Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pedro Alexandre Marques, Andre M. Carvalho, Jose Oliveira Santos
Summary: This paper presents a real application of lean-green improvement initiative in a large Portuguese hypermarket store, showing how lean tools and techniques can be used to improve operational performance and sustainability. Through a case study in one store, the Gemba Kaizen approach was adopted and successfully reduced food waste and out-of-stock issues, improving the store's overall performance and leading to the deployment of improvement procedures to other stores.
Article
Thermodynamics
Bruno J. Cardoso, Ana R. Amaral, Adelio R. Gasyar, Alvaro Gomes
Summary: This study highlights the lack of research on the barriers and drivers to energy efficiency measures in water and wastewater utilities. The results show that quality-of-service subjects take precedence over energy efficiency in this sector, with major barriers being the lack of human resources, technical skills, and bureaucratic procurement processes. The main drivers identified are awareness campaigns, energy service companies, and accessible funding programs. These findings can inform policies aimed at improving the energy performance and resilience of water and wastewater utilities globally.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junghee Joo, Eilhann E. Kwon, Jechan Lee
Summary: Many aspects of modern life are associated with using electrical and electronic devices, leading to a tremendous amount of electronic waste. Challenges in managing and treating E-waste have arisen due to the lack of proper technologies. Pyrolysis process can effectively treat complex waste materials, but its industrialization is hindered by high costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Kerry Jack Robertson, Rupinder Brar, Parmjit Randhawa, Christine Stark, Saeid Baroutian
Summary: The cannabis industry is booming due to relaxed legislation, and as waste from cultivation increases, there is a need for sustainable management. Research into cannabis waste management is vital as it provides opportunities for businesses. Current methods include landfilling, composting, incineration, and anaerobic digestion, but further research is needed to determine the most efficient approach.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bruno J. Cardoso, Alvaro Gomes, Adelio R. Gaspar
Summary: In the water supply and wastewater treatment sector, there has been increasing pressure to improve energy and environmental performances. However, the lack of assessment of barriers and drivers for energy efficiency hampers understanding of the effectiveness of policies and interventions. A survey of Portuguese water and wastewater utilities revealed that the main barriers to energy efficiency are the lack of human resources, operational focus, and diverging priorities. The top drivers are reduced operating costs, dedicated support and financing, and a focus on image and social responsibility. These findings can inform policies and strategies for global water and wastewater utilities.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Viachaslau Filimonau
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the hospitality sector, leading to increased food and plastic waste. This paper evaluates the effects of pandemic prevention measures on waste generation in the hospitality sector and proposes potential strategies to manage it. Integrating into alternative food networks and investing in green innovation are identified as key actions for reducing food and plastic waste in the hospitality industry.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nuno Jose Pinho Rodrigues, Joao M. S. Carvalho
Summary: This study analyzed the economic and financial results of the PPP model compared to the PMH model in Portugal. The findings showed that the PPP model had advantages in terms of economic and financial results as well as service quality. However, the government consistently reverted back to the PMH model despite the benefits of the PPP model. Evaluation: 8/10.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose Torrao, Sandrina Teixeira
Summary: The primary goal of this study is to examine the factors that influence customer loyalty and satisfaction with Portuguese telecommunications. Customer loyalty and satisfaction are crucial for the success and expansion of the services sector. Additionally, the study aims to incorporate customers' perceptions of privacy in a comprehensive model. A structured questionnaire was used to collect valid responses from 357 participants, and statistical techniques, including path analysis through Structural Equation Modelling, were employed to test the hypotheses and analyze the data.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carolina Amaral, Maria Isabel Pedro, Diogo Cunha Ferreira, Rui Cunha Marques
Summary: The unprecedented population increase has resulted in various consequences for the environment, such as increased urbanization levels and the production of municipal solid waste (MSW). This study examines the efficiency of MSW management in Portuguese municipalities and explores the relationship between performance indicators and efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicolas Greggio, Alba Serafini, Enrico Balugani, Carlotta Carlini, Andrea Contin, Diego Marazza
Summary: The circular economy approach emphasizes the complete recovery of components, materials, and energy from waste. Fish Waste (FW) contains many active compounds with biomedical and nutraceutical applications, but is underutilized. This study focuses on quantifying and locating FW generated by point sources, providing valuable data for comparable global applications.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Antonio L. Amaral, Rita Martins, Luis C. Dias
Summary: Identifying the main drivers of performance is essential for enhancing the sustainability of water utilities. This study aims to identify the relevant drivers associated with sustainability-related operational indicators in both drinking water supply and wastewater treatment. Various data analysis methods, including cross correlations analysis, clustering analysis, and principal components analysis, were employed to investigate the interrelationships between variables and capture important information. The results emphasize the importance of service provider size, personnel allocation, water losses, and certification policies in influencing operational indicators. Policy recommendations include promoting the aggregation of smaller service providers, controlling water losses and personnel allocation, and implementing certification practices.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Sofia Kalatha, Panagiotis Dontis-Charitos, Kyriaki Kosmidou, Kostas Andriosopoulos
Summary: By examining a unique international sample of 452 operational loss events announced between 1996 and 2021, we find that energy firms experience significant negative abnormal returns following the announcement of operational losses, with results varying based on event and/or announcing firm characteristics. Our findings have implications for pricing, asset allocation, and risk management decisions for multiple stakeholders in the energy industry, as well as for regulators aiming to mitigate the impact of operational losses on the economy and society.
ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Karoline Owusu-Sekyere, Alexander Batteiger, Richard Afoblikame, Gerold Hafner, Martin Kranert
Summary: Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana, has developed into a large scrapyard where electronic waste and scrap metals are processed informally, leading to environmental pollution and health risks. Data suggests that an average of 15,092 tons of e-waste (about 39% of Ghana's e-waste generation) is treated at Agbogbloshie annually.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Atiq Zaman, Ana Maria Caceres Ruiz, Salman Shooshtarian, Tim Ryley, Savindi Caldera, Tayyab Maqsood
Summary: This study proposes construction industry-specific guidelines for achieving circular economy goals by reviewing issues related to Design for Zero Waste and Design for Recycling. Through a systematic literature review, the current circular economy practices in construction and infrastructure projects in global and Australian contexts were explored, and barriers and enablers of circular economy in the built environment were identified. The proposed guidelines bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering clear, circular guidelines for designing out C&D waste in Australia.
Article
Economics
Ou Tang, Jakob Rehme, Pontus Cerin, Donald Huisingh
Summary: As renewable energy sources increase and nuclear power plants are decommissioned in Sweden, the electricity market experiences more fluctuations, highlighting the need to secure electricity supply. Hydrogen production has emerged as a potential source of income due to surplus electricity supply at low prices. Research on the feasibility of investing in hydrogen production at nuclear power plants under Swedish energy policy background reveals alternative opportunities for large-scale electricity production facilities.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Boukje Compen, Kristof De Witte, Koen Declercq, Wouter Schelfhout
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of a scalable online teacher professional development module on students' financial literacy. The findings suggest that the financial education program improves students' financial knowledge, while the module enhances students' behavior scores.
EDUCATION ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Management
Giovanna D'Inverno, Francesco Vidoli, Kristof De Witte
Summary: In the past few decades, countries have seen a significant increase in local expenditures to meet growing local needs. However, the limited availability of financial resources, aggravated by the 2008 financial crisis and Covid19 crisis, has led to budget restrictions imposed by higher levels of government. This paper evaluates the impact of enforcing a balanced budget rule on local government cost efficiency and explores the trade-off between efficiency and equity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mai Wardeh, Rui Cunha Marques
Summary: This article reviews the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in refugee camps in the Arab Middle East based on empirical data from Syrian refugees and Iraqi IDPs collected through a questionnaire. SDGs' indices were calculated using arithmetic mean and principal component analysis methods. The study finds that progress towards achieving the SDGs varies in the three locations due to different policies in the host countries. Iraq ranked highest in social and economic sustainability, Jordan ranked highest in environmental sustainability, and Lebanon lagged behind in all three dimensions. While SDG7 performed well, accelerating progress towards the remaining SDGs is crucial. Without substantial efforts from all stakeholders, the 2030 agenda will not be accomplished.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Diogo Cunha Ferreira, Paulo Caldas, Miguel Verla, Rui Cunha Marques
Summary: This paper discusses different methods of aggregating partial performance indicators into composite indicators, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The paper proposes a new framework based on geometric aggregation of performance indicators to address the shortcomings of existing models.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Cunha Marques, Pedro Simoes, Ines Machete, Thalita Fagundes
Summary: Water access as a human right is recognized by the UN since 2010. However, economic crisis has hindered poorer households from affording water services regularly even when piped water is available. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the issues of affordability and health consequences related to disconnection policies. This study examines water subsidies and disconnection policies in medium- and high-income countries to analyze their approaches in dealing with default rates.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Evaristo Fernandes, Rui Cunha Marques
Summary: In the last three decades, water shortages have become more common and have had a significant impact on the global economy. This has led to a shift from linear water management to circular resource preservation management, with a focus on water reuse. The circular economy in the water sector has gained attention, although the potential for treated wastewater reuse is still in its early stages. This paper examines recent research on circular economy implementation in the water and wastewater sector, with a focus on motivations and geographical distribution.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ines Freire Machete, Rui Cunha Marques
Summary: Private financing in the water supply and sanitation sector is inadequate due to perceived project risks, resulting in barriers to leveraging private financing. This study analyzed 185 World Bank-funded projects from 2015 to 2021 to understand the influence of perceived risks on financing. The study identified the most prevalent risks in these projects and found that the World Bank has varying levels of tolerance for different risk types, which can impact financing decisions.
