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Increasingly, durable goods have embedded software and are technologically tethered to the vendor's server through this software, be it digital products such as smartphones or predominantly non-digital products such as automobiles and tractors. Tethering can enable the vendor to change the product's performance or features through software updates, with implications for optimal product policy. We study a monopolist technology vendor's decision to partially degrade or fully retire their installed base of tethered goods when they release their newer version. Our work presents several novel theoretical contributions with practical implications for industry. Installed base degradation can emerge in equilibrium. To obsolete the previous version, it is no longer necessary for the seller to produce an improved version. Firms may engage in economically suboptimal partial degradation for technical reasons. Firms sometimes engage in suboptimal product obsolescence despite it harming their profit, due to their inability to commit to a no-obsolescence policy. Under some conditions the seller's commitment problem could cause them to offer excessive durability. Our work suggests important policy guidelines: when releasing new models, firms should consider releasing updated versions of their older operating systems, and allow existing customers to opt out of significant software upgrades, other than essential security patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is common and expensive, and evidence suggests that sepsis order sets may help to improve care. Very incomplete evidence exists regarding the effects of sepsis order sets on the value of care produced by hospitals or the societal costs of sepsis care. In patients hospitalized for sepsis, is the receipt a of a sepsis order set vs no order set associated with improved value of care, defined as decreased hospital mortality, decreased hospital direct variable costs, and decreased societal spending on hospitalizations? This retrospective cohort study included patients discharged with sepsis International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes over 2 years from a large integrated delivery system. Using a propensity score, sepsis order set users were matched to nonusers to study the association between sepsis order set use and the value of care from the hospital and societal perspective. The association between order set receipt and hospital mortality, direct variable cost, and hospital revenue also were examined in a priori defined subgroups of sepsis severity and hospital mortality. The study included 97,249 patients, with 52,793 patients (54%) receiving the sepsis order set. The propensity score match analysis included 55,542 patients, with 27,771 patients in each group. Recipients of the sepsis order set showed a 3.3% lower hospital mortality rate and a $1,487 lower median direct variable total cost (P <. 01 for both). Median payer-neutral reimbursement (ie, PNR), a proxy for hospital revenue and thus societal costs, was $465 lower for sepsis order set users (P <. 01). Receipt of the sepsis order set was associated with a $1,022 increase in contribution margin, the difference between direct variable costs and PNR per patient. Receipt of the sepsis order set was associated with improved value of care, from both a hospital and societal perspective. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the escalating emphasis on sustainability across diverse sectors, this study addresses the imperative to combat environmental degradation through conscientious development. The primary focus is on assessing the feasibility of replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives in internal combustion engines (ICEs) equipped with direct fuel injection. The research employs energy and exergy analyses, coupled with economic analysis, to comprehensively evaluate the performance of fuels and blends. Applying the Lotus Engine software, computational analyses are conducted, taking into account the specific geometry of the engine. Simulations explore different λ‐factors to identify optimal performance configurations for each fuel or blend. Noteworthy outcomes reveal that blends featuring green hydrogen yield remarkable improvements, showing high torque (max. +11.5%), power (max. +14.35%), thermal efficiency (max. +3%), and exergy efficiency (max. +21.56%). These blends also demonstrate reduced operating costs (max. −10%), although with higher exergy losses, indicating areas for potential enhancement. Conversely, fuels containing ethanol show intermediate values between the blends and pure fuels. Consequently, this study effectively establishes the significance of these fuels in ICEs, supported by comprehensive energy, exergy, and economic analyses. The findings underscore the promising potential of renewable fuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels, marking a substantial stride towards sustainable energy solutions and environmental preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, coal, natural gas, and oil stand as primary contributors to carbon emissions. The transition toward carbon-free energy sources has significantly reduced the demand for conventional fossil fuels while also significantly altering its labor market environment. This concurrently opens a good number of job prospects in low-carbon energy production sectors. Consequently, navigating this labor force transition requires informed decisions. This research aims to explore the economic impacts of this transition using the state of Wyoming as a case study, a state at the forefront of moving from fossil fuel reliance to embracing low-carbon energy sources. Through an in-depth analysis, including autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modeling, this paper explored the retraining needs of workers in each sector, the associated costs, and the current state of Wyoming's workforce. The results of the analysis showed that the coal mine sector and oil and gas industries face significant workforce migration pressures with a relatively higher number of workers who need to be migrated, whereas coal power plants are less affected. With Wyoming found to be at the "take-off" phase, ready to accelerate into a new energy paradigm, a relatively modest investment ranging from $3,060 to $7,201, per worker, can facilitate this transition. This research provides critical insights into managing workforce transitions, informing strategic decisions for a sustainable shift from fossil fuels energy production to low-carbon energy production. This research could assist government agencies in the establishment of workforce transition initiatives in the energy production industries and beyond. This research potentially offers a practical framework for understanding the intricacies of workforce transitioning that could be utilized for other sectors such as the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matters such as food and kitchen scraps are inevitable wastes generated from daily domestic activities. Managing these at source can help the government's environmental endeavors, such as waste minimization and diversion. This study analyzes the performance, economic, and environmental impact of a community-based design compost processor (CBCP). This paper measured various compost parameters and utilized scenario-based analysis for the economic viability while IGES-GHG simulator was used for its environmental impact. Results showed that the composting process lasted 30 days with temperature, pH, moisture, and quality of output falls into standard. The decentralized composting using CBCP could be a worthwhile economic business model and an essential ecological endeavor for climate change mitigation. About 27% of methane (CH4) reduction yielding 209.72 Gg CO2 equivalent are potentially removed in landfills if biowastes are diverted due to the degradation process. The annual overall net GHG emission of -11,913 Gg of CO2 equivalent means substantial positive impact to the environment. With these, local government units need to recognize the importance of producing compost from biowaste. However, sustainability of such projects depends on stakeholders' willingness, motivation, community's available resources, and government support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retired lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide-type lithium-ion power batteries (NCMs) pose considerable challenges for recycling due to high contamination levels and low efficiency in the recovery process. Despite these complexities, NCMs contain significant amounts of precious metals, making them a substantial untapped resource with immense recycling potential. This study optimizes heat treatment conditions for NCMs focusing on cathode materials and the current collector. The optimal parameters of 280 °C, 2 h, and 60 s were identified through systematic