With modern society and the ever-increasing consumption of polymeric materials, the way we look at products has changed, and one of the main questions we have is about the negative impacts caused to the environment in the most diverse stages of the life cycle of these materials, whether in the acquisition of raw materials, in manufacturing, distribution, use or even in their final disposal. The main methodology currently used to assess the environmental impacts of products from their origin to their final disposal is known as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Thus, the objective of this work is to evaluate how much the biodegradable polymer contributes to the environment in relation to the conventional polymer considering the application of LCA in the production mode. This analysis is configured through the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. In this review, 28 studies were selected for evaluation, whose approaches encompass knowledge on LCA, green biopolymer (from a renewable but non-biodegradable source), conventional polymer (from a non-renewable source) and, mainly, the benefits of using biodegradable polymers produced from renewable sources, such as: corn, sugarcane, cellulose, chitin and others. Based on the surveys, a comparative analysis of LCA applications was made, whose studies considered evaluating quantitative results in the application of LCA, in biodegradable and conventional polymers. The results, based on comparisons between extraction and production of biodegradable polymers in relation to conventional polymers, indicate greater environmental benefits related to the use of biodegradable polymers.

To achieve the Paris Agreement's temperature goal, greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced as soon as, and by as much, as possible. By mid-century, CO₂ emissions would need to be cut to zero, and total greenhouse gases would need to be net zero just after mid-century. Achieving carbon neutrality is impossible without carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere through afforestation/reforestation. It is necessary to ensure carbon storage for a period of 100 years or more. The study focuses on the theoretical feasibility of an integrated climate project involving carbon storage, emissions reduction and sequestration through the systemic implementation of plantation forestry of fast-growing eucalyptus species in Brazil, the production of long-life wood building materials and their deposition. The project defines two performance indicators: a) emission reduction units; and b) financial costs. We identified the baseline scenarios for each stage of the potential climate project and developed different trajectory options for the project scenario. Possible negative environmental and reputational effects as well as leakages outside of the project design were considered. Over 7 years of the plantation life cycle, the total CO₂ sequestration is expected to reach 403 tCO₂∙ha⁻¹. As a part of the project, we proposed to recycle or deposit for a long term the most part of the unused wood residues that account for 30% of total phytomass. The full project cycle can ensure that up to 95% of the carbon emissions from the grown wood will be sustainably avoided.

Developing “New Quality Productive Forces” (NQPFs) has been accepted as a new theory to accelerate the high-quality development in China. In current, China’s high-quality development mainly relies on the traction of the digital economy. In view of this, developing NQPFs in China’s digital economy sector requires locate and remove some obstacles, such as the insufficient utilization of data, inadequate algorithm regulation, the mismatched supply and demand of regional computing power and the immature market environment. As a solution, it is necessary to allocating data property rights in a market-oriented way, establishing a user-centered algorithm governance system, accelerating the establishment of the national integrated computing network, and maintaining fair competition to optimize the market environment.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Indonesia's defense industry policy from 2018 to 2023, focusing on PT Pindad, a pivotal state-owned defense enterprise. Using a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework, the study assesses PT Pindad’s performance across financial, customer, internal process, and learning and growth perspectives. The findings reveal strengths in financial stability (Current Ratio at 115.57% in 2023) and customer satisfaction, but challenges in Return on Investment (ROI), which fell from 6% in 2022 to 5.46% in 2023, signaling a need for further internal improvements. A mediation analysis using Shape-Restricted Regression indicates that Research and Development (R&D) serves as a crucial mediator, enhancing the impact of strategic alliances and technology transfer on PT Pindad’s self-reliance, with R&D showing a positive coefficient of β = 0.53 (p < 0.01). The systematic literature review complements these findings, underscoring the role of technology transfer, human capital development, and strategic partnerships as essential components for strengthening PT Pindad’s self-reliance and global competitiveness. Recommendations are made to enhance policy effectiveness by fostering robust technology transfer mechanisms, increasing investment in human capital, and expanding strategic partnerships. This research contributes to the literature on defense industry policies by providing a comprehensive evaluation framework that informs future policy decisions.

This study seeks to explore the uses, behaviors and perceptions of university students regarding mobile phones to help elucidate whether there is a relationship between the use of mobiles and the academic performance of university students. A quantitative approach based on an ad hoc questionnaire, applied before the pandemic, was used to gather evidence in this regard, which revealed the uses and educational visions of mobile phones in a convenience sample of 314 university students from nine different degree courses in two Spanish universities. Three major conclusions are formulated as part of future lines of development. First, although there is frequent use of mobile phones, the image of the mobile as a learning resource in the university classroom does not reach one-third of students. Second, although this study does not determine the causal relationship, there is a statistically significant negative relationship between average grades achieved and hours of dedication to the mobile phone. Finally, students who are unable to spend more than one hour without checking their phone obtain a significantly lower average mark than those who can stay more than one hour without checking their phone.

The study builds on Deborah Stone’s foundational work exploring the mechanics of causal narratives and their implications for framing problems, assigning responsibility, and guiding policy solutions. The purpose of this research is to unravel the complexities of causal narratives in contemporary politics and understand their profound influence on public policy and society at large. In the digital age, where information is abundant and the traditional gatekeeping role of media has diminished, causal narratives have become increasingly multifaceted. The study aims to explore how these narratives, influenced by the intersections of natural phenomena, human actions, politics, risk, and media, shape public understanding and policy directions. The study employs an extensive review of existing literature, covering works from political science, media studies, and public policy. This includes analyzing seminal texts like Deborah Stone’s “Policy Paradox” and recent studies on media’s evolving role in political discourse. Today’s causal narratives are multifaceted, influenced by a myriad of factors including political agendas, scientific findings, and media portrayals. In conclusion, the research highlights the dynamic nature of causal narratives in the digital age and their significant impact on public policy and societal outcomes. It underscores the need for nuanced understanding and strategic approaches in crafting and interpreting these narratives.