Low Carbon Research Articles

Regional energy consumption policy practice to promote low-carbon economy

IntroductionEnergy is the fundamental driving force for world economic and social development. However, the growth of carbon dioxide emissions and increasing environmental challenges are becoming increasingly problematic, limiting the pace of economic development.MethodsTo optimize the energy consumption structure and promote the development of low-carbon economy, this study took Shaanxi Province as an example to analyze the impact of low-carbon economy policy variables on the energy consumption structure dominated by coal. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of policy variables on the evolution of energy consumption structure by constructing a system dynamics model. In addition, this study will explore policy optimization issues.ResultsThe error of simulation results was within ±10%. The consumption of non-fossil energy increased from 2,196,400 tons of standard coal in 2009 to 22.578 million tons in 2030, which is in line with the development trend. Under these four policy combinations, the share of coal will fall to 57.8 percent by 2030. In addition, the share of non-fossil energy sources will increase to 21 percent and the share of natural gas will reach 16 percent.DiscussionThe policy suggestions put forward in this paper are of great significance to the optimization of energy structure led by coal. The model constructed can be effectively applied to practical policy simulation and adjustment, and can provide reference for the development of low-carbon economic policies in other regions.

Who is sufficient, and why? A mixed-methods approach to the social determinants of sufficiency lifestyles in the pursuit of decarbonisation

Sufficiency consists of less materially intensive consumption patterns that focus on wellbeing rather than material wealth. Such consumption patterns are commonly referred to as sufficiency lifestyles and are increasingly seen as a key driver for achieving decarbonisation. However, while research finds that sustainable consumption and environmental behaviour are often associated with high social status, lower carbon footprints and lower consumption more broadly are associated in the literature with poverty and deprivation. This article aims to investigate whether a combination of low carbon footprint and high wellbeing exists, what socio-demographic characteristics are associated with it, and to explore the actual experiences of people engaged in sufficiency lifestyles through initiatives and their characteristics. We use a mixed-methods design with data from demographically representative surveys in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Latvia (N=5,080), and in-depth interviews with participants from sufficiency-oriented intentional communities (N=90). We find that sufficiency lifestyles are linked to a stronger inclination towards sufficiency orientation or a heightened stronger environmental identity, accompanied by a negative correlation with social deprivation aspects. Drawing on the interviews, we find that individuals engaged in sufficiency-oriented practices tend to benefit from economic, social and cultural resources that allow them to overcome energy dependency and constraints, and that their motivations are not limited to pro-environmental behaviour. Based on these empirical findings, we explore potential avenues for the diffusion of sufficiency-oriented lifestyles, including the establishment of binding rules through a democratic process that curb overconsumption while providing attractive low-carbon lifestyles for all.

Importance of Eco-Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Climate Action and LowCarbon Transition in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria

Climate change poses socio-economic, legal and environmental vulnerabilities such as land degradation, biodiversity loss, loss of property and livelihood, increase poverty rate and a threat to public health. These impacts are said to only intensify with projected increase in population and global economic growth. Hence, global consensus advocate for decarbonisation and low carbon transition in all economic sectors as an effective mitigation strategy for climate change. In an attempt to lower carbon emissions, leading cooperation’s and organizations have focused on mitigation projects that regulate activities of cooperate actors and big CO2 emitters such as the oil and gas conglomerates. However, the United Nation Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) promotes a transformative bottom-up approach to address climate change via localism and citizen participation to educate and train eco-entrepreneurs or ecopreneurs who participate and engage in strategic entrepreneurship projects designed to actively decarbonize economies. These ecopreneurs generate home-grown sustainabilityfocused small and medium scale eco-enterprises (SMEEs), also called energy citizens, ecological citizens, energy communities and co-operatives that can develop sustainable business model innovations, nature-based services and solutions, sustainable business management strategies, technologies and green jobs needed to drive the low carbon transition in key CO2 -emitting economic sectors such as the energy, agriculture, transportation, waste management, food, tourism, building and architecture and fashion industries. This article examines the characteristics, nature and benefits of eco-entrepreneurship as a tool for advancing climate action and low carbon energy transition. Using Nigeria as a case study, a profile of the barriers slowing the growth of eco-entrepreneurship is identified within the PESTEL framework. Furthermore, drawing examples from the U.K. governance landscape and portfolio, recommendations on a transformative yet contextual strategy captured in the five transformative features (diversity, connectivity, polycentricity, redundancy and directionality) are made to interrogate and overcome entrepreneurial ecosystem barriers towards successfully supporting the rapid growth of eco-entrepreneurship.

