Standards

It is well understood that climate change is a major cause of the environmental shifts that are significantly impacting human lives. The floods caused by climate change are not only occurring more frequently each year, but they also bring up the problem of access to clean water for drinking and other daily usage for the affected communities. The Swat district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan is one of the impacted regions and the growing concern for clean water access is yet to be resolved. This study aims to propose a sustainable solution to water access during the emergencies, particularly in flood and drought situations. While the roof water harvesting system (RWHS) is well established and functional in many developed regions, its potential remains underexplored in Pakistan. This research study analyzed the climate change projection data for the Saidu Sharif region of Swat. The regional climate data are gathered from the Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) for the period from 2015 to 2045. Five general circulation models (GCMs) were selected based on their performance in South Asian climate simulations. Analysis of the regional forecasted climate data indicates that almost all of the five climate models have predicted the periods of excessive rainfall to occur in the months of July, August, and September, while prolonged dry seasons may last between 271 and 325 days annually. Hydrological modeling was used to estimate RWHS performance, which incorporated the key parameters such as catchment area, runoff coefficient, and rainfall intensity. The findings suggest that the proposed RWHS could meet basic drinking water needs during the floods and even during the drought periods near around 100% satisfaction of water demand under certain conditions. For example, for an average drought period of 273 days, a household of seven people with a per capita daily water demand of 17 L requires a storage capacity of 33 m³. On the other hand, for a maximum drought duration of 325 days, the required storage volume increases to 39 m³. Demand satisfaction calculations are also used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model. This research contributes to addressing the growing water scarcity challenge posed by climate change in the Swat region and offers a sustainable and practical solution. Full article

(1) Background: This study aimed to analyze and rank the benefits of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the logistics area, considering the opinions of professionals working in the Brazilian logistics sector through the implementation of ISO/IEC 42001. (2) Methods: The procedures adopted included a literature review to identify the benefits of the use and the application of a survey aimed at professionals in the logistics sector. The analysis used the TOPSIS method to identify and rank the most decisive benefits. (3) Results: Of the 15 benefits mapped in the literature, the professionals attributed the greatest importance to customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, incentives for innovation, and improving the company’s image and competitive advantage. The results indicate that adopting ISO/IEC 42001 not only promotes process optimization and cost reduction, but also encourages innovation and strengthens competitiveness in the market. (4) Conclusions: The implementation of this standard is vital for companies in the logistics sector, especially in a Brazilian context of major infrastructural and regulatory challenges. The findings highlight the need for a strategic approach to the adoption of AI, emphasizing the importance of efficient logistics management and ethical practices in the application of this technology. Full article

This study investigates the optimization of tree detection in static images using YOLOv5, YOLOv8, and YOLOv11 models, leveraging a custom non-standard image bank created exclusively for this research. Objectives: To enhance tree detection in static images by comparing the performance of YOLOv5, YOLOv8, and YOLOv11 models. The comparison involved hyperparameter tuning and the application of various optimizers, aiming to improve model performance in terms of precision, recall, F1, and mean average precision (mAP). Design/Methodology/Approach: A custom image bank was utilized to train YOLOv5, YOLOv8, and YOLOv11 models. During training, the hyperparameters’ learning rate and momentum were tuned in combination with the optimizers SGD, Adam, and AdamW. Performance metrics, including precision, recall, F1, and mAP, were analyzed for each configuration. Key Results: The optimization process achieved precision values of 100% with Adam for YOLOv8 and SGD for YOLOv11, and recall of 91.5% with AdamW on YOLOv8. Additionally, mAP values reached 95.6% for AdamW on YOLOv8 and 95.2% for SGD on YOLOv11. Convergence times for mAP were also significantly reduced, demonstrating faster training and enhanced overall model performance. Originality/Research gap: This study addresses a gap in tree detection using YOLO models trained on non-standard image banks, a topic that is less commonly explored in the literature. The exclusive development of a custom image bank further adds novelty to the research. Practical Implications: The findings underscore the effectiveness of model optimization in tree detection tasks using custom datasets. This methodology could be extended to other applications requiring object detection in non-standard image banks. Limitations of the investigation: This study is limited to tree detection within a single custom dataset and does not evaluate the generalizability of these optimizations to other datasets or object detection tasks. Full article

