In the last ten years, pedagogy has been evolving rapidly in terms of teaching approaches. This study is an attempt to analyze the recently developed novel pedagogy models. STEM integration and classroom engagement are primary approaches in pedagogy in recent times. The article aims to provide educators with some analytical tools to complement the modernization of STEM pedagogy. Integration flow and skill-set balancing, along with matrix analysis, are projected to be efficient solutions for evolved pedagogy. A novel PESTLE model is framed for tackling the changes in pedagogies during pandemics and emergencies. Inquiry-based learning can foster and accelerate the cause of integrating subjects in STEM pedagogy. In addition, the article discusses the post-pandemic scenario of pedagogy in the education system as a whole.

This systematic review examines the intricate relationship between Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education, digital competence, and sustainable innovations in the context of academic institutions. This study, conducted through a meticulous PRISMA-guided literature review, spans the decade from 2013 to 2023, focusing on publications from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The NOISE analysis model guides the exploration, emphasizing the Needs, Opportunities, Improvements, and Strengths in upskilling educators for the digital age. By synthesizing findings, this review highlights the multifaceted nature of digital competence, emphasizing its critical role in the knowledge society. Sustainable innovation emerges as a complex yet essential concept for future digital competencies. Key findings underscore the imperative for a continuous upskilling of educators and the transformative potential of STEAM pedagogy in fostering a holistic, transdisciplinary approach to education. The NOISE analysis offers practical insights, paving the way for future research directions, including the development of a robust conceptual framework for STEAM-based pedagogy. This review contributes by adding a culturally sustaining education framework for STEAM, which adds to existing knowledge by elucidating the symbiotic relationship between STEAM education, digital competence, and sustainable innovations, providing a nuanced understanding crucial for navigating the evolving educational landscape.

This article aims to present some opportunities for improved solar energy utilization by raising the share of renewables in energy generation in the Visegrád Countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary). The analysis is based on the status of the renewable energy targets in the member countries and their future possibilities. This paper derives input through a thorough investigation of independent data, government policies, European Commission reports, and other data available online with free access. The analysis is processed by focusing on Hungary, as a country with various possible facets of solar energy demand and supply in the region. The assessment methodology is in the context of a geographical map, technical regression analysis, temperature distribution profiles, and the relative trends of solar potential in Hungary. The country currently has ten solar power plants with more than 10 MWp, and five remarkable plants under 10 MWp capacity spread over Hungary. The analysis on geographical aspects clubbed with technical and solar affecting parameters was carried out to harvest the sustainable potential of solar energy in the region. This study attempts to establish a relationship between the current and future prospects of solar energy in Hungary as a nation, and as part of the Visegrád countries, based on assessment for a sustainable future.

The depletion of conventional energy resources has created a bunyanesque energy problem in the current world order. In this article, the byzantine issues of optimisation i.e. modelling, simulations, sustainability assessment and economic analysis examples are discussed briefly. Life span analysis and associated capital costs for various solar drying systems are elucidated with comparative graphics for insights into the economic benchmarking of different models. This compendium work highlights the suitable combinations of numerical modelling and simulation softwares frequently used. In addition, the recent studies on environmental assistance are reviewed which is a crucial parameter for future studies on solar dryer optimisation as they should not only limited to exergy-sustainability criteria but to expand the studies on social impact as well.

Increased global plastic consumption and production boosted the amount of end-of-life (EoL) plastic. Also, 90 % of plastic EoL is either landfilled or incinerated. These unsustainable EoL pathways impact the environment and human health and waste valuable materials. Thus, improvements to the existing recycling infrastructure for sustainable plastic management are needed to enhance plastic circularity. Therefore, this contribution addresses optimizing cost-effective pathways for plastic recycling within the supply chain. The research uses mathematical optimization and the P-graph theoretical framework to calculate recycling costs, encompassing both capital expenditure and operational expenditure for various pathways of plastic recycling. The proposed methodology is applied through a detailed case study in Miskolc, Hungary, revealing estimated recycling costs ranging from 54.9 to 59.28 EUR/ton. This finding provides crucial insights into the economic implications of diverse recycling methods. Also, the study highlights the P-graph model’s untapped potential as a resource for decision-makers in plastic recycling, particularly the enumeration of options for further consideration. The work’s utility and novelty lie in the model’s capability to design cost-effective pathways, offering a tangible contribution to the plastic recycling supply chain. Finally, this contribution offers economic solutions needed to ensure cost-effective sustainable plastic management solutions.

The appropriate storage, transportation, and utilization of wood-based fuels, including woodchips, pellets, and sawdust, in the energy production process, depends on their efficient drying. Traditional drying methods include limitations such as high thermal losses, inefficient heat transfer, and sustainability issues. These barriers, coupled with the high costs and complexities of maintaining the desired moisture content, underscore the need for innovative solutions. This study introduces a novel approach to wood fuel drying through the integration of phase-change materials (PCMs) with hybrid solar drying systems, aimed at enhancing thermal efficiency and sustainability. Employing coconut oil as the PCM, experiments were performed under a consistent artificial radiation of 755 W m⁻². The hybrid system demonstrated the capability to retain approximately 200 watts of useful heat for three hours post-radiation, marking a significant improvement in heat storage. Our findings reveal peak thermal and exergy efficiencies of 30–35% and 13–14%, respectively. An economic and environmental analysis predicts a system lifespan of five years, with the cost of generating one kilogram of hot air at 0.0058 EUR and an annual CO₂ emission of 64.09 kg. This research offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for wood fuel drying, presenting a significant advancement for large-scale producers and setting a benchmark for further exploration of wood fuel drying technologies.