Reduction Of Environmental Impact Research Articles

Enhancing brewery logistics with smart kegs: A simulation study

Background: Supply chain optimisation is critical for companies in today’s globalised world. Efficient supply chains ensure product quality and freshness in the food industry. For products like beer, efficiency extends beyond transportation and includes the management of logistics containers such as returnable kegs.Objectives: This study investigated the impact of tracking logistics data on the efficiency of container logistics in a small regional brewery. The focus was reducing fleet size, processing times and pick-up distances.Method: A simulation of a small brewery was used to analyse the impact of tracking logistics data. The study examined how kegs equipped with real-time tracking technology could improve logistics operations.Results: The simulation showed that tracking logistics data significantly improved logistics processes. It led to a reduction in the fleet size, turnaround times and pick-up distances for empty kegs. These improvements were attributed to better resource allocation and more efficient management of reusable containers.Conclusion: The study showed that smart kegs could reduce logistical inefficiencies in the brewing industry. The use of smart technologies in container logistics improves operational efficiency and sustainability.Contribution: This research provides insights into how smart technologies can transform traditional logistics models. The results suggest that smart containers can revolutionise supply chains with efficient resource allocation, real-time tracking and automation. This shift towards smart logistics aligns with the broader adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things, offering a blueprint for future innovations in supply chain management. The implications extend beyond brewing, highlighting the potential for greater sustainability and a positive reduction in environmental impact in global supply chains.

Assessing Process Conditions on Xylose Fermentation in Spathaspora passalidarum: Effects of pH, Substrate-to-Inoculum Ratio, Temperature, and Initial Ethanol Concentration.

Bioethanol represents a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels, offering a significant reduction in environmental impact. Second-generation ethanol (2G) is produced using lignocellulosic biomass, which presents additional challenges due to the presence of hemicellulose. The pentose sugars within hemicellulose cannot be efficiently metabolized by conventional yeast strains like Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Consequently, the yeast Spathaspora passalidarum has emerged as a promising candidate for mixed fermentation processes, given its ability to utilize xylose. This study presents an in-depth metabolic, stoichiometric, and kinetic analysis of the fermentation performance of Sp. passalidarum NRRL Y-27907 in mixed glucose and xylose cultures. Emphasis was placed on examining variables from a novel perspective compared to existing literature. Specifically, the impacts of initial inoculum-substrate ratios, substrate composition, pH, temperature, and ethanol sensitivity were analyzed using a mathematical bioprocess approach. Sp. passalidarum NRRL Y-27907 exhibited sequential sugar consumption, with xylose being utilized only after glucose was exhausted. Ethanol yields in mixed cultures were comparable to those in individual-sugar cultures. The best fermentative performance was observed at 30°C, with 25g/L of xylose and an inoculum of 0.50g/L. The strain exhibited significant robustness at pH 4.0 and was notably affected by initial ethanol concentrations up to 20g/L. These findings provide crucial insights into the metabolic and fermentative behavior of Sp. passalidarum NRRL Y-27907, offering valuable information for the design of consolidated bioprocesses from lignocellulosic materials.

AI-Driven Scaling of Sustainable Startups: Business Models and Environmental Impact

With fast growth in sustainable startups at variance with profitability, the likelihood of high profitability contrasted with minimal environmental impact becomes a great challenge and opportunity. In this article, the role of AI in scaling through innovative business models to meet sustainability goals is investigated. The latest development in optimized operating efficiency, lesser resource consumption, and improved scalability has seen AI use go unexplored in business models designed particularly for environmental sustainability goals. This paper addresses how AI-enabled business model innovation can facilitate scaling up of sustainable start-ups in renewable energy, waste management, and circular economy practices. In addition, resource reallocation under such a scenario comes with a double dividend: it brings better economic growth alongside lower ecological damage, while reduction in AI's adverse environmental impact arises as a by-product. Case studies are expected to summarize the complexity in practice and limitations of AI for sustainable business growth. This study, therefore, provides an answer that contributes to understanding how startups may leverage AI to drive not only economic value but also create environmental value, thus providing the much-needed roadmap for future research in a rapidly changing field.

