Search Results (278)

As China’s urban renewal shifts comprehensively toward stock optimisation, everyday micro spaces in high-density old districts have emerged as critical yet underexplored carriers for rebuilding grassroots social capital. However, existing research remains largely confined to static assessments of physical form, lacking systematic insight into the process-based evolution of micro spaces and their governance implications. The aim of this study is to develop a process-based analytical framework that explains how everyday micro spaces emerge, evolve, and stabilise in high-density old urban districts, and to translate that explanation into stage- and type-differentiated governance pathways. Drawing on purposive sampling observation of over 170 micro spaces and snowball-sampled in-depth interviews with 45 residents in Xi’an’s walled historic district, this study employs thematic analysis to examine micro space formation, activation, and governance dynamics. A three-dimensional analytical framework of “Spatial Type–Perceived Need–Life Cycle” is constructed, classifying micro spaces into three categories, identifying a three-tier, nine-level perceived needs spectrum, and tracing a five-stage evolutionary process of Discovery–Activity–Renovation–Management–Identity. The findings reveal that residents’ spontaneous practices and psychological ownership formation are the core endogenous drivers of micro space evolution. The primary structural constraints are ambiguous property rights, institutional vacuums, and a structural rupture at the Renovation-to-Management transition, which we conceptualise as the “high-risk window period”. This study proposes a full life-cycle adaptive governance paradigm. Through phased, type-differentiated interventions, it matches governance supply to the evolving demands of each stage. The paradigm offers both theoretical and practical guidance for stimulating the endogenous vitality of everyday micro spaces in old urban districts. Full article

In recent years, environmental sustainability has become a key issue in the shipbuilding industry, driving research towards a reduction in the environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of vessels. In this context, composite materials are a solid alternative to achieve mechanical performance optimization and energy consumption reduction. This study compares two hull configurations, one in a glass fiber-reinforced thermoset composite and one in a thermoplastic composite sandwich structure, through life cycle assessment. The aim is to assess the influence of material choice and structural configuration on overall environmental impacts by analyzing energy and material inputs and emissions throughout the entire life cycle, from “cradle to grave” excluding the end-of-life treatment. The results evidence a 36% average reduction in the impact categories analyzed. Moreover, economic benefits emerged, with a 35% reduction in the cost of energy required during the analyzed life cycle phases and 9% reduction in the material supply. This work aims to contribute to the definition of more sustainable design strategies to produce hulls and naval components, promoting a transition towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly nautical sector. Full article

Agri-food systems account for a substantial share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a significant proportion arising from upstream supply-chain activities beyond direct operational control. In this context, effective decarbonization requires systematic assessment of emissions across all life-cycle stages. This study applies an ISO 14040/44-compliant cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to CERELAC^® infant cereal, a processed dairy-based product, to quantify Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions and identify mitigation pathways across the full product life cycle. Results indicate that Scope 3 emissions account for 94.3% of total product emissions, with product use (44.7%) and purchased goods and services (36.9%) as the primary contributors. Upstream agricultural inputs—particularly milk powder—emerge as the dominant hotspot due to methane emissions and energy-intensive processing. Scenario-based evaluation suggests that regenerative sourcing, ingredient optimization, packaging redesign, logistics improvements, and consumer-phase engagement could significantly reduce life cycle emissions. The findings demonstrate how product-level LCA can operationalize Scope 3 decarbonization strategies in processed food systems, bridging corporate net-zero ambitions with actionable supply chain interventions. These results provide transferable insights for cleaner production transitions within the agri-food sector. Full article

