Reduction Options Research Articles

Incorporating Spatial and Spectral Saturation Modules Into MR Fingerprinting.

In this work, we introduce spatial and chemical saturation options for artefact reduction in magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) and assess their impact on T1 and T2 mapping accuracy. An existing radial MRF pulse sequence was modified to enable spatial and chemical saturation. Phantom experiments were performed to demonstrate flow artefact reduction and evaluate the accuracy of the T1 and T2 maps. As an invivo demonstration, MRF of the prostate was performed on an asymptomatic volunteer using saturation modules to reduce flow-related artefacts. T1, T2 and B1 + maps obtained with and without saturation modules were compared. Application of spatial saturation in prostate MRF reduced streaking artefacts from the femoral vessels. When saturation is enabled T1 accuracy is preserved, and T2 accuracy remains acceptable up to approximately 100 ms. Chemical and spatial saturation can be incorporated into MRF sequences with limited impact on T1 accuracy. Further sequence optimisation may be needed to accurately estimate long T2 components. Spatial saturation modules have potential in prostate MRF applications as a means to reduce flow-related artefacts.

EFFECTS OF THERAPEUTIC TAPING ON CLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF STUDENTS WITH PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA.

Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD) is a prevalent gynaecological condition affecting young females, characterized by cyclic, cramping pelvic pain with no organic pathology. It can significantly impact their Quality of life (QOL) and academic performance. The study aimed to determine the effect of therapeutic taping on clinical symptoms, QOL and academic performance of students with PD. It was a single-blind, parallel design, Randomized controlled trial SETTING: Study conducted from May to September 2023 in Girls Hostel, Islamabad, Pakistan. Women aged 18-25 years with PD and pain severity of VAS ≥4 were recruited. Those with other health conditions and having an allergy to Kinesio taping (KT) were excluded from the study. A total of 66 women have completed the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups: experimental (KT), sham tape (ST), and control group (CG). KT tape was applied to the suprapubic and sacral regions using the ligament technique in the KT group and without stretch in the ST group. Assessments were taken at baseline, 8th and 12th weeks. The study tools were the visual analogue scale (VAS), menstrual symptoms questionnaire (MSQ), Health-related quality of life (SF-36) and Academic Performance Questionnaire (APQ). Data analysis was done using SPSS-25. The participants' mean age (years) was (KT: 22.04±2.13, Sham: 22.35±3.11 and CT: 23±2.52). Between-group analysis shows a statistically significant difference in VAS (p<0.05) and MSQ (p<0.01) after the 12th week of intervention, whereas the APQ score was statistically significant (p <0.01) on the 8th and 12th week. Similarly, the SF-36 score was significant for both physical (p<0.001) and mental (p<0.05) component summary between the intervention groups. Kinesio Taping is an effective intervention option for pain reduction, menstrual symptom relief, and improved academic performance for individuals with PD.

Ligand Environment Engineering of Nickel Single Atomic Sites for Efficient Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is considered one of the feasible options for a net reduction of CO2 emission, especially when coupled with renewable energy resources. Many techno-economical assessments...

Comparative Analysis of the Carbon Footprint Value Resulting from the Selected Mode of Transport, Based on the Example of Transporting Neodymium Magnets

The article presents a sensitivity analysis of the carbon footprint for different modes of transporting neodymium magnets over a selected route, in the context of their environmental impact and sustainable development. Neodymium magnets, widely used in modern technologies such as wind turbines, are essential for renewable energy sources, making the selection of environmentally optimal transportation crucial. The calculations included road, rail, inland waterway, and air transport, using available emission calculators, which allowed for an analysis using averaged emission indicators for each mode of transport. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted with the SimaPro program to verify the consistency and accuracy of the results. The findings indicated that rail transport, with access to low-emission infrastructure and a reduced carbon footprint per unit of mass, is the most efficient option for CO2 emissions reduction, whereas air transport, despite its speed, generates the highest emissions per ton of cargo, making it the least environmentally friendly alternative. A t-test analysis was also conducted to statistically validate the results for each transportation option.

A comprehensive review on oral nicotine pouches: Available scientific evidence and future research needs.

Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are an emergent class of tobacco products that, unlike conventional oral smokeless tobacco products, contain a nicotine powder instead of tobacco leaves. This review synthesizes available data on ONPs in key research domains including survey studies, marketing/advertising studies, chemical characterization and in vitro studies, and clinical studies. Research findings relevant for ONP regulations are summarized, including who uses these products and why, how marketing tactics influence appeal and use intentions, what harmful and potentially harmful constituents they contain, and what acute effects they have on humans. Taken together, the current data suggest that ONPs likely produce less harm to individual users than conventional tobacco products (e.g., moist snuff, cigarettes) and can acutely suppress nicotine/tobacco withdrawal symptoms among current cigarette smokers. Thus, ONPs may be a viable harm reduction option for individuals who switch completely to using them from conventional products. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine if established tobacco users would use ONPs long term, and more independent academic research is needed given that most ONP studies to date are tobacco industry-funded. Additionally, ONPs have qualities (e.g., flavors, marketing claims of "tobacco free") that could increase appeal among youth and young adults, and these products can deliver nicotine at levels sufficient to cause dependence; widespread adoption of ONPs among otherwise nicotine-naive individuals may reduce their net public health benefit. This review concludes by suggesting future research directions necessary to increase scientific understanding of ONPs and inform regulations for these increasingly popular products. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Adding Ivabradine to Current Standard Therapy Versus Standard Therapy Alone in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure in Japan.

Ivabradine is indicated as a new treatment option for heart rate reduction in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of ivabradine on top of standard therapy in patients with chronic heart failure in Japan.A two-state Markov model was used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of ivabradine from a Japanese health-care payer perspective. The Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) was set as an outcome measure. Two study population cohorts were included in this analysis: patients with chronic heart failure with a resting heart rate ≥ 75 beats per min (bpm) and those with a resting heart rate ≥ 70 bpm.The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for ivabradine with standard therapy compared to standard therapy alone was estimated as JPY 2,460,952 per QALY gained for the ≥ 75 bpm population and JPY 2,556,899 per QALY for the ≥ 70 bpm population. With a willingness-to-pay threshold of JPY 5,000,000 per QALY, ivabradine with standard therapy was 90% more likely to be cost-effective for the ≥ 75 bpm cohort in Japan. These findings were found to be robust in both the sensitivity and scenario analyses.This study suggests that adding ivabradine to standard therapy represents a cost-effective treatment option for chronic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction in Japan.

Effect of Blackberry Rubus sp. in Hyperlipidemia in Rattus rattus. A Literature Review

Objective: The aim of this study was to deepen the understanding of the effects of polyphenols found in Rubus spp. on significantly reducing blood lipid levels, focusing on its potential use for treating hyperlipidemia in Rattus through a systematic review. Theoretical Framework: This research is grounded in theories linking the bioactive compounds in Rubus spp. to reductions in cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins in model organisms, based on previous studies on hyperlipidemia and its treatment with natural antioxidants. Method: This work used the literature review approach, collecting relevant articles in databases such as Scopus and Scielo. Experimental studies with Rattus were analyzed where extracts of Rubus spp. and other compounds rich in polyphenols to observe effects on lipid profiles. Results and Discussion: The reviewed studies indicate that Rubus spp., with its high levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins, significantly reduces lipid levels in rats, validating its potential in hyperlipidemia management. The study discusses the limitations and the context of these findings within cardiovascular disease management. Research Implications: The findings suggest that Rubus spp. may serve as a natural option for hyperlipidemia reduction, with potential applications in public health and preventive nutrition. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the knowledge of natural strategies for hyperlipidemia control, supporting the potential inclusion of Rubus spp. in diets for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Seaweed extracts: enhancing plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses

Seaweeds are a natural marine resource containing many bioactive compounds such as amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, phytohormones, and antimicrobial compounds. Since ancient times, seaweeds have been used in various sectors, including medicine, food, and the cosmetic industry. Currently, seaweeds are a promising alternative to reduce the application of harmful chemicals in agriculture. Seaweed and its derived products have been utilized for plant growth promotion, immunity enhancement, and the reduction of biotic and abiotic stresses. In the current global scenario, synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides are commonly used to increase agricultural crop production to meet the growing demands of the world population. However, these chemicals pose significant threats to the health of people, livestock, plants, soil, and the entire environment. In contrast, seaweed-based products are emerging as a newer option for stress mitigation and reduction, offering an alternative to synthetic chemicals. This article explains the use of seaweed extracts to increase the tolerance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. We also address the functions of various bioactive compounds present in seaweed extracts and the mechanisms by which they promote plant growth and induce defense against different stresses.