Comprehensive energy footprint of electrified fleets: School bus fleet case study

This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for estimating the energy footprint and benefits of electrified vehicle fleets prior to their deployment. To support this analysis, it introduces a control-oriented electric bus simulator model that not only captures driving power requirements but also incorporates a thermal model for cabin behavior and a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for heating and cooling. By analyzing current bus routes and road terrain data, the energy demand and economic effects are estimated, taking into account the current operational characteristics of school buses. As a case study, it examines the potential advantages of electrifying school bus fleets in the Central School District in Ohio, USA, with a focus on energy savings and environmental impact reduction. Our findings suggest that transitioning to electric school buses could achieve up to 76% energy savings compared to gasoline buses and 67% energy savings compared to diesel buses. Economically, when converted to operational costs, this results in a savings of 52%–65% compared to gasoline and 27%–47% compared to diesel under the average price rate. The accuracy of our model is calibrated using actual operational data from school bus fleets. Furthermore, this study provides foundational insights into the charging requirements through the energy footprint analysis. This study contributes to the advancement of sustainable transportation by presenting comprehensive preliminary analysis results for vehicle electrification through a specific case study. It emphasizes the practical implementation of electric school buses and optimized vehicle efficiency, aligning with broader eco-friendly initiatives in the transportation sector.

The Circular Industrial Transformation System (CITS) model - Assessing the life cycle impacts of climate and circularity strategies

The circular economy (CE) was introduced as a solution to mitigate increasing resource demand and to reduce environmental impacts. However, it remains a challenge to holistically assess long-term environmental impacts of CE strategies in complex, dynamic systems. To tackle this issue, we present the Circular Industrial Transformation System (CITS) model. CITS integrates dynamic stock modelling, material flow analysis and prospective life cycle assessment while being flexibly applicable to different products, materials and industry sectors across temporal and spatial scales. With that, the CITS model can assess the effect of circular strategies on long-term material flows and their respective environmental impacts, while including the effects of socio-economic developments, transformative climate policies, and a changing energy system. As a case study, the environmental impact reduction of both CE and climate change mitigation strategies was assessed for the German passenger car fleet until 2050. The results indicate that the occurring electrification of the passenger fleet is an effective strategy for reducing the global warming impacts of the automotive sector in the long-term, albeit aligned with the renewable energy transformation. CE strategies are most effective in reducing CO2-eq. emissions in the short term. Particularly, CE strategies affecting the vehicle stock promise substantial reductions in CO2-eq. emissions and primary material demand, while improved collection, sorting, and recycling have a limited impact. The results show that the CITS model can guide policies in effectively reducing environmental impacts in complex, dynamic systems by identifying system bottlenecks, trade-offs or synergies in industrial transitions.

Balancing Cost and Environmental Impact: A Linear Programming Approach to Sustainable Shopping

A linear programming model is devised for consumer purchasing decisions minimizing weighted cost and environmental impact using real-world data. Minor shifts towards environmental preferences can greatly reduce impact with minimal cost increase. Spending slightly more on the bundle than the cheapest option can cut environmental impact by a third. Conversely, less than 10% compromise in impact yields over 15% cost savings. Consumers can find efficient midpoints—cost-effective and environmentally sustainable options—through strategic decisions. Additionally, a synthetic dataset, modeling different societal dispositions through Beta distributions of cost-environment orientation parameters, simulates societal attitudes, showing that a 10% reduction in environmental impact is possible with a 23% higher economic burden, while 60% of this reduction can be achieved with only 3.1% increase in cost when maintaining a balanced societal disposition. This demonstrates the potential of optimization-based strategic purchasing decisions to achieve significant economic and environmental efficiencies when accompanied by increased environmental awareness.

