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Aim: This study aims to determine the relationships between studies, important sub-topics and new trends in the field, in parallel with the increasing studies in thefield of green productivity in recent years. Method: Using the Web of Science database, 118 studies on green productivity published between 1980 and 2021 were analyzed with bibliometric analyzes through the R and Vosviewer program. Findings: The results obtained from the analyzes were shared under two separate headings: Descriptive Statistics and Network Analysis. As descriptive statistics, the most productive journals, authors, and countries were shared. With descriptive statistics, it was found out that the most productive journal is the Journal of Cleaner Production and the most productive institution is Xiamen University. The study found that China is the most productive country in the field of green productivity. As part of the network analysis, co-occurrence, co-citation, co-authorship, and country collaboration in the field of green productivity were tried to be revealed. Co-occurrence analysis shows that 21 nodes and six clusters are formed. The authors are divided into seven clusters in the co-authorship analysis, and Li Ke has the most links. The country with the most links in the country collaboration analysis is China. In the co-citation analysis, it is seen that the studies in the field of “green productivity” are divided into three clusters. Results: As a field of s tudy, green productivity attracts the attention of different science and social sciences disciplines, and the number of publications on this subject is constantly increasing. The interest of different disciplines in the subject field has enabled different keywords to take part in the studies. In addition to showing trends in the field, the study results also show productivity in the corresponding years’ range. With our study, researchers who want to work in the field of Green Productivity will be able to identify the guiding articles. Besides, they will be able to identify pioneering researchers, institutions and journals and see the collaborations made on t he basis o f c ountry, institution and author in t he field of green productivity. In this way, researchers will have the chance to look at the field of green productivity from a broader perspective. Researchers can use this study as a roadmap for their studies.
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Optimizing the cost situation is part of everyday business in a company. The research field of controlling has developed many instruments and methods for calculating potential savings and communicating them to the decision-makers. In the future, in order for companies to operate more sustainably it is necessary to weigh up optimization measures from an economic and environmental point of view. This paper proposes to supplement controlling reports with a matrix opposing economic and environmental impacts by individual optimization measures. This reporting method should assist decision-makers in the selection of optimization measures, taking into account economic and environmental aspects. LCA and LCC based evaluation of a biotechnological process step for glycoside production served as a case study. An example for impact presentation of switching to a sustainable electricity mix is shown.
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The current paper deals with the recycling of CO2 allowances revenue, which Bulgaria receives at the regular auctions held within the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS). Based on the normative and comparative approaches, the author concludes that the country has opted for a smart trajectory of carbon revenue recycling. The proceeds from national CO2 allowances are returned back to the Bulgarian economy fostering thereby clean electricity generation. EU ETS financial resources have been earmarked to the extrabudgetary fund "Security of the energy system". In turn, the latter channels the income from CO2 allowances towards reduction of the green component in the price "Obligations to the public". This recycling decision helps relieve the electricity cost burden of businesses and households in Bulgaria.
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Formulation of the problem. Most of Ukraine is located on the so-called Ukrainian Shield, which is a geological block rise of the crystalline basement of the Eastern European platform, stretching within our country along the middle reaches of the Dnieper in a strip over 1000 km long and about 250 km wide from the Gorin River to the Sea of Azov. This geological massif consists almost entirely of metamorphic and igneous rocks, the bulk of which are deeply processed by ultrametamorphic processes, including granitization and selective anathexis, which caused the formation of local crustal magmas. In many places granites come to the surface. From the geological point of view, granite is an intrusive rock of acidic composition with a granular (even-grained or uneven-grained) structure. The exceptional strength of this stone material allows it to be used in various areas of the economy, including construction. In this area, granite is widely used in the construction of roads, houses, concrete, bridges and more. Due to the widespread use of stone in the manufacturing sector, there is a need for its extraction. Quarry mining of granite is carried out in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia and other regions. At the same time, the extraction of granite by quarrying, as well as its further processing into marketable products, including crushed stone, has a negative impact on the environment. On the one hand, there is the problem of producing the necessary construction products to meet the needs of industry and domestic life of the country's inhabitants, and on the other - there is the issue of environmental protection. Analysis of recent research and publications. This issue is directly or indirectly considered in studies that in one way or another relate to environmental problems of the Zhytomyr region in general, as well as the impact of the mining industry in particular are considered and studies N. G. Zinovchuk, G. Ya. Studinskaya, V. A. Studinsky, V. K. Danilka, V. I. Karpova and others. It is worth noting that the problem of the impact of granite mining in the quarry method is considered by many researchers in conjunction with the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. The purpose of this study is the identification of economic and environmental problems associated with the organization of granite mining in a quarry way, as well as the combination of this problem with other factors of negative impact on the environment. Materials and methods. The implementation of this study is based on the following principles: conceptuality, which allows to obtain integrated results; analytical, which allows for a comprehensive study of the issue and identify its individual components; debatability, which allows the admission of different views on this issue. Results of the research. The article attempts to consider the negative impact on the environment of granite mining and its processing into marketable products. The authors also tried to consider this problem comprehensively in combination with other negative environmental impacts. This touches on the improvement of technical and technological processes that reduce the negative impact on the environment. Conclusions. Quarrying of granite is undoubtedly a negative impact on the natural state, in particular on the quality of air, water and land resources. This negative impact is exacerbated by the fact that the Zhytomyr region was most negatively affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. However, the application of modern technologies in the system of quarry granite mining can significantly reduce the negative impact, in particular of crushed stone plants, on the environment of Zhytomyr region.
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In the recent years air pollution is а huge global problem. It seriously affects thehuman health and consequently the economies of countries. The residential heatingwith firewood is one of the major sources of ambient air pollution particularly whenthe wood-fired appliances are poorly optimized which results in considerable emissionof harmful products obtained from the incomplete wood combustion. Wood pellets,due to their composition and the usage of modern stoves with optimized andcontrolled combustion, score better with respect to air pollution. The aim of this work is to evaluate the residential heating with firewood andwood pellets by performing a cost-benefit analysis for both. A household that utilized both types of heating was used as a case study. Thecost analysis was carried out by calculating the life cycle costs in the usage phase of thefirewood and wood pellets. A cost projection for a future period of ten years was alsodone. For the needs of the benefit analysis an estimation of air pollutant emissionswhen firewood or wood pellets is combusted, was performed. The results show that for a period of 10 years, in the case of wood pellets, thelife cycle costs would increase about 40% compared to the life cycle costs for firewood.From an environmental point of view, wood pellets show much better results. Namely,the emission of harmful PM10 particles and carbon monoxide is reduced much morethan twice. Summarizing, heating with pellet fuel is more expensive, but the benefits achieved aresignificantly greater in terms of noticeably reduced air pollution, less harmful healthconsequences, and respectively more savings in the health system and the overalleconomic system as well.
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The aim of this paper is to show the importance of GIS in the fight against environmental crime. At the same time, the goal is to show Structure of the geophysical cybernetic system. The models used are based either on attempts to solve inverse problems accurately, or on the use of empirical regression relations, to which the output signals of sensor systems with values of environmental parameters refer, or on the use of statistical classification procedures according to reference samples within objects in the ecological and criminogenic relationship.
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Background and purpose: The mining and metallurgical company “Trepca” was one of the largest producers of lead and zinc in Europe during the middle of the 20th century. That is exactly why it significantly contributed to the then exports and profit of Yugoslavia. Ideas for founding mines, exploitation and processing of ore into metals slowly began to be realized in the years after World War I; in the late 1920s the company began operations, and during World War II, the mine and bullet processing were carried out under German occupation. The biggest increase in production happened after World War II, when the company was nationalized. Methodology: This paper is a contribution to the knowledge about the business of the mining and metallurgical plant “Trepca” until 1956. The paper seeks, primarily on the basis of primary archival sources, then on the basis of the press and relevant literature, to contribute to the knowledge regading the company’s operations.. The paper also brings research knowledge about working conditions, workers ‘rights, the activities of the workers’ council, the problems of lack of qualified workers and engineers. The paper also talks about the simultaneous phenomenon of redundancies of unskilled employees, which was one of the biggest problems in business for the company’s management during the 1950s. Conclusion: In the first years after the Second World War, the biggest problems in the production and business of “Trepca” were caused by insufficient and poor infrastructure. Working conditions in the first post-war years in the Trepca mines were extremely poor. Until 1951, a huge amount of work was done manually. There were not enough tools, machines, excavators, drills. Also a big problem was the lack of spare parts for machines and tools. Initially, the production was mostly based on numerous workers. A large number of working hours of numerous workers tried to compensate for the lack of tools and mechanization. Over time and thanks to the increase in production, the need for skilled workers and engineers grew. On the other hand, there was the problem of overstaffing in jobs that did not require trained staff at the time. Thanks, above all, to the demand on the world market and the competitive price of its products, “Trepca” became one of the most important exporters in Yugoslavia by the mid-fifties of the twentieth century.
