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In the Netherlands, with its coastal lowlands, coastal management is performed through sand nourishment and dune utilisation. While policy aims for multifunctionality, coastal management studies predominantly emphasise flood safety, neglecting the recreational function and its interplay with flood safety measures. This study aims to investigate beach visitors' views and behaviour at two reinforced sandy shores in the Netherlands, namely Sand Motor and Hondsbossche Dunes. As the magnitude of the sand-based reinforcements completely changed the original beach landscape, we refer to these as sandy anthropogenic shores (SAS). We conducted surveys to assess SAS visitors' profiles, attitudes (visit motivations, landscape attractiveness), and recreational behaviour (facility preferences, activities, visitation patterns, spatial distribution). We examined differences between SAS and non-SAS beach visitors and compared their perspectives with management expectations. In our analysis, we categorised visitors into three types: local, one-day, and overnight visitors. Our analysis identified three distinct visitor motivation clusters: socialising, relaxation while appreciating beach landscapes, and engaging in sports activities. Natural landscape quality and quietness were the top attractions for SAS visitors. Despite significant human intervention in the design and alteration of the SAS landscape, visitors still appreciate its natural dynamics and beauty. Our analysis indicates that users perceive the SAS as either natural or semi-natural beaches, as intended by their designers and managers. We also developed a conceptual framework of the SAS recreation model based on survey data, forming the foundation for a quantitative model of SAS socio-environmental dynamics in the next phase of our research. Moreover, considering the similarities between SAS and natural shores, we anticipate that our findings will have broad applicability well beyond the specific SAS we have studied. • In-depth analysis compares SAS visitor behaviour and attitudes to those of non-SAS beaches. • Natural landscape quality and quietness were the top attractions for SAS visitors. • The initial design of the SAS landscape successfully attracts the target visitors. • The SAS dynamic landscape is expected to change recreational activity patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines diabatic columns with a new type of tray. The design provides effective liquid reflux flow in each column tray and a low pressure drop. The contact devices comprise a stack of multi-diameter plates with raised edges. The vertical tubes of the dephlegmator integrated into the column centre pass across all plates, and are used for heat removal. Vapors of the ascending mixture partially condense onto the plate surfaces and the dephlegmator, resulting in vapor enrichment. The liquid flow down the column forms a thin layer on the surfaces of the middle and bottom plates. When the condensate drops onto the smaller-diameter top tray, it partially evaporates, is then mixed with the liquid flow on the underlying plates, and partially evaporates again. An algorithm calculation of distillation parameters for a diabatic column, with a known reflux flow rate, vapor velocity and heat transfer coefficient, is proposed and approbated. The column separation efficiency is assessed depending on the temperature and cooling-water flow rate in the dephlegmator pipe. Several approaches for enhancing the heat transfer intensity in the column dephlegmator pipe were analysed. Several heat removal methods, including liquid film flow cooling of the inner dephlegmator pipe surface, were examined. Experimental tests were carried out using an ethanol-water binary mixture and a raw spirit complex mixture. Comparison of the characteristics of the new diabatic unit and a packed column with a spiral prismatic packing showed that the plate column with the same separation efficiency has a lower pressure drop and metal consumption. The results encourage further research on this new diabatic column design. [Display omitted] • The design of the investigated column, the problem of uniform refluxing over the section and height of the column is solved. • The low pressure drop (140 Pa / m) allows column to be recommended for separating mixtures under vacuum. • The controlled distribution of reflux made it possible to achieve a HETP of 0.08 m. • The methods of heat exchange in a reflux condenser along the height of the column investigated. • The methods of controlling the separation process and the efficiency of the column due to heat removal investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an innovative method for integrating social dynamics into the design of community microgrids using Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP). Traditional microgrid optimisations frequently overlook the intricate interactions between socio-economic factors and technical performance. Our proposed methodology addresses this gap by incorporating a Social Capital Index (SCI) to guide the selection of Business Model Archetypes (BMAs), ensuring that microgrid designs not only meet technical specifications but also resonate with community values and behaviours. We introduce and apply socially focused Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the impact of microgrid operations on community engagement, equity, and governance. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through an experimental case study with real-world data from Australia. The study reveals how various BMAs influence both the operational efficiency and social outcomes of community microgrids, providing valuable insights for developing more sustainable and inclusive energy systems. This research advances the understanding of the social implications of microgrid technologies, establishing a foundation for future research into energy solutions that are both technically and socially inclusive. [Display omitted] • Integration of social capital into community microgrid design using MILP. • Evaluation of different business models' impact on microgrid operations and community. • Development seven KPIs to assess socio-economic and technical microgrid performance. • Demonstration of complex interplay between individual and collective energy interests. • Bridging technical optimisation and social inclusivity for sustainable energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Alternative theories explaining behavioral changes are complementary • An agent based model helps to analyze organic vice food purchasing behavior • Market and informational policies jointly produce non-additive effects • Locked-in vicious cycle can explain the intention-behavior gap for organic wine • Organic adaption tipping point is detected at 35% of diffusion rate Organic food has important environmental and health benefits, decreasing the toxicity of agricultural production, improving soil quality, and overall resilience of farming. Increasing consumers' demand for organic food reinforces the rate of organic farming adoption and the level of farmers' risk acceptance. Despite the recorded 20% growth in organically managed farmland, its global land area is still far less than expected, only 1.4%. Increasing demand for organic food is an important pathway towards sustainable food systems. We explore this consumer-centric approach by developing a theoretically- and empirically-grounded agent-based model. Three behavioral theories – theory of planned behavior, alphabet theory, and goal-framing – describe individual food purchasing decisions in response to policies. We take wine sector as an example to calibrate and validate the model for the case study of Sydney, Australia. The discrepancy between consumer intention and purchasing behavior for organic wine can be explained by a locked-in vicious cycle. We assess the effectiveness of different policies such as wine taxation, and informational-education campaigns to influence consumer choices. The model shows that these interventions are non-additive: raising consumer awareness and increasing tax on less environmentally friendly wines simultaneously is more successful in promoting organic wine than the sum of the two policies introduced separately. The phenomenon of undercover altruism amplifies the preference for organic wine, and the tipping point occurs at around 35% diffusion rate in the population. This research suggests policy implications to help decision-makers in the food sector make informed decisions about organic markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's growing economy, overconsumption and overproduction have accelerated environmental deterioration worldwide. Consumers, through unsustainable consumption patterns, and producers, through production based on traditional resource depleting practices, have contributed significantly to the socio-environmental problems. Consumers and producers are linked by supply chains, and as sustainability became seen as a way to reverse socio-environmental degradation, it has also started to be introduced in research on supply chains. We look at the evolution of research on sustainable supply chains and show that it is still largely focused on the processes and networks that take place between the producer and the consumer, hardly taking into account consumer behavior and its influence on the performance of the producer and the supply chain itself. We conclude that we cannot be talking about sustainability, without extending the supply chains to account for consumers' behavior and their influence on the overall system performance. A conceptual framework is proposed to explain how supply chains can become sustainable and improve their economic and socio-environmental performance by motivating consumer behavior toward green consumption patterns, which, in turn, motivate producers and suppliers to change their operations. • To address sustainability, traditional supply chains need to be extended to include consumers. • Responsible production is not enough for sustainability – we need responsible consumption. • Changing consumer behavior plays a key role in transitioning to sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Various tools and methods are used in participatory modelling, at different stages of the process and for different purposes. The diversity of tools and methods can create challenges for stakeholders and modelers when selecting the ones most appropriate for their projects. We offer a systematic overview, assessment, and categorization of methods to assist modelers and stakeholders with their choices and decisions. Most available literature provides little justification or information on the reasons for the use of particular methods or tools in a given study. In most of the cases, it seems that the prior experience and skills of the modelers had a dominant effect on the selection of the methods used. While we have not found any real evidence of this approach being wrong, we do think that putting more thought into the method selection process and choosing the most appropriate method for the project can produce better results. Based on expert opinion and a survey of modelers engaged in participatory processes, we offer practical guidelines to improve decisions about method selection at different stages of the participatory modeling process. Highlights • Participatory Modeling (PM) is a purposeful learning process for action. • We review some of the methods for PM, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. • We provide guidance for practitioners as they select methods for their PM projects. • A web portal for the Community of Practice on PM can assist in method selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandy Anthropogenic Shores (SAS) are coasts formed or heavily modified by moving large amounts of dredged sand from offshore towards the land. Subsequently, natural processes such as waves, wind, and currents are spreading the sand, where wind can transport sand into the foredune area and reinforce the foredune for long-term coastal safety. Besides improving safety, more expansive beaches and artificial lagoons, which