Diclofenac (2-[(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)amino]benzeneacetic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory

drug. Due to excessive use of diclofenac, this drug has been detected in surface water, ground water and drinking

water. In our study, four fungal strain Trametes trogii, Aspergillus niger, Yarrowia lipolytica and Phanerochaete

chrysosporium were investigated in terms of diclofenac degradation potential. Trametes trogii was found to be

the most effi cient strain with 100% diclofenac degradation rate. Two hydroxylated diclofenac metabolites have

been identifi ed in culture medium. Crude laccase from T. trogii almost completely removed diclofenac with 97%

removal in 48 h. We suggest that the degradation of diclofenac depends on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system

and laccase activity. After 24 h incubation decrease in toxicity of diclofenac was confi rmed by Microtox test.

The removal of organic dyes from industrial wastewater remains a problem, both technically and

economically. In this study, Yarrowia lipolytica yeast cells were isolated from poultry meat and immobilized using

alginate. The immobilized Yarrowia lipolytica yeast was used as biosorbent to remove methylene blue (MB) dye

from synthetic effl uent water. The results show that maximum adsorption capacity under optimum conditions was

66.67 mg∙g-1. The equilibrium adsorption data fi tted well onto the Freundlich adsorption isotherms with R2

>0.99.

Adsorption kinetics was of pseudo-second order process suggesting that the adsorption was a chemisorption. FTIR

spectra identifi ed typical absorption bands of a biosorbent. Sorption of MB dye on Yarrowia lipolytica yeast cells

was exothermic with weak sorption interaction.

FA discharged from the wastewater treatment plant were extracted from purifi ed effl uents for the quantitative

and qualitative analysis. The treated sewage from municipal treatment plants was acidifi ed to pH <2 and extracted

with ion exchange resins in a laboratory column. After desorption with NH4

OH, the fulvic acids were condensed

under vacuum and tested for mass performance, UV-VIS light spectra, IR absorption spectra, elementary composition

and other elements. Their structure was analysed and compared to FA present in surface waters and in sewage treated

in other sewage treatment plants based on the authors’ own research and the literature data. The concentration of

FA in the treated sewage was 5.2 mg/L. There is a high interdependence between the IR spectrum analysis in the

visible light and the elementary composition of FA extracted from different environments, confi rming the conclusions

pertaining to the structure and properties of the acids being tested. The longer sewage is subjected to a biological

treatment process, the greater the degree of aromatic condensation and humus maturity of the FA contained within it.

FA contained in the sewage treated in the three biological sewage treatment plants have the ratio A2

/A3

(the ratio of the

absorbance of light with the wavelength of 250 and 300 nm) equal to the value 1.7. There is a high interdependence

between the IR spectrum analysis in the visible light and the elementary composition of FA extracted from different

environments, confi rming the conclusions pertaining to the structure and properties of the acids being tested.

Along with the increase in popularity of the sewage sludge thermal treatment methods in Poland

resulting from the implementation of European Union law, a management problem with ash, which is produced

as a result of this process, appeared. The paper analyses the chemical composition and physical properties of fl y

ash from thermal treatment of municipal sewage sludge in terms of its use in concrete technologies in relation to

EN 450-1 Fly ash for concrete. Defi nition, specifi cations and conformity criteria (2012) and EN 197-1 Cement.

Composition, specifi cations and conformity criteria for common cements (2011) standards. The tested material did

not meet the requirements related to use of fl y ash for concrete production (chemical composition, low activity

index, high water demand and fi neness), and as main and minor components for cement production. On the basis

of the carried out research and analyses, it was found that the hardening slurry technology creates the greatest

possibilities related to the management of fl y ash from thermal treatment of municipal sewage sludge.

The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediments of the Blachownia

reservoir (South Poland) was investigated. Spatial variability of PAH concentrations in the longitudinal profi le of the

tank was determined. PAHs in samples were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric

detection (GC-MS QP-2010 Plus Shimadzu) using an internal standard. Concentrations ranged from 0.103 μg/L to

2.667 μg/L (Σ16 PAHs) in water samples and from 2.329 mg/kg d.w. to 9.078 mg/kg d.w. (Σ16 PAHs) in sediment

samples. A pollution balance was calculated and it was estimated that the infl ow load was 17.70 kg PAHs during

the year and the outfl ow load was 9.30 kg PAHs per year. Accumulation of about 50% of the annual PAH loads

(8.90 kg) is a threat to the ecological condition of the ecosystem. It was calculated that the PAH loads in bottom

sediment were about 80 kg, which limits their economic use. Improvement of the ecological status of this type of

reservoir can be achieved by removing the sediment. Analysis of the diagnostic ratios obtained for selected PAHs

showed that the potential sources of PAH emissions in small agricultural – forest catchments can be combustion

of a coal, wood, plant material (low emission, forest fi res, burning grass, etc.). Transportation is also signifi cant.

