Stages Of Production Research Articles

Variation in labor skills and offshoring across time zones

AbstractWe check the role of time‐zone difference on offshoring of service tasks when the skill of labors varies between the partner countries. We frame a model where partner countries are located in non‐overlapping time zones, and the skill level of the partner‐country labors is lower. In our model, service production is divided into two sequential stages, and output is a supermodular function of the skill of labors and time. The problem of the producers is to choose between domestic production and offshoring. Domestic production employs high‐skill labors though the time management is inefficient. On the other hand, offshoring to a non‐overlapping time zone helps to work round the clock and reduce the cost, but the lower expertise of skilled labor lowers the output. In such a framework, we check conditions for beneficial offshoring. The condition derived in our analysis provides combinations of skill and time that can make offshoring beneficial. Results show that offshoring across time zones is beneficial even when the complexity of stages of production vary. However, only the relatively less‐critical task is offshored. We further find that availability of domestic low‐skill labor does not benefit the firm, while foreign low‐skill labor may be beneficially utilized through time‐zone exploitation.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ВАЛИДАЦИОННЫХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК МЕТОДИК ИСПЫТАНИЯ НА ПОДЛИННОСТЬ И КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННОГО ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ АЦИЗОЛА В СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОМ ГЕЛЕ

In the quality assurance system for medicinal products, an important role is played by the procedure for validation of analytical methods at the stages of development, testing, technology and serial production. The need for validation at the stage of drug development is due to the fact that it is possible to promptly identify the shortcomings of the method and significantly improve it. The purpose of this study is to validate methods for testing «The authenticity» and «Quantitative determination» of acyzole in dental gel. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, an active pharmaceutical substance of pharmacopoeial quality was used. When developing methods for testing for “Authenticity,” a reaction with oxalic acid to the zinc cation determined in the composition of acyzole was used. For the quantitative determination of acyzole, the complexometric method was used. The objects of the study were three series of gel samples. Results and discussion. As a result of the research, a method for testing «Authenticity» was developed; it was found that the proposed method is characterized by a negative analytical signal on model mixtures free of the analyte component and placebo, and a positive analytical signal on model mixtures of various compositions containing the analyte component. The validation characteristics of methods for the quantitative determination of acyzole in the gel were studied. positive results were obtained. The proposed methods can be used for inclusion in the regulatory documentation for the developed gel. Conclusion. When assessing the validation characteristics of the proposed methods, it was established that the methods for testing the «Authenticity» and «Quantitative determination» of acyzole in the gel are specific, the methods of quantitative determination are characterized by accuracy and repeatability, a linear dependence in the analytical range of ±20% of the declared amount of acyzole, which allows them to be used for a reliable assessment quality of the developed dental gel.

Tracking social-economic system nitrogen flow in China for emissions reduction and efficiency improvement

The increasing human demand have driven intensive reactive nitrogen (Nr) use, leading to high emissions and low efficiency in entire social-economic system. Herein, we accomplished a social-economic Nr flow model to trace the multi-sectorial Nr use, efficiency, and emissions in China from 1980 to 2020. The results showed that Nr use intensity increased 3.1-fold within four decades, with the decreasing proportions of Nr recovery from 32.7 % to 16.8 %. The Nr use pathways of production, consumption and waste management stages showed low resources use efficiency in agriculture and industrial production, high degree of consumption loss, insufficient waste treatment characteristics currently. Nr emissions peaked in 2012 and declined 12.7 % to 2020 owing to the nitrogen oxides control and mitigating overuse of fertilizers, and will continuously decrease under strategies in 2040 (41.7 % compared with 2012), indicating the large potential for emission reduction and efficiency improvement in next few decades.

