Green Aspects Research Articles

Current Progress in Visible Light-induced Synthesis and Functionalization of N- and S-Heterocycles: A Sustainable Perspective

Heterocycles are of much importance as the majority of the existing drugs contain one or more heterocyclic units in their structures. Among all the heterocycles, nitrogen, and sulphurcontaining ones occupy major space, and they have special properties which make them suitable for the textile, cosmetic, and paint industries other than pharmaceutical. Recently, visible light has emerged as a powerful tool for performing various reactions at ambient temperatures and mild conditions and thus it has been used for the key step in the synthesis of many molecules. In addition, visible light assisted methods are usually cost and time effective. Thus, this review highlighted the recent developments in visible light induced methods for the synthesis of some selected biologically active N- and S- containing heterocycles such as benzothiazoles, indoles and triazoles and their functionalization. The advantages, green aspects and limitations of these methods have also been discussed.

A fuzzy multi-objective model for aggregate production planning considering energy consumption, carbon emission, chemical, solid waste, and wastewater

With a growing focus on environmental conservation, enterprises continuously reevaluate their conventional profit-driven business models. This shift has led to the development of green production planning models, attracting considerable attention in recent years. Previously, energy consumption or carbon emission were the most considered green parameters in the production planning problems. Nevertheless, several other essential green aspects such as reductions in chemical, solid waste, and wastewater are usually neglected. Therefore, this study proposes a multi-objective model for environmentally conscious aggregate production planning, simultaneously considering the above-mentioned green objectives. Additionally, the uncertain parameters of the model, including the green parameters, were modelled through fuzzy programming. Furthermore, this study incorporated a contradicting relationship between energy consumption cost and associated carbon emission, which was previously presented as non-contradicting. This relationship was illustrated by utilizing the time-of-use electricity tariff scheme. To solve the model, the initial step involved the defuzzification of uncertain attributes, followed by the transformation of the multi-objective model into a single-objective model. Finally, the IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio solver was utilized to solve the model based on the data collected from a precision engineering company. The generated production plan achieved an overall satisfaction level of 71%, which is reasonably acceptable to the decision maker. Moreover, sensitivity analysis has been conducted for the degree of optimism of the objective functions and the feasibility degree of the constraints. A general overview of the results associated with the performed sensitivity analysis indicated that the optimum values of the objective functions deteriorate as the parameters increase, though all remain within an acceptable range. The proposed study will assist decision makers in generating production plans that are both economically and environmentally feasible.

Review on Assessment and Performance Mechanism Evaluation of Non-Structural Concrete Incorporating Waste Materials

This research seeks to solve the multi-faceted problem of waste disposal by analysing the application of waste plastic and tyre material within non-structural concrete to ensure more sustainability and less environmental degradation. The study focusses on material properties, including specific gravity, water absorption, and bulk density and characteristics of the concrete that is produced by the utilization of the above waste aggregates, including workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength. This paper employs results from published past research from the literature and MATLAB (R2021b) in the analysis of the findings, pointing to the fact that the mechanical properties reduce with the level of waste content yet emphasizing the green aspect of such materials. Thus, a complex and diverse effect is demonstrated by the life cycle assessments (LCA) for global warming, ozone depletion, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and acidification. Furthermore, the utilization of waste materials decreases the compressive, flexural, and tensile strength, but it provides distinct ecological benefits which prove the importance of proper mix proportions for concrete performance. The outcomes of this research will be useful for further investigation in the application of the concept as well as to call for the development of new ideas for the improvement of bonding of wastes to aggregates in concrete.