The aim of the paper is to compare nitrate concentrations in samples of supply water as well as

water from deep and dug wells located in the eastern region of Poland. Additionally, samples of bottled water

(spring and natural mineral), certifi ed by the Institute of Mother and Child and the Children’s Memorial Health

Institute, were subjected to analyses. On the basis of the obtained results, health risks related to the occurrence

of methemoglobinemia in neonates and infants were evaluated. The risk analysis was performed according to

the procedure recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Nitrate concentrations in

the examined samples ranged from: 0.153–161.1 mg/l. The lowest concentration of nitrates was determined in

the samples of bottled water, the highest being detected in the water from dug wells. It was found that nitrate

concentration in samples of bottled and supply water did not pose any risk to the health of neonates and infants.

The highest health risk related to methemoglobinemia occurs for neonates consuming water originating from

dug wells. The risk decreases along with the age of an infant.

The possibility of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Sn(II) removal from model solutions and real wastewater from

the production of PCBs using Na2

CS3

for precipitation was presented in this paper. The testing was carried out

on a laboratory scale using model and real industrial wastewater containing additives in the form of complexing

compounds used in the production of PCBs (Na2

EDTA, NH3(aq), thiourea) and recommended by the USEPA

(Na3

MGDA, Na4

GLDA). Application of Na2

CS3

in optimal conditions of conducting precipitation process was

connected with obtaining wastewater containing low concentrations of metals (Cu 0.02 mg/L, Sn <0.01 mg/L, Ni

<0.005 mg/L at pH 9.39 and Cu 0.07 mg/L, Sn <0.01 mg/L, Ni 0.006 mg/L at pH 7.79). Controlled application of

Na2

CS3

by the use of a platinum redox electrode was also connected with obtaining treated wastewater containing

low concentrations of metals (Cu 0.019 mg/L, Sn <0.05 mg/L, Ni <0.0098 mg/L at pH 9–9.5 and E= -142 mV in the

laboratory scale and Cu 0.058 mg/L, Sn <0.005 mg/L, Ni 0.011 mg/L at pH 9.14 and E= +10 mV in the industrial

scale). Changing the value of redox potential of treated wastewater by dosing Na2

CS3

made it possible to control

the precipitation process on laboratory and industrial scale by the use of a platinum redox electrode. Controlled

application of Na2

CS3

can be used to remove Cu(II), Ni(II) and Sn(II) from industrial effl uent containing chelating

compounds like Na2

EDTA, NH3(aq), thiourea, Na3

MGDA and Na4

GLDA.

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of various methods of oil mixing with wastewater on

properties of synthetic municipal wastewater containing edible oil (SMW+0.02% m/v rapeseed oil). The study was

carried out in 3L glass, cylindrical reactors to which SMW+0.02% were introduced. Various methods of its mixing

with water were applied: mechanical mixing (SMW+0.02%+mixing) and sonication (SMW+0.02%+ultrasounds).

The wastewater was sonicated at 35 kHz for 30 min. The constant temperature conditions were maintained during

the experiment for each mixing method (15°C, 20°C and 30°C). The analysis of parameters (pH, COD, BOD5

and

long chain free fatty acids concentration) of raw wastewater and after 2, 4, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours of inoculation

was performed to determine the effect of mixing method.

The most signifi cant changes in wastewater chemical parameters after the introduction of the oil were observed

in the case of COD. For SMW+0.02%+ mixing a slow increase in COD within 24 hours of the process was observed.

In the case of SMW+0.02%+ultrasounds the increase and the decrease of COD value were observed in reference

to the initial value. The changes in acids concentrations observed in reactors with SMW+0.02%+ultrasounds were

referred to the ones observed in reactors with SMW+0.02%+mixing but changes were more intense in the fi rst

reactor. The use of ultrasounds in pre-treatment of wastewater resulted in the intense appearance of palmitic acid

for 6 hours. Regardless of the emulsion formation method (mixing or ultrasounds), the concentration of oleic acid

and linoleic acid was reduced. The biggest changes in free fatty acids concentration were observed for palmitic,

oleic and linoleic acids after 24 hours.

The adsorption of lead ions onto a zeolite bearing tuff (stilbite) from synthetic acid aqueous solution and

acid mine drainage taken from Sasa mine, Macedonia, is elaborated in this paper. The results present that adsorption

occurs effi ciently in both of cases.

