This study investigated the long-term effect of horizontal Ground-Source Heat Exchangers (GSHEs) on mitigating permafrost thaw settlement. In the conceptual system, a fan coil was used to chill the recirculating fluid in the linear High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) ground loop system. A fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical finite element framework was employed to analyze multiphysics processes involved in the thaw settlement phenomenon. To investigate the sustainability of the system, a period of 50 years was simulated. Two operational modes were defined: one without and the other with HDPE. Different heat carrier velocities and inlet temperatures, and heat exchanger depths were examined to explore their effects on the thaw settlement rate. It was concluded that the proposed system can effectively alleviate the predicted permafrost thaw settlement over the study period. Moreover, the heat carrier temperature was found to have a prominent impact on the thaw settlement rate amongst other... [more]

This study presents a current status and future trends of innovative and environmentally sustainable technological solutions for the post-harvest food supply chain and the food industry, in terms of ecological packaging, active, and/or intelligent packaging. All these concerns are currently highlighted due to the strong increase in the purchase/sale of products on online platforms, as well as the requirements for stricter food security and safety. Thus, this study aims to increase the global awareness of agro-industrial micro, small, and medium size enterprises for the adoption of innovative food solutions though industry digitalization (Industry 4.0), associated logistics and circular economy, with a concern for cybersecurity and products information, communication and shelf-life extension. The adoption of these guidelines will certainly foster along the complete food chain (from producer to consumer, with all intermediary parties) the awareness on environmentally sustainable technolo... [more]

Osmotic dehydration is an important phase in the production of dried products, including most fruits and vegetables, in the food industry. The drying process for candied fruit produces a liquid waste called “spent osmotic solution”, which is characterized by a high content of organic compounds, mostly dissolved sugars. The sugar content of this food by-product could be valorized through the growth of biomass with a high added value. In this study, the spent osmotic solution from the candied fruit industry was used as an organic carbon source for the growth and production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the cultivation of Aurantiochytrium mangrovei RCC893. The carbon content of the standard media was completely replaced by the sugars present in this food by-product. After that, the growth condition of this strain was optimized through response surface methodologies using a central composite design (CCD), and the optimal combination of the spent osmotic solution and nitrogen was establi... [more]

Road construction takes a heavy toll on the environment. Therefore, innovative strategies to improve the environmental performances of this sector are needed, and the use of recycled materials (e.g., plastic) has been recently pursued to achieve this goal. The present work aims to (i) assess the environmental benefits deriving from the use of recycled hard plastics in combination with graphene to generate a new bitumen modifier and related asphalt mixture (AM) formulations (ii) to compare the performance of the bitumen modified using this new modifier with the bitumen modified using a traditional polymer (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, SBS) and the non-modified bitumen. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was performed according to a cradle-to-cradle approach. Different scenarios were compared, including the variability of the pavement’s layers thickness and the amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement during the road maintenance cycles. The results demonstrated that the addition of t... [more]

Although the lubrication systems for internal combustion engines have been designed to prevent engine wear and friction, their configuration does not contemplate the maximum use of each load of lubricant; because of this limitation, lubricant consumption is currently an environmental and economic problem. In this work, the performance of lubrication systems to form the tribological film that prevents wear is simulated and optimized, through the mass balance of the lubricant precursors contained in the oil and the implementation of optimal control techniques. Optimization results indicate that regulating the flow of lubricant passing through the engine prevents excessive degradation of lubricant precursors, maximizing the life of each lube oil charge, giving the possibility to increase the sustainability of internal combustion engines.

Optimal siting of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is crucial to the sustainable development of electric vehicle systems. Considering the defects of previous heuristic optimization models in tackling subjective factors, this paper employs a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to address the issue of EVCS siting. The initial criteria for optimal EVCS siting are selected from extended sustainability theory, and the vital sub-criteria are further determined by using a fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), which consists of four pillars: economy, society, environment and technology perspectives. To tolerate vagueness and ambiguity of subjective factors and human judgment, a fuzzy Grey relation analysis (GRA)-VIKOR method is employed to determine the optimal EVCS site, which also improves the conventional aggregating function of fuzzy Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacijia I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR). Moreover, to integrate the subjective opinions as well as objective information, exp... [more]