Improving the comprehensiveness of old community renewal is a key approach to enhancing residents’ quality of life and the community environment. Currently, research on improving comprehensiveness from both supply and demand perspectives remains limited. This study constructs an evaluation system comprising 27 indicators that cover three dimensions: physical infrastructure, community services, and community governance. Adopting the approach of “single indicator, two-way assessment, and comprehensive evaluation,” this study conducts evaluations from both supply and demand perspectives. On the supply side, facility coverage is calculated through field surveys, POI data, and ArcGIS (10.8) spatial analysis; on the demand side, resident satisfaction is measured via questionnaires, and an evaluation framework for supply–demand matching is constructed using the IPA model. An empirical analysis using Community X in Beijing as a case study reveals that the completeness of community renewal exhibits significant hierarchical differentiation: supply–demand matching and conditions are favorable for basic services, elderly care and services for special groups, and cultural services; supply and demand for buildings, infrastructure, and public safety are balanced and moderately complete; environmental facilities exhibit oversupply and excessive completeness; and long-term management and resident participation suffer from insufficient supply and lack of completeness, emerging as core constraints. Based on these findings, targeted optimization strategies are proposed, which can provide scientific guidance for the development of comprehensive communities and the renewal of existing urban stock. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their material sustainability and cost-effectiveness, helping address the high costs, supply limits, and environmental concerns associated with lithium. This paper reviews SIB materials, designs, and applications, and surveys their electrochemical performance, challenges, and future prospects. Recent advances in electrode materials (e.g., layered oxides, hard carbon composites, metallic alloys) are greatly improving SIB stability, conductivity, capacity, and cycle life. Improvements in both solid-state and liquid electrolytes have likewise enhanced ionic conductivity, capacity retention, thermal stability, and safety. Despite their lower energy density, SIBs tolerate wider temperature ranges and carry a significantly lower risk of thermal runaway compared to lithium-based systems, making them attractive for industrial, transportation, and large-scale power storage. Continuous progress in materials and cell engineering is narrowing the performance gap between SIBs and LIBs. Meanwhile, nascent battery recycling strategies for SIBs show promise for economic and environmental viability. Overall, SIBs represent a promising option for safer, more accessible, and more sustainable energy storage technology. Full article

Repurposing shipping containers to construct modular buildings is an emerging trend that contributes to a more sustainable building sector. In the tourism sector, they enable low-impact, relocatable accommodation adaptable to diverse environments, reducing their ecological footprint. The feasibility of using this kind of structure for self-sufficient tourist accommodation has not yet been thoroughly explored. This work focuses on the case study of the Versatile Cabin, a modular building made from end-of-life shipping containers. It provides a comprehensive analysis of its thermal performance and the capability of maintaining comfortable indoor conditions without relying on the electricity grid. Using TRNSYS, the thermal demands of the dwelling are evaluated across 45 different Spanish locations, taking into account the climatic diversity of the country. Additionally, the study explores the integration of a photovoltaic system to supply power for the HVAC equipment, revealing potential for self-sufficiency, particularly in southern locations with lower heating demand. The results indicate that the PV system can meet between 88.5% and 99.9% of the dwelling’s electricity needs, with an average of 96.1%. Overall, the findings offer valuable insights into the thermal performance and self-sufficiency of modular buildings within the tourism sector, aligning with sustainable building practices and sustainable development goals. Full article

Modular construction (MC) is frequently promoted as a path to circular economy (CE) outcomes in built environments, yet circular adoption and performance remain uneven. This study investigates how systemic barriers shape the implementation of circular strategies in MC. A systematic literature review combined with bibliometric mapping and systems-oriented synthesis was conducted using 124 Web of Science records published between 2011 and August 2025. Bibliographic coupling, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence analyses were used to characterise the field’s intellectual structure, while 30 studies were selected for thematic coding and systems mapping. Ten recurrent barriers were identified and consolidated into six clusters: technical, financial, regulatory, stakeholder and organisational, quality assurance, and institutional and knowledge-based challenges. Their relative severity was assessed across four MC-relevant circular strategies: reuse, repurposing, design for disassembly, and multifunctionality. Systems mapping revealed three reinforcing feedback dynamics involving financial, stakeholder, and supply-chain pressures, knowledge and quality assurance constraints, and regulatory and design lock-in effects that stabilise conventional delivery and constrain circular implementation. Despite being underrepresented in the literature, multifunctionality emerges as a cross-cutting leverage point for enabling adaptable modular systems. The study synthesises five implementation pathways, including adaptable multifunctional design, interoperable interfaces, digital traceability, collaborative life-cycle integration, and policy alignment, and outlines systems-derived leverage points to guide future research and practice in circular modular construction. Full article

