The current global waste problem presents significant challenges worldwide, and Spain is no different. Factors such as rapid urbanization, population growth, intensive agriculture, linear production models, and changing consumption patterns contribute to the upward trend in waste generation. To address these challenges and meet EU requirements, Spain developed the Law 7/2022 on Waste and Contaminated Soils for a Circular Economy (LRSC) to establish a legal framework promoting waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and proper waste management. The LRSC includes green taxes on plastic and landfill waste, incineration, and co-incineration. This qualitative policy research investigates the drivers and barriers influencing Spanish small and medium companies (SMEs) in transitioning to a circular economy (CE) and evaluates the effectiveness of the LRSC in supporting this shift reducing the scope to packaging waste. The study also aims to assess the impact of the LRSC, particularly the two green taxes within it, and address any emerging issues. Through a literature review and interviews with ten SMEs, the research reveals challenges in waste management, low recycling rates, and high landfilling rates in Spain. Barriers to circular economic models include the need for EU-wide alignment of laws, consumer education, stagnation of recycling technology, lack of economic incentives, high prices of recycled plastic, greenwashing, and cost savings. Companies face challenges such as lack of availability of recycled plastic, concerns about food contact packaging approval if produced with recycled plastics, changing company values and workforce habits, lack of legislative harmonization which increase the system complexity, capitalist marketing strategies, investment requirements, and lack of education. However, drivers for transition include consumer choices, economic incentives, and market demand. Concerns about the LRSC’s effectiveness in reducing packaging waste and facilitating the transition to a CE, include late implementation, eco-design and circular economy foundation deficiencies, selective collection challenges, and the low availability of recycled plastics. The LRSC is believed to have potential positive impact for the environment, however further efforts are needed to overcome the challenges identified in the study.

Yes / This communication presents a single-feed ultra-wideband circularly polarized (CP) antenna with high front-to-back ratio (FBR). The antenna is composed of two orthogonally placed elliptical dipoles printed on both sides of a substrate. To realize high FBR, a novel composite cavity is also proposed and integrated with the presented crossed dipoles, which effectively reduces the backlobe of the crossed dipoles. Simulation results are in good agreement with the measured results that demonstrate an impedance bandwidth from 0.9 to 2.95 GHz (106.5%) and a 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth from 1 to 2.87 GHz (96.6%). The measured FBR is about 30 dB across the whole global navigation satellite system (GNSS) band. Compared with other reported single-feed wideband CP antennas, the antenna has advantages such as a wider CP bandwidth and lower backlobe radiation.

Yes / This research article analyzed the self-preserving behaviour of wall-wake region of a circular pipe mounted horizontally over a flat rigid sand bed in a shallow flow in terms of mean velocity, RSS, and turbulence intensities. The study aims to investigate self-preservation using appropriate length and velocity scales.in addition to that wall-normal distributions of the third-order correlations along the streamwise direction in the wake region are analyzed. An ADV probe was used to record the three-dimensional instantaneous velocities for four different hydraulic and physical conditions corresponding to four cylinder Reynolds numbers. The results revealed that the streamwise velocity deficits, RSS deficits, and turbulence intensities deficits distributions displayed good collapse on a narrow band when they were non-dimensionalized by their respective maximum deficits. The wall-normal distance was non-dimensionalized by the half velocity profile width for velocity distributions, while the half RSS profile width was used in the case of the RSS deficits and turbulence intensities deficits distributions. The results indicate the self-preserving nature of streamwise velocity, RSS, and turbulence intensities in the wall-wake region of the pipe. The third-order correlations distributions indicate that sweep is the dominant bursting event in the near-bed zone. At the same time, ejection is the dominant bursting event in the region above the cylinder height.

Yes / Recent studies and research have centred on new solutions in different elements and stages to the increasing energy and data rate demands for the fifth generation and beyond (B5G). Based on a new-efficient digital beamforming approach for 5G wireless communication networks, this work offers a compact-size circular patch antenna operating at 60 GHz and covering a 4 GHz spectrum bandwidth. Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (M–MIMO) and beamforming technology build and simulate an active multiple beams antenna system. Thirty-two linear and sixty-four planar antenna array configurations are modelled and constructed to work as base stations for 5G mobile communication networks. Furthermore, a new beamforming approach called Projection Noise Correlation Matrix (PNCM) is presented to compute and optimise the fed weights of the array elements. The key idea of the PNCM method is to sample a portion of the measured noise correlation matrix uniformly in order to provide the best representation of the entire measured matrix. The sampled data will then be utilised to build a projected matrix using the pseudoinverse approach in order to determine the best fit solution for a system and prevent any potential singularities caused by the matrix inversion process. The PNCM is a low-complexity method since it avoids eigenvalue decomposition and computing the entire matrix inversion procedure and does not require including signal and interference correlation matrices in the weight optimisation process. The suggested approach is compared to three standard beamforming methods based on an intensive Monte Carlo simulation to demonstrate its advantage. The experiment results reveal that the proposed method delivers the best Signal to Interference Ratio (SIR) augmentation among the compared beamformers

