Efficiency Standards Research Articles

Assessment of heating degree-days factor (HDDF) for building-oriented climate zoning in Türkiye

ABSTRACT In this study, a novel heating degree-days factor (HDDF) is proposed to determine the optimum facade design for buildings in Türkiye as a function of both cooling degree-days (CDD) and heating degree-days (HDD) data. For this purpose, the HDDF (HDD/(HDD+CDD)) is defined as the ratio of the heating degree-days of a region to the total heating and cooling degree-days. Firstly, the HDDF values of all provinces in Türkiye are calculated by using meteorological data from 81 meteorological stations covering the period 1991–2022, and HDDF performance is evaluated. Then, the building-oriented climate zoning is realized based on the HDDF values. Moreover, historical trends of monthly and yearly average HDD, CDD, and HDDF values are revealed and yearly HDD, CDD, and HDDF maps were created using the ArcGIS program. According to the results, HDDF values in Türkiye varied between 0.4519 and 0.9998, and HDDF values between 0.9 ≤ HDDF ≤ 1 cover 46 out of 81 cities in the country and span a broad area across the country. The findings suggest that if global warming continues at the current rate, cooling energy demand in the residential sector will dramatically increase in the future, while heating energy demand will fall in Türkiye. This indicates that domestic energy consumption regulations would require modification. The building-oriented climate zoning resulting from this study is unique to Türkiye and can aid engineers, architects, and policymakers in building energy efficiency programs, studies, regulations, and standards.

Evaluating the effectiveness of climate change policies and initiatives in the United States: A comprehensive review

Climate change presents profound challenges, demanding effective policies to mitigate its impacts. This paper reviews the effectiveness of climate policies in the United States, analyzing scholarly articles, government reports, and relevant literature. The review covers diverse policies such as greenhouse gas regulations, renewable energy initiatives, energy efficiency programs, and adaptation measures. It assesses their success in reducing carbon emissions, advancing a low-carbon economy, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. Key findings highlight significant successes, such as the rise in renewable energy due to renewable portfolio standards and reduced emissions from vehicle fuel efficiency standards. State-level initiatives, like carbon pricing and renewable energy targets, also show promising outcomes. However, the review identifies substantial challenges, including political and economic obstacles, inconsistent policies across states, and the need for better federal-state-local collaboration. Additionally, disparities in policy benefits, with marginalized communities facing greater burdens and limited access to renewable resources, are significant concerns. To enhance the effectiveness of climate policies, the study recommends fostering coherent policies across all government levels, promoting equitable and inclusive climate solutions, raising public awareness, and supporting innovation in clean technologies. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that effectively address climate change, promote sustainability, and ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon future.

Evaluation of the Applicability of Waste Rubber in Insulation Panels with Regard to Its Grain Size and Panel Thickness

This paper explores the effect of waste rubber grain size on the porosity, modulus of elasticity, thermal properties, and soundproofing performance of polymer composites with different thicknesses (10, 15, and 20 mm). All properties were tested in accordance with European standards, with the exception of porosity, which was measured using Archimedes’ principle. The findings indicate that with a consistent amount of polyurethane glue, finer rubber grains result in composites with higher porosity, leading to a lower modulus of elasticity but enhanced thermal and sound insulation. In contrast, coarser rubber grains produced composites with lower porosity and a higher modulus of elasticity, though with slightly reduced thermal insulation and significantly worse soundproofing. A combination of fine and coarse rubber grains provided a balanced performance, offering both good thermal and sound insulation while maintaining a high modulus of elasticity. Among the thicknesses tested, 15 mm was identified as optimal, combining a relatively high modulus of elasticity, low thermal conductivity, and better airborne sound insulation index. Future research will focus on applying this composite in concrete building products that meet noise protection and energy efficiency standards.

Energy factors affecting environmental pollution for sustainable development goals: The case of India

This study investigates the nexus between electricity consumption, fossil fuel dependency, renewable energy adoption, population growth, trade activities, economic growth, and environmental pollution in India. The primary objective is to understand how these factors interrelate and influence each other, focusing on their implications for sustainable development. The study used data from the World Bank from 2000 to 2023; the methodology adopted includes vector autoregression modeling, Granger causality tests, cointegration analysis, impulse response functions, and variance decomposition. These econometric techniques were selected due to their ability to capture dynamic relationships, determine causality, and identify long-term equilibrium among the variables. The findings reveal that economic growth significantly increases electricity consumption and fossil fuel usage, leading to higher carbon dioxide emissions. On the other hand, renewable energy adoption reduces environmental pollution. The study also highlights the complex interplay between population growth, urbanization, and trade activities in shaping India's energy demand and environmental outcomes. The implications of these findings are critical for India's sustainable development. The results suggest that while economic growth is essential, it must be balanced with sustainable energy practices to mitigate environmental pollution. The findings emphasize the need for policy interventions that promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, and enforce environmental regulations. Recommendations include accelerating renewable energy adoption, implementing stringent energy efficiency standards, and developing integrated policies that simultaneously address the economic, energy, and environmental dimensions. These actions will help India achieve a sustainable balance between economic growth and environmental protection, ensuring a healthier future for its population.

