Detailed System Analysis Research Articles

Evaluating levee setback distance for the co-benefits of groundwater recharge and riparian ecosystem function

Constructed levees are designed to protect anthropogenic developments from destructive flooding events, but their construction has reduced groundwater recharge, increased flood risk severity under levee failure, increased the incision of river channels, and deteriorated riparian habitat. To reverse these impacts, levee setbacks are often designed to reduce flood risk and provide the opportunity to restore ecohydrological function, while groundwater recharge is rarely considered because it may require relatively detailed groundwater system analysis. In this study, we evaluated 100 heterogeneous hydrogeology realizations to estimate recharge with high-conductivity pathways (HCPs) under varying flood flows for a range of levee setback distances to identify the trade-offs in groundwater recharge and floodplain habitat. We find that on a regional scale, total recharge potential increases with setback distance, with the largest gains up to 1,400 m where there are outcropping HCPs and sufficient flow to inundate more of the setback area. In contrast, the recharge per unit area (i.e., the average daily recharge divided by setback area) generally decreases as levee setback increases, but there are local increases in the recharge per unit area at 1,400 m where HCP recharge may sufficiently offset the larger area. There is a median 10%–40% reduction in peak streamflow with increasing setback distance, which would aid flood risk reduction, but the increased area leads to decreasing depth due to flow losses and increased spreading of flood water. Ultimately, the decision for levee setback distance will depend on local conditions and management goals, as we find that increasing recharge will reduce the floodplain depth necessary for ecosystem function. Our results highlight the opportunity to consider groundwater recharge benefits in levee setback feasibility studies in semi-arid regions impacted by floods and groundwater overdrafts so that setback distance designs can achieve integration of flood risk reduction, riparian habitat, and groundwater recharge.

Global policy harmonization in creative commons licensing: A roadmap for balancing creator and user rights

This paper examines the necessity for global policy harmonization in Creative Commons (CC) licensing to prevent legal exploitation and ensure equitable protection for both creators and users. It highlights the challenges posed by inconsistent copyright laws across different jurisdictions, which often lead to vulnerabilities and copyright trolling. Through a detailed analysis of various legal systems, this paper identifies key inconsistencies and proposes international policy standards that balance creator and user rights. A comprehensive roadmap is outlined, featuring phased goals, an implementation framework, and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and a call to action for policymakers to collaborate internationally, aiming to create a cohesive and fair digital content-sharing ecosystem.

A Comparative Study of Measurement Systems Using Machine Learning Techniques for Tool Fault Di-agnosis During Metal Removal in the Milling Process

Despite significant advancements in both measurement systems and machine learning techniques, the integration of these technologies for real-time tool fault diagnosis in milling processes remains under developed. Existing studies tend to focus on a comprehensive comparative analysis that bridges these two areas machine learning algorithms or the application of specific measurement sys-tems. There is also a gap in evaluating the cost-effectiveness and practicality of different measurement systems when integrated with machine learning models for industrial applications. This study addresses these gaps by conducting a detailed comparative analysis of multiple measurement sys-tems and their performance with machine learning techniques in a real-world milling context, aim-ing to provide practical recommendations for industry adoption. Using both traditional and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to define and exploit sensory systems in the milling process, as well as various (direct and indirect) monitoring approaches, are summarised in this study. Machine learning tech-niques SVM, KNN, DT performs better and provide higher accuracy and in feature extraction clas-sification techniques statistical features, wavelet transform with the Holder Exponent (HE) having higher accuracy for diagnosing the tool faults.

Research on Effective Development Methods and Development Potential of Tight and Difficult to Develop Reservoirs in Hailar Oilfield

Abstract In order to solve the problems of large undeveloped reserves and difficult development in the tight sandstone reservoir of Hailar Oilfield, from the perspective of “revitalizing ineffective and inefficient development wells, effectively utilizing tight reservoirs, and improving oilfield recovery”, with the widespread application of volume fracturing and other technologies, and in line with the principle of “starting with the easy and rich before the difficult and poor” in the development of ultra-low permeability fault block reservoirs, the transformation of tight sandstone reservoirs has been taken as an important supplement to the development and production of oil fields. This article takes the tight sandstone reservoir as the research object, aiming at the characteristics of low reserve abundance, longitudinal non-concentration of oil layers, and scattered development of sand bodies. Through detailed analysis and analysis of regional oil and gas migration systems, reservoir classification evaluation standards, fracturing process optimization, and development models, the potential of reservoir transformation and oil production capacity are systematically evaluated. Effective fracturing and post-fracturing energy-enhancing field tests are carried out for ultra-low permeability elastic mining areas, which have implemented the feasibility of utilizing difficult reservoirs, broken through the technical bottleneck of low production in tight sandstone reservoirs, and developed the theory and supporting technology of tight oil development in Hailar Oilfield. Based on the on-site test results, it is shown that the ultra-low permeability reservoir in Hailar Oilfield has the development conditions, indicating the direction of future development potential.

Generation of affinity maps for thiazolidinediones with human serum albumin using affinity microcolumns. II. Effects of advanced glycation end products on multisite drug binding

Multisite protein interactions by the thiazolidinedione-class drugs pioglitazone and rosiglitazone were examined by using high-performance affinity microcolumns that contained normal human serum albumin (HSA) vs HSA that had been modified to form advanced glycation end products by glyoxal (Go) or methylglyoxal (MGo). The results were used to generate an affinity map for these drugs at several key regions on HSA. Strong binding (∼105 M−1) by these drugs was seen at both Sudlow sites I and II. About a 50 % decrease in the affinities at Sudlow site II was observed for pioglitazone for Go-modified HSA, while either a 47 % decrease or 1.6-fold increase in affinity was seen for MGo-modified HSA, depending on the extent of modification. The binding affinity for rosiglitazone at Sudlow site II had a 40–83 % decrease for Go-modified HSA and either a non-significant change or 1.4-fold increase for MGo-modified HSA. At Sudlow site I, pioglitazone gave a 41 % decrease in affinity for either Go or MGo-modified HSA, and for rosiglitazone up to a 55 % decrease or 1.3-fold increase in affinity was noted. Positive allosteric effects were seen by these drugs with the tamoxifen site of HSA, and neither drug had any notable binding at the digitoxin site for the normal or modified forms of HSA. Rosiglitazone also had weak interactions at a site in subdomain IB, which increased in affinity by up to 5.0-fold with the Go- or MGo-modified HSA. This study illustrated how affinity microcolumns can be used to provide a detailed analysis of solute-protein systems that involve complex interactions. The data obtained should also be valuable in providing a better understanding of how drug interactions with HSA and other proteins can be altered by modifications of these binding agents in diseases such as diabetes.

Tensor-Train Format Hierarchical Equations of Motion Formalism: Charge Transfer in Organic Semiconductors via Dissipative Holstein Models.

Hierarchical Equations of Motion (HEOM) in the Tensor-Train (TT) representation is applied to study the charge-transfer dynamics in organic semiconductors (OSCs). The theoretical formulation as well as the basic computational aspects of HEOM-TT are discussed in detail. Charge transfer in OSCs is modeled using dissipative polaronic models that incorporate the effects of both high- and low-frequency molecular vibrations, and it is simulated in a fully quantum and nonperturbative manner, which has not been studied intensively. The capability of treating complex electron-vibrational systems is examined by analyzing and comparing the numerical behavior of the time-dependent variational approach and the time-Alternating Minimal Energy methods and by calculating the current autocorrelation function and diffusivity across various models. Our results indicate that the HEOM-TT framework offers a robust tool for the detailed analysis of complex polaronic systems, suggesting its potential for broader applications.

Exergy, exergoeconomic optimization and exergoenvironmental analysis of a hybrid solar, wind, and marine energy power system: A strategy for carbon-free electrical production

