Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luca Cozzarini, Lucia Marsich, Alessio Ferluga
Summary: This study investigates a lightweight thermal and acoustic insulation material made from a hydrogel-based mixture containing renewable biopolymer and fiberglass waste powders. The gel forms a 3D porous network after water removal, resulting in a lightweight material with good overall performance. The mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties of the material can be adjusted by varying the concentration of biopolymer and additives. It addresses environmental concerns by utilizing secondary raw sources and providing a solution for fiberglass waste disposal. Unlike mineral wools, it does not release fibers, which has significant human health benefits. It has the potential for various thermal and acoustic insulation applications in the construction and industrial sectors, with a positive environmental footprint.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Arnas Majumder, Maddalena Achenza, Costantino Carlo Mastino, Roberto Baccoli, Andrea Frattolillo
Summary: To reduce the environmental impact of construction, natural, recyclable, and sustainable materials are needed. Panels made from recycled jute fibers from coffee bean packaging and old mattresses, as well as panels made from a loofah-clay mix, were studied. The thermal conductivity of jute fiber panels falls within the range of wool fiber panels with similar density, and within the lower range of jute-polyester-polypropylene sandwich composite panels. The density of clay products, which affects their performance, depends on the percentage of binder used.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jackson G. Lu, Peter Jin, Alexander S. English
Summary: Research shows that individuals with a collectivist cultural orientation are more likely to use masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, a trend observed in various US states and globally. This suggests that culture plays a crucial role in shaping how people respond to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Harikrishnan Pulikkalparambil, Debabrata Nandi, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Sreelakshmi Prasanth, Suchart Siengchin
Summary: This study explores a simple and innovative technique to recycle discarded masks into composites with higher mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties, which can be used in packaging materials and cutleries.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luca Cozzarini, Lorenzo De Lorenzi, Nicolo Barago, Orfeo Sbaizero, Paolo Bevilacqua
Summary: The production of glass foams from recycled glass and textile waste is demonstrated. By varying the process temperature and time, foams with acceptable thermal and acoustic insulation properties are obtained. The use of secondary raw materials reduces the energy consumption and environmental footprint, making these foams competitive in terms of sustainability.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Mingrui Liao, Huayang Liu, Xi Wang, Xuzhi Hu, Yuhao Huang, Xuqing Liu, Keith Brenan, Jared Mecha, Mahesan Nirmalan, Jian Ren Lu
Summary: Many countries recommend social distancing, hand hygiene, and face mask wearing to prevent COVID-19 infection, but the adoption of face masks is not widespread. Face masks can block virus-carrying particles through colloid and interface science. This paper assesses the knowledge behind face mask design and functionality, highlighting the effectiveness of face mask wearing in preventing COVID-19 infection.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diana S. Grigsby-Toussaint, Jong Cheol Shin
Summary: This study examines the relationship between statewide mask mandates, exposure to green space, and COVID-19 cumulative incidence in the US. The findings suggest that mandatory mask-wearing policies are associated with lower COVID-19 incidence, while precipitation and PM 2.5 are associated with higher incidence. Tree canopy is associated with a lower risk of COVID-19. Counties with socially vulnerable populations experience higher COVID-19 incidence.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Md Jihad Miah, Junjie Pei, Hyeju Kim, Raju Sharma, Jeong Gook Jang, Jiwhan Ahn
Summary: Wearing face masks is advised to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it leads to a significant amount of waste. Masks contain non-degradable materials, resulting in long-term environmental pollution. Proper management of waste masks is necessary to minimize their impact on the environment.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dragan Milosevic, Ariane Middel, Stevan Savic, Jelena Dunjic, Kevin Lau, Rastislav Stojsavljevic
Summary: This study compares thermal sensation and protective behavior in different urban spaces in Novi Sad, Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show that the main square in the city center is the most uncomfortable and least safe area, while the urban park is the most comfortable and safest outdoor space. The survey reveals that most people do not wear face masks in hot weather due to breathing issues and feeling warmer with a mask.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
N. Ata-Ali, V Penades-Pla, D. Martinez-Munoz, V Yepes
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of ventilated facades with different thermal insulation materials, and finds that recycled cork has the lowest environmental impact regardless of location.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Editorial Material
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Ayah Adel Nawwar, Julie Searle, Christopher Green, Iain Douglas Lyburn
Summary: Face masks are now a crucial part of infection control, and in medical imaging, they can sometimes lead to artifacts.