This study aims to examine the dynamic connection among economic growth, CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and foreign direct investments (FDIs). The panel section considers the period of 2000−2020 for 25 EU Member States excluding Malta and Croatia. The annual data are retrieved from the World Bank and Eurostat databases. The empirical analysis used estimation procedures such as first- and second-generation panel unit root tests (CIPS) and panel ARDL based on the three estimators PMG, MG, and DFE. The Hausman test indicated that the PMG estimator is the most efficient. The PMG and DFE estimators suggested that there exist only short-run causalities from CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and FDIs to GDP growth rate, while the MG estimator proved the existence of both short-run and long-run causalities. Three hypotheses on the positive correlation between the three regressors and GDP growth rate were in general confirmed. The identified causalities may represent recommendations for po... [more]

With the global energy crisis, increasing demand, and a national-level emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), numerous innovations are being witnessed throughout the EV industry. EVs are equipped with sensors that maintain a sustainable environment for the betterment of society and enhance human sustainability. However, at the same time, as is the case for any new digital technology, they are susceptible to threats to security and privacy. Recent incidents demonstrate that these sensors have been misused for car and energy theft, financial fraud, data compromise, and have caused severe health and safety problems, amongst other things. To the best of our knowledge, this paper provides a first systematic analysis of EV sustainability, digital technologies that enhance sustainability, their potential cybersecurity threats, and corresponding defense. Firstly, three robust taxonomies have been presented to identify the dangers that can affect long-term sustainability domains, including (1) li... [more]

Corporate social responsibility can assist in reducing the noise caused by pricing volatility and a lack of energy-efficient business solutions. The study’s objective is twofold: (i) to investigate the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in reducing volatility through the contribution of energy-efficient strategies; (ii) to identify research trends in the field that may indicate future research directions for the development of more dynamic strategies that will help in mitigating the impact of pricing volatility. A five-step bibliometric analysis was applied to address the research question. The findings were visualized by using bibliometric tools such as R Studio, Biblioshiny, and VOSViewer. Chinese academics have been revealed as pioneers in integrating CSR into corporate strategies to reduce volatility and support energy-efficient investments. Moreover, results indicate that financial institutions must embrace a new business model based on both CSR and environmental, socia... [more]

This paper intends to propose options for climate neutrality concepts by taking non-German international experiences and decisions made into account. Asia-Pacific and Arabic countries do have already same lessons learned by large-scale projects with regard to economic evaluations. Quite a few conceptual studies to generate the climate neutrality of the chemical−pharmaceutical industry in Germany have been published recently. Most of the studies differ even in magnitude but do not refer to or evaluate the other ones. These are all first theoretical feasibility studies. Experimental piloting is not far developed; only few and only stand-alone parts are operated, with no overall concepts. Economic evaluation is missing nearly completely. Economic analysis shows a factor 3 more expensive green technologies. Even if a large optimization potential of about 30% during manufacturing optimization is assumed as significant, cost increases would result. To make green products nevertheless competi... [more]

With the increase in demand for plastic use, waste plastic (WP) management remains a challenge in the contemporary world due to the lack of sustainable efforts to tackle it. The increment in WPs is proportional to man’s demand and use of plastics, and these come along with environmental challenges. This increase in WPs, and the resulting environmental consequences are mainly due to the characteristic biodegradation properties of plastics. Landfilling, pollution, groundwater contamination, incineration, and blockage of drainages are common environmental challenges associated with WPs. The bulk of these WPs constitutes polyethene (PE), polyethene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS). Pyrolysis is an eco-friendly thermo-chemical waste plastic treatment solution for valuable product recovery, preferred over landfilling and incineration solutions. In this extensive review, a critical investigation on waste plastic catalytic pyrolysis (WPCP) is performed, including catalyst and non-catal... [more]

A change in human development patterns is needed, including mankind’s environmental, economic, and social behavior. Engineering methods and practices have a substantial impact on the way to sustainable development. An overview of the guiding principles of sustainability, sustainable design, green engineering, and sustainable engineering is presented first. Sustainable engineering principles need to be updated to include the present state of the art in human knowledge. Therefore, the updated principles of sustainable development are presented, including traditional and more recent items: a holistic approach, sustainability hierarchies, sustainable consumption, resource scarcity, equalities within and between generations, all stakeholders’ engagement, and internalizing externalities. Environmental, social, and economic impacts that respect humans’ true needs and well-being are of importance to the future. The updated 12 principles include the tridimensional system’s approach, precautiona... [more]