Residual stress and deformation of welded T-joint between low carbon steel and stainless steel

The welded structures between carbon steel and stainless steel are widely used in many sectors such as pedestrian bridges, food industry, chemical industry, petroleum, and thermal power plants, … These composite structures take advantages of each material for different parts of structure. In the welded structures between carbon steel and stainless steel, the structure is made by T-joint that is the most common. The calculation of residual stress and welding strain of the T-joint between low-carbon and stainless steel materials is the basis to evaluate the working ability of this structure. In this study, the residual stress and welding deformation of the T-joint are determined by the imaginary force method. The double-sided weld of T-joint between low carbon steel and stainless steel is welded simultaneously by MIG welding process. The obtained results of residual stress and welding deformation in this case are compared with the case of single-sided weld so that we can find the difference between residual stress and welding deformation in two cases.

Research and Case Application of Zero-Carbon Buildings Based on Multi-System Integration Function

This study focuses on developing and implementing zero-carbon buildings through the integration of multiple systems to meet China’s carbon neutrality goals. It emphasizes the significant role of the building sector in carbon emissions and highlights the challenge of increasing energy consumption conflicting with China’s “dual carbon” targets. To address this, the research proposes a comprehensive framework that combines multifunctional envelope structure (MES) systems, photovoltaic power generation, energy storage, direct current (DC) systems, flexible energy management (PEDF), and regional energy stations. This framework integrates different technologies such as phase change materials, radiation cooling, and carbon mineralized cement, aiming to reduce carbon emissions throughout the building’s lifecycle. The method has been successfully applied in the Yazhou Bay Zero Carbon Post Station project in Sanya, Hainan, with precise calculations of carbon emission reductions. The carbon emission calculations revealed a reduction of 44.13 tons of CO2 annually, totaling 1103.31 tons over 25 years, primarily due to the rooftop photovoltaic systems. It demonstrates that the multi-system integration can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to China’s broader carbon neutrality goals. This approach, if widely adopted, could accelerate the transition to carbon-neutral buildings in China.

Interventions to reduce low-value care in intensive care settings: a scoping review of impacts on health, resource use, costs, and the environment.

Low-value care is common in intensive care units (ICUs), unnecessarilyexposing patients to risks and harms, incuring costs to the patient and healthcare system, and contributing to healthcare's carbon footprint. We aimed to identify, collate, and summarise published evidence on the impact of interventions to reduce low-value care in ICUs. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to 22 September 2023 for evaluations of interventions aiming to reduce low-value care, supplemented by reference lists and recently published articles. We recorded impacts on the low-value target,health outcomes, resource use, cost, and the environment. From 1155 studies screened, 32 eligible studies were identified evaluating interventions toreduce: routine blood testing (n = 13), routine chest X-rays (n = 10), and other types (or multiple types) of low-value care (n = 9). All but 3 of the interventions found reductions in the immediate low-value care target (usually the primary outcome). Although the small sample size ofmost included studies, limited their ability to detect impactson other outcomes, manyinterventions were alsoassociated with improved health outcomes and financial savings. The only study that reported environmental impacts found the intervention was associated with reduced carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions. Interventions to reduce low-value care in ICUs may have important health, financial, and environmental co-benefits. Further research may inform wider scale-up and sustainability of successful strategies to decrease low-value healthcare. More empirical evidence on potential environmental benefits may inform policies to lower healthcare's carbon footprint.

