High Energy Demand Research Articles

Tissue-Specific Diversity of Nuclear-Encoded Mitochondrial Genes Related to Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Buffalo.

Buffaloes play a crucial role in Asian agriculture, enhancing food security and rural development. Their distinct metabolic needs drive tissue-specific mitochondrial adaptations, regulated by both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. This study explores how nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism vary across tissues-an area with significant implications for buffalo health, productivity, and human health. We hypothesize that tissue-specific variations in metabolic pathways are reflected in the expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, which are tailored to the metabolic needs of each tissue. We utilized high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to assess the expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism across various tissues in healthy female buffaloes aged 3-5years, including the kidney, heart, brain, and ovary. Differential expression analysis was performed using DESeq2, with significance set at p < 0.05 for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A total of 164 genes exhibited tissue-specific regulation, with the heart and brain, which have higher energy demands, expressing more genes than the kidney and ovary. Notably, the comparison between the kidney and ovary showed the highest number of differentially expressed genes. Interestingly, the kidney up-regulates gluconeogenesis-related genes (e.g., PCK2, PCCA, LDHD), promoting glucose production, while these genes are down-regulated in the ovary. In contrast, the brain up-regulates pyruvate metabolism genes (e.g., PCCA, PDHA1, LDHD), underscoring its reliance on glucose as a primary energy source, while these genes are down-regulated in the ovary. The higher abundance of EHHADH in the brain compared to the ovary further emphasizes the critical role of fatty acid metabolism in brain function, aligned with the brain's high energy demands. Additionally, down-regulation of the StAR gene in both the kidney versus ovary and brain versus ovary comparisons suggests tissue-specific differences in steroid hormone regulation. These findings highlight tissue-specific variations in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, reflecting adaptations to each tissue's unique metabolic needs. This study lays a foundation for advancing mitochondrial metabolism research in livestock, with significant implications for human health. Insights could inform dietary or therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome, while also enhancing livestock productivity.

Bioinspired Nanochitin-Based Porous Constructs for Light-Driven Whole-Cell Biotransformations.

Solid-state photosynthetic cell factories (SSPCFs) are a new production concept that leverages the innate photosynthetic abilities of microbes to drive the production of valuable chemicals. It addresses practical challenges such as high energy and water demand and improper light distribution associated with suspension-based culturing; however, these systems often face significant challenges related to mass transfer. The approach focuses on overcoming these limitations by carefully engineering the microstructure of the immobilization matrix through freeze-induced assembly of nanochitin building blocks. The use of nanochitins with optimized size distribution enabled the formation of macropores with lamellar spatial organization, which significantly improves light transmittance and distribution, crucial for maximizing the efficiency of photosynthetic reactions. The biomimetic crosslinking strategy, leveraging specific interactions between polyphosphate anions and primary amine groups featured on chitin fibers, produced mechanically robust and wet-resilient cryogels that maintained their functionality under operational conditions. Various model biotransformation reactions leading to value-added chemicals are performed in chitin-based matrix. It demonstrates superior or comparable performance to existing state-of-the-art matrices and suspension-based systems. The findings suggest that chitin-based cryogel approach holds significant promise for advancing the development of solid-state photosynthetic cell factories, offering a scalable solution to improve the efficiency and productivity of light-driven biotransformation.

Comparing continuous and perfusion cultivation of microalgae on recirculating aquaculture system effluent water

Effluent water from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) contains nutrients from fish excrements and leftover feed. This study investigated the nutrient remediation potential from RAS effluent water through microalgae cultivation in 25 L tubular reactors. We compared nutrient uptake and biomass productivity in continuous and perfusion cultivation modes for freshwater, brackish water and saltwater. Stable high biomass densities were achieved with additional nitrate during continuous cultivation (up to 3.88 g L–1) or by membrane filtration during perfusion cultivation (up to 3.59 g L–1). A life cycle assessment (LCA) compared the two different cultivation modes in terms of environmental sustainability on a 1 ha scale. The LCA and preliminary economic assessment showed that perfusion cultivation appears to have a lower environmental impact for relatively low nutrient concentrations, but additional equipment and higher energy demands are leading to increased operational (+6 %) and capital expenses (up to +158 %).

From Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) to Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEBs): Current status and future perspectives

The building sector holds a relevant position in decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the European Union (EU). The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), recently adopted, sets forth ambitious goals to make the EU building stock carbon–neutral by 2050.Currently, the Nearly Zero-Energy Building (NZEB) standard remains mandatory for all new buildings from 2021 to 2030. This paper assesses the progress of Member States in implementing NZEB standards, based on extensive data collection and harmonization. The findings reveal that the NZEB concept is well-established and average energy performance has improved by about 10 % over the past four years. New NZEB have about 30 % lower energy demand than renovation to NZEB level. However, many countries still lag behind in meeting recommended benchmarks, particularly when looking at the non-renewable energy demand.Looking ahead, the 2024 revised EPBD sets Zero-Emission Building (ZEB) as the goal for all new buildings starting in 2030. The paper explores how ZEB requirements might evolve from current NZEB definitions. Projections suggest that future ZEBs, which are 10 % more ambitious than existing NZEB levels for total primary energy demand, would show better alignment with recommended benchmarks. However, the renewable energy contribution in NZEBs vary from 9 % to 55 %, and integrating enough renewables to meet the ZEB standard of zero on-site carbon emissions remains a challenge. In some countries, the high total primary energy demand can further complicate this goal. The conclusion highlights the need for stricter energy thresholds and further integration of renewables to achieve ZEB requirements.

Research Progress in Tritium Processing Technologies: A Review

Recent advancements in tritium separation technologies have significantly improved efficiency, particularly through the integration of vapor phase catalytic exchange (VPCE), liquid phase catalytic exchange (LPCE), and combined electrolysis catalytic exchange (CECE) methods. Combining these techniques overcomes individual limitations, enhancing separation efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The CECE process, which integrates electrolysis with catalytic exchange, offers high separation factors, making it effective for high-concentration tritiated water treatment. Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) technology has also gained prominence for its higher efficiency, smaller equipment size, and longer lifespan compared to traditional alkaline electrolysis. While electrolysis offers high separation factors, its high energy demand limits its cost-effectiveness for large-scale operations. As a result, electrolysis is often combined with other methods like CECE to optimize both energy consumption and separation efficiency. Future research will focus on improving the energy efficiency of electrolysis for large-scale, low-cost tritiated water treatment.

The Use of Atmospheric Reanalysis Data for the Estimation of Solar Irradiation Considering the Effect of Atmospheric Aerosols over Brazil

In recent years, several studies have evaluated the potential of renewable energy sources in response to climate change and high energy demand. Due to its equatorial location and significant solar and wind potential, Brazil has incorporated alternative sources into its energy matrix, driven by more efficient and economical technologies for solar energy. However, the availability of observed data is still limited, and many studies rely on satellite estimates or extrapolations of in situ observations from other regions, compromising the efficiency of new technologies. This study uses NASA MERRA-2 reanalysis data to evaluate the influence of aerosols and cloudiness on the estimate of solar irradiance in Brazil. INMET stations were chosen in regions representative of the Brazilian climate and geography, with more than 12 years of observational data. MERRA-2 includes aerosol fields that interact with the model’s radiation fields, with a spatial resolution of 0.5° and hourly temporal resolution. Variables used include shortwave radiation fluxes and aerosol optical depth. Statistical indices used in performance analysis include mean bias, mean squared error, and Pearson correlation coefficient. The stations’ diurnal solar irradiance cycles were compared with MERRA-2 reanalysis data, considering different scenarios of aerosol and cloudiness effects. The reanalysis data represented the Bauru and Santa Maria stations well, while others, such as Barreiras and Goiânia, showed underestimation. Monthly cycling was also analyzed, highlighting seasonality, with greater amplitude in Santa Maria and lower in Caicó. In some locations, such as Campo Grande, the influence of aerosols is more significant, especially during the dry months, when forest fires, mainly in the Amazon region, increase the aerosol optical depth. The results show that reanalysis estimates can be used to evaluate the temporal variability of solar irradiation in regions without observational data. In conclusion, the study was able to evaluate the temporal variability of solar irradiation in Brazil using MERRA-2 atmospheric reanalysis data, demonstrating that, although there are differences with observational data, reanalysis estimates are useful in areas without observed data, with values correlation values above 0.8 and reaching values close to 0.95. However, although small, the differences observed between measured and estimated solar irradiation are generally caused by the inability of models to adequately represent the fraction of clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere.