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The global problem of high environmental pollution by packaging materials as a result of excessive consumption is the reason for intensive work on creating an effective recycling management system. The EU supports activities in this area to achieve a circular economy. The basic assumption is the intensification of activities towards environmental protection as well as consumer rights. Recyclable material management system and introducing reusable packages are the main aspects described in this publication. A functioning management system of recyclable packaging materials was presented on the basis of the work of specialists and data from companies processing recyclable materials. An effectively managed system for aluminum and glass packaging, problems in managing recyclable material from PET and the benefits of introducing innovative reusable transport packaging were described. In order to minimize the amount of packaging waste, the product life cycle assessment system was also presented. The current normative documents issued by the EU in the field of waste management were analyzed. This article presents draft of EU plans to improve the packaging waste management system, including the possibility of applying a harmonized model, selective waste collection and labeling to enable minimum EU waste exports and to address the problem of illegal shipments waste.
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Recent events related to the pandemic have caused major changes in the raw material markets and, in particular, crude oil. The reduction in demand has led to the creation of huge stocks, and this has resulted in a fall in prices. How does this translate into mining, fuel prices and economic relations between oil-producing countries? How does OPEC behave? These interesting issues are discussed in this paper, showing not only statistical data.
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Microorganisms form complex and dynamic communities that play a key role in the biogeochemical cycles of lakes. A high level of urbanization is currently a serious threat to bacterial communities and the ecosystem of freshwater bodies. To assess the contribution of anthropogenic load to variations in the structure of winter microbial communities in lakes, microorganisms of four water bodies of Chelyabinsk region were studied for the first time. We used cultural, chromatography-mass spectrometric, and modern methods of statistical data processing (particularly, multivariate exploratory analysis and canonical analysis of correspondences). The research showed that the composition of winter microbial communities in lakes Chebarkul’, Smolino, Pervoye, and Shershenevskoye Reservoir did not differ significantly between the main phyla of microorganisms. The dominant microorganisms were found to be of the Firmicutes phylum and Actinobacteria phylum. The structure of bacterial communities had special features depending on the characteristics of the water body and the sampling depths. Thus, in the lakes Smolino, Pervoye, and Shershenevskoye Reservoir, an important role was played by associations between microorganisms – indicators of fecal contamination: coliform bacteria and Enterococcus. On the contrary, in Chebarkul’ Lake, members of the genus Bacillus, which are natural bioremediators, formed stable winter associations. However, the differences between water bodies and sampling depths reflected 28.1% and 9.8% of the variability of the winter microbial communities, respectively. The largest contribution (about 60%) to the variability of the structure was made by intra-water processes, which determined the high heterogeneity of samples from different water areas. We assume that an important role in this variability was played by the high anthropogenic impact in a large industrial metropolis. In our opinion, this line of research is very promising for addressing key environmental issues.
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Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential transition metal and one of the most toxic environmental pollutants. Industrial, agricultural and urban activities are the main sources of Cd environmental contamination. Multiple deleterious effects of Cd exposure were reported for different cell types and living organisms in a great number of research papers. Cd bioaccumulation hazard is mediated by the relatively long half-life of this metal in an organism. For example, in mammals its half-life lasts for about 10-30 years. Cd exposure affects many tissues. However, some of them, including the central nervous system and sensory organs, are most susceptible to its toxicity. The harmful effects of Cd could be linked to oxidative stress generation and consequently intracellular signalling disruption. Since Cd induces redox imbalance the antioxidants could be a prospective tool to ameliorate Cd cytotoxicity. In present work, we have studied the protective efficacy of soluble curcumin on Cd-caused retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells viability, reactive oxygen species production, adhesive and extracellular matrix proteins expression, cell migration and parthanatos level. Low dose (5 µM) of soluble curcumin ameliorated all aforementioned indices of Cd-induced cytotoxicity. Curcumin has restored the RPE cells motility as well as fibronectin and E-cadherin expression. Therefore, the modulation of RPE adhesiveness could be regarded as a cytoprotective effect of curcumin. Furthermore, Cd-caused poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) suppression and cleaved PARP-1 upregulation were ameliorated by curcumin exposure. Therefore, the protective effect of soluble curcumin could be related, at least partially, to the modulation of PARP activity and inhibition of parthanatos flux. The observed results have demonstrated that low doses of soluble curcumin are a promising tool to protect RPE cells against Cd-caused retinal injury.