Consumer demand for organic products, rapidly growing urbanizations levels requires the food supply chain to reduce lead-time and maintain higher product quality. For the food supply chain to cope with the raising issues an e-commerce type of supply chain must be implemented. This approach creates challenges for supply chain, because the food industry must shift towards high variety and low quantity freight forwarding with multiple delivery points. The methodology of the paper consists of scientific literature analysis and macro indicator clustering. The author of the paper proposes a supply chain management framework, which is grounded through complexity theory. The framework mainly consists of 3 characteristics, which organizations should operationalize to maintain system resilience and which in the long-run would evolve to sustainable development−capabilities, collaboration, complexity management. The proposed framework defines how operational and tactical levels should be automated... [more]

The competitiveness of companies in emerging countries implies many European countries must transform their production systems to be more efficient. Indeed, the new context created by the COVID-19 pandemic increases the necessity of digital transformation and focuses attention on its limited uptake by manufacturing companies. In France, the Industry 4.0 concepts are already implemented in large companies. Despite the demonstration and validation of their benefits, SMEs are reluctant to move towards implementation. This problem of SME performance improvement increases with the current geopolitical situation in Europe (raw materials and gasoil cost). It is thus urgent and paramount to find a better solution for encouraging SMEs in their transformation. Taking note of the brakes on uptake of Industry 4.0 concepts in SMEs, the objectives of this paper are to find levers to accelerate implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts in SMEs, through the development and the deployment of a sustainabl... [more]

Global primary energy consumption has increased tenfold over the course of the 20th Century, the availability of non-renewable energy is becoming scarce, and the burning of fossil fuels is leading to global warming. Climate change has now become tangible. The will to act against fossil fuels has become apparent in the western world, and in Germany in particular. This poses a particular challenge for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, since, in the future, not only will the energy input, but also the feedstock, have to come from non-fossil sources. They must be replaced by carbon capture and utilization, and the exploitation of a circular economy. Concepts for a climate-neutral chemical−pharmaceutical industry have been developed and evaluated. Due to a high predicted consumption of renewable energies and an insufficient expansion of these, Germany will remain an energy importer in the future. The largest consumer in a climate-neutral chemical−pharmaceutical industry will be elec... [more]

Food is usually recognized as a limited resource in sustainability, recognized by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger. It is expected that the circular economy (CE) can improve processes related to food production. The objective of the present study was to apply a bibliometric approach using VOSviewer visualization software as a research tool to analyze the relevant literature from the Scopus database in the field of circular economy and its relation to improvements in food issues throughout 2012−2021. A total of 1316 articles were analyzed. Italy was the most productive country with 313 articles, with Wageningen University & Research the organization with the most publications with 39 articles. The top 10 institutions originated from Italy, The Netherlands, France, and Denmark. Sustainability was the most productive journal with 107 articles. Bioresource Technology had the highest average citation frequency (44.68). The study... [more]

The present study focuses on supply chain management to improve its sustainability from economic, environmental, and social perspectives. First, improving production process reliability and cost reduction are two main factors for enhancing economic sustainability. Hence, we introduced autonomated inspection and invested in ordering and setup costs. Second, reducing the carbon footprint in supply chains is the main pillar of their environmental stewardship, which is addressed by an eco-friendly and flexible production system in this study. Finally, an advanced single-setup-multi-delivery (SSMD) strategy is utilized to improve social aspects associated with human labor increase. For practicality, demand is considered as the selling price and is quality dependent. The sustainability enhancement is transformed as a term of profit; therefore, our model maximizes the total profit of the supply chain by optimizing a manufacturer’s and retailer’s decision variables. Numerical examples show tha... [more]

Supply chain management (SCM), which generally refers to horizontal integration management, has steadily become the core competitiveness of company rivalry and an essential approach to developing national comprehensive and national strength since the end of the 20th century due to the numerous needs arising from a competitive international economy. Manufacturers develop a community of interest by forming long-term strategic partnerships with suppliers and vendors throughout the supply chain. This paper defines supply chain management by reviewing the existing literature and discusses the current state of supply chain management research, as well as prospective research directions. Specifically, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the influential studies of SCM in terms of various aspects, such as research areas, journals, countries/regions, institutions, authors and corresponding authors, most cited publications, and author keywords, based on the 8998 reviews and articles collected... [more]

The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have forced many companies in the logistics sector to innovate, or even transform their business and underlying processes. Closing borders, limited supply and manpower, and continuous changes in regulations challenged many logistics firms to innovate. This study analyzes 5098 abstracts of logistics articles using text mining to identify and to quantify the changes in logistics trends and innovations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if these trends and innovations were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that (1) resiliency is an ongoing trend in logistics and has shown increasing importance during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) there appears to be acceleration in digitalization trend in logistics based on emerging focus on blockchain, Internet of Things, data, drones, robots, and unmanned vehicles during COVID-19 pandemic, and (3) there seems to be no evidence of acceleration in sustainability due to COVID-19 de... [more]

