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1 – 10 of 89Ebere Donatus Okonta and Farzad Rahimian
The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not properly addressed.
Design/methodology/approach
The study, based on a literature review and ten (10) case studies, explored five investigative approaches for evaluating building fabric: thermal imaging, in situ U-value testing, airtightness testing, energy assessment and condensation risk analysis. Cross-case analysis was used to evaluate both case studies using each approach. These methodologies were pivotal in assessing buildings’ existing condition and energy consumption and contributing to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
Findings
Findings reveal that incorporating the earlier approaches into the building fabric showed great benefits. Significant temperature regulation issues were identified, energy consumption decreased by 15% after improvements, poor insulation and artistry quality affected the U-values of buildings. Implementing retrofits such as solar panels, air vents, insulation, heat recovery and air-sourced heat pumps significantly improved thermal performance while reducing energy consumption. Pulse technology proved effective in measuring airtightness, even in extremely airtight houses, and high airflow and moisture management were essential in preserving historic building fabric.
Originality/value
The research stresses the need to understand investigative approaches’ strengths, limitations and synergies for cost-effective energy performance strategies. It emphasizes the urgency of eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming and meet the 1.5° C threshold.
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Valmiane Vieira Azevedo Almeida, Carlos Francisco Simões Gomes, Luis Hernan Contreras Pinochet and Marcos dos Santos
This paper aims to comprehensively analyze renewable energy alternatives in Brazil, focusing on identifying the most suitable option for investment in the country’s sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to comprehensively analyze renewable energy alternatives in Brazil, focusing on identifying the most suitable option for investment in the country’s sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis-multiobjective optimization by ratio analysis −3NAG (a combination of three normalization methods) methodology, a multicriteria decision-making approach, to evaluate and rank renewable energy sources based on key criteria such as resource availability, cost-effectiveness, job creation potential and environmental impact.
Findings
The analysis reveals that solar energy emerges as the preferred choice for Brazil, offering significant advantages over other alternatives such as hydroelectric, wind and biomass energy. Solar energy’s distributed generation capability, cost reduction trends and positive environmental impact contribute to its favorable position in meeting Brazil’s energy needs.
Research limitations/implications
While the study provides valuable insights into renewable energy selection, there are limitations regarding the criteria’ scope and the exclusion of specific renewable energy options. Future research could explore sensitivity analyses and incorporate additional criteria to enhance the study’s comprehensiveness.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing literature by thoroughly analyzing renewable energy alternatives in Brazil using a robust multicriteria decision-making methodology. The study’s findings provide actionable guidance for policymakers, businesses and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable energy development in the country.
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Madiha Ajmal, Rashid Mehmood, Noreen Sher Akbar and Taseer Muhammad
This study aims to focuse on the flow behavior of a specific nanofluid composed of blood-based iron oxide nanoparticles, combined with motile gyrotactic microorganisms, in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focuse on the flow behavior of a specific nanofluid composed of blood-based iron oxide nanoparticles, combined with motile gyrotactic microorganisms, in a ciliated channel with electroosmosis.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a powerful mathematical model to examine the combined impacts of bio convection and electrokinetic forces on nanofluid flow. The presence of cilia, which are described as wave-like motions on the channel walls, promotes fluid propulsion, which improves mixing and mass transport. The velocity and dispersion of nanoparticles and microbes are modified by the inclusion of electroosmosis, which is stimulated by an applied electric field. This adds a significant level of complexity.
Findings
To ascertain their impact on flow characteristics, important factors such as bio convection Rayleigh number, Grashoff number, Peclet number and Lewis number are varied. The results demonstrate that while the gyrotactic activity of microorganisms contributes to the stability and homogeneity of the nanofluid distribution, electroosmotic forces significantly enhance fluid mixing and nanoparticle dispersion. This thorough study clarifies how to take advantage of electroosmosis and bio convection in ciliated micro channels to optimize nanofluid-based biomedical applications, such as targeted drug administration and improved diagnostic processes.
Originality/value
First paper discussed “Numerical Computation of Cilia Transport of Prandtl Nanofluid (Blood-Fe3O4) Enhancing Convective Heat Transfer along Micro Organisms under Electroosmotic effects in Wavy Capillaries”.
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Stelvia V. Matos, Martin C. Schleper, Jeremy K. Hall, Chad M. Baum, Sean Low and Benjamin K. Sovacool
This paper aims to explore three operations and supply chain management (OSCM) approaches for meeting the 2 °C targets to counteract climate change: adaptation (adjusting to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore three operations and supply chain management (OSCM) approaches for meeting the 2 °C targets to counteract climate change: adaptation (adjusting to climatic impacts); mitigation (innovating towards low-carbon practices); and carbon-removing negative emissions technologies (NETs). We suggest that adaptation nor mitigation may be enough to meet the current climate targets, thus calling for NETs, resulting in the following question: How can operations and supply chains be reconceptualized for NETs?
Design/methodology/approach
We draw on the sustainable supply chain and transitions discourses along with interview data involving 125 experts gathered from a broad research project focused on geoengineering and NETs. We analyze three case studies of emerging NETs (biochar, direct air carbon capture and storage and ocean alkalinity enhancement), leading to propositions on the link between OSCM and NETs.
Findings
Although some NETs are promising, there remains considerable variance and uncertainty over supply chain configurations, efficacy, social acceptability and potential risks of unintended detrimental consequences. We introduce the concept of transformative OSCM, which encompasses policy interventions to foster the emergence of new technologies in industry sectors driven by social mandates but lack clear commercial incentives.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first that studies NETs from an OSCM perspective. It suggests a pathway toward new industry structures and policy support to effectively tackle climate change through carbon removal.