Understanding public acceptability of climate policies in Europe

ABSTRACT Urgent and decisive government action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions is more likely when the proposed measures are popular among the public. This paper compares the drivers of European public support for three alternative policies to combat climate change: carbon taxation, renewable energy subsidies, and minimum energy efficiency standards that apply to household appliances. We combine survey data with regional socio-economic and environmental indicators to provide a comprehensive, comparative analysis of policy acceptance that accounts for the geographic context in which these policies would be implemented. By comparing the drivers among three climate policies, we identify a rural-urban gap in predicting public perception of carbon taxation, which does not exist in the other policies. We also found a positive relationship between regional exposure to fine particular matter (PM2.5) and public support for climate policy, providing novel insights into the influence of environmental factors on public perceptions. This research highlights the importance of environmental and socio-economic context in predicting climate policy acceptance and offers valuable implications for policymakers seeking to garner public support for effective climate change mitigation strategies.

Sustainable materials for corrosion-resistant energy harvesting: a conceptual framework for innovations in biodegradable solutions for nuclear applications

The demand for sustainable materials in energy harvesting technologies has led to significant advancements, particularly in the development of biodegradable solutions for nuclear applications. This conceptual framework explores innovations in corrosion-resistant materials that combine sustainability with enhanced performance for nuclear energy systems. The integration of biodegradable materials into nuclear applications presents an opportunity to reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and safety standards in harsh conditions. This review focuses on the dual challenge of corrosion resistance and biodegradability, which are critical for long-term operation in nuclear environments. Traditional materials used in nuclear reactors, such as stainless steels and superalloys, often struggle with corrosion and disposal issues. By contrast, biodegradable materials offer potential solutions to these challenges, with recent innovations providing sufficient resistance to radiation and corrosive environments. This framework investigates the properties of biodegradable polymers, composites, and coatings that have been adapted for nuclear energy harvesting systems. A central theme of this framework is the application of nanostructured and hybrid biodegradable materials designed to withstand the extreme conditions within nuclear reactors. These materials exhibit self-healing and passivation capabilities, contributing to their corrosion resistance. The review also discusses various strategies for optimizing the performance of biodegradable materials, including surface treatments, alloying, and coating techniques, which enhance both sustainability and durability. Moreover, the framework highlights ongoing research in bio-based materials and their potential for scalability in nuclear applications. Although challenges remain in ensuring consistent performance over extended periods, the prospects for integrating biodegradable, corrosion-resistant materials in energy harvesting systems are promising. In conclusion, this conceptual framework outlines the potential of biodegradable solutions for revolutionizing nuclear applications by addressing corrosion resistance, environmental sustainability, and material lifecycle management. Continued research and innovation in this field could transform energy harvesting technologies, driving the shift toward greener, more sustainable nuclear energy systems.. Keywords: Sustainable Materials, Corrosion Resistance, Energy Harvesting, Biodegradable Solutions, Nuclear Applications, Nanostructured Materials, Bio-Based Composites.

Comprehensive Analysis of Needle Bearing Failures in Fuel Transfer Pumps: Insights from Testing and Finite Element Analysis

<div>This study investigates the failure mechanisms of needle bearings within fuel transfer pump assemblies through a comprehensive approach combining endurance testing, detailed inspection, the Dykem blue method, proximity sensors, and finite element analysis (FEA). The findings reveal critical insights into the causes of failure, highlighting significant axial displacement, with a maximum of 0.37 mm measured by proximity sensors. The Dykem technique identified distinct wear patterns across various components, pinpointing areas of high stress and potential failure. Detailed bearing inspections uncovered trunnion damage and abrasive wear, corroborated by FEA, which quantified displacements of 0.144 mm in the x-direction, 0.030 mm in the y-direction, and 0.015 mm in the z-direction. The primary operational factors contributing to bearing failure were contamination and inadequate axial control. These insights are pivotal, as they align with and expand upon established literature on bearing failures, providing a deeper understanding of the interplay between mechanical wear and operational conditions. Despite the robustness of the methodology, challenges included ensuring the accuracy of axial displacement measurements and replicating real-world operational stresses in a controlled environment. The study proposes several recommendations to enhance axial support and optimize system design to mitigate the identified issues. The societal impact of this research is significant, offering potential improvements in machinery reliability, which can lead to enhanced industrial efficiency and safety standards. This work advances the current knowledge in the field and provides practical solutions for extending the lifespan and performance of critical mechanical components in fuel transfer systems.</div>

