Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Else F. de Ridder, Herman J. Friedericy, Anne C. van der Eijk, Jenny Dankelman, Frank Willem Jansen
Summary: This study introduces a new method, the Healthcare Sustainability Mode and Effect Analysis (HSMEA), to effectively improve the environmental impact of operating rooms. By adapting a proven risk analysis tool, the HSMEA systematically evaluates the environmental impact of surgical waste and provides solutions for improvement. The application of the HSMEA to caesarean sections resulted in a significant reduction in waste volume and carbon footprint.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Youngsun Kwon, Kyunghoon Choi, Yong-Chul Jang
Summary: This study estimated the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Seoul. The results showed that in 2021, Seoul incinerated 741 kt/yr of combustible waste, resulting in 545 kt CO2 eq emissions, which was 7.5 times higher than in 2000. Plastic waste was the dominant contributor to GHG emissions. Scenario analysis indicated that waste reduction and increased recycling rate could significantly reduce GHG emissions from incineration.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Myung Kyu Choi, Jang-Hyun Kang, Young-Sam Yoon, Heung-Min Yoo, Hang Seok Choi
Summary: With the increasing numbers and operation capacities of incineration facilities in South Korea, it is necessary to establish measurements for enhanced recycling and circularity of incineration ash (IA). This study compiled discharge data, survey results, and literature survey values to establish a database of hazardous substances in IA. Leaching reduction efficiency of various pre-treatment methods was considered to assess the recycling potential of IA. Particularly, after melting, 98.2% of bottom ash and 49.0% of fly ash satisfied the IA recycling criteria. Additionally, when mixed with natural soil at a ratio of approximately 78:22, the resulting material met the heavy metal content criteria for media-contact recycling according to the Soil Environment Conservation Act.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuhe Shi, Yun Lin, Songyi Wang, Haolin Wen, Ming K. Lim, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: This study designed a circular symbiosis network for express packaging waste (EPW) recycling based on urban symbiosis strategy. An optimization model with multi-depot collaboration and a hybrid non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) were developed to assess the economic and environmental benefits of the network. The results show that the designed circular symbiosis option has better resource saving and carbon footprint reduction potential than other options.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Akshat Sudheshwar, Nadia Malinverno, Roland Hischier, Bernd Nowack, Claudia Som
Summary: This study compares conventional printed circuit boards with paper-based printed electronics and assesses the importance of e-waste recycling for the sustainability of the latter. The results show that printed electronics have a sustainability advantage through the recycling of silver. Therefore, design-for-recycling and e-waste recycling are crucial for the sustainability of current printed electronics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alzira Xavier Garces Paixao Pereira, Celia Dias-Ferreira
Summary: The waste management of clinical analysis laboratories in Sao Tome and Principe is inadequate, posing potential risks to human health and the environment. Measures need to be taken to address these issues.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guang Yang, Qian Zhang, Zhilan Zhao, Chuanbin Zhou
Summary: The Zero-waste City program and carbon peak plan are important environmental strategies in China. A study was conducted in Ningbo city, one of the demonstration Zero-waste Cities, to analyze the carbon footprint of the solid waste management system. The results showed that waste minimization and recycling are effective measures for carbon footprint reduction, with a potential reduction of at least 5771.5 Gg CO2_eq by implementing the Zero-waste City strategy by 2025.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Isabella Bianco, Deborah Panepinto, Mariachiara Zanetti
Summary: This study investigates the environmental impacts of two common scenarios of end-of-life tyre treatments, using the standardised methodology of Life Cycle Assessment. Results show that material recovery presents higher environmental benefits compared with energy recovery in most impact categories analysed.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas C. Kinnaman, Masashi Yamamoto
Summary: Despite public efforts, recycling rates in mature recycling programs have stagnated due to the rapid growth in incineration. This paper introduces a model to understand the uncertain relationship between incineration and recycling, which appears to be both positive and negative based on data from individual countries. Contrary to previous literature, an econometric model finds a statistically insignificant negative effect of incineration on recycling rates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Jonathan Rubio Arias, Elaine Barnard, Wim Thielemans
Summary: Mixed plastic waste-streams pose a challenge to polymer recycling, but this study demonstrates the potential of chemical recycling to selectively depolymerize and separate specific polymers such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with high energy efficiency.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jian Li Hao, Wenting Ma
Summary: The management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) from building energy retrofit (BER) projects in China has not been adequately studied. This study uses a system dynamics approach to evaluate and mitigate carbon emissions from CDW in a case study BER project in urban China. The results show that the carbon emissions from dismantling old components are higher than those from retrofit construction, and improving waste recycling, reducing CDW, and increasing waste-to-energy incineration can all contribute to carbon emissions reduction.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Stalin Joseph, Gopalan Saianand, Mercy R. Benzigar, Kavitha Ramadass, Gurwinder Singh, Anantha-Iyengar Gopalan, Jae Hun Yang, Toshiyuki Mori, Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb, Jiabao Yi, Ajayan Vinu
Summary: This article summarizes the recent research progress in the design and development of waste-derived advanced functionalized porous carbon materials, as well as discussing the methods and technologies used to synthesize these materials. The article highlights the potential applications of these materials in the fields of environment, energy storage, and conversion applications.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Jonas Dohmen, Meike Lessau, Michael Schmitz, Joerg C. Kalff
Summary: The German healthcare sector is a major contributor to the country's greenhouse gas emissions due to the large amount of waste generated by hospitals. However, this study shows that it is possible to recycle contaminated disposable surgical instruments, which can lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions and the loss of valuable resources. Nevertheless, the higher costs of recycling and the need for in-house decontamination pose challenges to implementing such projects.
ZENTRALBLATT FUR CHIRURGIE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Omer Farooq, Hassan Bilal, Liborio Cavaleri, Alamgir Khan
Summary: The construction industry faces challenges in managing solid waste produced during the extraction and production of building materials. Slurry waste from granite and marble processing industries is a significant part of the total solid waste and its improper disposal causes environmental damage. This study investigates the feasibility of using nonbiodegradable waste as partial replacements in blended mortar mixes. The results show that the substitution of certain waste materials enhances the compressive strength and affects the hydration process in the mortar mix.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinying Zhou, Yijie Zhai, Tianzuo Zhang, Ziheng Li, Ziyue Cheng, Changting Li, Tianshu Xu, Jinglan Hong
Summary: The commitment to waste management is growing in importance due to the increasing global waste generation and its threat to the environment. However, there is a lack of detailed assessments and insights on how to address the global waste utilization challenge. This study evaluated the impact of three waste recycling scenarios for waste rubber recycling from environmental and economic perspectives, identified key factors and nexus characteristics, and explored optimization measures. The results showed that the rubber powder as an asphalt modifier scenario had a higher environmental impact and economic cost compared to the pyrolysis and reclaimed rubber production scenarios. Key processes such as direct processes, electricity generation, and transportation were identified as major contributors to the environmental, carbon, and water footprints, while raw materials, equipment, and human health costs dominated the economic impact. The study highlighted the urgent need to optimize the energy system for waste rubber recycling and proposed various measures such as greening the production process and introducing a tax-subsidy mechanism to stimulate recycling-oriented product design.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Willeke G. Van der Plas-Krijgsman, Jenna L. Morgan, Nienke A. de Glas, Anna Z. de Boer, Charlene L. Martin, Geoffrey R. Holmes, Susan E. Ward, Tim Chater, Malcolm W. Reed, Jos W. S. Merkus, Thijs van Dalen, Annelie J. E. Vulink, Leander van Gerven, Onno R. Guicherit, Eugenie Linthorst-Niers, Titia E. Lans, Esther Bastiaannet, Johanneke E. A. Portielje, Gerrit Jan Liefers, Lynda Wyld
Summary: This study compared treatment and survival outcomes of older breast cancer patients between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The results showed comparable survival outcomes between the two countries despite differences in treatment allocation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chantelle Rizan, Tom Brophy, Robert Lillywhite, Malcom Reed, Mahmood F. Bhutta
Summary: This study evaluates the environmental impact and financial cost of repairing surgical scissors using life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis. The findings suggest that repairing surgical scissors can reduce carbon footprint and life cycle cost.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Daisy Neal, Jenna L. Morgan, Ross Kenny, Thomas Ormerod, Malcolm W. R. Reed
Summary: Despite guidelines to treat breast cancer patients 'irrespective of age', older women still experience differential treatment and worse outcomes, which may be related to age bias.
