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We find that firms reduce toxic emissions at their local plants following EPA enforcement actions against nearby plants operated by peer firms that compete in the same product market. These reductions are more pronounced for plants located near socially responsible mutual funds (SRMFs) that hold these plants' parent firms' shares. Close proximity to SRMFs is associated with real investment in abatement measures to mitigate emissions. While plants increase emissions again in the long run, such reversals do not occur in plants located near SRMFs. Taken together, our results suggest that local SRMFs complement EPA enforcement in influencing plants' emissions. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix , which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biomass as fuel at PLTU Bolok can reduce emissions, save basic costs for providing electricity and increase fuel alternative competitiveness for PLN. A lot of unproductive vacant land can now be used to plant calliandra trees and used for cofiring, the use of woodchip biomass for cofiring PLTUs can also build a community economy. This research aims to analyze the feasibility of investment using a financial aspect approach in the biomass procurement program in Kupang, NTT. This business feasibility analysis was carried out to find out whether the biomass development plan was feasible from a financial aspect. This research will analyze the Net Present Value (NPV), Net Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), and Payback Period values for the business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to delve into the intricacies of combustion processes, specifically focusing on heating oil and a blend of heating oil with Tire Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) in a self-developed evaporative combustion chamber featuring steam injection. The primary objective is to scrutinize the impact of steam injection on the combustion dynamics. Conducting a series of tests, the investigation involved the meticulous manipulation of stoichiometric ratios while introducing ambient air through gravity fuel flow. Subsequent iterations of these tests incorporated the introduction of steam into the ambient air stream. The examination encompassed the combustion of both heating oil and the TPO blend within the combustion chamber. The evaluation criteria comprised an in-depth analysis of flame characteristics, temperature distribution within the combustion chamber, and the quantification of emissions such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and water vapor (H2O). Throughout the experimentation phase, commercially available diesel fuel served as the primary fuel source. To facilitate the tests, the combustion chamber under scrutiny was seamlessly integrated into an AVL engine test bench system. Essential parameters, including fuel consumption, were meticulously gauged using an AVL 735 fuel flow meter, while fuel temperature was monitored using the AVL 745 fuel temperature conditioning system. The intake air, a crucial element in the combustion process, was quantified with precision using an AVL Flowsonix sensor. Emission measurements were conducted meticulously using state-of-the-art equipment, with gaseous emissions analyzed using an AVL FTIR AMA i60 exhaust gas analyzer. Simultaneously, soot emissions were quantified through employment of an AVL Micro Soot sensor. This comprehensive approach not only delves into the fundamental aspects of combustion but also extends its reach to the exploration of innovative techniques, such as steam injection, to enhance combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. The integration of advanced measurement tools ensures a robust and thorough analysis of the combustion process and its environmental implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algeria faces a complex energy challenge: balancing rising domestic consumption with declining fossil fuel production and environmental concerns. Despite government efforts toward energy security and sustainability, progress has been slow. This review analyzes scholarly literature and existing regulations to identify knowledge gaps hindering a sustainable energy transition. The review identified existing policies targeting energy security and environmental sustainability. However, critical knowledge gaps remain in four key areas, The effectiveness of current policies for diversification, energy efficiency, and emission reduction needs further investigation. Research is needed on the effectiveness of existing regulations and the impact of potential subsidy reforms. Formulating regulations for a sustainable transport sector and addressing infrastructure challenges in unplanned urban areas are essential. Investigating domestic renewable energy manufacturing industries and grid integration of surplus renewable energy holds promise. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for developing evidence-based solutions promoting a secure and sustainable energy future for Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia is committed to achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE) conditions by the year 2060, with policy adjustments and constraints being necessary to realize this goal. The aim of this study is to achieve NZE conditions using a least-cost optimization method for various power plants that rely on fossil and non-renewable energy sources, without specifying a target year. Two scenarios, Business as Usual (BAU) and NZE, were developed for comparison in the optimization analysis. Through the utilization of LEAP and NEMO software, the optimization results suggest that optimal NZE conditions in Indonesia could be attained by 2075, with solar-based electricity generation playing a crucial role in meeting basic electricity demands. The NZE scenario predicts a 28% rise in electricity demand by 2100 compared to the BAU scenario. In 2075, PV will contribute 32.8% (224.3 GW) to total power supply, while BESS will provide 198.8 GW according to the NZE scenario. This study aims to assist the Indonesian government and stakeholders in reaching the NZE goal, while maintaining current efforts to avoid new efficiency and financial challenges. Achieving this goal will involve using a cost-effective optimization approach and implementing energy-efficient technologies and conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the issue of reducing exhaust emissions in rally cars. The issue of currently used exhaust gas aftertreatment systems is described, as well as the potential possibility of reducing emissions of harmful substances while driving on special sections. Statistical calculations were also carried out regarding the emissions of harmful substances by rally cars during the entire season of the Polish Rally Championship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The researchers aim to examine the effects of environmental pollutants on the total fertility rate in developing regions and test the validity of an environmental theory. The researchers adopt countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regions as case studies. Environmental issues are captured using carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (NO2) and methane (CH4) emissions. The researchers anchored the environmental theory affecting fertility rate on the Environmental Kuznets Curve/Hypothesis (EKC), which explains the relationship between environmental pollution and economic growth through total fertility rate (TFR). A longitudinal survey method, otherwise known as panel regression analysis, covering a substantial period (1970–2019) is adopted. The empirical results show that environmental issues effects on fertility rate are relatively more severe in countries in the MENA region, followed by the ECOWAS region and less pronounced in the ASEAN region both in the current period and projected future. Based on the results, robust policies are recommended to mitigate environmental and fertility issues and thus stimulate growth and development in these focal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon emissions arising from road pavement infrastructures have emerged as critical issue in recent years. The life cycle of a pavement can be divided into five phases, namely raw materials and production, construction, use, maintenance and end of life. While the use phase generates the highest carbon emissions throughout the pavement's life cycle, it is usually neglected in most pavement life cycle assessment (LCA) studies due to its complexity and uncertainty. Therefore, this review selected 126 relevant references, focuses on quantification methods, influential factors and reduction technologies of carbon emissions in pavement use phase. Among the carbon accounting approached, the LCA approach, remains the most widely used for evaluating the environmental impact of pavements. Second, the primary influential factors on the use phase' carbon emission include pavement-vehicle interaction primarily affected by pavement roughness, pavement albedo and climate change. Most influential factors above indirectly cause changes in carbon emissions by influencing the pavement performance and subsequent vehicle emissions. Finally, the review surveys carbon emission reduction technologies during pavement use phase, focusing mainly on reducing pavement rolling resistance and constructing cool pavements. Reflective pavements and permeable pavements are the most widely used cool pavement technologies. Overall, the aspects involved in this paper hold significant promise for quantifying and reducing carbon emissions in the pavement use phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a techno-economic and greenhouse gas emissions assessment of a proposed low-carbon methanol production process. The process takes a novel low-carbon methanol production method and reduces its emissions further by integrating a solar thermal energy (STE) system to provide for its electricity requirements. The authors investigate three different scenarios for the STE system, analysing the effects of solar irradiance design point, and the impact of thermal energy storage on system performance. Case-1 (15.57 MW) was designed for daytime operation and sized for the maximum annual solar irradiance, with Case-2 (24.91 MW) incorporating thermal energy storage to enable 24-hour operation. Case-3 (48.66 MW) also utilised thermal energy storage to enable 24-hour operation, but was sized for the minimum annual solar irradiance. The methanol process and the STE system were modelled in Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS, with the simulation data being used with mass and energy balances to conduct a techno-economic and greenhouse gas emissions assessment. The standalone methanol plant was estimated to emit 0.37 t CO2/t CH3OH, with the integration of the STE system reducing this to 0.29 (Case-1), 0.23 (Case-2), and 0.10 (Case-3), resulting in one of the lowest emitting traditional methanol production methods available. The cost of abatement of these remaining emissions through carbon capture and storage was also considered. The economic analysis found that the integrated processes in Case-1 and 2 were financially viable, resulting in a net present value of $247 million and $72 million respectively. The net present value was reduced to $185 and $21 million when considering the cost of carbon capture and storage. Conversely, the net present value for Case-3 was negative, requiring an increase in the price of methanol to ∼" role="presentation" style="font-size: 90%; display: inline-block; position: relative;">∼∼$600/t, and a reduction in the cost of capital to ∼" role="presentation" style="font-size: 90%; display: inline-block; position: relative;">∼∼8%, to become financially viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions from road traffic, power generation and industry were substantially reduced during pandemic lockdown periods globally. Thus, we analysed reductions in traffic-related air pollution in Australian capital cities during March–April 2020 and then modelled the mortality benefits that could be realised if similar reductions were sustained by structural policy interventions. Satellite, air pollution monitor and land use observations were used to estimate ground-level nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) concentrations in all Australian capital cities during: (a) a typical year with no prolonged air pollution events; (b) a hypothetical sustained reduction in NO 2 equivalent to the COVID-19 lockdowns. We use the WHO recommended NO 2 exposure-response coefficient for mortality (1.023, 95 % CI: 1.008–1.037, per 10 μg/m3 annual average) to assess gains in life expectancy and population-wide years of life from reduced exposure to traffic-related air pollution. We attribute 1.1 % of deaths to anthropogenic NO 2 exposures in Australian cities, corresponding to a total of 13,340 years of life lost annually. Although COVID-19-related reductions in NO 2 varied widely between Australian cities during April 2020, equivalent and sustained reductions in NO 2 emissions could reduce NO 2 -attributable deaths by 27 %, resulting in 3348 years of life gained annually. COVID-19 mobility restrictions reduced NO 2 emissions and population-wide exposures in Australian cities. When sustained to the same extent by policy interventions that reduce fossil fuel consumption by favouring the uptake of electric vehicles, active travel and public transport, the health, mortality and economic benefits will be measurable in Australian cities. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the entry of regions in new green technological specializations, specifically investigating the role of recombinant novelty and academic inventors and the interplay between the two. We conduct an empirical analysis on a panel of Italian NUTS-3 regions observed from 1999 to 2009. The results show that both recombinant novelty and the presence of academic inventors are positively associated with new entries in green technological specializations, and that their interaction provides a compensatory mechanism in regions lacking adequate novel combinatorial capabilities. The findings of this study are relevant for policymakers involved in the elaboration of successful regional specialization strategies in green technological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Internacional CONSINTER de Direito is the property of JURUA EDITORIAL and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The decarbonisation of transport is one of the key aspects in the context of environmental protection. These emissions are particularly noticeable in highly urbanised areas, where the possibility of dispersal of harmful substances is much lower. A way to improve emission factors is the introduction of hydrogen vehicles. Burning hydrogen in engines significantly reduces emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere compared to the combustion of conventional fuels used today. Hydrogen can be obtained by gasifying waste in a steam atmosphere. Electronic waste is a special type of waste characterised by a high degree of commingling, which makes it difficult to treat. The volume of this type of waste is increasing year on year. As a result of this process, we are able to obtain syngas. This gas, after separation processes, can be a source of hydrogen, an energy carrier that could prove crucial in low-carbon energy or transport applications. This paper presents the results of the gasification of electronic waste, the composition of the syngas obtained in the process and an assessment of the potential of this waste treatment technology to power means of transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced oil recovery draws increasingly interests from the research and development phases to oilfield implementation worldwide. Due to the complexity of the developed reservoirs and requirement of carbon footprint reduction, new innovations are urgently needed to increase enhanced oil recovery efficiency and/or reduce emissions simultaneously. This paper presents the strategies to improve the enhanced oil recovery performance of carbon dioxide flooding, polymer flooding and imbibition in complex reservoirs. Field trials conducted at Mahu reservoirs demonstrated the potential of nanoemulsion imbibition