Title: The effect of Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility on industrial SMEs’ innovation

Abstract:

This article analyses how Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (ECSR) strategies may help to enhance innovation among small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). We test our hypotheses over a large sample of 2,620 industrial SMEs in Spain. We find empirical support for ECSR driving innovation as measured by the innovative effort or R&D and its outcomes in terms of product and process innovation. In addition, we distinguish the effect of ESCR on innovation among innovative and non-innovative SMEs. The effect is more intense for the later, suggesting an important role of ECSR on firms’ transformation. Our study contributes to the literature by analyzing the effect of ECSR in promoting innovation, as opposed to most studies that examine only on green-innovation. Besides, we examine the neglected research area of SMEs environmental strategies. Our findings on the instrumental value of ECSR related to innovation strengthen the business case of pro-environmental strategies, specifically for SMEs.

Biography:

Elisa Aracil is a Professor of Economics at Universidad Pontificia-ICADE in Madrid. She has built her career in a variety of roles related to investment banking and the academic world. Her research focuses on sustainable finance, sustainable banks, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental related innovations, digitalization and the progress towards teh Sustainable Development Goals . She has published in top scientific journals such as Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, Business Ethics: A European Review, International Journal of Emerging markets and Global Policy. She has presented her work in peer-reviewed academic conferences such as the Academy of International Business (AIB), the European International Business Academy (EIBA) and the Academy of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Knowledge Conference (ACIEK), formerly GIKA and INEKA. She is a researcher at several competitive research projects, and a member of CETIS-PhD program at Universidad Pontifica Comillas.

Title: Effect of Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility on industrial SMEs’ innovation

Abstract:

This article analyses how Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (ECSR) strategies may help to enhance innovation among small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). We test our hypotheses over a large sample of 2,620 industrial SMEs in Spain. We find empirical support for ECSR driving innovation as measured by the innovative effort or R&D and its outcomes in terms of product and process innovation. In addition, we distinguish the effect of ESCR on innovation among innovative and non-innovative SMEs. The effect is more intense for the later, suggesting an important role of ECSR on firms’ transformation. Our study contributes to the literature by analyzing the effect of ECSR in promoting innovation, as opposed to most studies that examine only on green-innovation. Besides, we examine the neglected research area of SMEs environmental strategies. Our findings on the instrumental value of ECSR related to innovation strengthen the business case of pro-environmental strategies, specifically for SMEs.

Biography:

Dr. Francisco Javier Forcadell is an associate professor of management in the Rey Juan Carlos University, and professor in ESIC Business and Marketing School. He has held visiting professorship at some universities around the world. His research and teaching revolve primarily around Strategic Management and Corporate Social Responsibility. He was a consultant at Spanish’ Economy Ministry. He is the author of 17 international publications, focusing on diverse aspects of CSR, innovation, and corporate strategy. He has published in several top journals (six of them listed in the top 10th percentile of JCR categories), including Research Policy, Long Range Planning, Journal of World Business, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, Journal of Business Ethics, Business Ethics: A European Review, Journal of Economic Surveys, Journal of Business Research, Scientometrics, and Global Policy.

Title: In-planta expression of HT lignocellulose digesting enzymes: a green & economic strategy for advanced biofuel production

Abstract:

The growing demand for energy and concerns about Greenhouse gas emissions have stimulated a worldwide interest in the exploitation of lignocellulosic plant biomass, the most abundant renewable and low-cost organic raw material for production of biofuels and biomaterials. In planta expression of lignocellulose digesting enzymes is a promising approach to reduce the production costs associated with biomass pretreatments and enzymatic hydrolysis. However, this approach faces a number of challenges, including auto-hydrolysis of developing cell walls, plant growth and yield penalties, low expression levels and the limited stability of expressed enzymes at the high temperatures generally used for biomass processing to release fermentable sugars. In planta consolidated bioprocessing using hyperthermophilic (HT) lignocellulose-degrading enzymes is a promising strategy for conversion of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars because these enzymes will continue to function during the ‘heat-up’ phase of a steam explosion process used for lignocellulose pretreatment. The high level functional expression of recombinant HT enzymes in bioenergy feed-stocks could reduce, or even obviate, the need for exogenous enzyme additions prior to fermentation, substantially reducing the cost of the complete processing operation.