The Building Decarbonization in High-Density Cities: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract Decarbonization of buildings is an imperative and challenging task. Beyond the common challenges associated with building decarbonization, those in high-density urban areas also face technical challenges due to geographical conditions and resource endowments. As decarbonization practices deepen, it has been found that reliance on conventional methods is fraught with difficulties, primarily due to the high proportion of incremental costs involved. This review study explores methods not widely incorporated into existing building energy efficiency standards but which hold the potential for aiding decarbonization. It advocates for a synergistic strategy involving surrounding infrastructure such as power and other building energy systems, innovative low-carbon building materials, and greenery to facilitate this transition.

Navigating The Digital Shift: Challenges And Opportunities For Traditional Retailers In India's Evolving Marketplace

The retail industry in India is experiencing a monumental shift driven by the rapid adoption of digital technologies. As e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and data analytics become increasingly integrated into the retail landscape, traditional brick-and-mortar stores find themselves at a crossroads. This digital transformation is not merely a technological upgrade but a fundamental change that reshapes business models, consumer interactions, and market dynamics. India, with its burgeoning internet penetration and widespread smartphone usage, presents a unique environment where digital innovation meets a diverse consumer base. The proliferation of global and local e-commerce giants such as Amazon, Flipkart, and JioMart has set new standards for customer expectations and operational efficiency, compelling traditional retailers to reevaluate their strategies (Invest India). However, the transition to digital is fraught with challenges. High costs of technology adoption, lack of digital expertise, and resistance to change are significant barriers that traditional retailers must overcome to remain competitive in the digital age

Shadow economy, energy consumption, and ecological footprint in Indonesia

The shadow economy consists of economic activities that take place without government oversight, often bypassing energy efficiency standards, leading to higher energy consumption and greater ecological footprints. This study examines the impact of the shadow economy and energy consumption on Indonesia's ecological footprint using the ARDL model and various robustness check methods. Results indicate that both factors positively contribute to increasing the ecological footprint. Economic growth and population density, included in the model, also positively impact the ecological footprint, exacerbating strain on natural resources and ecosystems through unsupervised human activities. Policy recommendations are provided to address these findings.

POLICY DRIVERS OF CHINA'S INTEGRATED ENERGY SERVICES: A CURRENT STATUS REVIEW

Conventional energy production and consumption patterns seriously restrict global sustainable development. In the energy transformation process, integrated energy services play a key role in integrating clean energy and renewing energy consumption patterns. The European Union, the United States, and Japan are leading in developing policy frameworks and integrating integrated energy services. This paper compares and analyzes how the European Union, the United States, Japan, and China respond to the challenges of energy transformation through different energy policy systems. The energy policy systems of the European Union, the United States, and Japan are discussed for reference by China. The review reveals that (1) assigning tasks based on the energy transformation strength of each region is conducive to accelerating the speed of carbon emission reduction in each region; (2) continuous government support and targeted incentives are conducive to attracting market capital, thereby stimulating the advancement of energy technology; and (3) formulating energy efficiency standards for basic equipment can lay a good foundation for energy transformation.

Machine Learning in Online Car Retail: Enhancing User Experience and Conversion Rates

This article examines the transformative impact of machine learning (ML) applications on the online car buying experience. We explore three key areas where ML significantly enhances user engagement and drives conversion rates: image processing, personalized recommendations, and data-driven insights. Advanced ML models are shown to improve image quality, standardize vehicle presentations, and facilitate easier comparisons. Personalization algorithms, leveraging vector embeddings and reinforced feedback loops, tailor the browsing experience to individual preferences. Additionally, ML-driven insights provide users with valuable information on pricing trends and deal rankings. Our analysis reveals that these applications not only streamline the car buying process but also address critical challenges in the digital automotive retail space. The article highlights the potential for increased customer satisfaction, improved inventory management, and competitive advantages for early adopters. While acknowledging implementation challenges, including data privacy concerns and integration complexities, we conclude that ML technologies are poised to revolutionize the online car buying landscape, setting new standards for user experience and operational efficiency in automotive e-commerce

