Option For Production Research Articles

Performance and environmental impact evaluations of a novel multigeneration system with sonic hydrogen production and energy storage options

This article designs and develops a unique system integrated with hydrogen production and energy storage effectively to meet the variable energy demands of residential communities by harnessing both solar and geothermal energies. The system features a synergy of technologies, including a steam Rankine cycle, an ammonia-water-based double-effect absorption system, two organic Rankine cycles, a thermal energy storage, battery and hydrogen storage options, and a sonohydrogen production device. In order to develop a new system for producing cooling, electricity, heat and hydrogen, the present study dives deep into an analysis based on energy and exergy approaches using balance equations. The present system has the ability to generate 0.0016 kg/s of hydrogen, creates a net output of 2177 kW, supplies 4337 kW for heating purposes, and offers 903.8 kW of cooling capacity. In addition, the system's performance was rigorously evaluated, revealing an energy efficiency of 83.28 % and an exergy efficiency of 58.71 %, with energetic and exergetic coefficients of performance (COP) of 1.646 and 0.6215, respectively. Additionally, an environmental impact assessment was conducted, focusing on CO2 emissions to gauge the system's sustainability. This assessment further indicates that the system could potentially avoid the release of 3.351 kg of carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour into the atmosphere which might have come from conventional systems.

Nano-Si for On-Demand H2 Production: Optimization of Yield and Real-Time Visualization of Si─H2O Reaction Using Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Hydrogen (H2), the most abundant element in the universe, has the potential to address the challenges of energy security and climate change. However, due to the lack of a safe and efficient method for storing and delivering hydrogen, its practical application is still in its infancy stages. To overcome this challenge, a promising solution is demonstrated in the form of on-demand production of H2 using nano-Silicon (Si) powders. The method offers instantaneous production of H2, yielding a volume of 1.3 L per gram of Si at room temperature. Moreover, the H2 production yield and the rate can be effectively controlled by adjusting the reaction pH value and temperatures. Additionally, liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) is utilized in situ to demonstrate the entire reaction in real-time, wherein H2 bubble formation is observed and illustrated the gradual conversion of crystalline Si particles into amorphous oxides. Moreover, it is confirmed that the purity of the generated gas is 99.5% using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These findings suggest a viable option for instant H2 production in portable fuel cells using Si cartridges or pellets.

Comparison of Ca-Based Commercial and Natural Catalysts Performance on Olive Pomace Pyrolysis Process

Physicochemical treatment was applied with 20 mg/L alum to the marble processing effluents as 5 minutes 200 rpm mixing, 25 minutes 15 rpm mixing and 60 minutes settling and marble sludge (MS) was produced. Catalytic performance of MS in olive pomace (OP) pyrolysis process was evaluated and compared to commercial Ca(OH)2 since it mainly comprises of different AAEMs (especially Ca and its forms such as CaCO3, CaO) functioned as catalyst. Catalytic pyrolysis was conducted at 600°C and 5°C/min heating rate with 5% and 10% catalyst (MS or Ca(OH)2) dosages. Although both catalysts had important effect on pyrolysis product yields, Ca(OH)2 was found as good alternative for higher gas production and MS was introduced as better option for the higher char production comparing to the conventional OP pyrolysis. Pyrolysis biochars produced with MS were in higher thermal strength than the biochars generated with Ca(OH)2. Moreover, biooils of OP+MS include different organic compounds, such as 9 heptadecanol, 1-eicosanol, ethyl linoleate, ethyl oleate, addition to the compounds observed in pyrolysis liquids of OP and OP+ Ca(OH)2. All detected organic components have diverse usage areas. Ca(OH)2 provided more decrement in the percentages of oxygenated compounds as compared to the MS. Consequently, it can be stated that MS can be used successfully as an alternative to Ca-based commercial catalyst in OP pyrolysis.

