop establishment practices. Experiment consisted of six treatment combinations including LT&RE namely, (i) conventional tillage without residue (CT − R), (ii) conventional tillage with residue incorporation (CT + R), (iii) reduced tillage without residue (RT − R), (iv) reduced tillage with residue incorporation (RT + R), (v) zero tillage without residue (ZT − R), and (vi) zero tillage with residue retention (ZT + R). The SQI was used as an instrument based soil physical [bulk density (BD), soil penetration resistance (SPR) and infiltration rate (IR)], chemical [soil pH (pH 1:2), electrical conductivity (EC 1:2), soil organic carbon (OC) available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)], and biological [microbial biomass carbon (MBC), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA)], properties as these are very useful indicators of soil's functions, fertility and agronomic productivity. Soil samples were collected from 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil depth from each treatment after harvesting of wheat in 2021 and 2022. The ZT + R treatment exhibited the lowest bulk density (1.45 Mg m−3) and soil penetration resistance (1306.02 KPa) at surface soil, resulting in higher infiltration rates (7.80 mm h−1). Adoption of LT&RE led to a notable increase (15.8–25.7%) in soil organic carbon (SOC) stock across all the treatment combinations compared to CT-R. The enhanced SOC and better physical soil conditions increased microbial activities. The ZT + R treatment had the highest levels of MBC (271.63 mg kg−1 soil), alkaline phosphatase (187.08 μmol p-nitrophenol g−1 h−1), and dehydrogenase activity (122.00 μg TPF g−1 24 h−1). Despite a significant increase (3.8 and 6.9%) in wheat yield, a notable decrease in rice yield (10.5 and 16.7%) was recorded, leading to 2.9 and 6.2% yield reduction in RWS under RT and ZT treatments, respectively. Addressing the decline in rice yield, improved management of direct seeded rice (DSR) in RT/ZT system, or the crop diversification of long-term DSR with suitable alternative crops in rainy season under LT&RE are recommended strategies. [Display omitted] • Conservational tillage (reduced/zero) and residue management (incorporation/retention) is necessary to sustain soil health. • Assessed soil quality index (SQI) after 15 years of conservational tillage and residue management. • Derived correlation between crop yield and SQI in RWS for surface and sub-surface soil. • Conservational tillage and residue management enhanced SQI by 82% -178%. • 7.5-16.7% lesser DSR yield suggests more pronounced impact of planting method and crop management rather than soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable management of critical raw materials is of paramount importance to ensure a steady supply and reduce environmental impact. The application of newly synthesized and environmentally friendly ALG@CS material as a bio-adsorbent for the effective rare earth elements removal from aqueous solution has been presented. The synthesized material underwent FTIR, XPS, EDX, and SEM analysis to determine its suitability for metal uptake. To evaluate the adsorption capacity of ALG@CS for rare earth elements several factors were taken into consideration. These factors included alginate:chitosan ratios, bead size, pH level, composite mass, interaction time, metal ion concentration, and temperature, being all varied during the batch mode evaluation process. Under the optimal conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 145.90 mg La(III)/g, 168.44 mg Ce(III)/g, 132.51 mg Pr(III)/g, 128.40 mg Nd(III)/g, 154.36 mg Sm(III)/g, and 165.10 mg Ho(III)/g. The equilibrium data fits well with non-linear three-parameter Sips and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models. The PSO model finds the highest process suitability. The synthesized ALG@CS bio-adsorbent showed excellent regenerative capacity in ten cycles, making it a suitable adsorbent for rare earth elements uptake. The unique bio-adsorbents combination allows for efficient critical raw materials adsorption providing a promising solution for their recovery and recycling. [Display omitted] • Novel low-cost bio-adsorbent was fabricated using alginate and chitosan ionically crosslinked. • La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), and Ho(III) ions sorption onto the bio-adsorbent was successful. • Maximum adsorption capacities of ALG5@CS1 bio-adsorbent were ranged of 128.40–168.44 mg/g. • Three-parameter Sips and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models were suitable to describe the REE adsorption process. • The ALG5@CS1 bio-adsorbent could be used repeatedly after 10 cycles of regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers' interaction with the advisory services providers is much important, especially in the era when agriculture has become more challenging. In this study, we compared the use and effectiveness of different interaction methods used by the public and private sector Extension Field Staff (EFS). This study was conducted in three districts Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan of the Punjab, province. A total of 480 respondents selected at random were interviewed face to face on a structured interview schedule. Collected data were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). T-statistics were applied to compare the two sectors i.e. public and private EFS. Findings indicated that there was a statistically significant mean difference (P<0.05) regarding interaction methods such as farmer days, field visits, group meetings, demonstrations, seminars and the use of electronic media and social media. Among the different services provided by the public and private sector EFS indicating statistically significant mean difference (P<0.05) were demonstration, use of IPM, less use of pesticides, access to market, conservation of resources, access to inputs and weather forecasting services. Whereas, the public and private sectors had a non-significant mean difference regarding the