Hasil untuk "Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering"

S. Amendola, R. Lodato, S. Manzari et al.

The current evolution of the traditional medical model toward the participatory medicine can be boosted by the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm involving sensors (environmental, wearable, and implanted) spread inside domestic environments with the purpose to monitor the user's health and activate remote assistance. RF identification (RFID) technology is now mature to provide part of the IoT physical layer for the personal healthcare in smart environments through low-cost, energy-autonomous, and disposable sensors. It is here presented a survey on the state-of-the-art of RFID for application to body centric systems and for gathering information (temperature, humidity, and other gases) about the user's living environment. Many available options are described up to the application level with some examples of RFID systems able to collect and process multichannel data about the human behavior in compliance with the power exposure and sanitary regulations. Open challenges and possible new research trends are finally discussed.

Md. Taharia, D. Dey, Koyeli Das et al.

Improper disposal practices have caused environmental disruptions, possessing by heavy metal ions and radioactive elements in water and soil, where the innovative and sustainable remediation strategies are significantly imperative in last few decades. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a pioneering technology for remediating contaminated soil and water. Generally, MICP employs urease-producing microorganisms to decompose urea (NH2CONH2) into ammonium (NH4+and carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby increasing pH levels and inducing carbonate precipitation (CO32-), and effectively removing remove contaminants. Nonetheless, the intricate mechanism underlying heavy metal mineralization poses a significant challenge, constraining its application in contaminants engineering, particularly in the context of prolonged heavy metal leaching over time and its efficacy in adverse environmental conditions. This review provides a comprehensive idea of recent development of MICP and its application in environmental engineering, examining metabolic pathways, mineral precipitation mechanisms, and environmental factors as well as providing future perspectives for commercial utilization. The use of ureolytic bacteria in MICP demonstrates cost-efficiency, environmental compatibility, and successful pollutant abatement over tradition bioremediation techniques, and bio-synthesis of nanoparticles. limitations such as large-scale application, elevated Ca2+levels in groundwater, and gradual contaminant release need to be overcome. The possible future research directions for MICP technology, emphasizing its potential in conventional remediation, CO2 sequestration, bio-material synthesis, and its role in reducing environmental impact for long-term economic benefits.

Jiarui Wang, Lei Xi, Chenxi Peng et al.

With the rapid development of renewable energy and the growth of energy demand, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much attention from researchers as a promising energy storage technology. Hard carbon anodes are considered to be the most promising anodes of SIBs because of their low sodium storage potential, high capacity, wide range of raw materials, and environmental friendliness. However, the rate capability and initial coulombic efficiency of hard carbon hinder the further commercialization of hard carbon. This review provides a concise overview of the three microstructures and four sodium storage mechanisms of hard carbon and comprehensively introduces the latest research progress on strategies to effectively improve the electrochemical performance of hard carbon anodes, which are categorized into structural and morphology design, precursors selection, electrolyte optimization, surface engineering, and pre‐sodiation as modification strategies. In addition, the current research progress on sodium‐ion full batteries is also encapsulated and the developmental prospects of hard carbon anodes in SIBs is looked forward to.

Najmul Hassan Sajal, R. Sutar

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) has emerged as a powerful green solvent with broad applications across various industrial domains due to its tunable solvating power, low toxicity, and environmentally benign characteristics. This study presents a systematic literature review of 163 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to ensure a structured, transparent, and comprehensive evaluation process. The objective of this review is to critically examine the role of scCO₂ in facilitating sustainable and high-performance processing across multiple sectors, including natural product and bioactive compound extraction, pharmaceutical formulation and purification, polymer processing, green chemical synthesis, environmental remediation, and industrial waste management. The findings demonstrate that scCO₂ consistently offers superior extraction efficiencies, enhanced drug solubility and bioavailability, clean and controlled polymer modification, improved catalytic reaction selectivity, and effective removal of persistent organic pollutants and recovery of valuable resources from waste streams. Notably, case studies from global industry leaders such as Nestlé (coffee decaffeination), Pfizer (pharmaceutical micronization), and BASF (polymer coating and impregnation) provide concrete evidence of scCO₂’s successful industrial adoption and economic feasibility. In addition to performance metrics, the review identifies key engineering challenges related to high-pressure reactor design, pump and separator integration, process control, and safety management, all of which are addressed through advanced modeling, material innovation, and automation strategies. By synthesizing multidisciplinary research and real-world implementation, this review positions scCO₂ not only as a sustainable alternative to conventional solvents but also as a mature industrial technology with transformative potential in advancing green manufacturing and circular economy practices.