Carbon Neutral Strategies in the Case of Google Inc: A Case Study of Carbon Offset Mechanisms and Renewable Energy Projects

Abstract: Facing the serious challenge of global climate change, Google Inc. has adopted a series of innovative strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and promote corporate sustainability. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of how Google reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable development through a series of innovative measures, including large-scale investment in renewable energy, improving data center efficiency, implementing carbon offset projects, and promoting technological innovation in the field of transportation. These actions demonstrate Google's commitment to environmental protection and provide a model for other companies to follow. The study evaluated the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of Google's strategies through a cost-benefit analysis. The results show that despite technical challenges and market uncertainty, Google's environmental investments can bring significant economic benefits in the long term while having a positive impact on the environment. These strategies help Google achieve its carbon neutrality goals and provide momentum for the global transition to a low-carbon economy. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of socio-cultural factors in promoting environmental strategies. Google has raised public awareness of climate change and enhanced social support for environmental actions through community involvement and educational programs. These findings reveal the need for companies to adopt environmental protection measures in the context of globalization and provide practical guidance for other organizations to implement sustainable development strategies.

Evaluating the Role of GCC Nations in Sustainable Energy Investment Using an Enhanced Low-Carbon Economy Index

In the past decade, environmental, social and country governance (ESG) aspects as well as economy have become key factors for decisions in the investment and future development of renewable energy industry. The abundancy of renewable resources and widely accessible technology are the key drivers for the renewable energy business in the GCC. However, lack of effective policies and regulations, along with subsidized fuel prices, are slowing down the implementation of renewable resource options. This study will illustrate the potential, the challenges, and the barriers of implementing renewable energy technologies in the GCC region. In addition, this research empirically examines the impact of renewable energy sources and other factors in the GCC countries. This study can be used as a screening tool, decision making tool, benchmarking tool and guidance of sustainable development.

STATE REGULATION OF THE EXTRACTION OF CRITICAL MINERALS AS A DOMINANT COMPONENT OF ACHIEVING THE GOALS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE STATE

The article states that the climate crisis and measures to mitigate it in recent years have significantly changed the energy landscape of the countries of the world and the configuration of the investment portfolio. Long-term investments in fossil fuels have been replaced by investments in environmentally friendly technologies, renewable sources of electricity, and smart systems for its distribution and storage. It is emphasized that even with full support of investments, plans for the decarburization of the electric power industry may remain unattainable, as the global reserves of «critical minerals», which are absolutely necessary for the transition to ecologically clean electric power, are noticeably decreasing and the demand continues to grow relentlessly. The scenarios developed by the International Energy Agency for the further transformation of the electric power sector to a low-carbon economy model were reviewed and briefly characterized: the scenario of declared policy (STEPS), the scenario of declared obligations (APS), and the scenario of net zero emissions by 2050 (NZE). The main aspects of each of the scenarios are outlined: the volume of demand for «critical minerals» their geographical concentration of extraction, and processing. It is emphasized that the world leader in the extraction and processing of «critical minerals» is the PRC, which dictates the «rules of the game» to the majority of the world's countries. Therefore, the issue of supplies of “critical minerals” is quite painful. It was emphasized that critical minerals market participants hope to reduce total dependence through new mining projects in different geographical regions, facilitating cross-investment opportunities between partner countries, and strengthening cooperation through initiatives such as the Mineral Security Partnership and the implementation of financial instruments. The potential of Ukraine's «critical minerals» and its ability to reduce the dependence of EU countries on the People's Republic of China are characterized. The main challenges of the development of the extractive industry in Ukraine are identified, and the main vectors of the Roadmap of the partnership between Ukraine and the EU regarding critical raw materials for 2023-2024 are outlined. It was emphasized that in order for Ukraine not to become only a supplier of raw materials, it is necessary to develop the processing of raw materials and the production of products with added value. It is emphasized that such localization requires much wider efforts of the government than the list of measures in the field of regulating the extraction of «critical minerals» defined by the latest legislative acts. The author emphasizes the need to develop a comprehensive system of incentives and introduce new opportunities for stabilization and sustainable development of Ukraine's economy in order to ensure sustainability and progress towards sustainable resource management and optimization of supply chains for critical raw materials. Proposals have been developed for climate-smart mining of «critical minerals» in Ukraine in the near future.