Quality Inspection and Problem Analysis of Satellite Image Data in Land Use Survey

Abstract. In order to improve the data quality of land use remote sensing monitoring images, this article introduces the process of generating satellite image data, elaborates on the content of satellite image data verification in land use remote sensing monitoring, and proposes quality issues and improvement measures for satellite image data. Taking the discovered satellite image data quality issues as an example, compared with quality inspection standards, it was found that the main problems in the results were projection parameter errors, image color distortion, image blurring, and position accuracy exceeding limits. It is recommended to check the above issues during the image production stage, analyze the reasons for exceeding the position accuracy limit, image distortion, and embossing, and provide relevant suggestions. Provided strong technical support for land use surveys.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND FUZZY SET THEORY: A BIBLIOMETRIC AND SYSTEMATIC REVIEW BASED ON INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES PERSPECTIVE

The Circular Economy (CE) is receiving more attention, especially in Industry 4.0 (I4.0). In the face of several ambiguous and uncertain information, fuzzy techniques based on Fuzzy Set Theory (FST) are essential for developing CE strategies. This paper uses bibliometric methods to analyze the characteristics of the authors, nations/regions, institutions of the literature of FST and CE, and the collaborations relations between them, and then summarize the literature on fuzzy techniques in the CE and identify the specific role that FST can play in each stage of CE, its primary effects on the CE’s pre-preparation stage, design and production stage, and recycling and reuse stage. Meanwhile, the paper explores the advantages of I4.0 technologies for CE and analyzes the research on the role of fuzzy techniques based on FST for CE and I4.0 technologies. Last but not least, this paper is concluded by summarizing the knowledge gained from the bibliometric and content analyses of the literature and suggesting further research directions of investigation. This research will draw attention to FST’s contribution and encourage its advancement in CE and I4.0 technologies.

Mitochondrial DNA Missense Mutations ChrMT: 8981A > G and ChrMT: 6268C > T Identified in a Caucasian Female with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Triggered by the Epstein–Barr Virus

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem disabling disease with unclear etiology and pathophysiology, whose typical symptoms include prolonged debilitating recovery from fatigue or postexertional malaise (PEM). Disrupted production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the intracellular energy that fuels cellular activity, is a cause for fatigue. Here, we present a long-term case of ME/CFS: a 75-year-old Caucasian female patient, whose symptoms of ME/CFS were clearly triggered by an acute infection of the Epstein–Barr virus 24 years ago (mononucleosis). Before then, the patient was a healthy professional woman. A recent DNA sequence analysis identified missense variants of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, including ATP6 (ChrMT: 8981A > G; Q152R) and Cox1 (ChrMT: 6268C > T; A122V). Protein subunits ATP6 and Cox1 are encoded by mitochondrial DNA outside of the nucleus: the Cox1 gene encodes subunit 1 of complex IV (CIV: cytochrome c oxidase) and the ATP6 gene encodes subunit A of complex V (CV: ATP synthase). CIV and CV are the last two of five essential enzymes that perform the mitochondrial electron transport respiratory chain reaction to generate ATP. Further analysis of the blood sample using transmission electron microscopy demonstrated abnormal, circulating, extracellular mitochondria. These results indicate that the patient had dysfunctional mitochondria, which may contribute directly to her major symptoms, including PEM and neurological and cognitive changes. Furthermore, the identified variants of ATP6 (ChrMT: 8981A > G; Q152R) and Cox1 (ChrMT: 6268C > T; A122V), functioning at a later stage of mitochondrial ATP production, may play a role in the abnormality of the patient’s mitochondria and the development of her ME/CFS symptoms.

Bridging the gap: integrating AR and VR production line training to enhance furniture carpentry students’ understanding of production processes

ABSTRACT Large-scale furniture production involves complex manufacturing processes and methods. However, Taiwanese schools face limitations in terms of space and equipment, restricting students from engaging in furniture prototype creation or small-batch production. As a result, students often struggle to grasp practical aspects of large-scale furniture production, leading to a partial understanding of manufacturing processes and methods. To bridge this gap, this study introduces Augmented Reality (AR) technology and miniaturized furniture production lines in a school’s woodshop. AR can be used to guide students through miniaturized production stages, emphasizing semi-automated furniture production features. Additionally, Virtual Reality (VR) technology is combined to provide an immersive experience of real-world, large-scale furniture production, allowing students to understand processing scenarios and conditions in facilities of other countries. In an experiment involving 30 first-year students, an experimental group (15 participants) received mixed AR and VR instruction, while a control group (15 participants) received traditional teaching methods. Findings reveal that AR and VR integration enhanced students’ comprehension of differences between the school workship and overseas large-scale furniture production facilities. This strategy improved their furniture production knowledge, and fostered adaptability to various production conditions and methods.