clean cotton campaign and access to subsidies (P>0.05). the statistics confirmed that overall, the private sector EFS were more effective as compared to the public sector. This study suggests a proper selection of interaction methods to access the farmers. Moreover, the synergy between the two sectors could be more effective in making technical advice effective and paving the way towards environment and resource conservation. Effective integration of ICTs in the communication process is also highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emphasis on sustainable growth helps decrease the initial capital and reduce the impact of industry on an ecologically sensitive environment through resource conservation. Pinch Analysis serves as a valuable tool to identify the potential for resource conservation, waste minimization, and resource costs. However, there are inherent uncertainties associated with these resource conservation networks. The concept of Pinch Analysis is broadened to multi-objective resource conservation problems incorporating parametric uncertainties in this paper. The objective functions are combined to form a single compound objective function using the weighted sum approach. For the compound objective function, prioritized sequences (or resource combinations) are generated through multi-objective prioritized costs to accommodate parametric uncertainties. The multi-objective prioritized cost vs. weights curve helps determine the unique prioritized sequences for different range of weights to achieve optimal solutions. An exact analytical expression for the maximum number of prioritized sequences is also derived. Furthermore, a method is presented to construct the complete Pareto-optimal front to represent all optimal solutions graphically. Two illustrative examples, the hydrogen conservation problem with two objectives (cost and emission) and the water conservation problem with three objectives (cost, land requirement, and emission), demonstrate the proposed method's utility and efficacy. A multi-objective resource conservation problem under normally distributed parametric uncertainties. [Display omitted] • Included parametric uncertainties in multi-objective resource conservation problems. • Stochastic Pinch Analysis minimizes multiple objectives with multiple resources. • Determined the maximum number of possible prioritized sequences of resources. • Proposed multi-objective prioritized cost to determine the optimal sequence. • Determined Pareto-optimal fronts to represent all the efficient solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) are critical biodiversity areas for the conservation and sustainable use of biological and cultural resources while promoting regional peace, cooperation, and socio-economic development. Sustainable management of TFCAs is dependent on the availability of an eco-agriculture framework that promotes integrated management of conservation mosaics in terms of food production, environmental protection or the conservation of natural resources, and improved human livelihoods. As a developmental framework, eco-agriculture is significantly influenced by existing legal and governance structures at all levels; this study assessed the impact of existing legal and governance frameworks on eco-agriculture implementation in the Lubombo TFCA that cuts across the borders between Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa. The assessment used a mixed research method, including a document review, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Although the three countries have no eco-agriculture policies, biodiversity practices are directly or indirectly affected by some policies related to environmental protection, agriculture improvement, and rural development. The assessment found that South Africa has the most comprehensive policies related to eco-agriculture; Mozambican policies mainly focus on equity and involvement of disadvantaged social groups, while Eswatini is conspicuous for explicitly making it the responsibility of each citizen to protect and safeguard the environment. The protection of conservation areas is critical to preserving natural habitats and ensuring the continued provision of ecosystem services. The lack of transboundary governance structures results in the Lubombo TFCA existing as a treaty on paper, as there are no clear processes for transboundary cooperation and collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present work describes the application of Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis in order to optimize the durability of sheeting fabrics. The existing study investigates the multi-response optimization of certain parameters of yarn process including FL, RS and RT on tensile strength, tear strength and abrasion resistance of durable fabric sheets after washing. Methods: In the development process L9 orthogonal array in Taguchi design was used. The results have been analyzed by using statistical multi-response optimization technique, grey relational analysis to set the process parameters and to decide the simultaneous optimization of responses including tensile strength, tear strength and abrasion resistance. In addition, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the most significant factors. Reference sheeting fabric with same construction parameters was also tested. Results: The results show a greater improvement in parameters of developed samples quality. The experimental results show parameter fiber length has the most significant effect on the multiple performance characteristics. Conclusions: The developed fabric sheet having durable life would help to reduce consumption of resources of both consumers and manufacturers. Manufacturers can have great chance to establish their image and can increase the profit margin over products. Therefore, the integration of grey relational analysis and the Taguchi Method can be applicable for the optimization of process parameters and help to conserve resources by extending the lifetime of sheeting fabrics.