Kamal Anoune, I. El Kafazi, Anas El Maliki et al.

This study introduces a more accurate approach to managing drone batteries by improving how the state of charge (SoC) is estimated, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental impact. The key innovation lies in developing a mathematical model to assess battery behavior, combined with Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization testing and Recursive Least Squares with Forgetting Factor for parameter identification. To enhance the battery management system, the study integrates the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), which overcomes the limitations of traditional linear filters and provides more precise SoC estimation. This approach reduces energy waste and extends battery life, directly supporting sustainable engineering practices. A developed MATLAB-based framework ensures real-time monitoring and optimized battery performance, minimizing the risk of power depletion during flight. The results demonstrate that the proposed SoC_EKF method significantly out-performs the conventional SoC_AH approach, achieving a lower estimation error (1.93 × 10 (cid:0) 4 vs. 7.21 × 10 (cid:0) 4 ), leading to improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and more reliable, eco-friendly drone operations for clean technology applications.

Kaiqi Hou, Zeyu Zhao, Ganggang Li et al.

Catalytic oxidation technologies for industrial exhaust emissions (e.g., VOCs, CO, and NOx) have gained significant attention due to the severe environmental and public health impacts. Recent advances highlight cobalt-based oxides as superior catalytic materials owing to excellent physicochemical properties, but the diverse compositions of industrial exhaust gases present significant obstacles in their practical applications. To develop rational design strategies for efficient cobalt-based oxides, exploring the structure-activity relationship (SAR) provides guidance for engineering structural properties to enhance performance. In this context, this review delves into how SAR impacts catalytic performance in exhaust gas purification through geometric structure modulation (size effects, morphology, and surface defect structures) and electronic structure modulation (Co-O bond strengths, d-band centers, coordination environments, and constrained structures). Furthermore, special attention is given to mechanistic studies combining reaction kinetic modeling, in situ spectroscopic characterization, and the effects of water vapor and SO2 on catalytic oxidation processes. We further outline emerging synthetic strategies and ongoing challenges for the design of next-generation cobalt-based catalysts. This review provides guidance and inspiration for the development of high-performance cobalt-based oxides for exhaust gas purification.

Tianyu Zhang, Fu Jia, Lujie Chen

The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review to investigate the factors influencing blockchain technology (BCT) adoption in supply chain finance (SCF), its barriers, outcomes, and BCT-enabled SCF innovations. By analyzing 62 academic papers published between 2008 and 2024, in this article, we address the research questions: What are the antecedents, barriers, and outcomes of BCT adoption in SCF? and How do BCT technologies facilitate the SCF innovation? The analysis identifies two primary antecedents—stakeholder demands and external environmental changes—and categorizes barriers into technological, organizational, and environmental dimensions. Key outcomes include operational improvements and enhanced risk control, while two types of BCT-enabled innovations (product and business model) are highlighted. A conceptual framework is proposed to advance the understanding of BCT adoption in SCF. This study provides insights into engineering management studies on BCT adoption and guides researchers in avoiding redundant investigations and addressing gaps for further exploration.

Aquino macwan, Divyata Desai, Nisarg Vandra et al.

Biotechnology, from a global perspective, involves applying biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop innovative products and processes that address global challenges and enhance the quality of life. As an interdisciplinary field bridging biology, technology, and engineering, biotechnology significantly impacts critical sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, environmental management, and industrial processes. In healthcare, biotechnology drives advancements in vaccines, gene therapy, personalized medicine, and diagnostic tools, improving disease prevention and treatment. Agricultural biotechnology focuses on developing genetically modified (GM) crops with higher yields, resistance to pests, and adaptability to climate change, ensuring food security. Additionally, it enhances livestock breeding and productivity. Environmental applications of biotechnology include bioremediation to combat pollution, development of biofuels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and creation of biodegradable materials to mitigate waste. In industrial processes, biotechnology optimizes manufacturing efficiency through the use of enzymes and microorganisms, contributing to sustainable production. Globally, biotechnology addresses pressing challenges like food insecurity, climate change, health inequality, and environmental degradation. Its role in sustainable development is critical, fostering eco-friendly solutions and improving the resilience of economies and societies. However, the field raises ethical and regulatory concerns, such as the risks of genetic engineering and the equitable distribution of benefits. International collaboration among governments, industries, and scientists is essential to ensure responsible innovation and maximize biotechnology’s potential to improve global well-being. As a transformative science, biotechnology continues to shape the future, balancing innovation with sustainability and equity.

