Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024): Technological solutions for sustainability (Issue August-December)
EASI: Engineering and Applied Sciences in Industry presents a diverse range of innovative technological solutions addressing current industrial and societal challenges in this issue. Here is a summary of each article:
Chico et al. (2024): This study goes into the supercritical water gasification of cellulose, a promising process for converting biomass into high-value products such as hydrogen and lactic acid. The authors determined the optimal conditions for maximizing the production of these compounds and established a kinetic model to describe the process. De la Cruz-Tapia and Figueroa (2024) presented an ingenious solution for the equitable distribution of water in rural communities in Ecuador; by implementing an automated control system to optimize the use of this scarce resource. Moreover, Ortiz-Rodríguez et al. (2024) developed a remote-control module for solar dryers, enabling precise monitoring and control of drying conditions. This innovation contributes to improving energy efficiency and the quality of products obtained in drying processes. Barboza et al. (2024) introduce a novel web platform designed for remote patient monitoring, with specific applications in occupational health and safety. This platform could revolutionize the way remote healthcare is managed, particularly for the elderly, and has significant potential to improve workplace safety outcomes. Next contribution is presented by Vera-Ortega and Yong (2024). Authors analyze the barriers faced by microentrepreneurs in Guayaquil in adopting digital payment platforms. The authors propose strategies to foster adoption, such as educational campaigns and financial incentives, aiming to promote financial inclusion and enhance the competitiveness of small businesses. Torres et al. (2024) compare the pyrolysis performance of different types of plastics to produce liquid hydrocarbons. The results show that polystyrene is the most suitable material for this process, due to its high yield and the quality of the product obtained. Navarro et al. (2024) highlight the potential of pyrolysis, specifically of polystyrene, as a method for waste-to-energy conversion. Their findings, combined with those of Torres et al. (2024), underscore the significance of thermal processes in transforming waste into energy.
The articles selected for this issue of EASI exemplify the power of technology to address complex challenges and foster sustainable solutions. We anticipate that these works will be of great interest to researchers, engineers, industry professionals, and students involved in developing technologies for a more sustainable future.
EASI thanks the authors for their valuable contributions and looks forward to continuing to publish cutting-edge research in the fields of engineering and applied sciences.
Y. González
Editor
