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It is imperative to take proactive measures in light of the escalating concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of international shipping. The GHG study conducted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicates that the sector accounted for 2.2% and 2.89 % of emissions in 2012 and 2018, respectively. As a result, IMO has endorsed strategies to reduce ship-induced emissions to 50% by 2050 and net zero emissions by 2100. For reducing carbon emissions, regulations such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) were implemented a decade ago. We collected data from 104 seafarers in 24 countries using purposive sampling, exploring how the energy-efficient operation of ships transforms their work cultures onboard ships. The majority of seafarers in our study agreed that energy-efficient ship operation has changed seafarers' working cultures over the last decade. Seafarers have adopted a variety of energy efficiency (EE) practices, including meticulous record-keeping of fuel consumption and adherence to Planned Maintenance Systems. As well as preparing for Port State Control (PSC) inspections, they follow energy-saving measures prescribed by the SEEMP. In addition to engine maintenance, energy-saving practices, accurate reporting and recording of EE-related data, and efficient power usage, they provide just-in-time arrival, crew training, energy-efficient lighting, environmental awareness, and slow steaming to minimize fuel consumption. The majority of seafarers implemented SEEMP successfully and met the company's objectives, but they did not receive any form of recognition or financial incentives. Although SEEMP can help shipping companies gain financial benefits and preserve the environment, seafarers do not receive tangible rewards or appreciation for implementing it. Only one-fourth of seafarers were rewarded with incentives, bonuses, formal recognition, or trophies. This study holds significant implications for policymakers, offering insight into seafarers' adaptation to energy-efficient ship operations and advocating for integrating Industry 4.0 technologies for EE regulations compliance by reducing seafarers' workloads and improving data accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of the Euro 7 emission standard is expected to significantly change the typology of the European passenger car. This study analyzes the environmental impact resulting from future trends in fleet composition and proposes an innovative vehicle classification system focused on raising consumer awareness of the importance of their choices with regard to key attributes such as body type, engine power and vehicle weight. A sensitivity analysis of the fleet's greenhouse gas emissions to deviations in their composition is carried out, considering the preferences expressed by the consumers in 2022 and the vehicle's specifications reported by the automotive industry on European digital platforms embodying Industry 4.0 principles. The findings show that internal combustion fleet emissions are expected to rise 0.30% per 1% increase in engine power and 0.44% to 0.69% per 1% increase in weight, according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). The plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) segment is the fastest growing in terms of market share. This trend will continue in the future, as this is the segment best suited to comply with the emissions targets imposed on manufacturers. Another relevant conclusion is that the environmental impact of PHEV vehicles is potentially very negative if the drivers' charging habits do not reflect the manufacturer's design intention. Thus, the development of consumer environmental awareness tools is urgent. This is the study's main motivation: to develop a tool in the scope of the Industry 4.0 while promoting the emergent concept of Industry 5.0, sustainability based and human-centered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport sector is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and it is essential to find sustainable alternatives. Electric scooters can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing more polluting modes of transport such as cars. However, existing studies do not always corroborate this positive environmental impact, and it is necessary to understand which factors influence it and which stages of life are of most concern. Therefore, the main objectives of this study are to present an overview of the environmental impact of electric scooters and the methodological approaches used to assess it, as well as to analyse the main factors that condition it and propose measures to improve the environmental sustainability of this type of micromobility. To this end, a review of the scientific literature was carried out, from which it was possible to conclude that life cycle analysis was the most used method and that of the 25 studies selected, 72% were in European cities and 68% on shared electric scooters. From the study it was also possible to conclude that the production phase and the charging and rebalancing phase, in the case of shared ones, are the phases that most influence the environmental impact. Thus, producing electric scooters in an environmentally friendly way, extending their useful life, and in the case of shared scooters, collecting and charging efficiently, are the most effective means to reduce environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shipping industry contributes to global CO 2 emissions, raising concerns about its environmental impact and the need for energy-efficient (EE) and low-carbon (LC) shipping practices. This study aims to discover how seafarers are aware, knowledgeable, motivated, and dedicated to the EE and LC shipping processes after a decade of enforcement of IMO regulations. With a purposive sampling strategy, 262 active seafarers from diverse backgrounds and 41 shipping companies from 24 countries were sampled. A mixed-methods survey was conducted to determine seafarers' awareness and knowledge about EE regulations and measures to adopt them onboard ships. This study unveils seafarers' commendable awareness of environmental impacts in EE and LC ship operations. Social media platforms are becoming increasingly popular in recent years among seafarers as a knowledge source, while traditional sources have diminished in importance. Male seafarers demonstrate higher awareness and knowledge of EE and LC shipping compared to their female counterparts. Experience positively correlates with knowledge levels, emphasizing the importance of long-term service in the maritime industry. Most seafarers have consistent beliefs regarding carbon emissions mitigation, but only 47% show significant engagement. Meanwhile 76% believe that financial incentives and formal recognitions motivate ship crews to participate actively in carbon emissions mitigation. In the maritime industry, tailored training strategies are essential for addressing knowledge gaps and promoting sustainable practices. To better understand seafarers' awareness and knowledge of EE and LC ship operations in relation to their gender, age, experience, and positions, we