S. Abdullayev, A. Abdykadyrov, S. Marxuly et al.

It is known that the process of water treatment in surface water bodies requires the development of advanced and effective technologies for the destruction of harmful microorganisms and viruses. The aim of the present study is to develop a method for the investigation of surface water content. As a result of the study, the electronic circuit of the purification device using ultraviolet rays was developed. The energy and spectral characteristics were experimentally investigated and the economic efficiency of the ultraviolet ray device was determined, taking into account the basic sanitary and hygienic requirements for the organisation of ultraviolet water disinfection. It is substantiated, that the developed scheme provides safety of conditions of work of the personnel with the equipment.

Mamokone M Modise, K. Kusakana, S. Tangwe

This study addresses the high operational costs and inefficiencies associated with electric boilers used for sanitary hot water in South African university residences. With electricity tariffs rising due to the increasing cost of coal-based energy, traditional electric boilers remain energy-intensive and unsustainable. This research proposes retrofitting a 2000L (24kW) electric boiler with a Hybrid Solar-Assisted Air Source Heat Pump (HSAASHP) system, combining solar collectors and air source heat pump technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. The methodology involved designing and installing an HSAASHP system in the Mannheim Ladies’ Residence at the Central University of Technology, Free State, and deploying a Data Acquisition System (DAS) to monitor its performance. Comparative analysis of the baseline electric boiler and the retrofitted system revealed significant energy savings: annual electricity consumption dropped from 151,128.9 kWh to 41,036.8 kWh, with an Energy Factor (EF) ranging from 3.0 to 5.2, higher in summer. Techno-economic analysis demonstrated the system's viability, with a payback period of 2.19 years, a break-even point on the 3rd year of the HSAASHP water life span, and a 15-year net present value of R10,503,958. The investment yielded an annualized Return on Investment (AROI) of 14.39% and a profit margin of 87%. The HSAASHP system offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution, addressing the pressing need for sustainable water heating in resource-constrained environments. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also provides a scalable model for reducing energy costs and environmental impact in similar settings.

C. Otter

This article argues that our environmental crisis partly originates in the transformed Western sensorium. From the later eighteenth century, increased levels of disgust toward organic waste, and excrement in particular, were reflected in increased use of water as a sanitary medium. The water closet emerged as a key technology of sensibility, sustaining new perceptual norms by immediately removing excrement from the home, which in turn became a capsule sealed from the (dirty) environment. The article argues that the rise of the water closet foreclosed alternative pathways of waste management, particularly the earth closet or, in its twentieth-century form, ecological sanitation. Such waste technologies were marginalized in the Western world because they maintained proximity to excrement and organic effluvia. Today waterborne sanitary systems have become a global norm, but their expense and heavy water consumption means that they are often quite unsuitable for many parts of the developing world. However, the globalization of Western sensory norms can make ecological sanitation appear like the enforcement of backwardness. The article thus suggests that personal hygiene has an environmental and even geological history: our sensory norms contribute to environmentally problematic attitudes such as heavy water use and disgust for organic waste.

Monika Czop, Joanna Wyczarska-Kokot, Joanna Kalka et al.

A municipal wastewater treatment plant is a complex system of technological devices and facilities designed to remove pollutants from wastewater. The operation of such plants generates a waste stream that can be classified into three types: screenings (code 19 08 01), sand trap contents (code 19 08 02), and stabilized municipal sewage sludge (code 19 08 05). Each generated waste must be managed in accordance with the applicable law. In the context of new business models within the closed-loop economy, wastewater treatment plants are viewed as a resource rich resource that can be used to reclamate degraded lands. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of the waste, which could form the basis for the preparation of soil-forming material. The input material considered was excess digester sludge after the stabilization process, sand from the sand traps, and sand after cleaning the wastewater network. The tested sludge contained 35 % organic substances, 12 % organic carbon, 1.8 % total nitrogen, and 0.24 % potassium. The sand contained about 1 % organic matter, 1.8 % organic carbon, 0.5 % total nitrogen, and 0.02 % potassium. Sand and sludge were prepared in the following mixtures: 1:1, 1:2, 2:1. These mixtures were then assessed for their suitability in the reclamation of degraded areas.