Background: The global transition to low-carbon energy systems has intensified the need for circular approaches in energy supply chains, yet studies on second-life EV battery ecosystems in emerging economies remain fragmented between barrier prioritization and efficiency assessment. Methods: This study addresses this gap by integrating the Best–Worst Method (BWM) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to connect subjective expert-based prioritization with objective efficiency benchmarking. Using expert panel inputs and scenario-based circular energy configurations representing emerging economy conditions, the results indicate that technical barriers (28.4%) and economic barriers (24.9%) dominate the priority structure, with battery performance uncertainty and high initial investment as the most critical constraints. Results: DEA results show that configurations with formal reverse logistics and certification mechanisms achieve frontier efficiency (θ = 1.000), whereas fragmented informal configurations exhibit the lowest efficiency (θ = 0.712). High-tech configurations with weak regulation demonstrate that technological investment alone is insufficient without institutional development. Conclusions: The novelty lies in developing a context-sensitive BWM–DEA framework that embeds barrier priorities into efficiency evaluation, an approach rarely explored in prior circular supply chain research. The study provides a holistic decision-support tool for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to accelerate circular energy transitions in emerging economies. Full article

Ensuring sustainable food production for a growing population requires robust tools like the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), despite the fundamental complexities characterising the agri-food sector. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of beer and bread production, two important sectors, within a circular economy framework using the LCA. The analysis focuses on innovative products: bread incorporating brewery-spent grain and beer brewed from unsold bread. The study follows a cradle-to-gate approach, covering the entire upstream supply chain, including cultivation, milling, malting, and ingredient production. Cultivation emerges as the primary environmental hotspot in both systems. In bread production, the bakery and proofing phases also show high impacts, while in brewing, packaging is the dominant contributor, followed by boiling and hopping. For co-product processing, drying and transport are critical hotspots. Compared with conventional products, innovative circular products generally show lower environmental impacts, with exceptions related to organic cultivation and allocation constraints. Circular strategies notably reduce land use and marine eutrophication in most organic cases. Overall, the fully circular scenario outperforms the Conventional System in 13 impact categories, supporting the environmental potential of circular approaches in both sectors. Full article

Against the backdrop of China’s dual carbon goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), hydrogen energy has emerged as a key strategic priority for Shanxi’s energy transformation. Understanding the carbon emission characteristics and mitigation potential of typical hydrogen production routes is essential for guiding the low-carbon development of the local hydrogen industry. This study applies a unified life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to evaluate five representative hydrogen production routes in Shanxi. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the robustness of the results. The results show marked differences in carbon intensity across routes: large-scale integrated coal gasification hydrogen production (LICGHP, 10.02 kg CO₂e/kg-H₂) > commercial coal gasification hydrogen production (CCGHP, 9.35 kg CO₂e/kg-H₂) > photovoltaic hydrogen production (PHP, 6.17 kg CO₂e/kg-H₂) > coke oven gas hydrogen production (COGHP, 3.83 kg CO₂e/kg-H₂) > wind power hydrogen production (WPHP, 1.57 kg CO₂e/kg-H₂). For coal-based routes, emissions are concentrated in the operational phase, whereas for renewable routes, emissions are concentrated in the construction phase with near-zero emissions during operation. COGHP (61.78% mitigation rate) serves as an effective transitional pathway, and WPHP (84.33% mitigation rate) represents the best low-carbon option. Mitigation strategies vary by route: coal-based routes prioritize CCS and process optimization, while renewable energy routes focus on supply chain decarbonization and green construction. These findings offer scientific support for Shanxi’s hydrogen energy technology selection and low-carbon strategy formulation. Full article

