World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (20 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Prediction of CI Engine Combustion Characteristics Operating with HHO Gas as the Supplementary Fuel  
  by P.V. MANU, Navaneeth Kishan T R, S. Jayaraj 
  Abstract: Substitution for diesel in CI engines is the immediate need, considering the depletion of fossil fuels at a faster rate. In the present work, a zero-dimensional two-zone model is implemented to predict the combustion characteristics of a CI engine operating in dual fuel mode with diesel and oxy-hydrogen. A double Wiebe function is used to estimate the mass fraction burned in the premixed and diffused stages. The estimated mass fraction burned is then used to calculate the heat released during combustion. Basic thermodynamic relations are used to determine the pressure and temperature at all crank positions and engine kinematics is used to find the variation in the cylinder volume with respect to crank angle considering specific amount of heat transfer to the cylinder walls. The effect of temperature on various properties such as specific heat, viscosity, density, and thermal conductivity are considered in the analysis. The equations are solved in MATLAB
  Keywords: Two zone model; Combustion; Theoretical model; HHO gas; Double Wiebe function.
  
  
• Flood Risk: A capacity and vulnerability analysis of Newham and Hammersmith, UK  
  by Arzoo Hassan, Cody Morris Paris 
  Abstract: The intensity of floods due to climate change has significantly increased in both developed and developing countries. Flood prevention measures are assumed to be more robust in more developed economies with the ability to dedicate greater economic resources. However, in London, a deeper interrogation of flood risk management (FRM) tells a different story. This study presents a comparative capacity and vulnerability analysis of the Newham and Hammersmith areas of London. The analysis suggests lower levels of resiliency for Newham, a lower-income and ethnically diverse area. On the contrary, the more affluent area of Hammersmith is more likely to be better equipped to respond and recover in the event of flooding.
  Keywords: Climate Change; Natural Disaster; Social Justice; Sustainable Development; Disaster Risk Reduction; Natural Hazards; Resilience; Community Development.
  
  
• Review on anticipation of blackhole attack in MANET environment  
  by Padmini Devi Balachandran 
  Abstract: A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is most recent and developing research subject among analysts. The purpose for the ubiquity of MANET is adaptability and autonomy of system foundation. MANET has some exceptional trademark like unique system topology, constrained power and restricted data transfer capacity for correspondence. In MANET every last hub goes about as a customer and server. Any hub in the MANET can join and leave the system with no consent. MANET is a mobile ad hoc network in which hubs are get associated with one another without a passageway. Messages are traded and transferred between hubs. Steering calculations are used for sending parcels between aberrant hubs not in coordinate range with help of moderate hubs. Because of the open correspondence media the versatile specially appointed system has some security restrictions there are the likelihood of data spillage in the system. Dark gap assault is a genuine danger, in this assault a malignant hub include parody course and promote most limited way to goal hub and ingests all information bundle in it. Numerous scientists have purposed diverse procedures of AODV convention to recognise and shield from dark gap assault.
  Keywords: ad hoc networks; routing protocol; ad hoc on-demand distance vector; black hole attack.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.10045151
   
  
• Removal of methylene blue using naturadsorbents  
  by Lincy Arulraj, Jegathambal Palanichamy, E.J. James 
  Abstract: The main aim of this study is to present a novel green and cost-effective method to synthesise magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) using biological method. Magnetite nanoparticles play a significant role in remediation of toxic metal ions. Fe3O4 was successfully synthesised using four different natural wastes such as mosambi peel, pomegranate peel, moringa leaf powder and tea waste. These plant materials and tea waste have high polyphenol content and they form complex with metal ions and will increase the adsorption rate. The prepared materials were characterised by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis spectroscopy) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). The synthesised nanoparticles where then incorporated into beads. The maximum removal of blue dye was 93.72% for pomegranate peel, 81.34% for mosambi peel, 73.25% for moringa leaf powder, 24.54% for Tea waste at the initial 100 ppm. Pomegranate beads were more effective than other adsorbents in the removal of blue dye.
  Keywords: magnetite; biological method; beads.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10042573
   