Mesoporous silica aerogels for sunflower oil refining and investigation of their adsorption performance

AbstractInvolving a succession of oil refining stages for edible oil production, a notable constraint lies in the necessity to employ diverse adsorbents at various steps within these processes. This study investigates the synthesis of mesoporous silica aerogels from rice husk ash, comparing their efficacy in physical sunflower oil refining with earth clay (Bentonite) and commercial silica (Trisyl). Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) impact during aging was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2 adsorption-desorption analyzer to examine alterations in the structure of silica aerogels. The surface areas of TEOS-doped silica aerogel (TSA) and non-TEOS-doped silica aerogel (NTSA) were 296.18 and 267.06 m²/g. Mesoporous silica aerogels were evaluated for their ability to reduce free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), phosphorus, and color pigments in sunflower oil. TSA and NTSA demonstrated significant FFA removal, with TSA at 3 wt.% achieving the highest performance of 32.2%. TSA also effectively reduced PV and phosphorus compared to NTSA, Bentonite and Trisyl, exhibiting performance similar to Bentonite in the bleaching process. TEOS-doped silica aerogels have shown promise as adsorbents for impurity removal in sunflower oil and has emerged as the potential adsorbent that can comprehensively and effectively meet the requirements of many edible oil physical refining applications in a singular step. Graphical Abstract

Dynamics of microbial ecology and their bio-preservative compounds formed during the panettones elaboration using sourdough-isolated strains as starter cultures

The present study evaluated the application of Limosilactobacillus fermentum IAL 4541 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus IAL 4533 isolated from sourdoughs and their combinations, for bio-conservative action in panettones, as well as to identify the antifungal volatile compounds. Samples from different fermentation steps were submitted to physicochemical and microbiological evaluation, as to know: sourdough after 48 h (A), 96 h (B), and 144 h (C); dough of the first fermentation (D); final dough after second fermentation (E), and baked panettone (F). In all treatments, lactic bacteria and yeast counts demonstrated a mechanism of proto-cooperation. Panettones containing L. fermentum or W. anomalus in their composition had longer shelf life, which indicates their effect as potential biopreservatives. The genetic sequencing data demonstrated the dominance of the Lactobacilli throughout the process, corroborating the data obtained by cultivable methods. A total of 59 volatile organic compounds were found in this study, and a hierarchical cluster analysis presented the separation between the production stages (C, E) and the most recurrent compounds in the final product (F). Of these compounds, the following stood out (n = 26): acids (7.7%), alcohols (23.1%), aldehydes and ketones (34.6%), and esters (34.6%). The treatments containing L. fermentum presented more diversity of volatile organic compounds with potential antifungal effect. There was a higher production of acetic (1.17–8.85 mmol/kg), phenyllactic (5–10.4 mmol/kg), and propionic (3.5–4.3 mmol/kg) acids in the final product. This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying endogenous starter cultures from sourdoughs, with great biopreservative activity, enabling the production of healthier and more natural panettones.

Challenges of Green Transition in Polymer Production: Applications in Zero Energy Innovations and Hydrogen Storage

The green transition in the sustainable production and processing of polymers poses multifaceted challenges that demand integral comprehensive solutions. Specific problems of presences of toxic trace elements are often missed and this prevents shifting towards eco-friendly alternatives. Therefore, substantial research and the development of novel approaches is needed to discover and implement innovative, sustainable production materials and methods. This paper is focused on the most vital problems of the green transition from the aspect of establishing universally accepted criteria for the characterization and classification of eco-friendly polymers, which is essential to ensuring transparency and trust among consumers. Additionally, the recycling infrastructure needs substantial improvement to manage the end-of-life stage of polymer products effectively. Moreover, the lack of standardized regulations and certifications for sustainable polymers adds to the complexity of this problem. In this paper we propose solutions from the aspect of standardization protocols for the characterization of polymers foreseen as materials that should be used in Zero Energy Innovations in Hydrogen Storage. The role model standards originate from eco-labeling procedures for materials that come into direct or prolonged contact with human skin, and that are monitored by different methods and testing procedures. In conclusion, the challenges of transitioning to green practices in polymer production and processing demands a concerted effort from experts in the field which need to emphasize the problems of the analysis of toxic ultra trace and trace impurities in samples that will be used in hydrogen storage, as trace impurities may cause terrific obstacles due to their decreasing the safety of materials. Overcoming these obstacles requires the development and application of current state-of-the-art methodologies for monitoring the quality of polymers during their recycling, processing, and using, as well as the development of other technological innovations, financial initiatives, and a collective commitment to fostering a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the polymer industry and innovations in the field of zero energy applications.

220 Litter performance, serum collagen, and hormone concentrations in prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows

Abstract Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the top leading causes of sow mortality today and widely considered a multifactorial issue. Previous reports observed prolapsed sows having decreased serum concentrations of various trace minerals and increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared with non-prolapsed sows. Additionally, collagen, hormones, and previous litter performance are other factors proposed to be associated with POP. A study was completed to determine differences in serum collagen type 1 (COL1), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), as well as relaxin and estradiol differences in the serum concentration between prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows. Furthermore, previous litter performance, lactation days, pigs born, stillborns, mummified, and pigs weaned on prolapse rate were evaluated. The study utilized 44 prolapsed sows and 44 non-prolapsed sows of similar parity, location, management, and stage of production. Blood was collected from the prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows upon discovery. Serum samples were analyzed using radioimmunoassay for estradiol content. Additionally, COL1, MMP-1, TIMP-1, and relaxin concentrations were determined from the serum using ELISA testing. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure in SAS. Prolapsed sows had decreased (P < 0.05) COL1 and TIMP-1 concentrations in the serum compared with the non-prolapsed sows. Prolapsed sows had marginally greater (P < 0.10) MMP-1 concentration compared with non-prolapsed sows. There were no differences (P > 0.10) between prolapsed and non-prolapsed serum concentraions of sows for estradiol and relaxin. Prolapsed sows had longer lactation days (P < 0.05) in the litter before prolapsing compared with non-prolapsed sows. Additionally, stillborns in the previous litter were marginally greater (P = 0.06) in prolapsed sows when compared with the non-prolapsed sows. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in pigs born, mummified, or pigs weaned between prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows. This study suggests that there is a reduced concentration of serum COL1 and TIMP-1 found in prolapsed sows compared with non-prolapsed sows and a marginally increased MMP-1 concentration in prolapsed sows. This could influence the structural integrity of the connective tissue that supports the pelvic organs. We found no differences in serum estradiol or relaxin levels. Additionally, lactation days and stillborn pigs in the litter prior to prolapsing could be contributing factors to prolapse. This work further supports the idea that prolapse is a multifactorial issue.

229 Effects of sire line on survivability traits of commercial pigs sired by PIC 800 or a North American competitor Duroc Line from birth to market