Downstreaming Buton Asphalt Into Heavy Oil Production: A Techno-Economic Analysis Approach

Oil production from the extraction of Buton Asphalt (Asbuton) becomes an attractive bitumen to study considering that the use of Asbuton is currently still relatively limited for asphalt needs with absorption of only 0.9% of national asphalt needs, of course this is a contradiction considering Asbuton deposits reach 667 million tons. Another factor is the high price of crude oil encouraging the use of bitumen as an alternative to crude oil, especially heavy crude oil. Bitumen reserves contained in Asbuton are capable of meeting oil refinery needs of 50,000 BOPD or the equivalent of 4.3% of domestic refinery capacity for a period of 20 years. There are two options for Bitumen production from Asbuton, namely all production comes from open pit mining or a combination of production from open pit mining (40%) and in situ extraction (60%). The techno-economic analysis was prepared with the assumption that the Asbuton production area is part of the Oil and Gas Working Area with a Cost Recovery Production Sharing Contract (PSC) scheme. The development of Bitumen production from Asbuton provides feasible economic indicators with NPV = $ 973 million and IRR = 15.2%. During the contract period, the government received revenue of $ 12.0 billion and the contractor $ 14.6 billion. This economic feasibility study is expected to enrich further our understanding over Buton asphalt utilization in support of crude oil production in the future

Industrial Cannabis sativa: Hemp oil for biodiesel production

This review paper highlights the production of biodiesel from hemp seed oil via transesterification reaction. Hemp seeds present a viable feedstock option for biodiesel production. This is demonstrated by the plants high yield, ability to grow on infertile soil, resilience to disease and bugs. Hemp biodiesel performs well in biodiesel blends. Hemp biodiesel yield was calculated at 207 gallons/ha. This is higher than the yield of biodiesel from rapeseed and soybeans oils but lower than that of palm oil. Hemp biodiesel can meet ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 requirements. Hemp biodiesel exhibit poor kinematic viscosity and oxidation stability. However, this can easily be improved with the use of additives. Dilution/blending, micro-emulsification, pyrolysis, and trans-esterification are the four techniques applied to solve the problems encountered with the high fuel viscosity. Hemp biodiesel provides substantial environmental benefits. The amount of emission reduction corresponds roughly to the biodiesel blend rating of the fuel. Hemp biodiesel may be used an alternative to the highly controversial biodiesel produced from palm oil. Hemp faces many perception and legal challenges that prevent wide-scale production of hemp seed oil. Hemp remains a niche crop in the food supply chains, rendering it prohibitively expensive as a feedstock in biodiesel production. Legalization and increased production of hemp oil may improve the cost of producing hemp oil and subsequently hemp biodiesel.

Examining the impact of farm management practices on wheat production: Does agricultural investment matter?

Over the years, the allocation of public funds toward agriculture has consistently played a pivotal role in facilitating the modernization and commercialization of the agricultural industry. Similarly, the integration of technological breakthroughs plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing the sustainability of food production, not solely for the present populace but also for subsequent generations. The present study examines the impact of public investment in agriculture and farm management practices, specifically focusing on cultivated area, fertilizer use, pesticide application, total agricultural machinery, and rural labour force on wheat production in nine provinces of China. The study encompasses the period from 1995 to 2020. This study employs advanced econometric techniques, such as second-generation unit root procedures (CADF and CIPS) and the Westerlund cointegration method, to investigate the stationarity properties and cointegration of the variables. The findings derived from the AMG and CCEMG methods indicate that public investment plays a statistically significant influence on wheat production. In the context of production-related variables, long-term wheat production is statistically and substantially influenced by the total area under cultivation, fertilizer use, and pesticide application. Besides these results, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality test reveals a unidirectional causality from agricultural machinery power consumption to wheat production. Furthermore, bidirectional causality exists between public investment, cultivated area, fertilizer use, labour, and wheat production. These results provide vital implications and valuable insights for policymakers in China, which may furnish novel policymaking options for sustainable food production through strategic investments in research and development, irrigation systems, and technological advancements.

Deploying an RNA-Based Gene Writer System and Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery to Generate Functional Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells with in Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Tumor Activity