Heritage trees are essential natural resources constituents of ecosystems and important tourism resources in ethnic areas with important carriers of homesickness and cultural memory. There is great significance in the protection and utilization of heritage trees by studying their composition and distribution resources in northern Guangxi. This study focuses on a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the composition and characteristics of ancient tree species in northern Guangxi, by a combination of field investigation and field visits. The results show that 10 923 heritage trees belong to 202 species, 120 genera and 49 families. The dominant species are Liquidambar formosan, Schima superba, Pterocarya stenoptera and Cinnamomum camphora. The dominant families are Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Ulmaceae, Magnoliaceae and Elaeocarpaceae. Heritage trees are mainly distributed at three types of topographic positions, with 31% in the steep slopes, 24. 42% on the slopes and 20. 64% on level ground. For habitats, it is concentrated in two areas. 40. 63% individuals are distributed in the villages and 35. 66% in the forest areas. The third-class heritage trees are the main species (88. 31%). There are relatively few first-class (3.3%) and second-class (8. 39%) ancient trees. Most heritage trees are concentrated in the DBH crown size-class of 4-16 m, and the height-class of 12-28 m, and the size-class of 40- 100 cm. Overall, heritage trees resources in northern Guangxi have high conservation values, due to the rich ancient tree resources, and well preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea oil plants are economically valuable as a chemical feedstock, a bioenergy source, and a dietary supplement. The lack of molecular markers for genetic resource clustering for conservation restricts research on these species. Based on EST sequences, 28,120 SSR primer pairs were found in this study. Of those SSRs, 192 had a successful amplification rate of 93.23% in Camellia oleifera and high transferability rates in C. semiserrata (77.09%), C. gauchowensis (84.92%), C. japonica (78.77%), and C. polyodonta (89.39%). The genetic distance (GD) between 54 accessions, as determined by sixteen SSRs, ranged from 0.26 to 2.26 (GD > 0), indicating that these accessions could be discriminated completely by these sixteen SSRs. We suggest that the EST-SSRs generated in this study will be useful for resource identification and dendrogram construction for resource collection and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Incorporating parametric uncertainties in resource conservation networks. • Stochastic optimization of resource conservation networks with multiple resources. • Generalized prioritized cost to determine appropriate resources to be used. • Comparing Pinch Analysis with numerical optimization. • Sensitivity diagram to represent optimal resource at different cost ratios. Process industries often utilize a large number of valuable resources. To minimize operating costs and to promote sustainability, it is essential to prevent the overuse of resources. In conjunction with the prioritized cost concept, Pinch Analysis helps in achieving cost-optimal multi-resource allocation networks. Previous works were restricted to optimizing resource allocation networks with deterministic parameters without considering uncertainties associated with them. Uncertainties in source and resource parameters are incorporated in this paper through chance-constrained programming and solved through Pinch-based and numerical optimization-based methods. The notion of prioritized cost is extended to include uncertainties in various network parameters. Based on specified reliability for the multi-resource allocation network, the proposed approach determines the optimal operating cost of the network, and the results are verified through Monte Carlo simulations. Two examples from the field of water conservation and material conservation are solved to establish the utility of the proposed method. Optimal combinations of resources are pictorially represented at different cost ratios through a novel sensitivity diagram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to systematize trends in the low-carbon economy in Russia and to identify drivers and inhibitors for its further development.Methods: description and comparison were used to identify the main trends in the low-carbon economy; the principal component method was used to classify specific indicators of resource and energy efficiency and to identify the key factors in the formation of a low-carbon economy.Results: the analysis of the dynamics of specific indicators of the low-carbon economy development in Russia showed a decrease in energy intensity, an increase in the electric power of labor in the industrial sector and the use of renewable energy sources, an increase in total greenhouse gas emissions and in the formation of production and consumption waste. Based on the principal component method, the author proposes a method for classifying the specific indicators and the key development factors and calculating an integral indicator of the low-carbon economy development. The key factors of the low-carbon economy development are identified: energy consumption and the ecological footprint of production, as well as inhibitors - consumption of fuel and energy resources per employee, total greenhouse gas emissions, and a low degree of waste disposal. Based on the analysis and modeling results, we suggest ways to improve efficiency in the sphere of resource and energy saving.Scientific novelty: the article for the first time proposed and tested the method of calculating the integral indicator for a low- carbon economy, taking into account the integral factors - energy consumption and the ecological footprint of production. Practical significance: the main provisions and conclusions of the article can be used in the development of programs and projects in the field of resource efficiency and reduction of negative impacts on the environment in the real sector of the economy.

