1. Environmental priorities in the circular economy : examples from iron-based technologiesAndreea Oarga-Mulec, Uroš Luin, Keith R. Skene, Matjaž Valant, 2024, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: The circular economy (CE) framework is crucial for promoting resource efficiency and minimizing waste, but it cannot achieve its sustainability goals alone. To achieve a truly sustainable future, broader social, environmental and economic aspects need to be taken into account. Rather than separating biological and technological cycles, as the CE principles are depicted in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s butterfly diagram (EMF, 2017), we propose an integrated approach that prioritises environmental aspects and includes a conceptual framework, socio-economic changes and implementation processes. It is crucial to re-evaluate the environmental aspects and strengthen their importance within the CE framework. Within this concept we present the case of iron, the most widely used metal, widely available compared to others and has been an essential part of societal development for more than 5,000 years. With its abundance, safety and electrochemical properties, iron is an ideal material for low-carbon energy technologies. We discuss how advanced iron-based technologies have a high potential to be successfully integrated into the CE, we evaluate different electrochemical energy storage systems and present advances in thermochemical Fe-Cl cycles for hydrogen production. An innovative thermal system for hydrogen production based on the thermochemical Fe-Cl cycle was evaluated in a life cycle assessment (LCA) study and shows the importance of choosing sustainable energy sources to minimise environmental impact. Sustainable production methods for iron are also analysed to demonstrate their potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the iron and steel industry. Finally, efforts should focus on minimising environmental impact and optimising resource recovery. Keywords: circular economy, resource efficiency, sustainability, iron, hydrogen Published in RUNG: 25.11.2024; Views: 242; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
2. Hydrazone-linked covalent organic framework catalyst via efficient Pd recovery from wastewaterMahira Bashri, Sushil Kumar, Pallab Bhandari, Sasi Stephen, Matthew J. O'Connor, Safa Gaber, Tina Škorjanc, Matjaž Finšgar, Gisha Elizabeth Luckachan, Blaž Belec, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Global consumption and discharge of palladium (Pd) have raised environmental concerns but also present an opportunity for the sustainable recovery and reuse of this precious metal. Adsorption has proven to be an efficient method for the selective recovery of Pd from industrial wastewater. This study investigated a hydrazone-linked covalent organic framework (Tfpa-Od COF) as a potential material for the high-affinity adsorption of Pd2+ ions from wastewater, achieving a Kd value of 3.62 × 106 mL g–1. The electron-rich backbone of the COF contributes to its excellent selective removal efficiency (up to 100%) and adsorption capacity of 372.59 mg g–1. Furthermore, the Pd-adsorbed COF was evaluated as a sustainable catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, demonstrating good catalytic conversion and recyclability. This work attempts to showcase a protocol for reusing waste palladium generated in water to fabricate heterogeneous catalysts and, thereby, promote the circular economy concept. Keywords: covalent organic frameworks, sustainability, catalysis, palladium adsorption, water purification Published in RUNG: 22.08.2024; Views: 758; Downloads: 6 Full text (4,04 MB) This document has many files! More... |
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4. Towards greener packaging : tapioca starch-based biocomposites with Siam weed extract and flax seed gel as sustainable antibacterial packaging materialMohanachandran Nair Sindhu Swapna, Abin Oscar, Dorota Korte, Sankaranarayana Iyer Sankararaman, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: biocomposite, tapioca, flax seed, Siam weed, sustainability Published in RUNG: 16.02.2024; Views: 2147; Downloads: 7 Full text (4,24 MB) This document has many files! More... |
5. Life cycle assessment of black and greywater treatment solutions for remote and sensitive areasAndreea Oarga-Mulec, Janez Turk, Petra Gerbec, Petter D. Jenssen, Katja Malovrh Rebec, Matjaž Valant, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: life cycle assessment, sanitation systems, sustainability, remote areas, circular economy Published in RUNG: 20.02.2023; Views: 2594; Downloads: 9 Full text (2,06 MB) This document has many files! More... |
6. Cross-sector Innovation Transfer : MAST Business PlanAndreja Lapuh Maležič, Jurij Krpan, Simon Gmajner, Peter Purg, Nayari Castillo Rutz, Sergi Bermudez di Badia, Dejan Kaligaro, Lea Mohorič, treatise, preliminary study, study Abstract: The economic analysis showed that the MAST project is justified and represents added value for all users, the financial feasibility of carrying out the MAST project as such was confirmed. The set business model of the MAST project was proved to be sustainable in the long run, as the project from 2022 onwards shows considerable self-sustainability. Not only during its implementation but also at its finish the project may be estimated low-risk also for its possible future developments, as it clearly promotes an innovative idea and features a clear business model based on a professional team in capacity to face all the challenges and risks. Keywords: business plan, sustainability, financial Published in RUNG: 10.05.2021; Views: 2929; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
7. Sustainable impacts for studying and innovating through art, science and technology : MAST sustainability planKornélia Kiss, Peter Purg, Simon Gmajner, Nayarí Castillo-Rutz, Daniela Urem, Sergi Bermúdez, 2020, treatise, preliminary study, study Abstract: The MAST Sustainability Plan reflects the actions and strategies of the MAST project consortium that are to safeguard the longevity of the project’s positive impacts both on the level of participating institutions, the manifold stakeholder groups involved, and the broader network of (future) partnerships that may evolve and benefit from the project’s results. Keywords: Sustainability, exploitation, project, Arts Science and Technology Published in RUNG: 10.02.2021; Views: 3118; Downloads: 64 Link to full text This document has many files! More... |
8. Scientific Advancement in Contemporary Society: Interface between Technology, Law and ScienceAdetutu Aina-Pelemo, Ananya Patil, Paul Ejembi, Sandra Oloketuyi, Iseoluwa Aina, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: This article is premised on the relation of technology and applied sciences with law. The three subjects are not only interwoven but cannot be protected and regulated without the viable use of law. The unprecedented advancement ofscientific innovations has far-reaching implication in virtually all ramifications of human endeavour. Technology is an invention created using science, which needs to be sustained by prudent management and law. The research goal is to narrow down a middle ground where all these independent fields can meet and share a symbiotic relationship without stifling each other. The research seeks to ascertain the knowledge and perception of selected university students of Nigeria and India, about Science, Law and Technology. The authors adopted the doctrinal and empirical research methodology coupled with the use of cases and legislations as source of information. The research revealed that majority of the participants has knowledge about the co-existence and impact of Science, Technology and Law in the society. However, the attitude and perception of the participants constitute a fundamental influence on the degree to which technological orientations occur during learning process. Also, 85% of 200 participants agreed that there is need for frequent education and legislation as science and technology evolves in the society. Hence, this article recommends the implementation and frequent modifications of law to continually protect, encourage and ensure the societal sustainability of ethical standards. Keywords: Advancement, Law, Relations, Science, Sustainability, Technology Published in RUNG: 14.01.2021; Views: 3078; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
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10. How to react to the necessity of a sustainable animal production? The EcoLamb project.Tanja Peric, Martina Bergant Marušič, Ario De Marco, Petra Makorič, 2019, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: EcoLamb assesses the sustainability of diverse European sheep production systems focusing on the ecological footprint, animal welfare aspects and nutrition value of lamb meat. The outcomes of these assessments will be used to understand the potential future barriers that limit the innovative capacity and development of the sector and the opportunities that may provide a future market niche against competitive products from other global markets. Farm solutions that incorporate consumer expectations for animal welfare and meat quality will enhance the competitiveness of Europe's lamb meat sector. The project engages trans-national research and industry stakeholders from 6 countries made up of Germany, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Turkey to analyse on 20 case study farms resource-efficient, competitive and low-carbon lamb production models. Direct linkage between animal welfare, meat quality and pharmaceutical use will also be determined using innovative Precision Farming techniques. The project will produce a toolbox of recommendations for productive sheep farm management, supply chain and marketing on how to improve the acceptability of lamb meat by consumers. Thus, the multidisciplinary approach and the multi-actor involvement of the EU sheep sector will assist in re-designing critical aspects to increase society acceptance and the place of lamb meat in future diets and the outcomes of the project will be used by stakeholders to promote changes in farm management, marketing and processing of meat from sheep. Additionally, results will be used by farm consultants, farmer groups and policy officers to re-design consulting approaches and plan new initiatives to make all aspects of the European sheep industry more sustainable. Keywords: Sustainability, animal production, lamb, welfare, quality, meat, EcoLamb Published in RUNG: 26.11.2019; Views: 4098; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |