This innovative study focuses on identifying the primary trends in citizens’ decision-making regarding sustainable and healthy water use and the promotion of tap water options. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether there was a connection between citizen-consumer choices of tap water versus bottled water and their socio-demographic attributes or environmental awareness and consciousness, which both influence the access to and quality of drinking water. The availability, safety and quality of drinking water is a basic human right and an important public health issue. Water plays a crucial role in terms of increasing geo-political and socio-economic importance. Several researchers have examined the multiple elements influencing customers’ opinions about the quality of water and services, finding that a variety of internal and external factors play a role. To accomplish the study goals, a variety of research methodologies were applied to the use case of Kilkis city, Region of Central Macedonia, Greece. Gaining insight was first facilitated via communication with a focus group of local professionals and policy-makers. Then, a social survey of 407 randomly chosen citizens was conducted to collect the data. The key determinants influencing citizens’ drinking water choices were investigated using multivariate data analysis. Specifically, cluster analysis was employed to group customers exhibiting similar water usage patterns, resulting in the identification of two groups: (a) individuals who favored bottled water and (b) individuals who favored tap water with no filtration. The comparison of the distribution of water consumers between these two clusters, via a Chi-Square test with cross tabulation analysis, showed that customers’ drinking water buying habits were not influenced by their socio-demographic traits. On the other hand, the choice of tap water was found to be positively connected to citizens’ increased level of environmental consciousness. The outcomes of this study can help the stakeholders involved to assist in making improvements to customer service programs for encouraging tap water use, as a more sustainable and healthy water option. Moreover, the population could potentially be motivated to adopt updated technologies for recycling water down the line, moving towards sustainable water resource management.

Photovoltaic park (PV) and power generator monitoring is a crucial activity that calls for effective coverage path planning. Artificial intelligence and particularly swarm robotics have brought new methods to tasks such as coverage path planning by having multiple robots work together to cover a specific area. Nonetheless, enhancing energy efficiency in these systems continues to be a crucial obstacle, particularly with the growing focus on sustainability. This research investigates techniques to enhance energy efficiency in swarm robotics, focusing on coverage path planning assignments. The proposed approach merges advanced swarm robotics algorithms with energy-efficient methods to reduce power consumption while still ensuring effective coverage. Thorough simulations in simulated environments of Western Macedonia assess the efficiency of the proposed approach. Even though the proposed approach has a longer convergence time compared to a generic ACO approach, the findings of the simulations indicate that the MOACO approach has substantial enhancements up to 22% in path travel time, in terms of solution quality and energy consumption metrics. The findings of the present work offer valuable insights into the design of sustainable robotic systems and underscore the potential of swarm robotics in achieving efficient coverage path planning. This study adds to the overall objective of creating eco-friendly technologies in robotics, leading to upcoming advancements in the industry.

Humanity has consumed large amounts of energy in recent decades. Energy requirements increase continuously, and fossil fuel overuse pollutes the environment extremely. The researchers turned their attention to alternative solutions, such as renewable sources of fuels, which reduce negative emissions. At the same time, biodiesel is produced from environmentally friendly raw materials and is a competitive fuel with acceptable properties. The scientific community investigates new approaches to further improve the physicochemical properties of biodiesel in more economical ways. Artificial intelligence and nature-inspired techniques are particularly capable of searching for optimal fuels in complex optimization fields. The current study concerns a recent review of biodiesel production approaches based on evolutionary computation methods. These methods lead to innovative biodiesel development, costing less with lower sulfur content. Except for the economic profits, the reduction of environmental emissions in praxis confirms biodiesel appropriateness for more consumption than fossil blends. The algorithms’ accuracy and effectiveness were evaluated in various case studies and detailed results were offered in every publication. The optimal fuels are produced in laboratories and tested in common engines too. In the literature, there exists a gap in relation to the financial and environmental aspects of biodiesel fuel production, which should also be investigated.

Nowadays, there is wide advocacy for a transition to circular economic models. Fly Ash (FA) in particular is a major by-product of coal combustion and its annual waste has reached one million tonnes. Cenospheres (CSs) are considered as possibly the most valuable element within FA. Thus, in this research, polymeric foam replication was employed to fabricate ceramic foams based on a CS matrix, for potential biomedical applications. For the fabrication of foams, four types of natural marine sponges were used as templates along with a binder agent. The specimens were sintered at 1200 °C for 1 h. The results were encouraging as the specimens obtained retained the given shape and geometry. Further research will enhance the potential of such materials for future use in biomedical engineering.