In this research, aligned with global policies aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from traditional power plants, we developed a holistic energy system utilizing solar, wind, and ocean thermal energy sources, tailored to regions optimal for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). The selected site, characterized by favorable wind and solar conditions close to areas with high OTEC potential, is designed to meet the electricity needs of a coastal community. The system's core components include an Organic Rankine Cycle, turbines, thermoelectric elements, pumps, a heat exchanger, a wind turbine, and a solar collector. A detailed system analysis and thermodynamic evaluation based on thermodynamic principles were carried out using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software. Key factors such as wind speed, solar radiation, and collector area were critical in determining system performance. To enhance the system's effectiveness, we conducted a comprehensive comparison of optimization algorithms, incorporating the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) and utilizing a Pareto front for value optimization. This approach significantly outperformed other algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Simulated Annealing (SA) in terms of system efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The developed system achieved an exergy efficiency of 14.46 % and a cost rate of $74.98 per hour, demonstrating its suitability for its intended functions. Moreover, exergoenvironmental evaluation was conducted for the proposed plant. The findings revealed that key component HEX has a high exergoenvironmental factor due to their use of hot water, which has zero unit exergoenvironmental impact. Additionally, pumps demonstrated a zero exergoenvironmental impact factor, indicating negligible component-related environmental impacts. Sensitivity analysis further evaluated critical performance parameters, revealing that increases in solar irradiation lead to decreased total system cost rates, while higher turbine temperatures resulted in a remarkable 14.08 % reduction in the system's cost rate. These results underscore the economic viability of operating the system at higher temperatures and strengthen the argument for its adoption from a financial perspective.

The gas hydrate system of the western Black Sea Basin

The basin-scale distribution of gas hydrates and methane migration pathways in the western Black Sea remains enigmatic, owing to the region's complex geological history. Characterizing the abundant gas hydrate accumulations across temporal scales poses significant challenges. In this study, we developed and applied a 3D large-scale numerical model to study the formation, development, and fate of natural gas hydrate systems in the western Black Sea sub-basin. Our model enables us to simulate the dynamic evolution of basin geometry and facies distribution over the last 98 million years and under dynamically changing boundary conditions, e.g. due to sea-level changes. Our study estimates the total volume of gas hydrates stored within western Black Sea sediments at ∼14,607 MtC, equivalent to ∼30,073 × 1011 m3 of CH4 (at STP conditions) which is about 5 times higher than average gas hydrate density at continental margins. Our findings reveal three distinct mechanisms driving gas hydrate reservoir formation within the reconstructed sub-basin: gas hydrate recycling zones, chimney-like structure formation, and gas hydrate deposits associated with paleo-deep sea fans. We identified and simulated key controlling parameters, related to methane migration pathways and regional geomorphology, governing each type of hydrate formation. Subsequently, we conduct a detailed analysis of regional gas hydrate systems, focusing on the Dniepr paleo-fan system, the Danube paleo-fan region, multiple offshore locations near Turkey, and the central Black Sea area. Furthermore, we investigate various biogenic methane formation kinetics and their impact on basin-scale methane generation. Our sensitivity studies enable us to predict the optimal temperature range for microbial activity driving methanogenesis in the Black Sea sediments at 30 °C–40 °C. Overall, our study provides a novel understanding and quantitative correlation between methane generation, migration, and storage in the form of gas hydrates on a basin-scale in the western Black Sea.

HybridPy: The Simulation Suite for Mesoscopic and Microscopic Traffic Simulations

Mesoscopic, agent-based simulations efficiently model and assess entire regions’ daily activities and travel patterns, exemplified by smaller countries like Switzerland. The queue-based simulation represents a compromise between computational speed on the one hand and the necessity of detailed modeling infrastructure on the other hand. Thus, mesoscopic simulations enable an efficient and reasonably detailed analysis of the complex interplay between supply and demand in mobility research. Conversely, microsimulations excel at reproducing individual speed profiles and behavior by modeling the interactions between traffic participants, including pedestrians, bicycles, and scooters. Although allowing for more detailed system analysis, the downside is the high computational burden, which often prevents large-scale microscopic simulations from running in optimization or calibration loops. hybridPY, an extension of SUMOPy, aims to close the gap and benefit from both environments. The simulation suite allows the running of mesoscopic as well as microscopic traffic simulations based on the core idea: running a microscopic simulation in a smaller dedicated area, using the routes or mobility plans generated from a larger mesoscopic model. The main features of this software are: (i) import, editing and visualization of MATSim and BEAM CORE networks; (ii) conversion of MATSim plans to SUMO routes or plans within the SUMO area; (iii) configuring and running of MATSim simulations. The capability of hybridPY is demonstrated by two applications: the simulation of Schwabing, Germany, based on the MITO MATSim model, and the San Francisco municipality, USA, based on the mesoscopic BEAM CORE model of the entire San Francisco Bay area. Both scenarios demonstrate that the hybrid approach results in significant computational gains with respect to a pure microscopic approach.