Lithium compromises the bioenergetic reserve of cardiomyoblasts mitochondria.

Lithium is used in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder, exhibiting a beneficial effect on the neuronal cells. The concentration of lithium in the blood serum can vary and can easily approach a level that is related to cardiotoxic adverse effects. This is due to its narrow therapeutic index. In this study, we investigated the effect of higher than therapeutic dose of lithium. Rat cardiomyoblast cells were treated with 2 mM LiCl for 48h, after which the mitochondrial parameters of the cells were analyzed. Lithium exposure reduced maximal respiratory capacity by diminishing reserve respiratory capacity (RRC), linked to a decrease in complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) activity and elevated superoxide radical levels. In addition, lithium treatment altered the composition of cellular membranes, including mitochondrial cardiolipin, a lipid essential for mitochondrial function. These findings suggest that impaired complex I activity, oxidative stress, and cardiolipin depletion collectively impair the ability of cells to meet high energy demands.

DOP034 Intestinal stem cell dysfunction is driven by loss of HMGCS2-mediated ketogenic response in Ulcerative colitis and represents a novel therapeutic target

Abstract Background Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) continuously divide and differentiate into multiple lineages of enterocytes, a process that places high energy demands. Recent evidence implicates bioenergetic failure of ISCs with non-resolving inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis (UC)1. Methods In newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve UC patients, we characterized mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and metabolic proteins in epithelial and ISCs, performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify deregulated metabolic pathways, and assessed their biological relevance on intestinal regeneration with in-depth ex vivo metabolic platforms, including SCENITH (Single Cell Energetic Metabolism by Profiling Translation Inhibition). Results Single-cell quantitative immunofluorescence showed loss of mitochondrial OXPHOS Complex I and IV in UC (n=10/group; p&amp;lt;0.0001) and UC-derived organoids (n=20/group; p&amp;lt;0.0001), suggesting bioenergetic failure transmitted from ISCs to daughter epithelial cells. scRNA-seq of ISCs from active UC revealed significant ketogenesis pathway, downregulation, with HMGCS2 as the top downregulated gene (FC -2.76, p&amp;lt;0.0001). HMGCS2, the rate-limiting mitochondrial matrix ketogenesis enzyme, produces the ketone body βHB which, alongside providing metabolites for the TCA cycle, has important roles in stem cell fate-signalling2 (Figure 1). HGMCS2 expression was reduced along the crypt axis in active UC (n=20/group; p&amp;lt;0.001). Moreover, we find via colorimetric assay that colonic organoids produce and secrete βHB, and this is reduced in active UC (n= 5/group, p &amp;lt;0.001). βHB supplementation of UC organoids restores ISC function, measured via growth assay (n=5/group, p&amp;lt;0.05, Figure 2). Further scRNA-seq of βHB treated UC organoids revealed that βHB aids mitochondrial function and reduces cellular stress in ISCs, lowering expression of genes associated with stress and protein misfolding (HSPD1 and VDAC3), while increasing mitophagy (PINK1). Functionally, we confirm this by showing βHB restored OXPHOS capacity in UC organoids using SCENITH (n=3/group, p&amp;lt;0.05). βHB also reduced cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, measured via Cellrox (n=9/group, p&amp;lt;0.01). In UC organoids, fenofibrate (PPARα agonist), induced HMGCS2 expression (p&amp;lt;0.001) and βHB production (p&amp;lt;0.05). Finally, HMGCS2 protein expression significantly increased in responders to therapy with mucosal healing (n=4 paired samples, p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion We provide the first combined evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction and ketogenesis failure (‘primary’ and ‘backup’ energy failure) in UC. Crucially, restoring ketogenesis reverses the ISC pathogenic defect thus, opening a new ‘immuno-metabolic’ therapeutic approach in UC.

