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This study examines FischerTropsch Diesel as a source of decarbonisation by use of lignocellulosic residues (wheat, barley, and maize) contributing to the European maritime sector. A techno-economic methodology from the literature and well-to-tank analyses were used to calculate the production, cost, and carbon emissions of the fuel. By exploiting an area of 23.27 million hectares, nine countries could potentially produce 4.9 million tonnes of renewable diesel annually, to be distributed to their respective ports. That amount could eliminate 8.4% of the current CO2 emissions of the sector in Europe, at a cost ranging from 51.20 to 68.69 €/GJ. The study includes a sensitivity analysis of biomass, electricity, interest rate, and sub-product cost variables, as well as blend variation (1–100%) with the current marine fossil fuel used, with a cost of CO2 saved varying between 678.46–1,457.86 €/tCO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to propose an energy efficiency plan (with technical and behavioural improvement measures) for a Portuguese higher education building--the Teaching Building of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra (FEUC). Design/methodology/approach: The study was developed in the context of both the "Green Campus--Challenge for Energy Efficiency in Higher Education" and the Energy for Sustainability Initiative of the University of Coimbra, Portugal. An energy audit was conducted based on the analysis of the energy consumption profiles. A monitoring campaign was carried out to measure and disaggregate the electricity consumption. The consumption of natural gas and water were also assessed. The building envelope and the heating and lighting systems were also evaluated. Some patterns of energy-environmental behaviours of the academic community were investigated through a Web-based survey. Findings: The energy efficiency plan contemplates short-term tangible/intangible actions. It also considers the investment and payback period of the tangible measures. The implementation of three improvement measures in the lighting system would lead to a consumption reduction of about 26,123 kWh/year, avoiding the emission of 3,704 KgCO2/year, for an initial cost of 9,920 (payback period of 3.7 years). Research limitations/implications: Results are restricted to the case study and there are limitations in their generalisation outside of their context. However, they show some broadly implications and trends that have relevance for the higher education sector. This paper highlights the importance of engaging students, faculty and technical staff for working together on the assessment of the energy efficiency of the buildings where they study and work. Social implications: The higher education sector holds important functions in educating the next generation of professionals for a sustainable culture. The categories of activities described in this paper are good examples of what can be done within the academic community for acting towards sustainability. The results also pointed out that making users aware of their energy consumption is a priority towards the energy efficiency in higher education buildings. Originality/value: Reductions on energy consumption are expected if the energy efficiency plan would be implemented. The results of the behavioural study were presented to the FEUC's board of directors to be integrated in the "Good Practices Manual on Water and Energy Management".

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias is the property of Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco 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 Revista Ciência Agronômica is the property of Revista Ciencia Agronomica 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 objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the SVIS® (Seed Vigor Imaging System) to determine squash seed vigor evaluated at different stages of maturation. 'Jabras' hybrid seeds, resulting from a cross between Cucurbita maxima (female parent) and Cucurbita moschata (male parent), were used in this study. Seeds extracted from fruit at different maturation stages (harvested at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after anthesis and stored or not for 20 days after each harvest) were subjected to the following determinations: 100 seed weight, germination, saturated salt accelerated aging, and SVIS®. This computerized system provided data on indexes of seedling vigor and uniformity of seedling development and on seedling growth. Results from SVIS® were similar to information from the other vigor tests performed in this study, detecting significant differences in performance among seeds during the maturation process. This indicates that SVIS® is a reliable alternative for obtaining consistent information on the physiological potential of squash seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência Agronômica is the property of Revista Ciencia Agronomica 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 objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficiency of fungicides for pea seed treatment against dampingoff caused by Rhizoctonia solani and to verify their effects on physiological seed quality. 'Mikado' pea seeds were treated with the following fungicides: Carbendazim, Carbendazim + Thiram, Captan, Iprodione, Iprodione + Thiram, Metalaxyl-M + Fludioxonil, Pencycuron, Procymidone and Tolyfluanid. Control seeds were treated with deionized water. Physiological seed quality was evaluated with the following tests: germination, first count, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity. Seeds were sown in soil inoculated and no inoculated with R. solani. The experimental design was completely random with four replications. Seedling emergence was reduced in inoculated soil and the best treatments for R. solani control were Carbendazim, Pencycuron, Iprodione and Carbendazim + Thiram. Captan reduced seed physiological quality in both the laboratory and field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the innovative biofuel technologies and energy sources that must replace fossil fuels and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. It discusses the biofuel production from oils of microalgae. It states that the algal biodiesel can be produced by using carbon dioxide released in power plants by burning fossil fuels. It highlights the advantages of algae-based biofuel and challenges involved in the development of biofuel technology from microalgae.

Copyright of Revista de Economia e Administração is the property of INSPER Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa 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.)

Highlights: [•] Oil obtained by SE has the lowest energy and CO2 values per MJprod. [•] Oil obtained by SFE proved to be more economically viable, with a cost of 365€/kgoil. [•] Biorefinery 2 (biodiesel SFE+bioH2) has the best energy/CO2/economy compromise. [•] The bioH2 as co-product may be advantageous in terms of product yield or profit. [•] High-value pigments can be produced by SFE which is a clean technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]