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
C. A. Brown, K. Badger, M. D. Reid, R. Westacott, M. Gurnell, M. W. R. Reed, G. Chamberlain, E. Hatfield, A. Sharif, A. H. Sam
Summary: This study investigated the impact of physical attributes (tattoos, purple hair, accent) of candidates on patient scoring. The results showed that candidates with tattoos and purple hair received higher scores from patients compared to candidates without physical attributes. Accent did not have an impact on the scoring.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daniel Opoku Mensah, Faustina Ofosua Mintah, Sylvia Adoma Oteng, Rob Lillywhite, Oyinlola Oyebode
Summary: This study found that university students in sub-Saharan African (SSA) setting are influenced by various motivations when it comes to increasing or reducing meat consumption in their diets. Factors such as health concerns, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability were not the primary considerations for them to change their dietary behavior. Instead, aspects like body weight/shape, meat as identity, pleasure, and joy, as well as meat-eating as part of socialization were more commonly driving increased meat consumption.
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Oloruntobi Rotimi, Adam Haymes, Isobel Dodds, Mahmood Bhutta
Summary: This study assessed the face, construct, and content validity of three different platforms for otoscopy skills assessment. The platforms included a traditional otoscope with a manikin, a digital otoscope with a manikin, and a traditional otoscope with a low-cost model ear. The results showed that each platform had different validity scores and there was no consistent best performing platform. Thematic analysis of expert assessor interviews identified three main themes: ability to assess what is seen, anatomical reality, and ease of use. The low-cost model showed the greatest potential with modifications to include a silicone ear.
CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chantelle Rizan, Robert Lillywhite, Malcom Reed, Mahmood F. Bhutta
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the carbon footprint of products used in five common surgical operations and identify the biggest contributors. The study found that single-use surgical items had the greatest carbon contribution, and changing practices to reduce the use of single-use items and switch to reusables, as well as optimizing cleaning and waste disposal processes, could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of these operations.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Social
Daisy Neal, Jenna L. Morgan, Thomas Ormerod, Malcolm W. R. Reed
Summary: Despite guidelines recommending surgery and systemic therapy for older patients with invasive breast cancer, age bias leads to differential treatment and poorer outcomes. This study investigates whether a novel bias training intervention can improve the quality of decision making for older women with breast cancer. Results show that the intervention leads to better decisions and efforts to involve patients in decision making, suggesting its potential application in improving outcomes for older patients in other medical practices.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOCIAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ratul Quddus, Jessica Banks, Jenna L. Morgan, Charlene Martin, Malcolm W. R. Reed, Stephen Walters, Kwok Leung Cheung, Annaliza Todd, Riccardo Audisio, Tracy Green, Deirdre Revell, Jacqui Gath, Kieran Horgan, Chris Holcombe, Rishi Parmeshwar, Alastair Thompson, L. Wyld
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yanjie Song, Graham Teakle, Robert Lillywhite
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of red/far-red light on postharvest quality in cherry tomato fruits and the mechanism of red/far-red light in regulating lycopene synthesis. Red/far-red light irradiation was found to inhibit weight loss and enhance color change during storage, and it also increased the levels of lycopene and beta-carotene compared to the control group. Overexpression of genes PSY, ZDS, and LCY-b was observed in fruits treated with red/far-red light during 33 days of storage. Analysis of genes involved in red/far-red light absorbance (PHYA and PHYB) and mediation (HY5 and PIF3), as well as fruit ripening (ACS2 and RIN), suggests that red/far-red light promotes lycopene accumulation through the phytochrome-mediated signaling pathway by inducing HY5.