CLINICAL NUCLEAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johanna Palcu, Martin Schreier, Chris Janiszewski
Summary: This paper proposes a strategy of personalizing facial masks to encourage people to wear them, and three studies show that this approach increases mask wearing intentions and the percentage of individuals who wear facial masks.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
Tarik Serhat Bozkurt
Summary: The use of aggregate types obtained from glass wastes and construction wastes was investigated in mortar mixtures. Various tests were conducted to measure the effects of mortar content modifications on acoustic performance, including sound absorption, sound transmission, strength properties, porosity, density, luminance factor, and water absorption. The study found that increasing the binder ratio can improve sound insulation and compressive strength, especially at high frequencies, but it may decrease sound absorption, porosity, and water absorption. The particle size and gradation of the aggregate also influenced sound absorption performance and strength properties. The use of lightweight aggregate and basalt or glass fiber can enhance specific acoustic properties. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Laine Alby, Ajay Jayswal, Sarah Morris, Will McAtee, Vrishank Raghav, Sabit Adanur
Summary: Novel cloth face masks with superior filtration efficiency, improved breathability, and reduced leakage compared to surgical masks have been developed and tested. These masks also showed similar filtration efficiency to N95 masks, while not affecting heart rate, blood oxygen levels, or causing any additional strain on wearers. They are believed to be an effective measure for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and provide an environmentally and economically conscious alternative to N95 respirators.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Yu, Ben Li, Dongmei Luo
Summary: The paper explored the impact of recycled ceramics and grazed hollow beads on the mechanical, thermal conductivity, and material properties of concrete. The research indicated that the concentration of these additives significantly influenced the workability and thermal properties of concrete, with excessive concentrations leading to decreased hydration degree and increased material defects. Taking into consideration various key factors, such as thermal insulation properties, mechanical properties, and microstructure, the optimal material system design method was found to be 10% recycled ceramics and 60% grazed hollow beads.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Veronica Martins Gnecco, Ilaria Pigliautile, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: The improvement of comfort monitoring resources is crucial for a better understanding of personal perception and developing personalized comfort models, which maximize well-being while minimizing energy consumption.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Simone Forastiere, Cristina Piselli, Benedetta Pioppi, Carla Balocco, Fabio Sciurpi, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: As the urgency to mitigate climate change intensifies, building retrofitting becomes crucial for achieving zero carbon targets. This paper proposes an approach that combines Building Information Modeling (BIM) with multiple domains to strive for zero carbon targets in building retrofit projects. The approach integrates indoor comfort, energy savings, CO2eq reduction, and the social cost of carbon in a dynamic multi-parameter analysis. It emphasizes renewable energy technologies and real-time monitoring mechanisms for continuous performance evaluation and adaptive retrofit strategies. The validated case study showcases significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions, demonstrating the potential of the proposed approach in achieving zero carbon targets through multi-data BIM modeling.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Christiane Berger, Ardeshir Mahdavi, Eleni Ampatzi, Sarah Crosby, Runa T. Hellwig, Dolaana Khovalyg, Anna Laura Pisello, Astrid Roetzel, Adam Rysanek, Marika Vellei
Summary: Professionals in the building design and operation fields rely on standards and guidelines to ensure accountability and compliance. This paper examines the applicability and scientific validity of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) standards, specifically focusing on thermal comfort standards. By analyzing international and national standards, the paper assesses parameters, variables, and evidence from scientific literature. The findings highlight gaps in the evidence chain and contribute to the development of transparent and evidence-based thermal standards.