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is widely recognized for promoting environmental sustainability in the built environment, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, resource management, and ecological impact. However, as sustainability entails environmental and economic dimensions but also social dimensions, the current BREEAM New Construction standards do not fully address social sustainability targets. This article explores the potential for expanding BREEAM New Construction standards to more comprehensively incorporate social sustainability, ensuring that certified projects contribute to the well-being of their occupants and surrounding communities. Through a review of existing BREEAM categories, technical manuals, standards, and an analysis of gaps related to social sustainability, this paper identifies key areas for potential improvement, including user satisfaction, protecting workers’ and human rights, legacy planning, education and skills, and emergency response planning. These gaps are mapped against existing BREEAM categories and credits, with recommendations to introduce additional credits across the categories of management, materials, energy, waste, land use and ecology, health and well-being, and water. Additionally, this paper highlights the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together architects, urban planners, social scientists, and public health experts—to effectively address the complexity of social sustainability in building design and certification. The proposed additions to BREEAM New Construction standards, alongside recommendations for industry and policymakers, offer guidelines for the evolution of green building certifications toward a more holistic approach to sustainability. This shift ensures that future certified buildings reduce environmental impact and promote social equity, health, and community well-being simultaneously. Full article

This study investigated the asymmetric impact of natural resource exploitation on climate change in resource-rich African countries, based on panel data from 1980 to 2022. The dynamic common correlated effect (DCCE) and dynamic seemingly unrelated regression (DSUR) econometric techniques were employed to evaluate the long-term effects of positive shocks and negative shocks to natural resource exploitation. The findings revealed a positive relationship between both positive and negative shocks to natural resource exploitation and temperature, with increases in natural resource exploitation exerting a more intensified impact on temperature than decreases. In contrast, both positive and negative changes in natural resource exploitation are negatively related to precipitation, with an increased exploitation intensity having a more pronounced effect on rainfall patterns. The study also highlights the critical role of control variables such as GDP per capita, urban population, and total energy consumption in altering temperature and precipitation patterns. The findings underscore the importance of adopting sustainable natural resource extraction practices, integrating green technologies, and promoting collaboration across natural resource exploitation and renewable energy value chains to mitigate the negative impacts of natural resource exploitation. Full article

Quality control circles (QCCs) are a proven method for fostering continuous improvement through employee involvement. However, the implementation process and organizational impact of QCCs in the food industry remain underexplored. This case study evaluates the implementation of QCCs by examining the benefits and challenges perceived by employees and managers, assessing QCC alignment with ISO standards, and providing actionable recommendations to optimize QCC implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the employee findings indicate that QCCs promote continuous improvement, enhance productivity, foster a positive culture of quality, and strengthen engagement and responsibility for product and process quality. Employees felt that their ideas were valued and that they received constructive feedback from leadership. However, they also identified challenges related to training and resource availability. From a managerial perspective, the ISO diagnostic tool revealed a 78.28% compliance rate with the QCC program planning, quality procedures, action plans, quality management system alignment, and documentation. Non-conformities included insufficient monitoring solutions, absence of effectiveness indicators, lack of risk assessments, and insufficient resources. Although managers acknowledged benefits such as improved engagement and communication, challenges such as limited human resources, high demand, and resistance to change were also noted. This paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing future QCC cycles and for creating a structured implementation process. Full article

Leadership in an organizational environment is responsible for enabling team members to achieve their daily objectives. Leadership has evolved continuously over time, demonstrating flexibility as a core aspect of its essence. In an organizational setting, the feedback between leaders and led has great significance, particularly for teams with shared goals. This study aims to analyze the leader’s behavior using the Johari Window tool from the subordinates’ perspective in a food company, providing feedback on the leader’s behavior to foster a more harmonious relationship. This study adopts an applied methodology with a descriptive objective and qualitative approach, utilizing the Johari Window framework to conduct a case study. Data collection involved administering questionnaires to gather insights into the behavior of both the sector leader and those being led. The results indicate that 60% of employees have different perceptions from the sector manager, concentrated in the “Blind” area, suggesting infrequent feedback exchanges. This could occur in situations in which behaviors are visible to others, but unnoticed by the leader. Therefore, communication is a critical element in the management of an organization. When practiced clearly and objectively, managers can follow paths that lead to effective and efficient decision-making. Full article

Water resources are increasingly vulnerable due to the effects of climate change, which influences both their availability and quality. It is crucial to incorporate climate change adaptation strategies into water resource management to address these challenges and support sustainable practices. This article provides a critical overview of recent advancements in this integration, addressing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The discussion highlights the importance of distinguishing between mitigation and adaptation strategies, emphasizing their unique characteristics and interdependencies. Climate change alters water quality through increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, necessitating adaptive strategies to maintain water quality. Immediate coping strategies, such as alternative water sources and filtration systems, address pressing issues but must be complemented by incremental and transformational strategies for long-term resilience. Incremental strategies include upgrading infrastructure and enhancing agricultural practices, while transformational strategies involve comprehensive changes like redesigning urban water systems and revising water governance frameworks. This article identifies socio-economic constraints, awareness gaps, and data deficiencies as significant challenges to effective adaptation. It advocates for integrating climate and water policies, enhancing international co-operation, and investing in innovation and technology. Case studies from India and Vietnam illustrate successful integration of climate adaptation into water management, providing valuable insights for other regions. Overall, a holistic, multi-faceted approach is essential to secure a sustainable water future in the face of climate change. Full article

The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive expanded its Non-Financial Reporting Directive requirements to companies with over 250 employees, mandating their sustainability reporting from 2025. This expansion will quadruple the number of companies subject to mandatory reporting, presenting new challenges for their managers and responsible employees. Companies will have to report according to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards. This article addresses gaps in vocational education and training (VET) programs related to sustainability knowledge and reporting. It aims to establish a unified approach for VET teachers and learners across the EU, preparing them for the evolving job market demands. The methodology ADDIE (Analysis/Design/Development/Implementation/Evaluation) was used to develop the curriculum and training. The research began by creating a knowledge repository and a questionnaire, focusing on current reporting practices and job requirements, and continued with preparing materials for the training course. The course encompassed six learning units: (1) European legislation and sustainability standards, (2) sustainability management, (3–5) environmental, social, and corporate dimensions, and (6) sustainability reporting. The initiative included multiplier (dissemination) events, pilot applications, and online course tests. To deliver the course effectively, an interactive e-learning platform was developed; gamification elements and other engaging activities were included to enhance learning outcomes. Full article

This study proposes a risk analysis model based on the principles of ISO 31000 and decision theory for biological agents with potential for offensive use in Brazil. Bibliographic research was conducted on the main models already published on the subject. The German risk classification system was adopted as the main reference because it is adjustable and adopts a semiquantitative approach. After translating and adapting this model to the Brazilian context, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to generate a hierarchical tree with criteria and subcriteria to be considered in the risk assessment. A questionnaire was administered to a group of experts to evaluate the relevant criteria and subcriteria and the risks related to three biological agents (Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Francisella tularensis), which were selected in an exploratory manner to exemplify the application of the model. According to the results, the criterion of impact of a biological attack was given greater importance when compared with the probability of occurrence of this event. According to the subcriteria, the greatest weight was attributed to human health when compared with agriculture, the environment, or the economy. Finally, in the evaluation of the three pathogens, B. anthracis was identified as having the highest risk for offensive use in Brazil. This research is focused on a practical approach and can be implemented by competent agencies to foster their capacity for biological defense by determining which pathogens represent the greatest risk to society. Full article

The wetting of compacted clays and their subsequent swelling often result in damage to structures and infrastructures. Estimations of the swell that is expected to develop during wetting are usually based on standard laboratory tests. The standard procedure requires inundating the test specimens; this procedure represents an extreme wetting condition and provides an upper limit to the swell. However, wetting may result from less extreme conditions, for example by the absorption of water due to suction forces, which may result in a smaller swell. This paper describes a laboratory investigation of the swell difference in high-plasticity clay that may result from different wetting conditions. Swell tests were carried out on specimens prepared at different initial conditions and wetted under different wetting conditions of inundation or absorption. The results indicate that as the initial void ratio decreases and the degree of saturation increases, it is more likely that different wetting conditions will result in different swell magnitudes, where inundation may create a larger swell than absorption. The soil at a low initial void ratio and high degree of saturation seems to be characterized by mono-modal pore size distributions in the micropore range. This unique pore size distribution may be the explanation of the different swell magnitudes. Full article