Article
Education & Educational Research
R. Westacott, K. Badger, D. Kluth, M. Gurnell, M. W. R. Reed, A. H. Sam
Summary: This study used computer software to generate multiple item variants and assessed them with final year medical students in the UK. The results showed that there were significant differences in item facility, which may be related to different clinical reasoning strategies and school-level factors.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Amit Goyal, Cydney Bruce, Shabina Sadiq, Mickey Lewis, Alan Montgomery, G. Bruce Mann, Heath Badger, Kathryn Monson, Valerie Jenkins, Lesley Fallowfield, Malcolm Reed, David Dodwell, Patricia Fairbrother, Tara Homer, Luke Vale, Roeum Butt, Elizabeth Miles, Shelley Dowey, Lucy Matthews, Hugh Jarrett, Juliet Jackson, Arfan Ali
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Amir H. Sam, Chee Yeen Fung, Malcolm Reed, Elizabeth Hughes, Karim Meeran
Summary: This article examines the issues with the UK Foundation Programme allocation process and proposes improvements. The study found that the current allocation process creates competition, undermines the values of teamwork among medical students, and shows lower scores for ethnic minority students in the UK. Additionally, lower-ranked students are assigned to undersubscribed regions, exacerbating health inequality. The authors suggest implementing a preference-informed allocation process to improve support opportunities and retain trainees in underserved areas.
Article
Surgery
Chantelle Rizan, Rob Lillywhite, Malcolm Reed, Mahmood F. Bhutta
Summary: The study found that preparing instruments as sets, efficient machine loading, using low-carbon energy sources, and appropriate recycling can reduce the carbon footprint and financial costs of surgical instruments.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lars odegaard Bentsen, Narada Dilp Warakagoda, Roy Stenbro, Paal Engelstad
Summary: This study investigates uncertainty modeling in wind power forecasting using different parametric and non-parametric methods. Johnson's SU distribution is found to outperform Gaussian distributions in predicting wind power. This research contributes to the literature by introducing Johnson's SU distribution as a candidate for probabilistic wind forecasting.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xing Liu, Qiuchen Wang, Yunhao Wen, Long Li, Xinfang Zhang, Yi Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the characteristics of process parameters in three lean gas ethane recovery processes and establishes a prediction and multiobjective optimization model for ethane recovery and system energy consumption. A new method for comparing ethane recovery processes for lean gas is proposed, and the addition of extra coolers improves the ethane recovery. The support vector regression model based on grey wolf optimization demonstrates the highest prediction accuracy, and the multiobjective multiverse optimization algorithm shows the best optimization performance and diversity in the solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cairong Song, Haidong Yang, Xian-Bing Meng, Pan Yang, Jianyang Cai, Hao Bao, Kangkang Xu
Summary: The paper proposes a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, for accurate cooling load predictions. The framework utilizes a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network and a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism with a bidirectional long short-term memory network to capture both temporal and long-term dependencies in the cooling load sequences. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, which can serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhe Chen, Xiaojing Li, Xianli Xia, Jizhou Zhang
Summary: This study uses survey data from the Loess Plateau in China to evaluate the impact of social interaction on the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technology by farmers. The study finds that social interaction increases the likelihood of farmers adopting SWC, and internet use moderates this effect. The positive impact of social interaction on SWC adoption is more pronounced for farmers in larger villages and those who join cooperative societies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chenghua Zhang, Yunfei Yan, Kaiming Shen, Zongguo Xue, Jingxiang You, Yonghong Wu, Ziqiang He
Summary: This paper reports a novel method that significantly improves combustion performance, including heat transfer enhancement under steady-state conditions and adaptive stable flame regulation under velocity sudden increase.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