Ping Wang, Jiacheng He, Jianyong Chen et al.

Membrane distillation (MD) is a commonly used method for water treatment, but the issue of temperature polarization often leads to low vapor flux, which severely restrict the development and application. In order to improve MD performance, a novel method to create a porous layer on hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane surface by Al2O3 dilute nanofluidic colloidal suspension is proposed in this study. Successful deposition was confirmed using different characterization techniques (SEM, EDS, CA). The effects of nanoparticle size and nanofluid concentration on DCMD performance at different feeding temperatures have been studied experimentally. Results demonstrate that the vapor flux enhancement varied non-linear with the increased nanofluid concentration, and the maximum enhancement of 32.46 % in vapor flux was achieved at feed temperature of 60 ℃. A robust deposition layer created by Al2O3 nanoparticles was confirmed with distillation experiment of 9 h. A fouling layer on the membrane surface was formed by flowing the nanofluid at higher concentration, which resulted in a deterioration of MD performance. Furthermore, the deposited membrane is able to maintain the high permeability when handling a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The work provides a simple method to enhance membrane distillation flux and a new perspective for nanofluidic suspensions in MD process.

ساناز توفیقی, علی شمس ناتری

خیس شدن پارچه باعث تغییر رنگ آن می‌شود. بنابراین، برای کنترل رنگ پارچه در فرایند رنگرزی، پیش‌بینی رنگ پارچه در حالت خیس بسیار مهم است. در این مقاله از مدل هندسی برای پیش‌بینی طیف انعکاسی پارچه نایلونی خیس بر اساس طیف انعکاسی حالت خشک آن استفاده شد. برای این منظور، نمونه‌های پارچه نایلونی با رنگزای اسیدی قرمز، آبی و زرد به صورت تکی و مخلوط رنگرزی شدند. آنالیز عامل‌های رنگی نمونه­ها نشان داد خیس شدن سبب تغییر رنگ، کاهش روشنایی و افزایش عمق رنگی پارچه می‌شود. از یک مدل هندسی و کیوبلکا-مانک، برای پیش‌بینی طیف انعکاسی پارچه نایلونی خیس استفاده شد. به منظور پیش‌بینی انعکاس پارچه در حالت خیس به روش مدل هندسی، از مقادیر ضریب جذب مولار رنگزا (ɛ)، ضریب جذب مولار رنگزا اصلاح شده، k/s واحد و k/s واحد اصلاح شده استفاده شد. خطای پیش‌بینی بر حسب اختلاف رنگ (ΔECMC) در چهار روش پیش­بینی، استفاده از مقادیر ضریب جذب مولار رنگزا، ضریب جذب مولار رنگزا اصلاحی، k/s واحد و k/s واحد اصلاح شده، به ترتیب 18.69، 15.51، 6.87 و 5.71 است. بهترین پیش‌بینی توسط مدل هندسی با استفاده از k/s واحد اصلاح ‌شده به دست آمد.

Rebecca Eynon, Nabeel Gillani

As belief around the potential of computational social science grows, fuelled by recent advances in machine learning, data scientists are ostensibly becoming the new experts in education. Scholars engaged in critical studies of education and technology have sought to interrogate the growing datafication of education yet tend not to use computational methods as part of this response. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility and desirability of the use of computational approaches as part of a critical research agenda. Presenting and reflecting upon two examples of projects that use computational methods in education to explore questions of equity and justice, we suggest that such approaches might help expand the capacity of critical researchers to highlight existing inequalities, make visible possible approaches for beginning to address such inequalities, and engage marginalised communities in designing and ultimately deploying these possibilities. Drawing upon work within the fields of Critical Data Studies and Science and Technology Studies, we further reflect on the two cases to discuss the possibilities and challenges of reimagining computational methods for critical research in education and technology, focusing on six areas of consideration: criticality, philosophy, inclusivity, context, classification, and responsibility.

Hashini Gunatilake, John Grundy, Rashina Hoda et al.

Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share others' perspectives and emotions, is essential in software engineering (SE), where developers often collaborate with diverse stakeholders. It is also considered as a vital competency in many professional fields such as medicine, healthcare, nursing, animal science, education, marketing, and project management. Despite its importance, empathy remains under-researched in SE. To further explore this, we conducted a socio-technical grounded theory (STGT) study through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 software developers and stakeholders. Our study explored the role of empathy in SE and how SE activities and processes can be improved by considering empathy. Through applying the systematic steps of STGT data analysis and theory development, we developed a theory that explains the role of empathy in SE. Our theory details the contexts in which empathy arises, the conditions that shape it, the causes and consequences of its presence and absence. We also identified contingencies for enhancing empathy or overcoming barriers to its expression. Our findings provide practical implications for SE practitioners and researchers, offering a deeper understanding of how to effectively integrate empathy into SE processes.

Roberto Verdecchia, Justus Bogner

From its first adoption in the late 80s, qualitative research has slowly but steadily made a name for itself in what was, and perhaps still is, the predominantly quantitative software engineering (SE) research landscape. As part of our regular column on empirical software engineering (ACM SIGSOFT SEN-ESE), we reflect on the state of qualitative SE research with a focus group of experts. Among other things, we discuss why qualitative SE research is important, how it evolved over time, common impediments faced while practicing it today, and what the future of qualitative SE research might look like. Joining the conversation are Rashina Hoda (Monash University, Australia), Carolyn Seaman (University of Maryland, United States), and Klaas Stol (University College Cork, Ireland). The content of this paper is a faithful account of our conversation from October 25, 2025, which we moderated and edited for our column.

Dipin Khati, Yijin Liu, David N. Palacio et al.

Applications of Large Language Models (LLMs) are rapidly growing in industry and academia for various software engineering (SE) tasks. As these models become more integral to critical processes, ensuring their reliability and trustworthiness becomes essential. Consequently, the concept of trust in these systems is becoming increasingly critical. Well-calibrated trust is important, as excessive trust can lead to security vulnerabilities, and risks, while insufficient trust can hinder innovation. However, the landscape of trust-related concepts in LLMs in SE is relatively unclear, with concepts such as trust, distrust, and trustworthiness lacking clear conceptualizations in the SE community. To bring clarity to the current research status and identify opportunities for future work, we conducted a comprehensive review of $88$ papers: a systematic literature review of $18$ papers focused on LLMs in SE, complemented by an analysis of 70 papers from broader trust literature. Additionally, we conducted a survey study with 25 domain experts to gain insights into practitioners' understanding of trust and identify gaps between existing literature and developers' perceptions. The result of our analysis serves as a roadmap that covers trust-related concepts in LLMs in SE and highlights areas for future exploration.

Luís Cruz, João Paulo Fernandes, Maja H. Kirkeby et al.

The environmental impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled systems is increasing rapidly, and software engineering plays a critical role in developing sustainable solutions. The "Greening AI with Software Engineering" CECAM-Lorentz workshop (no. 1358, 2025) funded by the Centre Européen de Calcul Atomique et Moléculaire and the Lorentz Center, provided an interdisciplinary forum for 29 participants, from practitioners to academics, to share knowledge, ideas, practices, and current results dedicated to advancing green software and AI research. The workshop was held February 3-7, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland. Through keynotes, flash talks, and collaborative discussions, participants identified and prioritized key challenges for the field. These included energy assessment and standardization, benchmarking practices, sustainability-aware architectures, runtime adaptation, empirical methodologies, and education. This report presents a research agenda emerging from the workshop, outlining open research directions and practical recommendations to guide the development of environmentally sustainable AI-enabled systems rooted in software engineering principles.

Xiangyu Lyu, Hongyu Chen, En-Kun Li et al.

The space-borne gravitational wave detectors such as TianQin offers a new window to test General Relativity by observing the early inspiral phase of stellar-mass binary black holes. A key concern arises if these stellar-mass binary black holes reside in gaseous environments such as active galactic nucleus accretion disks, where environmental effects imprint detectable modulations on the gravitational waveform. Using Bayesian inference on simulated signals containing both environmental and dipole deviation, we have assessed the extent to which the presence of environmental effects affects the detectability of dipole radiation. Our results demonstrate that even in the presence of strong environmental coupling, the dipole parameter can be recovered with high precision, and the evidence for dipole radiation remains distinguishable. Crucially, we find that the existence of environmental effects does not fundamentally impede the identification of dipole radiation, provided both effects are simultaneously modelled in the inference process. This study establishes that future tests of modified gravity with space-borne observatories can remain robust even for sources in astrophysical environments.