The Application and Challenges of New Energy Vehicles in the Logistics and Distribution Sector

With the continuous enhancement of public environmental awareness and the promotion of sustainable development in logistics and distribution, the recognition of new energy vehicles in the logistics and distribution sector is gradually increasing due to their characteristics such as low carbon emissions and low noise. However, new energy vehicles face serious range anxiety, short driving range, low coverage of charging and swapping stations, long charging times, and lack of uniform standards, making it difficult for them to cope with the complex logistics and distribution environment. Additionally, the high initial investment in new energy vehicles hinders their promotion in the logistics and distribution sector. This article proposes suggestions such as increasing research and development efforts for new energy vehicles, accelerating the construction of charging and swapping station infrastructure, and strengthening industry collaboration to promote the standardization process, providing reference for the application of new energy vehicles in the logistics and distribution sector.

Thermo-economic analysis on trans-critical compressed CO2 energy storage system integrated with the waste heat of liquid-cooled data center

Compressed CO2 energy storage (CCES) technology has the advantages of high energy storage density, low economic cost, low carbon emission, which is suitable for the construction of large-scale and long-time energy storage system. Besides, as a scene with massive heat, the electricity consumption of servers in data center is mostly converted into heat. Thus, the purpose of this work is to integrate a trans-critical compressed CO2 energy storage system with the waste heat of data centers, so as to improve the system performance and reduce the operating cost of data center. Based on different operating principles of compressors, a single-stage compression system (System-CP) and a double-stage compression system (System-VP) are constructed. To analyze and compare the energy and exergy performance of these two systems under design conditions, a quasi-dynamic model is developed by considering the variations of pressure and temperature in the storage tank. On this basis, an economic model is developed to obtain the economy performance for the systems. The obtained results show that the round-trip efficiency (RTE) of System-CP and System-VP are 64.67 % and 67.41 %, respectively. For the energy storage capacity 15 MW × 5 h, volumes of high-pressure S-CO2 storage tank are 314,387.51 m3 and 287,982.91 m3 for System-CP and System-VP, respectively. Thereby, the energy storage density (ESD) of System-CP and System-VP are 0.24 kW·h/m3 and 0.26 kW·h/m3, respectively. Meanwhile, the total capital cost (TCC) is $477.84 × 106 for System-CP, and $437.41 × 106 for System-VP, and the corresponding payback period (PBP) are 14.76 years and 12.39 years respectively. Further, the effect of key parameters on systems performance is revealed. The results show that with the decrease of slip-pressure range decreases, RTE, TCC and the volume of storage tanks increase linearly.

Energy Transition in the Middle East and North Africa Region: Regional Solutions for Climate Change Challenges Amid Economic Sanctions

As the world grapples with the urgent priority of transitioning to a net-zero future, there exists a shared need to make all efforts to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, mostly caused by burning fossil fuels. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region plays an important role because of its oil and natural gas output. Additionally, this region has experienced significant conflict and numerous wars. This article will focus on one of the many challenges that some key states in the MENA region, with a main focus on Iran, are facing in their energy transition. Several countries in the MENA region are or have recently been subject to some form of economic sanctions. Sanctions appear to have had a material impact on these countries’ abilities to fulfill their contributions to transitioning to a net-zero economy. Research suggests that the chief obstacles they face regarding that transition is the lack of access to the latest technologies, a dearth of financing, limited or often no direct investments in low carbon industry, diplomatic isolation, and the concomitant economic volatility caused by sanctions, which in sum, take away from the financial capacity of a target country to save and invest for the transition to net zero. Therefore, it is crucial to revisit sanctions laws and policies, ensuring that they do not hinder the global community from achieving its climate goals. This article proposes establishing a regional ‘climate savings account’ to serve as a strategic mechanism to balance geopolitical interests and environmental goals.

Multifactorial effects of warming, low irradiance, and low salinity on Arctic kelps

Abstract. The Arctic is projected to warm by 2 to 5 °C by the end of the century. Warming causes melting of glaciers, shrinking of the areas covered by sea ice, and increased terrestrial runoff from snowfields and permafrost thawing. Warming, decreasing coastal underwater irradiance, and lower salinity are potentially threatening polar marine organisms, including kelps, that are key species of hard-bottom shallow communities. The present study investigates the physiological responses of four kelp species (Alaria esculenta, Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima, and Hedophyllum nigripes) to these environmental changes through a perturbation experiment in ex situ mesocosms. Kelps were exposed for 6 weeks to four experimental treatments: an unmanipulated control; a warming condition under the CO2 emission scenario SSP5-8.5; and two multifactorial conditions combining warming, low salinity, and low irradiance reproducing the future coastal Arctic exposed to terrestrial runoff under two CO2 emission scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). The physiological effects on A. esculenta, L. digitata, and S. latissima were investigated, and gene expression patterns of S. latissima and H. nigripes were analyzed. Across all species and experimental treatments, growth rates were similar, underlying the acclimation potential of these species to future Arctic conditions. Specimens of A. esculenta increased their chlorophyll a content when exposed to low irradiance conditions, suggesting that they may be resilient to an increase in glacier and river runoff with the potential to become more dominant at greater depths. S. latissima showed a lower carbon : nitrogen (C : N) ratio under the SSP5-8.5 multifactorial conditions' treatment, suggesting tolerance to coastal erosion and permafrost thawing. In contrast, L. digitata showed no response to the conditions tested on any of the investigated physiological parameters. The down-regulation of genes coding for heat-shock proteins in H. nigripes and S. latissima underscores their ability to acclimate to heat stress, which portrays temperature as a key influencing factor. Based on these results, it is expected that kelp communities will undergo changes in species composition that will vary at local scale as a function of the changes in environmental drivers.

The Effects of Alloy Composition and Surface Integrity on the Machinability of Austenitic Stainless Steels 304 and 304L

Austenitic stainless steels, such as 304 and 304L, are extensively utilized in diverse industries due to their favorable properties, including biocompatibility, high durability, ductility, toughness at cryogenic temperatures, and excellent corrosion resistance. Additionally, these steels exhibit notable resistance to fatigue and oxidation. Despite these advantages, they are challenging to machine due to characteristics such as high work hardening, built-up edge formation, and low heat conductivity. The material 304L distinguishes itself from material 304 through its lower carbon content, making it more resistance to corrosion. 304L is experiencing a consistent rise in industrial demand. It is anticipated that this advanced material will progressively supersede 304 in various applications. The variability in alloy compositions and surface integrity of blanks can influence the tool wear and may even lead to abrupt tool breakage, necessitating supervision during machining operations. This study delves into the correlation between the alloy compositions, micro structure, surface integrity, and machinability of these special steels, focusing on turning processes. Various blanks of 304 and 304L in the form of bars, sourced from different manufacturers, were utilized in the study. These blanks exhibited slight variations in alloy composition (albeit within the standard range) and differed in the state of surface integrity characterized by variations in microstructure, grain size, microhardness, and residual stress. All blanks (across this array of materials) were subjected to turning using the same tool specifications and sets of machining parameters for comparative analysis. Various machinability indicators, including cutting forces, surface roughness, burr formation, tool wear, and chip morphology, were thoroughly examined. The findings highlight that the key factors influencing machinability include the microhardness of the surface and the residual stress state in the subsurface of the bars before the turning process. In contrast, changing the alloy composition within the standard range has hardly any effect on the machinability of these steels. The machinability of the examined specimens was adversely affected when the hardness exceeded 350 HV from the surface up to 2 mm below the surface and simultaneously the surface compressive residual stress exceeded −130 MPa.