  
• Comparative assessment of carbon sequestration potential of sodium bicarbonate supplemented marine and freshwater algae  
  by Smriti Mehrotra, Bhawana Pathak 
  Abstract: The present study aims to compare the carbon sequestration potential of marine algae (Dunaliella salina) and freshwater algae (Scenedesmus dimorphus) by supplying sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to the culture medium as a source of inorganic carbon. Increasing concentration of NaHCO3 0.25 g/l, 0.5 g/l, 0.75 g/l and 1 g/l was supplied to the culture medium of both algae. Results revealed maximum growth rate and biomass productivity at 0.5 g/l concentration, with Scenedesmus dimorphous obtaining a biomass productivity of 46.22 +- 2.13 mg/l/d in comparison to Dunaliella salina 38.92 +- 2.56 mg/l/d. However, lipid productivity was found to be highest at NaHCO3 supplementation of 1 g/l in Dunaliella salina with 24.77 +- 1.23 mg/l/d. Thus these findings prove the freshwater microalgal strain of Scenedesmus dimorphous to be a potent carbon sequester and the marine strain of Dunaliella salina to be an efficient feedstock for biodiesel production.
  Keywords: biomass productivity; CO2 fixation rate; carbon sequestration; Dunaliella salina; Scenedesmus dimorphus; microalgae; sodium bicarbonate; lipid.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10041776
   
  
• Highly cited articles about organic leachate treatment by Fenton method in 21st century: a bibliometric and visualised analysis  
  by Erfan Nabavi, Mohammadreza Sabour, GhorbanAli Dezvareh, Majid Ehteshami 
  Abstract: The debate of leachate is one of the hot topics of world today, and the purification of this factor is one of the challenges of many experts. Organic wastewater treatment becomes a critical problem in sustainable advancement, while it involves a high number of refractory and toxic organic pollutants. Finding the best method of leachate treatment, especially the leachate of organic waste is one of the significant problems and concerns of researchers today. Applying Fenton method, Research and articles on leachate and waste treatment have dramatically increased in recent years. In comparison to other AOPs, Fenton process is the most popular due to its some exciting benefits. This bibliometric study was performed using the authoritative source of the Scopus site using VOSviewr analytical software. Brillas had the highest number of articles and researches with 30 works and chong m.n with 2,709 citations had the highest number of citations to articles.
  Keywords: author citations; Fenton process; organic leachate treatment; review article; research trends.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10041092
   
  
• COVID-19 and MSMEs: basic insights from India on revival through financial inclusion backed by digital technologies  
  by K. Rajamani, A.G. Rekha 
  Abstract: MSMEs are facing a double-edged sword that of a health crisis combined with an economic crisis. They have been worst hit due to COVID-19 and prolonged lockdown and are facing a myriad of challenges with regard to restarting of business. One of the frequently identified challenges to the development of the MSME sector is access to finance. The significance of this challenge is higher than ever in the pandemic and post-pandemic scenario. This paper explores the issues involved in MSME financing and the opportunities offered by ICT for overcoming those issues. Digital technologies offer the potential to radically improve financial inclusion in the MSME sector by overcoming the obstacles that affect the supply and demand for financial services. This study contends and proposes a financial ecosystem backed by emerging innovative technologies that offer a holistic approach for achieving inclusive growth and bridging the gap between demand and supply in MSMEs.
  Keywords: digital transformation; COVID-19; financial inclusion; micro small and medium enterprises; MSME; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10042056
   
  
• Deconstruction of sustainable development discourses: avoiding skepticism pitfalls with a postmodern perspective  
  by Sina Shokoohyar, Sajjad Shokohyar, Vahid Ghomi, Amirsalar Jafari Gorizi 
  Abstract: Although many countries have joined together under the umbrella of sustainable development and its goals, two unsolved issues have remained: the ambiguity in its definition and the skepticism about it. In this paper, for understanding the roots of skepticism, by adopting a postmodern approach to the related discourses, the footprint of forming a metanarrative was seen. To avoid the pitfalls, deconstruction suggests that that the first thing to do is to acknowledge the ambiguity of that definition that comes from the inefficiency of using the binary oppositions - the needs and ambitions, and the present and future generations - and holding to its constructive narrative; limitation. The second step is creating a more engaging narrative of sustainable development. Talking about a climate crisis with force and fury is the new narrative that President Biden has started. He added that with unity, we can confront the climate crisis with American jobs and ingenuity.
  Keywords: sustainability; sustainable development; climate change; postmodernism; poststructuralism; deconstruction; skepticism.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10043475
   