Biography:

Marc A. Rosen is a Professor at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Canada, where he served as founding Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. Dr. Rosen was President of the Engineering Institute of Canada. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of several journals and as a Director of Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation. With over 60 research grants and contracts and 800 publications, Dr. Rosen is an active teacher and researcher in sustainable energy, environmental impact, and energy technology (including renewable energy and efficiency improvement). Much of his research has been carried out for industry, and he has written numerous books. Dr. Rosen has worked for such organizations as Imatra Power Company in Finland, Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, and the Institute for Hydrogen Systems near Toronto. Dr. Rosen has received numerous awards and honors, and is a fellow of several societies and organizations.

Title: Machine Learning Approaches and Remote Sensing Applications to Assess Groundwater Radioactivity in Arid Environments

Abstract:

In this study, we developed and used an automated machine learning (AML) approach to quantify relationships between gross α and gross β activities and different geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical conditions. Two AML model groups (group I for gross α; group II for gross β) were constructed, using water samples collected from 360 irrigation and water supply wells, to define a robust model that explains the spatial variability in gross α and gross β activities, as well as variables that control the gross activities. Each group contained four model families: deep neural network (DNN), gradient boosting machine (GBM), generalized linear model (GLM), and distributed random forest (DRF). Model inputs include chemical compositions as well as geological and hydrogeological conditions. Three performance metrics were used to evaluate the models during training and testing: normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), and Nash-Sutcliff efficiency (NSE) coefficient. Results indicate that (1) the GBM model outperformed (training: NRMSE: 0.37 ± 0.10; r: 0.92 ± 0.05; NSE: 0.85 ± 0.09; testing: NRMSE: 0.71 ± 0.08; r: 0.72 ± 0.08; NSE: 0.49 ± 0.12) the DNN, DRF, and GLM models when modelling gross α activities; (2) gross α activities are controlled by pH, stream density, nitrate, manganese, and vegetation index; (3) the DRF model outperformed (training: NRMSE: 0.41 ± 0.05; r: 0.92 ± 0.02; NSE: 0.83 ± 0.04; testing: NRMSE: 0.67 ± 0.09; r: 0.77 ± 0.07; NSE: 0.54 ± 0.12) the GBM, DNN, and GLM models when modelling gross β activities; (4) input variables that affect the gross β actives are pH, temperature, stream density, lithology, and nitrate; and (5) no single model could be used to model both gross α and gross β activities—instead, a combination of AML models should be used 
 

Biography:

Othman. A. Fallatah. Assistance Professor, Faculty of Nuclear Engineering, and Radiation Protection & Training Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah. He received his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, USA. His  research interested in ( Environmental Radioactivity, GIS, Remote Sensing, hydrology, modeling). As part of his current research activities, he builds upon the chemistry background he acquired during his B.Sc., which involved monitoring and analyzing water quality problems in KSA and natural radioactive pollution, as well as understanding geology, hydrology, and geochemistry.

Title: Pyrolysed Residual Biomass as a Substitutional Fuel for Iron Ores Sintering Process

Abstract:

The paper presents results of the research on the use of chars produced during pyrolysis of residual biomass as a substitutional fuel in the iron ore sintering process. Such the approach allows to implement circular economy and industrial symbiosis to iron and steel branch. The effect of the substitution of conventional coke breeze fuel used in sintering on final sinter quality and emission was examined. In regard to productivity, fuel consumption and properties of the sinter it was shown, that the share of tested biochars in fuel may be kept at 10 up to 30wt.%, depending on the biochar type. It was observed, that with the use of the biochars, the content of iron oxide in the sinter decreased, what was advantageous. Moreover, the sinter obtained at the presence of biochars characterized with better strength and abrasion than the sinter obtained with coke breeze based fuel improving the final product quality. The presence of biochar influenced on raw exhaust gas composition and resulted in slight increase of organic and inorganic carbon compounds content, while the amount of sulphur oxides was noticeably decreased. It was concluded the biochars may be applied in sintering process at established share in the fuel stream.

