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In this paper the author analyzes the dependence between energy and industrial competitiveness before and after the 2008 economic crisis in the European Union. The Europe 2020 strategy aims energy major industrial competitiveness and increasing energy efficiency. But the economic crisis of 2008 led to reduced energy consumption and prices have increased considerably, so prices in the European Union in the energy industry are estimated to be twice higher than in the United States and Russia and 20% higher than those in China. According to the 2020 European Strategy for Sustainable Growth proposed increasing share of renewables to 20% increasing 20% energy efficiency and 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions greenhouse (or even 30 %, in favorable conditions) compared to 1990. The economic analysis in this paper are based on statistical quantitative method. Indicators used in this analysis are available on major platforms Eurostat data.

The most significant thermal water resource in the Carpathian Basin can be found under the territory of the Hungarian-Serbian border, in the Szeged-Morahalom-Subotica triangle. The abstraction for extensive and complex utilization is currently being started on both sides of the border. For the safe and sustainable abstraction, and its international monitoring, it is necessary to determine the hydrogeological-hydrodynamic features of the common thermal water base, and to elaborate a two-phase 4D model of the water base for the mapping of the water resource and its gas content. FP7

{"references": ["L. Hassini, S. Azzouz, A. Belghith, \"Estimation of the moisture\ndiffusion coefficient of potato during hot-air drying\", Drying 2004 -\nProceedings of the 14th International Drying Symposium (IDS 2004),\nS\u251c\u00fao Paulo, Brazil, 22-25 August 2004, vol. B, pp. 1488-1495.", "I. Doymaz, M. Pala, \"The effects of dipping pretreatment on air-drying\nrates of seedless grapes\", Journal of Food Engineering, vol. 52, 2002,\npp. 413-427.", "E. Akpinar, A. Midilli, Y. Bicer, \"Single layer drying behavior of\npotato slices in a convective cyclone and mathematical modeling\",\nEnergy Conversion and Management, 2003, vol. 44, pp. 1689-1705.", "E. Mirzaee1, S. Rafiee, A. Keyhani, Z. Emam-Djomeh, \"Determining of\nmoisture diffusivity and activation energy in drying of apricots\", Res.\nAgr. Eng., 2009, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 114-120.", "H. Pahlavanzadeh, A. Basiri, M. Zarrabi, \"Determination of parameters\nand pretreatment solution for grape drying\", Drying Technology, 2001,\nvol. 19, pp. 217-226.", "P. Singhanat, S. Saentaweesuk, \"Effect of two stage, tray and heat pump\nassisted-dehumidified drying on drying characteristics and qualities of\ndried ginger\", Food and Bioproducts Processing, 2011, vol. 89, pp.\n429-437.", "ID. Thorat, D. Mohapatra, RF. Sutar, SS. Kapdi, DD. Jagtap,\n\"Mathematical modeling and experimental study on thin-layer vacuum\ndrying of ginger (Zingiber Officinale R.) slices\", Food Bioprocess\nTechnol, DOI 10.1007/s11947-010-0429-y, 2010.", "J. Crank, The Mathematics of Diffusion, Clarendon press, Oxford,1975.", "EK. Akpinar, \"The development of a cyclone type dryer for agricultural\nproducts\", PhD Thesis, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey, 2002.\n[10] I. Doymaz, \"Evaluation of some thin-layer drying models of persimmon\nslices (Diospyros kaki L.)\", Energy Conversion and Management,\n2012, vol. 56, pp. 199-205,.\n[11] I. Doymaz, O. Ismail, \"Drying characteristics of sweet cherry\", Food\nand Bioproducts Processing, 2011, vol. 89, pp. 31-38.\n[12] S. Simal, A. Femenia, J.A. Carcel, and C. Rossello, \"Mathematical\nmodeling of the drying curves of kiwi fruits: influence of the ripening\nstage\", Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2005, vol. 85,\npp. 425-432."]} In the present work, the effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy were calculated using an infinite series solution of Fick-s diffusion equation. The results showed that increasing drying temperature accelerated the drying process. All drying experiments had only falling rate period. The average effective moisture diffusivity values varied from 2.807x10-10 to 6.977x10-10m2 s_1 over the temperature and velocity range. The temperature dependence of the effective moisture diffusivity for the thin layer drying of the ginger slices was satisfactorily described by an Arrhenius-type relationship with activation energy values of 19.313- 22.722 kJ.mol-1 within 40–70 °C and 0.8-3 ms-1 temperature range.

