Economically Research Articles

Investigation of thermodynamics performance of solar dryer equipped with double pass flat, v-corrugated, and low-e coated collectors

In this study, a solar dryer incorporating a flat plate heat exchanger to recover heat from exhaust air was investigated to explore the usability of different types of collectors in the system. Their usability was further evaluated through economic and environmental analyses. Moreover, the thermodynamic performance of the solar dryers was evaluated under two weather conditions in Nepal. Apple drying experiments were conducted for 8 hours from 09:00 to 17:00 from February to April 2023 on solar dryers and with open sun drying (OSD) in Dhulikhel, Nepal. The results showed that the low emissivity (low-e) coated aluminum collector was more efficient in terms of collector efficiency and drying rate than collectors with flat or v-corrugated GI absorbers. The average collector efficiency and drying rate were found to be 89% and 107 g/(h×m2) using the low-e coated aluminum collectors, while the values were 50% and 84 g/(h×m2) for the GI sheet collector. The results indicated a slight improvement in the performance of v-corrugated collectors, with values of 53% and 89 g/(h×m2). The drying rate for OSD was found to be 78 g/(h×m2), which was lower than for the dryers with all collectors used in this study. In terms of economic analysis, the dryer equipped with the low-e coated collector was found to be superior, with a payback time of 1.61 years compared to the dryers with flat or v-corrugated GI collectors. Reducing the thermal losses due to radiation by using the low-e coated absorber was shown to be more important than increasing the absorber area using v-corrugated GI sheets.

Data-driven scheduling of a grid-connected university campus battery energy storage system considering variable weather and energy pricing

BESS can provide many crucial grid services including voltage and frequency support, however, capital costs can hinder widespread installation. Thus this work develops a data-driven MILP approach for BESS dispatch to enhance consumer cost recovery through energy arbitrage and mitigate the barrier of high capital costs. The proposed algorithm uses location-relevant weather data, to forecast PV generation and load consumption, as well as market data to create a BESS dispatch schedule. The proposed BESS algorithm is validated on a Raspberry Pi 4b microcontroller using real-time HIL simulation for 72 h on a real-world-based university campus microgrid consisting of a 9MWh/3MW BESS and 1.4MW DC/1.1MW AC PV solar canopy. Economic analyses indicate the proposed algorithms ability to decrease system energy costs when using LMP pricing, translating in a 7.27% decrease in LCOE compared to a 3.12% to 3.20% decrease when using an RB scheduling method. Similarly, LCOE is reduced by 5.32% when using TOU energy pricing. Additionally, a sensitively analysis of PV and load forecasting error with error biases ranging from −10% to 10% indicate a resulting increase in LCOE of 0% to 0.674%. These key findings indicate increased economic viability when implementing the proposed dispatch approach.

Plant factory with artificial light design, realization, and economic analysis

It has been challenging to construct an autonomously controlled plant factory with artificial light (PFAL). It is also useful in engineering and bioscience research and education. The purpose of this research is to design and construct a micro-scale PFAL (µPFAL) with automatic environment control for a university project. Then, analyze the effectiveness of managing temperature, humidity, pH, EC, and CO2 on crop production, as well as the cost, and benefit of µPFAL. The µPFAL is made up of LED lighting, air condition, vertical cultivation, EC-pH regulation, a CO2 supply unit, and environmental control and monitoring. Control was provided via Arduino with PC monitor. For economic evaluation, cost-benefit analysis was used. The results of the control environment in µPFAL were achieved with a deviation of less than 2.5%. An Arduino-based environmental control system with a computer for monitoring was suited for university’s PFAL.Our µPFAL could produce 80.45 g/head fresh weight of green oak lettuce, the lettuce’s yield of 19 kg/m2/y. The payback period of µPFAL is 3.28 years, net present value of 82,543.30 THB, an internal rate of return of 24% and the B/C ratio of 1.22. Future research should include solar energy to assist µPFAL in meeting its sustainable goal.