This article is the first in a cycle devoted to the creation and application of nanomaterials and technologies in modern industry, in general, and in metallurgy, materials science and foundry, in particular. The article discusses the unique properties of nanomaterials and the associated advantages, disadvantages and areas of their application, as well as the problems and directions of the development of nanotechnologies, the prospects and consequences of the widespread use of nanomaterials in various fields, their influence on the development of society, industry, economy and ecology.

The conceptual principles of the implementation of sustainable development at the local territorial level in Ukraine, as well as the institutional mechanisms of its implementation within the decentralization of power have been identified. The importance of reforming the local government is highlighted by using the sustainable development concept, which is necessary for Ukraine to move forward on the path to the European integration. The necessity of carrying out the complex work of creating a framework for managing territorial development has been proved. The article deals with topical, practical issues of implementing and realizing sustainable development at the local level. The theoretical essence and content of the sustainable development concept have been studied. The interrelation of its three main components has been revealed, being ecological, economic, and social ones. The conceptual principles of reforming local government and administrative organization within the decentralization of powers have been offered. The author proves the appropriateness of changes implemented in the local government system, which provide for the realization of sustainable development on the basis of openness and transparency of public authorities, civil society’s active participation in the formation of the state territorial policy, and fulfillment of the citizens’ environmental rights. The principles of sustainable development of local government have been summed up. Strategic guidelines for the development of local government have been identified. Prospects for territorial development have been outlined. Transition to the concept of sustainable development has been substantiated, which would result in constructing a qualitatively new social, ecological and economic model of society development, solving acute problems of the present and future generations.

The article discusses the main trends in processing animal products, the development of technologies to improve their quality and technologies to preserve the quality indicators of the product over time. A review of the effects of ultrasound treatment on beef rumen is presented, and the main directions of ultrasound application are determined. The advantages of ultrasonic processing and its influence on the characteristics of raw meat were researched. The modes and parameters (frequency, intensity and duration) of ultrasound treatment of muscle tissue were established based on the results. This study evaluated the effect of ultrasound treatment on beef rumen's physical, microstructural and organoleptic characteristics. The physicochemical, mineral, microbiological, vitamin and amino acid composition of beef rumen and reticulum were also studied. Based on the results of the presented review, it can be concluded that the development of technologies for processing beef rumen with ultrasound is of potential interest. The optimal parameters are 400 and 600 W/m2, with a frequency of 40 kHz, for 50-60 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource conservation in construction – aspects from planning practice The construction of buildings and structures of the infrastructure is always associated with the use of natural resources and with emissions. As planner in structural, industrial, civil and water engineering the author reports exemplarie from the different areas of practice and describes current and future contributions and fields of action to conserve resources in construction. The focus is on structural aspects from structural and civil engineering without neglecting the holistic consideration of all dimensions of sustainability over the entire life cycle of a building or structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation: Working from home eliminated the work-nonwork divide. The lives of employees at home were instantaneously connected to their engagement and productivity at work. The mechanisms and pathways through which an individual's access to and management of nonwork resources and demands influence behaviours and outcomes at work have been scantily investigated. Research purpose: Hinged primarily on the conservation of resources theory, the study examined the influence of the external support, nonwork demands and resources on work engagement and employee productivity. Motivation for the study: Understanding how work-nonwork resources and demands interact(ed) to shape behaviour and outcomes in the work domain could shape cross-domain resource conservation and enhancement efforts. Research approach/design and method: Data were collected from a convenient sample of 185 nongovernmental organisation employees using a standard questionnaire. Structural models, with bootstrapping, were used to evaluate the hypothesised moderating and mediating effects. Main findings: Nonwork resources were positively associated with work engagement. External support moderated the negative relationship between nonwork demands and work engagement. Work engagement mediated the effects of nonwork resources and nonwork demands on employee productivity. Practical/managerial implications: Organizational leaders should appreciate the ecological conditions within which work and nonwork resources are generated and expended. This has implications on desirable, value creating workplace behaviours and related outcomes. Contribution/value-add: The study further exposed the interdependence of the work and non-work domains. Workplaces that enrich both domains will likely enjoy sustained value generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is considered a significant resource in process industries. It is essential for planners to target and optimize the use of water as an external resource for industrial