conducted this investigation following a decade-old study of Banks et al. [1]. Policymakers can understand the trends by comparing seafarers' awareness and knowledge in these areas. Continuous education and training programs are crucial in order to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly EE and LC practices in the maritime industry. Furthermore, our study identified areas for improving the human element to ensure sustainable maritime practices by increasing EE and LC ship operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the shipping industry contributes significantly to anthropogenic CO 2 emissions, it is imperative to take urgent steps to reduce its impact on the environment. This study delves into the pivotal role of seafarers in achieving energy-efficient ship operations, which is crucial for mitigating climate change. In the study, 58 articles spanning a decade are analyzed, and key influencers are identified, including knowledge, awareness, education, rewards, social factors, technology, and barriers to participation. As digital tools are integrated into seafarers' roles in ship operations, comprehensive training initiatives will be necessary. The study underscores the urgent need for tailored seafarers' training programs, integrating interactive tools, and addressing gaps in knowledge and motivation. Moreover, it highlights the transformative impact of digital tools, necessitating the reevaluation of energy-efficient ship practices. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders, especially ship owners, ship managers, and crewmembers, must emphasize financial incentives and regulatory frameworks. Future research should evaluate diverse training methods and seafarers' perspectives, bridging knowledge gaps in energy-efficient ship operations after a decade of IMO regulations. This study equips policymakers, training institutions, and industry stakeholders with insights to enhance seafarers' engagement, thereby fostering energy efficiency and environmentally conscious maritime practices. These efforts are instrumental in promoting energy-efficient ship operations and addressing environmental challenges within the shipping industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As international shipping contributes to 2.89% of global carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of reducing the carbon intensity by at least 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 compared to 2008. To achieve these goals, the IMO has developed guidelines and regulations for enhancing energy efficiency in ship design and operation, such as adopting various operational measures, low-carbon fuels, innovative technologies, and retrofits. A purposive sampling strategy was employed in this study to ensure a representative sample, engaging seafarers, ship managers, and technical and operations managers from 46 shipping companies worldwide. The study demonstrates that seafarers actively engage in various energy efficiency practices, with navigation, cargo works, deck operations, and port-related measures divided between the master and deck crews. Chief engineers and engine crews are involved in power generation, propulsion engines, and engine load management. Onshore technical managers oversee both groups to ensure the successful implementation of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). However, seafarers encounter challenges such as increased workload, additional paperwork, heightened inspections by regulatory bodies, enhanced planned maintenance, and increased technical difficulties in executing SEEMP onboard ships. Furthermore, the implementation of SEEMP has also affected the traditional work culture of crewmembers, who rarely receive recognition or incentives for their efforts. As part of its recommendations, the study emphasizes the need for improved working conditions, training, and incentives, as well as introducing new technologies to reduce workloads and ensure compliance with SEEMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of plug-in electrical vehicles (PEVs) in microgrids not only could bring benefits by reducing the on-peak demand, but could also improve the economic efficiency and increase the environmental sustainability. Therefore, in this paper a two stage energy management strategy for the contribution of PEVs in demand response (DR) programs of commercial building microgrids is addressed. The main contribution of this work is the incorporation of the uncertainty of electricity prices in a model predictive control (MPC) based plan for energy management optimization. First, the optimization problem considers the operation of PEVs and wind power in order to optimize the energy management in the commercial building. Second, the total charged power reference which is computed for PEVs in this stage is sent to the PEVs control section so that it could be allocated to each PEV. Therefore, the power balance can be achieved between the power supply and the load in the proposed microgrid building while the operational cost is minimized. The predicted values for load demand, wind power, and electricity price are forecasted by a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model. In addition, the conditional value at risk (CVaR) is used for the uncertainty in the electricity prices. In the end, the results confirm that the PEVs can effectively contribute in the DR programs for the proposed microgrid model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of wearable technology is fundamental to the dissemination of wearable personal health monitoring devices. Recent developments of biomedical sensors have decreased the form factor and power consumption that can be worn on a permanent basis. This paper discusses a low cost reflective photoplethysmography (PPG) system using a dedicated integrated circuit (IC) solution as the core of a wearable health monitoring device. The measurement of two physiological indicators is performed, namely the pulse rate (HR) and the blood oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ). The paper analyses in depth the PPG signals sensing architecture, guaranteeing high resolution measurements due to a delta-sigma analog to digital conversion unit. Post-processing digital filter operations are implemented to enhance low noise PPGs acquisition for physiological signals extraction. A complete system design is presented and a detailed evaluation is made in a real-time processing scenario. The test platform is completed with a PC based graphics application for on-line and off-line data analysis. Minimizing power dissipation is the main challenge in a wearable design. However, it restrains PPG signal measurement sensitivity by lowering signal quality. Using the developed prototype power consumption, studies concerning the characterization of power consumption and signal quality over various working conditions are performed. Next, a performance merit figure is proposed as the main research contribution, which addresses the power consumption and signal quality trade-off subject. It aims to be used as an analysis for trade-offs between these two conflicting design criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]