Impact of gas adsorption of nitrogen, argon, methane, and CO2 on gas permeability in nanoporous rocks

Gas adsorption on the surface of nanoporous rocks is an important process that occurs in many applied scenarios such as shale gas production or CO2 enhanced gas recovery or storage. While there are few theoretical considerations on the effect of gas adsorption on permeability, a systematic laboratory investigation of the impact of gas adsorption on gas flow and permeability is still lacking. In this paper, permeability of four adsorptive gases, i.e., nitrogen, argon, methane, and carbon dioxide, was measured, along with helium permeability, for two nanoporous rock samples that have high and low total organic carbon (TOC) content, respectively. The measurements were conducted at a range of pore pressures from 150 to 1500 psi (1.03–10.34 MPa). Gas adsorption isotherms were also measured at the same conditions. A mathematical model that considers adsorption with specific boundary conditions for the experimental setup was used for data analysis. The results show that gas adsorption causes larger drop in pressure decay and greater retardation in pressure equilibrium. However, the reduction of permeability relative to helium (25%–46%) is similar for gases with different levels of adsorption, indicating the occurrence of single-layer adsorption for these gases. Comparison between the two samples further supports the concept of single-layer adsorption and signifies the impact of pore size on the permeability reduction due to adsorption. These new findings deepen the fundamental understanding and provide important clarification on the effect of gas adsorption on gas flow and permeability in nanoporous rocks.

Carbon footprints of centralized and decentralized food waste utilization pathways

Food waste is usually utilized in centralized treatment facilities and is sometimes treated in decentralized facilities; however, the latter has not been evaluated systematically regarding carbon emissions. This study surveyed fifty-nine centralized and decentralized food waste treatment projects in Shenzhen, and incineration, anaerobic digestion, composting, and emerging technologies such as insect bioconversion and organic acid production were applied. Their carbon footprints were analyzed based on real data covering collection and transport, energy and material consumption, secondary pollutant control, and impurity disposal. The results showed that centralized facilities had a lower overall carbon footprint, although carbon emissions from their collection and transportation were higher. Anaerobic digestion performed best with an average carbon emission of −136.63 kg CO2-eq/t, followed by black soldier fly larvae cultivation (−12.86 kg CO2-eq/t), incineration (−11.02 kg CO2-eq/t), and organic acid production (−6.86 kg CO2-eq/t). All decentralized facilities were operated with net carbon emissions because they consumed a large amount of electricity or thermal heat without the full use of organic matter in the food waste. An optimal route was recommended by combining centralized anaerobic digestion and decentralized squeezing dewatering with adequate oil recovery, and this can make the overall carbon emission decrease from −6.72 kg CO2-eq/t to −17.75 kg CO2-eq/t. These results can provide decision-makers with guidance on food waste management to support net zero and sustainable development goal 12 and 13.

Low-carbon transition or low-carbon trap? — An instrumental variable regression analysis based on carbon decoupling and energy equity

ABSTRACT Although the low-carbon transition has enormous potential for improving economic and environmental benefits, it may also lead to social equity issues, trapping certain regions in a low-carbon dilemma. Based on panel data from the Yangtze River Economic Belt for the period 2007–2019, this study empirically analyzes the impact of carbon decoupling on energy equity, employing the carbon emission trading policy and natural wetlands as joint instrumental variables. The findings reveal that: (1) from 2007 to 2019, the average level of carbon decoupling in the Yangtze River Economic Belt was recorded at 0.415, maintaining a weak decoupling state overall and nearly forming an “inverted V” shape; (2) in the instrumental variable regression results, for every 1% increase in the level of carbon decoupling, the energy equity in the Yangtze River Economic Belt decreased by an average of 0.095% (p < .01); (3) environmental burden played a partial mediating role between carbon decoupling and energy equity, with the mediation effect value being −0.007 (p < .05); (4) green energy consumption and marketization can variably mitigate the adverse effects of carbon decoupling. Examining the sustainability of the economic-environmental system from the perspective of energy equity contributes to shaping a low-carbon economy that maintains social justice and sustainability, thereby avoiding falling into a low-carbon trap.