Advancements and Challenges in Direct Air Capture Technologies: Energy Intensity, Novel Methods, Economics, and Location Strategies

Direct air capture (DAC) technology is increasingly recognized as a key tool in the pursuit of climate neutrality, enabling the removal of carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. Despite its potential, DAC remains in the early stages of development, with most installations limited to pilot or demonstration units. The main barriers to its widespread implementation include high energy demands and significant capture costs. This literature review addresses the most critical research directions related to the development of this technology, focusing on its challenges and prospects for deployment. Particular attention is given to studies aimed at developing new, cost-effective, and efficient sorbents that could significantly reduce the energy intensity and costs of the process. Alternative technologies, such as electrochemical and membrane-based processes, show promise but require further research to overcome limitations, such as sensitivity to oxygen presence or insufficient membrane selectivity. The economic feasibility of DAC remains uncertain, with current estimates subject to significant uncertainty. Governmental and regulatory support will be crucial for the technology’s success. Furthermore, the location of DAC installations should consider factors such as energy availability, options for carbon dioxide storage or utilization, and climatic conditions, which significantly affect process efficiency. This review highlights the necessity for continued research to overcome existing barriers and fully harness the potential of DAC technology.

A systematic review of plastic recycling: technology, environmental impact and economic evaluation.

In this systematic review, advancements in plastic recycling technologies, including mechanical, thermolysis, chemical and biological methods, are examined. Comparisons among recycling technologies have identified current research trends, including a focus on pretreatment technologies for waste materials and the development of new organic chemistry or biological techniques that enable recycling with minimal energy consumption. Existing environmental and economic studies are also compared. The findings highlight differences in the environmental characteristics of various recycling methods, including their ability to recover plastic resins, carbon footprint, electricity consumption and gas emissions. The comparisons also reveal the challenges associated with these methods: mechanical recycling often encounters economic barriers due to contamination and inefficiencies in sorting and cleaning processes; thermolysis is constrained by high energy demands and operational costs, whereas chemical and biological recycling faces limitations related to scalability and material costs. Additionally, current challenges, emerging research areas and future directions in plastic recycling are discussed. For example, the role of innovative techniques, such as artificial intelligence, in refining recycling processes is emphasized. The importance of incorporating circular economy principles in the integrated sustainable analysis of recycling processes is also highlighted. The innovative contribution of this review is to address both technological developments and their environmental and economic implications. The focus is placed on literature from the past 10 years to ensure coverage of the most recent advancements. Overall, the insights of this review article aim to guide researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders in improving sustainable management practices for plastic waste.

NiCo2O4/P,N‐doped Carbon with Engineered Interface to Improve the Rechargeability of Zn‐Air Batteries at High Energy Demands

The search for cost‐effective, high‐performance bifunctional catalysts for Zn‐air batteries (ZABs) requires extensive research into precious‐metal‐free materials. This study provides insight into the synergy between nickel cobaltite and P,N‐doped carbon modified through interface engineering by inducing oxygen vacancies in the spinel and non‐metallic heteroatoms in the carbon material. NiCo2O4 with various oxygen vacancy levels was synthesized via an ethylene glycol‐assisted solvothermal route. This resulted in significant changes in the structural and morphological properties, such as reduced crystallite size, lattice distortion, and increased oxygen vacancies, as observed from the physicochemical results. This was further verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), which showed a homogeneous dispersion of nickel cobaltite nanorods on the carbonaceous matrix, along with an increased concentration of pyridinic nitrogen and the formation of P–N and P–C bonds, both of which enhance electrocatalytic activity. NiCo2O4DI/P,N‐C exhibited superior discharge polarization behavior, achieving power and current densities of 124.4 mW cm−2 and 215.8 mA cm−2. The catalyst presented excellent stability (up to 100 h), while Pt‐IrO2/C lasted near 21 h. These results demonstrate the great potential of tailoring surface defects and heteroatom doping via interface engineering, resulting in high‐performance precious‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for long‐lasting and high‐efficiency ZABs.

