Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.1
2.8
Journals
Processes
Special Issues
Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources
share announcement

Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 37228

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Lucian-Ionel Cioca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Industrial Engineering and Management Department, Faculty of Engineering, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
Interests: management; human resources management; occupational health and safety management; production systems engineering; ergonomics; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Previous and current resource use models have led to high levels of pollution, environmental degradation, and depletion of natural resources. The waste policy has a long history and has traditionally focused on more environmentally sustainable waste management. To be efficient in terms of resource use, the principles of the circular economy should change this trend, transforming the economy into a sustainable economy. The new waste regulations introduce new waste management objectives in terms of waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and storage, by addressing new processes.

Prof. Dr. Lucian-Ionel Cioca
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • circular economy
  • ecological technologies
  • ecological processes
  • production processes
  • resource efficiency
  • production system and waste streams
  • waste treatment and disposal
  • plastics in the circular economy
  • waste generation management and prevention
  • ecological technologies
  • medical waste
  • sustainable process
  • new trends in textiles

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

23 pages, 3414 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Analysis Regarding the Incidents to the Pipelines of Petroleum Products for an Efficient Use of the Specific Transportation Infrastructure
by Catalin Popescu and Manuela Rozalia Gabor
Processes 2021, 9(9), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091535 - 28 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2992
Abstract
The transportation infrastructure for petroleum products contains complex pipeline systems, developed on a global scale and totaling investments of hundreds of millions of dollars. The operation and maintenance of these systems have to be performed in relation to the analysis of incidents of [...] Read more.
The transportation infrastructure for petroleum products contains complex pipeline systems, developed on a global scale and totaling investments of hundreds of millions of dollars. The operation and maintenance of these systems have to be performed in relation to the analysis of incidents of various types, which take place in various areas of the world. The present paper aims to analyze in as much detail as possible, from a statistical point of view, the case of the pipeline system for petroleum products in Romania in order to streamline the operation of this critical infrastructure for Romania. Through the statistical tools, we established the hierarchies of the causes of the analyzed incidents, weights of the effects generated by these sources of accidents, and correlations between various parameters, in order to create a useful plan of measures and actions in the efficient operation of the pipeline system. The importance and topicality of the subject is also demonstrated by the major negative impact of the accidents in this sector, through product leaks from pipes in the soil and in watercourses, which generate significant pollution values, thus influencing the balance of the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
The Role of Globalization, Economic Growth and Natural Resources on the Ecological Footprint in Thailand: Evidence from Nonlinear Causal Estimations
by Hafezali Iqbal Hussain, Muhammad Haseeb, Fakarudin Kamarudin, Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz and Katarzyna Szczepańska-Woszczyna
Processes 2021, 9(7), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9071103 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 140 | Viewed by 6527
Abstract
The environmental issue has become a global problem that needs to be examined frequently, motivating researchers to investigate it. Thus, the present study has investigated the asymmetric impact of globalization, economic growth and natural resources on the ecological footprint in the presence of [...] Read more.
The environmental issue has become a global problem that needs to be examined frequently, motivating researchers to investigate it. Thus, the present study has investigated the asymmetric impact of globalization, economic growth and natural resources on the ecological footprint in the presence of environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in Thailand. The study has used annual time series data from 1970 to 2018. The study applied a novel method of nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL). In particular, the current study has investigated the effect of positive and negative shocks on the independent variable on the dependent variable. The findings have confirmed that the effect of globalization and natural resources are significant and nonlinear. However, the effect of negative shocks of globalization and natural resources is more dominant on the ecological footprint in Thailand than the positive shocks of both variables. Moreover, the present study has also tested the presence of EKC in Thailand, and the findings confirm the presence of an inverted U-shape curve in the Thailand economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources)
12 pages, 1267 KiB  
Article
A Modification of Palm Waste Lignocellulosic Materials into Biographite Using Iron and Nickel Catalyst
by Noor Hafidzah Jabarullah, Afiqah Samsul Kamal and Rapidah Othman
Processes 2021, 9(6), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9061079 - 21 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3952
Abstract
This paper presents an alternative way to maximize the utilization of palm waste by implementing a green approach to modify lignocellulosic materials into a highly crystalline biographite. A bio-graphite structure was successfully synthesized by converting lignocellulosic materials via a simple method using palm [...] Read more.
This paper presents an alternative way to maximize the utilization of palm waste by implementing a green approach to modify lignocellulosic materials into a highly crystalline biographite. A bio-graphite structure was successfully synthesized by converting lignocellulosic materials via a simple method using palm kernel shell (PKS) as a carbon precursor. This involved the direct impregnation of a catalyst into raw material followed by a thermal treatment. The structural transformation of the carbon was observed to be significantly altered by employing different types of catalysts and varying thermal treatment temperatures. Both XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the microstructural alteration occurred in the carbon structure of the sample prepared at 800 and 1000 °C using iron, nickel or the hybrid of iron-nickel catalysts. The XRD pattern revealed a high degree of graphitization for the sample prepared at 1000 °C, and it was evident that iron was the most active graphitization catalyst. The presence of an intensified peak was observed at 2θ = 26.5°, reflecting the formation of a highly ordered graphitic structure as a result of the interaction between