Since they are more environmentally acceptable than their chemically synthesized counterparts, biosurfactants are used in a wide range of environmental applications. However, less research has been done on biosurfactants within the context of the circular economy, despite their theoretical potential to fulfill a number of circular economy ambitions, including closing the consumption loop, regenerating natural systems, and maintaining resource value within the system. Hence, the main objective of this review is to identify and analyze the contributions of biosurfactants to the implementation of the circular economy. A final sample of 30 papers from the Web of Science database was examined. We identified five broad categories of contributions: waste stream-derived production, combating food waste, strengthening soil health, and improving the efficiency of water resources. We concluded that, while manufacturing biosurfactants from waste streams can reduce production costs, optimizing yiel... [more]

This paper provides a brief review on wastewater treatment system and the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) for assessing its environmental performance. An extensive review regarding the geographical relevance of LCA for WWTPs, and the evaluation of sustainable wastewater treatment by LCA in both developed and developing countries are also discussed. The objective of the review is to identify knowledge gap, for the improvement of the LCA application and methodology to WWTPs. A total of 35 published articles related to wastewater treatment (WWT) and LCA from international scientific journals were studied thoroughly and summarised from 2006 to 2022. This review found that there is lack of studies concerning LCA of WWTPs that consider specific local criteria especially in the developing countries. Thus, it is important to: (1) assess the influence of seasonality (i.e., dry and wet seasons) on the environmental impact of WWT, (2) investigate environmental impacts from WWTPs in dev... [more]

Servitization is becoming an essential strategy for manufacturers to gain competitive advantage, and several successful cases have already been reported. However, these success stories are mainly studied for large enterprises such as GE, IBM, Xerox, and Rolls-Royce. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the cases to the servitization of SMEs, thus in this study, the status of SMEs’ servitization was examined and the applicability was studied. Among those SMEs, manufacturing of electrical equipment and basic metal parts were selected because they are related to all manufacturing industries. As a research method, companies in the relevant industry were randomly selected and CEOs, managers, and employees were interviewed. Through in-depth interviews, the company’s current servitization status in the perception of different employment levels and new servitization opportunities are analyzed. As a result of the interview, the level of servitization in the industry seems to be very low, and it... [more]

Over the past few decades, solid waste production, specifically construction waste, in Middle Eastern Arab countries has dramatically increased. This is characterized by several factors, including rapid urbanization, common food wasting habits, diverse culture, lack of proper planning of solid waste processes, insufficient equipment, as well as lack of proper funding. The exponential growth in solid waste generation rates has led to hazards to health and the environment, causing issues related to air and water pollution under the already increasing pressure of climate change. In this review, we analyze the current solid waste challenges in 13 Arab countries, common diseases, and actual projects applied. The selection of Arab countries was mainly based on the countries with the highest population as well as the availability of data in the field of study. This review also highlights the efforts of the Arab governments that implemented several pilot projects that are not sustainable or ef... [more]

The ambitious targets set by the International Maritime Organization for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping require radical actions by all relevant stakeholders. In this context, the interest in high efficiency and low emissions (even zero in the case of hydrogen) fuel cell technology for maritime applications has been rising during the last decade, pushing the research developed by academia and industries. This paper aims to present a comparative review of the fuel cell systems suitable for the maritime field, focusing on PEMFC and SOFC technologies. This choice is due to the spread of these fuel cell types concerning the other ones in the maritime field. The following issues are analyzed in detail: (i) the main characteristics of fuel cell systems; (ii) the available technology suppliers; (iii) international policies for fuel cells onboard ships; (iv) past and ongoing projects at the international level that aim to assess fuel cell applications in the maritime industry;... [more]

Supply chain management is one of the most prominent areas that needs to incorporate sustainability to achieve responsible consumption and production (SDG 11).It has been identified that there are limited studies that have presented the significance of different Industry 4.0 technologies from the perspective of sustainable SCM. The purpose of this study is to discuss the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in the context of sustainable SCM, as well as to identify important areas for future research. The PRISM framework is followed to discuss the role and significance of sustainable SCM and the integration of Industry 4.0-enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital twin for sustainable SCM. The findings of the study reveal that there are limited empirical studies for developing countries and the majority are emphasized in case studies. Additionally, a few studies have focused on operational as... [more]