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Anwesa Kar and Rajiv Nandan Rai
The purpose of the study is to examine how risk factors contribute to the occurrence of defects in a process. By analyzing these risk factors in relation to process quality, the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to examine how risk factors contribute to the occurrence of defects in a process. By analyzing these risk factors in relation to process quality, the study aims to help organizations prioritize their resources and efforts toward addressing the most significant risks. These challenges, integrated with the emerging concept of Quality 4.0, necessitate a comprehensive risk assessment technique.
Design/methodology/approach
Fuzzy logic integrated with an analytic network process is used in the process failure mode and effects analysis for conducting risk identification and assessment under uncertainty. Through a mathematical model, the linkage of risk with Six Sigma is established and, finally, a value–risk matrix is developed for illustrating and analysing risk impact on process quality.
Findings
A case study on fused filament fabrication demonstrates the proposed methodology’s applicability. The results show its effectiveness in assessing risk factors’ impact on Six Sigma metrics: defects per million opportunities/sigma level.
Practical implications
By integrating qualitative assessments and leveraging available data, this approach enables a more comprehensive understanding of risks and their utilization for an organization’s quality improvement initiatives.
Originality/value
This approach establishes a risk-centric Six Sigma assessment method in accordance with the requirement of ISO 9001:2015 and in the context of Quality 4.0.
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Vartenie Aramali, George Edward Gibson, Hala Sanboskani and Mounir El Asmar
Earned value management systems (EVMS), also called integrated project and program management systems, have been greatly examined in the literature, which has typically focused on…
Abstract
Purpose
Earned value management systems (EVMS), also called integrated project and program management systems, have been greatly examined in the literature, which has typically focused on their technical aspects rather than social. This study aims to hypothesize that improving both the technical maturity of EVMS and the social environment elements of EVMS applications together will significantly impact project performance outcomes. For the first time, empirical evidence supports a strong relationship between EVMS maturity and environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from 35 projects through four workshops, attended by 31 industry practitioners with an average of 19 years of EVMS experience. These experts, representing 23 organizations, provided over 2,800 data points on sociotechnical integration and performance outcomes, covering projects totaling $21.8 billion. Statistical analyses were performed to derive findings on the impact of technical maturity and social environment on project success.
Findings
The results show statistically significant differences in cost growth, compliance, meeting project objectives and business drivers and customer satisfaction, between projects with high EVMS maturity and environment and projects with poor EVMS maturity and environment. Moreover, the technical and social dimensions were found to be significantly correlated.
Originality/value
Key contributions include a novel and tested performance-driven framework to support integrated project management using EVMS. The adoption of this detailed assessment framework by government and industry is driving a paradigm shift in project management of some of the largest and most complex projects in the U.S.; specifically transitioning from a project assessment based upon a binary approach for EVMS technical maturity (i.e. compliant/noncompliant to standards) to a wide-ranging scale (i.e. 0–1,000) across two dimensions.
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Paluru Sreedevi and P. Sudarsana Reddy
This paper aims to numerically examine the impact of gyrotactic microorganisms and radiation on heat transport features of magnetic nanoliquid within a closed cavity…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to numerically examine the impact of gyrotactic microorganisms and radiation on heat transport features of magnetic nanoliquid within a closed cavity. Thermophoresis, chemical reaction and Brownian motion are also considered in flow geometry for the moment of nanoparticles.
Design/methodology/approach
Finite element method (FEM) was depleted to numerically approximate the temperature, momentum, concentration and microorganisms concentration of the nanoliquid. The present simulation was unsteady state, and the resulting transformed equations are simulated by FEM-based Mathematica algorithm.
Findings
It has been found that isotherm patterns get larger with increasing values of the magnetic field parameter. Additionally, numerical codes for rate of heat transport impedance inside the cavity with an increasing Brownian motion parameter values.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the research work carried out in this paper is new, and no part is copied from others’ works.
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Fabian Kranert, Moritz Hinkelmann, Roland Lachmayer, Jörg Neumann and Dietmar Kracht
This study aims to extend the known design guidelines for the polymer-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing process with the focus on function-integrated components…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to extend the known design guidelines for the polymer-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing process with the focus on function-integrated components, specifically optomechanical parts. The potential of this approach is demonstrated by manufacturing function-integrated optomechanics for a low-power solid-state laser system.
Design/methodology/approach
For the production of function-integrated additively manufactured optomechanics using the FFF process, essential components and subsystems have been identified for which no design guidelines are available. This includes guidelines for integrating elements, particularly optics, into a polymer structure as well as guidelines for printing functional threads and ball joints. Based on these results, combined with prior research, a function-integrated low-power solid-state laser optomechanic was fabricated via the FFF process, using a commercial 3D printer of the type Ultimaker 3. The laser system's performance was assessed and compared to a reference system that employed commercial optomechanics, additionally confirming the design guidelines derived from the study.
Findings
Based on the design goal of function integration, the existing design guidelines for the FFF process are systematically extended. This success is demonstrated by the fabrication of an integrated optomechanic for a solid-state laser system.
Practical implications
Based on these results, scientists and engineers will be able to use the FFF process more extensively and benefit from the possibilities of function-integrated manufacturing.
Originality/value
Extensive research has been published on additive manufacturing of optomechanics. However, this research often emphasizes only cost reduction and short-term availability of components by reprinting existing parts. This paper aims to explore the capabilities of additive manufacturing in the production of function-integrated components to reduce the number of individual parts required, thereby decreasing the workload for system assembly and leading to an innovative production process for optical systems. Consequently, where needed, it provides new design guidelines or extends existing ones and verifies them by means of test series.
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