Related Emissions Research Articles

Diversity of chemical compounds in lily fragrance and identification of key sensory markers

Lilies are economically significant crops, and their fragrance is a crucial trait for cut flowers. Different lily varieties exhibit a rich diversity of fragrance profiles. To identify chemical markers associated with sensory attributes, this study screened 36 popular cut lily varieties with varying fragrances. Sensory analysis and HS–SPME–GC–MS were used to evaluate their fragrance characteristics. The aroma intensity evaluation showed that OT and O varieties had stronger fragrances, while LA and L varieties had lower fragrance intensities. LO, L, and LA varieties were preferred by evaluators over O, OA, and OT varieties. However, there was no significant correlation between aroma intensity and hedonic tone. A total of 73 VOCs were detected. Methyl benzoate, β-myrcene, (E)-β-ocimene, allo-ocimene, ethyl benzoate, and (Z)-caryophyllene were present in the fragrances of most varieties. PCA and HCA analyses indicated that the relative emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could effectively distinguish the fragrance characteristics of LO, O, and OT varieties, while the proportion of VOCs emissions could differentiate LA, LO, and OT varieties. PLS regression and jackknife analyses identified that the relative emission and proportion of terpinolene, eugenol, and (E)-isoeugenol were positively correlated with aroma intensity. Linalool (proportion) and cyclopentene, 3-isopropenyl-5,5-dimethyl- were positively correlated with hedonic tone, while methyl salicylate (proportion) was negatively correlated with hedonic tone. These findings provide potential chemical markers for the efficient evaluation of cut lily fragrances and offer references for selecting raw materials for lily fragrance oils and hydrosols.

PICZL : Image-based photometric redshifts for AGN

Computing reliable photometric redshifts (photo-z) for active galactic nuclei (AGN) is a challenging task, primarily due to the complex interplay between the unresolved relative emissions associated with the supermassive black hole and its host galaxy. Spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting methods, while effective for galaxies and AGN in pencil-beam surveys, face limitations in wide or all-sky surveys with fewer bands available, lacking the ability to accurately capture the AGN contribution to the SED, hindering reliable redshift estimation. This limitation is affecting the many tens of millions of AGN detected in existing datasets, such as those AGN clearly singled out and identified by SRG/eROSITA. Our goal is to enhance photometric redshift performance for AGN in all-sky surveys while simultaneously simplifying the approach by avoiding the need to merge multiple data sets. Instead, we employ readily available data products from the 10th Data Release of the Imaging Legacy Survey for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, which covers > 20,000 deg of extragalactic sky with deep imaging and catalog-based photometry in the grizW1-W4 bands. We fully utilize the spatial flux distribution in the vicinity of each source to produce reliable photo-z. We introduce PICZL a machine-learning algorithm leveraging an ensemble of convolutional neural networks. Utilizing a cross-channel approach, the algorithm integrates distinct SED features from images with those obtained from catalog-level data. Full probability distributions are achieved via the integration of Gaussian mixture models. On a validation sample of 8098 AGN PICZL achieves an accuracy $ NMAD $ of 4.5<!PCT!> with an outlier fraction eta of 5.6<!PCT!>. These results significantly outperform previous attempts to compute accurate photo-z for AGN using machine learning. We highlight that the model's performance depends on many variables, predominantly the depth of the data and associated photometric error. A thorough evaluation of these dependencies is presented in the paper. Our streamlined methodology maintains consistent performance across the entire survey area, when accounting for differing data quality. The same approach can be adopted for future deep photometric surveys such as LSST and Euclid, showcasing its potential for wide-scale realization. With this paper, we release updated photo-z (including errors) for the XMM-SERVS W-CDF-S, ELAIS-S1 and LSS fields.

