Search Results (3,572)

Systems for reusing packaging (e.g., refillable bottles for laundry detergent) have the potential to reduce plastic waste and lower the environmental impact of delivering products to consumers. However, despite the potential of reusable packaging, uptake of reuse systems is typically low and so the present research investigated whether informing consumers about these benefits increases their willingness to engage with reuse systems. A total of 969 participants were asked to imagine buying consumer products, such as laundry detergent in refillable bottles, and were then randomly allocated to either receive information on the potential environmental benefit of (i) their using the scheme, (ii) the scheme as a whole, or (iii) no information. The findings suggested that the information increased consumers’ awareness of the environmental impact of reuse systems but did not increase their willingness to use such systems. This finding underscores the need for strategies that go beyond mere dissemination of information, to circumvent obstacles that prevent willing consumers from enacting desirable behaviours. Full article

In recent years, wastewater reuse has become crucial for addressing global freshwater scarcity and promoting sustainable water resource development. Accurate inflow volume predictions are essential for enhancing operational efficiency in water treatment facilities and effective wastewater utilization. Traditional and decomposition integration models often struggle with non-stationary time series, particularly in peak and anomaly sensitivity. To address this challenge, a differential decomposition integration model based on real-time rolling forecasts has been developed. This model uses an initial prediction with a machine learning (ML) model, followed by differential decomposition using Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN). A Time-Aware Outlier-Sensitive Transformer (TS-Transformer) is then applied for integrated predictions. The ML-CEEMDAN-TSTF model demonstrated superior accuracy compared to basic ML models, decomposition integration models, and other Transformer-based models. This hybrid model explicitly incorporates time-scale differentiated information as a feature, improving the model’s adaptability to complex environmental data and predictive performance. The TS-Transformer was designed to make the model more sensitive to anomalies and peaks in time series, addressing issues such as anomalous data, uncertainty in water volume data, and suboptimal forecasting accuracy. The results indicated that: (1) the introduction of time-scale differentiated information significantly enhanced model accuracy; (2) ML-CEEMDAN-TSTF demonstrated higher accuracy compared to ML-CEEMDAN-Transformer; (3) the TS-Transformer-based decomposition integration model consistently outperformed those based on LSTM and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Consequently, this research provides a precise and robust method for predicting reclaimed water volumes, which holds significant implications for research on clean water and water environment management. Full article

This study investigated the psychological constructs related to ocean conservation among visitors to a marine mammal park in Portugal. A survey was conducted with 335 adult visitors, assessing value orientations, awareness of ocean vulnerability, attribution of responsibility, personal norms, and behavioral intentions towards ocean conservation. The results revealed two distinct attitudinal profiles among the visitors. ‘Anthropocentric visitors’ prioritize human interests over environmental concerns, along with heightened awareness of the ocean’s vulnerability and greater ascription of responsibility to humans for environmental problems. ‘Ecocentric visitors’ recognize the intrinsic worth of nature, reporting deeper awareness of the consequences of environmental issues on the ocean, more robust personal norms centered on moral obligations towards conservation and higher behavioral intentions to support ocean conservation. Compared to whale-watching tourists from a previous study, the zoo visitors exhibited more polarized anthropocentric and ecocentric profiles, suggesting the whale-watching tourists fell somewhere between the two zoo visitor profiles in their psychological orientations. These contrasting profiles emphasize the heterogeneity in environmental attitudes and highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to resonate with the distinct psychological motivations of different audience segments. Institutions like zoos can play a vital role in shaping public attitudes through targeted communication strategies aligned with visitors’ unique value systems and beliefs. Full article

Robots assist emergency responders by collecting critical information remotely. Deploying multiple cooperative unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for a response can reduce the response time, improve situational awareness, and minimize costs. Reliable communication is critical for multiple UGVs for environmental response because multiple robots need to share information for cooperative navigation and data collection. In this work, we investigate a control policy for optimal communication among multiple UGVs and base stations (BSs). A multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) algorithm is proposed to update the control policy for the maximum signal-to-interference ratio. The UGVs communicate with both the fixed BSs and a mobile BS. The proposed control policy can navigate the UGVs and mobile BS to optimize communication and signal strength. Finally, a genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to optimize the hyperparameters of the MADDPG-based training. Simulation results demonstrate the computational efficiency and robustness of the GA-based MADDPG algorithm for the control of multiple UGVs. Full article

Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen significant growth due to the increasing awareness about environmental concerns and the negative impacts of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). The electric vehicle landscape is rapidly evolving, with EV policies, battery, and charging infrastructure and electric vehicle-to-everything (V2X) at its forefront. This review study used a bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database to investigate the development of EV technology. This bibliometric study specifically focuses on analyzing electric vehicle trends, policy implications, lithium-ion batteries, EV battery management systems, charging infrastructure, EV smart charging technologies, and V2X. Through this detailed bibliometric analysis discussion, we aim to provide a better understanding of holistic EV technology and inspire further research in electric vehicles. The analysis covers the period from 1990 to 2022. This bibliometric analysis underscores the interplay of electric vehicle policies, technology, and infrastructure, specifically focusing on developments in battery management and the possibility of V2X technology. In addition, this bibliometric analysis suggests the synchronization of international electric vehicle policy, advancement of battery technology, and promotion of the use of EV smart charging and V2X systems. This bibliometric analysis emphasizes that the expansion of EVs and sustainable mobility relies on a comprehensive strategy that encompasses policy, technology, and infrastructure. This bibliometric analysis recommends fostering collaboration between different sectors to drive innovation and advancements in electric vehicle technology. Full article

Recently, there has been a significant transition in the dietary preferences of consumers toward foods containing health-promoting compounds. In addition, as people’s environmental awareness increases, they are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions. Palm oil, an oil used extensively by the food industry, does not fit these criteria. This study investigated the development of a complex oil blend consisting of commonly used vegetable oils such as corn, rapeseed, sunflower, and palm oil. The aim was to find the optimal blended oil and compare this combination with palm oil in terms of its oxidative stability, antioxidant capacity, and the composition of bioactive compounds (i.e., fatty acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids). Palm oil was found to have greater oxidative stability as a result of its increased concentration of saturated fatty acids. The optimal blended oil, which consisted of corn and rapeseed oil at a ratio of 4:3 w/w, inhibited the superior antioxidant activity, showing a ~33% increase in DPPH^• inhibition activity. ATR-FTIR spectra further verified the existence of a significant quantity of saturated fatty acids in palm oil and unsaturated fatty acids in the blended oil. Finally, several correlation analyses revealed interesting connections between oil samples and investigated parameters. This work has the potential to establish a basis for the mass production of oil blends that possess high concentrations of antioxidant compounds and reduce the use of palm oil. Full article

Passivhaus (PH) has gained global recognition for its energy-efficient features despite a 5% to 10% higher construction cost than traditional houses, especially within European countries. However, its adoption and popularity have not met the same fate in other countries like New Zealand. The higher upfront cost has been critical to the slow adoption of the PH movement in New Zealand. This study aimed to demystify the mist around the cost of PHs with a focus on the effects of drivers and barriers on their life cycle costs (LCCs). As such, a systematic literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cost implications associated with PH. Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) review method, we examined 71 past studies on PHs from 2005 to 2023. We found that the drivers of PHs include reduced heating demand, increased thermal comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ). Research showed that the rising market for PHs is fueled by climate change, environmental awareness, innovative materials and technologies, individual commitment, improved regulations, pilot studies, research efforts, and governmental funding and initiatives. However, PHs face significant challenges such as increased complexity, advanced technology, higher initial investments compared to conventional and low-energy houses, national requirements, overheating, difficulties in affording the technologies, and a lack of options in the market. Despite the wealth of research on the economic aspects of PH, there is a lack of in-depth studies exploring the LCC of PHs focusing on cost commitments and benefits. Such studies are essential for assessing and optimising the cost-effectiveness of PH, considering different climates and regions, and comparing them with other low energy standards. The findings of our review provide a crucial focus for PH stakeholders in assessing the long-term financial viability of PH projects, thereby improving decision-making and facilitating effective planning for sustainable and cost-effective housing. Full article

