Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Towards More Sustainable Oceans: A Review Of The Pressing Challenges Posed By Marine Plastic Litter, Peter Yang

Faculty Scholarship

Marine littering is a global challenge and a significant threat to a sustainable planet, requiring comprehensive and effective mechanisms to address it in a comprehensive manner. This study reports on a bibliometric analysis that has identified the extent to which the topic has been explored in the international literature, by focusing on geographical scope, the emphasis on (micro)plastic litter and on policy measures. Additionally, as a complement to the assessment of the recent literature on marine plastic litter, this study reviews some case studies, identifying some trends on how to cope with this problem. The findings underscore the imperative for …

Plc-Controlled Intelligent Conveyor System With Ai-Enhanced Vision Of Efficient Waste Sorting, Natheer Almtireen, Nathir Rawashdeh, Viraj Reddy, Max Sutton, Alexander Nedvidek, Caden Karn, Et. Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Current waste sorting mechanisms, particularly those relying on manual processes, semi-automated systems, or technologies without Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, are hindered by inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and limited scalability, reducing their effectiveness in meeting growing waste management demands. This study introduces a prototype waste sorting machine that integrates an AI-driven vision system with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for high-accuracy automated waste sorting. The system, powered by the YOLOv8 deep learning model, achieved sorting accuracies of 88% for metal cans, 75% for paper, and 91% for plastic bottles, with an overall precision of 90%, a recall of 80%, and a mean average …

Beyond A Chapter: Libraries As Key Characters In Smu’S Sustainability Saga, Shameem Nilofar Maideen

Research Collection Library

No abstract provided.

Sustainability Transformation For Healthcare Facilities Following Net Zero Model, Esraa Elmitainy

Theses and Dissertations

The healthcare industry is a field undergoing huge development. Focused on SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being”, the healthcare industry, as the main health service provider, was marked by experts as a sector that should lead sustainable development by example. The current work aims to formulate a sustainability rating system for new and existing healthcare facilities to encourage the Egyptian healthcare industry to move towards sustainability according to net zero concepts. Additionally, the transition to net zero waste is investigated though experimental work to test the possibility of utilizing sterilized medical waste in cement-based bricks.

The rating system starts with …

Flexibility - The Key To Managing A Northern Beef Property, T H. Mann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Successful management involves keeping the property profitable on an annual basis and maintaining long-term profitability by gradual improvement. To maintain long-term economic profitability we must ensure ecological sustainability. "Hillgrove" is a 65 000 ha specialist beef production (breeding, fattening, store production) property in the Charters Towers district of north Queensland. The environment is dominated by erratic (annual rainfall 127-1367 mm) and highly seasonal rainfall (75% during December-March). Soils vary from fertile basaltics to phosphorus-deficient yellow earths, In addition to the climatic variation, cattle prices fluctuate uncontrollably. We plan to enter periods of low prices with low debt levels and an …

Dalrye - A Farm Business In Southern New South Wales, T R. Hutchings

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Dalrye is n 1473 ha farm 50 km south of Wagga in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales. It is approximately twice the average farm size for the area. The climate in this region is Mediterranean, with the average 600 mm rainfall being evenly spread throughout the year. The rainfall is reliable (cv. 20%) by Australian standards, There is no possibility of irrigation. Present enterprises are based on wool production from a Merino ewe flock, and dryland crops, including wheat, triticale, oats, lupins and canola. Management strategies concentrate on maximizing profit by manipulating the combination of the …

Management And Use Of Complex Landscapes: Some Implications Of Spatial Variation For Pasture And Animal Production, J A. Taylor, S J. Cook

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This paper describe.s some of the spatial variation in microclimate,' soils and vegetation across the black speargrass (Heteropogon contorus) grazing lands of south-east Queensland. Differences in the establishment and survival of oversown legumes, and in animal production', associated with this variation were examined in a large­scale grazing trial. The consequences of spatial heterogeneity are discussed in relation to species evaluation, restoration of degraded grazing lands and the development of sustainable grazing systems.