Interactive software for processing, compilation, and interpretation of seafloor heat‐flow data, including analysis of measurement uncertainties

AbstractWe present software for processing and interpretation of marine heat‐flow data. These data commonly include in situ measurements of the thermal gradient and thermal conductivity as a function of subseafloor depth, and are used to calculate vertical heat flow. New software includes SlugPen, for parsing and correcting datasets for each penetration, and SlugHeat, for calculating equilibrium temperatures () and in situ thermal conductivity (k) with depth, and using these values to calculate heat flow and uncertainty metrics. SlugHeat is based on an established approach that solves iteratively for and k and introduces several new tools and a graphical user interface to help identify and resolve data issues and improve interpretation of results. Notably, SlugHeat incorporates multiple options for determining the uncertainty of calculated heat‐flow values, including a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis of layer properties. Results from reprocessing heat‐flow data from earlier marine surveys show the benefits of SlugHeat's flexibility and interactivity for managing and interpreting data from multiple settings. We find that incorporating ambiguity in the thickness and thermal conductivity of individual sediment layers significantly increases the uncertainty in heat flow measurements; the statistical fit of observations to a linear model, as has been historically relied on to define heat‐flow uncertainty, tends to understate this value. Assessment of data quality and testing reduction options requires making thoughtful decisions, aided using an interactive interface, and is therefore not fully automated. SlugPen and SlugHeat are accessible for public use with documentation and source code that is readily adaptable to include alternative processing algorithms.

Optimized demand-based charging networks for long-haul trucking in Europe

Abstract Battery electric trucks (BETs) are the most promising option for fast and large-scale CO2 emission reduction in road freight transport. Yet, the limited range and longer charging times compared to diesel trucks make long-haul BET applications challenging, so a comprehensive fast charging network for BETs is required. However, little is known about optimal truck charging locations for long-haul trucking in Europe. Here we derive optimized truck charging networks consisting of publicly accessible locations across the continent. Based on European truck traffic flow estimates for 2030 and actual truck stop locations we construct a long-term charging network that minimizes the total number of required locations. Our approach introduces an origin-destination (OD) pair sampling method and includes local capacity constraints to compute an optimized stepwise network expansion along the highest demand routes in Europe. For an electrification target of 15% BET share in long-haul and without depot charging, our results suggest that about 91% of electric long-haul truck traffic across Europe can be enabled already with a network of 1,000 locations, while 500 locations would suffice for about 50%. We furthermore show how the coverage of OD flows scales with the number of locations and the size of the stations. Ideal locations to cover many truck trips are at highway intersections and along major European road freight corridors (TEN-T core network).

Design of a mindfulness intervention to reduce risk factors for colorectal cancer among at-risk Black women in Chicago.

Chronic stress can directly and indirectly promote carcinogenesis through immune, metabolic, and microbial pathways. Our overarching hypothesis is that reducing chronic stress will have important implications for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk reduction among vulnerable and high-risk populations. A promising approach for reducing chronic stress is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a meditation-based technique that achieves a state of mind that is used to experience higher awareness or consciousness. Existing small studies suggest mindfulness can positively regulate stress response in a way that translates to anticancer effects, including reduced systemic inflammation. We propose to evaluate an 8-wk mindfulness intervention delivered in a hybrid format (synchronous and asynchronous sessions) among 40 Black women at elevated risk of CRC who reside in vulnerable communities and who report moderate to high perceived stress. At baseline and postintervention, participants will provide blood, hair, and stool; undergo body composition analysis; and complete mood and lifestyle-related surveys. The specific aims are to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and explore changes on stress, weight, fasting glucose, inflammation markers, and the gut microbiota-risk markers and risk pathways associated with CRC. The data generated through this project will inform if mindfulness is a feasible option for CRC risk reduction among high-risk individuals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose to evaluate an 8-wk mindfulness intervention delivered in a hybrid format (synchronous and asynchronous sessions) among 40 Black women at elevated risk of CRC who reside in vulnerable communities and who report moderate to high perceived stress. The specific aims are to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and explore changes on stress, weight, fasting glucose, inflammation markers, and the gut microbiota-risk markers and risk pathways associated with CRC.