The effects of exposure to environmental pollutants on neurological processes are of increasing concern due to their potential to induce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Considering that many industries are currently using different types of plastics as raw materials, packaging, or distribution pipes, microplastics (MPs) have become one of the biggest threats to the environment and human health. These consequences have led to the need to raise the awareness regarding MPs negative neurological effects and implication in neuropsychiatric pathologies, such as schizophrenia. The study aims to use three zebrafish models of schizophrenia obtained by exposure to ketamine (Ket), methionine (Met), and their combination to investigate the effects of MP exposure on various nervous system structures and the possible interactions with oxidative stress. The results showed that MPs can interact with ketamine and methionine, increasing the severity and frequency of optic tectum lesions, while co-exposure (MP+Met+Ket) resulted in attenuated effects. Regarding oxidative status, we found that all exposure formulations led to oxidative stress, changes in antioxidant defense mechanisms, or compensatory responses to oxidative damage. Met exposure induced structural changes such as necrosis and edema, while paradoxically activating periventricular cell proliferation. Taken together, these findings highlight the complex interplay between environmental pollutants and neurotoxicants in modulating neurotoxicity. Full article

Organizations committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint depend largely on the pro-environmental performance of their employees. This study investigates how environmentally specific transformational leadership (ESTL) shapes employee pro-environmental performance, as well as the mediating role of employee environmental awareness and the boundary condition of emotional exhaustion at work. Data were collected from 264 participants across three waves. The findings reveal that ESTL exerts a positive influence on employee environmental awareness, which in turn enhances pro-environmental performance. Additionally, the positive indirect effect of ESTL on pro-environmental performance through environmental awareness is moderated by emotional exhaustion, being stronger when the emotional exhaustion level is low. These findings highlight the critical role of leadership in fostering environmental sustainability within organizations and the importance of considering employee psychological well-being in the process. Our research contributes to the understanding of how specific leadership behaviors can drive pro-environmental actions in the workplace, offering practical implications for organizational leaders aiming to enhance environmental performance. Full article

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are broadly implicated in the developmental programs of most tissues. Amongst these tissues, skeletal muscle and adipose are noteworthy for being essential in establishing systemic metabolic balance. TRP channels respond to environmental stimuli by supplying intracellular calcium that instigates enzymatic cascades of developmental consequence and often impinge on mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Critically, aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGAs) have been shown to block the capacity of TRP channels to conduct calcium entry into the cell in response to a wide range of developmental stimuli of a biophysical nature, including mechanical, electromagnetic, thermal, and chemical. Paradoxically, in vitro paradigms commonly used to understand organismal muscle and adipose development may have been led astray by the conventional use of streptomycin, an AGA, to help prevent bacterial contamination. Accordingly, streptomycin has been shown to disrupt both in vitro and in vivo myogenesis, as well as the phenotypic switch of white adipose into beige thermogenic status. In vivo, streptomycin has been shown to disrupt TRP-mediated calcium-dependent exercise adaptations of importance to systemic metabolism. Alternatively, streptomycin has also been used to curb detrimental levels of calcium leakage into dystrophic skeletal muscle through aberrantly gated TRPC1 channels that have been shown to be involved in the etiology of X-linked muscular dystrophies. TRP channels susceptible to AGA antagonism are critically involved in modulating the development of muscle and adipose tissues that, if administered to behaving animals, may translate to systemwide metabolic disruption. Regenerative medicine and clinical communities need to be made aware of this caveat of AGA usage and seek viable alternatives, to prevent contamination or infection in in vitro and in vivo paradigms, respectively. Full article

The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationships between energy consumption in agriculture from renewable and non-renewable sources and the production levels in the agricultural sector across European Union countries. Additionally, this study aims to identify countries that differ in the development of their agricultural sector in terms of environmental care and to highlight the causes and consequences of these identified disparities. The classification of countries was conducted using the Principal Component Analysis method and a biplot. Panel data for the period 2000–2022, a VAR model, the impulse response function (IRF), and causality tests were used for this study. The results indicate two distinct groups of countries that significantly differ in adopting green agricultural practices. Only seven EU countries stand out for sustainable agriculture with low pesticide use, a significant share of organic farms, and high use of renewable energy in agriculture. Energy consumption affects agricultural production differently in the two groups of countries studied: in countries with sustainable agriculture, an increase in renewable energy consumption translates into a positive increase in agricultural production. On the other hand, an increase in non-renewable energy consumption shows a dampening effect on agricultural production growth, especially in countries with less sustainable agriculture. The results of this study highlight the need to promote renewable energy development in agriculture and raise awareness about the adverse environmental effects of intensive agriculture while emphasising the positive impact of organic agriculture on agricultural production. Full article