  
• ICT infrastructure and innovation: determinants, potentials, and policy implications  
  by Ajoy Ketan Sarangi, Rudra P. Pradhan, Madhusmita Misra 
  Abstract: The paper studies emerging ICT infrastructure qualitatively and represents the determinants and their influence on innovations conceptually using design thinking. It proposes ICT adoption factors, delivers techno-managerial values for strategic resource management, and reveals their interplay dynamics to propose policies for triggering digital innovations and research output. It identifies artificial intelligence, robotic process automation, cloud, edge, fog and quantum computing for product, process, organisation innovations and knowledge engineering. It delivers technical structure and determinants, conceptual framework, technological, business, innovation potentials and advantages of ICT infrastructure to facilitate innovation, decision-making, design, and implementations with social and economic ramifications.
  Keywords: ICT-infrastructure; innovation; ICT determinant; ICT effectiveness; innovation potential.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10043646
   
  
• Integrating Eco-efficiency and Artificial Intelligence to Assess the Environmental Sustainability of Wheat Production in Mechanized and Semi-Mechanized Systems  
  by Mobin Amoozad-Khalili, Yaser Feizabadi, Ghasem Norouzi 
  Abstract: The Eco-efficiency index (EF) is known as a proper criterion for studying the economic and environmental sustainability in production simultaneously. In this regard, this study investigated the sustainability of the mechanized system (MS) and semi-mechanized system (SMS) of wheat production in northern Iran using EF under conventional and optimal conditions. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) were also applied to model and optimize the wheat production system. Under conventional conditions, the EF of the SMS (0.65 $ kgCO2eq-1) was higher than the MS (0.52 $ kgCO2eq-1). The results of optimization suggested that a decrease in the consumption of chemical fertilizers, biocides, and seeds, and an increase in the consumption of other inputs should be sought to achieve optimal conditions in both systems. Under optimal conditions, the results demonstrated that the EF of MS and SMS significantly increased to 1.09 and 1.15 $ kgCO2eq-1, respectively.
  Keywords: Eco-efficiency; Model; Optimization; Sustainability; Wheat.
  
  
• Simulation of a solar absorption air conditioning system for a tropical wet region in Brazil  
  by Antonio Gabriel Souza Almeida, Luan Kaique Bastos 
  Abstract: The objective of the present study is to simulate and verify the technical feasibility of an absorption cooling system powered by solar energy for air conditioning in part of an administrative building in a Brazilian tropical wet region. The project consists of an H2O/LiBr single-effect absorption chiller associated to flat plate collectors and a thermal storage tank. Salvador, a coastal city in NE Brazil, was selected as the meteorological reference for the calculations. The results showed that a flat plate collector field with an area of 331 m
  Keywords: air conditioning; absorption cooling; solar refrigeration; solar collectors.
  
  
• Optimal value determination using traditional and newly developed method based on using initial basic feasible solution of a transportation problem using northwest and Russell method  
  by Chandrasekhar Putcha, Subhas C. Misra, Leo-Paul Dana, Karthik Sai Somarajupalli, John Holleran, Sharayu Satish Bode 
  Abstract: This paper utilises a transportation problem scenario to conduct a study on optimisation of transportation problems that are formatted as linear programming problem. Initially, Northwest corner rule and the Russell’s method are used to obtain the highest initial basic feasible (IBF) solutions and then a Putcha-Bhuiyan method is proposed to obtain an optimal solution. The Putcha-Bhuiyan method provides the optimal solution with fast convergence of transportation problems. This method results in an optimal solution by making appropriate changes to the IBF solution and eliminating the need to conduct iterations using chain reaction or transportation simplex algorithm. To explain and justify the advantages of the Putcha-Bhuiyan method, the solution to the problem scenario was compared with the transportation simplex method. While the justification of the Putcha-Bhuiyan method is with only one problem scenario, it will be very useful for solving multiple and large-scale optimisation problems that are faced in many disciplines. These concepts are dominantly utilised in disciplines like industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, smart manufacturing, and supply chain management.
  Keywords: optimal value; traditional method; newly developed method; transportation problems; northwest method; Russell method; IBF; initial basic feasible solutions; Putcha Bhuiyan method.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.10048347
   