Dietary inclusion of olive cake alone or in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Black goat kids: Implications for performance and health.

To address the problems associated with the availability and prices of conventional feeds, researchers have started to include alternative feeds to reduce the cost of diets and increase profitability. This study examined the influences of olive cake (OC), either alone or in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), in the diet of black kids. Thirty kids were distributed into three treatments: A free OC diet (control [CON]), OC (20% OC), and OCSC (20% OC with 1 g SC head/d). While penned individually, the kids were fed daily and allowed to acclimate to their diets and pens for 7 days. After acclimation, the kids were fed the prescribed diets for 63 days. Five kids were chosen from each group on day 50 of the feeding period and moved to the metabolic cages to evaluate nutrient digestibility and N balance. At the end of the study, all kids were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. Feeding the OCSC diet increased (p = 0.035) DM intake for kids compared with the OC and CON. The CP intake was higher (p = 0.021) in the OCSC group than in the CON group. Growth performance parameters were higher (p ≤ 0.031) in the OCSC group than in the CON diet. Feed conversion efficiency was improved (p = 0.052) by incorporating OCSC compared with the CON diet. Consequently, economic return was enhanced (p = 0.003) by feeding the OC and OCSC groups. Kids fed the OCSC had a higher cold carcass weight (p = 0.054) than those fed the CON diet. The OCSC group also showed increased (p ≤ 0.027) loin cut and intermuscular fat weights compared with the OC and CON groups. All measured serum metabolites were similar in CON and groups incorporating OCs or OCSCs. The results showed that adding 20% OC combined with SC to the diet of growing kids improved some growth and carcass characteristic parameters without affecting their health status. Notably, using OC along with SC could be an option for feed cost reduction in kids' diets.

Achieving HIV epidemic control through accelerating efforts to expand access to pre-exposure prophylaxis for people who inject drugs.

The world is not on track to reach the majority of the UNAIDS 2025 targets, and people who inject drugs (PWID) continue to be left behind, hindered by counterproductive law enforcement practices, punitive laws, economic distress, and social stigma and discrimination. Poor access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among PWID is nested within the limited access to broader harm reduction services, including needle and syringe programs, opioid overdose management, opioid agonist therapy (also known as medication-assisted treatment), and condoms. Among PWID, women who inject drugs are disproportionately affected and face additional gender-based barriers. Intersections between PWID and other key and priority population groups also exist. Although the prioritization of PWID for new PrEP products like the dapivirine vaginal ring and injectable cabotegravir has lagged in research, studies have shown that PWID find injectable and long-acting options acceptable and preferrable, including among women who inject drugs. While new PrEP products introduce new opportunities, equity in access must be assured for optimized impact toward achieving epidemic control. Programming for services must engage and empower PWID community leadership to address the structural barriers to services, implement community-led, differentiated, and integrated service modalities, and offer the choice of all harm reduction options to close the equity gaps in health outcomes. While waiting for necessary evidence and approvals, programs should work together with the PWID community to prioritize, expand, and facilitate efforts and investments toward increased access to and integration of PrEP and all recommended harm reduction services for PWID.

Reduction of the risk of biliary lithiasis caused by various weight reduction options in obesity

At present obesity is a major public health challenge globally, which accounts for a significant portion of all healthcare costs. Obesity and its complications, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, have been identified as independent risk factors for cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis is mainly caused by four factors: bile cholesterol overload caused by excess cholesterol made in the liver due to genetic factors; systolic dysfunction of the gallbladder wall; bowel dysfunction with excess absorption of cholesterol or cholesterol overload caused by impaired hepatic bile circulation; and accelerated growth of cholesterol crystals and solid cholesterol crystals. Rapid weight loss (≥1.5 kg/week) due to low-calorie diets as the main treatment method, or after bariatric surgery is one of the risk factors for gallstone formation. Bariatric surgery is effective for the treatment of obesity and its complications, but bariatric surgery does not reduce the incidence of cholelithiasis. On the contrary, many studies showed that bariatric surgery may increase the incidence of cholelithiasis. The rapid weight loss causes fat mobilization and then increases serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. On the other hand, bowel dysfunction due to bariatric surgery is accompanied by decreased cholecystokinin levels, causing impaired gallbladder contractility. Cholelithiasis requires close attention after bariatric surgery, with 10% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery having to undergo cholecystectomy postoperatively due to a high risk of cholelithiasis. UDCA is a natural bile acid that is prescribed to be taken orally (by mouth). UDCA inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the bowel, enhances the biosynthesis of bile acids, and reduces biliary cholesterol secretion. UDCA is a choleretic agent, as all bile acids, but differs from other dihydroxy bile acids in being non-cytotoxic. The use of UDCA while following a low-calorie diet and after bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of gallstone formation and cholecystectomy with associated complications.