Martini-Based Coarse-Grained Soil Organic Matter Model Derived from Atomistic Simulations.

The significance of soil organic matter (SOM) in environmental contexts, particularly its role in pollutant adsorption, has prompted an increased utilization of molecular simulations to understand microscopic interactions. This study introduces a coarse-grained SOM model, parametrized within the framework of the versatile Martini 3 force field. Utilizing models generated by the Vienna Soil Organic Matter Modeler 2, which constructs humic substance systems from a fragment database, we employed Swarm-CG to parametrize the fragments and subsequently assembled them into macromolecules. Direct Boltzmann inversion (DBI) facilitated the determination of bonded parameters between fragments. The parametrization yielded favorable agreement in the radius of gyration and solvent-accessible surface area. Transfer free energies exhibited a strong correlation with hexadecane-water and chloroform-water values, albeit deviations were noted for octanol-water values. Comparing densities of modeled Leonardite humic acid systems at coarse-grained and atomistic levels revealed promising agreement, particularly at higher water concentrations. The DBI approach effectively reproduced average values of bonded interactions between fragments. Radial distribution functions between carboxylate groups and calcium ions showed partial agreement, however, reproducing certain peaks was challenging due to fixed bead sizes. Detailed analysis of atomistic systems revealed different configurations between the groups, explaining discrepancies. The present contribution provides a comprehensive insight into the properties, strengths, and weaknesses of the coarse-grained SOM model, serving as a foundation for future investigations encompassing pollutant interactions and varied SOM compositions.

Unmanned aerial vehicle as an air defense target

There have been reports of unauthorized use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in highly controlled areas (airports, military installations, against critical industrial infrastructure) in the media since the mid-2000s. Nowadays, small UAVs are widely used for unauthorized surveillance of important objects, conducting terrorist attacks and sabotage, carrying prohibited goods (weapons, drugs), as well as for military purposes. For this reason, the problem of countering UAVs, and especially small UAVs, has become extremely relevant. Analysis of publications in this area has shown a small number of serious studies on this topic. There are often too optimistic conclusions about the effectiveness of existing air defense systems for countering all types of UAVs in many papers. However, the problem of countering UAVs, and especially small UAVs, is highly complex, multi-faceted, and has not been solved yet. The purpose of this paper is to systematize and analyze various ways and means of countering UAVs, as well as to form general directions for effective solution of the problem. The material presented in the paper focuses on the analysis of the capabilities of air defense means to physical countering UAVs. The results of systematization and analysis of various methods and means of countering UAVs, which are based on physical interception, are presented in the article. This systematization is based on more than 60 open sources. The analysis of the sources show the main features of the UAV as an object of destruction and made possible a detailed multi-aspect analysis of modern air defense systems, their effectiveness and disadvantage. Suggestions for improving the effectiveness of the air defense systems what are used against UAVs are also summarized in this paper. Elements of the novelty of the paper are the general features of the detection and destruction of UAVs as well as systemic disadvantage in technological solutions of the air defense systems which lead to a decrease in their combat effectiveness when they are used against UAVs. The material of the paper can be used to generate initial data for modeling and studying the combat effectiveness of the air defense systems when countering UAVs. This article can be useful for designers who design countering UAV systems as well.

Unmanned aerial vehicle as a reconnaissance object

There have been reports of unauthorized use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in highly controlled areas (airports, military facilities, against critical industrial infrastructure) in the media since the mid-2000s. Nowadays, small UAVs are widely used for unauthorized surveillance of important objects, conducting terrorist attacks and sabotage, transporting prohibited goods (weapons, drugs), as well as for military purposes. For this reason, the problem of countering UAVs, and especially small UAVs, has be-come extremely relevant. Analysis of publications in this area has revealed a small number of serious studies in this topic. Conclusions, made on the effectiveness of existing air defense systems for combating all types of UAVs in several papers seem to be too optimistic. However, the problem of countering UAVs, and especially small UAVs, is highly complicated, multifaceted and has not been solved yet. The goal of this paper is to analyze UAV as an object of detection and defeating while using various ways and means of countering UAVs. This work focuses on the analysis of UAV as an object of radar, radio-reconnaissance and radio-technical, optical-electronic and acoustic intelligence, as well as an object of fire and electronic defeating. Results of systematization and analysis of UAVs as an object of fire and electronic defeating, capabilities of on time detecting and target indicating by radar, radio-reconnaissance and radio-technical, optical-electronic and acoustic means of intelligence are presented in the paper. Carried out systematization is based on information from more than 40 open sources. Analysis of the sources reveals the list of main features of the UAV as an object of defeating, and makes it possible to carry out a detailed analysis of modern detection systems, as well as their effectiveness and disadvantages. Elements of novelty of the paper are general features of UAVs detection process, as well as systemic disadvantages of the detection systems technical solutions, which lead to reduce in efficiency, while being used against UAVs. The material of the paper can be used to generate initial data for modeling and studying the combat effectiveness of the air defense systems when countering UAVs. This article can be useful for constructors, who design the countering UAV systems.