Article
Thermodynamics
Chiara Chiatti, Claudia Fabiani, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: The expansion of buildings' floor area and the growing demand for lighting have led to an increase in lighting-related energy consumption. To mitigate the impacts of fossil fuels, the lighting sector has undergone renovation and adopted efficient LED solutions. This study investigates the response of photoluminescent pigments with different absorption and emission spectra to the specific spectral distribution of the excitation source. Results show that a yellow-emitting material is most suitable for lighting purposes, providing the highest luminance values and longest decay time.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elisa Belloni, Franco Cotana, Shuji Nakamura, Anna Laura Pisello, Domenico Villacci
Summary: This paper presents an innovative smart lighting system based on blue-diode laser technology and photoluminescent pavements, which can achieve a self-lighting surface with a significant reduction in electricity consumption. Experimental results show that compared to standard LEDs, this system can save about 40% of electricity and has better luminance uniformity. Future improvements can be made on the smart laser system and pavement properties to further enhance energy efficiency and lighting conditions.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GRIDS & NETWORKS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Chiara Chiatti, Claudia Fabiani, Roberto Bondi, Giulia Zampini, Loredana Latterini, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: With the accelerating global warming, there is a growing interest in passive radiative cooling solutions that can cool objects without consuming energy. This study examines the emission performance of combined phosphorescent (P) and fluorescent (F) pigments for use as radiative cooling materials. The results indicate that specific ratios of P and F pigments provide a balance between brightness and persistency, contributing to the development of effective radiative cooling solutions for mitigating global warming.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fabiana Frota de Albuquerque Landi, Claudia Fabiani, Benedetta Pioppi, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: This study constructs a comprehensive operational flux inventory of an Italian luxury garment brand and proposes feasible strategies to reduce potential impacts associated with their products.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
I. Kousis, I Pigliautile, A. L. Pisello
Summary: Mobile monitoring provides high spatial resolution data in urban contexts, but efficient protocols are still a challenge. This study presents a transect monitoring methodology for urban thermal environment and air quality, with a specific protocol for monitoring days and post-process corrections. The method is simple yet comprehensive and can be applied in any city and urban context.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
F. Marchini, C. Chiatti, C. Fabiani, A. L. Pisello
Summary: Glazed envelopes play a crucial role in a building's environmental performance, impacting indoor comfort and energy consumption while allowing natural light to enter the space. This study introduces photoluminescent materials as an innovative coating for smart window applications, exploring their potential for visual comfort. Experimental and numerical simulations show that a translucent-photoluminescent solution can provide homogeneous daylight diffusion and reduce glare perception.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ioannis Kousis, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: Daytime Radiative Cooling is an effective passive cooling technique with potential for improving energy efficiency and promoting decarbonization. This review discusses the advancements and main attributes of different types of Daytime Radiative Coolers, and highlights research gaps in scaling up and investigating their effects on indoor thermal comfort.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ioannis Kousis, Roberto D'Amato, Anna Laura Pisello, Loredana Latterini
Summary: Traditional cooling and heating systems in residential buildings contribute to a significant portion of global electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Daytime radiative cooling (DRC) is an emerging cooling technology that has gained attention for its high cooling capability. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed in order to establish its wide-scale application in the built environment.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Claudia Fabiani, Fabiana Frota de Albuquerque Landi, Luisa F. Cabeza, Anna Laura Pisello
Summary: Greenhouse gas emissions reduction is an important topic, but researchers themselves engage in activities that have a significant environmental impact. The study found that besides travel, catering, meeting structures, and hosting support also contribute to emissions. Choosing conference locations and providing public transportation options are crucial in reducing the impact of emissions. Additionally, using local distributors and reducing hotel stays can lessen the environmental burden. While online meetings have positive feedback, in-person activities are more effective in reinforcing human bonds and collaborations.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)