discharge, disassembly, crushing, and sorting processes. Precious metal recovery rates exceeded 90%. Thermogravimetric-thermal differential analysis at 400 °C revealed the complete removal of bonding agents between the electrode materials. A comprehensive cost analysis was conducted using a mathematical model for retired power batteries revenue, scrutinizing the consumption costs and benefits of pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and physical recovery processes for NCMs. The input–output efficiencies were 6.56%, 28%, and 23%, respectively. This study supports the viability of physical recycling for a future mechanical–chemical combination approach to reduce production costs and environmental impacts. The proposed method holds economic, environmental, and industrial development value and provides a guide for sustainable recycling practices in the lithium-ion battery industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Canadian remote oil sites, natural gas extracted with the bitumen is flared or vented, impacting on the environment. Providing a pipeline network to recover the gas is unaffordable in most cases. Here we propose the economic framework of an innovative process to recover the gas, based on pyrolysis at T = 1223 K and P = 0.1 MPa, performed in situ. Part of produced hydrogen combusts to sustain the process, while solid carbon is sold. We conceptualised and simulated in Aspen Plus two process alternatives. In configuration 1, the remaining part of hydrogen is sent to a gas turbine, where it burns to produce electricity. In configuration 2, the unburnt hydrogen is purified and sold. Both configurations reduce CO 2 emissions by more than 92 % compared to flaring. Both configurations produce a profit over 10 years, being their IRR above 20 % and payback time below 3.5 y. • Flaring and venting natural gas contribute to 1.7 % of Canada's global emissions. • Methane pyrolysis is a promising technology to abate oil sector's emissions. • We present techno-economics and sensitivity analysis of two process alternatives. • Turquoise H 2 sustains energetically the process that produces carbon, to be sold. • Emissions compared to the flaring scenario are reduced by over 90 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen blending has proved to be a promising alternative to reduce CO 2 emissions in current applications such as the industrial sector in which natural gas is the fuel source since it can mitigate GHG emissions and help to reach nation's goal of decarbonization. This study explored the feasibility of different hydrogen blend compositions going from 1% to 30% hydrogen content (by volume) by computational simulations to determine the best performance of the system considering real operating conditions from Central Plant at UC Irvine. This work also performed an economic analysis as part of the implementation plan. It was determined that a blend of 19% H 2 content could be implemented without any major renovation of utility infrastructure based on the operating conditions and change in the properties of the mixture. An addition of 30% H 2 can reduce around 11% of the emissions produced by pure natural gas. This is equivalent to 1422 kg of CO 2 in 1 h. It is evident that the higher the H 2 content, the better the CO 2 benefits that would be produced, but for the actual application of higher hydrogen content, there is a need for a better understanding of the effects of hydrogen in the current natural gas pipeline. Based on the CO 2 savings, it was determined that a 30% blending of hydrogen may save about 22.2% of the economic cost compared to natural gas. • A hydrogen blending model is developed considering a hydrogen content between 1% and 30% by volume. • Real operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, pipeline dimensions, and power output requirements were considered based on UCI power plant for validation. • An economic analysis is considered as part of the implementation plan. • A blend of 19% H 2 content could be implemented without major renovation of infrastructure based on the operating conditions and change in the properties of the mixture. • 30% H 2 can reduce ∼11% of the emissions produced by pure natural gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents a comprehensive optimization of green ammonia synthesis in Morocco by leveraging advanced deep learning techniques to maximize the utilization of the country's abundant renewable energy resources. By employing deep learning models such as LSTM and LSTM_adv, we forecast ammonia production over the next decade, improving strategies for production and energy storage. Our findings confirmed the viability of sustainable ammonia production in Dakhla and highlighted its transformative potential for global sustainability goals. Under the optimal scenario of 20 % photovoltaic and 80 % wind energy, the production cost was US$575 per tNH 3 , delivering an energy output of 8916.64 GWh and a daily ammonia production of 2503.36 tNH 3. Shifting to 100 % wind energy further enhances the potential, increasing daily ammonia production to a maximum of 3090 tNH 3 while reducing the production cost to US$376 per tNH 3. These results demonstrate the significant economic and environmental benefits of using renewable energy sources for ammonia production in Morocco. By leveraging a country's abundant wind and solar resources, we can contribute to a sustainable and energy-independent future. [Display omitted] • Optimizes ammonia synthesis using renewable energy sources for a greener future. • Projects daily ammonia output of up to 3090 tNH 3 in various energy scenarios. • Achieves 54% efficiency with competitive costs of $376-$575 per tNH 3. • Forecasts ammonia production over 10 years using deep learning models. • Provides insights for sustainable development and energy use in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mulching is a widely used agricultural practice that can significantly affect crop growth, yield, and economic outcomes, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions. The present study evaluated the influence of various mulching practices on the growth, yield, and economic viability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Tanzania. The study was conducted across three sites in the eastern agro-ecological zone of Tanzania: Kipera (E4 200-1000 m.a.s.l.), Mgeta (E14 500-000 m.a.s.l.), and Ndole (E2 500-1200 m.a.s.l.). Four mulching treatments--polythene mulch, synthetic biodegradable mulch, rice husk mulch, and a control group--were applied to assess their effects on plant growth and yield components. Results revealed significant variations in growth parameters and yield components across sites. Notably, polythenemulch and synthetic biodegradablemulch consistently outperformed the other treatments. Polythene mulch resulted in an average plant height of 68.37cm, followed closely by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 68.26cm, both significantly (p < 0.05) taller than rice husk mulch (62.79cm) and the control (57.74cm). Canopy coverage was highest with polythene mulch at 61.7%, followed by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 60.5%. Grain yields did not differ significantly between synthetic biodegradable mulch (2.64 t ha-1) and polythene mulch (2.67 t ha-1). Economic analysis indicated that synthetic biodegradable mulch offers promising marginal returns (MR: Tshs. 3,787,450 or USD 1,469) and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.91, compared to polythene mulch (MR: Tshs. 4,114,050 or USD 1,595, BCR: 2.06). These findings suggest that synthetic biodegradable mulch is a sustainable and economically viable option for enhancing common bean production across diverse agro-ecological settings in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste incineration has become the main treatment method for urban household waste, and it can produce a large amount of electricity. The efficiency of waste incineration plants is reduced due to the large amount of waste heat carried away by the flue gas. Recycling and utilizing the waste heat from flue gas are important in improving the economic benefits of waste incineration, which is necessary for energy conservation and emission reduction. Based on the principle of cascade waste heat recovery from waste incineration flue gas whilst considering system safety and efficiency, this study proposed a new combination cascade waste heat recovery system consisting of a Rankine cycle, an organic Rankine cycle and a heat pump cycle. Thermodynamic and economic analyses of the combined system were conducted in detail. The results indicated that the energy efficiency of the combined system could reach up to 73%. The maximum net present value of the system was million USD 1.59 million, and the dynamic investment payback period was about 6.5 years. The isentropic efficiency of the combined system's pumps and turbines had a significant impact on