4E Analysis of Productivity and Efficiency Enhancements in Pyramid Solar Distillation: Innovations in Tray Design, Water Heating, and Forced Condensation Integration

This research enhances the thermal efficiency of a pyramid solar distiller (PSD) through 4E (energy, exergy, economic, and environmental) analysis. The modified distiller (MPSD) features suspended trays on three vertical walls, tested with and without heaters, and various water levels (6.2 to 49.6 L) in the basin. The study also examined MPSD's performance with an external condenser, aided by a fan operating at different speeds (0.25 to 1.5 rpm). Results showed that the MPSD, with a water depth of 1 cm and 12.4 L in the basin, achieved a 33% yield improvement and 50.2% efficiency. Total productivity of MPSD reached 3755 mL/m2 compared to 2820 mL/m2 for the PSD. MPSD with heaters produced 6430 mL/m2, reflecting a 98.5% increase. The best performance occurred at 1.25 rpm, with a 133% productivity increase, 66.5% thermal efficiency, and 4.58% exergy efficiency. The water cost was $0.23/L for the MPSD, lower than the PSD's $0.34/L. CO₂ emissions were 30.93 to 32.23 tons per year for different configurations, and enviroeconomic indicators were 447.46 to 467.33 annually, depending on the setup.

SolarSAM: Building-scale Photovoltaic Potential Assessment Based on Segment Anything Model (SAM) and Remote Sensing for Emerging City

Driven by advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology, solar energy has emerged as a promising renewable energy source due to its ease of integration onto building rooftops, facades, and windows. For emerging cities, the lack of detailed street-level data presents a challenge for effectively assessing the potential of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). To address this, this study introduces SolarSAM, a novel BIPV evaluation method that leverages satellite imagery and deep learning techniques, and an emerging city in northern China is utilized to validate the model performance. SolarSAM segmented various building rooftops using text prompt-guided semantic segmentation during the process. Separate PV models were then developed for Rooftop PV, Facade-integrated PV, and PV windows, using this segmented data and local climate information. The potential for BIPV installation, solar power generation, and city-wide power self-sufficiency were assessed, revealing that the annual BIPV power generation potential surpassed the city’s total electricity consumption by a factor of 2.5. Economic and environmental analysis were also conducted for the BIPVs on different buildings; the levelized cost of electricity is 0.18-0.41 CNY/kWh, and the annual total carbon reduction is 7.08×107 T CO2. These findings demonstrated the model’s performance and revealed the potential for BIPV power generation.

A multi-dimensional comparative study on the performance of algae removal using various flotation

Flotation is considered the most cost-effective and efficient algae-water separation technology. However, there are various flotation techniques for algae removal, such as coagulation-flotation (CF), foam flotation (FF), and positively charged bubble flotation (PF). It remains unclear which method is most suitable for removing algae from water bodies and under what specific conditions each technique is most effective. This study systematically compares CF, FF, and PF in terms of algal cell removal efficiency, concentration ratio, flotation kinetics, impact on algal cells, removal efficiency of algal organic matter (AOM) and microcystins (MC-LR), as well as economic cost analysis. CF is better suited for algae removal in water bodies, including drinking water sources, using fixed installations on shore due to its high removal efficiency, high concentration ratio, low chemical dosage, and minimal residuals. FF is more appropriate for non-drinking water sources as it can remove algae and further control algal growth; however, its residual CTAB may pose a threat to drinking water safety. PF is most suitable for in situ algae removal within water bodies, primarily because it does not require stirring or coagulation. Instead, modified bubbles can be directly introduced into the algal distribution layer, where they adhere to algal cells, facilitating algae-water separation. All three flotation methods are economically feasible for algae removal. For FF, the costs of chemicals and electricity are nearly equal, while for CF and PF, the primary cost is electricity. This study provides data to support the selection of appropriate flotation technologies for emergency removal of algal blooms in water bodies.