The FDA approval of autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have added a powerful tool in the armamentarium to treat relapsed and refractory leukemias and lymphomas. However, significant challenges limit these therapies from accommodating current patient demand including supply chain limitations and wait times associated with availability of GMP quality viral vectors and long needle-to-needle time from initiation of treatment to receiving the final drug product. As of yet other competitive therapies including bi-specific antibodies and allogeneic CAR-T have not achieved the same level of therapeutic efficacy as conventional autologous T cell therapies highlighting the critical unmet need for same day treatment options for autologous CAR-T products. RNA Gene Writers leverage target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT) biochemistry evolved from non-LTR retrotransposon mobile genetic elements to modify the genetic information in cells using RNA templates and without the need to introduce DNA breaks. Moreover, RNA Gene Writers can be engineered to catalyze a variety of editing reactions, such as the introduction of gene-length DNA sequences, substitutions, insertions, and deletions. These edits can be achieved with all-RNA delivery in primary cells and in vivo, eliminating the necessity for viral vectors and DNA template-based gene editing. LNP-RNA delivery of RNA Gene Writers resulted in the integration and expression of transgenes in >60% of primary human T cells in vitro. Furthermore, our LNPs deliver RNA to T cells in vivo, with 80% reporter expression in a humanized mouse model and 45% in non-human primates (NHP). We have demonstrated LNP delivery of RNA Writers into primary human T cells with an RNA template encoding a CAR cassette can achieve >20% CAR+ T cells without detriments to cell viability or proliferative capacity and have demonstrated ability to mediate tumor cell killing in vitro. Moreover, RNA Gene Writer derived CAR-T cells can be introduced into mouse xenograft models to clear antigen specific tumors in vivo. CAR mRNA can also be packaged into proprietary LNP formulations and delivered to primary human T cells in a mixture of lymphocytes commonly found in patient leukapheresis to generate CAR-T cells in vitro. This opens the possibility of using RNA Gene Writers to develop a same-day CAR-T treatment. In addition, the modularity of our RNA Gene Writing technology allows multiplex editing to co-introduce multiple genetic changes including generation of universal and more potent CAR-T cells through the knock-out of B2M and TRAC at comparable levels (>80% double knockout) to Cas9 nucleases. Further, we show that we can achieve both edits simultaneously in 80% of T cells that have achieved CAR transgene insertion via another RNA Gene Writer enzyme. Importantly, we have demonstrated successful B2M and TRAC double knock-out without inducing translocations (undetectable vs 8% translocations with Cas9). RNA Gene Writing technology is uniquely positioned for same-day delivery of all-RNA components toenable a wide range of editing applications, from gene knock-out to gene integration. The ability to package the RNA Gene Writer system into LNPs unlocks the potential for the genetic engineering of autologous T cell therapies to enable same-day delivery a current limitation of conventional lentiviral-based CAR-T therapies.

Productivity of Cherry Tomato Cultivars as Influenced by Watering Capacities and Microclimate Control Designs

Background: Cherry tomatoes remain relatively expensive due to limited public knowledge, few producers, and lower productivity rates in Indonesia. Although cherry tomatoes are increasingly popular in modern marketplaces, they are still uncommon in traditional markets. Cherry tomatoes have an enormous economic impact on many regions, particularly Indonesia, in the broader agricultural environment. Their cultivation, however, may be impacted by problems with water supply and climatic regulation. By evaluating how various watering capacity and microclimate control strategies affect cherry tomato productivity, this study seeks to address these challenges. The research is anticipated to offer farmers and agricultural practitioners useful information to improve cherry tomato output in response to market demands and sustainability concerns. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of cultivars on the growth, yield, and quality of cherry tomatoes. Methods: The research is designed to determine the effect of each cultivar (Ruby, Fortesa), watering capacities (100% ETc, 75% ETc, 50% ETc), and microclimate control designs (Greenhouse, Rain shelter, Screen house) on the growth, yield, and quality of cherry tomatoes. Results: The cultivar Fortesa produced the highest possible fruit, biological yield per plant, maximum marketable fruit output, greater growth index, maximum fruit firmness, and water use efficiency. The cultivar Ruby performed better in terms of root-shoot ratio and fruit elasticity. The greenhouse produced the highest possible fruit and biological yield per plant, marketable fruit yield, growth index, leaf chlorophyll content, fruit firmness, elasticity and water use efficiency. In the watering capacities treatment condition, 100% ETC was more significant for parameters, such as marketable fruit yield, root-shoot ratio, growth index, leaf chlorophyll content, fruit firmness, and elasticity. Conclusion: Growing cherry tomato cultivar Fortesa in a greenhouse using a watering capacity of 100% ETc under the results is recommended. These conditions have improved fruit quality, making them favorable options for successful cherry tomato cultivar production.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) frames yield high-calcium and high-amino acid hydrolysates