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A stable group of birds has been formed at water treatment facilities. Sewage treatment sites are a well-known nesting place for long-legged waders. Black-winged stilts are included in the Bonn (Appendix II) and Berne (Appendix II) conventions, the AEWA agreement. Listed in the Red Book of Ukraine (1994, 2009) (status - vulnerable). In Ukraine, it is under protection on the territory of the natural reserve fund. The arrival of black-winged stilts waders at the nesting sites was recorded in the second-third decade of April (April 23, 2020; April 17, 2021). Immediately after returning to the nesting areas, the birds begin to build nests and lay eggs. The first eggs in this population were seen on 01.05.2020, 07.05.2021. The process of laying eggs lasted until the end of the first decade of July (08.07.2020). The average clutch size in the nests of Himantopus himantopus decreased from 3.8 ± 0.1 (2020) to 3.5 ± 0.1 (2021). The average egg sizes and their limits have been determined for long-legged waders. The chicks hatched from late May (30.05.2020), throughout June to the first decade of July (02.07.2020). The chicks were able to fly in a month - 29.06.2020. The muddy site of the wastewater treatment ponds of Kharkiv supported Black-winged Stilts until early August. Later, the birds started post-breeding movements. The last adults with juvenile birds were observed on 13.08.2020. Stilts in some years may stay until early October. The reproductive success of the black-winged stilt increased from 35.6% (2020) to 38.8% (2021). On average, 1.3 ± 0.2 (2020) and 1.4 ± 0.3 (2021) chicks fledged from the nests. In 2021, the number of nesting stilts increased, which is apparently due to rainy weather at the beginning of the reproductive period. For the purpose of more effective protection, the nesting settlements of the stilt should be protected and the appearance of people in the nesting places should be prohibited.
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The article analyses the preconditions for shaping and developing the concept of a green economy. The stages of the evolutionary development of the circular economy are considered: work with waste; environmental performance strategies; maximum conservation in the era of resource depletion. Having analysed the scientific opinions on the emergence of “circular economy”, the paper has found out that this concept is identified with the terms “round economy”, “cyclical economy”, “recovery economy”, “closed-cycle economy”, “green economy”. The approaches of different scientific schools to the category of “circular economy” are analysed and conventionally systematized into 12 groups: closed-cycle economy; renewable resource economy; alternative to traditional linear economy; global economic model; closed-loop economic system based on R-principles; the concept of economic development; sustainable development strategy; a "green" economy instrument; business philosophy; economic activity; use of production waste; recycling of secondary raw materials. There is proposed the authors' formulation of the circular economy as an innovative approach to organizing logistics processes based on the closed movement of resources with their minimum losses in the form of waste and the maximum involvement of secondary resources in production in order to achieve sustainable development of logistics systems. The article identifies the barriers preventing the implementation of the circular economy concept, among them being regulatory, institutional, economic, financial and investment, market, technological, informational, and cultural. The article considers the best practices of effective implementation of circular economy solutions on the example of Finland. The indicators of the development of the green technologies market in the world and the national logistics system of Ukraine under conditions of a circular economy are analysed. It has been established that many conceptual approaches to the definition of the terms “green logistics” and “environmental logistics” are generally accepted and have a broader meaning, without taking into account the functioning specificity of various spheres of economic activity, including transport and logistics. Scientific views on interpreting the essence and content of the concept "green logistics" are generalized. It is proposed to consider the term "green logistics" from three angles: a circular economy instrument; a component of business corporate social responsibility; and a type of economic activity aimed at reducing the negative impact on the ecosystem and the environment. In order to effectively implement the concept of green logistics, an organizational and economic mechanism has been developed, the main elements of which are: diagnostics of the current state, features and trends in the logistics systems' development, taking into account the environmental component; exogenous and endogenous factors affecting the development of logistics systems; risks in organizing the processes of logistics activities; subjects and objects of management, goals, objectives, principles, functions, tools, methods, management tools, information technology, criteria. The priority principles of forming an organizational and economic mechanism include consistency, integration, reliability, dynamism, compliance with the goals of sustainable development, and efficiency. A structural diagram of forming an organizational and economic mechanism for implementing the concept of green logistics is proposed, including the following blocks: management of material resources’ supplies and purchases; products manufacturing; warehousing and stocks; logistic flows; the risks of logistics activities; logistics service processes; recycling of waste; innovation and transformations. Introduction of the proposed organizational and economic mechanism will reduce the cost of managing the movement of logistics flows and increase the level of environmental safety. This is one of the most important requirements for implementing the concept of business corporate social responsibility in a circular economy.
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The article analyzes the possibilities for designing pulse transformers with high reliability. For this purpose, possibilities for optimizing the shape and material of the magnetic circuit of these transformers are proposed. A way of choosing a suitable type and diameter of the windings of the coils, as well as the number of windings in the coils is analyzed. The results of the testing of pulse transformers designed according to the presented methodology are presented, analyzed and evaluated.
