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Topic Review
Energy Efficiency
The importance and urgency of energy efficiency in sustainable development are increasing. Patterson [3] first proposed the concept of energy efficiency, considering that it means using fewer resources at the same output, and gave four indicators of energy efficiency measurement. According to this definition, the indicators that measure energy efficiency can be divided into economic energy efficiency and physical energy efficiency. In order to measure energy efficiency more accurately, many scholars have studied the measurement of energy efficiency. Among them, Hu and Wang [4] proposed the concept of total factor energy efficiency (TFEE), which was widely recognized.The TFEE index incorporates energy, labor, and capital into the input system to generate economic output. Energy efficiency is defined as the ratio of target energy input to actual energy input. As a total factor efficiency assessment method, DEA method can better deal with the efficiency evaluation of decision-making units under the complicated situation of multiple inputs–outputs, it has been widely used to study energy efficiency.
  • 2.4K
  • 28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Foams in Wastewater Treatment Plants
The formation of persistent foams can be a critical problem in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as it could lead to a series of operational problems, especially the reduction of the overall system performance. To date, the effects of foaming in the WWTPs are a problem that is currently very common and shared, but which to date is treated mainly only at the management level and still too little studied through a globally shared scientific method: the complexity of the phenomenon and the systems have led to numerous partially contradictory descriptions and hypotheses over the years. The goal must be to suggest future research directions and indicate promising strategies to prevent or control the formation of foams in WWTPs. This study examines and investigates the problem of foams by a methodological approach of research through a review on the state of the art: the factors influencing the formation of foams are described first (such as surfactants and/or extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs)), then the known methods for the evaluation of foaming, both direct and indirect, are presented, with the aim of identifying the correct and best (from the management point of view) control and/or prevention strategies to be applied in the future in WWTPs.
  • 2.4K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
High-Performance Computing in Meteorology
High-performance computing (HPC) enables atmospheric scientists to better predict weather and climate because it allows them to develop numerical atmospheric models with higher spatial resolutions and more detailed physical processes. 
  • 2.4K
  • 17 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Media Coverage of Global Warming
Media coverage of global warming has had effects on public opinion on climate change, as it mediates the scientific opinion on climate change that the global temperature has increased in recent decades and that the trend is mainly caused by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases. Almost all scientific bodies of national or international standing agree with this view, although a few organisations hold non-committal positions. Climate change communication research frequently studies the effectiveness of that media. Some researchers and journalists believe that media coverage of political issues is adequate and fair, while a few feel that it is biased. However, most studies on media coverage of the topic are neither recent nor concerned with coverage of environmental issues. Moreover, they are only rarely concerned specifically with the question of bias. Despite recent trends in increased coverage on climate change, media coverage is not constant, and researchers wonder if the current increase in attention will be sustained.
  • 2.3K
  • 11 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Ionic and Excited Species
Experimental and theoretical studies of either characterization and reactivity of ionic and excited species with atoms, molecules, and radicals of interest in the chemistry of plasmas and energy production. Single and ionized species with single or multiple charge (H+, He+, H3+, HCO+, H3O+, He22+, CO22+, etc.), excited atoms and molecules (e.g. O(1D), N(2D), H*(2s2S1/2), He*(21,3S0,1), N2*(A3Σu+), etc.) play a crucial role in various important chemical systems such as flames (i.e. chemi-ionizations), natural plasmas (i.e. planetary ionospheres, comet tails and interstellar clouds), and biological environments (e.g. damaged biological tissues via the interaction between ionizing radiation and living cells). Such processes are very interesting from a fundamental point of view in Physical Chemistry and attracted the attention of a wide scientific community, since many applications to important fields: radiation chemistry, plasma physics and chemistry, combustion processes, development of laser sources. In particular, the conversion of waste carbon dioxide via assisted plasma technology gained recently increasing interest due to the possibility of obtaining value-added products, like gaseous or liquid fuels. Such characteristics make this an encouraging strategy for the storage of electrical energy from renewable sources into chemical energy in a circular economy scheme.
  • 2.3K
  • 01 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Rangelands Livestock Production Systems
Rangelands as referred to herein can be defined as uncultivated lands that provide multiple ecosystem services for society, sustain habitat for grazing and browsing animals, and support the livelihoods of pastoralists and ranchers [1][2]. Under this definition rangelands comprise up to 70% of the world’s land area and include natural grasslands, deserts, temperate forests, and tropical forests [1]. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) released into the lower atmosphere mainly by the burning of fossil fuels and other anthropogenic activities have caused the earth’s temperature to rise by 1 °C since the 1860s [3][4]. If GHG emissions continue to rise, an increase in global temperature up to 3 to 5 °C is projected by the end of this century [4]. Extreme weather events are already increasing in frequency and severity in the US and globally [3][4][5]. Global concern is growing over the possibility that eventual irreversible, catastrophic climate change will result in massive loss of human livelihoods and mortality through adverse impacts on food production systems over both croplands and rangelands [3][4][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].