The corrosion of the steel reinforcing bar (rebar) reduces the strength capacity of concrete structures. Corrosion detection at the early stage of steel rebar implementation is important for the maintenance of concrete structures. Using the eddy current testing method, we developed a portable system to evaluate the corrosion of steel rebars. An AC current was sent to the excitation coil to produce an AC magnetic field and an eddy current was induced in the steel rebar. A detection coil was used to detect the signal produced by the eddy current. A lock-in amplifier was used to obtain the same phase signal and a 90-degree phase difference signal and an X-Y graph was plotted. From the slope of the X-Y graph, the corrosion of the steel rebar or steel wire can be evaluated. We examined the effects of excitation frequency, coil type, and coil size on the experimental results to optimize the system. The signal-to-noise ratio and the detection depth were improved with a specially designed probe. Full article

This publication examines the representation of information within test specifications and formulas defined in standards and directives. This information often pre-defines not only the tests and requirements to be conducted but also the information backflow within the execution. These results are crucial for the effective management of knowledge throughout the product development process as well as for the creation and maintenance of digital representations of a physical product or plant. However, the accessibility of this information is frequently hindered by its extensive and heterogenous definition across a multitude of standards, directives, and other technical regulations. Furthermore, the pre-defined information is typically documented and processed manually on a recurring basis. Given this challenge, the following article presents a holistic two-part approach for pre-defining the information backflow of subsequent physical instances. Initially, an analysis of multiple test specifications in standards and directives is conducted, resulting in the development of a generic data model to represent this Pre-defined Information Backflow (PdIB). The second step builds on the first and defines an optimized representation for machine readability and executability for the future design of standards and directives. The two parts are brought together and validated using representative examples, thereby demonstrating the practical applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach. This enhances the accessibility and usability of information in test specifications and formulas, thereby establishing a foundation for enhancing the efficiency of knowledge work in product development and the creation of digital representations of products and plants. Full article

The growing concerns about global warming and its perceived influence on economic sustainability require a reassessment of the environmental consequences of gold mining, with a special focus on BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This paper examines the environmental sustainability corridor, carbon emission, gold price, economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), and renewable energy use between 1989 and 2020. The long-run association among the variables is checked by us through the PMG technique. Our findings indicate that while the gold price, FDI, and renewable energy use decrease carbon emission, economic growth adds to the increase in carbon emissions in the long run. These findings bring out the dual challenge of promoting economic growth while managing environmental impact. The study underlines how policymakers need to provide regulatory frameworks which will encourage renewable energy and responsible foreign investment, as a means of trying to mitigate the environmental impacts of gold mining and achieve sustainable development. Our research adds to the continuing debate about how economic expansion can be balanced with environmental preservation for resource-rich countries. Full article

This study addresses the critical need for improved sustainability reporting in the construction sector, focusing on the integration of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) indicators to enhance reporting quality and promote standardization. The increasing regulatory pressure from the European Commission, particularly in sustainability reporting, has intensified the demand for corporate transparency. Despite these efforts, many companies still face challenges in implementing robust sustainability performance measures. This research employs a systematic literature review alongside the case studies of three leading German construction companies to critically assess the current reporting practices and explore the integration potential of LCSA indicators. The findings highlight a significant gap between the existing sustainability disclosures and LCSA indicators, with only 7–19% of the assessed indicators being integrated into the current reporting practices. Although some consistency in reporting themes and qualitative disclosures is evident, the misalignment with LCSA indicators underscores the need for further integration of standardized, life cycle-based metrics. This study concludes that collaborative efforts among companies, policymakers, and LCSA researchers are required to bridge this gap, ensuring the adoption of the existing, scientifically robust indicators that enhance the precision, comparability, and transparency of sustainability reporting in the construction sector. Full article

