Article
Energy & Fuels
Mustapha Wahman, Agnieszka Surowiak, Katarzyna Berent, Patryk Szymczak
Summary: This study proposes an innovative solution for recycling solar cell waste, which involves a selective mechanical peeling process and thermal treatment to separate the multilayer components of silicon-based PV panels. The findings show that this method reduces energy consumption and pollutant emissions while increasing the purity of recovered materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Ouyang, Huiyang Zhang, Chao Chen
Summary: This paper proposes a novel strategy to recycle scrap aluminum alloy materials as auxiliary sheets to improve the mechanical properties of joints through the auxiliary sheet flat-clinching process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Naruki Ichihara, Masahito Ueda
Summary: A framework is proposed for producing optimized infill structures for 3D-printed curvilinear fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The material orientation was optimized to maximize physical properties, and a phase field of stripe patterns was developed based on the optimized material orientation vector field using a local activation and long-range inhibition system. The phase field was then converted into a 3D print path. Numerical and experimental validations demonstrated that the optimized infill structure exhibited higher structural stiffness compared to commonly used concentric or rectilinear strategies, highlighting the advantage of the proposed method.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Huawei Jiang, Shulong Zhang, Tao Guo, Zhen Yang, Like Zhao, Yan Zhou, Dexiang Zhou
Summary: To address the problem of local extreme values in the whale swarm algorithm for material emergency dispatching with changing road conditions, an improved whale swarm algorithm is proposed. The algorithm utilizes an improved scan and Clarke-Wright algorithm to determine the optimal vehicle path initially, and employs a group movement strategy to generate offspring individuals with improved quality. Additionally, a weight strategy is used to expand individual search spaces and maintain population diversity. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved algorithm outperforms the ant colony system and adaptive chaotic genetic algorithm in terms of minimizing distribution cost and mitigating the impact of road condition changes.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Farkhad Maksudov, Evgenii Kliuchnikov, Kenneth A. Marx, Prashant K. Purohit, Valeri Barsegov
Summary: Biological particles have evolved mechanical characteristics to carry out their functions. We developed a computational approach to fatigue testing in which cyclic loading was applied to explore the mechanobiology of nanoparticles. Our findings challenge existing beliefs and show that damage in biological particles is partially reversible, fatigue cracks may heal, and particles adapt to minimize energy dissipation.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shu-Hui Liao, Sung-Yuan Hu, Chorng-Kuang How, Vivian Chia-Rong Hsieh, Chia-Ming Chan, Chien-Shan Chiu, Ming-Shun Hsieh
Summary: The study found that the use of oral levofloxacin was significantly associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemic emergency in patients with type 2 diabetes, based on a nationwide database and nested case-control study. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing levofloxacin, especially in combination with insulin or sulfonylurea.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Dong An, Y. X. Zhang, Richard (Chunhui) Yang
Summary: This study developed finite element models using a novel tracing element approach to capture the mechanical behaviors and failure modes of typical 3D printed concrete structures. The results of the investigation showed that the Mohr-Coulomb and Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) models can accurately predict the failure behaviors of 3D printed concrete structures.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paolo S. Calabro, Filippo Fazzino, Domenica Pangallo
Summary: Italy has developed an efficient separate collection system, but still a significant portion of municipal solid waste ends up in landfills. The use of Dynamic Respirometric index (DRI) is essential for evaluating waste biological stability before landfilling. Through experimental data, it is found that enhanced separate collection can decrease putrescible content in mixed waste, but implementing both aerobic and anaerobic indices is necessary to optimize the treatment of waste for overall sustainability of the system.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Yanyan Wang, Baiqing Sun
Summary: Emergency material allocation is crucial for recovery and reconstruction in disaster-affected areas. This study proposes a multiperiod optimization model for emergency material allocation under uncertain conditions, with the focus on shortest time, lowest cost, and lowest risk. By incorporating a risk measurement method into the model, the study shows the effectiveness of measuring transportation risk and path repair risk in the context of material allocation.