Evaluation Of Pastures For Sustained Beef Production In Subtropical New South Wales, P T. Mears, D L. Garden, R W. Dicker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Limitations of low-quality grass pastures, soil fertility, mechanisms of legume persistence and the long-term sustainability of pastures for beef production were studied in a humid subtropical environment of New South Wales, Australia. Sustainability of pastures and animal growth responses in 3 experiments (varying from 4 to 10 years' duration) al 2 sites have been analysed and described. Steers or heifers were used lo assess the effects of introducing subtropical or temperate legumes, level of superphosphate and stocking rate on natural grass pastures, Principal factors which improved the level of beef production from pasture were (i) introducing persistent legumes (ii) level …

Usu Extension Sustainability Permaculture Initiative: 2025 Impact Report, Natalia Bustos, Roslynn Brain Mccann, Jake Powell

Extension Research

• Permaculture Statistics
• Harvest Donations (Organic)
• Participant Response
• 2025 Monthly Educational Events
• Publications
• USU Extension Workshops & Events

Into Thick Air: Adapting Cultural Practices Into Solutions For Modern Wicked Problems, Syed Muhammad Erzum Naqvi

Theses and Dissertations

Into Thick Air argues that cultural practices can inspire solutions

to challenging modern problems. This project employs the Basant

festival as a case study to critically reimagine kite flying as a

collective practice with the potential to contribute to the reduction

of air pollution in Lahore, a city consistently ranked among those

with the poorest air quality globally. By building kites from fabric

treated with nanoparticle coatings, Into Thick Air transforms a

traditional community activity into an accessible, citizen-driven

method for removing pollutants from the air. The treated kites

empower Lahoris to take charge of their environment while

encouraging collective …

Frozen Commons: Food Security And Food Sovereignty In Rural Alaskan Communities And Tribes, Catey Selby, Weiwei Mo

Honors Theses and Capstones

This project explored the challenges, needs, and potential solutions related to food security and food sovereignty in rural Alaskan communities. These communities have long relied on traditional subsistence practices like fishing, hunting, and foraging, but those practices have been increasingly affected by climate change, regulatory restrictions, and commercial overfishing. Key issues identified included shorter hunting seasons, changes in animal migration, unsafe ice conditions, habitat loss, complex land ownership, and permitting barriers. Large-scale commercial fisheries also put additional pressure on subsistence resources, reducing access to traditional food sources.

The project focused on identifying key stakeholders—such as government agencies, tribal organizations, and …

Integrated Pest Management: State Infrastructure Status After 50 Yr Of Federal Support (1973 To 2023), Daren S. Mueller, Laura C. Iles, Carol L. Pilcher, Adam J. Sisson, Roger Magarey, Ryan Adams, Wanda I. Almodovar, Diane Alston, Patrick Beauzay, Ricardo Bessin, Mandy Bish, Mary Burrows, Alejandro Calixto, Rakesh Chandran, Jed B. Colquhoun, Mary Concklin, Amy J. Dreves, Peter C. Ellsworth, Paul D. Esker, James J. Farrar, Alfred Fournier, Daniel Frank, Kelly Hamby, George Hamilton, Anthony Hanson, Ann Hazelrigg, Natalie Hein-Ferris, David Held, James Jasinski, Heather M. Kelly, David Kerns, Miranda Kersten, Lauren Kerzicnik, Janet Knodel, Glen Koehler, Heidi Kratsch, Christian H. Krupke, Norman C. Leppla, Erin Lizotte, Casey Matney, Rebecca A. Melanson, Frannie Miller, Marion Murray, David Owens, Diane Plewa, Francis P. F. Reay-Jones, Silvia I. Rondon, Tom A. Royer, Philip A. Rozeboom, Hilary A. Sandler, Scott P. Schell, Marissa Schuh, Timothy Seipel, Danesha Seth Carley, Ashfaq Sial, Raghuwinder Singh, Damon L. Smith, Tim Stock, Glenn Studebaker, Adrianna Szczepaniec, Lisa Tewksbury, John Tooker, Adam J. Varenhorst, Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, Doug Walsh, Desiree Wickwar, Robert J, Wright, Simon Zebelo