ABSTRACT In this study, a high-calcium and high-amino acid fish frame hydrolyzate (FFH) was prepared from channel catfish (Ictalurus punetaus) through ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis (UAEH). A 4-factor and 3-level Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology was employed to optimize the hydrolysis conditions, where the independent variables were sonication power (W), sonication time (min), enzyme activity (U) and water-substrate ratio (v/w). The degree of hydrolysis (DH) and soluble calcium content (SCC) were used as response factors. The optimal hydrolysis conditions were found to be sonication power (X1) = 492.91 W, sonication time (X2) = 15.01 min, enzyme activity (X3) = 6677.88 U, and water-to-substrate ratio (X4) = 3.56 v/w. Under these conditions, UAEH effectively disintegrated fish frame collagen and converted bound calcium to soluble calcium. Nevertheless, this study investigated the pattern of collagen transformation into short peptides and free amino acids throughout the degradation process. These findings highlight the potential of the FFH from channel catfish to serve as a foundation for creating highly nutritious food additive. The outcomes of this study further enhance the food industry’s ability to capitalize on the nutritional benefits offered by fish frame hydrolyzates. This expansion of health-focused product options and endorsement of the sustainable use of fish by-products harmonizes seamlessly with the industry’s evolving goals of waste reduction and value optimization.

Degree of compaction, aeration, and soil water retention indices of a sugarcane field without soil disturbance after initial tillage

Soil compaction after initial soil tillage for crop establishment has been a major problem in crop fields because of its deleterious effects on soil functioning and crop performance. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the degree of compaction, soil air capacity, near-surface optimum ratios, and water retention characteristics in a sandy loam. Dystrophic Paleudalf initially under different tillage methods for sugarcane crop but without tillage for two seasons in southern Brazil. Initial soil tillage systems consisted of no-tillage (NT), compacted no-tillage (NTC), conventional tillage, and chiseling of no-tillage (Ch). Disturbed and undisturbed soil was sampled from 0 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 40, and 40 to 60 cm layers to determine degree of compaction, air capacity, near-surface optimum ratios, soil water retention characteristics, and soil physical quality index S. Initially, NT treatment had the significantly ( p < 0.05) lowest degree of compaction (87%), highest soil air capacity (0.104 cm3 cm−3), air capacity/total porosity ratio (0.261), and better water retention characteristics in the surface layer. Over time, Ch had improved the structure of the subsurface soil layers with the lowest degree of compaction (≈88%) and highest air capacity (≈0.140 cm3 cm−3), while the measured indices were poor in NTC. Irrespective of tillage, the surface layer showed resilience during the years without soil disturbance with low degree of compaction, increased water retention, and air capacity. NT could be a good soil management option for sugarcane production, while mechanical chiseling is advocated for ameliorating compacted soils.

A study on comparative environmental impact assessment of thermochemical cycles and steam methane reforming processes for hydrogen production processes

Alternative energy sources are extensively studied to meet the increasing energy demand. To address rising energy demand, hydrogen generation through environmentally friendly sources are explored, and new technologies are now needed badly. Hydrogen can be generated using fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable energy. Most of the hydrogen is still produced using fossil-based fuels, which increases the amount of greenhouse gases. This study examines the life-cycle impact of three alternative hydrogen-generating processes. The solar-based hybrid sulfur (HyS) thermochemical cycle, the nuclear-based HyS thermochemical cycle, and steam methane reforming (SMR) are all considered, and the environmental consequences of the SMR and thermochemical facilities are evaluated. The CML-IA impact categories are used to analyze environmental impacts. The SimaPro 9.2, a modeling software package developed for the detailed descriptions and simulations of complex products, services and processes, is used to perform the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). This study aims to determine the best environmentally friendly option for hydrogen production by analyzing and comparing its environmental implications. Different impact categories namely global warming potential (GWP), human toxicity potential (HTP), ozone layer depletion (ODP), abiotic depletion factor (ADF), and acidification potential (AP), are examined based on the CML-IA impact classifications. The results show that the solar-based HyS cycle options yield the lowest global warming potential, abiotic depletion, acidification potential, ozone layer depletion, and human toxicity potential values were 1.04 kg CO2 eq/kg H2, 0.013 kg Sb eq/kg H2, 0.0027 kg SO2 eq/kg H2, 0.0007 kg CFC-11 eq/kg H2, and 0.27 kg 1,4-DB-eq/kg H2, respectively. The environmental impact results further show that the solar-powered hydrogen generation is a promising approach for cleaner hydrogen generation.