  
• Research on the influence of scientific and technological innovation on the development of power generation company  
  by Xiu Feng Hua, Hai Ping Chang, Li Juan Fu, Jing Liu, Fu Gui Dong 
  Abstract: In order to make the company realise the importance of science and technology innovation to the company’s development, this paper quantitatively explores the intensity of the firm’s innovation input, innovation management, innovation results, and innovation performance on the company’s innovation capability, profitability, Sustainability, and clean energy development level by establishing a structural equation model. Through the analysis of the model structure, corresponding policy recommendations are proposed. Through our research, we mainly found that: Improving corporate innovation investment is the most critical factor in enhancing the company’s clean energy development, while innovation investment is equally vital to developing innovation capabilities.
  Keywords: innovation management; structural equation modelling; input-output.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.10049969
   
  
• A conceptual framework to increase sustainability in the agro-industry supply chain: a systematic literature review and future research agenda  
  by Yusmiati, Machfud, Marimin, Titi Candra Sunarti 
  Abstract: The concept of sustainability has been introduced in recent years to various fields, including development, management, technology, and supply chain. Generally, there have been many systematic literature reviews on the supply chains sustainability over the last decades. However, this research focuses on the agro-industry sector, which provides information on trends, methodologies, key indicators, supply chain actors, and topics on the agro-industry sustainable supply chain. This systematic literature review (SLR) analysed articles published between 2011-2020 and obtained from the Google Scholar database using Harzings Publish or Perish application. The selected papers were then processed using VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel. The data analysis results were consistent with the research questions and provided a background for further investigations to increase sustainability in the agro-industry supply chains.
  Keywords: agro-industry; sustainability assessment; sustainability practices; sustainable supply chain management; SSCM; systematic literature review; SLR.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.10050382
   
  
• How corporate marketing strategy can leverage UN 2030 sustainable development goals  
  by Alexandra Catarino Mendes, Leandro F. Pereira, Álvaro Dias, Rui Vinhas Da Silva, Natália Teixeira 
  Abstract: Sustainability is highly valued nowadays due to the surroundings of social and environmental pressure and concern over the past few years, such as the United Nations suggested goals to make prosperity beneficial to all. The main objective of this research is to understand how the sustainable development goals (SDGs) can affect the marketing strategy of the companies, considering that theres a lack of literature between these two fields of knowledge. This research develops a qualitative approach using interviews from marketing directors to respond about business ways of marketing strategies used to enhance sustainability. In findings, it is verified a crucial marketing view with product related matters as solutions, external pressure and communication as a relevant tool. Another interesting finding is that consumption, processes and others in creating sustainable value for everyone are a current challenge.
  Keywords: sustainable development; corporate sustainability; marketing strategy; sustainable development goals; SDGs.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.10052366
   
  

Special Issue on: ICSDEE'19 Sustainable Development in Energy and Environment

• Condition monitoring on piezoceramic embedded composite beam under Finite Element Simulation using COMSOL  
  by J. Jerold John Britto, A. Vasanthanathan, S. Rajakarunakaran 
  Abstract: In this research paper, a piezoelectric material is embedded into a composite material in the form of a beam structure. Structural health monitoring system is created to find the mechanical parameters under dynamic loading condition. The finite element simulation software tool is used to predict the failure, deformation and the induced stress during the loading condition. A Multiphysics COMSOL^® tool is used for finite element simulation under dynamic loading condition. A hand calculation is made using coupled constitutive equations for correlation purpose. A piezoceramic (NEPEC 6) material is embedded with different materials and tested under dynamic loading condition that is built with a variable frequency range. The output intensity of spectrum depends on the damage size of the given component. Based on the test results of mechanical properties, the final material is selected. The finite element result reveals that composite materials have better mechanical properties than other materials.
  Keywords: piezoelectric; composite; COMSOL^®; finite element simulation; dynamic simulation; condition monitoring.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2023.10049194
   
  