Thermodynamic, Economic and Regulation Strategies Analysis of a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell Combined Heating and Cooling

Thermodynamic, Economic and Regulation Strategies Analysis of a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell Combined Heating and Cooling

Comprehensive Thermodynamic, Economic, and Environmental Analysis of a Novel Cooling and Water Cogeneration System Based on Seawater Evaporation

In this study, an innovative system is presented to co-generate water and cooling energy on the base of seawater evaporation. Salt-free vapor can be separated from the seawater through the evaporation process, meanwhile, seawater evaporated under low pressure can provide cooling energy. The compressor is employed to create a low-pressure environment for seawater, and the compression heat is recovered by a multi-effect desalination subsystem to produce freshwater. A comprehensive comparison is conducted between this system and conventional systems, considering thermodynamic, economic, and environmental aspects. Meanwhile, the exergoeconomic analysis was conducted for the proposed system. The calculation results indicate that the specific energy consumption of the proposed system is 19.77 kWh/t, which is 4.53 kWh/t lower than that of the conventional system (23.76 kWh/t). Additionally, higher gain output ratio and performance ratio can be achieved. The proposed system has a payback period of 4.24 years, which is shorter than the 6.21 years required by the conventional system, thereby demonstrating a greater economic advantage. For the environmental performance, the proposed system demonstrates a reduced CO2 emission of only 12.55 kg/$, indicating a significant decrease of 40.29% compared to the conventional system's 21.02 kg/$. Therefore, the proposed system demonstrates improved economic and environmental performance.

Streamlining outpatient prepectoral breast reconstruction: The role of polyurethane oxygen-enriched bra cups from pandemic innovation to standardized cost analysis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a reassessment of healthcare delivery, emphasizing on strategies to reduce hospital visits without compromising patient care. In response, plastic surgery units explored innovative approaches to ensure high-quality care and enhanced protection for vulnerable groups, such as oncologic patients undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. This study evaluates the implementation of a polyurethane-polyester bra cup enriched with oxygen to diminish the need for postoperative outpatient visits. Methods: Patients who underwent mastectomy and prepectoral breast reconstruction between February 2020 and March 2021 were selected. A novel postoperative management protocol with a polyurethane-polyester bra cup was adopted, and a cost-benefit analysis evaluated the economic impact of integrating this medical device into postoperative care. Results: The polyurethane-polyester bra cup wound dressing significantly reduced the frequency of outpatient visits, enhancing patient autonomy in postoperative care. Patients reported high satisfaction levels, particularly appreciating the ability to manage the device independently, which contributed to the substantial reduction of hospital accesses. Economic analysis revealed that the devices’ utilized resulted in a notable reduction of 333.5 working hours, translating to a financial saving, ranging between €9990 and €40,020 for nursing and medical staff, respectively. The device cost was established at €20 per unit, demonstrating an effective cost-saving strategy in postoperative care. Conclusions: The adoption of polyurethane-polyester bra cup in postsurgical care for mastectomy patients undergoing implant-based prepectoral breast reconstruction proved to be a strategic measure in reducing hospital visits and maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.

AI-based autonomous UAV swarm system for weed detection and treatment: Enhancing organic orange orchard efficiency with agriculture 5.0

Weeds significantly threaten agricultural productivity by competing with crops for nutrients, particularly in organic farming, where chemical herbicides are prohibited. On Spain’s Mediterranean coast, organic citrus farms face increasing challenges from invasive species like Araujia sericifera and Cortaderia selloana, which further complicate cover crop management. This study introduces a swarm system of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with neural networks based on YOLOv10 for the detection and geo-location of these invasive weeds. The system achieves F1-scores of 0.78 for Araujia sericifera and 0.80 for Cortaderia selloana. Using GPS and RTK, the UAVs generate KML files to guide diffuser drones for precise, localized treatments with organic products. By automating the detection, treatment, and elimination of invasive species, the system enhances both productivity and sustainability in organic farming. Additionally, the proposed solution addresses the high labor costs associated with manual weeding by reducing the need for human intervention. A comprehensive economic analysis indicates potential savings ranging from 1810 to 2650 € per hectare, depending on farm size. This innovative approach not only improves weed control efficiency but also promotes environmental sustainability, offering a scalable solution for organic and conventional agriculture alike.