  • 2.3K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
The Honey Bee Apis mellifera
The honey bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus (1758) provides many benefits to humans and ecosystems. This species is an important pollinator in natural environments, which may help to preserve and restore the biodiversity of wild plants. On the other hand, pollination in agro-ecosystems by managed honey bee colonies may enhance crop yield and quality, meeting the increasing food demand. Beekeeping is also a high-valued and income-generating activity, which provides humans with honey as high-quality food as well as substances used as raw materials and in pharmaceuticals. In addition, the honey bee and its products are valuable bioindicators and bioaccumulators of environmental pollution: they provide valuable information on the impact of human activities, enabling the implementation of measures to mitigate risks to human and ecosystem health. The honey bee is also linked to many cultural ecosystem services and has a longstanding tradition in human culture, mysticism, and religion. Its popularity may be therefore used for educational purposes and to raise public awareness of important issues, such as the conservation of pollinator habitats and biodiversity.
  • 2.3K
  • 22 Jun 2022
Topic Review
The Great Global Warming Swindle
The Great Global Warming Swindle is a polemical documentary film that suggests that the scientific opinion on climate change is influenced by funding and political factors, and denies the existence of a scientific consensus about the reality and causes global warming. The program was formally criticised by Ofcom, the UK broadcasting regulatory agency, which upheld complaints of misrepresentation made by David King. The film, made by British television producer Martin Durkin, presents scientists, economists, politicians, writers, and others who dispute the scientific consensus regarding anthropogenic global warming. The programme's publicity materials assert that man-made global warming is "a lie" and "the biggest scam of modern times." Its original working title was "Apocalypse my arse", but the title The Great Global Warming Swindle was later adopted as an allusion to the 1980 mockumentary The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle about British punk band the Sex Pistols. The UK's Channel 4 premiered the documentary on 8 March 2007. The channel described the film as "a polemic that drew together the well-documented views of a number of respected scientists to reach the same conclusions. This is a controversial film but we feel that it is important that all sides of the debate are aired." According to Hamish Mykura, Channel 4's head of documentaries, the film was commissioned "to present the viewpoint of the small minority of scientists who do not believe global warming is caused by anthropogenic production of carbon dioxide." Although the documentary was welcomed by global warming deniers, it was criticised by scientific organisations and individual scientists (including one of the scientists interviewed in the film and one whose research was used to support the film's claims). The film's critics argued that it had misused and fabricated data, relied on out-of-date research, employed misleading arguments, and misrepresented the position of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Later broadcasts corrected three errors in the original film.
  • 2.3K
  • 14 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Food Packaging
Demand for food packaging is on the rise as a result of increasing global demand for food due to population growth. Most of the food packaging are used on-the-go and are single-use plastics that are disposed of within a short space of time. The bulk of this plastic waste has found its way into the environment contaminating land, water and the food chain. The food industry is encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging materials. 
  • 2.3K
  • 09 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Enzyme-Mediated Wastewater Remediation
Several additional treatments that could potentially supplement existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to eliminate pollutants include a range of physicochemical and biological methods. The use of enzymes, specifically, oxidoreductases, are increasingly being studied for their ability to degrade different classes of organic compounds. These enzymes have been immobilized on different supports to promote their adoption as a cost-effective and recyclable remediation approach. Unfortunately, some of these techniques have shown a negative effect on the enzyme, including denaturation and loss of catalytic activity.
  • 2.3K
  • 02 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Education for Sustainable Development in Teacher Education
Teachers play a crucial role in supporting the development of students’ environmental knowledge and skills for responding to environmental change. Education for sustainable development (ESD) involves holistic, transformational and lifelong learning processes that aim to enhance the cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural dimensions of learning.
  • 2.3K
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Removal of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances by Novel Membranes
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic chemicals consisting of thousands of individual species. PFAS consists of a fully or partly fluorinated carbon–fluorine bond, which is hard to break and requires a high amount of energy (536 kJ/mole). Resulting from their unique hydrophobic/oleophobic nature and their chemical and mechanical stability, they are highly resistant to thermal, chemical, and biological degradation. To date, membrane technology is one of the effective process, which can remove PFAS from wastewater. Moreover, there are very few novel membrane approaches have been reported effective in removing and destroying PFAS.