Biography:

Wojciech Szulc is research worker and Deputy Financial and Operational Director. Specialist in the field of plastic deformation of metal, business consultancy for steel sector in that in the area of environmental protection. An expert in the field of best available BAT techniques for further metal processing (FMP) – member of TWG for FMP BREF review - JRC EIPPCB in Seville. V-ce President of European Steel Technology Platform ESTEP. Co-author of industry guide on the application of BAT techniques for the metallurgical industry ordered of the Ministry of the Environment.

Title: Advanced remote sensing methods for environmental development monitoring

Abstract:

This paper designs a globally smart energy frame for zero carbon emission covering electricity, transport, industry, etc. all sectors. Primarily, Carbon-free World Power Grid (CFWPG) is proposed here; converter-train as the pivotal technology is proffered, to construct Inertia-endowed Convert-station and DC Transformer for integrating remote generation, DC transmission, AC local grid and DC sub-grid into CFWPG configuration; supportive technologies including Multi-function Energy Storage are listed; the decisive factors of low-priced electricity are given. In order to prove zero carbon emission fully viable, non-carbon transport methods and carbon-free metal productions are particularly discussed as innovative improvement examples ofother sectors. In the future, it is expected that more than 95% energy will be gained through CFWPG; production and energy consumption modes will be upgraded; and low-priced electricity will make carbon consumption become a luxury.

Biography:

Jianlong Bai received the B.S. degree in metallurgy engineering from Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, in 1999 and the M.S. degree in electrical engineering from Shenyang University of Technology, in 2006. Now, he is an interdisciplinary researcher, researches what he can touch though mainly in electrical - renewable energy generation, electric propulsions, South Australia blackouts, distinctive Hyperloop, etc. And as  an engineer, he always engages in R&D of electric machine.

Title: Research on power optimization strategies of photovoltaic array on highway pavement under the dynamic random vehicle shading conditions

Abstract:

The influence of architecture and modification of carbon nanomaterials with halogens on the transport of charge carriers in polymer chains”; Grant of the President of the Russian Federation “development of a new type of thermoelectric generator based on potassium titanates decorated with nanosized oxide heterostructures”; RFBR project “theoretical and experimental foundations of the formation of highly homogeneous superconcentrates of nanostructural additives for thermoplastic polymers”.

Biography:

Igor Nikolaevich Burmistrov is a PhD professor in material and works with department of chemistry and chemical technology of Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov and department of functional nanosystems and high-temperature materials of NUST “MISiS”. PhD habilitation was defended in 2015. The subject of PhD theses "development of scientific bases of synthesis and modification of potassium titanate and technology of polymer composites based on them". Experience in managing research staff: State assignment of the Ministry of Education and Science, design part, project "development of new technologies for thermoelectric conversion of low potential heat into electricity"; RFBR project “The influence of architecture and modification of carbon nanomaterials with halogens on the transport of charge carriers in polymer chains”.

Title: The Delivery of different ecosystem services in pasture by shelter created from the hybrid sterile bioenergy-grass miscanthus x giganteus.

Abstract:

The performance of turbo-generators significantly depends on the design of the power turbine. This research aims to design and optimize an integrated turbo-generator for diesel engines. The goal is to generate electricity from the vehicle exhaust gas. Electrical energy is derived from generators using the flow, pressure, and temperature of exhaust gases from combustion engines and heat-waste. In the case of turbo-generators and thermoelectric generators, the system automatically adjusts the power provided by an inverter. Typically, vehicle exhausts are discarded to the environment. Hence, the proposed conversion to electrical energy will reduce the alternator charging system. This work focuses on design optimization of a turbo-generator for 2500 cc. diesel engines, due to their widespread usage. 

Biography:

Mohammed Hussain Alanbari is a industrial engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, master in control and instrumentation and energy from the University of Brighton in London, specialist in industrial automation. Projects: SPRIT PAORAMA (perception and navigation organization for autonomous mobile applications), BRITE PSYCHO (powerful tools for identification and control of highly non-linear process) MAVIR, SINAMED, ISIS, TEFILA2. He is currently working in the fields of applying nanotechnologies in renewable energy.