Innovative biogas energy system: Enhancing efficiency and sustainability through multigeneration integration

This research suggests using landfill gas, derived from landfilling operations, as a feasible alternative to fossil fuels. This study introduces a novel and all-encompassing method for utilizing landfill biogas. The proposed system utilizes a supercritical Brayton cycle with carbon dioxide as the working fluid, a transcritical CO2 cycle, two ammonia Rankine cycles, a single-effect desalination cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and an improved Kalina cycle. The system underwent evaluation using Aspen HYSYS software, enabling assessments in terms of energy, exergy, thermo-economic, and environmental variables. The examination of the findings indicates that the suggested solution has much higher energy efficiency compared to similar studies. The assessments determined the energy efficiency of the process in power generation, combined heat and power, combined cooling, heat and power, and multigeneration modes to be 23.62 %, 80.89%, 81.19%, and 82.72%, respectively. Furthermore, environmental research has revealed that the new process emits a total of 1743 kg/h of carbon dioxide and has an emission rate of 0.23 kg/kWh. The exergy analysis indicated that the fuel burner exhibited the greatest degree of irreversibility, accounting for 40%. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed on crucial parameters, including the temperature of the heat source in the single-effect desalination section and the rate at which water flows into the electrolyzer. The objective was to evaluate the influence of changes in these parameters on energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, carbon dioxide emission intensity, product production rate, and levelized energy cost. The economic analysis determined that the proposed scheme would have a total annual cost of 8,667,124 $ with a levelized energy cost of 0.17 $/kWh.

Economic Analysis of the Efficiency of Using Agricultural Resources in Producing the Olive Crop Using the Data Envelopment Model (A Case Study of the Kufra Region - Libya)

Economic Analysis of the Efficiency of Using Agricultural Resources in Producing the Olive Crop Using the Data Envelopment Model (A Case Study of the Kufra Region - Libya)

The existence of modern stores and legal protection for traders in the people's market in Badung regency, Bali

The influx of investment in the trade sector has given rise to large-scale economic power that can not only increase and encourage economic growth, but also cause negative impacts such as unhealthy business competition between traditional markets and modern stores. If this competition is left unchecked, it will result in the displacement of the existence of traditional markets as weaker economic actors. Therefore, the arrangement and guidance carried out through policies taken by the government must be seen from a synergistic perspective for both business actors. Based on the background of the problems that have been described above, several problems can be formulated as follows: 1) How is the implementation Badung Regency Regulation, Bali Number 3 of 2017 on business competition between modern shops and traditional markets? 2) How is the role of the Badung Regency government, Bali in providing legal protection for traditional markets from the rampant existence of modern shops? The type of research in writing this scientific paper is an empirical legal research type, which is used because there is a gap between what is regulated in the Law and its practice. The implementation of Badung Regency Regulation, Bali Number 3 of 2017 has not been effective because of the non-compliance of modern shops in fulfilling the completeness of the permits and not heeding the rules that have been set as well as the indecisiveness of law enforcement officers in providing a deterrent effect. Legal protection carried out by the Badung Regency Government, Bali is felt to be less than optimal because it is more directed at preventive legal protection, namely only in the form of prevention before violations occur, by providing guidance and socialization to traditional market and modern shop business actors.

Surgery and the first 8000 days of life: a review

Abstract The first 8000 days of life, from birth to adulthood, encompasses critical phases that shape a child's health and development. While global health efforts have focused on the first 1000 days, the next 7000 days (ages 2–21) are equally vital, especially concerning the unmet burden of surgical conditions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Approximately 1.7 billion children globally lack access to essential surgical care, with LMICs accounting for 85% of these unmet needs. Common surgical conditions, including congenital anomalies, injuries, infections, and pediatric cancers, often go untreated, contributing to significant mortality and disability. Despite the substantial need, LMICs face severe workforce and infrastructure shortages, with most pediatric surgical conditions requiring specialized skills, equipment, and tailored healthcare systems. Economic analyses have shown that pediatric surgical interventions are cost-effective, with substantial societal benefits. Expanding surgical care for children in LMICs demands investments in workforce training, infrastructure, and health systems integration, complemented by innovative funding and equitable global partnerships. Prioritizing surgical care within national health policies and scaling up children's surgery through initiatives like the Optimal Resources for Children's Surgical Care can improve health outcomes, align with Sustainable Development Goals, and foster equity in global health. Addressing the surgical care gap in LMICs will reduce preventable mortality, enhance quality of life, and drive sustainable growth, emphasizing surgery as an essential component of universal health coverage for children.