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Integrated pest management uses a variety of tools coupled with historical, current, and projected information for economical pest protection of crops and other resources while accounting for risk to humans and the environment. Following the 1972 US Federal IPM Policy, funding for integrated pest management programming has continued for 50+ years. However, multifaceted changes during this time have significantly affected state-level integrated pest management infrastructure, prompting a comprehensive survey to assess conditions, limitations, and growth potential of US integrated pest management programs. A survey was sent to 50 US states and 3 territories with integrated pest management programs in November …

Fisheries Research Report No. 345: Metropolitan Monitoring Program 2024, Alissa C. Tate, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan

Fisheries Research Reports

Ongoing monitoring of recreational fisheries in the Metropolitan zone is essential to ensure the sustainable use of fisheries resources. Surveys of shore- and boat-based recreational fishers within the Metropolitan zone of the West Coast bioregion provide information on human dimensions and catch-per-fisher as well as mean length and weight of key recreationally caught species. For shore-based fishers, estimates of fishing effort, catch and harvest are also presented for key nearshore species. Information in this report is used to support ongoing assessments for key nearshore species and inform the development and evaluation of harvest strategies and other management actions, such as …

From Lawns To Life: Landscaping For Biodiversity On Mason’S Island, Margit Burgess

Open Access Master's Theses

The collapse of biodiversity is an existential threat to life on Earth. Residential landscapes, dominated by open lawns maintained in turfgrass, do not support biodiversity. In the United States, turfgrass has replaced native landscapes in over 40 million acres, with 500 square miles added each year (Tallamy, 2019). Of the 78% of the U.S. land that is privately owned, approximately 135 million acres - nearly twice the size of all national parks combined - are residential (Milesi et al., 2005). With a shift in private landscape management, this land could present a largely untapped opportunity for biodiversity restoration and social …

Iere Annual Report 2025, Erin Largo-Wight, Heather Barnes Truelove, Kelly Rhoden, Nicole Lowe, Ruby Cox

Annual Reports

2025 Annual Report of the Institute for Environmental Research and Education

A Maintenance Repair And Overhaul Model For Operational Sustainability; Incorporating Processes And Risks., Linn Guinn, Mary M.H. Woody, Eva Maleviti

Publications

Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies are integral to the aviation industry, with the core responsibility of ensuring aircraft remain safe and airworthy. Their role is critical in maintaining the industry’s high standards of performance and safety. To remain competitive, MROs must provide a wide range of services—including inspections, periodic checks, engine overhauls, avionics repairs, fuselage and cabin modifications, and interior refurbishments— while consistently meeting regulatory and safety requirements. Beyond technical compliance, MROs must adopt a quality-driven, continuous improvement approach to manage risks effectively. This requires the integration of processes, programs, and systems aligned with international standards to strengthen resilience, …

A Blueprint To Greener Shorelines: Advancing The Effectiveness, Sustainability, And Widespread Adoption Of Coastal Nature-Based Solutions Through Transdisciplinary Research, Taylor M. Sloey, Sierra Hildebrandt, Rebecca L. Morris, Matthew V. Bilskie, Aaron Bland, David Bushek, Gabriella Dipetto, Daniel Elefant, Vincent Encomio, Ramin Familkhalili, Christine Hladik, Danielle Kreeger, Avery B. Paxton, Cindy M. Palinkas, Latina Steele, Andrew Scheld, Daisuke Taira, Jason D. Toft, Armando J. Ubeda, Christine Whitcraft, Donna Marie Bilkovic

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Coastal nature-based solutions (NbS) have emerged as powerful tools to enhance sustainable development and ecological restoration goals. As a rapidly growing field spanning across social, political, ecological, economic, and engineering disciplines, it is critical that researchers working in coastal NbS regularly attempt to identify emerging focal areas for scientific inquiry. Following the 27th Biennial meeting of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, we provide a transdisciplinary perspective (including biologists, engineers, oceanographers, geoscientists, economists, and facilitators of workforce training programs) of pertinent research questions that, if answered, will advance the effectiveness, sustainability, and widespread adoption of coastal NbS. These suggestions for …

Synthesis Of Fe3o4@Mil-101-Oh/Chitosan For Adsorption And Release Of Doxorubicin, Iman Najafipour, Nafiseh Emami, Pegah Sadeh, Adonis Amoli, Sareh Mosleh-Shirazi, Ali Mohammad Amani, Hesam Kamyab, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan, Seyed Reza Kasaee, Ehsan Vafa