PhD (Business Administration), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2019 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly becoming the productive drivers of economic growth and development in South Africa. This is so because SME sector is the engine of employment creation and the key contributor to the GDP of the country. Despite their contribution to the development of the economy, the rate of failure and discontinuity of SMEs in South Africa is still one of the highest in the world. A lot of business scholars have addressed the issue plaguing the sector by identifying the causes of SME failure but have not provided a solution on what needs to be done for these business ventures to become sustainable. The purpose of this study therefore was to develop a framework for enhancing the sustainability of SMEs in municipalities of the North West province of South Africa. A number of objectives were set to accomplish the purpose of the study that built up to the development of the proposed framework to enhance the sustainability of SMEs in this region. In order to attain the objectives of this study, the study used five principal theories that address the sustainability of SMEs: the financial gap theory, the resource dependence theory, the theory of mergers and acquisitions, investment theory and trickle-down theory. The pragmatist research paradigm underpinned supported the adoption of a sequential explanatory mixed method approach for collecting and analysing quantitative data in a first phase, while the qualitative phase was built on the outcomes of the preliminary quantitative results. The target population of this study was drawn from the current number of formal (duly registered) SMEs in the North-West province as indicated by the Central Supply Database of the Provincial Department of Finance. This population was chosen from the four district municipalities of the North-West province of South Africa and a non-probability sampling method was used to select a sample size of 400 small business owners and managers for the quantitative phase and 20 for the qualitative phase. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used to analyse quantitative data and Atlas-Ti software was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings of the study indicate that the major causes of SME failure and discontinuity in the North West province is due to various factors such as lack of strategic business planning, lack of sufficient finance, poor management, lack of innovation, lack of business research and low level of human capital education and training. Therefore, it is imperative for SME owners and managers to formulate and pursue a strategic business plan for their businesses, seek for measures to foster an improved flow of finances and implement strategic management in their businesses. More so, it is necessary for SME owners and managers to be innovative in business, conduct business research and upgrade the level of education and training of their human capital to ensure successful and sustainable business enterprises. More importantly, because of their contribution to economic growth of the country, the government should endeavour to support and encourage this sector to develop by offering financial and technical assistance to small business enterprises through relevant departments and agencies. Doctoral

Tourism sustainability is a ubiquitous topic of scientific circles. To this day, there is controversy about the environmental, economic and socio-cultural sustainability of this global industry. Although selective forms are increasingly being promoted, mass tourism is still dominant, with many consequences. Its impacts are especially visible in small and sensitive areas, with many visitors and associated infrastructure (uncontrolled urbanization). Therefore, this paper aims to point out the sustainability of its development in the area of the mountain center Zlatibor in southwestern Serbia. As one of the most visited destinations after the capital of Belgrade and Vrnjačka Banja Spa, in the last two decades have been under increasing pressure that exceeds its capacity. The European Union methodology for comparative indicators of sustainable tourism was used. The survey was supplemented by an analysis of official statistics. The obtained results highlighted numerous problems in terms of environmental sustainability (red zone), while a significantly better situation was observed in terms of a social and economic system. In this way, this research can be a starting point for key tourism policymakers and future development directions.

Cholera epidemics have a recorded history in eastern Congo dating to 1971. A study was conducted to find out the linkage between climate variability/change and cholera outbreak and to assess the related economic cost in the management of cholera in Congo.This study integrates historical data (20 years) on temperature and rainfall with the burden of disease from cholera in South-Kivu province, eastern Congo.Analyses of precipitation and temperatures characteristics in South-Kivu provinces showed that cholera epidemics are closely associated with climatic factors variability. Peaks in Cholera new cases were in synchrony with peaks in rainfalls. Cholera infection cases declined significantly (P<0.05) with the rise in the average temperature. The monthly number of new Cholera cases oscillated between 5 and 450. For every rise of the average temperature by 0.35 °C to 0.75 °C degree Celsius, and for every change in the rainfall variability by 10-19%, it is likely cholera infection risks will increase by 17 to 25%. The medical cost of treatment of Cholera case infection was found to be of US$50 to 250 per capita. The total costs of Cholera attributable to climate change were found to fall in the range of 4 to 8% of the per capita in annual income in Bukavu town.It is likely that high rainfall favor multiplication of the bacteria and contamination of water sources by the bacteria (Vibrio cholerae). The consumption of polluted water, promiscuity, population density and lack of hygiene are determinants favoring spread and infection of the bacteria among human beings living in over-crowded environments.

The design that is being developed is a Water Monitoring System for Speed and Eramosa Rivers. This design consists of four sensors (turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and water level) which monitor the Speed and Eramosa Rivers in Guelph, Ontario. The sensors input measurements to a microcontroller which processes the inputs. The software contained on the microcontroller will pass a warning message to a wireless modem which relays the problem to a base station if dangerous contamination levels are reached.

Bio-based and biodegradable plastics (BBPs) are innovative materials, wholly or partially produced from biomass, with the potential to enhance the circulation of resources in the biological cycle of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s butterfly diagram. Although BBPs are generally considered more environmental-friendly than conventional plastics, robust scientific evidence is still missing. The lack of tools and metrics to assess the circularity and sustainability of the BBPs industry poses relevant challenges for its upscaling and contribution to climate neutrality goals in Europe. It calls for adopting system and life cycle thinking, guided by multi-level and multi-dimensional examinations, which led researchers to build a comprehensive picture of trends, gaps and future orientations that may boost a sustainable circular bioeconomy in the sector. The value- chain based and multi-faceted SWOT analysis that emerged from the intersection of system and corporate data reveals the need to establish a combined circular bioeconomy strategy where incentives to integrated local supply chain, dedicated EPR scheme, eco-design guidelines, revised EoL standards, new clear labelling schemes and harmonised sustainability criteria should be prioritized and conjointly pursued to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable circular bioeconomy of the BBPs value chain. European Journal of Social Impact and Circular Economy, V. 4 N. 2 (2023)

Die Metropolregion Santiago (MRS) verzeichnete in den letzten Jahren ein großes Bevölkerungswachstum und einen Anstieg des Lebensstandards. Als Folge davon hat sich das Aufkommen von Siedlungsabfällen fast innerhalb von 10 Jahren verdoppelt. Die Daten für den aktuellen Zustand des Abfallmanagements wurden durch Feldforschungen, Fragebögen, Feldbesuche und durch eine systematische Auswertung von bereits vorliegender Literatur erhoben. Das integrative Nachhaltigkeitskonzept der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft diente als konzeptioneller Rahmen für die Studie. Zur Bewertung des aktuellen Zustands des Abfallmanagements wurden Nachhaltigkeitsindikatoren identifiziert, deren aktuelle Werte bestimmt und Zielwerte festgelegt. Die Nachhaltigkeitsanalyse zeigt, dass die größten Defizite darin liegen, dass nahezu die gesamte Abfallmenge ohne jegliche Vorbehandlung deponiert wird. Damit verbunden sind lang andauernde Emissionen von Treibhausgasen. Um herauszufinden, wie der informelle Sektor im Abfallmanagement zur Nachhaltigkeit beiträgt, wurden veröffentlichten Erfahrungen mit informellen Müllsammlern in Lateinamerika analysiert. Dabei wurden die entsprechenden Akteure sowie etablierte Allianzen zwischen diesen Akteuren identifiziert. Schlüsselfaktoren für ein nachhaltiges Abfallmanagement unter Einbeziehung des informellen Sektors sind die Legalisierung der Schattenwirtschaft und feste Verträge mit Partnerunternehmen. Relevante Akteure für die Gestaltung der Arbeitsbedingungen des informellen Sektors sind Vertreter privater und öffentlicher Unternehmen, einzelne gesellschaftliche Gruppen sowie Vertreter von Nichtregierungsorganisationen. Schließlich wurden drei explorative Szenarien für das Bezugsjahr 2030 entwickelt: Business as Usual (BAU), Collective Responsibility (CR) und Market Individualism (MI). Das BAU-Szenario enthält eine getrennte Sammlung von Bioabfall und von Wertstoffen; hervorgerufen durch einen verstärkten Organisationsgrad der informellen Müllsammler und den Ausbau von Bring-Systemen. Die Errichtung mechanischer Sortierungsanlagen trägt zur Verwertung der Materialien und zum Recycling bei. Das entstehende Deponiegas und Biogas wird als erneuerbare Energiequelle genutzt. Das CR-Szenario enthält eine getrennte Sammlung von Bioabfall und Wertstoffen. Dies wird erreicht durch eine verstärkte Zusammenarbeit mit den jetzt organisierten Müllsammlern und durch den Ausbau von Bring-Systemen. Mechanische Sortierungsanlagen tragen zur Verwertung von Materialien und zum Recycling bei. Durch Abtrennung einer heizwertreichen Fraktion in mechanisch biologischen Anlagen werden Sekundärbrennstoffe produziert. Darüber hinaus werden, das entstehende Deponiegas sowie das in Vergärungsanlagen erzeugte Biogas energetisch genutzt. Im MI-Szenario sind Wiederverwertungsstrategien von untergeordneter Bedeutung. Es gibt kein Interesse an einer Zusammenarbeit mit den informellen Müllsammlern und keine Anreize für einen verstärkten Organisationsgrad in diesem Bereich. Deshalb bleibt die Branche weitgehend informell. Technologische Entwicklungen in diesem Szenario enthalten die mechanische Sortierung von gemischtem Abfall und die energetische Verwertung von Deponiegas. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass das Pro-Kopf-Aufkommen an Siedlungsabfällen im Jahr 2030 in allen Szenarien deutlich höher als im Jahr 2007 ist und der festgelegte Zielwert von 1,6 kg/Kopf/Tag nicht erreicht wurde. Den höchsten Wert (2,0 kg/Kopf/Tag) weist das MI-Szenario auf, der niedrigste Wert (1,8 kg/Kopf/Tag) wurde im CR-Szenario gefunden. Eine Vorbehandlung der gesammelten gemischten Siedlungsabfälle findet nur im CR-Szenario statt, der entsprechende Wert beträgt 18 %, der Zielwert wird damit nicht erreicht. Die höchsten Treibhausgasemissionen treten im MI-Szenario (295 kg CO2-eq/Kopf/Jahr) auf, den niedrigsten Wert (155 kg CO2-eq/Kopf/Jahr) findet man im CR-Szenario. All diese Werte sind, verglichen mit dem festgelegten Zielwert von 71 kg/Kopf/Jahr, deutlich zu hoch. Der Zielwert für die Wiederverwertungsquote wurde im CR-Szenario erreicht (43 %), den niedrigsten Wert zeigt das MI-Szenario (20 %). Die Zielwerte für das Einkommen der Müllsammler wurden im CR-Szenario erreicht (128 %). Im MI-Szenario beträgt dieser Wert lediglich 51 %. Die Kosten für das Abfallmanagement im Verhältnis zum Bruttoinlandsprodukt sinken in den drei Szenarien. Aus den Ergebnissen lässt sich ableiten, dass ein Einbeziehen von mehreren Faktoren erforderlich ist, um die Nachhaltigkeit des Abfallmanagementsystems in den drei Szenarien zu steigern und dass es von wesentlicher Bedeutung ist, schon vorhandene und gut funktionierende Subsysteme, wie das der informellen Müllsammler, zu nutzen und zu stärken. Ebenso ist die Umsetzung robuster Behandlungstechnologien, die einen Beitrag zur Reduktion negativer Umweltauswirkungen leisten, zu forcieren. Diese Technologien sollten preiswert sein, um ihren Einsatz auch unter wirtschaftlich vertretbaren Gesichtspunkten zu ermöglichen. The Metropolitan Region of Santiago (MRS) has experienced a large growth in population in recent years and a rise in the standard of living. Therefore, its municipal solid waste (MSW) has almost doubled in 10 years. Data about the current situation of MSW management in MRS were collected during field research, interviews, field visits and by a systematic evaluation of existing documentary literature. The Integrative Sustainability Concept of the Helmholtz Association provided a conceptual framework for the study. The sustainability analysis showed that the largest deficits are in the current amount of MSW deposited at sanitary landfills without any pre-treatment, and the emission values of greenhouse gases associated with waste treatment and final disposal. To find out if and how the informal waste sector contributes to sustainability, experiences of organization of informal primary collectors in Latin America were analyzed. The key factors which have an influence on their working conditions were identified. These factors include the existence of a legal framework for the informal waste sector; the existence of alliances with production companies guaranteeing a reliable industrial market for secondary raw materials and expansion of activities beyond collection of recyclables. Key stakeholders included people from the public and the private sector, from the civil society and from NGOs. Three explorative scenarios were developed for the year 2030: Business as Usual (BAU), Collective Responsibility (CR), and Market Individualism (MI). Waste generation, waste composition and different practices of waste collection, recovery and treatment were taken into account for the scenarios formulation. The BAU scenario incorporated separate collection of biowaste, recyclable materials with some participation of organized primary collectors and an expansion of drop-off systems. The mechanical sorting of mixed waste was introduced. The utilization of landfill gas as an energy source was promoted and the production of biogas in anaerobic digestion plants was implemented. The CR scenario incorporated separate collection of biowaste, commitment to work together with the primary waste collectors and an expansion of drop-off systems. The mechanical and mechanical biological treatment of mixed waste was introduced. The utilization of landfill gas as an energy source is promoted and the production of biogas in anaerobic digestion plants was implemented. In the MI separate collection of biowaste and recyclable materials was irrelevant. An organization of the informal primary collectors did not take place. Mechanical sorting of mixed waste was introduced. Utilization of landfill gas as an energy source was promoted. The results showed that the generation flux of MSW is at least 50% larger in all scenarios in 2030 compared to the year 2007, exceeding the limit value proposed. The highest value (2.0 kg/(person•day) is obtained in the MI scenario, and the lowest (1.8 kg/(person•day)) in the CR scenario. Pre-treatment of mixed MSW collected is only achieved in the CR scenario with a value of 18%, however, the target value is not achieved. The highest greenhouse gas emission value is obtained in the MI scenario with 295 kg CO2eq/(person•year), the lowest value of 155 kg CO2-eq/(person•year) is obtained in the CR scenario; a value that is still very high in comparison with the suggested target. The largest recycling rate is obtained in the CR scenario (43%), which is better than the target value proposed, the lowest recycling rate is obtained in the MI scenario (20%). The income of primary collectors in comparison with the income of one individual household is improved significantly in the CR scenario (128%), in the MI scenario, earnings of primary collectors decreased to 51%. The share of GDP spent on MSW management is lower in 2030, compared to the year 2007, in all scenarios the largest value of 0.17% is obtained in the CR scenario, and the lowest value of 0.14% is obtained in the MI scenario. The results of the evaluation of the scenarios showed that the largest sustainability deficits are the amount of mixed MSW which undergoes pre-treatment, the greenhouse gas emissions associated to MSW treatment and disposal, as well as the share of GDP spent on MSW management. The results obtained suggested that an integration of several factors is required to increase sustainability. It is essential to strengthen and take advantage of the subsystems which are working within the waste management system, as in the case of the informal sector. In addition to the implementation of flexible treatment technologies which help to decrease negative environmental impacts. Moreover, the costs of these technologies should be affordable, allowing a better financial management.