GEODESY IN SOLVING PROBLEMS OF SUSTAINABLE CITY DEVELOPMENT: ANALYSIS OF URBAN TERRITORY PLANNING

The article focuses on the creation and implementation of a geodetic planning system aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of urban areas. The main emphasis is on the use of open and accessible software, integration of full-fledged GIS and DBMS components. The process of determining the most suitable GIS platform for GSP included a detailed analysis of various GIS systems taking into account their functionality, which allowed to choose QGIS as the optimal solution due to its high functionality in the field of geodata management, support for various data formats, user interface and dynamic development. The structure of the GSP is based on two main platforms: the QGIS GIS system for cartographic data presentation and analysis, and the Microsoft Access DBMS for performing all data operations. Interaction between these platforms is provided through the eVis module built into QGIS, which allows for efficient planning of urban area surveys and land use management. The main tasks solved with the help of GSP are the planning of primary surveys to identify target plantations, detailed taxation of plantations with the creation of samples according to specified parameters, obtaining point maps of the distribution of various types of vegetation, planning sample surveys with specific geospatial conditions, as well as geo-information and tax analysis in in solving the problems of sustainable development of cities. The implementation of GSP provides significant advantages for planning the sustainable development of urban areas, allowing more efficient use of land resources, optimizing urban management processes and intensifying scientific research in this field. The development and integration of modern digital technologies in the field of urban planning play a key role in achieving the goals of sustainable development.

Advanced analysis of the adsorption mechanism for sweet odorant on mouse and human olfactory receptors via statistical physics theory

In this work, the one layer statistical physics model (M1) was applied to more deeply comprehend the phenomenon of adsorption, which is putatively involved in the olfactory sensation of acetophenone (AP) on mouse and human olfactory receptors. On one hand, the proposed model was utilized to microscopically characterize the studied olfactory systems in order to obtain advanced stereographic and energetic information concerning the studied olfactory systems in terms of a molecular view point. Based on the values of the number of acetophenone molecules docked on mouse and human binding sites n, it was found that the studied sweet odorant was linked with a mixed orientation. Energetically speaking, the values of the molar adsorption energy ΔE1, which ranged from 11.81 to 17.67 kJ/mol for mouse olfactory receptors (Olfr62, Olfr1093, Olfr1094, Olfr895, and Olfr876) and from 14.66 to 20.58 kJ/mol for human olfactory receptors (OR2C1, OR1A1, and OR2J2), indicated that acetophenone molecules were exothermically physisorbed. The adsorption energy distributions relative to AP may also be estimated to understand the olfactory sense in the investigated olfactory systems via the calculation of olfactory bands (i. e., AED bands), which may be defined between 4.80 and 27 kJ/mol and between 5.50 and 27 kJ/mol for mouse and human olfactory receptors, respectively. On the other hand, M2 was used to determine three thermodynamic potentials (i.e., the internal energy, the Gibbs free energy, and the adsorption entropy), which macroscopically characterized the investigated olfactory systems via a detailed thermodynamic analysis of the different olfactory systems.