in stimulating tight oil recovery. These results can provide constructive envision for the development and application of enhanced oil recovery technologies for challenging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the complexity of bay water ecological environment governance, the bay chief system is a pilot policy carried out by the state as an innovative exploration to establish a new model and systematically solve related marine problems. By exploring the evolution path of policies related to environmental governance, this study demonstrates the theoretical logic between environmental policies such as the bay and river chief systems and comprehensively deconstructs the institutional framework of the bay chief system from the aspects of organizational structure, key tasks, and accountability mechanism. In addition, this study evaluates the implementation effect of the bay chief system based on the differences-in-differences method. Results show that: (i) As an institutional innovation of regional environmental governance, the implementation path of the bay chief system has undergone a bottom-top evolution. (ii) The institutional framework of the bay chief system has changed and promoted the original environmental governance model, providing an important manifestation of the modernization of China's water pollution prevention and curing capacity. (iii) Empirically, the pilot cities of the bay chief system promote economic growth while reducing pollutant emissions, and achieve a win–win situation between emission reduction and growth. This conclusion remains valid after many robustness tests. In the future, further efforts are necessary to enhance the policy effect of the bay chief system according to local conditions and boost sustainable marine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There is a long tradition in environmental health of using frameworks for evidence synthesis, such as those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its Integrated Science Assessments and the International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs. The framework, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), was developed for evidence synthesis in clinical medicine. The U.S. Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) elaborated an approach for evidence synthesis in environmental health building on GRADE. METHODS: We applied a modified OHAT approach and a broader “narrative” assessment to assess the level of confidence in a large systematic review on traffic-related air pollution and health outcomes. DISCUSSION: We discuss several challenges with the OHAT approach and its implementation and suggest improvements for synthesizing evidence from observational studies in environmental health. We consider the determination of confidence using a formal rating scheme of up- and downgrading of certain factors, the treatment of every factor as equally important, and the lower initial confidence rating of observational studies to be fundamental issues in the OHAT approach. We argue that some observational studies can offer high-confidence evidence in environmental health. We note that heterogeneity in magnitude of effect estimates should generally not weaken the confidence in the evidence, and consistency of associations across study designs, populations, and exposure assessment methods may strengthen confidence in the evidence. We mention that publication bias should be explored beyond statistical methods and is likely limited when large and collaborative studies comprise most of the evidence and when accrued over several decades. We propose to identify possible key biases, their most likely direction, and their potential impacts on the results. We think that the OHAT approach and other GRADE-type frameworks require substantial modification to align better with features of environmental health questions and the studies that address them. We emphasize that a broader, “narrative” evidence assessment based on the systematic review may complement a formal GRADE-type evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from petroleum to electricity as a fuel source for vehicles is an essential step in the effort to stop harmful climate change. The transportation sector currently produces more carbon emissions in the United States than any other area. Recognizing this, the federal government and several states have recently devoted resources to facilitating the transition to large-scale electric vehicle (EV) use. In particular, there must be a nationwide network of EV charging infrastructure so that EV drivers can confidently drive EVs anywhere. Much of the legal research on increasing the number of EV charging facilities and consumer EV purchases focuses on states and areas where support of EVs is more likely, dismissing conservative-leaning Southeastern states, some Midwestern states, and rural areas as places where people "do not recognize climate change as a problem." However, it is not enough to successfully prepare for and achieve mass EV adoption in liberal states. To sufficiently reduce US carbon emissions, the transition to EV use must be widespread across all states and regions, types of communities, and demographics. If environmentalists want to reduce emissions as much as possible in today's polarized political environment, they must take a new approach to creating policy solutions. Instead of pushing large-scale, public EV projects across the board, policy