Material optimization was one of the challenges for achieving cost-competitive solutions when concrete was introduced in construction, leading to new structural shapes for both civil works and buildings. As concrete construction became dominant, saving material was given less significance, and the selection of the structural typology was mostly influenced by construction or architectural considerations. Simple and non-time-consuming methods for building thus arose as the dominant criteria for design, and this led to the construction of less efficient structures. Currently, the awareness of the environmental footprint in concrete construction has brought the focus again to the topic of structural efficiency and material optimization. In addition, knowledge of material technology is pushing the use of cements and binders with lower environmental impact. Within this framework, Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) has been identified as a promising evolution of ordinary concrete construction. In this paper, a discussion is presented on the structural properties required for efficient design, focusing on the toughness and deformation capacity of the material. By means of several examples, the benefits and potential application of limit analysis to design at the Ultimate Limit State with FRC are shown. On this basis, the environmental impact of a tailored mix design and structural typology is investigated for the case of slabs in buildings, showing the significant impact that might be expected (potentially reducing CO₂-eq emissions to half or even less in slabs when compared to ordinary solutions). Full article

Data centers consume significant amounts of energy, contributing indirectly to environmental pollution through greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, information and communication technologies and networks account for roughly 10% of global energy consumption. Reducing power consumption in Data Center Networks (DCNs) is crucial, especially given that many data center components operate at full capacity even under low traffic conditions, resulting in high costs for both service providers and consumers. Current solutions often prioritize power optimization without considering Quality of Service (QoS). Services such as video streaming and Voice over IP (VoIP) are particularly sensitive to loss or delay and require QoS to be maintained below certain thresholds. This paper introduces a novel framework called QoS-Aware Power-Optimized Path Selection (Q-PoPS) for software-defined DCNs. The objective of Q-PoPS is to minimize DCN power consumption while ensuring that an acceptable QoS is provided, meeting the requirements of DCN services. This paper describes the implementation of a prototype for the Q-PoPS framework that leverages the POX Software-Defined Networking (SDN) controller. The performance of the prototype is evaluated using the Mininet emulator. Our findings demonstrate the performance of the proposed Q-PoPS algorithm in three scenarios. Best-case: Enhancing real-time traffic protocol quality without increasing power consumption. midrange-case: Replacing bottleneck links while preserving real-time traffic quality. Worst-case: Identifying new paths that may increase power consumption but maintain real-time traffic quality. This paper underscores the need for a holistic approach to DCN management, optimizing both power consumption and QoS for critical real-time applications. We present the Q-PoPS framework as evidence that such an approach is achievable. Full article

With growing awareness of the environmental, economic, and social costs associated with food waste, there is a concerted effort on multiple scales to recover the nutrient value of discarded food. These developments are positive, but the rapid movement toward alternatives and the complexity of solving problems located at the intersection of economic, social, and environmental systems also have the potential to produce unanticipated risks. This paper draws upon long-term stakeholder-engaged research throughout New England, with a focus on Maine, to develop a transdisciplinary, systems-based model of the potential social, economic, and environmental risks of food waste nutrient cycling. Our effort is intended to help inform the creation of safe, functional, and environmentally benign circular food systems. Full article

This study seeks to provide guidance on how top-down greenhouse gas emission reduction targets (GHG ERTs), deriving, for example, from corporate decarbonization strategies, can be translated into quantifiable targets for component measures. Furthermore, it shows how these targets need to be adjusted during the development process to account for parameter uncertainties resulting from the lack of data availability and validity in the early design stage. The scope of the analysis focuses on ecological measure magnitude (EMM) targets for mass reduction and the content of recycled material. The study is split into two sections: The first section introduces a method on how to calculate EMMs based on a partial carbon footprint assessment (CFPA). The second and main section elaborates on an analysis of how parameter uncertainties in the CFPA influence initially defined EMM targets by using perturbation analysis. In the presented paper, the method is applied exemplarily to an automotive component in an internal combustion engine vehicle. The study shows that a parameter uncertainty in the environmental impact of the mass-induced use phase or the primary material production (and semi-finished product provision) has a significant influence on the required EMMs. In the authors’ opinion, this study can increase the awareness of how CFPA parameter uncertainties can affect the credibility of EMM development targets. The used approach can help designers and engineers to minimize the risk of a non-fulfillment of GHG emission-related development targets. Full article