Global

This study explores the food and nutrition security practices among artisanal and small-scale mining communities in Nigeria, revealing both strengths, such as access to local foods and purchasing power, and significant challenges, including meal skipping, poor water quality, and limited healthcare access. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions to improve nutrition, healthcare infrastructure, and social protection, which are essential for the well-being and sustainable development of these mining communities.

This chapter aligns with Goals 5, 8, and 10 by highlighting the significance of women’s entrepreneurship in promoting sustainable growth in Europe. The key argument is that achieving gender equality is essential for sustainable development, as outlined in the SDGs, which advocate for equal opportunities for all.

Combustion of fossil fuels is one of the main sources of emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2, CO, and NOx. In order to decrease the emissions of these harmful gases and alleviate their unfavorable consequences, it is crucial to shift toward clean and renewable energy technologies. Aside from the environmental importance, there are other reasons, such as fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels, restrictions in their resources, and the importance of energy diversification for shifting toward alternative and clean energy systems. In this chapter, some of the most conventional and developed renewable energy systems are introduced. Afterwards, the importance of shifting toward renewable energy sources and the development of clean energy technologies is discussed. Following that, the obstacles and challenges related to the development of renewable energy systems are provided. According to the provided data and designed plans by international organizations, it can be concluded that renewable energy systems would have a significant contribution in the future; however, there are some challenges, such as requirement for investment, lack of proper infrastructure, and absence of clear and effective policies in some countries and regions that can act as obstacles to the development of these clean systems.

Superhydrophobic coatings are sought for outdoor components that must repel water while enduring abrasion, icing, and corrosive media; however, the role of substrate temperature and laser fluence during laser texturing in balancing these properties is insufficiently mapped. The key challenge is to raise wear robustness without sacrificing anti-icing performance or triggering crack formation and corrosion.