A Comparative Environmental and Economic Analysis of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Recycling Processes Using Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing

The recycling of carbon-fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) presents significant challenges due to their thermosetting matrix, which complicates end-of-life management and often results in energy-intensive disposal or significant waste accumulation. Despite advancements in recycling methods, knowledge gaps remain regarding their sustainability and economic viability. This study undertakes a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Life Cycle Costing analysis of four key recycling techniques: mechanical recycling, pyrolysis, solvolysis, and high-voltage fragmentation (HVF). By using the SimaPro software, this study identifies mechanical recycling and HVF as the most sustainable options, with the lowest cumulative energy demand (CED) of 5.82 MJ/kg and 4.97 MJ/kg and global warming potential (GWP) of 0.218 kg CO2eq and 0.0796 kg CO2eq, respectively. In contrast, pyrolysis imposes the highest environmental burdens, requiring 66.3 MJ/kg and emitting 2.84 kg CO2eq. Subcritical solvolysis shows more balanced environmental impacts compared to its supercritical counterpart. Cost analysis reveals that for mechanical recycling and pyrolysis, material costs are negligible or zero. In contrast, solvolysis and HVF incur material costs primarily due to the need for deionized water. Regarding energy costs, pyrolysis stands out as the most expensive method due to its high energy demands, followed closely by solvolysis with supercritical water.

The Impact of Mitochondria on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD), which are defined by the progressive deterioration of neurons in the central nervous system and functional decline. The pathogenesis of these diseases is complex and there is currently no effective treatment. For example, the failure rate of clinical trials for AD treatment strategies is as high as 99.5%. Research indicates that elements such mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis are closely related to the onset of NDDs, especially mitochondrial dysfunction, which is considered to be one of the core mechanisms of NDDs. Mitochondria are not only the main production site of ATP, but also participate in key processes such as metabolite synthesis and reactive oxygen generation. Due to the high energy demand of brain neurons and their high dependence on mitochondrial function, abnormal mitochondrial function may lead to serious neuronal structural and functional disorders. In addition, neurons also need to maintain local activities such as synaptic transmission and axonal transport through the precise transport and distribution of mitochondria. Therefore, abnormalities in mitochondrial dynamics and function may become early characteristics and potential pathogenic factors of NDDs. By reviewing the mechanism of mitochondrial abnormalities in AD, PD, and HD and their potential therapeutic strategies.This article seeks to investigate mitochondria as a prospective target for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of NDD

Navigating the Challenges of Sustainability in the Food Processing Chain: Insights into Energy Interventions to Reduce Footprint

This review paper examines the critical intersection of energy consumption and environmental impacts within the global food system, emphasizing the substantial footprint (including land usage, costs, food loss and waste, and carbon and water footprints) associated with current practices. The study delineates the high energy demands and ecological burdens of food production, trade, and consumption through a comprehensive bibliographic analysis of high-impact research papers, authoritative reports, and databases. The paper systematically analyzes and synthesizes data to characterize the food industry’s current energy use patterns and environmental impacts. The results underscore a pressing need for strategic interventions to enhance food system efficiency and reduce the footprint. In light of the projected population growth and increasing food demand, the study advocates for a paradigm shift towards more sustainable and resilient food production practices, adopting energy-efficient technologies, promoting sustainable dietary habits, and strengthening global cooperation among stakeholders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Investigations have revealed that the food system is highly energy-intensive, accounting for approximately 30% of total energy consumption (200 EJ per year). The sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which constitute 26% of all anthropogenic emissions, have shown a linear growth trend, reaching 16.6 GtCO2eq in 2015 and projected to approach 18.6 GtCO2eq in the coming years. Notably, 6% of these emissions result from food never consumed. While the water footprint has slightly decreased recently, its demand is expected to increase by 20% to 30%, potentially reaching between 5500 and 6000 km3 annually by 2050. Energy efficiency interventions are estimated to save up to 20%, with a favorable payback period, as evidenced by several practical implementations.

