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• Companies implement continuous improvement (Lean Six Sigma) to increase efficiency. • LSS can compromise workers' health because increases physical and mental stress, if wrongly implemented. • LSS and Ergonomics complement each other and can have a synergistic effect. • There are no other scientific reviews about SS and Ergonomics until today. • The paper provides a scientific review to encourage and support future studies. Organisations seek to adopt strategies to increase their productivity and quality in highly competitive markets. For this purpose, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is often used. It is frequently combined with other scientific areas such as Ergonomics. Integrating LSS and Ergonomics may improve productivity while preserving workers' health and safety. This study presents a systematic literature review to clarify the impacts of integrating LSS and Ergonomics on organisations. Also, it seeks to assess the main limitations while answering the defined research questions. The research was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science. From the 74 results, 16 articles were included based on the eligibility criteria. The results show that few scientific studies report the application of both areas. As for integrating LSS and Ergonomics, no pattern is observed in the methods and tools to be applied, highlighting that the most common were the DMAIC cycle and the Value Stream Mapping tool. Nevertheless, this review evidences many positive effects of this integration, both for organisations and workers. In general, the topic of this review has the potential to be further studied through conceptual studies and case studies in organisations from different sectors to provide broader conclusions and show the relevance of this theme. [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]

This study aims to evaluate the implications of the use of maritime pine non-debarked wood chips as an alternative solid fuel in industrial boilers in Portugal, highlighting the energy properties and chemical composition of the produced ash. Several samples are collected from different sources, on which a proximate analysis is carried out in order to determine the volatile matter content, fixed carbon content, ash content and higher heating value (HHV). The chemical composition of the ash samples is determined by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) method. Then, empirical indices were used to assess the utilization of the ash and its tendency to create slagging and fouling deposits in industrial boilers during the combustion process. It was concluded from the obtained results that the use of maritime pine non-debarked wood chips can significantly contribute to the formation of slagging and fouling phenomena in industrial boilers. These phenomena will be responsible for a higher number of technical stoppages of the equipment and for an increase in maintenance costs. [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]

There is a growing demand for alternative forms of energy that could firstly replace fossil fuels, with the environmental advantages resulting therefrom, but that could be as well economically more beneficial by allowing companies to obtain competitive advantages from the aforementioned alternative forms of energy. In this sense, the use of waste to produce thermal energy is presented as an alternative worthy of study. In this paper, an analysis is made of the use of waste from the textile industry, more precisely cotton waste, which is used as a renewable resource for the production of thermal energy. After the characterization of the waste, the energetic potential is determined comparatively to other fuels such as woodchips and wood pellets. A comparative economic assessment with other fuels is carried out. The obtained results show that the cotton briquettes have a heating value of 16.80 MJ/kg and a cost of 0.006 €/kWh when used as fuel. This predicts an annual reduction in fuel cost of 80, 75 and 70% when compared with fuel-oil, wood pellets and wood chips, respectively. Thus, the use of cotton waste could be a viable alternative, economically and environmentally, to produce thermal energy. [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]