Critical state-of-the-art literature review of surface roughness in incremental sheet forming: A comparative analysis

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is a controlled and die-less forming process that can produce customized products from the sheets layer by layer using the same setup, i.e., forming tools and machine. This novel and emerging forming technique can potentially be useful as a green aspect of manufacturing by reducing the required power and by saving the resources for producing the components of lightweight materials because material is deformed locally during ISF. The surface quality of the formed parts from sheet material affects the aesthetics aspects, stress concentration, fatigue life and their applicability. This review article aims to provide a state-of-the-art review for various aspects and parameters of ISF process that affect the surface roughness significantly by conducting literature survey quantitatively. Furthermore, the techniques of ISF and roles of various parameters responsible for affecting the surface quality of parts have also been explored for providing the critics for existing literature and setting the further guidelines for the researchers. Various instruments used for measuring the surface roughness of parts formed by ISF has also been discussed. Comparative analysis of exiting literature available in the context of various process parameters, ISF hardware, and surface roughness makes this study comprehensive and exhaustive for the researchers to find the gaps and challenges in this field. The relationship of wall angle with other process parameters can be explored in the future to obtain the desired surface quality of a particular material. Significant parameters responsible for the surface quality have also been discussed critically. Further, the new tool paths can be developed for high surface quality and low forming time. A study on the selection of feed rate for various applications and relation with other parameter is also recommended for the future work. The lubricants with additives can further be tested for high surface quality of ISF. Further, significant study on surface roughness is not conducted on hybrid sheet forming and other advanced variants of ISF (like hot forming, friction stir assisted incremental forming, waterjet forming). It is required to develop the comparisons between the different techniques of ISF. Results also showed that majority of researchers used SPIF technique followed by DSIF and hybrid ISF.

Magnetic Nanoparticles‐Supported Synthesis of Pyrazole Scaffolds: A Review

AbstractIn the present era, the concept of green in organic synthesis has a unique and irreplaceable place. Specifically, nanoparticle has gained much more attention due to its various properties related to the concept of green chemistry. In this context, magnetic nanoparticle has been widely used in the organic synthesis over last one decade. Among organic compounds, pyrazole and its scaffolds are recognized as a privileged structure as it represents a promising area for identification of lead structures towards the discovery of new synthetic drug molecules and other valuable candidates. Several commercial drugs such as Sildenafil, Rimonabant, Celecoxib and many other compounds in biological testing and preclinical evaluation, illustrate the wide therapeutic spectrum in this class of drug scaffolds. Accordingly, the magnetic nanoparticles have an irreplaceable place in the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives and it is a green and easy methodology to the organic chemists. The present manuscript represents the assimilation of literature pertaining to green aspects of magnetic nanoparticles for the synthesis of highly diversified and valuable derivatives of pyrazole.

Recent Developments on the Synthesis of Oxygen- and Sulfur-containing Heterocycles and their Derivatives under Visible Light Induced Reactions.

Visible-light-mediated reactions have recently emerged as a powerful strategy for the synthesis of diverse organic molecules under mild reaction conditions. Usually, the reactions are performed at room temperature and thus sensitive functional groups remain unaffected. Thus, this protocol has received intense interest from academia as well as industries. The heterocycles, in general, are of much interest because of their biological activities and application in therapeutics. The Oxygen- and Sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds have recently attracted attention as these compounds showed promising activities as anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents among other applications. The synthesis of this class of compounds by efficient and greener routes has become an important target. This review highlights the various procedures for the synthesis of these compounds and their derivatives under visible light-induced reactions. The green aspects and mechanism of each procedure have been discussed.

Thiourea Dioxide Catalyzed Sustainable Synthesis of Diverse Quinoxaline and Pyrazine Derivatives in Aqueous Medium at Ambient Temperature

AbstractAn eco‐conscious, metal‐free protocol has been developed to synthesize a diverse collection of biologically and pharmacologically active quinoxaline and pyrazine derivatives. The protocol involves a one‐pot condensation of various 1,2‐diamines with 1,2‐diones using thiourea dioxide as a catalyst and water as a solvent at ambient temperature. Notably, the catalyst can be reused up to five times without any significant loss of efficacy. The green aspects of this method involved milder reaction conditions, higher yields with shorter reaction times, simple work‐up, non‐chromatographic separations, good reusability, and easy catalyst recovery by simple filtration. Moreover, the reaction is successfully accelerated to a multigram scale, making it favourable for production at a larger scale.