A Contemporary Approach to Designing and Implementing Electronic Voting Systems (EVS)

This study delves into the potential of Electronic Voting Systems (EVS) in Ghana, to enhance transparent and trustworthy electoral processes. We presented a comprehensive framework highlighting trust, diaspora engagement, and human factors in voting. The study proposes a robust EVS framework for Ghana, emphasizing trust and accountability, preventing electoral fraud, and encouraging African governments to invest in IT and collaborate with experts in e-government and e-voting systems. We commence with a detailed systems analysis, identifying specific electoral challenges in Ghana. An artifact is designed and developed, and the artifact's effectiveness is demonstrated through Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM). We evaluated its alignment with the desired solution for Ghana's electoral issues. We emphasize the potential of EVS to address electoral challenges in Ghana and underscore the importance of proactive government policies, IT investments, and collaboration with IT experts. User acceptance testing achieved a remarkable 98% approval rate, showcasing the feasibility of implementing EVS at the national level. This research underlines the pivotal role of EVS in Ghana and advocates for visionary government policies and investments in IT. These measures can modernize electoral systems, align them with international standards, and promote democratic progress while preventing electoral fraud in Ghana and other African nations to avoid condemnation and punishment of unconstitutional transfers of power that are being challenged by meticulously planned takeovers.

Diurnal variation in short‐ and long‐duration precipitation within the Dabie Mountain region in Central China

AbstractDiurnal variation in regional precipitation in Central and East China has been broadly identified in previous study. This study focused on clarifying not only the differences in the diurnal variation concerning the local precipitation occurred in the Dabie Mountain (DBM) region and the regional precipitation occurred through the middle‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, but also the association mechanism between diurnal variation in local precipitation with differing duration and diurnal modulation of ambient circulations driven by large‐scale background synoptic force or local‐scale orographic force of the DBM. It was found that cases of short duration precipitation (SDP, duration <6 h) and cases of long duration precipitation (LDP, duration ≥6 h) exhibit vastly different patterns of diurnal variations. Further investigation revealed that the primary pattern of the ambient circulation responsible for SDP and LDP is the recycling transformation between a closed cyclonic circulation to a cyclonic wind shear, and the recycling movement of a closed cyclonic circulation in the lower troposphere respectively. Although the diurnal variation in LDP exhibited greater orographic regional differences between the west slope (WS) region and the east slope (ES) region in comparison with that of SDP, topographical sensitivity experiments of the DBM and detailed analysis of background synoptic systems associated with LDP indicated that this regional orographic difference shows closer association with eastward propagation of background synoptic systems than orographic effects of the DBM. Respective strengthening of upward vertical motion at different levels of the troposphere during diurnal variation in SDP and LDP cases provide substantial evidences to reconfirm the close association with orographic force in lower the troposphere for SDP cases and background synoptic force in middle troposphere for LDP cases. Further quantitative diagnosis also confirmed that the orographic effects of the DBM is conducive to cause marked differences in the diurnal variation in SDP cases between the WS region and the ES region via adjustment of the upslope wind over the former and the circumventing wind over the latter.

Life cycle assessment for early-stage process optimization of microbial biosurfactant production using kinetic models-a case study on mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL).

Introduction: This study assesses the environmental impacts of mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) production for process optimization using life cycle assessment (LCA). MELs are glycolipid-type microbial biosurfactants with many possible applications based on their surface-active properties. They are generally produced by fungi from the family of Ustilaginaceae via fermentation in aerated bioreactors. The aim of our work is to accompany the development of biotechnological products at an early stage to enable environmentally sustainable process optimization. Methods: This is done by identifying hotspots and potentials for improvement based on a reliable quantification of the environmental impacts. The production processes of MELs are evaluated in a cradle-to-gate approach using the Environmental Footprint (EF) 3.1 impact assessment method. The LCA model is based on upscaled experimental data for the fermentation and purification, assuming the production at a 10m³ scale. In the case analyzed, MELs are produced from rapeseed oil and glucose, and purified by separation, solvent extraction, and chromatography. Results: The results of the LCA show that the provision of substrates is a major source of environmental impacts and accounts for 20% of the impacts on Climate Change and more than 70% in the categories Acidification and Eutrophication. Moreover, 33% of the impacts on Climate Change is caused by the energy requirements for aeration of the bioreactor, while purification accounts for 42% of the impacts respectively. For the purification, solvents are identified as the main contributors in most impact categories. Discussion: The results illustrate the potentials for process optimization to reduce the environmental impacts of substrate requirements, enhanced bioreactor aeration, and efficient solvent use in downstream processing. By a scenario analysis, considering both experimental adaptations and prospective variations of the process, the laboratory development can be supported with further findings and hence efficiently optimized towards environmental sustainability. Moreover, the presentation of kinetic LCA results over the fermentation duration shows a novel way of calculating and visualizing results that corresponds to the way of thinking of process engineers using established environmental indicators and a detailed system analysis. Altogether, this LCA study supports and demonstrates the potential for further improvements towards more environmentally friendly produced surfactants.