  • 2.3K
  • 08 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Heavy Metals Removal from Contaminated Soil by Phytoremediation
Pollution from heavy metals is one of the significant environmental concerns facing the world today. Human activities, such as mining, farming, and manufacturing plant operations, can allow them access to the environment. Heavy metals polluting soil can harm crops, change the food chain, and endanger human health. Thus, the overarching goal for humans and the environment should be the avoidance of soil contamination by heavy metals. Heavy metals persistently present in the soil can be absorbed by plant tissues, enter the biosphere, and accumulate in the trophic levels of the food chain. The removal of heavy metals from contaminated soil can be accomplished using various physical, synthetic, and natural remediation techniques (both in situ and ex situ). The most controllable (affordable and eco-friendly) method among these is phytoremediation. The removal of heavy metal defilements can be accomplished using phytoremediation techniques, including phytoextraction, phytovolatilization, phytostabilization, and phytofiltration.
  • 2.3K
  • 21 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Metabolic and Physiological Adaptations with Opuntia
Adapting our food production chain and increasing the flora and fauna’s livelihood in climate change-affected areas using Opuntia is not only theoretical but already exists in practice in many places. This cactus grows in unsuitable soil for most species as it is adapted to arid and semi-arid soils and hot weather. In these regions, Opuntia protects from erosion and contributes to soil health. Opuntia has a high potential as an invasive species, with caution always being recommended when dealing with this specie. The high content of specific compounds, such as proline, indicaxanthin, and betanin, found in Opuntia ficus-indica, influence the plant’s adaptation to unfavourable conditions.
  • 2.3K
  • 24 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Pesticide Residues in Peppers
Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control pests such as insects, fungi, and weeds. Pesticide residues can remain on crops after application. Peppers are popular and versatile foods that are valued for their flavor, nutrition, and medicinal properties. The consumption of raw or fresh peppers (bell and chili) can have important health benefits due to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Therefore, it is crucial to consider factors such as pesticide use and preparation methods to fully realize these benefits. 
  • 2.3K
  • 02 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Brazil’s Formal E-Waste Recycling System
Disruptive innovation has led to the increased obsolescence and accelerated replacement of electrical and electronic equipment, resulting in the rapid growth of waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) worldwide. However, amidst the challenges in e-waste management, the recovery of secondary raw materials from e-waste presents an attractive business opportunity.
  • 2.3K
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Silica’s Impact on Concrete Properties in Civil Engineering
Microsilica, a by-product of silicon or ferrosilicon production. Widely utilized within the construction industry, microsilica serves as a modifying component in concrete production, leveraging its chemical composition and physical attributes as a highly active pozzolan. Natural additives encompass crushed volcanic and sedimentary rocks, diatomites, volcanic ash, and tuff. Within technogenic additives lie waste or by-products from various industries, such as fly ash, granulated blast furnace slag, and microsilica.
  • 2.3K
  • 11 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Solid Waste Management in Togo
Waste and resource management in Togo is expected to become more difficult due to increasing socioeconomic development, industrialization, and renewable energy investments. Although there are numerous elements that affect waste and resource management, legislation and policy frameworks are essential.
  • 2.3K
  • 21 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Energiewende
The Energiewende (pronounced [ʔenɛʁˈɡiːˌvɛndə] (listen); German for '"energy transition"') is the ongoing transition by Germany to a low carbon, environmentally sound, reliable, and affordable energy supply. :4 The new system intends to rely heavily on renewable energy (particularly wind, photovoltaics, and hydroelectricity), energy efficiency, and energy demand management. Most if not all existing coal-fired generation are intended to be retired. Legislative support for the Energiewende was passed in late 2010 and included greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 80–95% by 2050 (relative to 1990) and a renewable energy target of 60% by 2050. Germany has already made significant progress on its GHG emissions reduction target prior to the introduction of the program, achieving a 27% decrease between 1990 and 2014. However the country would need to maintain an average GHG emissions abatement rate of 3.5% per year to reach its Energiewende goal, equal to the maximum historical value thus far. A controversial part of the program was the phasing out Germany's fleet of nuclear reactors, to be complete by 2022 with the aim of reaching a 100% renewable energy system and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. While the nuclear plants shutdown was mostly completed, they however were largely replaced by fossil gas and coal and most of the 2020 goals of the program were failed. A study found that if Germany had postponed the nuclear phase out and phased out coal first it could have saved 1,100 lives and $12 billion in social costs per year. Another article claims that Germany could have already phased out fossil fuels if it had chosen to invest in nuclear instead of renewable energy.
  • 2.3K
  • 31 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Effects of Environmental Changes in the Amazon Region
Environmental changes caused by human activities alter the water, energy, and carbon cycles in the Amazon region. This has resulted in biological changes across several plant species, some of which are used in both regional and global trade and represent important sources of food and income for people. Reports from local people and scientific studies point to the effects of deforestation, forest degradation, and climate change on native plant species. Indeed, people who are typically dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services are the most threatened by plant species productivity and geographical distribution changes. However, there is a lack of scientific literature concerning the effects of environmental changes on plant species and forest-dependent communities in the Amazon region.
  • 2.3K
  • 28 Mar 2022
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