Michigan Tech Publications

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a magnetic composite metal-organic framework, The Fe3O4@MIL-101-OH/Chitosan nanocomposite was used for the first time to adsorb and release the drug doxorubicin (DOX). The nanocomposite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The characterization results showed that the synthesized nanocomposite has a crystalline structure and good magnetic properties. Also, this nanocomposite has a high specific surface area (610.36 m2/g). In this article, the effect of pH, contact time, and drug concentration on DOX adsorption were investigated, and the …

Leveraging Artificial Intelligent For Optimized Crop Production: An Ann-Based Approach, Yahya Layth Khaleel, Fadya A. Habeeb, Mustafa Abdulfattah Habeeb, Fatimah N. Ameen

Mesopotamian Journal of Computer Science

To incite modern day crop production and ensure sustainability, exact crop recommendations are key to the process. This study pays significant attention to the need for the use of big data tools in studies involving comprehensive data sets that contain information on soil and other environmental characteristics. The set of data used in this research includes Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium content coordinated with Temperature, Humidity, pH Value, and Rainfall. Knowing these factors is to make a favorable decision about improving agricultural products yield, availability and management of the resources, as well as general well-being of the crops. Specialized advisory on …

Hunting And Fishing Ceos: Environmental Plunderers Or Saviors?, Thomas Covington, Steve Widler, Keven Yost

Finance Faculty Works

CEOs who participate in hunting and fishing benefit by appreciating natural environments and permanently consuming natural resources. We examine whether CEOs who hunt and fish make different environmental decisions and find that firms led by CEOs who obtain the most hunting and fishing licenses have lower environmental performance as measured by MSCI-KLD. This effect is strongest in the environmental category of climate change but also extends to pollution, waste, and the protection of natural capital. Furthermore, firms led by CEOs with the most hunting and fishing licenses are significantly more likely to pay a regulatory settlement for an environmental regulatory …

Co-Creation, Interpretations And Engagement With A Movement-Based Symbol For Climate Justice: A Qualitative Inquiry, Kai Reimer-Watts

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The climate crisis demonstrates with complete clarity the need for massive systems-level changes towards far more sustainable societies. Global and local emissions need to decline rapidly to mitigate intensifying climate breakdown, accompanied by climate and sustainability solutions, to secure a far more stable, safe, and just future for all people and all life. Within these changes, engaging in our communities is essential to support and co-create broader solutions to help advance more sustainable societies, reduce negative impacts of a changing climate, and to move towards cultures and systems that recognize natural limits and centre care for people and planet.

‘Climate …

And Climate Justice For All

DePaul Magazine

DePaul is taking its environmental sustainability and equity prowess to the next level through its Just DePaul and President's Sustainability Committee initiatives that incorporate a climate action plan and student voices. Plus, community partnership courses that involve students in environmental action and justice efforts.

Curbing Environmental Degradation To Balance Sustainable Development: Evidence From China, Muneza Kagzi, Vishal Dagar, Nadia Doytch, Deepika Krishnan, Manisha Raj

Ateneo School of Government Publications

To achieve the goals of sustainable development, it is crucial to check the balance of increased level of international trade along with financial development, foreign direct investment (FDI), energy consumption, and institutional advancement with the quality of the environment. This study focuses on how these variables have caused environmental degradation in China. To achieve Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), i.e. to increase the nation's resilience to natural disasters and hazards related to climate change, to promote climate action and safeguard life as part of sustainable development, this involves the analysis of time-series data sets from 1975 to …

Ethics And Environmental Impact Of Video Games, Anushka Chokshi

ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies

As video games grow in popularity, concerns regarding their ethical and environmental implications are brought up. While once, topics like their impact on child development or harm to Earth might have been considered minor or irrelevant, these concerns are now voiced in numerous articles across the internet, amplifying the urgency to develop games in an ethical context before matters are blown out of proportion. For the purposes of exploring both past and present views, this work draws from older and newer sources surrounding many topics on the idea of game development in the video game industry. Essentially, video game development …