Generation side strategy and user side cost based on equilibrium analysis of the power market under the reliability option

The reliability option (RO) ensures generation capacity adequacy, drawing inspiration from financial product options. However, most recent RO studies overlook the gaming strategies employed by power producers. This paper proposes a bi-level model based on an equilibrium analysis of the power market under RO. The upper-level model aims to maximize the power producers’ profit, whereas the lower-level model focuses on market clearing. Profit calculation considers factors like electricity sales income, option fees income, fuel cost, expansion investment cost, refund cost, and penalties. The bi-level model is reformulated into a mathematical problem with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) for each producer using Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions of the lower-level model. We then apply a series of linearization methods. The market equilibrium is obtained through the dynamic game framework for all MPECs. We also provide a comprehensive purchase cost calculation and demonstrate its equivalence to user side surplus. We examine cases from various spot market construction maturities in a provincial area of China. Our results indicate that implementing the RO mechanism and aligning parameters with the proposed optimal RO parameter curve, one can reduce the comprehensive purchase cost.

Caffeine’s complex influence on the attraction effect: a mixed bag of outcomes

Psychological state alterations induced by substance-related physiological mechanisms affect consumer decision-making. We examine the influence of caffeine—the world’s most popular psychostimulant—on the attraction effect. In three double-blinded experiments, we show that caffeine intake via coffee influences consumers’ preference for product options that asymmetrically dominate a decoy option in choice sets (i.e., the attraction effect). Using real products in consequential choice tasks, we show that high caffeine intake (200 mg) is associated with a larger attraction effect both on between-subjects and within-subjects levels and in free-choice as well as forced-choice decision tasks. On the contrary, we do not find support for caffeine’s influence on the attraction effect when considering intermediate levels of caffeine intake (125 mg) and hypothetical decisions. We discuss theoretical implications for context effect research and practical implications for marketers.

Synergistic Effects of Torrefaction and Alkaline Pretreatment on Sugar and Bioethanol Production from Wood Waste

Abundant availability of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) coupled with diverse pretreatment methods have made it a promising option for energy production. However, it faces several challenges, some of which can be overcome by integrating pretreatment processes. The present study aims to optimize the integration of two different pretreatment methods—torrefaction (to reduce moisture content and fractionate biomass) and alkaline pretreatment of wood waste (to delignify biomass)—and utilize it for bioethanol production. Pretreatment performance was evaluated based on delignification, biomass hydrolysis, and bioethanol production. Initially, torrefaction was performed in a continuous reactor at a temperature range of 225–300 °C, followed by optimization of the critical parameters of alkaline pretreatment of torrefied wood waste (TWW), that is, the temperature, reaction time, solid–liquid ratio, and alkali concentration. Subsequently, the chemical and carbohydrate compositions of raw wood waste (RWW) and TWW were studied, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol fermentation. Integrated pretreatment positively impacted the cellulose and glucose contents of raw and torrefied biomass at lower temperatures. The enzymatic hydrolysis of TWW treated with alkali produced higher levels of glucose and bioethanol than (stand-alone) TWW. These results can be used as a basis for choosing the most suitable pretreatment for enhanced biomass conversion.

Assessing potential of high temperature reactor facilities of Russian design for near-term deployment of hydrogen production

In frames of the work, a pilot comparative multi-criteria evaluation of several options for the production of hydrogen using the energy of nuclear reactors was carried out. Technical and economic models of hydrogen production by methods of steam methane reforming, high-temperature and low-temperature electrolysis using nuclear reactors as a source of thermal and electrical energy have been developed. Russian projects of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and existing VVER-type NPPs are considered. An approach to a comparative multi-criteria evaluation of options for hydrogen production using the energy of nuclear reactors is proposed. The proposed approach has been tested by comparing several variants of hydrogen production. When evaluating the values of the criteria, data obtained from open sources, with the help of developed economic models and expert assessments, were used. As a result, the considered variants of hydrogen production were ranked using several metrics and sets of criteria weights. The sensitivity analysis of metric values and option ratings to changes in the main criteria showed a sufficient sustainability of the multi-criteria analysis carried out.

Maximizing the cost effectiveness of electric power generation through the integration of distributed generators: wind, hydro and solar power

BackgroundThe transition towards renewable energy sources has become an imperative step to mitigate climate change, reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security and economic prosperity in a sustainable manner. Maximizing the cost effectiveness of electric power generation is crucial to making renewable energy sources viable and attractive options for clean energy production. The strategic allocation of wind, hydro and solar power systems is essential to achieving this goal. This paper attempts to demonstrate how the cost effectiveness of electrical power system could be maximized through the integration of wind, solar and hydropower systems and comparison at different penetration levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% on cost effectiveness of electric power generation. The different generator technologies were designed based on their electrical output attributions.ResultsThe cost of electric generation for the integration of each generator at the various buses were calculated at different penetration level for fair comparison. The results indicate that the minimum money loss for the integration of solar power was $743.90 at bus 4 and at 50% penetration level, the minimum money loss for the integration of wind power was $999.00 at bus 4 and at 25% penetration level while the minimum amount loss for the integration of hydropower was $546.50 at bus 4 and at 75% penetration level.ConclusionsThe magnitude to which the integration of the different generator affects the cost effectiveness of power production hinges on the type of generator, the penetration level and the location of the generator in the grid.