A facile in-situ ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of terephthalic acid-layered double hydroxide/bacterial cellulose: Application for eco-friendly analysis of multi-residue pesticides in vineyard soils

A novel nanostructure biosorbent comprised of bacterial cellulose (BC) and a Cu-Cr layered double hydroxide (LDH) intercalated with terephthalic acid (TPA) was prepared using the in-situ coprecipitation method. The synthesized TPA/CuCr-LDH@BC sorbent was used in quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction of multiclass pesticides (nine insecticides, five acaricides, one herbicide, and one fungicide) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The extraction factors such as type and volume of eluent, sorbent dosage, adsorption and desorption times, sample pH, and salt were optimized. The sorbent was analyzed with field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and adsorption/desorption isotherms to check its chemical structure, crystallinity, and porosity. Matrix effect (15.3–19.6 %), linearity (20–2000 µg/L, r2 > 0.9982), limits of quantification (6–12 µg/L), and enrichment factor (42–65) were calculated. The efficiency and accuracy of the developed method were assessed with the analysis of five vineyard soil samples and the resulting recoveries were in the range of 60–130 % (RSD%=3.5–12.9). The green aspects of the procedure were evaluated by the Complex-GAPI, the AGREE, and the Analytical Eco-Scale tools. This study describes the first-time synthesis of TPA/CuCr-LDH@BC composite and its application as sorbent material for the microextraction of multi-residue pesticides in agricultural soils.

Exploring the relationship between Lean and Green for further research

PurposeExploring the Lean and Green relationship goes back to the beginnings of Lean manufacturing. Most cases established that companies implementing Lean have Green results. However, there are Lean practices with a higher impact on Green, but others with less impact. Therefore, this paper presents research that explores the relationship between Lean and Green in manufacturing companies and aims to determine whether Lean practices have a higher association with Green aspects.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted amongst manufacturing firms to determine their Lean Index (LI). The internally related elements of the Lean construct determined each firm’s LI, whilst Cronbach alpha determined internal LI consistency. The survey also identified firms developing six Green aspects: International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001, ISO 50001, general Green aspects and the specific aspects of materials, energy and water. An individual sample t-test shows different LI levels of association for each Green aspect. Binomial logistic regression shows the LI element association for each Green aspect.FindingsLI is higher at firms reporting the inclusion of Green aspects. More than half of LI components have a statistically relevant association with the six Green aspects. In general, Ishikawa diagrams had the highest association with Green aspects whilst the lowest was seen in workers as improvement initiators. By grouping the LI elements into their categories, the Lean practices related to controlling processes have a higher association, whilst the involvement of employees has the lowest.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research found in this paper identifies the possibilities for investigating the specificities of each Lean tool to develop Green aspects in companies.Practical implicationsPractitioners learn that Lean and Green are not separate issues in business. This article provides evidence that Lean practices in place at companies are already associated with Green aspects, so integration may already be happening.Originality/valueThis paper provides specifics on the relationship between each Lean practice and developing Green aspects. Thus, this paper specifies the Lean practices that contribute most to Green efficiency to support the joint development of both themes.

Yellow Wagtails (Passeriformes, Motacillidae) are indicators of steppe and meadow landscapes

Levels of nesting site selection were identified: landscape level is related to birds’ choice of landscape with yellow, pink, white, and green aspects. Ecosystem level corresponds to the detection of a water body by birds. The birds detect a station with the necessary vegetation association, where grasses and meadow halophytic associations are the basis of vegetation. The local (point) level is caused by the presence of a necessary host plant, which is a protector of birds’ nests. The main signals for the selection of nesting conditions for yellow wagtails as a reflection of semiotics are (in order): landscape – habitats of predominantly yellow, less frequently pink, white and green aspects; ecosystem – proximity of a water body (river, lake, etc.); statistical – halophytic associations. The following aspects of the nesting habitats are considered: ecosystem – proximity to a water body (river, lake, etc.); statistical – halophytic vegetation and grasses on sandy loam, loamy, solonchak soils suitable for nesting holes; local (point) – presence of host plant to protect the nest. Birds select nesting habitats based on the availability of all available signals, which increases the possibility and success of colony formation. The manifestation of semiotics: yellow wagtails in the nesting habitat tend to lose their visibility and dissolve into the background of the biotope, which is a special adaptation against predator attack.