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Dubey, Ankur Rajpal, Bhanu Prakash Vellanki, Absar Ahmad Kazmi
Summary: The study found that high removal efficiencies of certain CECs were observed in two wastewater treatment plants, but there were still significant amounts of targeted contaminants discharged through wastewater and sludge. Additionally, the research highlighted the influence of redox conditions on both biodegradation and sorption mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of different redox conditions for optimal removal of CECs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Jose Francisco S. S. da Rocha, Erica D. de Avila, Maria Silvia M. Rigolin, Paula A. Barbugli, Danny O. M. Marin, Francisco A. Mollo Junior, Janaina H. Jorge
Summary: The study found that the changes in physicochemical properties of titanium and zirconia due to aging process do not interfere with Candida albicans biofilm formation and human gingival fibroblast cell attachment, even after long-term exposure.
JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Myat Myat-Htun, Ahmad-Fauzi Mohd Noor, Masakazu Kawashita, Yanny Marliana Ismail
Summary: This study investigates the effect of trivalent iron on the physicomechanical and in vitro biological properties of akermanite ceramics. The results show that iron doping enhances the sinterability and densification of the ceramics, as well as improving bioactivity and cell proliferation.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Louise Hoss, Rodrigo Zanatta, Maurizio Quadro, Erico Kunde Correa, Robson Andreazza
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot scale rotating biological reactor in treating landfill leachate. The results show that the rotating biological reactor is able to efficiently remove biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and phosphorus. Additionally, the toxicity of the treated effluent is significantly reduced, as indicated by the improved germination index of the seeds.
ENGENHARIA SANITARIA E AMBIENTAL
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Yichao Zhu, Shaoshuai Li, Biao Wang
Summary: The present article aims to detect material-intrinsic indices for supervising the mechanical performance of solid matter. The article introduces a new approach for describing the inelastic deformation of solid matter and identifies two fundamental modes and key physical quantities to measure the mechanical behavior of materials, which are more intrinsic.
SCIENCE CHINA-PHYSICS MECHANICS & ASTRONOMY
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Anna Derkacheva, Fabien Gillet-Chaulet, Jeremie Mouginot, Eliot Jager, Nathan Maier, Samuel Cook
Summary: Investigating the seasonal evolution of basal conditions in a well-documented region in southwest Greenland using inverse methods on a dense time series of surface speeds reveals clear seasonal variations near the margin with small uncertainties in velocity and bed topography, mostly interpretable in terms of an effective-pressure-based hard-bed friction law. The study shows direct responses of modeled basal conditions to local modeled water pressure variations in valley bottoms or troughs in the bed topography, while the link is more complex for subglacial ridges which are often non-locally forced. In-phase variations in water pressure, surface velocities, and surface runoff variations are found at the catchment scale.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Labianca, Sabino De Gisi, Francesco Todaro, Michele Notarnicola, Imma Bortone
Summary: This article discusses the long-term risks posed by contaminated sediments to human beings and ecosystems, as well as the advantages and research directions of in-situ capping technology. The study highlights the ongoing research on ISC amendments in the presence of organic and inorganic pollutants, as well as the importance of long-term modeling predictions and numerical simulations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andrea Petrella, Sabino De Gisi, Milvia Elena Di Clemente, Francesco Todaro, Ubaldo Ayr, Stefania Liuzzi, Magdalena Dobiszewska, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: Environmentally sustainable cement mortars containing wheat straw and perlite beads as aggregates were prepared and characterized. The straw mortars showed decreased workability, increased thermal insulation and acoustic absorption compared to conventional sand mortars. The mechanical performance of the straw composites improved with longer fibers, and the addition of perlite improved the mechanical strength.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giovanni Gadaleta, Sabino De Gisi, Francesco Todaro, Vincenzo Campanaro, Carmen Teodosiu, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: Using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis method, this study evaluated and compared the sustainability of different waste management schemes, finding that the door-to-door system is the best solution in environmental and socio-technical terms, despite its higher cost. Interestingly, there is limited deviation between the mixed collection mode and the door-to-door system, suggesting strong competitiveness of the former.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arina Kosheleva, Giovanni Gadaleta, Sabino De Gisi, Joern Heerenklage, Caterina Picuno, Michele Notarnicola, Kerstin Kuchta, Andrea Sorrentino