Laser Weeding Technology in Cropping Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Weed infestations pose significant challenges to global crop production, demanding effective and sustainable weed control methods. Traditional approaches, such as chemical herbicides, mechanical tillage, and plastic mulches, are not only associated with environmental concerns but also face challenges like herbicide resistance, soil health, erosion, moisture content, and organic matter depletion. Thermal methods like flaming, streaming, and hot foam distribution are emerging weed control technologies along with directed energy systems of electrical and laser weeding. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of laser weeding technology, comparing it with conventional methods and highlighting its potential environmental benefits. Laser weeding, known for its precision and targeted energy delivery, emerges as a promising alternative to conventional control methods. This review explores various laser weeding platforms, discussing their features, applications, and limitations, with a focus on critical areas for improvement, including dwell time reduction, automated navigation, energy efficiency, affordability, and safety standards. Comparative analyses underscore the advantages of laser weeding, such as reduced environmental impact, minimized soil disturbance, and the potential for sustainable agriculture. This paper concludes by outlining key areas for future research and development to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and affordability of laser weeding technology. In summary, laser weeding presents a transformative solution for weed control, aligning with the principles of sustainable and environmentally conscious agriculture, and addressing the limitations of traditional methods.

Analyzing the environmental impact of fuel switching: Evidence from ARDL analysis for policy considerations

The rise in global temperatures, driven by increased CO2 levels, is a pressing concern. Developing nations like Malaysia face challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy due to resource constraints, making natural gas a crucial transitional solution. This study introduces the Fuel Switch Variable to analyze the impact of shifting fuel consumption patterns on CO2. Using data from 1980 to 2020 and the ARDL model, findings show that policies promoting natural gas over oil and coal reduce CO2 emissions, while economic and population growth increase emissions. Policymakers should incentivize fuel switching, enforce energy efficiency standards, and invest in new technologies.

Research on Citrus Fruit Freshness Detection Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

The study developed a novel method for evaluating the freshness of citrus fruits by integrating near-infrared spectroscopy with the non-linear data processing capabilities of a BP neural network. This approach utilizes specific wavelength analysis to distinguish between fresh and non-fresh fruits effectively. Advanced pre-processing techniques are employed to remove spectral anomalies, enhancing the network’s ability to accurately identify crucial quality indicators like sugar content. Concurrently, an experiment utilizing a mathematical computing software -based BP neural network optimized the number of hidden layer nodes, identifying 61 as optimal. This configuration achieves impressive indicators, including a mean square error of 0.0025665 and a root mean square error of 49.8214. More than 1000 training iterations were performed on 100 citrus samples, and the learning rate was 80%. The model demonstrated a high accuracy rate of 97.6275%, confirming its precision and reliability in assessing citrus freshness. This synergy between advanced neural network processing and spectroscopic techniques marks a significant advancement in agricultural quality assessment, setting new standards for speed and efficiency in data processing.

Precision Metrics: A Narrative Review on Unlocking the Power of KPIs in Radiology for Enhanced Precision Medicine.

(Background) Over the years, there has been increasing interest in adopting a quality approach in radiology, leading to the strategic pursuit of specific and key performance indicators (KPIs). These indicators in radiology can have significant impacts ranging from radiation protection to integration into digital healthcare. (Purpose) This study aimed to conduct a narrative review on the integration of key performance indicators (KPIs) in radiology with specific key questions. (Methods) This review utilized a standardized checklist for narrative reviews, including the ANDJ Narrative Checklist, to ensure thoroughness and consistency. Searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using a combination of keywords related to radiology and KPIs, with Boolean logic to refine results. From an initial yield of 211 studies, 127 were excluded due to a lack of focus on KPIs. The remaining 84 studies were assessed for clarity, design, and methodology, with 26 ultimately selected for detailed review. The evaluation process involved multiple assessors to minimize bias and ensure a rigorous analysis. (Results and Discussion) This overview highlights the following: KPIs are crucial for advancing radiology by supporting the evolution of imaging technologies (e.g., CT, MRI) and integrating emerging technologies like AI and AR/VR. They ensure high standards in diagnostic accuracy, image quality, and operational efficiency, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and streamlining workflows. KPIs are vital for radiological safety, measuring adherence to protocols that minimize radiation exposure and protect patients. The effective integration of KPIs into healthcare systems requires systematic development, validation, and standardization, supported by national and international initiatives. Addressing challenges like CAD-CAM technology and home-based radiology is essential. Developing specialized KPIs for new technologies will be key to continuous improvement in patient care and radiological practices. (Conclusions) In conclusion, KPIs are essential for advancing radiology, while future research should focus on improving data access and developing specialized KPIs to address emerging challenges. Future research should focus on expanding documentation sources, improving web search methods, and establishing direct connections with scientific associations.