makers should tailor state-level policy proposals that specifically appeal to conservative-leaning states. They should incorporate conservatives' preferred instrument choices--namely, private businesses--as the drivers of EV infrastructure growth. While some environmentalists may prefer government-driven climate action, a privatized system of EV charging infrastructure will be more likely and more easily adopted by both governments and consumers in conservative states. In the context of climate change, decarbonizing the transportation sector as quickly as possible is more important than the policy tool used to do it; therefore, choosing a politically feasible policy is the best strategy. With this approach in mind, this Note proposes specific policies that enable and support the growth of privately owned charging station businesses within the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) region. Using Tennessee as a case study, this Note first explains how the TVA Act and state law would grant TVA a monopoly on the EV charging market in Tennessee. It then proposes changes to state and federal law that could remove the legal barriers to privately owned charging station businesses in the TVA region. Lastly, this Note argues that allowing a private EV charging market will increase conservative Tennessee's EV charging capabilities and encourage the purchase of EVs by Tennessee consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestate (anaerobic ferment) is an organic substance remaining after the anaerobic processing of organic matter or biodegradable waste—biogas extraction or anaerobic alcoholic fermentation— or bioethanol extraction. Biogas production waste digestate is a valuable fertilizer in agriculture, but there are issues with odor emissions. Therefore, in order to reduce environmental air pollution, the efficiency of integrating a homogenized biosolution—an activator of rotting residues into the digestate for ammonia emission—was evaluated via scientific studies of ammonia gas emission. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of a homogenized biosolution—the rotting residue activator (carrier molasses without GMO) in the digestate—on reducing ammonia emissions. The assessment of ammonia gas emission was performed by measuring the average ammonia concentration values fixed in time intervals every 15 min via the automatic switching of the analyzer channels, in order to first assess the sudden immediate effect of the biosolution and the regular gradual long-term effect. After evaluating the average concentration and emission of ammonia gas from the control and digestate with biosolutions depending on the duration of digestate storage, the correlation of the values compared with each other was established and the effect of the allocation of the biosolution—the rotting residue activator in the digestate—on the reduction of ammonia concentration and emission was recorded. The highest efficiency of the biosolution in reducing ammonia emissions ranged from 3 to 43% in the period from 1 to 100 h, which reached up to 450,000 mg m−2h−1. After evaluating the overall average reduction in ammonia emissions from the digestate with the biosolution over the entire period, the essential effect of the use of biosolutions was proven and the highest effect was recorded in the first 24 h after the allocation of the biosolution—the activator of rotting residues in the digestate. Thus, supplementing the digestate with various nutrients and specialized biosolutions provides an even better fertilizing value and even better prospects for reducing odor emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Roadway traffic noise is recognized as a public health concern as it is associated with negative auditory and nonauditory health outcomes. This article provides an overview of roadway noise exposure and the related negative health consequences. The overview specifically includes information on the sources of roadway traffic noise, noise exposure measurement techniques, historic and current U.S. policy regarding roadway noise exposure, and practical suggestions for audiologists for mitigating the negative consequences of excessive roadway noise exposure. The purpose of this overview is to educate audiologists of these effects. Conclusions: Roadway traffic noise exposure is a public health concern both nationally and globally. Nonauditory effects of excessive roadway noise exposure are better understood than auditory effects; however, more evidence is needed to thoroughly to assess the risks to the public. Opportunities in the United States exist at the federal and local level to better understand the effects of roadway traffic noise and mitigate undesirable auditory and nonauditory health consequences. To address noise exposure as a growing public health concern, audiologists should be aware of the effects that roadway noise exposure has on the general population as well as provide education and preventa-tive health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many climate change "solution" plans include net-zero goals, which involve balancing the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) with their removal. Achieving net-zero goals is particularly problematic for soils because they are often excluded from GHG inventories and reduction plans. For example, Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act (Senate Bill 528) put forward the goal of lowering emissions of GHG to 60% under 