Energy Use and Carbon Footprint Assessment in Retrofitting a Novel Energy Saving Device to a Ship

The Gate rudder system (GRS) was recently introduced as an innovative energy-saving device (ESD) for ships, and it is the most attractive ESD currently used in the market, with double figures of fuel savings in full-scale (>10–35%) compared with a ship with a conventional rudder system (CRS). Although there are few new ship applications of GRS, the recently completed EC-H2020 GATERS project successfully demonstrated its unique energy-saving and manoeuvrability benefits as a “retrofit” solution for an existing general cargo vessel for the first time. The project results suggested that the GRS holds significant potential for retrofitting existing ships to enhance fuel efficiency (~35%) and improve manoeuvrability. Nevertheless, the application was a comprehensive undertaking requiring various work tasks such as component manufacturing, removing existing systems, and modification and upgrading works, with substantial energy consumption and environmental impacts. Therefore, it was insightful to study energy use and environmental impacts in a GRS retrofit process. This study developed and implemented a comprehensive energy consumption and carbon footprint assessment framework for the GRS retrofit in the GATERS project. A detailed assessment of energy consumption and related carbon emissions was performed during the major stages of manufacturing, system removals, and modifications and assembly in the GRS retrofit. Also, the potential savings in energy use and emissions were addressed. The results demonstrated that the manufacturing stage was the most energy-intensive phase, being responsible for 91.4% of total electricity and 46.7% of fuel-based thermal energy use. The system removals accounted for 53.3% of the fuel-based thermal energy, whereas the modification and assembly work accounted for about 7.7% of the total electricity use. Additionally, various measures such as clean electrification, energy efficiency, mould/tool reuse, and component reuse to reduce the energy consumption and related carbon emissions in future GRS retrofit applications were addressed and discussed together with their reduction potentials.

Histochemical and molecular analyses reveal an insight into the scent volatiles synthesis and emission in ephemeral flowers of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack.

Temporal histolocalization of floral volatiles in the petal epidermis of Murraya paniculata was found to be linked with the coordinated expression of candidate genes and successive accumulation of an internal pool of volatiles. Murraya paniculata (Rutaceae) is known for its highly fragrant ephemeral flowers that emit volatiles to attract nocturnal pollinators. To unfold the patterns of volatile emission in relation to floral life-span, we studied time-course accumulation and emission rate of scent volatiles at six timepoints of floral maturation, at an interval of 4h starting from the bud stage to the senescence stage on the next day. This study revealed the maximum emission rate of scent volatiles at the anthesis stage at 18:00h. This finding correlates well with the maximum accumulation of volatiles in the internal pool of the flowers at this stage. The key volatiles detected in both emitted and internal pools were benzaldehyde, benzeneacetaldehyde, linalool, caryophyllene, germacrene-D and α-farnesene. In addition, the internal pool also contained substantial amounts of indole, scopoletin, caffeine and osthole. To histochemically localize the temporal accumulation of major volatile groups in the epidermal cells, petal cross sections were stained with NaDi and ferric chloride to visualize terpenes and phenolics, respectively, under light microscope. Histolocalization studies showed a higher accumulation of terpenes at 14:00h and 18:00h, which subsequently was reduced as senescence approached. Significant phenolics in the abaxial and adaxial layers of the petal epidermis accumulated at 18:00h and at the early senescence (06:00h) stages. Furthermore, temporal localization of active shikimate dehydrogenase (SKDH) protein through in-gel activity assay demonstrated higher enzymatic activities at anthesis (18:00h) and fully bloomed (02:00h) stages, supporting the findings of higher accumulation of phenolic volatiles at 18:00h and 06:00h stages. Expression analysis of major candidate genes of floral scent volatiles pathway supported the hypothesis that the emission rate of floral fragrance reached its maximum at the anthesis (18:00h) stage. In contrast, biosynthesis of scent compounds started at the bud (14:00h) stage itself as indicated by the RT-PCR semi-quantitative estimation. As flowers of M. paniculata attract multiple pollinator species, this study could also serve as a springboard for pollination biology in Rutaceae, which includes important fruit crops.

Sol-Gel Pt-VO2 Films as Selective Chemoresistive and Optical H2 Gas Sensors.