operations. Such optimization problems account for uncertainties related to internal resources and must be handled to provide solutions for real plants of industrial relevance. In this paper, these parametric uncertainties are addressed, while targeting resources for continuous and flexible schedule batch process. The proposed robust counterpart formulations include resource minimization constraints for continuous and batch processes to satisfy the demand. Three different robust optimization methodologies are adapted and extended to handle parametric uncertainties associated with internal resources. Assuming bounded and known uncertainty, the resultant formulations are then implemented to literature examples, and the results are compared with the deterministic formulation. The results show that the formulation proposed by Bertsimas and Sim is the most appropriate model for the defined problem because it preserves the linearity and provides a mechanism to control the degree of conservatism, guaranteeing feasibility. The proposed formulations are also explained using illustrative examples estimating the additional 4.04% and 11% requirement of resource in continuous and batch process, respectively, to handle uncertainty with a known risk. This model will assist the planner to decide the resource requirement under uncertain conditions and do the necessary preparation accordingly, and thus, it immunes the process against uncertainties to satisfy demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The complex modern trends in the growth of the consumption of raw hydrocarbon materials around the world, and as a consequence their accelerated depletion, have forced oil and gas industry enterprises to identify progressive resource-saving methods and technologies. Such methods could enable the environmental and technological effects of production processes to be achieved under conditions of sustainable economic development and with a policy of balanced consumption and resource provision. This research is devoted to the improvement of the scientific and methodological foundations and the development of predictive and analytical tools for assessing the efficiency of resource use in gas industry enterprises. With the application of the proposed instruments, we carry out simulation modeling of the efficiency of natural gas production, processing and pipeline transportation companies. In the course of a comparative analysis of the efficiency indicators for Russian gas companies, a resource-efficient variant of their development is selected and the most promising business projects are identified. Three branch companies of the Russian gas industry are accepted as the objects of the research in this study. As a result of the conducted approbation process, it is revealed that the existing practice of assessing consumption and resource provision in companies in the industry, as well as the use of methods and approaches to resource conservation, does not have a single and complex character. The methodology proposed by the authors makes it possible to approach industry companies with the same set of indicators, systematize and calculate them, identify existing unused reserves for resource conservation and identify promising resource-efficient projects.

The authors prove that decentralization of power and local governance reform have necessitated the reconsideration of the priorities in the rational environmental management, including resource conservation and energy efficiency at the level of amalhamated territorial communities (ATCs). Thus, it becomes necessary to transform the existing control system over the economic development of natural resource potential and environmental protection. It is substantiated that in the situation when new energy indicators are being implemented, numerous problems become mainstream, e.g. increase in the energy production output from renewable sources, e.g. solid and gaseous fuel on the basis of waste disposal. It is proved that the effective implementation of waste disposal projects is possible provided that the economic mechanism of resource conservation and energy efficiency is institutionalized at the level of ATC, which will provide budgetary, fiscal and credit prerequisites to increase financial support for modern waste management industry. The research carries out shows that in 2007–2021, the dynamics of the real volume of local budget expenditures on waste disposal has been declining, due to the lack of interest among local authorities in financing resource conservation and energy efficiency projects. It is established that the achievement of positive results in the financing of waste disposal directly depends on pooling part of the rent for the special use of natural resources and environmental tax in special funds within local budgets. It is substantiated that targeting natural resources and environmental payments accumulated in local government budgets will increase funding for waste disposal, thus increasing the use of the material substance of household waste and waste from agricultural and forestry production to produce solid and gaseous fuel. It is proved that the state should provide incentives for local governments to enhance resource conservation and energy efficiency based on waste disposal due to participation in financing and indirect promotion of such projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater reuse and recycling will play an increasingly important role in solving future water stress worldwide. Water of high quality and purity is an indispensable raw material for industry in many production steps, so the availability of water is a decisive location factor for industry. Innovative concepts for wastewater reuse and recycling within the framework of operator models based on many years of know‐how lead to the conservation of scarce water resources and to a sustainable and financially attractive water supply. As the presented reference plants show, ecologically and economically advantageous solutions can be created for municipalities, industry, and water suppliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the ways to improve the quality of elastomeric materials is the modification of the elastomeric matrix as well as the use of multifunctional ingredients that can