may be part of a SAS design, provide new space for human activities and animal and plant habitats. The landscape of SAS is influenced by humans who manage and utilise the shore for various objectives, including flood safety, recreation, and ecological functions. Consequently, the sustainable management of multifunctional and multi-actor systems like SAS becomes challenging and requires an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to analyse the trade-offs between various socio-environmental functions. Although numerous studies of SAS have been conducted, they have had a sectoral, disciplinary approach and mainly focused on the natural aspects of SAS. In this study, we applied participatory modelling to explore the role of social systems (management activities and their interactions with natural systems) in SAS to broaden insight beyond natural systems and improve management and social acceptance of managerial decisions. We conducted several interviews and workshops with multiple stakeholders. We discussed different management aims and activities in SAS, the essential socio-environmental drivers of the managerial activities, their interactions, and the managerial indicators for analysing the various SAS functions. The elicited knowledge was structured in the form of a collective cognitive map (CCM) developed with stakeholders. We used the designed cognitive map for a qualitative assessment of the influence of some managerial decisions on trade-offs between the multiple functions of SAS. The developed CCM provides suitable ground to start the discussion with multiple stakeholders on the design of SAS as a new coastal management approach. • Key concepts related to SAS functions were identified based on stakeholder perceptions and knowledge. • The developed cognitive map analyses trade-offs among multiple functions of a SAS. • The qualitative model informs integrated modelling to improve decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe and discuss the design and prototype of the Distributed Model Integration Framework (DMIF) that links models deployed on different hardware and software platforms. We used distributed computing and service-oriented development approaches to address the different aspects of interoperability. Reusable web service wrappers were developed for technical interoperability models created in NetLogo and GAMS modeling languages. We investigated automated semantic mapping of text-based input-output data and attribute names of components using word overlap semantic matching algorithms and using an openly available lexical database. We also incorporated automated unit conversion in semantic mediation by using openly available ontologies. DMIF helps to avoid significant amount of reinvention by framework developers, and opens up the modeling process for many stakeholders who are not prepared to deal with the technical difficulties associated with installing, configuring, and running various models. As a proof of concept, we implemented our design to integrate several climate-energy-economy models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) leads to nonspecific inflammation and is a major cause of the pathogenesis of exudative and nonexudative forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As a result, antioxidant therapy has been emerging as a promising means for the treatment and prevention of AMD. Nevertheless, antioxidant strategies have largely been unsuccessful for AMD treatment. Developing a more potent antioxidant that reaches its target, remains stable with specific RONS level regulation, and reduces treatment burdens would provide a foundation for the care and scientific understanding of using antioxidant therapies in AMD. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel robust nanotechnology-mediated antioxidant strategy based on ceria-coated melanin-PEG nanoparticles (CMNPs) by taking advantage of their inherent antioxidant ability to autorenew cerium oxide nanoparticles (ceria) and their photoprotective role through scavenging a broad range of RONS of melanin. Our experiments demonstrate that CMNPs could relieve AMD-like pathology with long-term improvement and exhibited a significant synergistic effect in scavenging against multiple RONS compared to single-nanoantioxidant delivery. More importantly, CMNPs ensured autoregenerative properties, outperformed aflibercept, and relieved pathological damage in an AMD-like mouse model through a single-dose administration for up to three months. This study highlights a novel treatment targeted to preserve the RPE and photoreceptors in AMD as a monotherapy. [Display omitted] The graphic illustration of ceria-coated melanin-PEG nanoparticle (CMNP)-mediated nanoantioxidant strategies to reduce oxidative stress damages in a AMD-like mouse model via a single-dose intravitreal (IVT) injection. • We developed a new nano-antooxidant that combine ceria with melanin (CMNP) via self-assembly. • CMNP provides safer, regenerative therapy for AMD-like models in vitro and in vivo. • Encouraging preliminary results indicate CMNP's potential as a single treatment for long-term AMD improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of models requires linking models which can be developed using different tools, methodologies, and assumptions. We performed a literature review with the aim of improving our understanding of model integration process, and also presenting better strategies for building integrated modeling systems. We identified five different phases to characterize integration process: pre-integration assessment, preparation of models for integration, orchestration of models during simulation, data interoperability, and testing. Commonly, there is little reuse of existing frameworks beyond the development teams and not much sharing of science components across frameworks. We believe this must change to enable researchers and assessors to form complex workflows that leverage the current environmental science available. In this paper, we characterize the model integration process and compare integration practices of