The physical and chemical properties of the used natural material, zeolite bearing tuff, are characterized by X-ray

diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy. The concentration of metal ions in solution

before and after treatment is obtained by AES-ICP.

The effectivity of zeolite bearing tuff is determined through a series of experiments under batch conditions from

single ion solutions, whereby the main parameters are the effects of initial pH of solution, mass of adsorbent, initial

metal concentration in solution, contacting time and competing cations. The maximum capacity of zeolite bearing tuff

for removal of lead ions from solution is determined by equilibrium studies.

The experimental obtained data are fi tted with Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models. The experimental

data are better fi tted with Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Zeolite bearing tuff is effective adsorbent for treating acid mine drainage. The results showed that 99% of lead ions

are removed from acid mine drainage, i.e. the concentration of lead ions from 0.329 mg/dm3

decrease to 0.002 mg/dm3

.

The pH value of acid mine drainage from 3.90 after treatment with zeolite bearing tuff increases to 5.36.

This study is aimed at measuring the effect of pig, cow, horse and poultry manures on the degradation of

selected Polycyclic Aromatics Hydrocarbons present in oil sludge. Four kilograms of soil amended with 1.2 kg of oil

sludge was mixed with wood chips in a ratio of 1:2 (w:v) soil mixture: wood chips. The mixture was divided into fi ve parts

and four parts were separately mixed with pig, cow, horse or poultry manures in a ratio of 2:1 (w:w) and the fi fth portion

was used as the control with no manure added. All experiments were incubated for 10 months at room temperature.

Compost piles were turned weekly for aeration and moisture level was maintained by adding deionised water enough

to prevent the compost from getting dry. Moisture level, pH, temperature, CO2

evolution and oxygen consumption

were measured monthly and the ash content of the compost at the end of experimentation. Highest temperature reached

was 27.5°C in all compost heaps, pH ranged from 5.5 to 7.8 and CO2

evolution was highest in poultry manure at

18.78 μg/dwt/day. Microbial growth and activities were enhanced as indicated by increase in temperature, moisture

level, pH value and respiration rate in all the compost piles. Bacteria capable of utilizing PAHs were isolated, purifi ed

and characterized by molecular techniques using polymerase chain reaction with specifi c universal primers and the

amplicons were sequenced. Bacteria identifi ed were Bacillus, Arthrobacter and Staphylococcus species. Percentage

reduction in PAHs was measured using automated soxhlet extractor with Dichloromethane and gas chromatography/mass

spectrometry. Results from PAH concentration measurements showed reduction of between 77% and 99%. Co-

-composting of contaminated soil with animal manures enhanced the reduction in PAHs.

Air quality is crucial for human health and welfare. A large number of studies have indicated strong

associations between ambient air pollution levels and adverse health effects. There is a considerable number

of literature reports concerning changes in atmospheric greenhouse emissions, while relatively little is known on

changes in atmospheric CO emissions. This paper presents the rate of changes in atmospheric CO emissions using the

logarithmic method in the assessment of this rate. Studies were conducted based on source data from 32 Organization

for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. Analyses covered the period of 2005–2012. It was found that

the average rate of changes had a negative average rate for most, although not all analyzed countries. In three of the

32 countries atmospheric CO emissions increased in that period. While the intensity of these changes varied, a defi nite

majority of the countries reduced their CO emissions, whereas Turkey, Poland and Estonia increased their emissions.

The fourth industrial revolution has broadly transformed the manufacturing system. However, this transformation is somewhat lacking in traditional or manual production systems due to the absence of IT infrastructure. Such traditional industries need to have the advantage of real-time control and monitoring. This study has developed economic assembly planning, scheduling, and control for a traditional assembly system. We used the concept of the configurable virtual workstation as the digitalization framework. Then, we employed the decentralized scheduling concept to reduce the computational effort in scheduling the complex product. The implementation result showed that scheduling and planning have transformed the traditional assembly process into intelligent scheduling and control with low digitalization effort

Indonesia is widely known as a country with rich biodiversity. Medicinal plants that thrive in Indonesia are utilized as traditional medicine locally known as “jamu”. One of the islands famous for jamu production is Madura Island. As a well-known jamu producer, Madura Island are facing problems related to jamu production. Procurement of medicinal plants is not well controlled. There are no reports of spices procurement and production. When there is an increase in demand or sale of certain jamu, the stock of jamu is commonly inadequate/insufficient This may result in order cancellation. The solution to this problem is to create a production forecasting information system by using single exponential smoothing. The data used is a weekly report on the number of sales of 3 types of jamu from August to October 2024. Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) testing using an alpha value of 0.1 to 0.9 resulted in “high” accuracy and the forecasted values were close to the actual data values.

Small and Medium Enterprises SME play a crucial role in the global economy through their contribution in countries economy and creation of employment opportunities, and their success heavily relies on the implementation of efficient manufacturing systems like Lean Production(LP). LP is a continuous improvement philosophy based on various lean activities for improving enterprise lean performance. A fuzzy model that integration Fuzzy Consistency Algorithm (FCA) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was proposed as a comprehensive framework to assess the levels of importance and priority of nineteen SME lean activities that categorized into the related five related lean dimensions. FCA was used to construct the fuzzy pairwise comparison matrix to ensure obtaining consistent experts judgment, whereas FAHP was applied to identify the level of importance and priority of lean activities. Identifying the level of importance of lean activities will be contributed in focuses SME efforts in the improvement process on the most important lean activities to ensure effective resource allocation and foster continuous improvement process and offer a practical tool for enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability. The proposed model was applied in Iraqi SME. The result showed that FCA is an efficient approach to construct a consistent judgment matrix. Efficient manger, Kaizen team, supplier relationship, execution customer suggestions and customer satisfaction job rotation are the most important lean activities with level of importance 58.90%, 21.30%, 49.80%, 38.50%, 41.20% respectively. The proposed model can be used for small or medium size enterprise for various production industries.

In response to the urgent need for sustainable energy, this study addresses a critical challenge in wind turbine optimization. It focuses on developing a nuanced preventive maintenance strategy to minimize costs and mitigate energy losses. Within this framework, our paper introduces a novel approach employing a Monte Carlo simulation to identify the optimal preventive maintenance frequency, striking a balance between cost efficiency and energy loss mitigation. The results show, that grouped maintenance approach, pinpointing an optimal frequency of 93 months. This strategic configuration minimizes costs to $9997 while concurrently maintaining an average energy loss of 32.014 MWh, resulting in a notable 4.29% increase in total energy production. Variability analysis reveals that increasing maintenance frequency reduces cost fluctuations, while energy loss remains relatively stable. These findings elucidate the interplay among preventive maintenance strategies, cost, and reliability in the realm of wind turbine performance optimization

This study employed two primary approaches to determine the optimum structure: the lightweight and sustainable models. The lightweight model considered various factors such as materials, geometry, and dimensions of the brake disc rotor and brake pads. On the other hand, the sustainable model considers the manufacturing process and aims to reduce the carbon footprint. To calculate the optimal lightweight structure, finite element analysis was conducted using two different materials to compare the resulting stresses and determine the most appropriate material. Subsequently, four different models were utilized in finite element analysis to evaluate the displacement and stress and establish the optimum structure. Regarding sustainability, two distinct processes were employed to assess the environmental impact and energy consumption to adopt an eco-friendly approach. This paper investigates the transition from the initial brake disc rotor to a lightweight model, employing finite element analysis, topology optimization, and sustainability considerations. The work is achieved by comparing the cost between conventional and 3D printing processes.

This paper presents a model for evaluating production strategies, policies and methods based on fuzzy set theory. To illustrate the application of a model, the longitudinal case study was carried out in the sector of automotive components and parts production in Serbia. Within the automotive supplier industry, analysis is concentrated on the Cooper Standard company, one of the world’s most prominent component suppliers. The study was conducted with the management team of the Cooper Standard branch in Serbia. Triangular fuzzy numbers are employed to effectively evaluate the critical areas of production management and overall competitiveness over time. The findings of the empirical survey confirmed the usability and usefulness of the proposed approach. Also, the longitudinal character of this case study provided an opportunity to follow the patterns of change over a period of 5 years (2019–2024).

his study explores the impact of augmented reality (AR) on worker performance in manufacturing contexts through an analysis of case studies extant in the literature. Two specific analyses were conducted to assess the impacts of AR technologies on worker performance in terms of objective and subjective metrics, and in terms of their age, experience with the task and experience with the AR device. Regarding objective metrics, the results showed that the task completion time was reduced for some AR devices (projectors, monitors, tablets, smartphones), whereas the use of the head-mounted display (HMD) increased task-completion time; moreover, the error rate was reduced with any AR device compared with traditional methods. Regarding subjective metrics, the analysis underlined that operator perceived a lower workload with the HMD or the monitor compared with traditional methods. The age of operators did not influence performance, while the operators’ experience allowed for the improvement of human performance.