Advancements in renewable energy: Achieving milder reaction conditions in biodiesel synthesis from green seed canola oil with pristine ZIF-8

This study explores the enhancement of reaction conditions for biodiesel production from green seed canola oil through the methanolysis reaction using pristine ZIF-8 as a catalyst. The research focused on the effects of varying the methanol-to-oil molar ratio, temperature, and reaction time as well as their combined effects on biodiesel yield. To analyze these factors, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) paired with Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed. The quadratic model was identified as the best fit for the experimental data, evidenced by a high determination coefficient (R²) of 0.99, with all model parameters proving significant. A comprehensive characterization of the catalyst was conducted using various techniques. The surface and pore properties were examined using N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) was employed for structural analysis, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) presented the binding information of the sample. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) provided insights into the functional groups present. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) assessed the thermal stability of the catalyst. Results revealed that ZIF-8 significantly improved biodiesel production, with optimal conditions identified at a reaction temperature of 160 °C, a duration of 2.5 h, and methanol to oil (M/O) molar ratio of 26, resulting in a biodiesel yield of 85 %. This yield is close to the predicted value, demonstrating the reliability of the developed model. The kinetic analysis was performed under optimal reaction conditions. From this, the activation energy (Ea) and the pre-exponential factor (A) were obtained to be 14.5 kJ/mol and 3.4×10−7 min−1, respectively. The use of pristine ZIF-8 in biodiesel production from a low-quality and cheap oil offers a more efficient and milder reaction conditions, with potential for significant reductions in production costs and environmental impact.

A next-generation holistic building design framework: a focus on integrating sustainable and vernacular design principles

The proliferation of sustainable design approaches and assessment methods has resulted in a vast array of indicators. However, this abundance often leads to confusion during interpretation and application. Additionally, rapid urbanization and environmental concerns sometimes overshadow social and economic considerations, emphasizing environmental impact reduction. This study addresses these challenges through an integrated approach that combines a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with a Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) analysis to provide a holistic model for sustainable building design. The SLR was carried out individually through a relative Structural Query Language (SQL) regarding sustainable building design and vernacular principle. The output of SLR was subjected to DEMATEL model to recognize the holistic indicators interconnection and validate the proposed model. The research identified 23 global indicators for building sustainability worldwide, with five—Energy, Materials & Resources, Sites & Ecology, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Water—emerging as the most prevalent. Additionally, 22 consistently applied indicators in vernacular design practices exhibited significant overlap with those in sustainable design. This model integrated two novel indicators—Vernacular Principles and Social—Culture—with common sustainable building indicators. These primary indicators complement the common and applicable sustainable building indicators, ensuring a balanced approach that considers global contexts. DEMATEL analysis confirmed the validity and interconnection of these indicators, emphasizing the critical role of vernacular principles in achieving true sustainability.

Unsteady Free Convection of Nanofluid Past an Infinite Vertical Sheet Under the Effects of Inclined Magnetic Field and Cogley Radiation

Background: An infinite vertical sheet is the medium of inquiry for studying the copper- water nanofluid behavior with an inclined magnetic field and Cogley radiation. The research contains significant aspects. The use of this nanofluid is of great practical importance, especially in the areas of energy efficiency, thermal management, radiative cooling for space technology, environmental impact reduction, and improving heat transfer efficiency in electronic device cooling operations. Moreover, the research enhances the understanding and manipulation of sophisticated materials. The uttermost significance of this resides in its capacity to uncover issues inherent in the stages of planning, developing, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes, possibly securing new solutions via patent protection. Objective: This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the unsteady natural convection of a nanofluid along an infinite vertical sheet. The study focuses on understanding how an inclined magnetic field, Cogley radiation, heat source, and varying nanoparticle volume concentrations impact the velocity, thermal, and concentration profiles of the nanofluid. Additionally, the investigation seeks to evaluate the Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and skin friction coefficient across different concentration profiles to derive meaningful insights. Methods: The Laplace transform (L.T.) method, in combination with the MATLAB symbolic computing program, is used to develop numerical solutions for the main boundary value issues. The Laplace transform technique is used to clarify dimensionless partial differential equations (PDEs) and their limiting situations. An in-depth study is conducted on the profiles of momentum, energy, and concentration for various kinds of nanofluids with changing volume concentrations of nanoparticles. This research provides a comprehensive examination and also identifies prospective prospects in this field that might be protected by patents. Result: The work provides an in-depth understanding of how inclined magnetic fields, Cogley radiation, heat generation, and nanoparticle volume concentration affect the velocity, energy, and mass profiles of the nanofluid. Graphical representations depict these effects, offering a visual comprehension of the system's behavior. The Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient are determined by analytical and numerical methods. These findings demonstrate that the Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient have an inverse relationship with changes in concentration profiles. Conclusion: The work improves our comprehension of the fluctuating natural convection of nanofluids across an unbounded vertical surface, taking into account variables such as an inclined magnetic field, heat source, Cogley radiation, and nanoparticle volume concentration. The practical implications of the discoveries, together with the analytical and numerical results, enhance our comprehension of the dynamics of nanofluid systems. Ensuring the protection and widespread distribution of patented technology is essential for promoting sustainable advancements.