2006 quantities by 2031 and with a target of net-zero emissions by 2045. To achieve these goals, the state of Maryland (MD) needs to quantify GHG emissions from various sources contributing to the state's total emissions footprint (EF). Soils are currently excluded from MD's GHG assessments, which raises a question about how the soil impacts the net-zero goal. This study examines the challenges in meeting net-zero goals using an example of carbon dioxide (CO2) as one of the GHG types (net-zero CO2 emissions). The current study quantified the "realized" social costs of CO2 (SC-CO2) emissions for MD from new land developments in the period from 2001 to 2016 which caused a complete loss of 2.2 × 109 kg of total soil carbon (TSC) resulting in $383.8M (where M = million, USD = US dollars). All MD's counties experienced land developments with various emissions and SC-CO2 monetary values. Most of the developments, TSC losses, and SC-CO2 occurred near the existing urban areas of Annapolis and Baltimore City. These emissions need to be accounted for in MD's GHG emissions reduction plans to achieve a net-zero target. Soils of MD are limited in recarbonization capacity because 64% of the state area is occupied by highly leached Ultisols. Soil recarbonization potential is further reduced by urbanization with Prince George's, Montgomery, and Frederick counties experiencing the highest increases in developed areas. In addition, projected sea-level rises will impact 17 of MD's 23 counties. These losses will generate additional social costs because of migration, costs of relocation, and damages to infrastructure. The state of MD has a high proportion of private land ownership (92.4%) and low proportion of public lands, which will limit opportunities for relocation within the state. Net-zero targets are important but meeting these targets without specific and integrative approaches depending on the source and type of emissions may result in failure. These approaches should also focus on the social costs of emissions, which raises the need for a new concept of integrating net-zero emissions and social costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How we frame environmental problems and their solutions matters. Under the UK Net Zero Strategy and the European Green Deal, climate action—as a policy- and regulatory response to climate change—is framed overwhelmingly positive and coupled with the ambitions to generate growth, facilitate innovation, improve health and wellbeing, ensure inclusiveness and much else. This is done to project climate ambitions as part of a win–win scenario where no one is left behind. Yet it is unclear how each of the different aims relate to each other, which risks creating legal dilemmas, and possibly undermining climate action altogether. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, many countries around the world imposed an unprecedented lockdown producing reductions in pollutant emissions. Unfortunately, the lockdown-driven global ambient benzene changes still remained unknown. The ensemble machine-learning model coupled with the chemical transport models (CTMs) was applied to estimate global high-resolution ambient benzene levels. Afterwards, the XGBoost algorithm was employed to decouple the contributions of meteorology and emission reduction to ambient benzene. The change ratio (Pdew) of deweathered benzene concentration from pre-lockdown to lockdown period was in the order of India (−23.6 %) > Europe (−21.9 %) > United States (−16.2 %) > China (−15.6 %). The detrended change (P*) of deweathered benzene level (change ratio in 2020 – change ratio in 2019) followed the order of India (P* = −16.2 %) > Europe (P* = −13.9 %) > China (P* = −13.3 %) > United States (P* = −6.00 %). Substantial decreases of atmospheric benzene levels saved sufficient health benefits. The global average lifetime carcinogenic risks (LCR) and hazard index (HI) decreased from 4.89 × 10−7 and 5.90 × 10−3 and 4.51 × 10−7 and 5.40 × 10−3, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative building materials have the potential to reduce environmental pressure from buildings, though the use of these materials should be guided by an understanding of the embodied environmental impacts. Extensive research on embodied greenhouse gas emissions from buildings has been conducted, but other impacts are less frequently reported. Furthermore, uncertainty is rarely reported in building LCA studies. This paper provides a piece for filling those gaps by comprehensively reporting the embodied environmental impacts of a fiberglass house within the LCA framework, modeled in the OpenLCA software using the Ecoinvent 3.7.1 inventory database. The ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method is used to report a wide range of environmental impacts. The global warming potential is calculated to be 311 kgCO2 eq/m2. Additionally, a hotspot analysis is included to identify areas that should be the focus for improvement, as well as an uncertainty analysis based on Monte Carlo. The embodied emissions are given context by a scenario analysis over a 50-year use phase in three different grid conditions and with two different energy efficiency levels. Based on the results of this study, it is determined that fiberglass does not provide a viable alternative to conventional building materials if the purpose is to reduce embodied emissions from buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution has become an