Special Issue on: REAIM2020 Sustainable and Intelligent Manufacturing

• Eco-friendly flagging tape  
  by Rachel Cordeiro, João Meneses, Fernando Dourado, Paula Pascoal-Faria, Carla Moura, Nuno Alves 
  Abstract: One of the problems of using commercial flagging tapes is that they are produced with non-degradable plastic and remain in the environment for long periods. To find a solution, an eco-friendly flagging tape was developed. Bacterial cellulose (BC) was used to produce a cellulose-based film and it was hypothesised that coating the tapes with a polymer would improve their resistance. So, two natural polymers (chitosan and hyaluronic acid) were used to coat the BC tapes. The wet BC was also stained with natural pigments extracted from carrot and spinach. Mechanical testing showed that uncoated BC tapes have similar resistance to hyaluronic acid coated tape. However, the chitosan-coated tapes and the tapes pigmented with the selected pigments showed a decrease in mechanical resistance. Biodegradability tests showed that the uncoated BC tape and BC tape coated with chitosan or hyaluronic acid did not fully degrade within three months.
  Keywords: bacterial cellulose; flagging tape; sustainable; foot-print; environment; hyaluronic acid; chitosan.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10040395
   
  
• Decision support system for production improvement in a cork flooring company  
  by Luis Rodrigues, Luís Pinto Ferreira, Francisco J.G. Silva, José Carlos Sá 
  Abstract: Information is a company’s key factor for optimal activity efficiency. Gathering and processing data for decision making provides optimal solutions in production, quality control, distribution, sales, etc. resulting in reduced waste costs regarding materials, time, consumables, repairs, etc. This research demonstrates the importance of decision support systems (DSS) and simulation tools in process optimisation, focusing on the industrial sector and Industry 4.0 concept. Consequently, a DSS, named ARSimTool, was developed in a cork processing company, to perform the simulation of occupational levels of its production lines. This was requested as an alternative to the existing method, offering advanced representation capabilities of the real model and additional functionality on interface accessibility, autonomous data recovering, creation of testing scenarios, management of the workflow along the production floor, among others.
  Keywords: decision support system; DSS; lean manufacturing; agile manufacturing; strategic manufacturing; smart manufacturing; Industry 4.0; production improvement; simulation; productivity; capacity usage efficiency; production planning.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2021.10041725
   
  
• Biodigital design and symbolism in the Sagrada Familia Biodigital Bridge  
  by Alberto T. Estévez, Yomna K. Abdallah 
  Abstract: Faced with an unresolved problem, such as the design of the access of the main facade of the Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi, an architectural design was proposed here, using digital techniques, organic forms, biological approaches and symbolic backgrounds as the methodology. Searching solutions more in line with what Gaudis work deserves, appropriate to our times, to our Zeitgeist, having already started the third decade of the 21st century. Since the pragmatic drawings that his earliest collaborators made for this purpose are far from adapting to what the Sagrada Familia now is and means. The study of a very particular symbolism of the Sagrada Familia was also developed on the proposed design: the relationship that Gaudi establishes for the design of the Sagrada Familia with the book of the Apocalypse (VV.AA., 2002), which is less known and most 'secret'.
  Keywords: Sagrada Familia; Glory Façade; symbolism; hyperbolic paraboloid; catenary arches; computational design; algorithms; form finding; simulation; biased random walk.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.10044035
   
  
• Development of a biocompatible hydrogel based on native temporomandibular joint extracellular matrix powder  
  by Daniela Trindade, Carla Moura, Cecília Calado, David Ângelo, Nuno Alves 
  Abstract: The temporomandibular joint disc (TMJd) is an avascular and fibrocartilaginous tissue with low regeneration capacities. To date there is no permanent solution upon its damage. So, our group hypothesise that the combination of a synthetic material [poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, PEGDA] and decellularised matrices may be the answer, since it has the advantage of retaining extracellular matrix (ECM) components. For this purpose, lamb TMJd were decellularised with ethanol (96%)/ acetone (99.5%) followed by an analysis to the ECM obtained. Afterwards, different concentrations of ECM powder were added to the PEGDA to obtain hybrid hydrogels. Their swelling capacities and mechanical behaviour (hydrated or dry) were assessed. Results show a reduction of the proteoglycans in the disc, except in the posterior region. Dried hydrogels with 2% ECM powder are the ones with the closer compressive modulus to the native disc, along with greater viscoelastic capacity, representing a possible approach to a TMJd replacement.
  Keywords: decellularisation; extracellular matrix powder; poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels; temporomandibular joint disc.
  DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2022.10044167