the system's performance. A higher isentropic efficiency resulted in better system performance. The exergy analysis showed that the evaporator of the heat pump system had the highest irreversible loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas in Northeast China present a large demand for heating energy in winter, but there are problems in such areas with poor thermal performance of building envelopes and poor indoor thermal comfort. In addition, coal-fired boilers are still widely used. China's "Dual-Carbon Goals" and "Clean Heating" policy call for the creation of a green and comfortable living environment for rural residential buildings. This paper considers the impact of the improvement of the thermal performance of envelope structures on the initial investment of the transformation program and the rated power of the ASHP and proposes an energy-saving transformation method to replace traditional coal-fired boilers with the ASHP on the basis of the improvement of the thermal performance of envelope structures. By establishing a typical rural residential building model in Northeast China, this energy-saving method is simulated based on TRNSYS. The results show that the payback period of investment of the transformation method of "envelope structure + heating system" is not superior to that of the transformation method of only improving the thermal performance of the envelope structure, but it has advantages in the comprehensive life-cycle benefits and it has great advantages in improving the satisfaction of rural residents in the use of heating systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) systems offer a more sustainable energy option than ground-mounted ones by avoiding land use and enabling decentralised power generation. This paper presents a conceptual hybrid design for an actual hydropower plant and a simulated FSPV plant, considering relevant factors. Five significant reservoir dams in India were chosen to test the proposed design, and as a novelty, the cooling effect was considered. In general, the cooling impact is dependent on the kind of supporting structure. Metrics such as generation, carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions, water savings and extra hydropower were computed in this work by considering two kinds of floating structures. The results indicate that with a total coverage of less than 20%, the hydroelectric reservoirs can double their installed power capacity. In terms of energy gain, the hydroelectric plant generated 92% more energy on average after integrating floating solar power. Furthermore, the capacity factor of the plant grew by an average of 18.43%. The total water savings in this scenario are 134.6 million m3, resulting in an additional 34.97 GWh of annual hydroelectricity generation. The cost–benefit analysis shows that the energy produced by FSPV is the most cost effective, ranging from 2.65 to 3.05 Indian rupees/kWh (US$0.03–0.04/kWh), depending on the FSPV platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of Lantana camara biomass for potential bioenergy generation integrates invasive species (IS) management with the unabated demand for bio-energy. In the present investigation, L. camara was used to produce bio-oil by thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis). The resultant product evinced energy yield of 62.58% with 64.95% of elemental carbon (C) content and endorsed the suitability of L. camara bio-oil for biofuel applications and value addition. Thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis revealed a short thermal degradation profile, whereas spectroscopic analyses detected a host of organic compounds such as esters, phenols, ketones, aldehydes, aliphatics, and aromatics. The economic analysis of L. camara biomass conversion technology carried out in this study proved to be commercially competitive and viable versus petroleum refining. Antimicrobial and antioxidant assays with bio-oil evinced highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Candida albicans (31.02 mm), and displayed strong antioxidant property (DPPH IC50 value 233.72 ± 0.2 μg/ml). The bio-oil exhibited rheological characteristics of shear thinning and pseudoplastic fluid, particularly at low and intermediate shear rates. The present study highlights the multifaceted advantages of utilizing L. camara biomass, which include environmental remediation via waste management, bioenergy generation, and the feasibility of generating value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article explores the azeotropic mixtures and investigates the application of Pressure Swing Distillation (PSD) as an effective separation method. Azeotropic mixtures have compositions that result in vapor and liquid phases with the same composition, making them challenging to separate using simple distillation. The content offers a structured approach to design, optimize, and execute separation processes, emphasizing the importance of heat integration, process optimization, control strategies, economic considerations, and environmental impacts within the context of PSD. Furthermore, these findings provide valuable insights for practitioners in the selection of appropriate heat-integration, optimization methods, and balancing the trade-off between economy and controllability when selecting an appropriate separation technique by balancing the economic benefits and controllable performance of different methods. PSD is reviewed detailing thermodynamic equilibrium, selection of pressure and column sequence, heat integration, optimization techniques, control strategy, and economics. The recent progresses of PSD are evaluated to determine how different heat integration techniques are useful in achieving cost and energy savings. The review provides valuable guidance to researchers and engineers navigating the complexities of azeotropic mixture separation, with a specific focus on PSD practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne dust easily accumulates on the top of solar panel surfaces and reduces the output power in arid regions. A commonly used mitigation solution for dust deposition issues is cleaning PV panels periodically. However, cleaning frequency affects the economic viability of solar PV systems, resulting in a trade-off between cleaning costs and energy loss costs. To address this issue, this study relates several metrics and develops a generic framework based on simulation and optimization to determine the optimal cleaning interval. Based on the computational tests, the optimal cleaning interval in Abu Dhabi is determined to be 34 days, which is longer than the currently recommended cleaning interval of 28 days. This study also identifies that energy recovery is responsive to decreases in unit cleaning costs in the presence of high electricity tariffs, whereas total cost savings show sensitivity when electricity tariffs are low. Finally, this study discusses energy policy implications by presenting an innovative concept involving the introduction of a cleaning subsidy which could reshape energy system cost dynamics, making PV systems economically competitive beyond the conventional levelized cost of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, nitrate has emerged as a significant groundwater pollutant due to its potential ecotoxicity. In particular, nitrate contamination of brackish groundwater poses a serious threat to both ecosystems and human health and remains difficult to treat. A promising, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution when biological treatments are not applicable is the conversion of nitrate to harmless nitrogen (N2) or ammonia (NH3) as a nutrient by electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (eNO3R) using solar photovoltaic energy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current advances in eNO3R for the production of nitrogen and ammonia. The discussion begins with fundamental concepts, including a detailed examination of the mechanisms and pathways involved, supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) to elucidate specific aspects of ammonium and nitrogen formation during the process. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offers promising advancements in enhancing the predictive power of DFT, accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel catalysts. In this review, we also explore various electrode preparation methods and emphasize the importance of in situ characterization techniques to investigate surface phenomena during the reaction process. The review highlights numerous examples of copper-based catalysts and analyses their feasibility and effectiveness in ammonia production. It also explores strategies for the conversion of nitrate to N2, focusing on nanoscale zerovalent iron as a selective material and the subsequent oxidation of the produced ammonia. Finally, this review addresses the implementation of the eNO3R process for the treatment of brackish groundwater, discussing various challenges and providing reasonable opinions on how to overcome these obstacles. By synthesizing current research and practical examples, this review highlights the potential of eNO3R as a viable solution to mitigate nitrate pollution and improve water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competitiveness of the biodiesel industry and the evolution of its positive socio-environmental externalities may be achieved by adding value to oleochemical by-products to be produced in an integrated way with the production of biodiesel. The development of bio-based lubricants, a substitute for mineral lubricating oils, has emerged as a promising alternative for adding value to vegetable oils, and consequently to biodiesel. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of biolubricant production using biodiesel as a feedstream, employing epoxidation and oxirane ring opening reactions with 2-ethylhexanol (BL1) and water (BL2) as nucleophilic agents. Industrial processes were proposed and simulated for two scenarios, considering all steps for production of BL1 (26.6 cSt at 40 °C and pour point of − 12 °C) and BL2 (99.6 cSt at 40 °C and pour point of − 3 °C). The biolubricant production showed promising profitability, as its minimum selling price (MSP) remained consistently below USD 3000/ton, significantly lower than the average price of mineral lubricants (USD 6000/ton). Both scenarios exhibited minimal variation in the MSP of biolubricants (< 2%). The estimated high internal rates of return (24.5% for scenario 1 and 18.6% for scenario 2) highlight the potential profitability of this technological route, even under very conservative perspectives. A technical–economic analysis of an integrated biodiesel and biolubricant production system demonstrated significant synergies during the installation and operational stages, resulting in 21% Capex savings when retrofitting an existing biodiesel plant for biolubricant co-production. Notably, for various combinations of biolubricant prices above USD 3000/ton, the MSP of biodiesel became lower than the specified price of mineral diesel. These findings indicate the potential of integrating biolubricant and biodiesel production as a strategic approach to enhance the biodiesel competitiveness and maximize its positive externalities on society, economy, and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest planning involves estimating the biomass of species present in the area. Two fundamental parameters are diameter and height through which it is possible to indirectly estimate of biomass present. Digitalisation of forestry operations, such as forest planning, is crucial and should be affordable and easy-to-use digital applications and open-source devices. A digital progressive web application (PWA) was designed to record measurements. The app was connected via bluetoot to an open-source IoT digital forestry caliper prototyped by modifying a commercial tree caliper. An economic analysis was carried out considering all costs necessary for the development and operation of the app on smartphones and the preparation of electronic means for creation of the digital caliper. A comparison was made between costs of detecting tree diameters through application of the technology developed compared to costs calculated by applying the use of a dendrometric caliper (three technological levels were considered: L1, L2 and L3). The PWA allowed for easy data entry and viewing, maps and tree densities. The open-source digital caliper showed accuracy and precision comparable with similar commercial devices (1.5% ± 0.9% and 0.0% ± 0.9%, respectively). Total time per operator was lower using the digital caliper. From an economic perspective, application of the digital technology was more sustainable than the traditional system. Use of the digital caliper in combination with the web application optimizes detection time of a single tree, and therefore decreases overall cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile electricity prices have raised concerns about the economic feasibility of wind projects in Finland. This study assesses the economic viability and optimal operational strategies for integrating wind-powered green hydrogen production systems. Utilizing modeling and optimization, this research evaluates various wind farms in Western Finland over electricity market scenarios from 2019 to 2022, with forecasts extending to 2030. Key economic metrics considered include internal rate of return, future value, net present value (NPV), and the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Results indicate that integration of hydrogen production with wind farms shows economic benefits over standalone wind projects, potentially reducing LCOH to €2.0/kgH 2 by 2030 in regular and low electricity price scenarios, and to as low as €0.6/kgH 2 in high-price scenarios. The wind farm with the highest capacity factor achieves 47% reductions in LCOH and 22% increases in NPV, underscoring the importance of strategic site selection and operational flexibility. • Volatility of electricity prices raises viability concerns for wind producers. • Examining the optimal operation and economic feasibility of wind-hydrogen systems. • Evaluated wind farms in Western Finland from 2019 to 2022, with a 2030 outlook. • Integration with hydrogen production enhances financial resilience and adaptability. • Strategic site selection and adaptive PEMEC operational plans found crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient sizing and economic analysis of community battery systems is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in rooftop PV panel-rich communities. This paper proposes a comprehensive model that integrates key technical and economic factors to optimize the size and operation of the prosumer-owned battery, maximizing the financial returns over the life span of the battery. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were also conducted on a number of factors that are constantly changing over the years such as per-unit cost of the battery and interest rate. Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to replicate the unpredictable PV generations and the volatility of house load demands. The developed model is evaluated under three scenarios: a shared community battery for all houses, individual batteries for each house, and a combined system with an additional large load. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is utilized to maximize the formulated objective function subject to the considered constraints. The findings indicate that integrating community batteries offered a substantial economic advantage compared to individual home batteries. The additional revenue stream of incorporating larger consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint (e.g., commercial) returned a further augmented net present value (NPV). The influence of different tariff structures was also assessed and it was found that critical peak pricing (CPP) was the most prolific. The outcomes offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector to facilitate a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated system incorporating a nuclear unit, multi-stage flash desalination, and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is proposed for peak shaving. The extraction steam is used for seawater desalination to produce freshwater, the generator output power is employed to drive the electrolyzer for hydrogen production, and the electrolyzer outlet water heats the feedwater for power boosting. Thermodynamic analysis shows that 53.76 MW is used for seawater desalination-hydrogen production (electrolyzer voltage =2.0 V). The system efficiency is 37.44 % with output hydrogen energy of 37.86 MW, and the specific energy consumption is 4.72 kWh/Nm3. The electrolyzer exergy efficiency of the integrated system is 81.94 %, higher than the standalone electrolyzer with 61.17 %. Sensitivity analysis shows higher voltage and lower water flow rates are conducive to higher hydrogen production rates. Economic analysis shows that the cost of hydrogen production is 15.16 CNY/kg and the annual net income can reach 7.68·106 CNY. • Nuclear unit coupled with MSF desalination and PEM electrolyzer for polygeneration. • Whole-process seawater desalination-hydrogen production for peak shaving. • Real internal temperature distribution of the electrolyzer is revealed. • The integrated system is subject to thermodynamic and economic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersive soils, characterized by their poor resistance to water erosion and high sodium ion concentrations, pose a significant threat to both engineering and agricultural activities. Thus, the identification and improvement of dispersive soils are of paramount importance. There are several theories regarding the causes of soil dispersion, with the prevailing view attributing it to the