In this work, VO2 (M1/R) thin films were exploited as H2 gas sensors. A flat film morphology, obtained by furnace annealing, was compared with a laser-induced nanostructured one. The combination of the environmentally friendly sol-gel approach with the ultrafast laser crystallization allows for significant reductions in energy consumption and related emissions during the fabrication of VO2 sensors. By decorating the sensors' surface with Pt nanoparticles (NPs), the sensor response was enhanced exploiting the hydrogen spillover effect. The Pt/VO2 sensors, tested at operating temperatures between 20 and 200 °C and for concentration of H2 from few ppm to 50000 ppm, offered a dual chemoresistive and optical sensing mode. Low operating temperatures of 150 °C were achieved, along with a detection limit as low as 2 ppm and a perfect baseline recovery. Both sensors guaranteed specific selectivity toward H2, without response to NO2 or humidity, and long-term stability over 500 h. The H2 sensing mechanism, for both the monoclinic and rutile VO2 phases, was investigated through in operando X-ray Diffraction and in situ X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy tests. The interaction was found to be based on the reversible formation of HxVO2 bronze, along with the reversible variations in the oxidation state of V.

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ЕЛЕКТРОСПОЖИВАННЯ НА ГІРНИЧОРУДНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВАХ З УРАХУВАННЯМ ВИКИДІВ

The question of the efficiency of electricity consumption arises acutely at mining enterprises, since in modern conditions the extraction of minerals is largely determined by increased electricity consumption. Therefore, the value of the power consumption fluctuation indicator, which is not taken into account at such enterprises, should naturally be considered as emissions that lead to additional economic losses, that is, to a decrease in the efficien-cy of power consumption. Given that electricity consumption at mining enterprises is usually higher than the specified level, it is advisable to study the corresponding efficiency in the paradigm of the theory of random processes with the determination of emissions. The essence of the problems related to the study of electricity consumption involves the expediency of determining both the actual values of the relevant indicators and some of their normative values. To evaluate electricity consumption by industrial enterprises in general and mining enterprises separately, the "energy efficiency index" is used, which evaluates the loss of energy reserves. The indicator of energy efficiency can be measured through a coefficient, as a ratio of output results to input re-sources, or through the volume of production, its range. The purpose of the article is a statistical analysis of the efficiency of electricity consumption at mining enterprises, taking into account emissions. The research method-ology involves the use of mathematical methods, in particular the theory of probabilities, statistical methods. The content consists in the defined values of the intersection of indicators of electricity consumption by mining en-terprises corresponding to the given (planned) level. Emissions that disrupt the uninterrupted operation of the enterprise are analyzed in order to make appropriate management decisions. The scientific novelty consists in the application of statistical methods in the study of emissions in relation to electricity consumption as a random process. The practical value is in ensuring the possibility of increasing the efficiency of electricity consumption at mining enterprises based on the processing of the values of emission indicators.

Reconstructing the Surface of K2SiF6:Mn4+ Phosphors toward Enhanced Moisture Resistance for White LED Applications.

The K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KSFM) phosphor featuring efficient ultranarrow red emissions is an outstanding candidate for white light-emitting diode (WLED) applications. However, poor moisture resistance seriously affects its application performance. In this study, a two-step surface reconstruction strategy is proposed to dramatically enhance the moisture resistance of commercially available KSFM phosphors, involving treatment with H2NbF7 and subsequent hydrothermal treatment. The modified KSFM phosphor exhibits a high internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 98.9% after the two-step surface treatment. Meanwhile, nearly 100% of the initial emission intensity is retained for the modified KSFM phosphor even after aging in high temperature (85 °C) and high relative humidity (85% RH) environments for 6 days, in sharp contrast to only 18.6% retention for the original KSFM phosphor. The relative emission intensity of the modified KSFM remains at 98.9% even after being immersed in water for 6 h. Additionally, the phosphor-converted LED fabricated with the modified KSFM phosphor demonstrated excellent long-term stability, retaining up to 97.9% of initial luminous efficacy after aging under 85 °C and 85% RH conditions for 500 h. The moisture-resistance mechanism is elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis as well as structural and compositional characterization of the phosphor surface layer, which can be attributed to the formation of a robust Mn4+-rare shell with high crystalline quality following this two-step surface treatment. The findings contribute to the performance improvements of KSFM phosphors for industrial applications.