Environmental Sustainability in Dermatological Surgery. Part 1: Reducing Carbon Intensity.

This two-part review addresses the pressing need for environmental sustainability in dermatological surgery, driven by the NHS's commitment to net-zero emissions. Part 1 focuses on strategies to reduce the carbon intensity of dermatological procedures by adopting low-carbon alternatives and optimising operational resource usage. Key strategies for a system-wide reduction in environmental impact include using leveraging local suppliers to reduce transport emissions, streamlining care models, promoting efficient waste management, and using mindful prescribing practices. Another aspect is integrating sustainability into dermatological education whilst minimising the carbon footprint of surgical education. Additionally, the review provides a comprehensive overview of optimising resource use in dermatological surgery, focusing on efficient management of consumables, equipment, and energy. This includes recycling, waste segregation, transitioning to reusable personal protective equipment and surgical instruments, and applying energy-saving and sustainable water use practices. By implementing these strategies, dermatological surgery can significantly reduce its environmental impact while upholding high standards of patient care.

The benefits of the dairy value chain to inclusive sustainable development in European highlands: a systems thinking approach

This research investigates the benefits of the dairy value chain beyond food provision, and its contribution to inclusive sustainable development (ISDH) in European highlands. Transdisciplinary teams interviewed and analysed 11 cases related to the dairy value chain sourced from three highland regions in Europe: Alps (Austria, France, Italy), Massif Central (France), Pyrenees (Spain). Actors interviewed were farmers, cooperatives, retailers and associations. A systems thinking approach was applied to develop a conceptual map (Causal Loop Diagram, CLD) describing the contribution of the dairy value chain to ISDH, through the interpretation of the viewpoints of interviewed actors. For each case, the factors contributing to ISDH were identified, then clustered within related topics. Topics from all the cases were used to develop a CLD, and subsystems and leverage points identified. Six interconnected subsystems were identified: local resources, environment, dairy production, collaboration, supply chain and socio-economic. Four leverage points were also identified: public subsidies, feed autonomy, certification of product, and added value. In conclusion, the dairy value chain provides the following benefits aligned with the dimensions of ISDH: landscape maintenance and ecosystem services, quality of dairy products and added value, inclusive governance for actors, reduction of environmental impact, and local development. This model delivers a decision-making tool for the actors involved in the dairy value chain, to prioritise strategic interventions.

Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Superhydrophobic Coatings for Anti-Icing Applications

Superhydrophobic coatings have great potential to mitigate ice accumulation and ice adhesion issues due to their outstanding water-repellent and self-cleaning characteristics. In the present study, polyurethane elastomer (PUE) is considered a superhydrophobic coating material for anti-icing applications. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of bare aluminum and PUE-coated systems is performed using the Centrum voor Milieukunde Leiden methodology. The cradle-to-gate LCA scope is implemented to evaluate and compare the total environmental impact. This study revealed that the PUE-coated system exhibited a significant reduction in total environmental impact compared to bare aluminum. The levelized cost of coating analysis demonstrates that the PUE coating system is more economical than bare aluminum surfaces. There is scope to reduce the environmental impact associated with PUE-coated systems using bio-based and less toxic chemicals/solvents.