unavoidable concern as China's high-quality development is underway. How to reduce pollution is an imperative issue for China to address. Pollution emissions are closely related to factor inputs, production processes and pollution control measures. Are there other forces to cut emissions besides regulatory control? Taking sulfur dioxide as an example, this paper probes into the potential mechanism through which technical efficiency drives pollution reduction in the context of opening to foreign investment. The results reveal that the openness to foreign investment remarkably lowers pollution emissions of firms, with SOEs, large firms and exporters seeing more pronounced pollution reduction effect after opening to foreign investment, while firms in pollution-intensive industries and less regulated areas are weaker in pollution reduction. A look into firm behavior suggests that the openness to foreign investment reduces pollutant emissions by improving technical efficiency rather than by raising investment in pollution control. The pollution reduction effect resulting from the openness is reflected in the improvement of intra-firm emission reduction capacity instead of inter-firm resource reallocation effect, according to an analysis at the aggregate level. This paper concludes that technical efficiency gains are an important tool to advance pollution reduction, and that China must be more flexible in leveraging the pollution reduction effect of other policies regarding technical efficiency to drive its high-quality development that is green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems & Applications is the property of Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems & Applications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: Older adults show a high variability in cognitive performance that cannot be explained by aging alone. Although research has linked air pollution and noise to cognitive impairment and structural brain alterations, the potential impact of air pollution and noise on functional brain organization is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the associations between long-term air pollution and traffic noise with measures of functional brain organization in older adults. We hypothesize that exposures to high air pollution and noise levels are associated with age-like changes in functional brain organization, shown by less segregated brain networks. METHODS: Data from 574 participants (44.1% female, 56–85 years of age) in the German 1000BRAINS study (2011–2015) were analyzed. Exposure to particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM2.5 absorbance), accumulation mode particle number (PNAM), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was estimated applying land-use regression and chemistry transport models. Noise exposures were assessed as weighted 24-h (Lden) and nighttime (Lnight) means. Functional brain organization of seven established brain networks (visual, sensorimotor, dorsal and ventral attention, limbic, frontoparietal and default network) was assessed using resting-state functional brain imaging data. To assess functional brain organization, we determined the degree of segregation between networks by comparing the strength of functional connections within and between networks. We estimated associations between air pollution and noise exposure with network segregation, applying multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle variables. RESULTS: Overall, small associations of high exposures with lesser segregated networks were visible. For the sensorimotor networks, we observed small associations between high air pollution and noise and lower network segregation, which had a similar effect size as a 1-y increase in age [e.g., in sensorimotor network, -0.006 (95% CI: -0.021, 0.009) per 0.3 × 10-5/m increase in PM2.5 absorbance and -0.004 (95% CI: -0.006, -0.002) per 1-y age increase]. CONCLUSION: High exposure to air pollution and noise was associated with less segregated functional brain networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the ecological assessment of the potential road investment, which is the closure of Piotrowo and Berdychowo streets within the campus of the Poznań University of Technology. The research was carried out on a simulation model of the city of Poznań with the use of PTV software. Research has shown that the closure of these streets has virtually no impact on city-wide emissions. However, the emissions deterioration takes place on a local scale, i.e. in the vicinity of the campus of the Poznań University of Technology and on most of the streets leading to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart logistics, combining the capabilities of logistics with methods and techniques of the Internet of Things, Information and Communication Technologies, and the highest levels of automation are key to addressing the challenges of the 21st century and minimizing emissions while maximizing logistic performance. High-performance cellular networks are a prerequisite to fully using and leveraging their possibilities. These communication networks were developed based on the need for voice communication and streaming services. While the upcoming requirements are included in the latest versions of cellular networks, the existing infrastructure requires significant improvements and will have to adapt significantly. This study evaluates the performance of the current state of implementation