The global carbon market is fragmented and characterized by limited pricing transparency and empirical evidence, creating challenges for investors and policymakers in identifying carbon management opportunities. The European Union is among several regions that have implemented emissions pricing through an Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). While the EU ETS has contributed to emissions reductions, it has also raised concerns related to international competitiveness and carbon leakage, particularly given the strong integration of EU industries into global value chains. To address these challenges, the European Commission proposed the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2021. CBAM is designed to operate alongside the EU ETS by applying a carbon price to selected imported goods, thereby aligning carbon costs between domestic and foreign producers. It will gradually replace existing carbon leakage mitigation measures, including the allocation of free allowances under the EU ETS. The initial scope of CBAM covers electricity, cement, fertilizer, aluminium, iron, and steel. As climate policies intensify under the Paris Agreement, CBAM-like mechanisms are expected to play an increasingly important role in managing carbon-related trade risks and supporting the transition to net zero emissions.
The Bullwhip Effect, describing the amplification of demand variability up the supply chain, poses significant challenges in Supply Chain Management. This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the Bullwhip Effect across U.S. industries, using extensive industry-level data. By focusing on the manufacturing, retailer, and wholesaler sectors, the research explores how external shocks exacerbate this phenomenon. Employing both traditional and advanced empirical techniques, the analysis reveals that COVID-19 significantly amplified the Bullwhip Effect, with industries displaying varied responses to the same external shock. These differences suggest that supply chain structures play a critical role in either mitigating or intensifying the effect. By analyzing the dynamics during the pandemic, this study provides valuable insights into managing supply chains under global disruptions and highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to industry-specific characteristics.
Juan G. Villegas, Germán Álvarez-López, Leyla Y. Jaramillo
et al.
Biomass ash is a byproduct of renewable energy generation that can be used in the cement and concrete industries as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to reduce their environmental impact. However, using biomass ashes as an SCM presents challenges, such as the distant location of crops and processing plants from cement and concrete plants, the absence of a supply chain to connect the biomass ash and cement/concrete producers, and the lack of a mechanism to set the price of the ash. We adopted a supply chain perspective to evaluate the environmental and economic impact of incorporating biomass ashes as an SCM in the cement and concrete industries. We developed a bilevel optimization model considering the strategic behavior of the two stakeholders of the supply chain: the biomass ash generator, which maximizes its profits by setting the price of the ash, and the cement/concrete manufacturer and minimizes its total operating costs, including the processes necessary to adapt its supply chain for the use of new raw material. We validated the model using data from the Colombian context at a nationwide industrial level. Our results indicate that introducing SCMs can potentially reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emissions without increasing the cost of the supply chain.
Monire Shahsavand, Hazhir Habibi, Mohammad sadegh Hoseini
The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of disclosing key audit matters on the lag in issuing audit reports. For this purpose, the audit reports of 451 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange and Iran's Over-the-Counter (OTC) market were analyzed over a timeframe that spans two years in the past and two years post-implementation of the standard. For a more accurate assessment, analyses have been conducted at both the overall industry level and within specific industry groups. The results indicate that audit reports are typically issued, on average, 76 days after the end of the financial period. The highest level of lag was observed in industry group 3 (which includes basic metals and similar industries), while the lowest lag was found in industry group 5 (which includes cement, lime, gypsum, and similar industries). Furthermore, the findings suggest that, at the overall industry level and across most industry groups, the disclosure of Key Audit Matters leads to a lag in the issuance of audit reports. Although this effect was not particularly noticeable in the first year of the standard's implementation, it appears to have increased in the second year. The number of Key Audit Matters disclosed in the auditor's report shows a positive association with the lag in the issuance of the audit report; however, newly disclosed Key Audit Matters do not appear to significantly affect this lag.
Osiel O. Mendoza-Lara, Andrés O. López-Pérez, Claudia Yazmín Ortega-Montoya
et al.