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate differences in survivability traits on pigs originating from two sire lines from birth to market. A total of 28,426 commercial pigs sired by either PIC 800 boars (n = 13,960 pigs) or a North American competitor Duroc line (Sire A; n = 14,466 pigs) were used in this study. PIC Camborough sows from 2 sister-sow farms were bred using semen from both genetic lines was mated equally and randomly across sows to ensure sire lines and parity of dams were balanced across farms. Pigs were individually identified at birth by genetic line and cross-fostering was done following standard farm practices. At weaning (average wean age 22 d of age, average body weight 6.8kg), pigs from both lines were sent to nurseries or Wean-to-finish sites (n = 11,541 PIC 800 and n = 11,922 Sire A), comingling in the same barns and pens. Starting inventories for each genetic line were recorded at weaning for all sites, end of nursery (4 wk post weaning), and 1 to 2 wk before start of marketing (target market weight 127kg at 160 d of age). For each production period, information on mortality and morbidity traits (n = 10,600 PIC 800 and n = 10,974 Sire A) was collected. Data were analyzed using R separately for each production period (i.e., Pre-weaning, Grow-to-finish, and Wean-to-finish) and not pooled from birth to market due to some groups not being kept intact. Morbidity and mortality data were analyzed using binomial models with a fixed effect of sire line and a random effect of sow farm or nursery/wean-to-finish site for pre-wean traits or post-weaning traits, respectively. Pigs from farms without removal reason record were excluded from analysis of removal reasons (Table 1). Overall pre-wean mortality was less (P ≤ 0.05) for PIC 800 pigs than Sire A pigs (8.5 vs. 9.6%, for PIC 800 and Sire A, respectively), mostly due to having fewer (P ≤ 0.05) pigs laid-on (4.8 vs 5.9%, respectively). At 4 wk post weaning, PIC 800 pigs had less (P ≤ 0.05) fallout rate than Sire A pigs (2.5 vs 3.5%, for PIC 800 and Sire A, respectively), with no differences (P > 0.05) in mortality rate (1.2 vs 1.3%, respectively). Grow-to-finish morbidity and mortality rates were less (P ≤ 0.05) for PIC 800 (2.1 and 1.3%, for morbidity and mortality rates, respectively) compared with Sire A (2.5 and 1.8%, respectively). Likewise, wean-to-finish morbidity and mortality rates were less (P ≤ 0.05) for PIC 800 (2.5 and 3.7%, for morbidity and mortality rates, respectively) compared with Sire A (3.0 and 4.7%, respectively). Results suggest PIC 800 sired pigs consistently had lower incidence of morbidity and mortality than Sire A pigs across all stages of production included in this study.

210 Sleeping beauties: A daily time budget for individually housed research pigs at 6-d of age

Abstract The pre-wean period of development is difficult to manage and can impact the success of subsequent production stages. Behavior observations can provide insight into the health and welfare status of animals and allow for efficient and timely management interventions. A validated time budget can be utilized as a baseline for further comparisons and the detection of changes in behavior over time. In this project, 24-h of video data for 21 individually housed research pigs at 6 d of age was evaluated using a validated behavior ethogram. The behavior ethogram contained 5 main categories (inactive, consumption, exploratory, social, and other) and 23 behavior labels. The ethogram was applied using a validated sampling strategy, which included 5-min continuous sampling intervals at the start of each hour for active behaviors and 5-min instantaneous sampling intervals for inactive behaviors. The data from each behavior observation was quantified into durations and presented as percentage of observations spent performing a specific behavior label within the observation period. The daily time budget revealed the following time occupation across the 5 main behavior categories: inactive, 98.60% (lying, 85.43%; not lying, 13.14%); consumption, 0.30%; exploratory, 0.97%; social, 0.01%, and other, 0.12%. As expected for very young pigs, most of the day was inactive, with almost 21 h lying. The most performed behavior was “lying socially”, and this behavior represented 38.48% of the overall daily time budget. The remaining 46.95% of time spent lying was spent “lying sternal”, “lying lateral”, or “lying on an object” in the pen. The pigs are housed individually, but they are able to see, hear, and smell a neighboring pig through a plexiglass barrier. The behavior observation “lying socially” is defined as follows: “The piglet is lying (sternal or lateral) touching the plexiglass barrier. The piglet in the adjacent pen is lying directly on the other side of the barrier, and the piglets would be touching each other if the barrier was not in place.” This observation provides insight into the importance of social resting for young pigs.