Systematic Review of Air Pollution in Ethiopia: Focusing on Indoor and Outdoor Sources, Health, Environment, Economy Impacts and Regulatory Frameworks

The varied geography (Bekele, 1996) and rapid economic growth of Ethiopia (World Bank, 2020) might have impact its air pollution patterns, with topography, elevation, and climate variability (Lemma Gonfa, 1996) playing significant roles. Environmental challenges, including deforestation and climate change, also affect air quality. This study offers a systematic review of air pollution research in Ethiopia, providing a thorough analysis of its health, environmental, and economic impacts, regional variations, and policy suggestions. It addresses both indoor and outdoor air pollution, assessing their wide-ranging effects. Data were gathered through an extensive search of peer-reviewed articles, policies, and guidelines using Google Scholar and reputable sources, following PRISMA guidelines. The review highlights critical sources of air pollution in Ethiopia, including indoor biomass fuel combustion and outdoor emissions from traffic and industries. Indoor air pollution, particularly from traditional biomass fuels like wood and dung, affects rural and peri-urban areas, leading to high levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Outdoor pollution, driven by urbanization, industrial expansion, and vehicle emissions, worsens health issues and environmental damage. The study identifies severe health consequences, such as respiratory infections and cardiovascular diseases, with air pollution contributing to premature deaths and rising healthcare costs. Economic analysis highlights the significant costs related to healthcare, lost productivity, and infrastructure damage. Environmental impacts include harm to plant health, soil degradation, and contributions to climate change. Despite initiatives to improve air quality monitoring and regulation, challenges persist due to outdated policies, limited infrastructure, and insufficient data. The study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive research and regulations to tackle air pollution crisis.

Energy efficiency and economic analysis of mechanized vs conventional cotton production system: A comparative study under rainfed vertisols of Tamil Nadu

Energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in optimizing input use and improving the sustainability of agricultural practices, especially in energy-intensive crops like cotton. Due to its high economic importance, cotton cultivation has been in the need of the hour in developing mechanized cultivation practices aimed at improving production efficiency. This study evaluated energy consumption and performed an economic analysis of mechanized versus conventional cotton production under rainfed vertisols in Tamil Nadu. Among the various inputs, fertilizer application consumed the most energy in both systems, followed by labor energy differences between the 2 methods. Mechanized cultivation drastically reduced labor energy requirements (174.2 MJ/ha) compared to manual methods (2215.6 MJ/ha), highlighting the potential for labor savings. Mechanized cultivation also showed more efficient use of non-renewable energy sources, whereas conventional methods relied more on renewable energy inputs, highlighting the trade-offs between the 2 systems. Mechanized cultivation significantly reduced production costs (Rs. 74290/ha) compared to conventional methods (Rs. 140440/ha), largely due to a 47.8 % reduction in labor costs, demonstrating its economic viability. This study suggests that improving the energy efficiency of mechanized cotton production should prioritize efficient fertilizer use and reducing diesel fuel consumption through enhanced machinery performance.

Performance evaluation and economic analysis of solar stills made of coir and Bambusa vulgaris fiber reinforced composite and vertical basin approach: a comparative study

Performance evaluation and economic analysis of solar stills made of coir and Bambusa vulgaris fiber reinforced composite and vertical basin approach: a comparative study

A comparative study of mono ethylene glycol economic production via different techniques

AbstractMono-ethylene glycol (MEG) is a high-volume chemical intermediate used as a raw material for a variety of chemical products. It could also be used as a hydrate inhibitor in natural gas. Recently, the importance of MEG has been increased due to its usage as a supporting emulsifier in diesel engines to reduce NOx and soot emissions, in addition to its usage as an additive to dual fuel diesel engines. The increase consumption of MEG in wide range of applications leads to the search for the most efficient, environmental friendly and cost effective technique to produce more quantities of it. MEG is most commonly manufactured via the hydration of ethylene oxide (EO). In this work, two different technologies of EO hydration to produce MEG are compared; the direct hydration of EO with water and the indirect hydration through the usage of ethylene carbonate (EC) as an intermediate. Comparative economic and environmental impact assessments were performed based on plant-scale simulations (per 600,000 tons per year of MEG produced) of the two hydration technologies using Aspen HYSYS version 11 simulation software. Economic analysis showed that the utilities’ energy consumption for direct hydration process is significantly higher than for indirect hydration by 279 megawatts. On the other hand, the environmental impact assessments showed that GHG emissions from natural gas power generation from utilities from direct hydration are three times greater than GHG emissions from indirect hydration. This leads to indirect hydration of ethylene oxide through ethylene carbonate formation being considered economically and environmentally preferable compared to the direct hydration process of ethylene oxide.