Structural basis for the conformational protection of nitrogenase from O2.

The low reduction potentials required for the reduction of dinitrogen (N2) render metal-based nitrogen-fixation catalysts vulnerable to irreversible damage by dioxygen (O2)1-3. Such O2 sensitivity represents a major conundrum for the enzyme nitrogenase, as a large fraction of nitrogen-fixing organisms are either obligate aerobes or closely associated with O2-respiring organisms to support the high energy demand of catalytic N2 reduction4. To counter O2 damage to nitrogenase, diazotrophs use O2 scavengers, exploit compartmentalization or maintain high respiration rates to minimize intracellular O2 concentrations4-8. A last line of damage control is provided by the 'conformational protection' mechanism9, in which a [2Fe:2S] ferredoxin-family protein termed FeSII (ref. 10) is activated under O2 stress to form an O2-resistant complex with the nitrogenase component proteins11,12. Despite previous insights, the molecular basis for the conformational O2 protection of nitrogenase and the mechanism of FeSII activation are not understood. Here we report the structural characterization of the Azotobacter vinelandii FeSII-nitrogenase complex by cryo-electron microscopy. Our studies reveal a core complex consisting of two molybdenum-iron proteins (MoFePs), two iron proteins (FePs) and one FeSII homodimer, which polymerize into extended filaments. In this three-protein complex, FeSII mediates an extensive network of interactions with MoFeP and FeP to position their iron-sulphur clusters in catalytically inactive but O2-protected states. The architecture of the FeSII-nitrogenase complex is confirmed by solution studies, which further indicate that the activation of FeSII involves an oxidation-induced conformational change.

Iconography of abnormal non-neuronal cells in pediatric focal cortical dysplasia type IIb and tuberous sclerosis complex.

Once believed to be the culprits of epileptogenic activity, the functional properties of balloon/giant cells (BC/GC), commonly found in some malformations of cortical development including focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCDIIb) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), are beginning to be unraveled. These abnormal cells emerge during early brain development as a result of a hyperactive mTOR pathway and may express both neuronal and glial markers. A paradigm shift occurred when our group demonstrated that BC/GC in pediatric cases of FCDIIb and TSC are unable to generate action potentials and lack synaptic inputs. Hence, their role in epileptogenesis remained obscure. In this review, we provide a detailed characterization of abnormal non-neuronal cells including BC/GC, intermediate cells, and dysmorphic/reactive astrocytes found in FCDIIb and TSC cases, with special emphasis on electrophysiological and morphological assessments. Regardless of pathology, the electrophysiological properties of abnormal cells appear more glial-like, while others appear more neuronal-like. Their morphology also differs in terms of somatic size, shape, and dendritic elaboration. A common feature of these types of non-neuronal cells is their inability to generate action potentials. Thus, despite their distinct properties and etiologies, they share a common functional feature. We hypothesize that, although the exact role of abnormal non-neuronal cells in FCDIIb and TSC remains mysterious, it can be suggested that cells displaying more glial-like properties function in a similar way as astrocytes do, i.e., to buffer K+ ions and neurotransmitters, while those with more neuronal properties, may represent a metabolic burden due to high energy demands but inability to receive or transmit electric signals. In addition, due to the heterogeneity of these cells, a new classification scheme based on morphological, electrophysiological, and gene/protein expression in FCDIIb and TSC cases seems warranted.