expansion of the electrical double layer induced by sodium ions, which subsequently reduces the cohesion between soil particles. As a result, sodium indicators such as exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), percentage sodium (PS), and sodium adsorption rate (SAR) are commonly employed in the identification of dispersive soils. Currently, in efforts to improve dispersive soils for both engineering and agricultural purposes, chemical and biological agents are being added to enhance the soil's erosion resistance and regulate the concentration of sodium ions. Although numerous reviews have been conducted on the identification and improvement of dispersive soils, they tend to focus on the identification methods and the types of improvers, often overlooking the applicability of identification methods, the economic costs and environmental impacts of improvers. In practical improvement, the accuracy of soil identification must be ensured first and foremost. The selection of improvers should not only prioritise efficacy but also undergo thorough analysis and evaluation from multiple perspectives. This paper, therefore, reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various identification methods and assesses the differences among improvers from economic and environmental standpoints, providing a comprehensive theoretical basis for the improvement of dispersive soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy mountain farms are economically disadvantaged due to small farm sizes and high production costs. This situation was exacerbated firstly by the opening of the market linked to the abolition of milk quotas; secondly by the rising prices due to the energy crisis due to covid 19 and the war in Ukraine. However, these farms are important for the preservation of traditional landscapes, the economy of these areas and the offered ecosystem services, especially when they are managed extensively. The objective of this research is to understand if mountain dairy farms are economically sustainable and competitive through the analysis of a case study. The economic analysis takes into account the production cost of milk, profitability, and some economic indicators using accounting data. The results show that the farm profitability is decreasing, and the costs are unsustainable. As a consequence, more efficient policy support is needed to overcome this crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The developing environmental consequences of excessive dependence on fossil fuels have pushed many countries to invest in clean and renewable energy sources. Mexico is a country that, due to its geographic and climatic diversity, can take advantage of this potential in renewable energy generation and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while developing strategies to improve its energy system. This study investigated the feasibility of the autonomous use of two hybrid renewable energy systems and a photovoltaic system to power homes in a remote location. With the help of HOMER Pro Version 3.14.5 software, a model was made to evaluate the operation of three systems for one year, and the demand was predicted according to a given scenario. In addition, the optimal configuration of the components of each system was determined. The results showed that the simultaneous use of solar systems with a converter and a backup system consisting of a diesel generator and batteries would be the most viable and reliable option for generating renewable energy at the selected location, offering electricity with a renewable fraction of more than 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion (Allium cepa) is a major field vegetable in South Korea and has been produced for a long time along with cabbage, radish, garlic, and dried peppers. However, as field vegetables, including onions, have recently been imported at low prices, the profitability of onion production in South Korea is beginning to be at risk. In order to maximize farmers' profits through onion production, this study develops onion yield prediction models via an ensemble learning-based framework involving linear regression, polynomial regression, support vector regression, decision tree, ridge regression, and lasso regression. The use of nitrogen fertilizers is considered an independent variable in the development of the yield prediction model. This is because the use of nitrogen fertilizers accounts for the highest production cost (13.47%) after labor cost (41.21%) and seed cost (17.42%), and it also directly affects onions yields. For the model development, five research datasets on changes in onion yield according to changes in the use of existing nitrogen fertilizers were used. In addition, a non-linear optimization model was devised using onion yield prediction models for the profit maximization of onion production. As a result, the developed non-linear optimization model using polynomial regression enables an increase in profits from onion production by 67.28%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work introduces two new thermally integrated pumped thermal energy storage (TIPTES) systems, including thermally integrated vapor compression heat pump (TIHP) as a charging cycle and dual‐pressure organic Rankine cycle (DPORC) and dual‐loop organic Rankine cycle (DLORC) as discharging cycles to investigate their capability of improving roundtrip efficiency compared with the basic ORC (BORC). The thermodynamic and economic performance of the proposed TIHP‐DPORC and TIHP‐DLORC are analyzed and compared with TIHP‐BORC using various working fluids. The multi‐objective multiverse optimization algorithm is conducted to ascertain the systems' optimum roundtrip efficiency and cost rate. Results indicate that at the same storage temperature, the TIHP‐DLORC gives the highest roundtrip and exergy efficiencies of 219.9% and 43.53% with R1233zd(E), indicating 6.69% and 8.04% improvements compared with the optimum TIHP‐BORC. Moreover, it shows the lowest levelized cost of storage (LCOS) and payback period (PP) of 0.160 $/kWh and 4.5 years, respectively, with a maximum net present value of 1.973 M$. Although the cost rate of TIHP‐DLORC is high, its excellent thermodynamic and economic performance compared with the existing TIPTES systems in the literature indicates that DLORC is a more appropriate candidate to be applied in the TIPTES systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the usage of photovoltaic (PV) and thermal collectors separately to assist a heat pump for supplying domestic hot water (DHW). Usage of PV and thermal collectors together to assist a heat pump and experimentally validated simulation of an air source heat pump can be considered as novelty of this study. Firstly, experimental tests were performed in a climatic room to validate the developed simulation model. Four experimental parameters, namely the coefficient of performance of the air source heat pump, average tank temperature, and heat pump inlet and outlet temperatures have been used for the validation and the highest obtained deviation was 4.5%. Simulations were carried out by adding thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels in different combinations, with a maximum of three collectors to assist the heat pump that provides DHW. For scenarios with one and two solar components (PV or thermal), applying only thermal collectors was more efficient and economical for both with a payback of 3.9 years and 4.3 years, respectively. For the scenario with three solar components, although the system supported by one thermal and two photovoltaic collectors was the most efficient option, the system supported by three photovoltaic collectors was the most economical scenario with a payback period of 4.6 years. The study found that combining thermal and photovoltaic collectors can significantly reduce energy consumption for DHW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing energy demand, the reduction of non-renewable resources, and the increase in environmental damage factors have drawn attention to energy supply through multi-generation systems. This study proposes a multi-generation system based on the Allam cycle, integrated with geothermal energy, with the aim of minimizing natural gas fuel consumption. This system includes the main sub-systems: an electrolyzer unit, a reverse osmosis unit, an organic Rankine cycle, a hydrogen engine, an absorption chiller, and a compression chiller. The proposed multi-generation system provides the hourly demands of freshwater, cooling, heating and electricity of a residential building located in the city of St. Petersburg (in Russia). For the purpose of feasibility, the system is studied from the thermodynamic, environmental, and economic points of view. The results of the thermodynamic analysis showed that the system has maximum energy and exergy efficiency of 29.759 and 25.879% respectively. The use of geothermal energy reduced