Thermal Integration in Sugar Production Using Pinch Analysis

Objective: the objective of this study is to conceptualize a network of heat exchangers designed to minimize energy waste and enhance the overall efficiency of the sugar production system.Methods: a systematic approach was adopted to analyze energy flows within the plant, identifying key areas for improvement, particularly in heating and evaporation processes. Heat accumulations in cascades and graphical analyses of composite curves were developed using specialized software to optimize heat exchange.Results: the results indicate a significant potential for energy savings, reducing the consumption of cooling and heating utilities in the plant by 7% and 30%, respectively. The developed computational tool allows for energy integration from simple processes to those with hundreds of streams. The pinch technology concept estimated an annual total savings of $464,850.08 in the selected process.Conclusion: this study demonstrates that thermal integration through pinch analysis not only improves energy efficiency in the sugar industry but also contributes to a considerable reduction in operational costs and environmental impact, providing a valuable tool for the industry’s sustainability and competitiveness.

ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS IN MUMBAI’S 2-WHEELER EV CHARGING NETWORK: A FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY, USABILITY, AND USER FEEDBACK

Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming transportation in Mumbai, with 2-wheeler EVs gaining significant traction among commuters. However, the insufficient availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure remain critical challenges. This study investigates the experiences of 2- wheeler EV users in Mumbai, focusing on the barriers they encounter when charging their vehicles. Given Mumbai’s dense traffic and urban complexities, limited charging points, long waiting times, and infrastructural constraints can hinder the user experience and discourage further adoption of EVs. The findings provide key insights into optimal charging station locations based on a comprehensive analysis of population density, traffic flow, and urban planning frameworks. Additionally, the study addresses the need for standardized charging protocols, advanced technologies, and user-friendly interfaces to enhance the usability of charging stations. The study emphasizes that addressing these challenges is crucial not only for the user experience but also for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders aiming to expand Mumbai’s EV infrastructure. Moreover, the environmental benefits of 2-wheeler EV adoption are examined, including reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and overall environmental impact. By analyzing these factors, the research highlights the positive environmental outcomes of investing in robust charging infrastructure. Key challenges, such as high costs, feasibility concerns, and policy limitations, are also explored, offering a holistic understanding of the practical barriers to improving the EV charging network. The study concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring the efficient deployment of 2-wheeler EV charging infrastructure across Mumbai.

Behind the scenes of green chemistry: Glories and shadows of atom transfer radical polymerization environmental impact (E-factor)

The paper presents the evaluation of environmental impact (E-factor) as green chemistry metric, calculated for polymer synthesis via one of the most useful tools of macromolecular chemistry, which is atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), belonging to the reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) techniques. For the first time, experimentally determined polymerization yields were included in the calculation, by analyzing the polymer synthesis process using various organic solvents, different methods of regenerating the catalytic complex (meaning ATRP approach), or using the miniemulsion system as eco-friendly reaction medium and presenting the possibility of effective solvent recovery and reuse. The majority of the values of E-factor were below 16, falling within the scope intended for fine chemicals (5–50). The significant and innovative part of the presented research involves verifying the feasibility of using higher concentrations of the dispersed phase in the case of miniemulsion polymerization (increased to as much as 100 % vs. aqueous phase from a typical 20 %), while the use of recycled water allowed a 3-fold reduction in E-factor value. Polymerization in a miniemulsion environment is also attractive due to its low cost, considering the price of distilled water, which is over 580-fold lower than that of DMSO – a typical organic solvent. These observations allow for the reduction of environmental impact and process cost. Importantly, the observed trends in E-factor changes allowed for the identification of ATRP development directions in line with green chemistry and the circular economy.