Các nhân tố ảnh hưởng tới rào cản năng lượng của các doanh nghiệp Việt Nam

This study analyzes the factors impacting energy constraints (EC) that Vietnamese enterprises face, based on World Bank survey data from businesses during the 2009 2023 period. Using a probit regression model, the study examines factors such as firm size, firm age, industry type, ownership structure, financial and institutional constraints, along with power outage occurrences, to identify their relationship with EC. The results show that firm size, manufacturing industry, product innovation, and financial and institutional barriers significantly impact energy constraints. Large enterprises, manufacturing firms, and those engaged in product innovation experience more energy-related challenges due to high energy demands and dependency on stable energy supply. Further analysis reveals differences between small and medium enterprises and large enterprises, as well as between energy-intensive and less energy-intensive industries. Meanwhile, firm age and ownership structure show no clear influence on energy constraints. Notably, financial and institutional barriers are key factors that increase energy constraints, hindering enterprises’ ability to invest in alternative energy solutions.

Recent advances in valorization of lignocellulosic waste into biochar and its functionalization for the removal of chromium ions.

Lignocellulosic waste is a prevalent byproduct of agricultural and forestry activities which is an excellent feedstock for the preparation of biochar. This research area is of interest to the scientific community due to its potential in environmental remediation. In this regard, this review examines the latest advancements in transforming lignocellulosic waste into biochar and explores recent innovations in enhancing its functionality for chromium ion removal. It gives analysis on current methods for biochar production from lignocellulosic materials such as pyrolysis. Additionally focusing on improvements in production efficiency, structural properties, and surface modifications. The review also highlights various functionalization techniques, such as chemical activation and impregnation with metal oxides, that were innovated to improve adsorptive nature of biochar for chromium ions. While progress has been made, achieving scalability in lignocellulosic biochar production presents challenges, such as the high energy demands of pyrolysis, inconsistencies in feedstock quality, and the need for cost-effective functionalization methods. By summarizing recent research and technological progress, this paper aims to offer a clear perspective on the effectiveness of biochar derived from lignocellulosic waste in addressing contamination. Additionally, it discusses the ongoing challenges and future research directions needed to optimize biochar applications in environmental cleanup.

Enhancing Cementitious Materials: A Detailed Review of Bentonite’s Role in Optimizing Concrete Performance

Cement manufacturing significantly impacts global CO₂ emissions, contributing around 8% due to its high energy demand and the calcination process in clinker production. To reduce this environmental impact, the industry is exploring sustainable alternatives by integrating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), which enhance cement properties and lower its carbon footprint, aligning with sustainable construction goals. One such material is bentonite, a naturally occurring clay with high plasticity and excellent water retention properties. When added to cement mixtures, bentonite improves essential properties like decreasing permeability, enhancing workability, and boosting chemical resistance. Its pozzolanic activity aids in long-term strength development, making it valuable for standard and specialized applications, including geotechnical engineering and waste containment. Bentonite supports environmental sustainability by reducing cement demand thus lowering CO₂ emissions and by increasing durability, which extends the lifespan of structures and cuts down on maintenance costs. This discussion will explore the various environmental and mechanical benefits of bentonite as a sustainable additive in cementitious systems and highlight studies that have demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting more eco-friendly construction practices.

The Escalating AI’s Energy Demands and the Imperative Need for Sustainable Solutions

Large Language Models (LLMs), such as GPT-4, represent a significant advancement in contemporary Artificial Intelligence (AI), demonstrating remarkable natural language processing, customer service automation, and knowledge representation capabilities. However, these advancements come with substantial energy costs. The training and deployment of LLMs require extensive computational resources, leading to escalating energy consumption and environmental impacts. This paper explores the driving factors behind the high energy demands of LLMs through the lens of the Technology Environment Organization (TEO) framework, assesses their ecological implications, and proposes sustainable strategies for mitigating these challenges. Specifically, we explore algorithmic improvements, hardware innovations, renewable energy adoption, and decentralized approaches to AI training and deployment. Our findings contribute to the literature on sustainable AI and provide actionable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers.