×

Dr. Siti Norliyana Harun

Research Fellow/ Senior Lecturer, Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, The National University of Malaysia

---

Transforming Waste Into Wealth for a Greener Tomorrow: A Case Study of Rice Straw Valorization for Bioenergy Production

Agriculture waste has been increasing day by day as the world's population has increased over the last few decades. Most of these waste materials are improperly managed, either through burning or improper disposal methods. This practice not only depletes potentially valuable resources but also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Hence, the implementation and effective management of agricultural waste in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner will result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation of climate change effects. To address this issue, the utilization of agricultural waste for bioenergy emerges as a promising and sustainable solution for managing agricultural residue. However, despite its potential benefits, the overall environmental impact of the entire process of producing and utilizing agricultural waste for bioenergy remains inadequately understood. To shed light on this matter, a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) is essential to evaluate the environmental implications of agricultural utilization for bioenergy purposes. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comparative environmental performance assessment for agricultural waste utilization technologies for bioenergy production. A life cycle assessment associated with 1 ton of rice straw produced has been conducted by using ReCiPe 2016 method, SimaPro ver. 9.3 software and a cradle-to-gate approach. The findings revealed that employing biochemical conversion pathways to produce bioethanol and biogas offers substantial environmental advantages concerning greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Therefore, utilizing rice straw for bioenergy holds significant promise to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing GHG emissions.

×

Dr. Alexey Mikhaylov

Deputy Director of Monetary Relations Research Center at Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Russia

---

Economic Aspects of Sustainability: Green Economy and Sustainable Business Practices

This study presents the intersection of economics and sustainability. We acknowledge that economic growth has traditionally been associated with environmental degradation. However, a paradigm shift is occurring as we strive towards a green economy — a system that values environmental health and promotes equitable social conditions. This study explores strategies for transforming conventional economies into sustainable ones, focusing on sustainable production and consumption, green investment, and job creation in eco-friendly sectors. Case studies of sustainable business practices provide real-world examples, highlighting organizations integrating the triple bottom line — people, planet, and profit — into their core strategies. We discuss how businesses can contribute to global sustainability efforts without sacrificing economic objectives. Concepts like corporate social responsibility (CSR), circular economy, and impact investing are examined in detail, providing readers with comprehensive knowledge about sustainable economic models that benefit businesses and the environment. By the end of this study, readers will understand the significance of green economy and sustainable business practices in our journey towards a sustainable future.

×

Dr. Adnan Ahmed Sheikh

Associate Professor, Multan Campus, Air University Islamabad, Pakistan

---

How AI Enabled Blockchain Technology and Green Innovation Enhances Sustainable Business Performance

Today Sustainable Business Performance considered to be a substantial issue for policy makers, governments, industrialist, supply chain partners and marketers. Therefore Artificial intelligence enabled blockchain technologies not only provide a secure information among supply chain partners but also open the avenues to conserve the resources and energy for sustainable Business through green practices and innovations.

×

Dr. Yogendra Narayan

Associate Professor, Chandigarh University, India

---

Hybrid Control of a Robotic Device Using Bio-Medical Signals

The Hybrid Brain Computer Interface (BCI) is a skill that enables individuals to leverage their cognitive abilities and biomedical signals to operate devices such as wheelchairs or robotic exoskeleton arms, among others. Bio-medical signals are utilized for the purpose of governing robotic systems, a concept that might be referred to as Hybrid Control Strategies. The utilization of this control strategy has demonstrated utility in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The entire study is structured into five sections: (i) capture of bio-medical signals; (ii) extraction of features encompassing time domain, frequency domain, and time scale features; (iii) selection of relevant features; (iv) classification; and (v) implementation of online/offline control for a prototype robotic arm. The primary objective of this study is to examine the achievements of Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research over the past few decades. This includes a comprehensive analysis of the many methodologies, current aspects, and strategically developed strategies employed to reach this goal. This paper provides an overview of the many freely available tools, methodologies, and procedures required for the development of a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) framework. The exoskeleton robot serves as an exemplary illustration of this interface, particularly significant for individuals with disabilities.

×

Dr. Vivek Kumar Singh

Principal Consultant, Net Zero Think Pvt, India

---

India's Climate Promise: A Pathway to Net Zero Emissions via Energy Transition

India's pursuit of net-zero emissions is a major contribution to the global fight against climate change. To achieve this ambitious goal (Achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070), India needs to take a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach, which requires the transformation of its energy sector and the adoption of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A key element of India's path to net zero is expanding renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, clean hydrogen, and hydroelectric power should be at the forefront, with ambitious targets and investments in infrastructure to support these technologies. This will not only reduce carbon emissions but also reduce India's dependence on fossil fuels. Decarbonizing the power sector is another crucial step. This includes a shift away from fossil fuel power generation and a move towards adopting cleaner alternatives such as renewables, nuclear power, and energy storage solutions. In the transportation sector, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is vital. To make this feasible, India needs to develop a comprehensive charging infrastructure and offer incentives to make EVs more affordable. Energy efficiency programs play an important role in reducing carbon emissions. The implementation of energy-efficient technologies and standards in various industries, including industry, residential, and transportation, will not only reduce carbon emissions but also lead to cost savings. Carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes and cap-and-trade schemes, can be considered to reduce emissions and encourage the use of clean technologies. These mechanisms have been effective in other countries in reducing carbon emissions. Promoting sustainable and climate-friendly practices, such as precision farming and organic farming in the agricultural sector, can help lower emissions from this sector. Furthermore, it is important to increase forest cover through afforestation and reforestation, as healthy forests act as carbon sinks and enrich biodiversity...