CO2 emissions to a maximum of 1895043 gr. Calculation of the NPV index for interest rates of 15 to 30% showed that this system will be profitable in the twelfth year at most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve net-zero objectives, the expansion of renewable energy sources is anticipated to be accompanied by an increased use of carbon-free fuels, such as hydrogen. Internationally, there are proposals for transporting hydrogen by synthesizing it into carriers like ammonia or Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs). However, considering the energy consumption required for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes and the need for high-purity hydrogen production, the development of liquid hydrogen transportation technologies is becoming increasingly important. Liquid hydrogen, with a density approximately one-sixth that of liquid natural gas and a boiling point roughly 90 K lower, poses significant challenges in suppressing and managing boil-off gas during transportation. Slush hydrogen, a mixture of liquid and solid phases, offers potential benefits. with an approximate 15% increase in density and an 18% increase in thermal capacity compared to liquid hydrogen. The latent heat of fusion of solid hydrogen effectively suppresses boil-off gas (BOG), and the increased density can reduce transportation costs. This study experimentally validated the long-duration storage and transportation concept of slush hydrogen by adapting NASA's (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) proposed IRAS (Integrated Refrigeration and Storage) technology for compact and mobile tanks. Slush hydrogen was successfully produced by reaching the triple point of hydrogen, resulting in a composition of 47% solid and 53% liquid, with a density of approximately 80.9 kg/m3. Most importantly, methodologies were presented to observe and measure whether the hydrogen was indeed in the slush state and to determine its density. Additionally, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis was performed using solid hydrogen properties, and the results were compared with experimental values. Notably, this analytical technique can be utilized in designing large-capacity tanks for storing slush hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key guidelines in the European waste management policy is the diversion of waste from landfills, preventing harmful effects on human health and the environment and ensuring that economically valuable waste materials are efficiently recycled and reused through proper management. The organic fraction of municipal waste is abundant and contains biodegradable ingredients such lignocellulose, starch, lipids, pectin, and proteins, making it suitable for biotechnological production. Taking into account that a large amount of organic waste is disposed of in landfills, within this work, the amount of organic waste disposed of in the landfill in Banja Luka was considered. Four simulation model scenarios of the integrated production of bioethanol and biogas are generated, and their process and economic aspects are discussed. In the first two modelled scenarios, the pretreatment conditions (1% sulfuric acid and a different neutralization agent) were varied, while in the other two, the share of the amount of raw material used for the production of bioethanol, i.e., biogas, was varied (split factor: 10–90%). The modelled plant, with a designed capacity of 6 tons/h of organic waste, is a significant bioethanol producer, generating 5,000,000 L/year. The profitability indicators, when examined, revealed that dedicating a portion of the organic municipal waste input exclusively to biogas production leads to decreased process efficiency. Based on the modeled process parameters, ethanol's minimum feasible selling price is $0.6616 per liter, while regarding the composition of organic municipal waste, carbohydrates have the most significant impact on the viability of the process. The developed model represents an excellent basis for further development of this integrated bioprocess in such a way that it can be modified with new process parameters or economic or ecological indicators and used at all levels of bioprocess design. Additionally, the obtained sustainable integrated bioethanol and biogas production plant models could support forthcoming steps in municipal waste management by providing reliable data on the conditions under which the integrated process of bioethanol and biogas production would take place, as well as the technical feasibility and economic profitability of such organic municipal waste utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing global concerns regarding sustainable development in the building and construction industries, concentration only on the engineering properties of building materials can no longer meet the requirements. Although some studies have been implemented based on the lifecycle assessment of lightweight cement-based materials, very few attempts have been made pertaining to multi-criteria optimization, especially when fly ash cenospheres are used as lightweight aggregates and nano additives are incorporated as modifying admixtures. This investigation utilized cenospheres as fine aggregates to produce green, sustainable, lightweight cement mortar. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes at 0.05, 0.15, and 0.45% were binarily added, together with 0.2, 0.6, and 1.0% of nano silica to improve the mechanical performance. Strength tests were conducted to measure the flexural and compressive behaviors, combined with a cradle-to-gate lifecycle assessment and direct cost analysis to assess the environmental and economic viability. Integrated indexes and the TOPSIS method were adopted to systematically evaluate the mortar mixes and determine the optimal mix. The outcomes show that nano additives worked synergically to enhance the mechanical properties of the mortars. The utilization of cenospheres effectively reduced environmental impacts and improved economic feasibility. Nano additives significantly affected the sustainability and economic viability; in particular, the utilization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes increased the material costs. To minimize the impact of the price of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, it is proposed to binarily use less expensive nano silica. In the multi-parameter optimization, the mix with 0.05% multi-walled carbon nanotubes and 0.02% nano silica was recommended to be the optimal mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythrosine B (EB) is a dye widely used in the food and textile industries. Despite many studies that have been proposed in the literature about the electrochemical oxidation of dyes, few studies considered such recalcitrant xanthene compound, although it has been recognized as a threat to health and the environment. Then, this study investigates the oxidation of EB by a homogeneous electro-Fenton process using iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate as a catalyst, carbon felt cathode, and Ti/RuO2 anode. The treated synthetic wastewater contains 100 mg L−1 of EB and has a pH = 3. The effects of three independent variables have been considered for process optimization, such as applied current intensity (0.1–0.5 A), iron concentration (1–10 mM), and stirring rate (100–1000 rpm). Their interactions were investigated considering response surface methodology (RSM) based on Doehlert design as optimization method. EB removal efficiency and energy consumption were considered as model responses after 30 min of electrolysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the quadratic model was adequately fitted to the experimental data with R2 (0.9819), adj-R2 (0.9276), and low Fisher probability (< 0.0181) for the EB removal model, and R2 (0.9968), adj-R2 (0.9872) and low Fisher probability (< 0.0014) relative to the energy consumption model, suggesting a robust statistical significance. The energy consumption model significantly depends on current density, as expected. The foregoing results obtained by RSM led to the following optimal conditions for EB degradation: current intensity of 0.2 A, iron concentration of 9.397 mM, and stirring rate of 500 rpm, which gave a maximum decolorization rate of 98.15% with a minimum energy consumption of 0.74 kWh m−3 after 30 min of electrolysis. The competitiveness of the electro-Fenton process has been confirmed by the literature analysis proposed as well as by the preliminary economic analysis proposed in the second section of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Space Science & Technology (JSST) is the property of Journal of Space Science & Technology (JSST) 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.)

Copyright of Integrated Intelligent Energy is the property of Editorial Department of Integrated Intelligent Energy 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.)