Assessing Ecological Gains: A Review of How Arthropods, Bats and Birds Benefit from Green Roofs and Walls

Because of the immense amount of infrastructure in cities, the introduction of vegetation into these constructions is expected to play a critical role in reducing the heat island effect, in mitigating the effects of climate change, and in supporting habitat connectivity and associated biodiversity. Although there is the perception that these solutions can improve the biodiversity of cities, their real value is still unclear. This paper focuses on two aspects of urban greening: green roofs and green walls. It provides a systematic review on biodiversity present in green roofs and walls, through an exhaustive worldwide literature analysis. Arthropods, bats, and birds were the three taxonomic groups analyzed in the papers included in our review. We observed a strong increase in the number of recent publications, thus demonstrating a growing interest in this topic. In summary, we found that green roofs/walls offered additional opportunities for plants and animals to thrive in urban environments because of habitat creation and greater spatial connectivity. In addition, the enhancement of other ecosystem services such as stormwater management and heat island mitigation was noted. By incorporating green features into urban design and planning, cities can support biodiversity while also improving the overall sustainability and livability of urban spaces.

Humic Acid: A Promising and Green Bioorganic Catalyst in Organic Syntheses

AbstractThe growing pollution and threat to the environment demand green synthetic methods. Green chemistry mainly focuses on minimizing the waste and utilization of green solvents, energy sources, and catalysts and prefers one‐pot reactions. In this context, humic acid (HA), a natural bioorganic catalyst found in rivers, peat coal and sewage; is a high molecular weight macromolecule containing multifunctional groups, mainly contains quinone, phenolic OH, and COOH groups which make it acidic and activate carbonyl groups by protonation. Owing to its green aspect such as biodegradability, recyclability and reusability, humic acid is considered as sustainable bioorganic catalyst which meets the criteria for industrial requirements. The HA is mild acidic in nature, thus many functional groups tolerate in the HA catalyzed reactions. After few initial reports in 2001 and 2009, the HA catalyzed reactions gained much attention by the organic synthetic community from 2019 in aldol condensation, Knoevenagel condensation, Claisen‐Schmidt reaction, Michael addition, Strecker synthesis, tetrazole synthesis, Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis, hydrosilylation of terminal alkenes, hydrogenation, α‐aminophosphonate synthesis, cross coupling reactions such as Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions. Herein we report the comprehensive analysis on the role of HA in organic transformations providing diverse array of molecular scaffolds till date and future perspective.

Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Coal Fly and Bottom Ashes by Ultrasonic Roasting Followed by Microwave Leaching

Considering the rising demand for rare earth elements (REEs), researchers are looking for new sources for their extraction, thereby fostering economic and environmentally justified processing solutions. Among potential industrial sources, coal fly ash emerges as one of the most promising. The recovery of REEs from coal fly and bottom ashes derived from different thermal power plants was the main focus of this study. A dual-step methodology was conducted on ash samples, which involved an ultrasonic roasting process to disintegrate the silica matrix, followed by a microwave-assisted acid leaching step to extract REEs. The roasting procedure was studied using the Plackett–Burman design, and the Box–Behnken design was subsequently implemented to optimize the leaching procedure. The optimized ultrasonic roasting procedure was set up at 95 °C for 10 min with an ash-to-roasting agent (3M NaOH) ratio of 0.5:1 (m/V). For acid leaching, the optimal conditions were obtained at 174 °C for 30 min with an HCl ÷ HNO3 mixture (1:1 V/V). The standard reference material (NIST 1633c) was used in the conclusive experiments to estimate the average recovery (80%) of REEs. The green aspects of this methodology were evaluated using several metrics (atom economy, E-factor, and energy consumption). The proposed process outperforms high-temperature roasting procedures in terms of greenness; however, the REE recovery rate is lower.

A Sustainable Synthetic Approach to Tacrine and Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Deep Eutectic Solvents under Aerobic Conditions.

An enhanced, sustainable, and efficient method for synthesizing tacrine, achieving a 98% yield, has been developed by replacing volatile organic compounds with more eco-friendly solvents such as deep eutectic solvent (DESs). The optimized protocol scales easily to 3 g of substrate without yield loss and extends successfully to tacrine derivatives with reduced hepatotoxicity. Particularly notable is the synthesis of novel triazole-based derivatives, yielding 90-95%, by integrating an in situ preparation of aryl azides in DESs with N-propargyl-substituted tacrine derivatives. Quantitative metrics validate the green aspects of the reported drug development processes.

Productivity Improvement Based on Lean and Green Productivity in Herbal Tea Production Line CV. DM

Herbal tea is a functional beverage with significant health benefits, produced from processed plants, namely Chinese teak (Cassia angustifolia Vahl) and soursop leaves (Annona muricata L). However, herbal industry faces a productivity problem due to the production process time caused by human factors, machines, and raw materials. Productivity can also be affected by non-value-adding activities in the production processes, such as unnecessary inventory and overproduction. Fossil energy used by industry to generate electricity contributes to the production of solid waste, posing a long-term environmental risk. To address this problem, Objective Matrix (OMAX) is needed to measure the industry production rate, where all non-value-adding activities are reduced in lean and green productivity. The concept of lean and green productivity facilitates the identification of all activities to determine the locus of the highest waste, material, or energy usage. Therefore, this research aimed to propose alternative improvements for enhanced productivity by assessing production rates and identifying generated waste, energy consumption, and emissions. The results show that herbal industry had low productivity, 0.4, on a scale of 1. To improve efficiency, recommendations for lean aspect were based on forecast demand and workload. This improvement was projected to raise Process Cycle Efficiency (PCE) ore from 7.97% to 9.05% and reduce solid waste by maintaining and repairing filling machines. Green aspect could be improved by turning off idle facilities and machines, thereby minimizing electricity energy usage to 43.37%.

Evaluation of the technical properties of reactive-MgO cements produced by solar calcination of magnesite in a fluidized bed reactor

Magnesium oxide (MgO)-based cements display very interesting technical properties and environmentally-friendly features. The novel idea investigated in this study is to synthesize MgO cements, using as raw material natural magnesite calcined in fluidized bed heated by concentrated solar energy. Calcination was performed in a lab-scale system equipped with a concentrated solar simulator, operated under different process conditions. The most reactive MgO was mixed with 3% by weight of MgCO3 (nucleation agent) and four different solutions containing magnesium acetate or chloride. The binders were hydrated in air or 20% CO2 atmosphere (accelerated carbonation conditions) until 28 days. X-ray diffraction, differential-thermal and mercury intrusion porosimetry analyses, and compressive mechanical strength tests, were performed on the hydrated systems. Solar calcination produced a highly reactive MgO. The performance of the cement pastes improved at higher curing times, and when using magnesium acetate as hydration agent, as also witnessed by the application of a kinetic model. Accelerated carbonation conditions further enhanced the mechanical properties of the cements thanks to the formation of nesquehonite, allowing to reach a mechanical strength comparable to that of ordinary Portland cements class 32.5. The achieved outcomes encourage the production of low-CO2 magnesite cements from solar calcined magnesite, boosting the green aspect of the entire process.

Actualization the Role of Women in Implementing the Green Economy to Improve Community Welfare

This research aims to analyze the actualization of women's roles in implementing the green economy concept through waste management to improve community welfare. To answer this objective, a qualitative research design was used with data collection methods using interviews and documentation. The research results show that the green economy concept can have a positive impact on community welfare. By implementing a sustainable approach that emphasizes reduction, recycling and efficient use of resources, we can create new jobs and reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve the quality of life of society as a whole. Apart from that, waste management that prioritizes green aspects can also generate additional sources of income for women through the sale of recycled materials. Thus, actualizing the role of women in implementing the green economy concept not only prioritizes environmental sustainability, but also provides benefits for family welfare and community life.