According to conclusions agreed to in the 1995 Report of the World Summit for Social Development and the 2015 Sustainable Development Summit, seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs) have been ratified and published as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2022, the 8th Environment Action Programme was legally agreed upon, following the six European Green Deal priorities. These SDGs serve as a constant reminder of the importance of globally coordinated actions in compliance with the theory of sustainable development. However, more than a constant reminder, this international agreement should become the foundation for necessary change. On 22 July 2024, the daily global average temperature reached a new record high. The EU treaties signed between 1951 and 2007 laid the foundation for the creation of EU environmental policy. However, those EU treaties, along with environmental policy, form merely a non-binding and minimum set of priorities without any sanctions imposed for illegal practices. In 2021, EU member countries adopted the European Climate Law as the first legally binding document seeking to achieve goals set by the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. Any further EU sustainable development policies are dependent on global cooperation as a key element of survival. With the EU’s dependent on the rest of the world for its energy, the forcing of any obligatory change will be hard to achieve. This proves the importance of the 17th SDG, agreed in 2015. Only global partnership for sustainable development can prevent further damage to our ecosystem and achieve priorities set by the EU and UN agendas. The review aims to present the connection between sustainable development (SD) goals defined by the European Commission, for which the most important aspects are the need to meet the environmental requirements to protect future needs in the long run, and to confront the shortcomings of European law-making practices, in which most crucial reforms are presented as non-binding legal acts. Finally, in 2024 members of the European Parliament established an extended list of environmental crimes to be regarded as punishable offences and replaced the Environmental Crime Directive, making criminal activities and offences potentially legally punishable; however, it is yet to be seen how this initiative will be incorporated within the national legislations of each EU member country and to what extent. Full article

The purpose of the qualitative multiple case study was to explore the strategies some supply chain managers of the United Nations (UN) use to leverage operational efficiencies in the UN humanitarian programs. As a result, communities supporting sustainability and peace or those fostering economic development will be able to respond effectively to humanitarian crises. Moreover, the UN can remain operational and engage in political and conflict-reduction interventions integral to economic and social recovery and sustainability. This study applied the qualitative multiple case study through semi-structured interviews with nine supply chain managers in the United Nations, direct observations, document analysis, and artifacts. The research is grounded in the dynamic capability theory (DCT). The research revealed several strategies that supply chain managers of the UN use to ensure operational efficiencies grouped around three themes: (a) analytical, innovation, and knowledge management strategies; (b) effective supply chain management leadership strategies; and (c) risk management strategies. This study is one of the first to apply generic findings of humanitarian supply chain studies to the United Nations, the global organization with diverse mandates that continuously strives to achieve efficiencies required by donors providing financial support, thus remaining operational. The study’s results could help leaders in the various humanitarian organizations who operate in vulnerable environments and under strict scrutiny from donors to deliver their aid programs most efficiently by understanding dynamic capabilities. Previous studies indicate the lack of strategic frameworks applicable to the United Nations that could improve decision-making at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels, facilitate collaboration among supply chain stakeholders, and reduce the costs of the operational performance of the supply chain system in the UN. Full article

The gap between software design and implementation often results in a lack of clarity and precision. Formal languages, based on mathematical rules, logic, and symbols, are invaluable for specifying and verifying system designs. Various semi-formal and formal languages, such as JSON, XML, predicate logic, and regular expressions, along with formal models like Turing machines, serve specific domains. This paper introduces a new specification formal language, ObTFL (Object Transaction Formal Language), developed for general-purpose distributed systems, such as specifying the interactions between servers and IoT devices and their security protocols. The paper details the syntax and semantics of ObTFL and presents three real case studies—federated learning, blockchain for crypto and bitcoin networks, and the industrial PCB board with machine synchronization—to demonstrate its versatility and effectiveness in formally specifying the interactions and behaviors of distributed systems. Full article

District heating and cooling networks represent a compelling energy system solution due to their capacity to integrate renewable energies and leverage local surpluses of thermal resources. The meticulous design and optimization of network infrastructure are imperative to fully exploiting the potential of these energy systems. The Life Cycle Assessment of district heating and cooling networks for the purpose of environmental sustainability is a crucial and increasingly demanded aspect, particularly in light of the progressively stringent European regulations. The Life Cycle Assessment methodology could offer an evaluation throughout the entire life cycle of such networks. The proposed review scrutinizes the application of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to evaluating the environmental profile of district heating and cooling systems. The methods, findings, and challenges are examined through a literature review and case study analysis. The results highlight variations in the climate profile influenced by the network generation type and multifunctionality approaches. The analysis revealed a range of emission factors, spanning from 11 gCO₂eq/kWh_th to 470 gCO₂eq/kWh_th for district heating and 6 gCO₂eq/kWh_th to 64 gCO₂eq/kWh_th for district cooling. The discussion emphasizes integrating district heating and cooling network management considerations and addressing methodological challenges. This study concludes by proposing future research directions for developing a universal LCA-based tool for district heating and cooling network analysis. Full article