Gaya Komunikasi Sutradara dalam Mengarahkan Pemain dalam Film Turah

The director's communication style is an important element in the process of directing players according to the script and storyline of a film. This paper aims to describe the director's communication style in the pre-production and production stages. This paper uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques by interviewing the director and Turah's cast. The results of the study found that the director of the Turah film, Wicaksono Wisnu Legowo, used a communication style that dynamic which means that at each stage of film production, the director uses a different style. In the pre-production stage the director uses a reciprocal communication style in the preparatory sessions with the actors and a freelance communication style in the rehearsal sessions while in the production stage of the mise en scene sessions and directing the actors, the director uses a structured communication style and a dynamic communication style in the pre-take preparation sessions.

Tribological and Mechanical Exploration of Polymer-Based Hemp and Colemanite Composite as a Friction Material

Abstract Natural and organic-based composite materials are widely used in many industrial applications due to their low cost, easy recyclability, economic feasibility, and ready availability. In this study, a polymer-based composite friction material consisting of Hemp-Colemanite composition (HCFCo) has been developed for the automotive sector to exhibit lower cost, environmentally friendly characteristics, and suitable friction-wear behaviors. For this purpose, three different ratios (%4, %8 and %12) of HCFCo composites were produced using a coating technique called impregnation process with a specially designed device. During the production stage, homogeneity of the composites was ensured, and then the final shape was given by the hot pressing method. Properties such as hardness, density, water and oil absorption, friction coefficient, and specific wear of HCFCo samples were examined. In addition, the microstructures of HCFCo composites were investigated to determine the bonding form between hemp fiber and colemanite. The results obtained revealed that the friction coefficient values decreased with an increase in temperature, while no significant change was observed in hardness and density values. Throughout the entire testing process, the friction coefficients varied between 0.14 and 0.29 on average. It was concluded that the developed fiber-reinforced composite can be reliably used in industrial applications and can contribute significantly to innovations in the literature.

LiF-Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation by Establishing Sacrificial Layer on the Separator.

The formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is crucial for enhancing the safety and lifespan of Li metal batteries. Fundamentally, a homogeneous Li+ behavior by controlling the chemical reaction at the anode/electrolyte interface is the key to establishing a stable SEI layer. However, due to the highly reactive nature of Li metal anodes (LMAs), controlling the movement of Li+ at the anode/electrolyte interface remains challenging. Here, an advanced approach is proposed for coating a sacrificial layer called fluorinated self-assembled monolayer (FSL) on a boehmite-coated polyethylene (BPE) separator to form a stable SEI layer. By leveraging the strong affinity between the fluorine functional group and Li+, the rapid formation of a LiF-rich SEI layer in the cell production and early cycling stage is facilitated. This initial stable SEI formation promotes the subsequent homogeneous Li+ flux, thereby improving the LMA stability and yielding an enhanced battery lifespan. Further, the mechanism behind the stable SEI layer generation by controlling the Li+ dynamics through the FSL-treated BPE separator is comprehensively verified. Overall, this research offers significant contributions to the energy storage field by addressing challenges associated with LMAs, thus highlighting the importance of interfacial control in achieving a stable SEI layer.

Simultaneous Analysis of 272 Pesticides in Agricultural Products by the QuEChERS Method and Gas Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

The aim of this study is to develop a rapid and accurate method for simultaneous analysis of multi-residue pesticides and conduct pesticide monitoring in agricultural products produced by the production and distribution stage in Korea. The representative agricultural products were selected as brown rice, soybean, potato, mandarin, and green pepper and developed using gas chromatography with tandem mass (GC-MS/MS) for the analysis of 272 pesticide residues. The experimental samples were extracted by the QuEChERS-EN method and then cleaned up by using d-SPE, including MgSO4 and primary secondary amine (PSA) sorbents. The established method was validated in accordance with Codex CAC-GL/40, and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was determined to be 0.01 mg/kg. A total of 243 pesticides satisfied the guidelines in five samples at three levels with values of 60 to 120% (recovery) and ≤45% (coefficient of variation, CV). The remaining 29 pesticides did not satisfy the guidelines, and these pesticides are expected to be used as a screening method for the routine inspection of agricultural products. As a result of analyzing 223 agricultural products in South Korea by applying the simultaneous analysis method, none of the detected levels in the samples exceeded the standard values based on maximum residue limits (MRLs). The developed method in this study will be used to inspect residual pesticides in agricultural products, and it is anticipated to contribute to the distribution of safe agricultural products to consumers.

Introducing the Occupational Health and Safety Potential Midpoint Impact Indicator in Social Life Cycle Assessment

Occupational health and safety (OSH) is crucial for sustainable development, recognized by corporations, the European Union, and Sustainable Development Goals. This study introduces a characterization model for OSH in the social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) to support the quantification of OHS along product supply chains and sustainable decision making. The characterization model aims to provide a practical approach for assessing OHS at the product level with actual working hours or recommends a secondary approach with monetary data, when working hours are unavailable, to calculate the Occupational Health and Safety Potential (OHSP). The developed model was tested in a theoretical case study on shirt production in Europe and globally. The case study shows that the European shirt value chain resulted in higher OHSP values than the global shirt values chain. In addition, the model shows which life cycle stages and organizations highly contributed to the OHSP results. In both approaches, the shirt production stage contributed highly. Differences in results emerged based on the calculation approach, underscoring the model’s versatility, because increasing the complexity of calculating the CFs with monetary values will affect the results based on sectorial monetary output. Additionally, the study mentions benefits to the operationalization of social impact assessment and limitations when the developed characterized model is employed. Last, this study aids in offering a tool for organizations to meet the demands of the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive by quantifying and publicizing OHS data.

Numerical simulation on converting abandoned wells into double-well open-loop geothermal system

Converting abandoned oil wells into geothermal systems holds immense potential and has garnered international attention. However, research on converting abandoned oil wells into Open-Loop Geothermal Systems (OLGS) remains insufficient and requires further exploration. To address this gap, this study utilizes COMSOL software employing the Finite Element Method (FEM) to establish a numerical model of a double-well OLGS with 3D multi-physics field coupling, investigating geothermal extraction through numerical simulation. The findings indicate that in double-well OLGS, utilizing high flow rates in the early production stage and lower flow rates in the later stages enhances system thermal power. Additionally, employing lower inlet temperatures in the early production stage and higher inlet temperatures in the later stages favors geothermal extraction. Higher geothermal gradients and larger well spacings further benefit geothermal extraction. Increasing the length of the production well's insulating layer in the early production stage helps minimize heat loss. The outlet temperature exhibits high sensitivity to flow rate and geothermal gradient throughout the production phase, while sensitivity shifts towards inlet temperature and well spacing in the later stages. In the five-spot OLGS, outlet temperature and thermal power increase with a reduction in the number of production wells; moreover, assuming identical outlet temperatures (100 ℃) after 50 years of production, the thermal power of the five-spot OLGS exceeds that of the double-well OLGS by an average of 20937.88 kW per year.

A comprehensive study of glucose and oxygen gradients in a scaled-down model of recombinant HuGM-CSF production in thermoinduced Escherichia coli fed-batch cultures

The effect of gradients of elevated glucose and low dissolved oxygen in the addition zone of fed-batch E. coli thermoinduced recombinant high cell density cultures can be evaluated through two-compartment scale-down models. Here, glucose was fed in the inlet of a plug flow bioreactor (PFB) connected to a stirred tank bioreactor (STB). E. coli cells diminished growth from 48.2 ± 2.2 g/L in the stage of RP production if compared to control (STB) with STB-PFB experiments, when residence time inside the PFB was 25 s (34.1 ± 3.5 g/L) and 40 s (25.6 ± 5.1 g/L), respectively. The recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rHuGM-CSF) production decreased from 34 ± 7% of RP in inclusion bodies (IB) in control cultures to 21 ± 8%, and 7 ± 4% during the thermoinduction production phase when increasing residence time inside the PFB to 25 s and 40 s, respectively. This, along with the accumulation of acetic and formic acid (up to 4 g/L), indicates metabolic redirection of central carbon routes through metabolic flow and mixed acid fermentation. Special care must be taken when producing a recombinant protein in heat-induced E. coli, because the yield and productivity of the protein decreases as the size of the bioreactors increases, especially if they are carried at high cell density.