Purpose This study aims to assess the feasibility of integrating biodiesel – derived from waste vegetable oils and animal fats – into marine diesel blends to reduce emissions while maintaining engine performance. This research focuses on quantifying changes in combustion efficiency and exhaust emissions across different biodiesel formulations, specifically analyzing their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in maritime applications. Design/methodology/approach This study uses an experimental approach using controlled combustion tests on a marine diesel engine to evaluate biodiesel blends’ effects on emissions and performance. Various formulations (plant-based, animal-based and mixed) are tested against marine gas oil (MGO). Fuel blends (B20, B50 and B100) are prepared and analyzed under standardized conditions. Engine load variations simulate real-world operations, while exhaust gas analysis measures CO 2 , CO, NOx, and O 2 emissions. Combustion efficiency is assessed through thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption and power output. A comparative approach ensures reliable results, highlighting biodiesel’s feasibility as a marine fuel alternative with significant environmental benefits. Findings This study confirms biodiesel’s potential to reduce maritime emissions while maintaining engine performance. CO 2 emissions decrease by 30%, consistent with biodiesel’s lower carbon content, while CO emissions drop by up to 94% because of improved combustion. However, NOx emissions rise by 30%, a known trade-off linked to higher combustion temperatures. Engine efficiency remains stable across blends, with minimal increases in specific fuel consumption for higher biodiesel concentrations. Economically, biodiesel adoption aligns with International Maritime Organization regulations, supporting decarbonization efforts. These findings reinforce biodiesel’s viability as a cleaner alternative for the shipping industry’s transition toward sustainability. Originality/value Unlike previous studies that focus primarily on biodiesel use in land-based transportation, this research uniquely addresses its application in the maritime sector. By directly evaluating marine diesel engines under controlled conditions, this study provides industry-specific insights critical for policymakers, shipping companies and environmental agencies. The emphasis on waste-derived biodiesel further enhances its sustainability impact, presenting a practical solution for decarbonizing maritime transport.

The valorization of agricultural and industrial solid by-products as secondary resources in the development of value-added materials can contribute to environmental health protection, particularly in the climate change era. Current advances in environmental legislation also encourage manufacturers to optimize waste management, upgrading and utilization towards resource conservation, energy efficiency and cost reduction in the context of a circular economy. In the present research, the elaboration of novel sustainable ceramics is investigated by sintering (at 800 °C for 2 or 6 h) of compacted mixtures composed of lignite fly ashes along with biomass ash (olive kernel ash) at different proportions. It appears that the chemical, mineralogical and morphological characteristics of these by-products promote their use as starting materials in ceramic engineering. Characterization and evaluation of the ceramics obtained via XRD and SEM-EDX analysis, as well as Vickers microhardness measurements, confirm the effectiveness of the consolidation process. In fact, the material derived from an 85% Class-C fly ash and 15% biomass ash compact, after 6 h sintering, exhibited greater results in terms of ceramic microstructure and microhardness (380 Hv), while a sintering time of 2 h was barely acceptable. The materials developed can be considered for use in various applications.

The main goal of the current paper was to determine the impact of several factors towards the adoption of a safe harmonized collection and management model for organic waste from Greek companies active in the food and beverage sector, to contribute to maintaining public health and well-being. A qualitative approach was adopted. An appropriate questionnaire that collected relevant information was distributed to senior executives of the companies and their responses were statistically analyzed. According to the results obtained, companies active in the sectors of flour processing and frozen dough products seem to undertake a separate collection of certain waste streams to a significantly higher extent in comparison to other sectors. Furthermore, the production capacity of a company was found to demonstrate a positive relationship with the extent of agreement of their executives about the current organic waste collection process applied by the company, the current approach towards the organic waste separation process and also the potential of a circular bio-economy towards a sustainable society and public health.