This review provides a critical and forward-looking analysis of established PET positron-emitting radionuclides—¹¹C (carbon-11),¹³N(nitrogen-13), ¹⁵O(oxygen-15), ¹⁸F(fluorine-18), ⁶⁸Ga (gallium-68),⁸²Rb(rubidium-82)—alongside some less widely adopted positron emitters—⁴⁴Sc (scandium-44), ⁶⁴Cu (copper-64), ⁸⁶Y (yttrium-86), ⁸⁹Zr (zirconium-89), ¹²⁴I(iodine-124)—examining the scientific, technological and operational factors influencing their clinical translation and applicability. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of nuclear properties as a key factor in radionuclide selection and development. For each radionuclide, the relevant aspects, including nuclear decay characteristics, production routes and logistical modalities, are discussed in terms of their impact on PET diagnostic performance and sustainability. The review summarizes recent technological advances designed to mitigate supply chain limitations that affect established positron emitters and discusses critical challenges related to other promising PET radionuclides, such as production scalability and dosimetric implications. Finally, ongoing developments in hybrid imaging platforms and multiparametric PET systems are briefly addressed, illustrating how these innovations are redefining diagnostic accuracy and accelerating the evolution of PET toward increasingly personalized clinical strategies. Full article

Peripheral nerves provide a direct connection between the brain and the tumor microenvironment. This connection allows the nervous system to influence processes associated with the development, progression, and metastasis of different tumor types. Therefore, tumor innervation by peripheral nerve fibers is currently emerging as a characteristic that contributes to multiple hallmarks of cancer. Several experimental studies have shown that cancer progression involves actively inducing the ingrowth of autonomic and sensory nerve fibers into tumor tissue. In this process, known as neoaxonogenesis, cancer and other cells in the tumor microenvironment play an important role by synthesizing and releasing neurotrophic factors (e.g., nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), axonal guidance molecules (netrins, semaphorins, ephrins, slits), exosomes (containing microRNA and axonal guidance molecules), and other molecules present in the tumor microenvironment (e.g., granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, leukemia inhibitory factor), which modulate the ingrowth of nerve fibers into the tumor. This results in an increased nerve supply to tumor tissue, which is primarily linked to its growth. However, there are also studies demonstrating the protective effects of increased nerve fiber density against processes associated with cancer progression in certain types of cancer. The findings from these studies contribute to the complexity of neuro-cancer interactions, which is probably based on the type of cancer and the physiological specializations of the nerve fibers in a given organ. Despite contrasting findings, the stimulatory effects of nerve fibers on cancer growth are supported by several studies that described reducing the negative impact of nerve fibers on tumors and thus inhibiting cancer progression. The most significant approaches to reducing neural effects appear to be denervation, the administration of neurotransmitter receptor antagonists, the administration of local anesthetics, and the administration of antibodies against neurotrophic factors. Other significant approaches include methods that improve quality of life, such as psychotherapy and heart rate variability biofeedback. Despite their therapeutic potential, there are several limitations to using approaches that manipulate cancer innervation in clinical practice. These limitations include impaired normal tissue function and nervous system function, as well as the problematic direct application of the therapeutic agent to the tumor site, dosage-dependent, cancer type-dependent, cancer stage-dependent, duration-dependent, and timing-dependent effects. Procedures that modify neoaxonogenesis and nerve fiber signaling appear to be a promising new therapeutic approach in oncology. However, more research is needed to better understand their effects on cancer progression. In the future, the assessment of the presence and density of nerve fibers in tumors, as well as the evaluation of approaches aimed at reducing their negative impact, could be part of personalized anticancer therapy. As part of this therapy, a fresh tumor sample would be collected from the patient to generate patient-derived organoid models to test and consider the possibility of using supportive therapy and to predict its efficacy. Based on these results, it would be possible to evaluate the applicability of nerve-fiber-targeted therapy for a given patient. This review article summarizes and describes the current knowledge concerning the significance of nerve fibers in cancer progression, with a particular emphasis on neoaxonogenesis in tumors and the various factors that influence this process. Full article

Nuclear energy is a clean and efficient energy source crucial for the future energy supply. The harsh conditions in reactors, including high temperature, high pressure, and intense neutron irradiation, cause structural materials to accumulate irradiation damage, leading to performance degradation. Austenitic stainless steel, due to its superior mechanical properties, irradiation resistance, and corrosion resistance, has been extensively utilized as a core structural material in light water reactors and emerged as a candidate material for Generation IV nuclear reactors. Therefore, understanding irradiation damage and macroscopic properties evolution in austenitic stainless steels is critical for enhancing the safety and long-term service life of reactor core materials. This review began by elucidating the application of charged particles in irradiation studies, emphasizing the prevailing substitution of neutron irradiation with proton irradiation experiments in current studies. Subsequently, the work systematically synthesized irradiation damages and their consequential impacts on macroscopic properties. Finally, it consolidated the progress and provided prospects for research on improving the resistance of austenitic stainless steel to irradiation-induced segregation, irradiation hardening, irradiation swelling, and irradiation-corrosion synergies. Full article

The growing global population and increasing pressure on conventional food systems have intensified the search for sustainable and nutrient-rich protein sources. Blue foods derived from marine and freshwater organisms offer significant nutritional advantages and lower environmental footprints compared with many terrestrial animal proteins. However, challenges related to resource sustainability, processing, preservation, and product traceability limit their full potential. This review provides a broad overview of emerging technologies shaping the future of blue food systems, covering innovative production strategies, advanced processing techniques, and omics-based analytical approaches. Key developments in cellular aquaculture and cellular mariculture are discussed as promising alternatives to traditional fisheries and aquaculture, enabling the production of blue food through controlled cell cultivation. Additionally, alternative protein platforms including plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated blue food analogues are assessed for their potential to enhance sustainability and diversify aquatic protein sources. Advanced structuring technologies such as extrusion, electrospinning, wet spinning, and 3D printing are highlighted for their roles in developing blue food analogues with improved texture and sensory attributes. Furthermore, non-thermal preservation techniques, including cold plasma (CP), high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEFs), and ultraviolet-based treatments, are reviewed for their effectiveness in improving microbial safety and extending shelf life while maintaining nutritional quality. The integration of omics technologies (proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics) provides deeper molecular insights into product quality, authenticity, and traceability within blue food supply chains. Collectively, these interdisciplinary advancements demonstrate strong potential to transform blue food production into a more resilient, sustainable, and technology-driven sector. Future progress will depend on overcoming challenges related to scalability, regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance to enable the successful commercialization of next-generation blue food products. Full article

While membrane technologies are critical for preventing microplastics (MPs) release into aquatic ecosystems, MPs-induced fouling remains a persistent bottleneck, necessitating energy-intensive cleaning strategies that introduce their own environmental burdens. This study presents a systematic life cycle assessment (LCA) of fouling mitigation strategies, rigorously comparing hydraulic forward flushing and nitrogen (N₂) gas scouring across both unmodified and plasma-modified (acrylic acid, cyclopropylamine, and hexamethyldisiloxane) polysulfone membranes. Results reveal a stark divergence between operational performance and environmental sustainability. Baseline operations and the hydraulic flushing of unmodified membranes have environmentally costly global warming potential (GWP) ~150 kg CO₂-eq/m³), driven primarily by high electricity consumption and frequent membrane replacement. Conversely, cyclopropylamine (CPAm) plasma-modified membranes emerging as the optimal strategy, reducing global warming potential to 68 kg CO₂-eq/m³ and cutting electricity demand by 44% through superior fouling resistance. Crucially, the study uncovers a significant trade-off regarding gas scouring: While it achieves the highest technical performance (minimal flux decline of 0.33% h⁻¹), the upstream burdens of N₂ supply increased environmental impacts by over 100% across all categories. These findings challenge the assumption that maximum fouling control equates to sustainability, suggesting that surface engineering via plasma modification, rather than aggressive physical cleaning, offers the most viable pathway for sustainable MPs remediation. Full article