Cassava, a staple food crop, is widely used for starch production, but its inconsistent supply, price volatility, and substantial waste generation pose challenges to the cassava industrial market's growth. This study aims to identify a sustainable biorefinery pathway by optimizing conventional cassava starch plants (business-as-usual, BAU) for economic and environmental benefits. Four scenarios were evaluated: animal feed from peel waste (Scenario 1), fungal protein from thippi waste (Scenario 2), fish feed from digested wastewater (Scenario 3), and conversion of all waste streams into animal feed, fish feed, and fungal protein (Scenario 4). Scenario 4 emerged as the best pathway using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, with a performance score of 0.282. Despite the highest energy consumption (18.91 MWh), Scenario 4 was favored for producing four value-added products alongside starch, yielding the highest profit at USD 8.85 million. In contrast, profits for BAU, Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3 were 1.91, 2.30, 5.01, and USD 8.79 million, respectively. Waste valorization in Scenarios 1, 2, 3, and 4 resulted in CO2 avoidance of 36.5., 42.6., 21.7, and 57.45 t CO2eq., respectively. However, producing value-added products increased energy consumption by 13, 73, 7, and 74% compared to BAU (4.58 MWh). The global warming potential analysis showed negative values for scenarios 2 and 4, at -436 and -434 kg CO2eq./t root, respectively. This study highlights the potential of a biorefinery approach for sustainable cassava starch production, providing insights for future research and policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes, for the first time, the research concept of comparing energy and economy between transcritical cycle high-temperature heat pumps and subcritical cycle high-temperature heat pumps with new refrigerants. Experiments and simulations are conducted to compare the system performance and economy of two heat pumps, and the effects of different factors on the performance of two heat pumps are analyzed. The results show that R744/R1234yf (90/10) and R515-1 are the preferred refrigerants for transcritical cycle heat pumps and subcritical cycle heat pumps, respectively. The COP of the R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump is generally higher than that of the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump, and compared to the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump, the cost recovery period of the R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump is about 9–15 years. Therefore, it is recommended that users who use heat pumps for a long time choose transcritical cycle heat pumps. Meanwhile, with the change of evaporation temperature, the system COP of the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump and R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump increases by 61.11% and 65.91%, respectively. In addition, the optimal charge amount for the R515B-1 subcritical heat pump is 81.8% of that of the R744/R1234yf (90/10) transcritical heat pump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Education systems are moving to a more evidence-informed paradigm to improve outcomes for learners. To help this journey to evidence, robust qualitative and quantitative research can help decisionmakers identify more promising approaches that provide value for money. In the context of the utilisation of scarce resources, an important source of evidence commonly used in health and social care research is an understanding of the economic impact of intervention choices. However, there are currently very few examples where these methodologies have been used to improve the evaluation of education interventions. In this paper we describe the novel use of an economic analysis of educational interventions (EAEI) approach to understand both the impact and the cost of activities in the evaluation of a formative assessment implementation project (FAIP) designed to improve teachers' understanding and use of formative assessment strategies. In addition to utilising a mixed method quasi-experimental design to explore the impact on learner wellbeing, health utility and attainment, we describe the use of cost-consequence analysis (CCA) to help decisionmakers understand the outcomes in the context of the resource costs that are a crucial element of robust evaluations. We also discuss the challenges of evaluating large-scale, universal educational interventions, including consideration of the economic tools needed to improve the quality and robustness of these evaluations. Finally, we discuss the importance of triangulating economic findings alongside other quantitative and qualitative information to help decisionmakers identify more promising approaches based on a wider range of useful information. We conclude with recommendations for more routinely including economic costs in education research, including the need for further work to improve the utility of economic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the serious water crisis in the world and the use of saltwater resources of the seas and oceans as available water resources, desalination technology for these waters is to be raised in all societies of the world. Due to the protection and increasing efficiency of desalination methods, the design of a suitable pretreatment method for desalination of salt water has made the process more economic. The methodology used in this research for the analysis of technological schemes includes two groups of technological and economic indicators: (A) water quality data and (B) economic characteristics of the processes. The study is based on a set of experimental projections of water quality data after pretreatments, such as turbidity and the SDI15 (silt density index) index. These data were received from several full-scale systems and full-scale plants. These plants are (1) conventional pretreatment, (2) MF (microfilter) pretreatment, and (3) UF (ultrafilter) pretreatment method. The average SDI15 index of filtrate during the study time provided by the UF and MF systems was 1.5 and 2.9, respectively. The daily decay of permeability by UF and MF systems was 0.86% and 0.45%, respectively. The total cost of the produced water (including investment and O&M) for the conventional treatment full-scale plant, the pretreatment based on the MF membrane, and the UF membrane were obtained at approximately 0.42, 0.46, and 0.55euro/m3 of produced water. Membrane-based pretreatment is a competitive technological alternative to conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a system dynamic (SD)-based remanufacturing economic analysis model of used automobile engine under two recycling modes. The authors will compare the remanufacturing cost, sales profit and sales revenue from time and space dimensions incurred in different recycling modes in the long run. Design/methodology/approach: The remanufacturing economic analysis model is based on SD methodology. The authors can simulate the relations of impact factors on automobile engine recycling and remanufacturing and further analyze and compare the cost, sales profit and sales revenue incurred in different recycling modes in the long term. Findings: Sinotruk Steyr engine remanufacturing in Shandong province is taken as the research case subject. The revenue, cost and profit under the two recycling modes from 2015 to 2035 are analyzed and compared. The results show that different recycling modes have significant varying influence on the economy of engine remanufacturing. Originality/value: This economic analysis model can provide a method reference to decide the recycling mode for auto components and other product remanufacturing. Moreover, this model can guide and support the sustainable development of remanufacturing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava, a staple food crop, is widely used for starch production, but its inconsistent supply, price volatility, and substantial waste generation pose challenges to the cassava industrial market's growth. This study aims to identify a sustainable biorefinery pathway by optimizing conventional cassava starch plants (business-as-usual, BAU) for economic and environmental benefits. Four scenarios were evaluated: animal feed from peel waste (Scenario 1), fungal protein from thippi waste (Scenario 2), fish feed from digested wastewater (Scenario 3), and conversion of all waste streams into animal feed, fish feed, and fungal protein (Scenario 4). Scenario 4 emerged as the best pathway using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, with a performance score of 0.282. Despite the highest energy consumption (18.91 MWh), Scenario 4 was favored for producing four value-added products alongside starch, yielding the highest profit at USD 8.85 million. In contrast, profits for BAU, Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3 were 1.91, 2.30, 5.01, and USD 8.79 million, respectively. Waste valorization in Scenarios 1, 2, 3, and 4 resulted in CO2 avoidance of 36.5., 42.6., 21.7, and 57.45 t CO2eq., respectively. However, producing value-added products increased energy consumption by 13, 73, 7, and 74% compared to BAU (4.58 MWh). The global warming potential analysis showed negative values for scenarios 2 and 4, at -436 and -434 kg CO2eq./t root, respectively. This study highlights the potential of a biorefinery approach for sustainable cassava starch production, providing insights for future research and policy development.