Income moderates the nonlinear influence of built environment attributes on travel-related carbon emissions

Policymakers have adopted built environment policies to modify people's travel behavior and the related emissions. However, few studies have examined the interactive impact between income level and built environment attributes on travel-related carbon emissions (TCE), and only several studies consider their nonlinear relationships. With data from the Twin Cities, US, this study estimated the nonlinear effects of built environment attributes and demographics on TCE. It further examined the interactive impacts between household income and built environment attributes. The findings highlight that demographics exert a greater influence on TCE than the built environment. Employment status, job accessibility, and gender are the most important predictors. Besides individual nonlinear relationships, household income and built environment attributes have salient interactive impacts on TCE. The results suggest that providing environment friendly and affordable transportation choices to low-income population, switching to clean energy vehicles, and offering more matched job opportunities to low-income population near their residence are promising to create a sustainable transportation system.

A hybrid renewable energy system for Hassi Messaoud region of Algeria: modeling and optimal sizing

The growing global energy demand and the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions have driven the exploration of sustainable and efficient energy solutions. In Algeria, where the energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, integrating renewable energy systems is essential for enhancing energy security and reducing environmental impacts. This study focuses on optimizing a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for off-grid applications in the Hassi Messaoud region of Algeria to balance technical performance, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.A hybrid system consisting of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), fuel cells (FC), and diesel generators (DG) was modeled and optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA). The optimization process aims to minimize the annual cost of the system while ensuring high reliability, as measured by the loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and maximizing the use of renewable energy. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach was also implemented for comparison, highlighting the advantages of the GA in terms of cost distribution and system reliability. The optimized HRES demonstrated that renewable sources (PV and WT) provided 77% of the total energy demand, with an overall system cost of 0.18080$×kWh−1, significantly lower than recent studies, which reported costs between $0.213 and 0.609$×kWh−1. FCs contributed 14% to the load, whereas DGs were limited to 8% to minimize emissions, resulting in annual CO2 emissions of 10,865 kg and a relative emission rate of 3.608 gCO2eq×kWh−1. Economic analysis showed that DGs and FCs accounted for 44% and 24% of the annual cost, respectively, highlighting the impact of backup systems in ensuring reliability.Sensitivity analysis under varying load demands and renewable energy availability confirmed the robustness of the system, and the GA approach was found to be more effective than PSO in maintaining cost efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the social analysis highlighted a renewable fraction (RF) of 91.5%, emphasizing the contribution of the system to sustainable energy practices. These findings validate GA-based optimization as a superior method for designing cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally sustainable HRES, offering significant potential to reduce fossil fuel dependency in industrial applications. These results not only support the broader adoption of renewable energy systems in similar regions but also contribute valuable insights for future research and policy development in the field of energy sustainability.

Dual-dielectric Fabry-Perot film for visible-infrared compatible stealth and radiative heat dissipation

Multiband camouflage of space satellite to against advanced detection has attracted rising attention. However, the combination of compatible camouflage and radiative heat dissipation for space satellite still remains challenging, which requires low visibility and selective thermal emission in a dark and deep cold background. In this work, a dual dielectric Ge/SiO2 layer embedded Fabry-Perot multilayer film (W/Ge/SiO2/W/SiO2) is proposed for space stealth and heat dissipation. Ge and SiO2 films with appropriate thickness are designed to realize high visible absorption and spectra selective IR emission, simultaneously. The optimized multilayer film achieves a high absorbance (α = 0.983) in visible light (0.38–0.80 μm) for visible stealth, low emissivity (ε3–5 μm = 0.038; ε8–14 μm = 0.200) in atmospheric windows for infrared stealth, and relative high emissivity outside the atmospheric windows (ε5–8 μm = 0.487) for radiative heat dissipation. The simulation results indicate that the coupling of tunneling effect in ultrathin metallic W film and Fabry-Perot resonant is the main contribution to the excellent absorptivity and emissivity tunability. The proposed dual spacers embedded Fabry-Perot multilayer film paves a new way for multispectral camouflage of space satellite and other applications such as solar-thermal conversion, thermal management, energy saving, and detective technologies.