Title: Advanced remote sensing methods for environmental development monitoring

Abstract:

This research presents advanced remote sensing methods and techniques for monitoring and analysis of environmental development. The research deals with novel state-of-the-art technology for spatial data collection based on satellite imagery as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Preprocessing, classification of satellite and aerial imageries, as well as methods for the land-cover mapping, environmental monitoring, and environment development analysis will be shown and explained in real cases. Furthermore, some methods (and measures) for the accuracy assessment of the land-cover classification and remotely sensed measured and collected values will be discussed. The entire process of environmental development monitoring will be shown on real case studies. All newly developed and presented methodology was based on the open-source software and tested on the open-source data. Therefore, presented procedures can be easily used, free of charge, in the environmental development monitoring and analysis of various applications and areas around the world.

Biography:

Assistant Professor Mateo Gašparović, Ph.D. is the Head of the Chair of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing of the Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb. As a scientist, Prof. Gašparović actively works on the development and application of advanced remote sensing and photogrammetry methods in environmental science, geoinformation system, documentation of cultural heritage and the development of UAVs. He is giving lectures on Geoinformation Systems and Advanced Remote Sensing at the Faculty of Geodesy. Prof. Gašparović is currently the Vice-Dean for Business and Finance at the Faculty of Geodesy. He is a project manager on project “Advanced photogrammetry and remote sensing methods for environmental change monitoring – RS4ENVIRO” funded by the University of Zagreb and researcher on projects “Geospatial Monitoring of Green Infrastructure by Means of Terrestrial, Airborne and Satellite Imagery – GEMINI” and “Retrieval of Information from Different Optical 3D Remote Sensing Sources for Use in Forest Inventory – 3D-FORINVENT” funded by Croatian Science Foundation

Title: Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and its impact on UK Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)

Abstract:

In the light of the growing concern over global warming and the EU’s ambitious goal of 80% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the UK Government has recently introduced a new legislation targeting the energy performance of commercial buildings. This legislation which is called Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES), requires the commercial buildings to hold an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of minimum E or above, before any deal can be made on the property. The EPCs were first introduced in the UK in 2008 and have been considered an energy signal tool for the market ever since. The process for generating non-domestic EPC in the UK is usually carried out in a software called SBEM, which is simplified energy model of the building. Considering the available evidences from the literature that the EPCs generated through different software for the same building tend to be different from one another, it is of high importance to investigate the accuracy and reliability of EPCs, especially with new requirements, where failing to secure the minimum levels required by the MEES can result in hefty penalties. The current study generates the EPCs for three UK hotel buildings by using a combination of detailed site survey and thermal analysis simulations and compares them against the existing commercial energy assessment for the concerning buildings generated through SBEM. Furthermore, this study will also investigate the potential discrepancies and the reasons behind this.

Biography:

Shiva Amirkhani is a registered architect from Iran with a master’s degree from Bartlett, UCL, focusing on the impact of built environment on human health, comfort and wellbeing. Her research interests include energy analysis of the buildings and building simulation, the impact of built environment on human health and comfort and sustainable design. She started her PhD in January 2019 at UWL and her project is about the UK Government’s MEES legislation and its impact on hotel buildings. In her PhD she is focusing on energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and occupant thermal comfort in hotel building.

Title: Delivery of multiple ecosystem services in pasture by shelter created from the hybrid sterile bioenergy grass Miscanthus x giganteus

Abstract:

The benefits of shelter in increasing crop yields and accelerating ripening has been well researched in fruit, arable and horticultural crops. Its benefits to pasture, despite its importance for livestock production, is less well researched. In this work, Miscanthus shelterbelts were established on an intensively irrigated dairy farm. Seven key ecosystem services associated with these belts were identified and quantified. Pasture yield and quality were recorded in Miscanthus-sheltered and control field boundaries with little shelter. Pasture yield increased by up to 14% in the sheltered areas downwind of Miscanthus. Pasture quality was equivalent in the sheltered and open areas.Miscanthus provided more favourable nesting sites for bumblebees and for New Zealand endemic lizards (skinks) compared to field boundaries. The sheltered areas also had higher mineralisation rates of organic matter and higher numbers of earthworms. Using a high-yielding sterile grass such as Miscanthus to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services also produced a bioenergy feedstock. In conclusion, full benefits of shelterbelts to the farming system cannot be fully assessed unless direct and indirect benefits are properly assessed, as in this work.