the iron catalyst and the thermal treatment process at 1000 °C. The XRD observation was further supported by the Raman spectrum in which PKS-Fe1000 showed a lower defect structure associated with the presence of a significant amount of graphitic structure, as a low value of (Id/Ig) ratio was reported. An HRTEM image showed a well-defined lattice fringe seen on the structure for PKS-Fe1000; meanwhile, a disordered microstructure was observed for the control sample, indicating that successful structural modification was achieved with the aid of the catalyst. Further analysis from BET found that the PKS-Fe1000 developed a surface area of 202.932 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.208 cm3/g. An overall successful modification from palm waste into graphitic material was achieved. Thus, this study will help those involved in waste management to evaluate the possibility of a sustainable process for the generation of graphite material from palm waste. It can be concluded that palm waste is a potential source of production for graphite material through the adoption of the proposed waste management process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 14078 KiB  
Article
Mining Industry Impact on Environmental Sustainability, Economic Growth, Social Interaction, and Public Health: An Application of Semi-Quantitative Mathematical Approach
by Muhammad Mohsin, Qiang Zhu, Sobia Naseem, Muddassar Sarfraz and Larisa Ivascu
Processes 2021, 9(6), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9060972 - 30 May 2021
Cited by 76 | Viewed by 13141
Abstract
The mining industry plays a significant role in economic growth and development. Coal is a viable renewable energy source with 185.175 billion deposits in Thar, which has not been deeply explored. Although coal is an energy source and contributes to economic development, it [...] Read more.
The mining industry plays a significant role in economic growth and development. Coal is a viable renewable energy source with 185.175 billion deposits in Thar, which has not been deeply explored. Although coal is an energy source and contributes to economic development, it puts pressure on environmental sustainability. The current study investigates Sindh Engro coal mining’s impact on environmental sustainability and human needs and interest. The Folchi and Phillips Environmental Sustainability Mathematics models are employed to measure environmental sustainability. The research findings demonstrated that Sindh Engro coal mining is potentially unsustainable for the environment. The toxic gases (methane, carbon dioxide, sulfur, etc.) are released during operational activities. The four significant environment spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere) are negatively influenced by Thar coal mining. The second part of the analysis results shows that human needs and interests have a positive and significant relationship except for human health and safety with Sindh Engro coal mining. Environmental pollution can be controlled by utilizing environmentally friendly coal mining operations and technologies. Plantation and ecological normalization can protect the species, flora, and fauna of the Thar Desert. The government of Pakistan and the provincial government of Sind should strictly check the adaptation of environmental standards. Furthermore, the researchers should explore the environmental issues and solutions so that coal mining becomes a cost-efficient and environmental-friendly energy source in Pakistan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 364 KiB  
Article
Implications of Entrepreneurial Intentions of Romanian Secondary Education Students, over the Romanian Business Market Development
by Amalia Furdui, Lucian Lupu-Dima and Eduard Edelhauser
Processes 2021, 9(4), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9040665 - 9 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5556
Abstract
The study investigates the Romanian entrepreneurial education training program emphasizing the secondary education student entrepreneurial intents included in technical and professional Vocational Education Training (VET) programs, in order to identify its role in increasing student intention in the process of choosing a career [...] Read more.
The study investigates the Romanian entrepreneurial education training program emphasizing the secondary education student entrepreneurial intents included in technical and professional Vocational Education Training (VET) programs, in order to identify its role in increasing student intention in the process of choosing a career as an entrepreneur among graduates of the vocational and technical Romanian education system. The study research methodology was based on the interpretation of two questionnaires consisting of 23 questions, which were applied to a population of 253 and 159 respondents. The survey period was conducted between 2019 and 2020. The respondents were students from the vocational and technical education system in Romania, mostly from the Central Region of Romania, but the results of the study could be extended to the entire Romanian education system. The data were processed using SPSS software, and the results of the study revealed direct, positive, and significant links between psychological and behavioral traits and entrepreneurial intentions of the student surveyed, moderated by the entrepreneurial education acquired through the school curriculum. These results could also be the basis for developing future policies and programs to encourage entrepreneurial behavior, especially for secondary education students from the Romanian education system, specifically on pre-university education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources)
11 pages, 1612 KiB  
Article
Research Regarding the Energy Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste in Maramures County Using Incineration
by Miorita Ungureanu, Juhasz Jozsef, Valeria Mirela Brezoczki, Peter Monka and Nicolae Stelian Ungureanu
Processes 2021, 9(3), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9030514 - 12 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2558
Abstract
This paper presents a part of the study referring to exploring Energy Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste in Maramures County. In order to analyze the possibility of energetic recovery of municipal solid waste (MSW), data referring to the management system of MSW from [...] Read more.
This paper presents a part of the study referring to exploring Energy Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste in Maramures County. In order to analyze the possibility of energetic recovery of municipal solid waste (MSW), data referring to the management system of MSW from Maramures county were cumulated and processed in a first stage in order to estimate the quantity of municipal solid waste and its composition, which might be recovered energetically. In the next stage, samples of municipal solid waste were collected from landfills, which were submitted to specific processing and analyses. The experimental data were processed and in the end the energy potential of municipal solid waste from Maramures county was found. This study will help stakeholders and those involved in waste management to assess the possibility of energy recovery. The analysis of the study concluded that municipal solid waste in Maramures County is a potential source of renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Efficient Use of Resources)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop