Treatment and valorization plants in materials recovery supply chain

Aim of industrial symbiosis is to create synergies between industries in order to exchange resources (by-products, water and energy) through geographic proximity and collaboration [1]. By optimizing resource flows in a “whole-system approach”, a minimization of dangerous emissions and of supply needs can be achieved. Resources exchanges are established to facilitate recycling and re-use of industrial waste using a commercial vehicle. Several paths can be identified in order to establish an industrial symbiosis network (Figure 1, left), in relation (i) to the life cycle phase (raw material, component, product) and (ii) to the nature (material, water, energy) of the resource flows to be exchanged. Sometimes by-products and/or waste of an industrial process have to be treated and valorized in order to become the raw materials for others. In particular, two main treatment processes can be identified: refurbishment/upgrade for re-use (Figure 1, center) and recycling for material recovery (Figure 1, right). A brief overview of technological and economic aspects is given, together with their relevance to industrial symbiosis

The resource efficiency in sustainable production system: Monitoring consumptions, reducing waste, and reusing them as raw materials

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Ecosystem indicators for measuring industrial symbiosis

Industrial symbiosis (IS) is a collaborative approach among firms involving physical exchanges of materials, energy, and wastes, which creates economic advantages for firms and environmental benefits for the society. In this paper, we adopt an ecosystem approach to conceptualize the network of firms involved in IS relationships (ISN), in terms of organisms (firms), functions (waste exchange), and services (environmental benefits), and provide new insight on how to assess and compute IS performance indicators. In particular, we designed five classes of indicators aimed at assessing 1) the impact of services provided by ISNs on the environment, 2) the performance of the ISN services, 3) how the single functions contribute to ISN services, 4) the performance of the ISN functions, and 5) how the single firms contribute to ISN functions. A numerical example is also discussed showing how to compute them and the information they provide. The proposed indicators are useful to develop proper strategies to increase the efficiency of the system in exploiting the IS synergies, to improve the symbiotic exchanges carried out in ISNs, and to identify firms contributing most to IS benefits. Hence, they may assist managers of ISNs and policymakers in decision-making aspects, an urgent need of the literature

Mediating Effects of Process Improvement between Lean Manufacturing and Financial Performance

Abstract: In today's competitive business environment, companies aim to boost financial performance (FP) through effective strategies. Lean Manufacturing (LM) optimizes resources while delivering customer value. Although LM's impact on FP is recognized, the mediating role of Process Improvement (PI) remains an area of interest. This study investigates the relationships among LM, PI, and FP within Libyan manufacturing companies. The primary objective is to explore the dynamics among Lean Manufacturing (LM), Process Improvement (PI), and Financial Performance (FP) within the context of Libyan manufacturing. By enhancing comprehension of these interrelationships, this research aims to provide insights for manufacturing entities. An empirical survey was conducted across various Libyan manufacturing firms to achieve this goal. The survey included dimensions related to LM, PI, and FP. Collected data underwent multivariate techniques, structural equation modeling, and measurement model validation for comprehensive analysis. Results confirm a positive correlation between LM and PI, signifying the effectiveness of incorporating lean practices for process efficiency. However, a notable finding suggests a lack of significant impact of PI on FP, challenging the notion that process improvement directly leads to better financial outcomes. Additionally, the hypothesized mediating role of PI in the LM-FP connection lacks empirical support, implying a more complex relationship. In conclusion, this study highlights the complex interplay of LM, PI, and FP in Libyan manufacturing, emphasizing nuanced strategies for financial optimization. Further research is needed to validate and expand these context-specific insights, offering empirical guidance to organizations navigating lean practices and financial performance. . Keywords: Lean Manufacturing- Process Improvement- Financial Performance- Libyan Manufacturing Companies&nbsp

A framework to design smart manufacturing systems for Industry 5.0 based on the human-automation symbiosis

The concept of Industry 5.0 (I5.0) promotes the human-centricity as the core value behind the evolution of smart manufacturing systems (SMSs), based on a novel use of digital technologies in the design and management of modern industrial systems to take up the socio-technical challenges. In this context, the paper proposes a Smart Manufacturing Systems Design (SMSD) framework enabling I5.0, based on the human-automation symbiosis. Thanks to an 'Augmented Digital Twin' (ADT) able to integrate and digitize all the entities of the factory (i.e. machines, robots, environments, interfaces, people), AI-driven applications can be built to support the user domain and make people and machines co-evolve thanks to a systematic data sharing between physical and digital assets (e.g. digital twin, virtual mock-ups, human-machine interfaces), optimizing factory productivity and workers wellbeing. In this framework, machines and humans can both generate knowledge and learn from each other, generating a virtuous co-evolution, supporting the understanding of the human-machine interplay and the creation of an effective collaboration between people and SMSs. The framework was conceived and validated involving four industrial companies, belonging to diverse sectors, interested in overcoming the current limits of I4.0 lines by including the human factors for future SMS management

Institutional Framework and Regulatory Challenges in the Development of the Sharia Financial Sector in Indonesia: A Political Economy Perspective

This study aims to examine the institutional framework and regulatory challenges in the development of the Sharia financial sector in Indonesia.The main objectives of this research are to analyze the role of government institutions and regulatory bodies, as well as to identify regulatory barriers, in order to strengthen the institutional framework and support the growth of the Sharia financial sector in Indonesia.This study utilizes qualitative research to analyze the institutional framework and regulatory challenges in Indonesia's Sharia financial sector from a political economy perspective. Data will be gathered from policy documents, legal regulations, government reports, academic publications, case studies, and expert interviews. The analysis will involve content analysis for policy documents and regulations, interview analysis, and descriptive analysis of statistical data on the sector's growth.Overall, the results of the analysis show that through this active participation, the Indonesian government hopes to strengthen Indonesia's image as the global financial center of Shariah and the country's economic position at the international level. Thus, the role of the Indonesian government in the Sharia financial sector is expected to continue to grow, provide greater benefits to Indonesians, and strengthen Indonesia's position at the international level. Increased intensive collaboration between governments, practitioners, and colleges in the form of development programs to produce competent human resources (HRM) finance. Providing stronger policy incentives and support The government needs to provide stronger incentives and policy support to develop Sharia finance in Indonesia. Encourage the development of innovative Sharia financial products

Mapping Big Data into Knowledge Space with Cognitive Cyber-Infrastructure

Big data research has attracted great attention in science, technology, industry and society. It is developing with the evolving scientific paradigm, the fourth industrial revolution, and the transformational innovation of technologies. However, its nature and fundamental challenge have not been recognized, and its own methodology has not been formed. This paper explores and answers the following questions: What is big data? What are the basic methods for representing, managing and analyzing big data? What is the relationship between big data and knowledge? Can we find a mapping from big data into knowledge space? What kind of infrastructure is required to support not only big data management and analysis but also knowledge discovery, sharing and management? What is the relationship between big data and science paradigm? What is the nature and fundamental challenge of big data computing? A multi-dimensional perspective is presented toward a methodology of big data computing.Comment: 59 page