The Tula Metropolitan Area in Mexico is characterized by significant industrial activity, including thermoelectric power plants, refineries, cement plants, and mining operations. While the impact of mining on air quality has been less studied compared to other industries, this research aims to estimate the contribution of mining areas to PM<sub>10</sub> air pollution in the region. Using the AERMOD dispersion model coupled with the WRF meteorological model, emission areas were identified through GIS analysis, and specific emission factors for mining activities were applied. The results indicate that mining areas can contribute up to 40 µg/m<sup>3</sup> of PM<sub>10</sub>, exceeding both national and international air quality standards. Monitoring data suggests that mining activities account for approximately 30% of the measured PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations in the area. Furthermore, spatial analysis using the Urban Marginalization Index (UMI) revealed that areas with high PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations often coincide with regions of high social vulnerability, particularly in communities with elevated levels of marginalization. This study concludes that mining operations significantly contribute to air pollution in the Tula Metropolitan Area, highlighting the need for targeted mitigation measures and public policies that address both environmental and social vulnerabilities.
The EU's soft power is not only a factor of the Community’s attraction but also a driver of change in the candidate countries. Culture remains one of the most “visible” and influential components of soft power. Culture and cultural heritage, reflecting cultural diversity and a shared history, are the cement that shapes and contributes to a common European sense of belonging; to the EU's social cohesion and democratic values, as well as to the sustainability, attractiveness and viability of its economy. Through the Creative Europe program, the European Commission invests in culture in the candidate countries as it is convinced that culture contributes to EU integration. Investment in culture is seen as a means of showing the candidate country that it is culturally part of Europe and deserves a role in the joint construction of European culture and identity. The European Commission’s strategies, i.e., introducing new forms of multi-level governance, channelling investment into culture, and creating European partnerships in the distribution of funding, contribute to “governance through culture”. By joining the Creative Europe program in 2016 and receiving candidate country status in 2022, Ukraine enhanced the international visibility of Ukrainian culture, which is an important factor in shaping the country’s positive image on the international stage. Ukraine’s participation in Creative Europe also contributes to the formation of a common cultural narrative based on mutual respect, dialogue and solidarity – the principles that underpin European identity. The program also stimulates the development of creative industries, which has a positive impact on the economy, employment and social cohesion as it helps Ukrainian organizations adapt to European standards, increases their competitiveness and promotes the sustainable development of the cultural sector.
The appropriate mechanical behavior and high durability of marine concrete buildings, which are directly or indirectly connected to maritime infrastructure and numerous industries, appear indispensable for the world's population. However, concrete manufacturing and other associated businesses in coastal settings are the principal drivers of pollution, waste, and excessive use of natural resources and energy. Thus, using cement replacements to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste as fiber may reduce environmental pollution and enhance concrete mechanical performance. This research examines the flexural and cracking characteristics of reinforced concrete (RC) beams containing 10 % metakaolin/zeolite when 0.5 and 1 % strip garbage bag fibers (BF) are added. The investigation is conducted over 28 and 180 days in the tidal environment of the Oman Sea. Results showed that adding BF to green RC beams enhanced flexural toughness (T) by 27 %. Additionally, bag fiber RC (BC) beams had a cracking load (Pcr) that was up to 21 % lower than RC. BF also increased RC beams' maximum load capacity (Pmax) by up to 16 %. Finally, compared to zeolite beams, metakaolin BC beams had higher maximum load capacity and flexural toughness values.
Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Nathan P. Lawrence, Seshu Kumar Damarla, Jong Woo Kim
et al.
With the rise of deep learning, there has been renewed interest within the process industries to utilize data on large-scale nonlinear sensing and control problems. We identify key statistical and machine learning techniques that have seen practical success in the process industries. To do so, we start with hybrid modeling to provide a methodological framework underlying core application areas: soft sensing, process optimization, and control. Soft sensing contains a wealth of industrial applications of statistical and machine learning methods. We quantitatively identify research trends, allowing insight into the most successful techniques in practice. We consider two distinct flavors for data-driven optimization and control: hybrid modeling in conjunction with mathematical programming techniques and reinforcement learning. Throughout these application areas, we discuss their respective industrial requirements and challenges. A common challenge is the interpretability and efficiency of purely data-driven methods. This suggests a need to carefully balance deep learning techniques with domain knowledge. As a result, we highlight ways prior knowledge may be integrated into industrial machine learning applications. The treatment of methods, problems, and applications presented here is poised to inform and inspire practitioners and researchers to develop impactful data-driven sensing, optimization, and control solutions in the process industries.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping various industries by enhancing decision-making processes, optimizing operations, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation. This paper explores the applications of AI across four key sectors: healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail. Each section delves into the specific challenges faced by these industries, the AI technologies employed to address them, and the measurable impact on business outcomes and societal welfare. We also discuss the implications of AI integration, including ethical considerations, the future trajectory of AI development, and its potential to drive economic growth while posing challenges that need to be managed responsibly.