function as stabilizers, vulcanizing group components and compatibilizers (i.e. substances that increase compatibility in polymer heterogeneous systems). Compounds that can be used as binders in composite materials of different composition and ensure the environmental friendliness of their production and application are considered to be promising. Among such compounds, the reaction products of 4,4'-dioxydiphenylsulfone with formaldehyde attract a particular interest since they have a lower degree of toxicity than the phenol-formaldehyde resins. This work revealed the effect of 1, 2, and 4 parts by weight of 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone and its polymethylol derivative on technological and physical-mechanical properties of elastomeric compositions. We showed the stabilizing activity of the investigated additives in rubbers based on carbochain unsaturated rubbers. The surface of the crushed vulcanizate was modified. It was determined that the addition of modified crushed vulcanizate to the composition of rubber mixtures improves the quality of rubbers. We showed the possibility of replacing traditional anti-aging agents without deterioration of the properties of finished products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for hydrogen in refineries and petrochemical plants is challenging these facilities to minimise their hydrogen utility without incurring high capital and operating costs. As environment-related fuel specifications become more stringent, the demand for hydrogen increases, especially for the operation of hydrodesulphurisation in refineries. A P-graph model is developed in this paper for the synthesis of hydrogen networks. The model is capable of generating optimal and near-optimal solutions for the hydrogen network. The proposed methodology is computationally efficient and require minimal understanding of programming language. The developed model includes both direct recycle/reuse and regeneration schemes; and accounts for pressure and impurity constraints in the hydrogen network. In addition, the application of hydrogen header can also be handled by the P-graph model. The methodology is illustrated with three literature examples and the results obtained match those reported in literature. [Display omitted] • A P-graph model is developed for hydrogen networks. • Pressure and impurity constraints are considered. • Direct reuse/recycle and regeneration schemes are included. • Hydrogen networks with headers can be designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many low and middle-income countries, solid waste management (SWM) systems remain weak and lack standardization. Moreover, these systems fail to account for citizen's insight on the proposed solid waste initiatives. This study aims to identify the main determinants of SWM practices in a low-middle income country while accounting for citizens' perceived knowledge, attitudes, structural barriers, and willingness to pay for different services. Three communities were thus selected with varying socioeconomic factors and where different SWM practices were adopted. A cross-sectional study based on an interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted across the three areas. Our results showed that increased knowledge and awareness of proper SWM did not correlate with people's attitudes nor with their adoption of positive waste management practices, such as reusing, reducing, recycling, and sorting of waste. Nevertheless, the results showed that the presence of an effective SWM system in a community positively influenced people's attitudes. Structural determinants, including the lack of appropriate facilities and adequate infrastructure, weak public knowledge on sorting, recycling, and composting, as well as the absence of guiding policies, appeared to be core barriers hindering the adoption of sustainable waste management practices across the three communities. The results of this study highlight the importance of establishing integrated SWM systems in developing countries, as they appear to trigger positive behaviors by the serviced citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot water use in showers is a major contributor to residential water and energy consumption, and associated costs and carbon emissions. This study aims to quantify how heat loss from non-circulating pipes contributes to water and energy consumption in residential showers. Heat loss from pipes was modelled for detached dwellings in Melbourne, Australia, using Monte Carlo analysis to quantify variability. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify key factors contributing to heat loss. This is the first study to quantify the variability of the impact of heat loss from pipes into increased water (and hence energy) consumption in showers. Under Melbourne conditions, we predicted that heat loss from pipes contributes approximately 2 to 10 % in average shower hot water consumption. Longer pipes, smaller diameter, longer showers and longer intervals between showers were the primary factors driving additional hot water consumption. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global alumina production generates approximately 150–170 million tonnes of bauxite residue (BR), predominately landfilled. The cement industry is looking for new supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to replace additional clinker volumes and reduce their carbon footprint. Symbiosis between the alumina and cement industries presents an opportunity to conserve resources and produce low-carbon cements by thermally modifying BR into novel SCMs. This research uses the Horizon 2020 ReActiv project as a case study to evaluate the suitability of different modified BRs for use as SCMs using evidence from project documentation and participant observations from progress meetings. It also explores symbiotic business model configurations between alumina and cement industries through semi-structured interviews with ReActiv project participants. Results indicate that thermal modification of BR significantly increases its cementitious value, and should optimally be carried out in alumina plants, with the cement industry then grinding and mixing the resulting SCM with other cement components. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]