Yes / Construction and demolition waste (CDW) management and recycling practices are crucial for transitioning to a circular economy. This study focuses on the detailed characterization of CDWs, including hollow brick (HB), red clay brick (RCB), roof tile (RT), concrete (C), and glass (G), collected from seven different sites. The CDWs were characterized based on particle size distribution, chemical composition, and crystalline nature. Pozzolanic activity was evaluated through compressive strength measurements of cement mortars with 20% cement replacement by CDWs at 7, 28, and 90 days. The results showed that clayey CDWs exhibited similar physical/chemical properties and crystalline structures. Compositions of Cs varied significantly based on their original materials. CDWs satisfied the minimum strength activity index for supplementary cementitious materials, with pozzolanic activity influenced by fineness and SiO2+Al2O3 contents. The average strength activity indexes for HB, RCB, RT, C, and G were 84.5%, 86.3%, 83.4%, 80.7%, and 75.8%, respectively. Clayey CDWs contributed to mechanical strength development, while Cs' contribution was related to hydration of unreacted cementitious particles. G exhibited the weakest pozzolanic activity due to its coarser particle size. Overall, CDWs demonstrated suitable properties for use as supplementary cementitious materials in PC-based systems.

Among the most critical elements at signalized intersections are the design of vehicle detection equipment and the timing of change and clearance intervals. Improperly timed clearance intervals or improperly placed detection equipment can potentially place drivers in a Type I dilemma zone, where approaching motorists can neither proceed through the intersection before opposing traffic is released nor safely stop in advance of the stop bar. Type II dilemma zones are not necessarily tied to failures in design, but are more readily tied to difficulties in driver decision making associated with comprehension and behavior. The Type II dilemma zone issues become even more prevalent at high-speed intersections where there is greater potential for serious crashes and more variability in vehicle operating speeds. This research initiative attempts to further describe the impact of driver behavior and comprehension on dilemma zones. To address this notion several experiments are proposed. First, a large empirical observation of high-speed signalized intersections is undertaken at 10 intersection approaches in Vermont. This resulted in the collection of video and speed data as well as full intersection inventories and signal timings. These observations are reduced and analyzed for the purpose of reexamining the boundaries of a Type II dilemma zone. Second, a comparison of point and space sensors for the purpose of dilemma zone mitigation was conducted. This experiment provides evidence supporting the notion that space sensors have the potential for providing superior dilemma zone protection. Third, a computer based survey is conducted to identify if drivers comprehend the correct meaning of the solid yellow indication and how this relates to their predicted behavior. Lastly, a regression model is developed drawing on the data collected from the field observation as well as the static survey to determine how characteristics such as the speed and position of the vehicle as well as driver age and experience influence driver behavior in the Type II dilemma zone. Cumulatively, these experiments will shed additional light on the influence of driver behavior and comprehension on the Type II dilemma zone.

This  exploratory research  identifies  how  can  clothing companies  implement  textile recyclingtechnologies that help transition them to a sustainable circular economy business model, given the challenges of eco-innovation diffusion. The study is exploratory in nature, employs a literature review and a case study of Patagonia, the outdoor equipment and clothing company that pioneered the use of recycled fibers in the outdoor clothing industry and continues to have today several initiatives for diverting textile waste away from landfills.To implement textile recycling technologies, the company created the Worn Wear Program, the Common Threads Recycling Program and the possibility to return a worn-out garment to Patagonia’s distribution center by mail or from any store or local authorized dealer of Patagonia’s products. To make the recycling (or repurposing) of worn-out garments work, the company also established a repair department at its distribution center which receives all worn-out clothes sent for recycling or repurposing.