As quantum computing continues to advance, its ability to compromise widely used cryptographic systems projects a significant challenge to modern cybersecurity. This paper outlines a strategic roadmap for industries to anticipate and mitigate the risks posed by quantum attacks. Our study explores the development of a quantum-resistant cryptographic solutioning framework for the industry, offering a practical and strategic approach to mitigating quantum attacks. We, here, propose a novel strategic framework, coined name STL-QCRYPTO, outlines tailored, industry-specific methodologies to implement quantum-safe security systems, ensuring long-term protection against the disruptive potential of quantum computing. The following fourteen high-risk sectors: Financial Services, Banking, Healthcare, Critical Infrastructure, Government & Defence, E-commerce, Energy & Utilities, Automotive & Transportation, Cloud Computing & Data Storage, Insurance, Internet & Telecommunications, Blockchain Applications, Metaverse Applications, and Multiagent AI Systems - are critically assessed for their vulnerability to quantum threats. The evaluation emphasizes practical approaches for the deployment of quantum-safe security systems to safeguard these industries against emerging quantum-enabled cyber risks. Additionally, the paper addresses the technical, operational, and regulatory hurdles associated with adopting quantum-resistant technologies. By presenting a structured timeline and actionable recommendations, this roadmap with proposed framework prepares industries with the essential strategy to safeguard their potential security threats in the quantum computing era.
Ettringite formation is an expansive reaction that causes cracking in the hydrated cementitious materials. This research has investigated the mechanisms of ettringite formation by examining the chemical and physical structure of the reactants and products involved in the process of late age (over 15 years) ettringite formation, and subsequent expansion and cracking. For this, seven different types of commercially available cement with their unique composition, and an elevated heat curing temperature of up to 100 °C were applied. The physical expansion of mortar bars due to delayed ettringite formation was monitored by the length change comparator. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used to qualify and quantify changes in the microstructure and chemical composition of the cementitious matrix. Results revealed that the high-temperature heat curing accelerated the onset of expansion but limited the over-magnitude of the expansion. Results also revealed that the expansion may take years to initiate, likely due to a critical pore size threshold necessary to induce stresses. If expansion is delayed, the expansion magnitude is greater than those that expanded immediately.
Aamir Mahmood, Miroslava Pechočiaková, Muhammad Tayyab Noman
et al.
Using waste materials in the mixture of building materials is an approach aligned with the circular economy, a viewpoint that creates sustainable building industries, especially in developed countries. This study concentrated on the application of laponite (LAP), fly ash (FA), and bentonite (BENT) materials in the mixture of cement pastes. The first step used experimental practices to examine the metrics of toughness, three-point bending, and compressive strength with different percentages of added LAP, FA, and BENT after the characterization of samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The next step entailed assessment of cement paste specifications through some regressive equations obtained by the application of 2D curve fitting and sensitive analysis of additive (FA, LAP, and BENT) fluctuations in the structure of cement paste. The results show that linear polynomial equations are the best for the evaluation of cement paste terms as per different percentages of the additives. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) of nine prepared samples demonstrated that LAP created the safest condition in comparison to others. However, the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) computations applied for the sustainability assessment (SA) of the samples showed that the LAP is the most appropriate option for use in the structure of cement paste. Using experimental analysis and mathematical modeling, the behavior of cement paste interacting with mineral additives is evaluated. Sustainable mixtures are then presented based on EIA.
Essossinam Beguedou, Satyanarayana Narra, Ekua Afrakoma Armoo
et al.
