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Natural dye (Sambucus nigra, whose common name is elder) is used to dye silk fabric. The dyed fabric samples have been post mordanted with three different mordants, including alum; ferrous and chrome. A thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) of all the samples are used to investigate the thermal stability of the dyed mordanted silk fabrics. The TGA provides the changes in the sample weight loss as a function of time and temperature. The DSC gives information about the possible changes in the fiber structure. In addition, the DSC is a method commonly used to determine crystallinity in polymers and involves measuring the melting enthalpy. The TGA tested results for silk samples mordanted with ferrous has the highest thermal stability. The endothermic peak at 318°C shifts to a lower or higher temperature than in the case of blank samples according to the type of mordant used. Fastness to light, washing and perspiration of the examined silk fabrics have also been examined and the results are reported.

This paper aims to provide a readily accessible synopsis of a complex subject and consider sustainability from a personal experiential level right through to a big picture study in the context of sustainable cities.

A combination of personal experiences, on-line sources and research papers were used to trace the complex human dilemma of achieving sustainability in city environments. Although a difficult task for many people to embrace, the study presented here forwards the idea that it is possible for individuals, communities and governments to make a positive contribution by engaging in the garden city concept.

This paper provides a context and study on the complexities surrounding achieving sustainable cities, yet at the same time providing some insight as to what can be achieved if all levels of society are engaged.

This paper emphasises the issues surrounding and importance of sustainable cities and considers a tangible goal for city dwellers at all levels of society.

This paper enables an appreciation of the role urban gardens, right through to the role that appropriate government policy, can play in contributing to, developing and conserving greenspace in cities.

This paper fosters a simplified understanding of the potential of citizen contribution providing there is some awareness and the motivation to make a difference.

The study offers a brief personal perspective and connects this with relevant literature to build a case that urban sustainability, although complex, is achievable even though it may take small steps in gaining the necessary momentum.

In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, the UK government has set a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Agricultural GHG emissions in 2017 were 45.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e; 10% of UK total GHG emissions). Farmland hedgerows are a carbon sink, storing carbon in the vegetation and soils beneath them, and thus increasing hedgerow length by 40% has been proposed in the UK to help meet net zero targets. However, the full impact of this expansion on farm biodiversity is yet to be evaluated in a net zero context. This paper critically synthesises the literature on the biodiversity implications of hedgerow planting and management on arable farms in the UK as a rapid review with policy recommendations. Eight peer-reviewed articles were reviewed, with the overall scientific evidence suggesting a positive influence of hedgerow management on farmland biodiversity, particularly coppicing and hedgelaying, although other boundary features, e.g. field margins and green lanes, may be additive to net zero hedgerow policy as they often supported higher abundances and richness of species. Only one paper found hedgerow age effects on biodiversity, with no significant effects found. Key policy implications are that further research is required, particularly on the effect of hedgerow age on biodiversity, as well as mammalian and avian responses to hedgerow planting and management, in order to fully evaluate hedgerow expansion impacts on biodiversity.

This paper seeks to demonstrate a functional beverage incorporating pine bark which is an unutilized forestry waste, determine in vitro release kinetics of enriched beverages, and antioxidant activities, besides assessing their shelf stabilities.

Orange juice was enriched with Pinus brutia, Pinus pinea bark extracts, Pycnogenol^®. In vitro release kinetics was determined in pH 1.2 and pH 7.4. Ascorbic acid content, pH, titratable acidity, and colorimetric analyses were analyzed monthly for eight months to determine shelf life. Additionally, total phenol contents and radical scavenging activities were analyzed. Subsequently a consumer acceptance test was conducted among 200 participants.

The release of all extracts in orange juices in pH 1.2 were slower than pH 7.4. The release results were fitted to Higuchi square root of time kinetic model with high determination coefficients. Although total titratable acidity values were in agreement with the trend of minor pH changes, prominent losses in antioxidant capacities, ascorbic acid contents and color were observed for the last two months suggesting a shelf life of six months. Female participants and young people had a greater tendency to consume such a beverage. Health concerns and flavor were the primary factors affecting their purchasing decisions.

Findings of the study demonstrated the effects of fortification with a plant‐based extract as a substitute to the present practice of fortifying beverages with vitamins and minerals for a potential future market.

The paper shows that juices fortified with pine bark extracts show higher antioxidant capacities and ascorbic acid contents compared to the control, thereby providing improved functionality.