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Solar energy is the most affordable source of energy. Parabolic trough systems are used to concentrate and extract heat, therefore it’s very significant to analyse its performance in terms of energy and exergy. Exergy based analysis of the system ensures the eradication of losses, resulting in the yield of energy of the highest quality. In this paper, an investigation has been carried out using numerical simulation with an objective of analysis of Parabolic Trough Collectors on the basis of energy and exergy. Detailed second law analysis has been performed by varying the system and operating parameters through computer simulation. Exergy output has been determined by analysing the effect of major system parameters, namely, mirror reflectivity, glass transmissivity, absorptivity, the diameter of glass envelop, and the receiver. The operating parameters considered in the investigation are insolation and temperature rise parameters. The extensive investigation of the parabolic trough of a concentrated solar power plant for various design parameters in the range of operating parameters reveals that it is beneficial to operate the system at higher temperature as opposed to the preference of the operating system at lower temperature from purely thermal considerations.
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The rate at which the conventional energy sources are depleting is a matter of concern, and there have been major attention on this to make the thermal systems environment friendly, efficient, economic, sustainable, technically reliable. Sustainability of five different types of nanoparticles (Ceramic, carbon based, metal based, polymeric, and lipid based) from the perspective of four aspects involving cost, efficiency, technicality and environmental effect, in heat exchangers has been assessed. The analysis is carried out using the intuitionistic fuzzy combative distance-based assessment (𝐼𝐹𝐶𝑂𝐷𝐴𝑆) method. In order to measure the sustainability of nanoparticles, a set of eleven evaluating criteria have been accredited on the basis of expert opinions and focus group meetings. By amalgamating the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) theory as well as the use of distance-based assessment (𝐶𝑂𝐷𝐴𝑆) method, the 𝐼𝐹𝐶𝑂𝐷𝐴𝑆 method has permitted the decision-makers to rate the alternative five nanoparticles pertaining to each criterion. On the basis of the results obtained from 𝐼𝐹𝐶𝑂𝐷𝐴𝑆 method, it is observed that the carbon-based nanoparticles have an immense potential to provide significantly reliable and sustainable thermal system than other nanoparticles.
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The present environmental condition indicates the immediate need for sustainable materials containing mainly natural elements for composite fabrication. Encouragement of natural fibers in composite materials can significantly reduce the greenhouse effect and the high cost of manufacturing synthetic fiber-based polymer composites. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the physio-mechanical properties of banana fiber (BF) fiber - based epoxy (EP) composites filled with walnut shell powder (WNP). Fabrication was carried out by mixing and cold pressing with fixed BF proportion and varying percentages of WNP (0%, 5%, 10%, 15 wt. %). The results obtained in the study suggest the mechanical properties of the BF/EP composite were enhanced with the addition of WNP as a filler. This is because the WNP filler occupies the spaces in the composite, which bridge the gaps between the banana fibers and the epoxy matrix; also, the inclusion of walnut powder in the BF/EP composites greatly enhanced their wear resistance. The microstructural properties of the composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
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The aim of this work is to investigate physical and mechanical performance of fabrics with a conductive fibre after washing conditions. Three commercially available fabrics with a conductive fibre and one fabric without a conductive fibre were chosen as a research object. The physical properties of the fabrics were evaluated by the loss of the mechanical performance, changes in structure and magnetic permeability. Fabric elasticity and thickness decrease after washing, except for the fabric without a conductive fibre. Magnetic field permeability of all fabrics decreases after washing. The properties of the fabric with a conductive fibre woven in one direction change the most, its magnetic field permeability is the greatest. In all cases magnetic field permeability at the seam is lower than in separate pieces of the fabric. The highest frequency of the fabric with a thread woven in both directions is at the seam but in all cases the frequencies of separate pieces of fabrics are lower. Tests showed that the best dielectric properties are of the fabric with a conductive yarn woven in the weft direction and the highest capacitance change of which is ΔC=74,79%.
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Most Lithuanian apartment buildings were built at different time points and are quite old. A large amount of fuel is needed to reach an average degree of thermal comfort. The goal of the long-term renovation strategy of Lithuania is to transform the current building fund, so that by 2050 its energy consumption would be efficient (with the possibility to transform the buildings to almost zero energy consumption) and independent of fossil fuel consumption as well as conforming to the principles of universal design. The article analyses a brickwork 12 storey apartment building, built in 1976, by evaluating its energy efficiency before and after the implementation of a set of modernisation measures. The energy consumption during the seven analysed seasons before the modernisation was on average ~ 108 kWh/m2, during the two seasons after ~ 38 kWh/m2. The actual increase in the building’s energy efficiency is 64.8 percent.
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