The conventional energy source in cement industries is fossil fuels, mainly coal, which has a high environmental footprint. On average, energy expenditures account for 40% of the overall production costs per ton of cement. Reducing both the environmental impact and economic expenditure involves incorporating alternative energy sources (fuels) such as biomass, solid-derived fuel (SDF), refuse-derived fuel (RDF) etc. However, within cement plants, the substitution of conventional fossil fuels with alternative fuels poses several challenges due to the difficulty in incorporating additional fuel-saving techniques. Typically, an additional 3000 MJ of electricity per ton of clinker is required. One of the most effective solutions to this is thermal optimization through co-processing and pre-processing, which makes it possible to implement additional fossil-fuel-saving techniques. In developing nations such as Togo, waste-management systems rely on co-processing in cement factories through a waste-to-energy relationship. Also, there are some old cement plants with low-efficiency, multi-stage preheaters without pre-calciners, reciprocating huge coolers, low-efficiency motors etc., which still operate and need to be made environmentally sustainable. However, compared to modern kilns which can have up to 95% of energy recovery from waste, an old suspension preheater kiln can recover only up to 60% of its heat energy depending on the cooler type, and due to the lack of a bypass and combustion chamber (pre-calciner). This research paper evaluated the performance of a cement plant incorporating AF and presents the procedures and recommendations to optimize AF substitution in cement plants. To achieve this, a comparative performance study was carried out by assessing the alternative fuel characteristics and the equipment performance before and after the incorporation of the alternative fuel. Data were collected on the optimum substitution ratio, pre-processing and co-processing performance, raw-meal design and economic analysis. Results indicated that the cost to be covered per ton of waste input is €10.9 for solid-derived fuel (SDF), €15 for refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and that the co-processing cost optimization for the cement plant could have a cost saving of up to 7.81€/GJ. In conclusion, it is recommended that appropriate kiln and alternative-fuel models be created for forecasting production based on various AF.
Abstract The paper addresses the potential heat-to-power application of supercritical CO2 (sCO2) plants to the cement industry, thereby reducing their electricity demand and improving energy efficiency. The research was conducted as part of the European project CO2OLHEAT (G.A. 101022831), which involves the installation of a 2 MW Waste-Heat-to-Power (WH2P) skid based on a sCO2 cycle in a cement plant, the first of its kind with a MW-scale power output. The paper summarizes technologies and processes employed in the Italian cement production sector, detecting where the waste heat can be successfully extracted to feed the recovery plant without compromising the industrial process. Moreover, the paper discusses the national cement market and explores the potential advantages and limitations of integrating sCO2 recovery plants within the national cement context, considering production and energy-related data. The final finding reveals the percentage of recoverable electricity per technological class for the cement production sector in Italy with a potential application of the sCO2 recovery plant, aiming at identifying the potential market penetration of the CO2OLHEAT installation.
Partial substitution of the clinker in the cement by a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) is one of the main solutions to reduce the carbon footprint. Calcined kaolinite is a good candidate due to its availability and relatively high reactivity compared to other SCMs. The main issue with these calcined clay types of cements is the high-water demand at low clinker factors, a problem which remains not well understood. In this proceeding, we will show the role played by electrostatic interactions in the paste stiffening using as a model system pure calcined kaolinite paste prepared at various pH as well as salt types and concentrations. The study combines dynamic rheometry measurements in strain-sweep modes, surface charge characterization using potentiometric titration and electrophoretic measurements as well as calculations of inter-particle interactions using Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations in the framework of the primitive model. The calcined kaolinite is found to possess a negative permanent charge, presumably due to the Si(IV)/Al(III) substitution, and a titratable charge (as due to ionization of silanol and aluminol surface groups) with a point of zero proton charge at pH 4.65. In conditions relevant for cement paste, the calcined clay bear a strong negative charge ~ 300 mC/m2. The rheological measurements reveal that the paste stiffening is highly dependent on the pH, salt concentration and type as expected for systems controlled by electrostatic interactions. The stiffness increases with the salt concentration at natural pH and is the largest in solutions buffered with Ca(OH)2, that is at high Ca2+ concentrations and pH where the negative charge of the calcined clay is the strongest. The MC simulations of the inter-particle interactions are found to qualitatively explain the observed variation in the paste stiffness.
Arti Kumbhar, Amruta Chougule, Priya Lokhande
et al.
Utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), our system introduces an innovative approach to defect detection in manufacturing. This technology excels in precisely identifying faults by extracting intricate details from product photographs, utilizing RNNs to detect evolving errors and generating synthetic defect data to bolster the model's robustness and adaptability across various defect scenarios. The project leverages a deep learning framework to automate real-time flaw detection in the manufacturing process. It harnesses extensive datasets of annotated images to discern complex defect patterns. This integrated system seamlessly fits into production workflows, thereby boosting efficiency and elevating product quality. As a result, it reduces waste and operational costs, ultimately enhancing market competitiveness.