Logistics supply of the eco-industrial parks’ residents

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the logistics supply for residents of eco-industrial parks and examines its influence on the competitiveness and sustainability of these parks. Eco-industrial parks, as integral components of circular economy systems, facilitate the efficient use of resources, reduction of environmental impact, and optimization of supply chain operations. The purpose of the paper is to assess the logistics systems within eco-industrial parks, identify the challenges and opportunities for enhancing operational efficiency, and explore how these strategies can be adapted to the Ukrainian context, particularly during the ongoing war. The research draws upon international case studies, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies and green logistics practices in China, Europe, and other regions. The methodology used in this paper combines inductive analysis of literature, comparative analysis, and empirical research based on existing models of logistics management within EIPs. A key part of the analysis involves the evaluation of institutional pressures and their role in promoting sustainable supply chain management. The paper examines how these practices, when applied in a coordinated and efficient manner, help to reduce costs and carbon emissions, while also improving resource-sharing between companies located within eco-industrial parks. The results show that implementing circular supply chain management significantly enhances the performance of companies operating within EIPs. Firms that adopt renewable energy sources and optimize their transportation systems using electric vehicles report a 13-14% reduction in operational costs and carbon emissions. The integration of technologies such as Geographic Information Systems and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making tools has also proven beneficial in the site selection and planning of eco-industrial parks, allowing for the optimization of logistics and resource allocation. In Ukraine, which is currently facing critical challenges due to war, adopting these strategies can strengthen industrial clusters, reduce dependence on external resources, and enhance resilience against economic shocks. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the proposed structure of the logistics supply for eco-industrial parks’ residents. The practical implications of this paper include the application of green logistics technologies, the development of self-sustaining energy networks, and the implementation of closed-loop supply chains that promote resource efficiency. Future research directions should focus on the development of logistics optimization models for Ukrainian eco-industrial parks, particularly in war-torn areas, and the assessment of their long-term economic and environmental impact. Additionally, the paper advocates for the expanded use of renewable energy sources and Geographic Information Systems-based planning tools to further improve logistics processes and reduce the ecological footprint of industrial activities. The results of this paper underscore the importance of inter-firm cooperation and the strategic use of logistics to foster both economic and environmental resilience in eco-industrial settings.

Environmental life cycle assessment of drink and yoghurt products using non-nutritive sweeteners and sweetness enhancers in place of added sugar: the SWEET project

Abstract Purpose There are increasing concerns regarding detrimental health effects of added sugar in food and drink products. Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) and sweetness enhancers (SE) are seen as viable alternatives. Much work has been done on health and safety of NNS&SE when consumed in place of sugar, but very little on their sustainability. This work aims to bridge that gap with an environmental study of replacing added sugar with NNS&SE in the context of drink and yoghurt. Methods A life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used to compare environmental impact of a drink and yoghurt, sweetened with sucrose, to those sweetened with NNSs or an SE: stevia rebaudioside A, sucralose, aspartame, neotame, and thaumatin. Primary ingredients data were taken from preparation of foodstuffs for clinical trials. Results are reported via the ReCiPe 2016 (H) method, with focus on land use, global warming potential (GWP), marine eutrophication, mineral resource scarcity, and water consumption. Impacts are reported in terms of 1 kg product. Scenarios explore sensitivity of the LCA results to change in background processes, functional unit, and sweetener type. This research was conducted as part of the EU Horizon 2020 project SWEET (sweeteners and sweetness enhancers: impact on health, obesity, safety, and sustainability). Results and discussion Replacing sugar with an NNS or part-replacing with an SE is shown to reduce environmental impact across most impact categories, for example, on a mass basis, GWP for a drink reduces from 0.61 to approx. 0.51 kgCO2-eq/kg and for a yoghurt from 4.15 to approx. 3.73 kgCO2-eq/kg. Variability in environmental impact is shown to be relatively small between the NNSs, indicating that choice of NNS is less important than the reformulation changes required to accommodate the loss of sugar. Reporting impact in terms of calorie density, instead of mass, shows greater reduction in environmental impact when using an NNS or SE and shows how important functional unit is when reporting impact of these products. Conclusion This study is the first to compare food or drink products sweetened with sugar, NNS, or SE. Results show that there is great potential to reduce environmental impact of sweetened drinks and yoghurts. Moreover, the choice of NNS does not greatly affect the environmental impact of either product. Therefore, this research shows that choices relating to replacing added sugar may be based more upon health or formulation needs and less on environmental concerns.