Economic Analysis, Yield Optimization, and Competition Dynamics of Groundnut/Cereal Fodder Intercropping Systems in Pakistan's Semi Arid Tropics

This research focuses on the intercropping management options including aspects of yield performance, nitrogen contribution to groundnut and economical considerations through the usage of intercrop Maize, Sorghum and Pearl Millet under varying cuttings treatments. Intercropping is effective in increasing land productivity and efficiency in nutrient use and provides economic returns yet the best combinations have not been well explored. Randomised complete block design was used to assess the growth characteristics of plant height, modulation and nitrogen in sole cropping and intercropping treatments in which they make cuts. For sole crop, both, maize and pearl millet produced the highest green fodder yields of 13.40 t ha⁻¹ and 19.10 t ha⁻¹, respectively, and intercropping reduced the productivity for both crops but it was statistically significant, yield recorded in Maize (one cut) groundnut = 3.10 t ha⁻¹. Both nodulation and nitrogen content were maximum in sole groundnut, but they were lower when groundnut was grown in association with other crops. Among all competitive indices, the LER was the highest on maize (LER=1.72), pearl millet and sorghum indicated that intercropping enhances land use efficiency. This was facilitated by the Monetary Advantage Index (MAI) that provided much support to maize-groundnut intercrop, which was easily identified as the most appropriate option for inter-crop revenue generation with an MAI of Rs. 17,800. These results provide evidence for the suitability of maize as the best intercrop for the enhancement of productivity and profitability in groundnut based intercropping systems. This study adds valuable input to sustainable agriculture, particularly in that it expresses the yields and profits from distinct intercrop associations as numeral digits deemed useful by both the scientific and agricultural communities.

Economic Burden of Haemophilia from a Societal Perspective: A Scoping Review.

Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that leads to musculoskeletal complications. The high cost of haemophilia treatment necessitates a thorough evaluation of its economic burden. However, due to the difficulty of estimating direct non-medical, indirect, and intangible costs, studies often underestimate the actual economic burden of haemophilia. This scoping review aims to summarise economic studies in haemophilia conducted from a societal perspective. A systematic search across eight scholarly databases, grey literature, and reference lists until the5th of July 2023 was conducted to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria encompassed full-text, English-language publications of economic analyses in congenital haemophilia from a societal perspective. Model-based studies and those adopting a payer perspective were excluded. Costs were adjusted to international dollars (I$) and US dollars (US$) in 2022 for comparability. Out of 2993 potential sources identified, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering 7226 persons with haemophilia across 22 countries. All studies reported direct medical costs, with four excluding the cost of haemostatic therapy. Fifteen studies reported direct formal non-medical costs, while eight reported direct informal non-medical costs. All but one study reported the indirect costs. The average annual costs of haemophilia varied widely based on treatment modality, disease severity, geographical location, and included cost categories. When including the cost of clotting factor replacement therapy (CFRT), the total cost for severe haemophilia without inhibitors ranged from 1566 I$ to 700,070 I$ per person per year (lowest value reported in India and highest in the United States). CFRT represented up to 99.9% of the total cost for those receiving prophylaxis and up to 95.1% for episodic treatment. Haemostatic therapies accounted for 82% of the total cost in patients with inhibitors. There is a significant heterogeneity in defining cost categories required for a comprehensive economic analysis from a societal perspective. While haemostatic therapies constitute a substantial portion of the overall cost, direct non-medical and indirect costs are crucial as they are often paid out-of-pocket and may impede access to treatment. It is essential for haematologists and economists to establish a standardised costing framework for future studies, particularly in the era of novel therapies.