Experimental and computational analysis of poly(4-vinyl pyridine) and polyvinylpyrrolidone as effective corrosion inhibitors for low carbon steel in sulfuric acid

This study investigates the inhibitory effects of poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the corrosion of low carbon steel (LCSt) in 1 M H2SO4. Protection efficacy (%PE) was measured using mass loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed %PE values increased with higher polymer concentration and lower temperature. At 450 mg/L, %PE reached 93.13% and 94.19% for P4VP and PVP, respectively. These polymers function as mixed inhibitors, adsorbing onto the LCSt surface per Langmuir’s model as a mode of physical adsorption. EIS indicated that higher polymer concentration increased charge transfer resistance and decreased effective double-layer capacitance. Both P4VP and PVP also reduced pitting corrosion in chloride-containing solutions. Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent DFT (TD-DFT) optimized the molecular structures of the inhibitors, evaluating electronic parameters such as frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energies, energy gap, softness, hardness, electron transfer fraction, dipole moment, and hyperpolarizability ( β ° ). Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provided insights into adsorption mechanisms, corroborating experimental findings and highlighting the effect of protonation. This comprehensive study enhances our understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and function in polymer inhibitors, improving their application in corrosion protection.

Effect of perceived family attitudes on commuting decisions in Wenling, China

Research on carbon dioxide emissions (CDE) due to transportation has traditionally focused on objective factors and subjective attitudes toward external objective factors. There is limited research on attitudes to external subjective factors. This study investigated whether travellers emulate family members’ travel choices, affecting commuting CDE, with a focus on perceived family attitudes (PFA). The results from a survey of 5663 respondents in Wenling, China were analysed samples using hierarchical regression and bootstrap methods. It was found that PFA significantly impact commuting CDE, both directly and through influencing transportation preferences. Specifically, favourable PFA towards low carbon dioxide options like public transit reduce CDE, while positive views of high carbon dioxide modes increase CDE.

Eco-Sustainability in Hospital Pharmacy: A Pilot Survey on 'Going Green'.

Purpose: Between 2009 and 2015, the Canadian health care system was estimated to be responsible for 4.6% of national carbon emissions. Determine awareness of and describe eco-initiatives that the department of pharmacy can implement to aim to reduce the carbon footprint in hospital pharmacy in an effort to 'go green'. Methods: In a quality improvement initiative, pharmacy employees (i.e. pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) completed a cross-sectional survey designed to gauge willingness to 'go green' at work, to identify actionable areas of waste, and to assess commuting practices. Results: A total of 15 respondents completed the survey conducted March 14th -April 7th, 2022. Most respondents (73%) were willing to engage in more sustainable practices at work. The main barriers to implementing green practices at work were 'too time consuming' (20%), 'adds too much complexity' (20%), and 'cost' (16%). For commuting, 60% indicated the primary mode of transportation as 'personal vehicle', where 'subsidized transit' and was listed as the greatest incentive that could encourage a greener commute. The three largest areas of waste cited were 'single use plastic' (36%), 'limited of awareness of green practices' (15%), and 'lights left on in empty rooms' (12%). Conclusions: Pharmacy staff shared willingness to engage in more sustainable 'go green' practices but raised challenges to do so. With the knowledge that Canada has the second most climate intensive health system, there is a need for future research to describe how hospital pharmacies can contribute strategically to 'go green', advancing with implementing low carbon sustainable pharmacy practices.