Promoting the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) of Good Health and Well-being of all people requires an approach that ensures that health systems are strengthened with comprehensive social support mechanisms. This interrelation has gained increasing recognition as a foundational pillar in realizing sustainable and equitable healthcare. Economic instabilities and social vulnerabilities have direct implications on health access and outcomes, making focused welfare and security measures important in entrenching SDG 3. This work combines interdisciplinary studies, bridging health policy and economic security, at a time when social policy decisions, more than ever, should be guided by real-world needs and evidence, dealing with key factors, interventions, and contributions from policymakers on strategies that can reinforce health systems. Thus, current achievements of SDG 3 and challenges to successfully integrate health and social support sectors are discussed. The study addresses future pathways to achieve this Goal, including greater public investment in inter-sectoral collaboration, innovative funding models, and data-driven policymaking as part of this next wave in advancing health systems resilience. Important ways to restructure public health with less inequality entail a reinforcement of social safety nets, mitigating health consequences through poverty and adverse economic conditions. Coordinated governance, cross-sectoral collaboration, and evidence-based monitoring frameworks assure policymakers of their effectiveness in achieving these policy priorities. This calls for prioritized planning that invests in scalability, sustainability, and adaptability for resilient health systems supported by inclusive welfare state policies. By aligning social policies with health priorities, this paper aims to contribute to a global agenda regarding universal, sustainable, and equitably achieved health outcomes within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defense that can lead to reproductive disorders and poor pregnancy outcomes. Environmental pollution under climate change is involved in reactive oxygen species formation and may cause various dysfunctions of the reproductive system. Oxidative stress is a widespread factor that affects the physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, leading to high levels of DNA damage and infertility. Miscarriage, preeclampsia, and premature birth are all linked to oxidative stress. Environmental pollution induces excesses of oxidative stress by expanding ROS generation or overwhelming the physiological responses of the antioxidant defense system. This increases cellular damage, inflammation, and the development of numerous diseases. Here, we present a brief outline of the physiological and developmental roles that oxidative stress plays during pregnancy. We also offer some insights into the underlying mechanisms that have been put forth, which culminate in a summary of the harmful effects of oxidative stress that have an environmental origin in pregnancy-related complications. The current work may motivate the design of more focused wellbeing measures in order to prevent and promote human health and anticipate unfavorable pregnancy outcomes.

Eggshells are an inorganic waste, and their accumulation rate is increasing globally, complicating waste management. However, the European Union defines eggshells as low-risk material that can be recycled and reused safely in other applications. Their chemical composition renders them an attractive precursor of calcium phosphate materials (CaPs). Because of their remarkable biocompatibility and capacity for natural degradation, CaPs are frequently employed in biomedical engineering applications. In this research, the wet precipitation method was employed for fabricating CaP powder. Initially, the eggshells were processed into CaCO3 powder and then reacted with HCl to obtain CaCl2 (aq). This reacted with Na2HPO4 to obtain a precipitate that was filtered and dried. The precipitate in powder form underwent X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis to evaluate its microstructure, and elemental and phase composition. The results indicated that the recovered powder was brushite.

Greek lignite reserves are mainly located in the northwestern part of the country (Region of Western Macedonia, Greece), reaching a total of 5 billion tons. Considering that Greece is planning to stop burning lignite for electricity production, the recovery of the CH4 trapped in lignite coalbed reservoirs can be a valuable alternative for power generation and may help to reduce the direct emissions of methane during mining activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the LCBM in the Region of Western Macedonia, Greece (Ptolemaida basin). In order to assess the LCBM that could be extracted, three samples were collected from an active mine and were subjected to desorption experiments at different temperatures (25 °C, 50 °C, 100 °C, and 150 °C) by channeling high purity Ar gas at 1 atm of pressure. According to the results, the highest amount of CH4 was extracted during the desorption process at 50 °C, while the total amount of CH4 from all three samples was 0.82 m3/kg, confirming the presence of CH4 in the lignite deposits. Finally, a SWOT analysis was carried out that shows the strengths and opportunities against the weaknesses and threats of a potential LCBM exploitation in Greece, while also taking into account the social, economic, and environmental nexus.

The present research work introduces a novel mixture optimization methodology for biodiesel fuels using an Evolutionary Computation method inspired by biological evolution. Specifically, the optimal biodiesel composition is deduced from the application of a nature-inspired adaptive genetic algorithm that first examines percentages of the ingredients in the optimal mixtures. The innovative approach’s effectiveness lies in problem simulation with improvements in the evaluation of the specific function and the way to define and tune the genetic algorithm. Environmental imperatives in the era of climate change currently impose the optimized production of alternative environmentally friendly biofuels to replace fossil fuels. Biodiesel in particular, appears to be more attractive in recent years, as it originates from renewable bio-derived resources. The main ingredients of the specific biofuel mixture investigated in this research are diesel and biodiesel (100% from bioresources). The assessment of the new biodiesel examined was performed using a fitness function that estimated both the density and cost of the fuel. Beyond the evaluation criterion of cost, density also influences the suitability of this biofuel for commercial use and market sale. The outcomes from the modeling process can be beneficial in saving cost and time for new biodiesel production by using this novel decision-making tool in comparison with randomized laboratory experimentations.

In the present study, the processing, characterization, and assessment of novel non-alcoholic and sugar-free drinks based on bioactive extracts from valuable natural sources, such as green tea enriched with Chios mastiha, are considered. Currently, the transition towards the consumption of healthy and sustainable food and beverages promoting human health and well-being is strongly encouraged and biologically active compounds from natural resources have a broad range of ap-plications in this sector. In this context, three beverages (all non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and sugar-free) were created, including extracts of green tea with Chios mastiha, matcha green tea with Chios mastiha and louisa green tea with Chios mastiha, and an evaluation of their biological potential was performed. Specifically, an analysis of water, extracts, and additives for the beverage production was carried out. Microbiological and nutritional value determination was also conducted in samples of the three products. According to the experimental results, the novel health beverage produced from green tea enriched with Chios Mastiha extracts was found to have improved organoleptic characteristics and was microbiologically stable and safe for a period of 180 days from the production date at 25 °C. It is also considered stable and safe for 3 days after production, even if it remains open at 25 °C. In view of a possible scale-up of this application, safety, and preservation control should continue for at least 540 days from the date of production. In conclusion, the current research findings support the development of a novel non-alcoholic sugar-free health drink based on bioactive extracts from green tea enriched with Chios mastiha, to contribute to maintaining human health and also to strengthen the economy.

In the current study, the cultivation of microalgae on wastewater-based substrates is investigated for an effective natural wastewater treatment that also generates biofuels and value-added products beneficial to human health. Additionally, the health of ecosystems can be evaluated via microalgae. The utilization of microalgae as bioindicators, biofuel producers, and wastewater treatment providers, under the biorefinery concept, is covered in this article. In fact, bioremediation is feasible, and microalgae culture can be used to efficiently process a variety of effluents. Along with wastewater processing and the creation of value-added substances, bioconversion concurrently offers a viable and promising alternative for reducing CO2 greenhouse gas emissions to contribute to climate change mitigation. The microalgal biorefinery being considered as the third generation is unique in that it addresses all the aforementioned problems, in contrast to lignocellulosic biomass from agricultural waste in second-generation biorefineries and edible crops in first-generation biorefineries. In particular, one of the most promising natural resources for the manufacture of biofuel, including biodiesel, bioethanol, biomethane, and biohydrogen, is found to be microalgae. Furthermore, products of high value, like fatty acid methyl esters, astaxanthin, β-carotene, DHA, and EPA can be made. Hence, microalgal biomass offers a substitute for the development of biofertilizers, bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal and aquatic feeds, and human nutrition products, thus promoting human and environmental health.

The growing urban population and increased use of healthcare services have brought significant attention to the safe and sustainable management of medical waste. Selecting the proper technology in medical waste management (MWM) represents one of the most critical challenges for decision-makers to ensure public health. In order to evaluate and choose the best MWM methodology, the current research provides a novel multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) strategy for a variety of social stakeholders, to compute criteria weights, decision-making weights, and alternative ranking algorithms. The suggested structure addresses uncertain assessments of alternatives by extending weighting and ranking methods to acquire the decision-making weight and rank the MWM alternatives based on uncertain conditions. It also uses ‘intuitionistic fuzzy’ linguistic variables to indicate criteria weights. To assess all the factors pertaining to the sustainability of MWM actions, this study suggests the creation of a decision support system (DSS). Our DSS is built upon a novel strategy that utilizes a collection of MCDM models that are grounded on contemporary intuitionistic fuzzy logic methodologies. Alternative scenarios have been assessed for the instance of Greece, after specialists in the healthcare management field imposed 17 criteria and sub-criteria. The IF-MCDM methodologies used were the Intuitionistic Fuzzy DEMATEL, TOPSIS, and CORPAS. The alternative scenarios ranged from the prioritizing of safety laws and regulations to public acceptance and awareness, with the handling of hazardous risks and transportation playing a crucial part in the process. All ensemble methods produced the same ranking of the alternatives, demonstrating that safety and risk avoidance is the most significant scenario for sustainable urban development and public health.

In this study, recent research papers have been studied, significant factors regarding metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) such as chemistry, crystalline structure, design, production process simplicity, yield optimization, as well as gas adsorption-delivery mechanisms and performance are discussed, and the potential for increased applicability is analyzed in view of a broader implementation of this class of materials as efficient new adsorbents for compressed hydrogen and natural gas storage. Indeed, a zero-carbon emission future, aimed at addressing the crucial problem of global warming and climate change, demands the use of sustainable and clean energy sources. In this context, hydrogen and natural gas are increasingly gaining attention, particularly as promising alternative vehicle fuels. In order to achieve truly sustainable transportation, however, these gases should not only be produced but also stored before their final consumption. Nevertheless, both hydrogen (H2) and natural gas (mainly CH4) possess volumetric energy densities much lower than that of gasoline, which poses a significant challenge regarding the storage of compressed gas in alternative vehicle fuel cells. For overcoming this barrier, an increase in onboard gas storage capacity is needed, in order to attain a driving range equivalent to that of conventional vehicles. One option for increasing the energy density is the gas storage onto a solid surface by physical adsorption through weak van der Waals interactions. MOFs, being considered solid materials for this purpose in recent years, are noteworthy because of their favorable adsorption properties, especially due to their high specific surface, pore volume, and gas affinity adsorption sites, as well as their appropriately tunable chemical composition and microstructure. Indeed, numerous MOFs, composed of a network of metal cations and clusters bridged by organic ligands, and synthesized by different methods ranging from conventional solvothermal synthesis to alternative processing techniques with reduced organic solvent utilization, are reported in literature. Many of them are currently being considered for increasing the hydrogen/natural gas storage capacities, either in relatively moderate-pressure onboard adsorbent-based fuel tanks or in high-pressure compressors at fuel delivery station infrastructures.

Governments efforts to reduce future emissions and change the trajectory of fossil fuel consumption must include widespread adoption of the Hydrogen (H2) promise. However, from a long-term viewpoint, inherent uncertainties drive the strategic vision of H2 development, usage and establishment. The future trends created by a variety of exogenous and endogenous elements, including Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors (PESTEL) are significantly influenced by these unpredictable volatilities as they come into play. The objective of this study is to recognize, define, and analyze significant PESTEL aspects influencing the dynamics of H2 energy in an unpredictably changing environment. Fuzzy Inference systems (FIS) and Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) methodologies were used for the case scenario of Greece to analyze how interrelated criteria from the previous categories interact dynamically and behave in a holistic approach. With the help of diverse quadruple helix stakeholders, a survey and three workshops were conducted to establish a participatory modeling framework with multi-level scenario analysis phases for the Greek use case. Initially, an FCM model was determined as an amalgamation of qualitative and quantitative valued concepts. This model was augmented by four more concepts related to Greek H2 production plants projecting future trends of this industry. We run several scenarios (including best and worst case) to analyze the influence of politics and regional economy to the growth of H2 production industry. The scenario of energy crisis depicts a limited positive trend of the hydrogen production. While the economy grows, and the crisis diminishes results show a stronger turn to the hydrogen production. Societal factors affect the process in all phases and scenarios. Results span from deterioration trends to slight improvements depending on the starting values of key criteria.

Uncontrolled municipal/urban solid waste (MSW) disposal has been a problem for many decades in the Mediterranean region and has had an environmental/ecological impact. In particular, MSW dumped illegally in forests and woodlands can cause severe forest fires. In the present research, uncontrolled waste disposal areas were recorded. These areas include forest areas which subject to the responsibility of the Forest Service of Megara, Greece. The SW Maps geographic information system (GIS) mapping application was used on sites to collect geographical information data and photographic material. The aim was to minimize the environmental degradation caused by uncontrolled waste disposal and its impact on the regions. 38 uncontrolled waste disposal sites were identified, occupying a total area of 41,313,650 m2. The waste volume amounted to 1421 m3, with the waste mainly being composed of plastics, glass rags, textile, paper, cardboard, garden and agriculture–forestry waste, and construction and demolition waste. The sites were mainly located in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas with road access. A significant percentage (26

In the current study, the production of novel antioxidants for hygienic disinfection against common pathogenic bacteria, based on the incorporation of bioextractant oils/waters from either lavender or oregano distillates is proposed in the framework of circular economy. For the first time, the main compounds found in distillation products (oils/waters), specifically of lavender Lavandula angustifolia (lynalyl acetate and linalool) and of oregano Oreganum vulgare (carvacrol, thymol, and p-cymene) are presented. The analyses of both the lavender and oregano essential oils/waters indicate excellent physicochemical properties and microbial absence. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of all distillates as DPPH radical scavengers is assessed. The results confirm that the essential oils of both oregano and lavender possess superior antioxidant activity to their corresponding waters, while the oregano oil exhibited far better antioxidant activity than the lavender oil, as 1 mL of oregano oil was able to consume 45 μmoles of DPPH radicals. Overall, our research findings suggest that the particular lavender and oregano bioextractants produced possess important potential to address the resistance of bacteria from the perspective of their wider exploitation in therapeutic or preventive medicine, thus contributing to enhancing public health.