different groups. We highlight key strategies, features, standards, and practices that can be employed by developers to increase reuse and interoperability of science software components and systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a sustainability assessment tool for agro-bioenergy system usually has an industrial agriculture bias. Furthermore, LCA generally has often been criticized for being a decision maker tool which may not consider decision takers perceptions. They are lacking in spatial and temporal depth, and unable to assess sufficiently some environmental impact categories such as biodiversity, land use etc. and most economic and social impact categories, e.g. food security, water security, energy security. This study explored tools, methodologies and frameworks that can be deployed individually, as well as in combination with each other for bridging these methodological gaps in application to agro-bioenergy systems. Integrating agronomic options, e.g. alternative farm power, tillage, seed sowing options, fertilizer, pesticide, irrigation into the boundaries of LCAs for agro-bioenergy systems will not only provide an alternative agro-ecological perspective to previous LCAs, but will also lead to the derivation of indicators for assessment of some social and economic impact categories. Deploying life cycle thinking approaches such as energy return on energy invested-EROEI, human appropriation of net primary production-HANPP, net greenhouse gas or carbon balance-NCB, water footprint individually and in combination with each other will also lead to further derivation of indicators suitable for assessing relevant environmental, social and economic impact categories. Also, applying spatio-temporal simulation models has a potential for improving the spatial and temporal depths of LCA analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents two examples of testing the adhesion properties for the lubricants of two sorts, namely: plastic and liquid in dynamics. Maintaining perfect control of the adhesion characteristics for different lubricants in contact with surfaces (for example: metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, alloys, composites and so forth) constitutes a very important aspect of the process. It is common knowledge that a bad lubricant cannot work correctly in any mobile mechanical junctions. In this case the temperature will usually increase; the wear and tear will grow as well. So, here we aim at suggesting new devices to control both the adhesion and the quality of the two types of lubricants. New devices showed very good practical results, so we recommend these novelties to be used not only in-lab but in-situ for multiple pairs of friction in mechanisms and machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a compressor problem. The authors used a mathematical way to analyze a compressor and find its weakness. A practical way to increase the reliability for the investigated design has been recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When integrating independently built models, we may encounter components that describe the same processes or groups of processes using different assumptions and formalizations. The time stepping in component models can also be very different depending upon the temporal resolution chosen. Even if this time stepping is handled outside of the components (as assumed by good practice of component building) the use of inappropriate temporal synchronization can produce either major run-time redundancy or loss of model accuracy. While components may need to be run asynchronously, finding the right times for them to communicate and exchange information becomes a challenge. We are illustrating this by experimenting with a couple of simple component models connected by means of Web services to explore how the timing of their input–output data exchange affects the performance of the overall integrated model. We have also considered how to best communicate information between components that use a different formalism for the same processes. Currently there are no generic recommendations for component synchronization but including sensitivity analysis for temporal and functional synchronization should be recommended as an essential part of integrated modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper updates and builds on ‘Modelling with Stakeholders’ Voinov and Bousquet, 2010 which demonstrated the importance of, and demand for, stakeholder participation in resource and environmental modelling. This position paper returns to the concepts of that publication and reviews the progress made since 2010. A new development is the wide introduction and acceptance of social media and web applications, which dramatically changes the context and scale of stakeholder interactions and participation. Technology advances make it easier to incorporate information in interactive formats via visualization and games to augment participatory experiences. Citizens as stakeholders are increasingly demanding to be engaged in planning decisions that affect them and their communities, at scales from local to global. How people interact with and access models and data is rapidly evolving. In turn, this requires changes in how models are built, packaged, and disseminated: citizens are less in awe of experts and external authorities, and they are increasingly aware of their own capabilities to provide inputs to planning processes, including models. The continued acceleration of environmental degradation and natural resource depletion accompanies these societal changes, even as there is a growing acceptance of the need to transition to alternative, possibly very different, life styles. Substantive transitions cannot occur without significant changes in human behaviour and perceptions. The important and diverse roles that models can play in guiding human behaviour, and in disseminating and increasing societal knowledge, are a feature of stakeholder processes today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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