Biography:

Christopher Paul Littlejohn is a farmer residing in Uganda. Previous to this he was researching energy grass use for the Green Elephant Company, whose mission was to bring sustainable energy use to Uganda. He completed his PhD research in New Zealand on the ecosystem benefits of incorporating energy grass production into dairy agricultural systems and has worked closely with MiscanthusNZ to further promote this work. At present he is helping to establish Proton carbon and renewable diesel plants in New Zealand and Uganda. Previous to his PhD Chris was farming in the UK before becoming a teacher in 2010 and teaching in both the UK and NZ at school, tertiary and University level.

Title: A chitosan from Aspergillus niger cultured on post-harvest waste based substrate promotes growth and induces defence responses in Oryzae sativa – a sustainable agronomical strategy

Abstract:

Global climatic changes and expansion of the world population is the major concern of food insecurities. Sustainable agriculture and environmental friendly strategies are emerging to intensify the crop improvement to challenge the issues in plant development, yield increase and protection against pests and pathogens. The present research involves induction of defense mechanism in Oryzae sativa by an elicitor (chitosan), extracted from the Aspergillus niger. The fungus was cultivated from the post-harvest wastes of paddy as substratum in solid-state fermentation.  Chitosan was extracted, characterized and used as a seed priming, antibacterial as well as a chemical elicitor for inducing the systemic responses of the rice. Interestingly, a significant increase in plant height with a higher number of lateral roots was observed in primed seeds when compared to control. Increased content of phenolic compounds and activity of peroxidases and polyphenol oxidase enzymes were evidenced in plantlets grown from the primed seeds. Thus, our results have established the potential of the novel chitosan to stimulate plant growth as well induce defense responses. Consequently, the application of chitosan will reduce the use of chemical pesticides, which will minimize the health hazards and pollution posed by chemicals.

Biography:

Stanley-Raja Vethamonickam is currently working as Senior Research Fellow in a DST-SERB project and perusing Ph.D in Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. He has seven years of research experience working with various agricultural crop diseases and pest management. He is currently involving research in sustainable agricultural strategies to manage the rice diseases and pests. In this research elicitor compound which promotes plant growth as well as induce defense mechanism was extracted from fungus Aspergillus niger which was cultivated in the post-harvest paddy wastes thus providing an eco-friendly strategy to manage and utilize the agricultural wastes efficiently.

Title: Biogas Recovery from Municipal Waste by Anaerobic Co-digestion of Multi Feedstocks

Abstract:

Anaerobic digestion (AD) for producing biofuel from biomass offers dual benefits including waste reduction and biogas production. In many facilities, biogas contains a high fraction of methane (more than 60%) that can be utilized as an alternative to fossil fuels for heat and electricity production. AD technologies have shown sufficient adaptability to a range of different feedstocks. Various sources of waste such as organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), agricultural and animal wastes, sewage sludge, and industrial waste can be utilized for this purpose. Anaerobic co-digestion (AnCoD), which entails the simultaneous digestion of two or more feedstocks has shown to be beneficial for its economic viability, increasing methane yields, and its capability to alleviate some of the problems emerging in mono-digestion. In areas with vast numbers of large-scale livestock farms, the development of a treatment process for manure is necessary to properly handle the high amount of produced waste. Degradability of manure makes anaerobic digestion a good treatment option to minimize waste above and beyond bioenergy recovery. Co-digestion of manure with additional substrates provided that appropriate mixing ratios are applied can improve digestion process and increase biogas production. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of mixing ratio in anaerobic co-digestion of thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) and manure. The maximum ultimate cumulative methane yield was 378 mL CH4 / g VS Added attributed to the mixing ratio of 7:3 (V/V) while this value was 196 for TWAS and 325 for manure singly. The results confirmed that co-digestion of manure with TWAS is beneficial in terms of biogas improvement and system stability in comparison with conventional digestion of TWAS and manure individually.

Biography:

Anahita Rabii is 4th year PhD candidate in civil engineering at Ryerson University. Anahita has her proficiency in water and wastewater sectors including water and wastewater treatment technologies, pollution control and monitoring, and resource recovery through working in both industry and academia. Anahita is currently conducting her research on developing a model for anaerobic co-digestion of multi feedstocks. A range of waste materials can be utilized as feedstocks for digesters. Anaerobic digestion is able to convert waste to biogas comprised mostly of biomethane which delivers a 100 % renewable source of energy for heat and power generation.