• Energy Research
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With the growing significance of the circular economy (CE) agenda in the fashion industry and, consequently, in fashion design education, this work introduces the initial phase of a case study that aims to ascertain whether CE principles and sustainability are part of the curriculum and pedagogical approaches employed by educators in the Fashion Design Technician course (FDTC) (level 4, National Qualifications Framework—QNQ, and European Qualifications Framework—EQF). Additionally, it seeks to identify the methodologies, strategies, and educational activities used to address these themes. This research outlines the review of documentary sources that facilitated the definition of the study’s object and sample and describes the implementation of a questionnaire survey to forty educators teaching this course across various disciplines encompassing the three training components (sociocultural, scientific, and technological) in fifteen out of the sixteen Portuguese vocational schools, during the academic year 2023/24. This phase of the case study has led to the conclusion that while the technical course curriculum may not extensively cover CE and sustainability, these topics are integral components of most pedagogical practices among the surveyed teachers. The methodologies, strategies, and activities employed display a strong commitment to fostering sustainable practices, predominantly nurturing environmental awareness among students.

With the growing significance of the circular economy (CE) agenda in the fashion industry and, consequently, in fashion design education, this work introduces the initial phase of a case study that aims to ascertain whether CE principles and sustainability are part of the curriculum and pedagogical approaches employed by educators in the Fashion Design Technician course (FDTC) (level 4, National Qualifications Framework—QNQ, and European Qualifications Framework—EQF). Additionally, it seeks to identify the methodologies, strategies, and educational activities used to address these themes. This research outlines the review of documentary sources that facilitated the definition of the study’s object and sample and describes the implementation of a questionnaire survey to forty educators teaching this course across various disciplines encompassing the three training components (sociocultural, scientific, and technological) in fifteen out of the sixteen Portuguese vocational schools, during the academic year 2023/24. This phase of the case study has led to the conclusion that while the technical course curriculum may not extensively cover CE and sustainability, these topics are integral components of most pedagogical practices among the surveyed teachers. The methodologies, strategies, and activities employed display a strong commitment to fostering sustainable practices, predominantly nurturing environmental awareness among students.

Road transport represents a major contributor to air pollution, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions in Switzerland. In response, stringent emission regulations, penalties for non-compliance, and incentives for electric vehicles have been introduced. This study investigates how these policies, along with shifting consumer preferences and vehicle design advancements, have influenced the composition of the Swiss new passenger car fleet. Using machine learning techniques, we segment passenger vehicles to analyze trends over time. Our findings reveal a decline in micro and small vehicles, alongside an increase in lower- and upper-middle-class vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and alternative powertrains across all segments. Additionally, steady increases in vehicle width, length, and weight are observed in all classes since 1995. While technological advancements led to reductions in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions until 2016, an increase has since been observed, driven by higher engine power, greater vehicle weight, and changes in certification schemes.

Road transport represents a major contributor to air pollution, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions in Switzerland. In response, stringent emission regulations, penalties for non-compliance, and incentives for electric vehicles have been introduced. This study investigates how these policies, along with shifting consumer preferences and vehicle design advancements, have influenced the composition of the Swiss new passenger car fleet. Using machine learning techniques, we segment passenger vehicles to analyze trends over time. Our findings reveal a decline in micro and small vehicles, alongside an increase in lower- and upper-middle-class vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and alternative powertrains across all segments. Additionally, steady increases in vehicle width, length, and weight are observed in all classes since 1995. While technological advancements led to reductions in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions until 2016, an increase has since been observed, driven by higher engine power, greater vehicle weight, and changes in certification schemes.

Sustainable energy consumption in cement production involves practises and strategies aimed at reducing energy use and minimising environmental impact. The efficiency of a cement kiln is dependent on the kiln design, fuel type, and operating temperature. In this study, a dynamic simulation analysis is used to investigate heat losses and distribution within kilns with the aim of improving energy efficiency in cement production. This study used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Conjugate Heat Transfer, Turbulent Flow, and the Realisable k−ϵ turbulence model to simulate heat transfer within the refractory and wall systems of the kiln, evaluate the effectiveness of these systems in managing heat losses, and establish the relationship between the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and the velocities of solid and gas phases. The simulation results indicate that a temperature gradient from the kiln’s interior to its exterior is highly dependent on the effectiveness of refractory lining in absorbing and reducing heat transfer to the outer walls. The results also confirm that different thermal profiles exist for clinker and fuel gases, with clinker temperatures consistently peaking at approximately 1450 °C, an essential condition for optimal cement-phase formation. The results also indicate that phase velocities significantly influence heat absorption and transfer. Lower velocities, such as 0.2 m/s, lead to increased heat absorption, but also elevate heat losses due to prolonged exposure. The relationship between the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and the velocities of solid and gas phases also indicates that higher velocities improve HTC and enhance overall heat transfer efficiency, reducing energy demand.