OBJECTIVE: Recent meta-analyses demonstrate that small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) for young children significantly reduce child mortality, stunting, wasting, anaemia and adverse developmental outcomes. Cost considerations should inform policy decisions. We developed a modelling framework to estimate the cost and cost-effectiveness of SQ-LNS and applied the framework in the context of rural Uganda. DESIGN: We adapted costs from a costing study of micronutrient powder (MNP) in Uganda, and based effectiveness estimates on recent meta-analyses and Uganda-specific estimates of baseline mortality and the prevalence of stunting, wasting, anaemia and developmental disability. SETTING: Rural Uganda. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. RESULTS: Providing SQ-LNS daily to all children in rural Uganda (> 1 million) for 12 months (from 6 to 18 months of age) via the existing Village Health Team system would cost ∼$52 per child (2020 US dollars) or ∼$58·7 million annually. SQ-LNS could avert an average of > 242 000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually as a result of preventing 3689 deaths, > 160 000 cases of moderate or severe anaemia and ∼6000 cases of developmental disability. The estimated cost per DALY averted is $242. CONCLUSIONS: In this context, SQ-LNS may be more cost-effective than other options such as MNP or the provision of complementary food, although the total cost for a programme including all age-eligible children would be high. Strategies to reduce costs, such as targeting to the most vulnerable populations and the elimination of taxes on SQ-LNS, may enhance financial feasibility.

Objectives We conducted a cost–benefit analysis of the pediatric National Immunization Program (NIP) in Italy.Methods An economic model evaluated the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of the Italian pediatric NIP, including 10 pathogens for mandatory vaccines and 4 pathogens for recommended vaccines for children aged 0–10 years from the healthcare-sector and societal perspectives. Separate decision trees were used to model each vaccine-preventable disease (VPD). The 2020 birth cohort (n = 420,084) was followed over their lifetime; the model projected and compared discounted disease cases, life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and costs (2021 euros) with and without immunization (based on current and pre – vaccine era disease incidence estimates, respectively).Results The pediatric NIP was estimated to prevent 1.8 million cases of VPDs and 3,330 deaths, resulting in 45,900 fewer life-years lost and 57,000 fewer QALYs lost. Vaccination costs of €285 million were offset by disease cost savings of €1.6 billion, resulting in a BCR of 5.6 from a societal perspective (BCR = 1.7 from a healthcare-sector perspective). When QALYs gained were valued, the BCR increased to 15.6.Conclusions The benefits of the Italian pediatric NIP, including averted disease-related morbidity, mortality, and associated costs, highlight the value of continued investment in pediatric immunization.

The cost of permanent exclusion from school is an issue that has been gaining increasing attention in recent years. However, efforts to estimate these costs have mainly focused on those incurred after the student has been excluded, such as those for alternative education providers. Less focus has been given to costs associated with processes leading up to exclusion, including the time spent by school staff and other professionals (e.g. counsellors, special education needs specialists) in efforts to prevent exclusion, or to mitigate negative outcomes. Moreover, the unpaid time and effort spent by parents/carers during this process often go unaccounted for, despite significant financial implications from foregone productivity and income. In this paper, we use a series of five case studies based on in-depth interviews with different stakeholders from England, Scotland and Wales to illustrate the potential involvement of the professionals and parents/carers in the process leading up to – or the measures preventing – permanent exclusion, and estimate the associated costs. It is important to highlight these costs for future resource planning, as well as to present a more comprehensive picture of the true costs of permanent exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation hub complex (THC) is an urban landmark building integrating the functions of transportation, commerce, office, and residence. Due to its convenient transportation and diverse service functions, the THC has a certain agglomeration effect in its surrounding areas. Therefore, earthquake damage to the THC will not only affect its own functionality but also impact the connectivity of the regional transportation system, leading to socioeconomic losses in the agglomeration area. To assess the comprehensive impact of THC under earthquake effects, this article considers three aspects: transportation, society, and economy. In terms of the transportation aspect, the impact of the loss of hub function in the THC on the regional transportation system is assessed from three aspects: resource integration capability, radiation scale, and connection efficiency. Subsequently, the agglomeration area generated by the THC is determined based on the kernel density analysis method. The social impact of the THC on its agglomeration area involves three aspects: the reduction of population flow, number of closed shops, and loss of infrastructure resources. The economic impact is measured as the sum of direct and indirect economic losses. Finally, a case study is conducted on a city's THC. The research results indicate that the discontinuation of a subway station in the THC has a greater impact on transportation, society, and the economy. Furthermore, compared with the social service function of the THC, ensuring the hub function after an earthquake can more effectively reduce indirect economic losses. This study can provide a basis for improving the seismic resilience of the THC from the perspectives of regional transportation and socioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesIn order to make the small independent power supply unit provide more flexible and stable power supply, a photovoltaic-piezoelectric composite independent power supply system was designed, and its performance in actual operation was analyzed.MethodsConsidering the power supply scenarios such as bus stations, the output characteristics model of piezoelectric ceramics and photovoltaic cells was established, the system configuration of photovoltaic-piezoelectric outdoor independent power supply unit was designed, and the power output and system stability under typical daily, typical annual and long-term operating conditions were analyzed. For the system design with or without piezoelectric ceramics, the reliability rate of power supply, curtailment power and power generation cost of the system were analyzed.ResultsAfter adding piezoelectric ceramics, the reliability rate of the system is 99.18%, the power generation cost is 1.399 yuan/(kW⋅h), and the annual curtailment power is 161.24 kW⋅h. Compared with the system without piezoelectric ceramics, the reliability rate is increased by 0.12%, the cost is increased by 0.8%, and the curtailment power is reduced by 18.6%.ConclusionsAfter the addition of piezoelectric ceramics, although the power generation cost of the system increases slightly, the reliability of the system power supply is improved and the curtailment power is reduced. With the reduction of the cost of piezoelectric ceramics and the development of technology, the photovoltaic-piezoelectric composite independent power supply system will have a better application prospect in special scenarios.