Characteristics of the Aeolian Sediments Transported Above a Gobi Surface

AbstractGobi’s (gravel deserts) are one of the largest dust sources in northern China. Previous studies indicated that sand transport processes above the surface differed between Gobi and sand surfaces. However, the sand transport rate and related dust emission processes above Gobi (gravel) surfaces are still poorly understood. In this field study, we quantified this transport to provide important support for parameterizing Aeolian sediment transport models and clarifying the relationship between dust emission and transport. Threshold wind velocity can reach 0.38 ± 0.04 (mean ± SD) m s−1 above Gobi surfaces. Compared to the most commonly used sand‐transport models, we found that the Lettau and Lettau sediment transport model can be used to calculate horizontal sediment transport above a Gobi surface. The relationship between the vertical sediment transport (Fs) and shear velocity could be expressed using a power function. Although the horizontal sand transport and vertical flux (Q and Fs, respectively) above Gobi surfaces can be expressed similarly to previous results (i.e., using similar equation forms), the equation coefficients were much larger for the Gobi surface than for a shifting sand surface; that is, sediment transport was higher above the Gobi surface. This difference resulted from the larger sand transport rate and saltation height above the Gobi surface, and the larger transport and higher saltation height were related to the larger sand transport height and higher content of coarse sand transported above the Gobi surface.

High-energy insights from an escaping coronal mass ejection with Solar Orbiter/STIX observations

Solar eruptive events, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are typically characterised by energetically significant X-ray emissions from flare-accelerated electrons and hot thermal plasmas. However, the intense brightness of solar flares often overshadows high-coronal X-ray emissions from the associated eruptions due to the limited dynamic range of current instrumentation. Occulted events, where the main flare is blocked by the solar limb, provide an opportunity to observe and analyse the X-ray emissions specifically associated with CMEs. This study investigates the X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emissions associated with a large filament eruption and CME that occurred on February 15, 2022. This event was highly occulted from the three vantage points of Solar Orbiter (sim 45$^ circ $ behind the limb), Solar–TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO-A), and Earth. We utilised X-ray observations from the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) and EUV observations from the Full Sun Imager (FSI) of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) on board Solar Orbiter, supplemented by multi-viewpoint observations from STEREO-A/Extreme-UltraViolet Imager (EUVI). This enabled a comprehensive analysis of the X-ray emissions in relation to the filament structure observed in the EUV. We used STIX's imaging and spectroscopy capabilities to characterise the X-ray source associated with the eruption. Our analysis reveals that the X-ray emissions associated with the occulted eruption originate from an altitude exceeding 0.3 \(R_ above the main flare site. The X-ray time profile shows a sharp increase and exponential decay, and consists of both a hot thermal component at 17pm 2 MK and non-thermal emissions ($>11.4 keV) characterised by an electron spectral index of 3.9pm 0.2. Imaging analysis shows an extended X-ray source that coincides with the EUV emission as observed from EUI, and was imaged until the source grew to a size exceeding the STIX imaging limit (180 arcsec). Filament eruptions and associated CMEs have hot and non-thermal components, and the associated X-ray emissions are energetically significant. Our findings demonstrate that STIX combined with EUI provides a unique and powerful tool for examining the energetic properties of the CME component of solar energetic eruptions. Multi-viewpoint and multi-instrument observations are crucial for revealing such energetically significant sources in solar eruptions that might otherwise remain obscured.

Complacency in the quantification and reporting of climate impacts as carbon dioxide equivalent emissions

PurposeThe choice of characterization model has the potential to profoundly influence LCA results and conclusions. It is therefore a requirement of ISO 14044:2006 that the selection of characterization model shall be both justified and consistent with goal and scope. The purpose of this article was to examine current practices regarding the characterization of GHG emissions and reporting as CO2 equivalent emissions.MethodsA survey of practice was conducted across articles recently published in the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. Each article was examined using seven predetermined questions covering reporting of CO2 equivalent emissions and justification of climate metric used, interpretation of results in relation to climate measures or goals, and the implications of choosing an alternative climate metric.Results and discussionOf the sample of 85 articles, more than half reported GHG emissions as CO2 equivalent emissions. Of these, 81% unambiguously reported the climate metric used. Most often, there was no justification for the choice of a characterization model. Where a justification was given, the most common reason was alignment with the requirements of a program or PCR document. In some cases, the choice of characterization model was determined by the choice of impact assessment method (e.g., CML, ReCiPe). In other cases, the choice of characterization model was based on the desire to compare results to other studies. It is noted that none of the abovementioned reasons is scientific justification related to a stated climate objective. Not surprisingly, most studies made no attempt to interpret results reported as CO2 equivalent emissions in relation to climate measures or goals, and most did not discuss the potential implications of alternative climate metrics. For almost half of the articles, the choice of climate metric was assessed as potentially having major implications for decision-making or comparison to alternative systems.ConclusionsBased on this survey, it is evident that key aspects of ISO 14044:2006 are routinely not being followed. When GHG emissions are aggregated into a single impact category indicator result, there is a loss of transparency about climate impacts over time and the potential to unknowingly trade short-term climate benefits against the exacerbation of the difficulties of achieving long-term climate stabilization. As such, whenever GHG emissions are reported as CO2 equivalent emissions, it is imperative that the choice of characterization model is unambiguously reported and justified, that results are interpreted in relation to environmental outcomes, and that the potential implications of selecting alternative models are discussed.Graphical