The Development of Technogenic Deposits as a Factor of Overcoming Resource Limitations and Ensuring Sustainability (Case of Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE in Mongolia)

This article justifies the need to involve technogenic deposits (off-balance ore and wastes) into the economic circulation of mining enterprises when there is a depletion of natural resources. It could be considered as one of the tools of the circular economy. The authors analyze global trends in the development of copper deposits, global demand for copper, and design recommendations for possible alternative options for the copper production. The authors use the case of Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE based in Mongolia to develop the approach for economic, social, and environmental problem-solving. The millions of mining dumps are proposed to develop as technogenic resources for recycled materials, prolonging profitable activities of the mine. The hierarchy analysis method is used to obtain the optimum order of mining dump development to obtain the desired economic, social, and environmental effect.

Supply chain carbon transparency to consumers via blockchain: does the truth hurt?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine if blockchain-supported carbon offset information provision and shipping options with different cost and environmental footprint implications impact consumer perceptions toward retailers and logistics service providers. Blockchain and carbon neutrality, each can be expensive to adopt and complex to manage, thus getting the “truth” on decarbonization may require additional costs for consumers.Design/methodology/approachExperimental modeling is used to address these critical and emergent issues that influence practices across a set of supply chain actors. Three hypotheses relating to the relationship between blockchain-supported carbon offset information and consumer perceptions and intentions associated with the product and supply chain actors are investigated.FindingsThe results show that consumer confidence increases when supply chain carbon offset information has greater reliability, transparency and traceability as supported by blockchain technology. The authors also find that consumers who are provided visibility into various shipping options and the product's journey carbon emissions and offset – from a blockchain-supported system – they are more willing to pay a premium for both the product and shipping options. Blockchain-supported decarbonization information disclosure in the supply chain can lead to organizational legitimacy and financial gains in return.Originality/valueUnderstanding consumer action and sustainable consumption is critical for organizations seeking carbon neutrality. Currently, the literature on this understanding from a consumer information provision is not well understood, especially with respect to blockchain-supported information transparency, visibility and reliability. Much of the blockchain literature focuses on the upstream. This study focuses more on consumer-level and downstream supply chain blockchain implications for organizations. The study provides a practical roadmap for considering levels of blockchain information activity and consumer interaction.

Predicting residual stresses in SLM additive manufacturing using a phase-field thermomechanical modeling framework

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic components has recently become a viable option for series production. In this, the powder of various metallic materials such as steel and aluminum can be processed layer-by-layer to produce dense parts with excellent properties. One of the major challenges in this process is the occurrence of residual stresses, which negatively affect the strength and functionality of the produced components. Understanding the mechanism of distribution of these stresses and the detrimental deformations is one of the main themes covered in this work. In the numerical treatment with the finite element method, a phase-field model (PFM) for phase-change materials is utilized together with a thermo-elastoplastic model to simulate the multi-layer AM process and to evaluate the occurring residual stresses. Using the PFM allows tracking the diffusive melting front and, thus, distinguishing between the melted (soft) and the unmelted (hard) states of the material. One of the novel contributions is the definition of a phase-field history variable, which can capture the irreversible process of metallic powder melting. Additionally, phase-field-dependent material properties are proposed. The coupled governing equations are solved in the open-source FE package FEniCS Project, where three-dimensional initial-boundary-value problems are introduced and the results are compared with reference data from the literature.

Perennial Peanut as a Potential Living Mulch and Nitrogen Source for Citrus and Other Orchard Crops in Florida

The concept of using a perennial peanut as a living mulch and source of biological nitrogen in fruit and nut crop orchards is not a new idea. In Central and South America, perennial peanuts have long been incorporated as a living groundcover into palm, coffee, cacao, plantain, and citrus, as well as into other fruit and nut production orchards. This cover crop may pose as a viable, environmentally-friendly option for production in Florida, too.