Article
Sociology
Ilse Tobback, Dieter Verhaest, Stijn Baert, Kristof De Witte
Summary: We examine whether individuals with vocational and general education differ in their on-the-job learning and how this difference changes over time. Using the European Skills and Jobs Survey dataset and instrumental variable estimation, we find that workers with a vocational degree initially have less on-the-job learning. However, this gap decreases over a career span, taking a significant amount of time to catch up with those with a general degree. These effects are driven by individuals in dual system countries and those in programs involving workplace learning, suggesting a combination of compensating and complementary effects.
EUROPEAN SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Management
Oleg Badunenko, Giovanna D'Inverno, Kristof De Witte
Summary: This paper introduces an innovative method for addressing endogeneity issues in policy performance evaluation. By utilizing a regression discontinuity design with a stochastic frontier panel data model, the paper estimates the causal impact of a policy intervention on the outcome variable. The study distinguishes between the direct effect, efficiency-enhancing effect, or their combination. It also considers persistent and transient inefficiency components while accounting for unobserved heterogeneity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Regional & Urban Planning
Hugo Consciencia Silvestre, Rui Cunha Marques, Brian Dollery, Aldenisio Moraes Correia
Summary: In this paper, we empirically investigate the relationship between cooperating entities, local government institutions, and transaction costs in Brazilian local government water services through consortia. Our results show that institutional arrangements significantly affect cost efficiency, measured by total expenditure per user, between 2011 and 2019. We found that cost efficiency increases slowly under bureaucracies and faster under public enterprises, with dedicated asset specificities and contract management complexity explaining differences in water service provision cost efficiency. These findings have theoretical significance and important policy implications for intermunicipal cooperative agreements.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDIES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Civil
Thalita Salgado Fagundes, Rui Cunha Marques, Tadeu Malheiros
Summary: Water and sanitation affordability has become an important research topic due to the economic crisis and the role of tariffs. This paper systematically reviewed previous research on affordability and critically discussed the methodologies used. The study identified four key topics and highlighted the potential role of the analysis in public financial policies.
AQUA-WATER INFRASTRUCTURE ECOSYSTEMS AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carlos Novaes, Rui Marques
Summary: Circular economy means efficient resource use and creating a feasible framework to tackle climate change and economic scarcity challenges. Urban stormwater, when treated as a useful resource, can replace energy-consuming water supply systems, resulting in energy savings and emission reduction. Urban agriculture can also benefit from green infrastructures. The key lies in implementing an efficiency mentality and aligning policies, institutions, and regulations to promote circular economy in urban planning and water cycle.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Agnes Szabo-Morvai, Daniel Horn, Anna Lovasz, Kristof De Witte
Summary: Through analysis of student data from Hungary, this study finds that enrolling in preschool one year earlier can have a positive impact on test scores, particularly for disadvantaged children. The findings support the importance of providing universal preschool to improve cognitive skills and promote equity. This provides a valuable insight for policy evaluation and design.
EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Ines Freire Machete, Rui Cunha Marques
Summary: This study analyzed 62 completed World Bank water supply and sanitation projects and found correlations and interactions between project results, bank performance, and project characteristics. It highlights the importance of assessing and mitigating project risks, as well as the significance of development bank financing.
JOURNAL OF WATER SANITATION AND HYGIENE FOR DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.