The environmental pollution issue in the textile industry has gained significant attention recently as one of the world’s most polluting industries. This paper aims to optimize product mixes for profit, tax, carbon, and resource efficiency. It employs mathematical models based on Activity-Based Costing (ABC) and the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to address carbon emissions, waste reuse, and energy recovery. Industry 4.0 technologies are integrated with real-time sensing and detection in production, and data are analyzed in the ERP system for optimal responses to production issues. The study explores different carbon emission cost models, including balancing environmental protection and green production with maximizing corporate profits. Additionally, a new environmentally friendly brick is proposed, combining cement with emitted coal slag to create a cost-effective and eco-friendly product.
Decarbonisation is the most urgent issue facing the cement and concrete industries, with an aim to reach net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. In response to this, several decarbonisation roadmaps have been published in recent years, to explore routes for how different decarbonisation strategies can be used to achieve this aim. However, there is a lack of understanding around the similarities and differences between these roadmaps. In this study a meta-analysis of nine cement and concrete sector roadmaps was conducted, with a detailed focus on five roadmaps covering Europe emphasising their applicability within the context of the United Kingdom. Whilst there are some similarities amongst roadmaps in terms of the decarbonisation strategies which are consistently recommended, there are also key differences. Industry roadmaps oriented towards cement-based strategies, whilst non-industry roadmaps were more inclusive of concrete-based strategies. The significance of this study is to highlight the difficulties faced by policymakers and investors in choosing which strategies to prioritise, when there is still considerable uncertainty in the roadmap literature. Recommendations are made for a greater focus on consideration of the construction sector practices which provide more autonomy to practitioners to adopt and implement concrete-based strategies and dematerialisation in future iterations of industry roadmaps, and more research into the capital and operating costs of technological innovations
Abstract Protecting human health from fine particulate matter (PM) pollution is the ambitious goal of clean air actions, but current control strategies largely ignore the role of source-specific PM toxicity. Here, we proposed health-oriented control strategies by integrating the unequal toxic potencies of the most polluting industrial PMs. Iron and steel industry (ISI)-emitted PM2.5 exhibit about one order of magnitude higher toxic potency than those of cement and power industries. Compared with the current mass-based control strategy (prioritizing implementation of ultralow emission standards in the power sector), the proposed health-oriented control strategy (priority control of the ISI sector) could generate 5.4 times higher reduction in population-weighted toxic potency-adjusted PM2.5 exposure among polluting industries in China. Furthermore, the marginal abatement cost per unit of toxic potency-adjusted mass of ISI-emitted PM2.5 is only a quarter of that of the other two sectors under ultralow emission scenarios. We highlight that a health-oriented air pollution control strategy is urgently required to achieve cost-effective reductions in particulate exposure risks.
The ceramic and oyster farming industries produce large amounts of waste ceramics and oyster shells. Meanwhile, alkali-activated materials are less environmentally impacted materials with the potential to replace Portland cement. Adding ceramic powder (CP) and waste oyster shell powder (WOS) to alkali-activated materials can relieve the pressure on landfills and protect the environment, thereby having important implications. This study aims to add WOS to alkali-activated adhesives and investigate their effects on the properties of the samples. The blast furnace slag and ceramic powder were partially replaced by 0–20 wt% WOS. The specimens for control, 10% WOS, and 20% WOS are named as WOS-0, WOS-10, and WOS-20, respectively. Experimental studies on the compressive strength testing, heat of hydration, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrical resistance rate were performed. The experimental results are as follows: (1) An increase in the WOS substitution rate increased the hydration heat release rate and decreased the compressive strength. At 3 days of age, the compressive strength of the WOS-20 sample decreased by 4.3 MPa compared with the WOS-0 sample. (2) UPV and resistivity decreased with increasing WOS substitution. At 3 days of age, the UPV of the WOS-20 sample decreased by 0.11 km/s compared with the WOS-0 sample. (3) The TG results showed that WOS participated in the alkali-activated reaction. For the WOS-20 sample, the amount of calcium carbonate decreased by 2.9% as the age increased from 3 days to 28 days. (4) XRD and FT-IR spectra showed the intensified carbonate peak with the increase in the WOS content. These findings suggest that CP and WOS can be used as complementary gelling agents for alkali-activated materials.