Optimization and Modification of Bacterial Cellulose Membrane from Coconut Juice Residues and Its Application in Carbon Dioxide Removal for Biogas Separation

Driven by environmental and economic considerations, this study explores the viability of utilizing coconut juice residues (CJRs), a byproduct from coconut milk production, as a carbon source for bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesis in the form of a versatile bio-membrane. This work investigates the use of optimization modeling as a tool to find the optimal conditions for BC cultivation in consideration of waste minimization and resource sustainability. Optimization efforts focused on three parameters, including pH (4–6), cultivation temperature (20–30 °C), and time (6–10 days) using Design Expert (DE) V.13. The maximum yield of 9.31% (g/g) was achieved when the cultivation took place at the optimal conditions (pH 6, 30 °C, and 8 days). This approach aligns with circular economy principles, contributing to sustainable resource management and environmental impact reduction. The experimental and predicted optimal conditions from DE V.13 were in good agreement, validating the study’s outcomes. The predictive model gave the correlations of the optimal conditions in response to the highest yield and maximum eco-efficiency. The use of prediction modeling resulted in a useful tool for forecasting and obtaining guidelines that can assist other researchers in calculating optimal conditions for a desired yield. Acetylation of the BC resulted in cellulose acetate (CA) membranes. The CA membrane exhibited the potential to separate CO2 from a CH4/CO2 mixed gas with a CO2 selectivity of 1.315 in a membrane separation. The promising gas separation results could be further explored to be utilized in biogas purification applications.

Advancements in Metal Processing Additive Technologies: Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Nowadays, the use of metal processing additive technologies is a rapidly growing field in the manufacturing industry. These technologies, such as metal 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) and laser cladding, allow for the production of complex geometries and intricate designs that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing methods. They also offer the ability to create parts with customized properties, such as improved strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. In other words, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we design and produce products, reducing costs and increasing efficiency to improve product quality and functionality. One of the significant advantages of these metal processing additive technologies is a reduction in waste and environmental impact. However, there are also some challenges associated with these technologies. One of the main challenges is the cost of equipment and materials, which can be prohibitively expensive for small businesses and individuals. Additionally, the quality of parts produced with these technologies can be affected by factors such as printing speed, temperature, and post-processing methods. This review article aims to contribute to a deep understanding of the processing, properties, and applications of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys in the context of SLM to assist readers in obtaining high-quality AM components. Simultaneously, it emphasizes the importance of further research, optimization, and cost-effective approaches to promote the broader adoption of SLM technology in the industry.

Project Proposal for the Reconstruction of the Intersection at Nauky Avenue and Kultury Street in Kharkiv

Abstract. Urban infrastructure plays a crucial role inthe development and functioning of modern cities. As cities grow, the pressure on transportation networks increases, leading to congestion, higher accident rates, and environmental degradation due to vehicle emissions. The intersection of Nauky Avenue and Kultury Street in Kharkiv is a key transportation node that requires reconstruction to address these challenges. The reconstruction project aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and reduce environmental impacts in line with modern standards of urban mobility and sustainability. By adopting innovative transport solutions and infrastructure improvements, the project seeks to create a safer and more efficient urban environment for all road users. Problem. The intersection of Nauky Avenue and Kultury Street in Kharkiv is a key transportation hub that handles significant traffic and pedestrian flows. The problem lies in the overloading of the transport network, high accident rates, and the need to improve the environmental situation due to significant emissions of pollutants. Goal. The aim of the study is to develop a design proposal for the reconstruction of this intersection, considering the improvement of road safety, traffic efficiency, and the reduction of environmental impact. Methodology. To achieve the goal, an analysis of current traffic flows, accident assessment, and research on modern traffic management methods and environmental standards was conducted. Approaches for implementing intelligent transport systems and improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists were explored. Originality. It is proposed to implement adaptive traffic lights to optimize traffic, create separate lanes for cyclists, upgrade pedestrian crossings, and equip public transport stops. This will reduce congestion, improve road safety, and promote the development of sustainable urban mobility. The scientific novelty lies in the implementation of comprehensive solutions to integrate all road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport, using the latest technologies and environmental standards. Practical value. The results of the study have significant practical value for improving the transportation infrastructure of Kharkiv, enhancing safety, and improving the environmental situation