Convergence of CO2 emissions among the selected countries on the Silk Road: evidence from nonlinear panel unit root tests.

This study analyzes the convergence of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by examining the stationarity of the relative per capita CO2 emissions of 18 selected countries on the Silk Road for the period 1990-2020. To examine the stationarity of relative per capita CO2 emissions for those 18 countries, we applied a large battery the newly proposed nonlinear panel unit root tests that allow for several forms of state-dependent and time-dependent nonlinearities. We also applied conventional linear panel unit root tests. The linear and nonlinear panel unit root tests account for cross-country dependencies, and the SPSM procedure is applied to these tests in order to see how many countries in the panel sample are converging to the steady state. The test results of linear and nonlinear panel unit root test reveal that the relative per-capita CO2 emissions of 10 out of 18 countries are stationary meaning that the CO2 emissions of these 10 countries converge to the steady-state level over time. Especially, size and sign nonlinearities better capture the convergence dynamics of per capita CO2 emissions towards the steady-state level for seven countries.As we have foundthat 56% of countries' per capita CO2 emissions are converging, this result has important policy implications.

In Situ, Parallel Monitoring of Relative Temperature, Material Emission, and Laser Reflection in Powder-Blown Directed Energy Deposition

In Situ, Parallel Monitoring of Relative Temperature, Material Emission, and Laser Reflection in Powder-Blown Directed Energy Deposition

Fluorometric Detection of Five Nitrogen-Based Pharmaceuticals Based on Ion-Pairing Association with EY: DFT Calculations

Fluorometric method for detecting of five nitrogen-based drugs concentration based on inhibition of emission Eosin Y (EY). The selection of N-drugs comprised indapamide (INDP), clomipramine hydrochloride (CMI), promethazine hydrochloride (PMH), lisinopril (LSP), and trifluoperazine hydrochloride (TFPH). The Stern–Volmer style was plotted between relative emissions of EY vs. N-drugs concentration. The standard curves were linear over the concentration range of 5–50 µg mL−1 with R2 > 0.9, and the LOD for INDP, CMI, PMH, LSP, and TFPH were 2.07, 1.36, 3.02, 3.52, and 2.09 µmol·L−1, respectively. The binding constant Kapp for LSP was greater than other N-drugs. Furthermore, the suggested method was hence applied for the routine detection of the concentration of N-drugs in bulk and tablet or syrup dosage forms. FTIR analysis and the electron-mapping density provided the chemical affinity of N-drugs towards EY.

Development of green manufacturing implementation framework based on life-cycle assessment

Climate change stabilization at 1.5 to 2 °C requires a shift in paradigm of industries to transition to low carbon industries. The way forward to decarbonize industries is green manufacturing, as the environmental facet of manufacturing has often been compromised for the sake of economic gains. In order to implicate green manufacturing, it is incumbent upon manufacturing facilities to introduce such measures which ensure that carbon footprint and environmentally detrimental emissions are minimized. In this context, Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) is an excellent tool to record, analyze and critically review the environmental impact of a process. In order to investigate the environmental hotspots, the authors have performed LCA of an auto-parts manufacturing industry in Pakistan by using a unique gate-to-gate approach. ReCiPe Midpoint impact assessment method was utilized to investigate the effects of manufacturing and transportation related emissions of the monthly produce on climate change, fossil depletion, ionizing radiation and human toxicity. Furthermore, the authors discuss three scenarios, which include current state, optimized future state and an energy mix involving hydropower and photovoltaic generation. The results helped in developing a comprehensive framework for green manufacturing which suggests that the prerequisite of a green manufacturing process is an optimized process flow, which significantly reduces the environmental emissions up to 24%. Moreover, the use of photovoltaic cells results in 54% reduction, thus indicating that conventional hydropower systems in developing countries should be mixed with solar power to reduce the environmental burden. A detailed green manufacturing framework based on LCA is proposed by the authors to enhance the functionality and to improvise the carbon burden of the manufacturing sector of Pakistan.

THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DIGITALISATION AS A BASIS FOR A GREEN-DIGITAL TRANSITION TO A CLIMATE-NEUTRAL ECONOMY

The article presents a conceptual framework for understanding sustainable digitalisation as a primary driver of the green-digital transition towards climate neutrality of the global economy. This article analyses the interaction between digital technologies and decarbonisation goals, focusing on the opportunities and risks that arise in the process of digital transformation. The author presents a summary of the barriers to the green-digital transition on the global path to zero emissions, including the digital divide, uneven access to technology and innovation, carbon intensity of ICT, unclear regulation and imbalance of international policies. The author proposes a three-stage model of harmonisation of digital and green transitions, which contributes to the achievement of climate neutrality of the global economy. The model comprises the following components: international consensus and synchronisation; sustainable digitalisation in bridging the gaps; systematic and targeted innovation. The author underscores the necessity of incorporating sustainable tenets into the digitalisation process, considering both the technical and social, economic and environmental facets. The author identifies the following principles of sustainable digitalisation: the reduction of ICT energy consumption and related carbon emissions; the optimisation of the material and technical base for the functioning of digital infrastructure; the reduction of e-waste through the introduction of circular practices; the integration of sustainable digital technologies into business models; the combating of disinformation; the protection of human rights and the ensuring of environmental justice. Furthermore, the article identifies the key innovations needed to achieve climate neutrality in the short and long term

Research on the influence of different pyramid array structures on plane blackbody emissivity

The plane blackbody radiation source is pivotal to the infrared remote sensing detection system, with emissivity serving as a critical metric for its performance evaluation. This metric is predominantly influenced by the surface structure and coating properties. To improve emissivity, existing works have utilized pyramid structures to expand the contact area between the radiation surface and light, thereby augmenting light absorption. Nonetheless, there is relatively little research exploring the impact of pyramid structure on emissivity, leading to a scarcity of related emissivity data for plane blackbody. In this paper, we explored the impact on the blackbody emissivity induced by different pyramid structures, including the triangular pyramid array (TPA), the quadrangular pyramid array (QPA), the pentagonal pyramid array (PPA), and the hexagonal pyramid array (HPA). Also, the effects involving coating properties, the base-height ratio of the pyramid, and reflection characteristics on emissivity were investigated based on the Monte Carlo Method. Then, the specimens with diffuse reflection (DR) and near-specular reflection (NSR) were fabricated and tested experimentally. The uncertainties of simulation and experiment were maintained below 0.21 % and 0.50 %, respectively. Experimental results are well aligned with the corresponding simulation results, indicating that the normal emissivity of the TPA blackbody is 0.12 % higher than the QPA blackbody, and the directional emissivity uniform of the TPA blackbody is superior to that of the QPA blackbody for the DR model in the 8–14 μm waveband. Furthermore, the temperature field distributions of radiation surface for TPA and QPA blackbody were analysed, noting a maximum temperature difference of 50 mK and 30 mK, respectively. This paper provides experimental support and design references for further improving the emissivity of plane blackbodies.

Materials Carbon Budget in Road Projects: A Case Study from The Greater Oslo Region

The estimation of carbon dioxide emissions in relation to the life cycle of road pavements is pivotal to quantify their sustainability at the design stage. This preliminary study assesses the carbon budgets concerning the production of aggregates and asphalt to build a new roadway stretch located close to Oslo (Norway), leveraging digital tools and environmental product declarations. First, the software Trimble Novapoint estimates the necessary quantity take-offs. Afterwards, the amounts of CO2 generated during the production of the construction materials are appraised for the four main industries operating nearby. The results based on the corresponding environmental product declarations indicate that the carbon budgets show very small discrepancies among the considered suppliers.