Summary: There are few studies on the behavior of bioplastics in anaerobic co-digestion found in literature, and most of them are conducted in batch mode. This study aims to fill this gap by carrying out a semi-continuous anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and cellulose acetate. The results show that methane production from the co-digestion process was lower than batch co-digestion, but methane production rates were comparable.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Todaro, Francesco Colangelo, Sabino De Gisi, Ilenia Farina, Claudio Ferone, Claudia Labianca, Andrea Petrella, Raffaele Cioffi, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: This research proposes a cement-free cold granulation process for the remediation of contaminated marine sediments and the production of low-cost aggregates for civil engineering. The use of industrial by-products, coal fly ash and Blast Furnace Slag, as geopolymer precursors in the granulation process was investigated. The results showed that sediments treated with a specific mix design had optimal metal leachability and meet the technical requirements for pavement construction. Cold granulation was found to be a sustainable solution for recycling contaminated sediments and industrial by-products into lightweight artificial aggregates.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesco Todaro, Andrea Petrella, Giusy Santomasi, Sabino De Gisi, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: In this study, the feasibility of using PET waste aggregates as substitutes for natural aggregates in cement mortars was evaluated through a multiscale physical-mechanical investigation. The results showed that PET mortars exhibited higher tensile strength, energy absorption capacity, and thermal insulation performance compared to sand mortars, making them suitable for non-structural insulating artifacts.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giovanni Gadaleta, Sabino De Gisi, Francesco Todaro, Giuseppe D'Alessandro, Silvio Binetti, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: This paper evaluates the performance of a material recovery facility (MRF) in Southern Italy and proposes an upgrade to improve the sorting efficiency of plastic waste. It is found that the current MRF performs well for PET and PE bottles (80.2% and 92.8% respectively), but achieves lower efficiency for mixed or flexible packaging (55-50%). The upgrade primarily addresses the weakness in the 2D flow sorting line and significantly increases the production of recyclable waste.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Giovanni Gadaleta, Sabino De Gisi, Andrea Sorrentino, Luigi Sorrentino, Michele Notarnicola, Kerstin Kuchta, Caterina Picuno, Maria Oliviero
Summary: The increased use of bioplastics in the market has led to their presence in municipal solid waste streams alongside traditional fossil-based polymers, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which bioplastics often end up mixed with. This study aimed to assess the impact of cellulose acetate plasticized with triacetin (CAT) on the mechanical recycling of LDPE. The results indicate that the presence of CAT does not significantly affect the chemical, thermal, and rheological properties of LDPE, but negatively impacts the processability and mechanical behavior of LDPE, resulting in the reduced quality of the recycled material.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giovanni Gadaleta, Sabino De Gisi, Francesco Todaro, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: To address the problem of fossil-based pollution, bio-plastics have been increasingly used in various applications. However, the current waste management system has weaknesses in dealing with bio-plastic waste (BPW), and there is a lack of quantitative data. This study combines environmental and economic assessments to determine the most sustainable and suitable treatment for BPW. The results show that the organic, plastic, and mixed waste treatment routes have different costs and carbon footprints. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of improving waste treatment processes to ensure the quality of the output.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giovanni Gadaleta, Sabino De Gisi, Francesco Todaro, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: The role of Mechanical-Biological Treatment (MBT) in managing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is crucial. This study assesses and compares the environmental performance of seven selected MBT plants operating in different countries. The results show that metal recovery is a common and effective practice in MBT, while other types of waste recovery are also carried out. Each MBT plant achieved environmental benefits, with the highest benefit achieved when the highest amount of waste was recovered. The environmental impacts of MBT were mainly influenced by recycling processes and energy production.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
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.