CO2 sequestration by indirect mineral carbonation of serpentine with (NH4)2SO4 as a recyclable extractant

Mineral carbonation with serpentine can offer a sustainable and safe process option for simultaneous CO2 emission reduction and utilization of nature mineral. In this study, a sustainable process for CO2 mineral sequestration was proposed by using serpentine and ammonium sulfate as feedstocks. The mixture of feedstocks was subjected to roasting with temperature ranging from 390°C to 480°C, converting magnesium into the corresponding sulfate. Then, water leaching was employed to dissolve the magnesium sulfate from the roasted samples. Finally, through a mineralization reaction, the corresponding magnesium bicarbonate was generated after sequestrating CO2. Under the optimal roasting-leaching conditions, i.e. roasting temperature of 420ºC, roasting time of 2 hours, and mass ratio of ammonium sulfate/serpentine of 3; leaching temperature of 80ºC, leaching time of 1 hour, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 1, the magnesium extraction efficiency reached 76 %. Thermodynamics and experimental results demonstrated that during the sulfation roasting process, the products generated during roasting, magnesium sulfate and silicon dioxide, adhered to the surface of the serpentine, thus inhibiting the mass transfer process and impeding the progress of the reaction. However, the liquid-solid reaction facilitated by molten ammonium sulfate and the gas-solid reaction provided by the decomposition of ammonium salts into SO2 played a promoting role in the sulfation roasting reaction. The carbonation of sulfated serpentine results indicated that the optimal CO2 storage capacity can reach 204 kg/t serpentine.

Comment on ‘An examination of the ability of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) to mitigate nitrogen leaching from pasture systems’

ABSTRACT In their review: An examination of the ability of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) to mitigate nitrogen leaching from pasture systems, Eady et al. (2024) dispute both the historic estimates of typical urine patch nitrogen (N) load and leaching and the evidence for the N leaching reduction mechanisms of plantain; and question the recommended levels of plantain required to achieve N leaching reduction. We reject the suggestion that the urine patch has little influence on N leaching, and that average annual N leaching from dairy farms is 6 kg N/ha. We agree that the low dry matter content of plantain is the dominant and best documented effect of plantain on urine N dilution. We reject that there is no evidence for the effect of plantain on nitrogen partitioning to urine, and on potential nitrification rate in the urine patch. We point to empirical evidence of statistically significant reductions in nitrate leaching from plantain at paddock scale, at levels as low as 21% plantain of dry matter eaten. Current research will improve understanding of the mechanisms and magnitude of the effect of plantain on N loss, paving the way for recognition of other forage-based N loss reduction options, and ongoing development of mechanistic models that are adaptable to other forages.

Lung Tensioning Device Coil Treatment in Patients with Severe Emphysema: A Prospective Safety and Feasibility Trial (EFFORT)