How Not to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions: An Unbalanced Focus on Energy Efficiency in Germany’s Building Rehabilitation Policies

Germany needs to reduce CO2 emissions from space heating in its old buildings to net zero by 2045 to fulfil its climate goals. However, direct CO2 reduction measures in existing buildings receive relatively little subsidy support from the federal government’s German Development Bank, compared to generous subsidies for energy efficiency measures. This interdisciplinary paper evaluates this phenomenon by comparing costs and CO2 abatement effects of ever higher energy efficiency measures, alongside the costs of direct CO2 reduction through heat pumps and onsite photovoltaics. It uses a set of carefully selected reports on the costs and benefits of renovation to a range of energy efficiency standards in three common types of multi-apartment buildings in Germany, updating these for 2024 construction, energy, and finance costs. The cost of the CO2 saved is extremely high with energy efficiency measures and absurdly high with the highest energy efficiency standards, up to 20 times the cost of CO2 abatement through other means, such as offsite renewables. This reduces markedly with onsite CO2 reduction measures. This paper sets this analysis in the context of asking what social, cultural, and discursive factors extol energy efficiency so highly that policy tends to thwart its own stated goal of deeply reducing CO2 emissions.

Capacity Optimization for RSMA-Based Multi-User System over Underwater Turbulence Channel

The underwater environment used for communication is harsh and complex, necessitating heightened standards for spectral efficiency and reliability in underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems. The focus of this work is on the performance of multi-user UWOC systems operating in oblique channels of ocean turbulence downlink, where users are randomly distributed at a certain depth. A joint optimization scheme is proposed, which joints rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) and power allocation so that the system’s ergodic sum capacity is optimized to improve the transmission bandwidth. Furthermore, the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) models for the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system operating in the turbulent underwater oblique channels are established, accounting for the avalanche photodiode (APD) shot noise and solar radiation noise. Theoretical derivations are presented to quantify the ergodic capacity and outage probability of the multi-user system utilizing the RSMA technology. Subsequently, a numerical analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of the power allocation coefficient, RSMA, and the joint optimization algorithm on the performance of a two-user MIMO system leveraging RSMA. The simulation results show that our optimization scheme effectively reduces the outage probability, thereby achieving the maximum system sum rate and validating the practical feasibility and efficacy of the proposed scheme.

Research on a Novel Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ Orientation Adjustment Mechanism (COAM) and Machine Vision Guidance Control

The initial processing of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ involves peeling as a crucial step. Currently, there is some semi-automatic peeling equipment available. However, due to the requirement of adjusting the orientation of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ to ensure the stem (or navel) is facing upwards before peeling and because the peeling process must retain the stem as a marker for fresh fruit picking, the loading of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ for peeling still solely relies on manual operation, resulting in low efficiency and poor standardization. With the rapid growth of the pericarp of the Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ industry, semi-automatic processing equipment is no longer able to meet production demands. The loading issue before peeling Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ is a complex hand–eye coordination problem. In response to this issue, this paper proposes a novel Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ orientation adjustment mechanism (COAM). This mechanism utilizes frictional force to adjust the orientation of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’. First, the conceptual design and kinematic modelling analysis of the mechanism were conducted. Next, the omnidirectional friction-driven wheels were optimized in design. Subsequently, a prototype was manufactured and assembled to conduct validation tests on its open-loop motion performance. Finally, a visual feedback-guided algorithm was introduced to complement the kinematic model, enabling the automatic and rapid adjustment of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ orientation. The experimental results indicate that the COAM designed in this study can effectively and rapidly adjust the orientation of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’ fruits of different sizes and shapes. It demonstrates strong adaptability, and under visual feedback guidance, the orientation adjustment error is less than 10% of the fruit’s diameter. This meets the requirements for automated production in the initial processing of Citrus Reticulata ‘Chachi’. The research presented in this paper also provides new insights for the orientation adjustment and loading of similar spherical fruits.

Agile in Automotive: A Literature Review

Abstract The automotive industry faces increasing pressure to adapt to rapidly changing market demands while maintaining efficiency and quality standards. Agile methodologies have gained attention to enhance flexibility, responsiveness, and innovation in automotive manufacturing and software development. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent research trends and gaps in the application of agile methodologies within the automotive sector. We analyzed a dataset comprising articles from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Crossref, identifying key themes, such as hybrid lean-agile manufacturing, supply chain management, and automotive software development. Furthermore, we highlight emerging trends and potential areas for future research, including resilience in the automotive industry, integration of green practices, and cross-cultural perspectives.