Sustainable energy consumption in cement production involves practises and strategies aimed at reducing energy use and minimising environmental impact. The efficiency of a cement kiln is dependent on the kiln design, fuel type, and operating temperature. In this study, a dynamic simulation analysis is used to investigate heat losses and distribution within kilns with the aim of improving energy efficiency in cement production. This study used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Conjugate Heat Transfer, Turbulent Flow, and the Realisable k−ϵ turbulence model to simulate heat transfer within the refractory and wall systems of the kiln, evaluate the effectiveness of these systems in managing heat losses, and establish the relationship between the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and the velocities of solid and gas phases. The simulation results indicate that a temperature gradient from the kiln’s interior to its exterior is highly dependent on the effectiveness of refractory lining in absorbing and reducing heat transfer to the outer walls. The results also confirm that different thermal profiles exist for clinker and fuel gases, with clinker temperatures consistently peaking at approximately 1450 °C, an essential condition for optimal cement-phase formation. The results also indicate that phase velocities significantly influence heat absorption and transfer. Lower velocities, such as 0.2 m/s, lead to increased heat absorption, but also elevate heat losses due to prolonged exposure. The relationship between the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and the velocities of solid and gas phases also indicates that higher velocities improve HTC and enhance overall heat transfer efficiency, reducing energy demand.

Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time. Its increasingly visible effects make it a global worry and a chronic stressor, especially for specific developmental targets such as young adults. This study outlines the process of the Italian adaptation and validation of the Climate Change Coping Scale (CCCS), an instrument that examines three distinct coping strategies for addressing climate change. Study I, conducted with a sample of 230 Italian young adults (42.6% males; 57.4% females), explores the latent structure of the instrument using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Parallel Analysis (PA) and outlines the preliminary psychometric properties of the CCCS. A distinct sample of 500 Italian young adults (38.6% males; 61.4% females) was selected for Study II, which presents the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), supporting a first-order factor structure with three correlated dimensions. These dimensions, as in the original scale, are labeled ’Meaning-Focused Coping’ (five items), ’Problem-Centered Coping’ (five items), and ’De-Emphasizing/Avoidance Coping’ (six items). The internal reliability of the CCCS, the measurement of invariance between males and females, and its discriminant and convergent validity are also described. Finally, significant differences in the levels of the three identified coping strategies are presented and discussed in relation to sociodemographic variables, including gender, political orientation, occupational and relationship status, and participation in environmental organizations. Overall, the results of Studies I and II highlight the reliability, validity, and robustness of the Italian version of the Climate Change Coping Scale.

Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time. Its increasingly visible effects make it a global worry and a chronic stressor, especially for specific developmental targets such as young adults. This study outlines the process of the Italian adaptation and validation of the Climate Change Coping Scale (CCCS), an instrument that examines three distinct coping strategies for addressing climate change. Study I, conducted with a sample of 230 Italian young adults (42.6% males; 57.4% females), explores the latent structure of the instrument using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Parallel Analysis (PA) and outlines the preliminary psychometric properties of the CCCS. A distinct sample of 500 Italian young adults (38.6% males; 61.4% females) was selected for Study II, which presents the results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), supporting a first-order factor structure with three correlated dimensions. These dimensions, as in the original scale, are labeled ’Meaning-Focused Coping’ (five items), ’Problem-Centered Coping’ (five items), and ’De-Emphasizing/Avoidance Coping’ (six items). The internal reliability of the CCCS, the measurement of invariance between males and females, and its discriminant and convergent validity are also described. Finally, significant differences in the levels of the three identified coping strategies are presented and discussed in relation to sociodemographic variables, including gender, political orientation, occupational and relationship status, and participation in environmental organizations. Overall, the results of Studies I and II highlight the reliability, validity, and robustness of the Italian version of the Climate Change Coping Scale.

This study aims to review the theoretical and empirical effects of working time reduction (WTR) and compare them with workers’ expectations and experiences. A survey was conducted with 61 individuals working 40 h per week, 36 workers who had undergone WTR, and 47 managers. The results showed that all participants were in favor of WTR; managers preferred reducing to a 4-day workweek, while workers opted for a flexible schedule. The expectations and experiences of WTR impacts on the society, economy, and environment were very positive, particularly in stress reduction, household responsibilities, and work–family balance. Experienced workers and managers recognized the positive economic effects of WTR on productivity and competitiveness, but other workers did not expect them. Contrary to the expectations of the other samples, experienced participants reported an increase in their consumption patterns, which needs to be considered, as the impact of WTR on the environment is mainly dependent on the workers’ activities. Understanding the effects of WTR and the support of workers and managers is crucial in decision-making processes.