This project was performed in collaboration with Electrolux and takes off in the transition towards a circular economy where products are considered to have multiple life cycles and need to be designed to be able to cycle longer through maintenance and repair. Electronics are rarely designed to fit into circularity thus an induction hob was chosen to show this principle. The research question for this project was therefore how an induction hob should be designed and what other tools are needed to enable a non-experienced user to repair it to provide the perfect repair experience. The project began with a literature study which investigated the concept of circular economy, also how to design for circularity and sustainability. It moved on to investigating why people get rid of products and why people don’t get rid of products. It was found that there are many barriers at the individual’s level and at a structural level, as that people feel that they should replace their products after some time, as well as economical aspects. The main reasons why people keep their products are the emotional attachment to product or that it cost less than to repair than replace the product. A user study was performed to investigate the repair experience for an induction hob today. It was done through letting people disassemble an induction hob while they answered questions about the experience. The insights from the literature and the user studies were narrowed down to the following problems to be solved: Easy diagnosis, easy opening, identification, and replacement of the broken module. Concepts were prototyped and more rounds of user studies were performed with these. The final concept lets the hob stay in the counter while the repair is performed. It contains a tray which resembles a “bento box” in which the internal modules are placed that also functions as a hiding area for the cables in the hob. A new opening mechanism has been designed and the internal modules are now more approachable. The final result only considers barriers for repair at the individual’s level, lowering them to make the repair process easier. The diagnosis has become simpler through the NFC tag and the provided instructions and identification of modules was easier because of the icons. The design follows the Electrolux brand guidelines and gives the user the feeling that they can touch and replace the modules. Also, an electrical safety system has been added. The final concept gives a non-experienced user the tools and confidence to perform the repair themselves. When the user has performed the repair themselves, they are more prone to keep the hob for longer. / Det här projektet gjordes tillsammans med Electrolux och tar avstamp i förändring mot cirkulär ekonomi där produkter kan ha flera livscykler och därför behöver vara designade för att kunna underhållas och repareras. Elektronikprodukter är sällan designade för att passa in i cirkulär ekonomi och därför valdes en induktionshäll för att påvisa principen. Frågeställningen för projektet var hur ska en induktionshäll designas, samt vilka andra verktyg behövs, för att en icke erfaren användare ska kunna få den perfekta reparationsupplevelsen. Projektet inleddes med litteraturstudier som undersökte cirkulär ekonomi och hur produkter kan designas för att sträva mot hållbarhet och cirkularitet. Vidare undersöktes varför människor gör sig av med produkter samt varför människor behåller sina produkter. Det visade sig att det finns många barriärer både på individnivå och på strukturell nivå, såsom att människor efter en tid känner att de bör byta ut sina produkter, såväl som ekonomiska aspekter. Människor behåller sina produkter för att de har känslomässiga band till dem eller för att det kostar mindre att reparera än att köpa nytt. Flera omgångar av användarstudier utfördes, bland annat fick personer ta isär en induktionshäll för att kunna analysera upplevelsen av reparationen idag. Från användarstudierna och litteraturstudien upptäcktes följande problem som behövde lösas: diagnosticering, öppna upp hällen, identifiera och byta ut den trasiga modulen. Koncepten utvärderades kontinuerligt genom användartester med modeller. Det slutgiltiga konceptet låter induktionshällen vara kvar i köksbänken när reparationen utförs. En ny öppningsmekanism konstruerades och de interna modulerna designades om för att kännas mer tillgängliga och vänliga för användaren. I induktionshällen finns en inre ram som efterliknar en så kallad “bento box” där de interna modulerna placeras och alla kablar göms. Slutresultatet tar endast hänsyn till barriärer för reparation på individnivå och har sänkt dessa i de olika faserna i reparationsresan för att förenkla denna. Diagnostiseringen har blivit enklare genom NFC-taggen och de medföljande instruktionerna. Identifieringen av moduler har blivit enklare med hjälp av ikonerna. Designen följer Electrolux varumärkesriktlinjer och ger användaren känslan av att de kan röra och byta ut modulerna. Dessutom har ett elsäkerhetssystem lagts till. Det slutliga konceptet ger en icke-erfaren användare verktygen och självförtroendet att utföra reparationen själv. Efter den upplevelsen är de mer benägna att behålla hällen längre.

Textile waste amounts and its utilization are pressing problems in the EU today, with further expected worsening as legislations come into play, increasing collection rates. The EU strives towards a more sustainable future, however this future might entail initial disimprovement, as consumption and disposal behaviour are further expected to increase. The study showed by mapping the future material flow that potential scenarios are severe, in waste volumes and it is unclear how they will be handled and utilized. It is of highest importance to prepare to mitigate them through levers that enable preferred circular flows towards a more sustainable future. Reusing clothing might be such a lever that promises to partially substitute the demand for new products. Through quantitative research and a systemic and dynamic analysis, this study concludes that waste management remains an even more acute problem, whilst slowing consumption through reuse and maintenance of existing products might be a (small) step in the right direction.

This paper presents a project done within the field of office interior design, which aims to create an efficient set of services that caters to the needs of the interior designer while procuring and implementing used furniture in their projects. The project was conducted in collaboration with Plym Projekt AB, an interior design company who introduced the thesis topic, and Easy Steps, sustainability-focused consultancy company. The collaboration involved regular sessions throughout the course of the thesis, including feedback, guidance and co-creation. During the past two years, the Plym has seen an increase in the demand for sustainable furniture options in the office interior design field. Since then, the company has been attempting to update its business model to provide its customers with a sustainable alternative, encountering obstacles along the way. In addition to a literature review, primary research was conducted, including stakeholder interviews and an end-user questionnaire. Upon empirical data, the authors identified a gap in the industry that is ideally suited for a new actor. The project results in the development of this new actor and its business activities through service design, proposing a set of services that will not only benefit the interior designer, but also its clients, furniture suppliers, and other stakeholders in the office furniture industry. Finally, the service is partially demonstrated through the prototype of a digital platform.