Introduction: Currently, there is a lack of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction options that do not depend on fissure integrity. Endobronchial coils have been extensively studied to address this need but exhibited variable patient response and have been discontinued. Lung tension device (LTD) coils represent the next-generation coil treatment. This study aimed to evaluate safety, feasibility, and efficacy of LTD-coil treatment. Methods: Patients with advanced emphysema and hyperinflation were enrolled at two European sites. LTD-coils (Free Flow Medical, Fremont, CA, USA) were implanted in the two most destructed lobes, as determined by quantitative CT analysis, in two separate procedures. The primary endpoint was 3-month follow-up after the last treatment. Results: Fourteen patients (50% male, median age 64 years, FEV1 23%predicted, RV 249%predicted) received LTD-coil treatment: 12 received bilateral and 2 unilateral treatment. Six serious respiratory adverse events occurred within the initial 3 months posttreatment, including one device-associated death. Treatment significantly reduced in- and expiratory volume of the treated lobes (−410 [−710, −340], p = 0.004 and −650 [−730, −190] mL, p < 0.001, respectively) and improved quality of life (SGRQ total score −4.6 [−21.0, −2.6], p < 0.001). However, at a group level, no significant improvements in pulmonary function or 6-min walk distance were observed. Responder rates ranged from 18% to 54% for the different endpoints. Conclusion: This first-in-human study shows that the new LTD-coil procedure is feasible with a safety profile comparable to the previous coil treatment. While the treatment effectively reduced lobar volume and modestly improved quality of life up to 3 months’ follow-up, at a group level it did not significantly enhance pulmonary function or exercise capacity.

Insight into the efficient electrochemical reduction of nitrate employing Pd/Ru bimetallic doped copper foam cathode: Selectivity and reliability

Nitrate pollution threatens ecological environment and human health. Electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia using metal-doped modified cathode is a promising technique for nitrate removal. In this work, a bimetallic Ru/Pd-doped Cu foam (CF) electrode was developed for nitrate reduction using cation exchange method. Confirmed by various physio-chemical characterization, it was found that the Ru/Pd-Cu Spongy Copper Foam (SCF) was successfully prepared. In addition, nearly 100 % nitrate removal, 94.07 % NH3 selectivity, and 84.9 % Faradaic efficiency (FE) could be achieved, under the optimized conditions as 100 mg L−1 of initial NO3--N concentration, 0.3 mol L−1 of Na2SO4 as electrolyte and the applied current of 5.42 mA cm−2. Through electrochemical testing and DFT calculation, it was revealed that the bimetallic doping of Ru/Pd facilitate electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) by reducing the energy barriers of the NO3--to-NH3 pathway from 0.81 to 0.56 eV. Besides, the electrode showed excellent stability and anti-toxicity even after 10 repeated NO3RR cycles, since the NH3 yield rate and NH3 selectivity ranged from 0.206 to 0.231 mg h−1 cm−2, 87–96.87 % respectively. After NO3RR, an extended electrochemical oxidation process was implemented to remove ammonia, and nearly 100 % of NH3 was oxidized to N2 without byproducts. Thereby, this study provides a new option for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia via cathode modification, to achieve the substantial nitrate removal from nitrate-containing water.

The emission of off-road vehicles and their reduction options

Abstract The reduction of harmful emissions is a popular topic in both scientific and public circles. Contrary to popular belief, emissions from transport are only a small part of global emissions. As shown in the figure, the average of the EU 27 countries attributes only 15% of emissions from transport. From common perspective, vehicles with internal combustion, including diesel engines, will soon be replaced by alternative drivetrains. However at least at the commercial and off-road transportation, the diesel technology it is not so easy, and also the environmental reasons are questionable. Although the local emissions of electric vehicles are zero, their global emissions are, according to some research, more significant than their counterparts with internal combustion engines. The total electricity produced in the world in 2016 was about 25 PWh, two-thirds of which came from fossil energy carriers, which seriously damages the ecosystem, so it cannot be labelled as green energy.

Technology-driven carbon-neutral pathway analysis for Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants

Carbon-neutral pathways for China's wastewater sector is of great significance, but technical carbon reduction pathways for single wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) are not yet clear. This study develops a framework to design technology-driven carbon-neutral pathways at plant-level up to 2050 through four steps. Results shows that the average greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity was assessed at about 0.29 kgCO2eq/m3 from 2011 to 2021. Techno-economic analyses of various low-carbon technologies reveal Sharon-anammox as an effective option for carbon reduction. Additionally, the sensitivity of GHG reduction potential to changes in electricity emission factors highlights the importance of the power sector's clean energy transition. Scenario simulations suggest that approximately 39% of the carbon-neutral target by 2050 will require technological advancements, achievable with a 0.37 $/kgCO2eq investment. This study presents an analysis of the carbon-neutral pathways for a single WWTP system, providing insights into sustainable wastewater treatment practices.