of cellular networks on the German highway experimentally and analytically. The known indicators RSRP, RSSI, and RSRQ are analyzed spatially, over time, and for different driving conditions. The results indicate a high level of spatial correlation and a sufficient level of confidence, which are needed to ensure consistency and repeatability of these measurements. The procedure and the results can be used to assess the suitability of cellular networks for smart logistics applications and continuously monitor their improvement. The results indicate the status of the cellular network on the German highway which is worse compared to the network operator's self-assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main topics with increasing interest in freight transport and logistics is developing efficient and sustainable supply chain strategies that best cover customer demands and expectations as well as identify considerable cost savings and emission reductions. This study focuses on the evaluation of the potential of a logistics centre for consolidating and delivering goods at urban level, based on economic, social and environmental aspects, by performing both GIS simulation and SWOT analysis, while considering key criteria of transport management, infrastructure and fleet attributes as well as logistics and market features in the Attica region of Greece. The case refers to the largest Logistics Centre of Greece, located at Thriasio, offering door-to door services to the main industrial areas of the region. The approach followed, consists of two core elements: a) a specific model of a last-mile delivery network in GIS environment, towards simulating and solving the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) as well as b) a strategic assessment of the foreseen logistics activities through the SWOT business tool. For a transport operator with 5 vehicles, an operational distance-related cost of €1.8-1.9 per pallet was estimated. Results also show the lower environmental impact of larger vehicles due to transport pooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transactive strategy for purposeful pricing of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in distribution networks is proposed in this paper. This strategy is presented as a novel heuristic optimization approach. Reduction of both total network loss and released greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions can be considered as the intended objective functions. In addition, Locational Marginal Pricing (LMPs) and power factors associated with DERs are considered as decision variables. Each DER, which is more involved in the mitigation of the aforementioned objectives, gives rise to greater benefits in the long term. Therefore, such a contribution to greater generation on a large scale leads to the higher price of using DER bus than substation market price. Also, the benefits earned from loss/emission mitigation are allocated to DERs directly. The fairness of this pricing process is supervised by the Independent Distribution System Operator (IDSO). Given that the problem has two contradictory objective functions, a reliable Multi-objective Group Search Optimization utilizing Covariance matrix and Chaotic search (MGSOACC) is proposed to solve the problem. To evaluate the viability of the proposed method, the pricing procedure is applied to modified IEEE-33 and IEEE-69 bus test networks. Furthermore, to validate the proper functionality of the proposed optimization method, result-oriented comparisons between four conventional multi-objective optimization methods and the proposed optimization method are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy is derived from natural resources and does not deplete when used. Malaysia targets to achieve 31 % renewable energy generation by 2025. The availability and reliability of renewable energy resources are highly vulnerable to climate conditions. Floods, which account for almost 40 % of natural disaster can adversely affect energy resources generation, transmission and infrastructure. Malaysia as a tropical country is especially prone to floods due to the high average rainfall it receives annually. Malaysia energy policy planning has placed more emphasis on efficiency of generation and emissions reductions. The need to adapt to flood disasters and other climatic change challenges has not been adequately addressed. Due to the flood risk in Malaysia, adaptation to climate change and disasters such as flood needs to be considered in Malaysia's energy policy planning. This paper reviews scholarly papers and news articles related to the flood phenomenon in Malaysia, and analyses the impact of flood disasters on renewable energy generation and energy policy planning in this country. The findings indicate that flood has an insignificant effect on Malaysia's renewable energy power generators as they are not located in flood-prone areas. The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which is exposed to flooding during the monsoon season, is the most vulnerable to flood disasters. Most renewable energy generation facilities including biomass power stations, hydropower, and solar panels are located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and in Sabah and Sarawak. The potentially high risk of flash floods and unpredictable climate conditions in Malaysia should not be underestimated and must be duly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]