Hybrid Solar-Hydropower Systems for Green Energy Production: A Comprehensive Analysis

This paper presents a detailed analysis of hybrid energy systems combining solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and hydropower technologies. Focusing on the increasing popularity of Archimedes screw generators for low head sites, we examine the efficiency and environmental benefits of such systems, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of global efforts like the Paris Agreement. We explore the integration of solar and hydropower systems in the context of Brazil’s renewable energy hybridization and discuss the challenges of their stochastic nature on power grid integration. The paper delves into the theoretical foundation, mathematical simulations, and optimization models that enable these hybrid systems to maintain energy and irrigation balance. The paper also investigates the use of photovoltaic-battery energy storage systems in building power supply and the potential of micro-grids featuring an array of renewable energy technologies. Ultimately, we present a novel approach to off-grid hybrid system deployment contributing to sustainable development goals.

BIKAS: Bio-Inspired Knowledge Acquisition and Simulacrum—A Knowledge Database to Support Multifunctional Design Concept Generation

Abstract A detailed acquisition, analysis, and representation of biological systems exhibiting different functions is required to develop unique bio-inspired multifunctional conceptual designs and methods. This paper presents BIKAS: Bio-inspired Knowledge Acquisition and Simulacrum, a knowledge database of biological systems exhibiting various functionalities, developed based on case-based bio-inspired examples from literature. The knowledge database represents the biological features, their characteristics, and the function exhibited by the biological feature as a combination of its integrated structure and structural strategy. Furthermore, this knowledge database is utilized by the Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID) model that works on classifying, mapping, and representing biological features into their respective geometric designations called Domains. The combination of features from the Domains results in the generation of multifunctional conceptual designs. In addition, Meta-level design factors are proposed to aid designers in filtering the biological features and their respective functions having a similar structural strategy, thus aiding designers in rapidly selecting and emulating biological functions.

Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment: A method to assess the emissions and environmental impacts of agricultural systems and products

PurposeAgricultural production, which dominates the environmental impacts of the food sector, has specific characteristics that need to be considered in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. Agricultural systems are open, difficult to manage and control, strongly depend on natural resources and their impacts are highly variable and influenced by soil, climate and farm management. A specific framework, efficient methods and tools are thus needed to adequately assess the environmental impacts of agricultural systems.MethodsWe present the Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment (SALCA) concept and method, developed for a detailed and specific analysis of agricultural systems. It comprises rules for the definition of system boundaries, functional unit and allocation, emission models, a life cycle inventory (LCI) database, calculation tools, impact assessment methods and concepts for analysis, interpretation and communication. This paper focuses on emission models for gaseous N, nitrate leaching, P emissions to water, soil erosion, pesticides, heavy metals, emissions from animal production and impact assessment methods for soil quality and biodiversity. The models are calculated at the crop, field, animal group and farm levels and are integrated in a consistent and harmonised framework, which is ensured by exchanging intermediate results between models.Results and discussionThe SALCA concept has been applied in numerous LCA studies for crops and crop products, cropping systems, animal husbandry systems and animal products, food and feed products, farms and product groups, the agrifood sector and food systems. The SALCA methodology has also been a backbone of the LCI databases ecoinvent, AGRIBALYSE and the World Food LCA database. The strengths of SALCA lie in its comprehensiveness, specificity to agriculture, harmonisation, broad applicability, consistency, comparability, flexibility and modularity. The extensive data demand and the high complexity, however, limit the application of SALCA to experts. The geographical scope is limited to Central and Western Europe, with a special focus on Switzerland. However, due to the modular and flexible design, an adaptation to other contexts is feasible with reasonable effort.ConclusionsSALCA enables answering a wide range of research questions related to environmental assessment and is applicable to various goals and scopes. A further development would be the inclusion of the social and economic dimensions to perform a full sustainability analysis in the SALCAsustain framework.