Business Process mapping (BP mapping) is important for a company to identify their activities. Previous research suggests several approaches for process identification and BP mapping, which would be easier if the company had already implemented a computer-based information system. The research presented in this paper has the purpose of providing an alternative method for BP mapping especially for the company that does not implement the computer-based information system. A proposed method is using job description documents that the company had to identify elements needed to perform BP mapping which are actor, process, document, and flow of documents. A Natural Language Process (NLP) which is text mining method is used for mining job documents to identify those elements that exist in each job position. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed method, samples of job descriptions of 15 companies are taken. It shows that the proposed method can be applied.

Nowaday, many manufacturing companies are integrating Industry 4.0 technology into their operational processes, particularly those aiming to enhance production operations. However, business decision-makers must remain vigilant about potential risks associated with adopting this technology. These risks include initial financial investments for testing and system installation, managing human resources to operate the new system, and concerns regarding data security. This study proposes designing an Industry 4.0 technology system to augment machining machine operations, leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) devices to facilitate connectivity and data transmission. Additionally, it aims to improve production process monitoring through visual management techniques. The machines under study are semi-automatic and lack operational digitization or expansion capacity. Through research on integrating low-cost Industry 4.0 technology into the production process, this study has achieved an annual reduction in production costs by $9593. Moreover, the defect rate for product length dimensions has plummeted from 54.90% per month to zero defects. The study employs the DMAIC method (Define-Measure-Analysis-Improve-Control) cycle within the Six Sigma methodology to investigate and apply low-cost Industry 4.0 technology to production process enhancement. This combined approach can be customized and applied to various business process improvement models, further enhancing the operation of machining machines originally equipped with Industry 3.0 technology.

In the era of Industry 4.0, digital human modeling (DHM) may be the key to improving ergonomics related to manual operations in the workplace. Poor workplace ergonomics may lead to reduced work productivity and an increased risk of health problems among employees, resulting in actual losses for enterprises, e.g., sickness absence, employee turnover, and training. DHM technology can help speed up ergonomic analysis and improvement. This paper proposes a methodological framework based on DHM to improve ergonomics in the workplace. Its purpose is to provide practitioners with an easy and detailed approach to ergonomics assessment and improvement procedures. The framework developed two main stages: the workplace Research Stage and the DHM and Simulation Stage, which cover the eight detailed steps of an effective DHM-based ergonomic assessment together. A case study was used to verify and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodological framework.

In the logistics center (warehouse or distribution center), customer orders need to be picked up by the pickers. In this research, we examine the order-picking problem with sequencedependent constraints with two decision variables (container start time and product quantity) in a distribution center with a one-directional conveyor. The decision-making is based on the developed two variations of two-step matheuristics. At first, the main order-picking problem is divided into two subproblems. Next, each step of each variant of the subproblem is solved using a mathematical programming-based technique. Both matheuristics were better in 85 of 120 test instances compared to the initial model solved by mathematical programming. Pickers matheuristics were better on average at 46.56%, while Buffers matheuristics were better on average at 46.87%. The proposed matheuristics approach allows distributors to schedule orders in the logistics center fast enough and with fewer resources.

The purpose of the research process was to assess the state of knowledge on the use of Industry 4.0 postulates in the context of Engineer 4.0 and Manager 4.0 competencies in family firms, identify research gaps and outline future research directions. We conducted a systematic literature review of 21 articles from the Scopus database that relate to the topic of Industry 4.0 and Engineer 4.0 and Manager 4.0 in family firms. To identify the state of the art, keyword co-occurrence analysis using VosViewer software was used as an analytical tool. We identified the most influential journals and subject areas. The study allowed us to identify consistent clusters that show a wide variety of topics in the discussion of the mentioned topic. The results showed a wide dispersion of research interests and the lack of a single, in-depth or dominant research area dealing with the phenomenon worldwide. We recommend further research on family businesses and Industry 4.0. In addition, the lack of comparative research on family and non-family businesses should be addressed. Contribution and added value: Our systematic literature review systematizes the existing literature on Industry 4.0 in family firms, isolates key research interests, identifies future research directions and provides important insights for researchers.

The purpose of the work presented here is a comparative analysis of two methods of solving the problem of optimizing the working time and path length of operators for manual harvesting of raspberries over an area of one hectare. An analytical solution is a method of solving mathematical problems based on finding an exact formula that describes a phenomenon or process. A simulation solution is the opposite of a numerical solution, which is based on calculating an approximation using statistical methods. An analytical and simulation approach will be presented to show how to calculate the number of workers needed, the minimum working time and the length of the path taken by raspberry fruit pickers. The results obtained for the two methods are compared.