In this paper an overloading prevention of a private customer power distribution transformer (PDT) in an island in Portugal through the means of a new smart electric vehicle (EV) charging scheduler is proposed. The aim of this paper is to assess the repercussion of the penetration of additional power to restore the full level of EV battery state of charge (SoC) on dielectric oil deterioration of the PDT of a private industry client. This will allow EVs to charge while their owners are at work at three different working shifts during the day. In addition, the system is part of an isolated electric grid in a Portuguese Island. A transformer thermal model is utilised in this paper to assess hot-spot temperature by having the information of the load ratio. The data used for the main inputs of the model are the private industry client daily load profile, PDT parameters, the characteristics of the factory and EV parameters. This paper demonstrates that the proposed solution allows avoiding the overloading of the PDT, thus mitigating the loss-of-life, while charging all the EVs plugged-in at the beginning of each working shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming's major cause is the emission of greenhouse-effect gases (GHG), especially carbon dioxide (CO 2) whose main source is the combustion of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels serve as the primary energy source in many industries, including shipping, which is the focus of this study. One of the measures proposed to tackle GHG emissions is the development of green shipping corridors - carbon-free shipping routes that require the transition to alternative fuels, which are gaining competitiveness. One of the reasons for that is carbon pricing, which taxes CO 2 emissions. However, the lack of consensus on the most cost-advantageous alternative fuel in the long run results in the delay of the implementation of green shipping corridors. To make it more accessible for stakeholders to conduct an economic analysis of the various options, a framework to determine and minimize the costs of transitioning from fossil fuels to any alternative fuel is proposed, over the period of one voyage, considering the lost opportunity cost, the deployment cost of bunkering vessels at the necessary call ports, the cost of converting the vessel, the car-bon emissions tax cost, and the fuel cost. This will allow stakeholders to choose the most economical alternative fuel, accelerating the development of green shipping corridor initiatives. To validate the effectiveness of the framework, it was applied in a case study involving a shipowner seeking to transition from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to Ammonia, Hydrogen, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), or Methanol. This study faced limitations due to the unknown costs of installing bunkering vessels for Ammonia and Hydrogen. However, it evaluates the cost-effectiveness of alternative fuels, providing insights into their short-term economic viability. The results showed that Hydrogen is the most cost-advantageous fuel until a deployment cost per bunkering vessel of 1,990,285$ for a sailing speed of 22 knots and 2,190,171$ for a sailing speed of 18 knots is reached, after which LNG becomes the most economical option regardless of variations in the carbon tax. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the effects of variations in parameters, such as carbon tax, fuel prices and vessel conversion costs in the total cost of each fuel option. Results highlighted that even though HFO remains the most economical fuel option, even when considering a high increase in carbon tax, the cost gap between HFO and alternative fuels narrows significantly with the increase in carbon tax. Furthermore, the sailing speed impacts the fuels' competitiveness, as the cost difference between HFO and alternative fuels decreases at higher speeds. • A tool has been developed to guide the transition from fossil fuels, towards green shipping corridors. • An analysis was conducted to determine if increasing carbon taxes would make alternative fuels more financially viable than HFO. • The study identifies hydrogen as cost-advantageous, followed by LNG, influenced by varying carbon taxes. • Results demonstrated that HFO is still the most economical fuel option, even considering a very high carbon tax. • Challenges lie in uncertain bunkering vessel costs, potential profit, and the need for a model extension for fleet use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of the automotive painting industry, the conventional cleaning process uses solvents and high amounts of water to clean different substrates. However, not all solvents are suitable for every type of material, so different types of solvents should be used in order to successfully clean different types of material, as the product under fabrication changes, otherwise, a compromise has to be reached. The current cleaning operation system and respective apparatus occupies a significant area of the industrial facility and uses abundant water. Such use of water requires subsequent drying of the cleaned parts and for residual water treatment, leading to high running costs. In this sense, dry ice blasting appears as an alternative to the current process. This method consists of the projection of solid carbon dioxide particles onto a surface as a means of eliminating stains and contaminants prior to the painting. It is suitable for a wider range of substrates, and the necessary equipment occupies significantly less space when compared with the current process. Thus, there is potential for cost savings. In an industrial painting context, this application is considered new, although its physical principle has been established since the late 1980s. The present study aims to qualitatively evaluate the dry ice blasting process according to the quality standards of an industrial unit. Two types of plastic substrates for automotive parts are tested on-site by using a manual dry ice blasting kit, subject to the normal painting process, and then analyzed according to industrial standards. The results show that the process under study meets all the required quality standards. After being painted, the average number of stains per piece is of the same order of magnitude as the normal production, emphasizing that the average primary stains are lower in the process under study. CO 2 emissions and cleaning time is greatly reduced, the cleaning runtime decreased by 96.9% if the dry ice is used as an alternative. The viability of dry ice blasting in the pre-painting of plastic surfaces was demonstrated, and the eco-innovation of the new process discussed. • Application of dry ice blasting in automotive painting industry. • The process under study meets all the required quality standards. • Viability of dry ice blasting in pre-painting of plastic surfaces is demonstrated. • CO 2 emissions and cleaning time is greatly reduced. • The cleaning runtime decreased by 96.9% if the dry ice is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial symbiosis, which allows entities and companies that traditionally be separated, to cooperate among them in the sharing of resources, contributes to the increase of sustainability with environmental, economic and social benefits. Examples of industrial symbiosis have grown over the years with increasing geographic dispersion. Thus, through a comprehensive review of previous studies, this work aims to trace the trend of industrial symbiosis research and to map the existing case studies around the world, with a critical analysis of its impact. The analysis of the 584 selected publications allowed tracing the evolution of these according to their content and the type of article, as well as its distribution by journals. Based on the literature review, the main lines for research in industrial symbiosis are assessed, as well as an updated study of the published case studies is provided with emphasis on the location, type of industry and employed methodologies. Several challenges are then identified for future research. The results reveal the number of articles on industrial symbiosis has greatly increased since 2007 and China is the country with the largest number of publications and cases of industrial symbiosis, followed by the United States. The methods for quantifying impacts and analysing industrial symbiosis networks were the most widely used. The analysis of the published case studies allowed an overview of the industrial symbiosis in the world and showed that the potential for application is enormous, both in developed countries and in countries with developing economies, and although the most present economic activities in the synergies are associated with the manufacturing sector, the possibilities of industrial symbiosis are not restricted to these activities nor to the number of entities involved. The symbioses between industry and the surrounding community also have great potential for development with numerous advantages for both parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural fires are currently one of the main global disasters, and Portugal is among the countries that have suffered from them for decades. These fires pose economic, environmental, and social threats to the country. A primary cause of rural fires is the burning of biomass to clear agroforestry residues. Thus, combating rural fires requires more effective forest management, particularly the removal of forest residues that serve as fuel. These residues, also known as biomass, have significant potential for energy production and biofuel use. This paper proposes a model that integrates the PROMETHEE decision-making method with the roadmapping. This proposed model includes 7 steps, including the planning of the roadmap, the definition of the decision problem, gathering information and building the roadmap. The proposed model was applied to develop a roadmap proposal for the recovery of surplus agroforestry biomass in Portugal, identifying the most emerging conversion technologies in the national context. With the roadmap developed, it was possible to understand that the recovery of surplus agroforestry biomass in Portugal involves several sectors. The energy sector is one of those that can benefit from the recovery of leftover agroforestry biomass, both from the point of view of carbon neutrality and energy independence. Forestry management is another of the great advantages of recovering leftover forestry biomass and, consequently, reducing the number of fires. In the context of recovery, combustion is the most widely used technology for producing energy or heat. The technology identified as most emerging in the upcoming years is gasification. Investment in scientific research is essential for the success of this sector, as is the development of public incentive policies and more engagement from all stakeholders. This paper conclude that valorizing agroforestry residues can reduce rural fire risks while promoting energy independence, sustainable regional development, and innovation in Portugal. • The paper proposes an integrated PROMETHEE II-Roadmap model. • The proposed model is applied to the valorization of residual agroforestry biomass in Portugal (RAFB). • Benefits of RAFB valorization include reduction of rural fires, increased renewable energy alternatives, and sustainable regional development. • An evaluation of biomass conversion technologies is performed, and gasification is identified as the most emerging. • The paper emphasizes the need in the sector for research investment, stakeholder engagement and development of supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]