Experimental Investigations Of Wind Shear From Passing A Vehicle, Hamid Rahai, Assma Begum, Jeremy Bonifacio, Ryan Moffit

Mineta Transportation Institute

Wind energy can be harnessed for various commercial and transportation-related applications. This study assessed experimentally the potential of capturing wind energy from the passage of vehicles for electric power generation. Both wind tunnel experiments and field tests were performed. The wind tunnel experiments were performed in an open-circuit low-speed wind tunnel at a free-stream mean velocity of 23 m/s. Five PVC pipes placed adjacent to the wind-blowing domain were used to simulate the columns under a freeway overpass. A scaled Ahmad body (simplified car body model) was used as the vehicle. The spanwise distance between the Ahmad body and the …

Environmental Impact Assessments (Eia): Analysis Of Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessments For The Development Of A Uniform Teia Model, Nicolas Chapa

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the evolution, processes, and importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), focusing on transboundary EIAs and the need for a uniform framework. Originating from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 in the U.S., EIAs have become globally adopted instruments for assessing and mitigating environmental impacts of development projects. This work reiterates historical milestones, strengths, and current limitations of EIAs. Research also included a review of environmental regulations from Mexico, such as the General Law on Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection (LGEEPA). Through several case studies requiring the use of transboundary EIAs, where shared resources and concerns …

Sustainable Energysense: A Predictive Machine Learning Framework For Optimizing Residential Electricity Consumption, Murad Al-Rajab, Samia Loucif

All Works

In a world where electricity is often taken for granted, the surge in consumption poses significant challenges, including elevated CO2 emissions and rising prices. These issues not only impact consumers but also have broader implications for the global environment. This paper endeavors to propose a smart application dedicated to optimizing the electricity consumption of household appliances. It employs Augmented Reality (AR) technology along with YOLO to detect electrical appliances and provide detailed electricity consumption insights, such as displaying the appliance consumption rate and computing the total electricity consumption based on the number of hours the appliance was used. The application …

A Novel Approach To Sustainable Behavior Enhancement Through Ai-Driven Carbon Footprint Assessment And Real-Time Analytics, Ahmad Jasim Jasmy, Heba Ismail, Noof Aljneibi

All Works

This research introduces an Artificial Intelligence-driven mobile application designed to help users calculate and reduce their Carbon Footprint (CFP). The proposed system employs an Intelligent Sustainable Behavior Tracking and Recommendation System, analyzing users' carbon emissions from daily activities and suggesting eco-friendly alternatives. It facilitates sustainability discussions through its chat community and educates users on sustainable practices via an intelligent chatbot powered by a sustainability knowledge base. To promote social engagement around sustainability, the application incorporates a competition and reward system. Additionally, it aggregates behavioral data to inform government sustainability policies and address challenges. Emphasizing individual responsibility, the proposed system stands …

Sustainable Flight Training Schools And Their Role To Meet Net Zero Targets, Eva Maleviti

Sustainability Conference

This presentation is part of a wider research project to identify the elements that must be considered regarding flight training schools’ role in aviation sustainability. Net Zero Pathways and goals, emission schemes, design specifications, and sustainable fuels are some of the most popular changes for airlines and manufacturers. Flight training schools must be at the forefront of promoting aviation sustainability to tomorrow’s professionals. The ICAO Carbon Offsetting Requirement Scheme for International Airlines (CORSIA) relies heavily on the firm and reliable information in the operators’ system. Proper emission calculation requires flight crews to feed valid and accurate flight information data. Hence, …

Tradition And Pastoral Sustainability- An Exercise In The Applied Human Ecology Of Mountain Rangelands, David Pitt

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The paper presents the case for regarding some traditional practices and customs as a ba��e for sustainable development in winter cold temperate rangeland pastoralism, The emphasis is on the social forms which maintain a system in which low intensity production, usufruct, kinship dynamics, co-operation, environmentally friendly practices and nomadism are maintained in the face of extreme outside pressures, A typology is elaborated including five situations: independence, coexistence, fluctuation, absorption and interaction. Case studies _are presented from the Middle East, Andes, North Africa, the Alps, the Himalaya and the former Soviet Union. Although these situations are basically historical, or at best …