PRACTICAL BASICS OF ECO-ORIENTED EDUCATION OF FUTURE TEAC

The research relevance is stemmed from problems of introducing aspects of greening of education in the process of learning a foreign language at pedagogical universities. The research purpose is to develop a model for forming an eco-oriented worldview through a pedagogical approach in training future English language teachers. The main method for investigating this issue is the "Diagnosis of Personal Life Values” testing method developed by Sopov V.F. and Karpushina L.V., which allows for determining an individual's personal attitude towards various aspects of life based on their priorities in defining value orientations as an important component of their essence. The paper presents a model of the establishment of the foundations of personal eco principles based on fostering an internal ideology of respect for nature and environment within the framework of teaching a foreign language in pedagogical universities. This paper introduces a model for cultivating eco principles in individuals by fostering an internal ideology of respect for nature and the environment, integrated into the teaching of foreign languages at pedagogical universities. This model promotes an appreciation for living nature and all its components, including various natural elements and species, encouraging self-identification as a friend of nature. It includes both personal and social life, with a focus on value-driven motivations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all living beings at every level. The development of an eco-oriented worldview in future English teachers is supported by engaging with authentic online presentations on nature and environment, including conferences, documentaries, and TV programs.

Colored Petri Nets for Modeling and Simulation of a Green Supply Chain System

Green supply chain is an emerging approach in supply chain management to reduce environmental impact of the process concerning the flow of goods and materials. As a discrete-event system, supply chain can be modeled using Petri Nets. Colored Petri Nets (CPNs) extend the classical Petri net formalism with data, time and hierarchy. These extensions makes it possible to deal with the green aspects of the supply chain.This paper deals with the Colored Petri Net approach to model and simulate a green supply chain system. The forward supply chain network starts from the raw material suppliers, to the manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and to the final customers. The reverse supply chain network is made of collecting points, recycling plants, disassembly plants, and secondary material market. A government environment agency plays the role of regulation of the recycling process. A colored Petri net model of the green supply chain is developed and simulated with CPN Tools, a dedicated software for CPN models. The simulation results as well as the state-space analysis results validate the correctness of the model.

Preparation of hyperbranched polyglycerol groups modified by sulfonic acid tags supported on magnetized kappa-carrageenan: A sustainable solid acid for the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols

In this study, the magnetization of kappa-carrageenan (Carr) and its modification by hyperbranched polyglycerol-sulfonic acid tags (PGly-SO3H) was found to be a good strategy to fabricate a bio-inspired solid acid as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols from aldehydes, 2-naphthol, and acetamide. The catalyst was produced by embedding Fe3O4 nanoparticles into carrageenan shell and modifying the as-produced Fe3O4@Carr with PGly tags. Then, the Fe3O4@Carr was modified by chlorosulfonic acid (Cl-SO3H) to obtain the Fe3O4@Carr-PGly-SO3H nanoparticles. The morphology and structure of Fe3O4@Carr-PGly-SO3H nanoparticles were studied by FT–IR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX-mapping, TEM, VSM, and TGA. Aromatic aldehydes with electron-donor/ electron-acceptor substituents, heterocyclic aldehydes, and enolizable aldehyde gave the corresponding 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols with 85–96 % isolated yields within 15–35 min, under solvent-free conditions. The acidic content of Fe3O4@Carr-pPGly-SO3H nanoparticles was found to be 3.5 mmol H+/g, which determined by titration. As shown by TEM images, the Fe3O4 core facilitates the efficient magnetic separation. The use of a benign support material, ease of catalyst preparation and recovery, heterogeneous nature (on the basis of hot-filtration experiment), solvent-free conditions, and reusability of the nanoparticles (5 times) are some of the green aspects of the present study.