Storage Infrastructure Research Articles

ИНФРАСТРУКТУРА ХРАНЕНИЯ И ТРАНСПОРТНО-ЛОГИСТИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ РЫНКА ЗЕРНА И ПРОДУКТОВ ЕГО ПЕРЕРАБОТКИ В СИБИРСКОМ ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОМ ОКРУГЕ

The article is devoted to the research of the storage infrastructure and transport and logistics support of the grain market and its processed products in the Siberian Federal District. The study made it possible to determine the state and importance of the storage infrastructure and transport and logistics support in the development of the grain market of the regions of the district. The article provides information about the grain storage infrastructure in the regions of the Siberian Federal District, the gross harvest of grain and leguminous crops in 2021 and the availability of elevators. The main problems in the field of grain storage have been identified. The characteristics of the main hopper cars transporting Siberian grain from the district by rail are presented. The volumes of export and domestic rail transportation from the Siberian Federal District are determined in dynamics. The discrepancy between the state of the storage infrastructure and transport and logistics support in the Siberian Federal District with the growing needs of the grain market and its processed products has been determined. The main directions in which the storage infrastructure and transport and logistics support of the grain market in the district should be developed are presented. The conclusion is made about the need for state support of the storage infrastructure and transport and logistics support of the grain market in the Siberian Federal District.

Study on thermo-electric-hydrogen conversion mechanisms and synergistic operation on hydrogen fuel cell and electrochemical battery in energy flexible buildings

The integration with electrochemical battery (high current and high power for fast power response) and H2 (high energy density) in district buildings can mitigate grid power fluctuation, and provide energy flexibility for renewable supply and demand-side management, whereas the current literature provides few progresses on synergistic operation to stabilize clean power supply and sustainable transition. In this study, an integrated multi-energy system is formulated, consisting of district buildings, distributed renewable systems, a complementary battery-hydrogen storage, H2 vehicles, and external energy infrastructures (such as power grid and H2 station). Multiple energy interactions (e.g., renewable-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-building (V2B), grid-to-building (G2B) and etc.) are deployed to enhance renewable penetration, self-consumption, and mitigate grid dependence. A low-grade heat recovery system is proposed to improve the overall energy efficiency throughout the power-gas-power conversion process. Furthermore, a stack voltage model is applied to quantify real-time fuel cell (FC) degradation magnitudes for hydrogen vehicle (HV) transportation and V2B, which will then be equivalent to operational costs for economic feasibility analysis. After that, considering the four-stage prices of utility grid in Guangzhou, an off-power shifting strategy was proposed and implemented for cost saving, together with comparative analysis on charging/discharging priorities between hydrogen and battery. Results showed that the V2B and the off-peak power shifting strategy can improve the energy flexibility and mitigate the power grid dependence, i.e., the V2B and first charging/discharging priority on H2 systems will improve the off-peak renewable energy shifting from 30% to 35%, and the off-peak grid power shifting from 57% to 75%. Meanwhile, the V2B and the proposed grid power shifting strategy can also save the operating costs for HV owners from 14,375 to 7996 CNY/vehicle·a, by 44.4% and the whole energy system from 29.47 to 17.21 CNY/m2·a by 40.6%. Moreover, the application of off-peak power shifting can slow down the FC degradation by 2.35%, due to the deactivation of V2B process during the off-peak period. However, the low energy efficiency on power-H2-power conversion will lead to a surge of equivalent CO2 emissions from 10.19 to 19.32 kg/m2·a by 88.22%. Research results can incentivise the stakeholders’ participation in a hydrogen-based renewable-network-load-storage framework with economic benefits, mitigation on fuel cell degradation, and promote the win-to-win collaborations.

Transition toward emission-free energy systems by 2050: Potential role of hydrogen

Hydrogen has a potential role in helping the world for obtaining net-zero emission/emission-free energy systems by 2050 and restrict global warming by 1.5 °C because it can subside 80 gigatons (GT) of CO2 by 2050. This causes the utilization of 660 million metric tons (MT) of low-carbon hydrogen and renewables up to 2050, almost equal to 22% of global energy demand. In the coming decades, the need for very high clean hydrogen production to fulfill the decarbonization role for net zero emission. About 4.5 to 6.5 terawatts (TW) of renewable power, about 3–4 TW of electrolysis, 40–280 MT of minimal carbon hydrogen production reforming capacity, and 1–1.25 GT of CO2 storage infrastructure in a year are required for supplying 660 MT of end uses. In such circumstances, 15–25% of total renewable energy is required for hydrogen till 2050 – a 10X enhancement over the present installed capacity (2.8 TW).

An empirical analysis of resource efficiency and circularity within the agri-food sector of India

Circular economy and resource efficiency concepts are gaining increasing recognition within the scientific community as enablers of sustainability at the sectoral scale. Simultaneously, the agri-food sector of India while being crucial towards the country's economy also displays tremendous potential in positively influencing the timely attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). The present study therefore focused on ascertaining the status of circularity and efficiency within the agri-food sector of India at the state level. The first objective determined decoupling between energy consumption and economic growth for the agriculture sector at the state level. The second objective focused on developing a Composite Agri-Food Efficiency Index (CAFEI) comprising of 38 indicators distributed across environmental, social, economic and governance categories. The last objective estimated the temporal trend (2009–10 to 2018–19) of efficiency at the state level within the Food Processing Industries (FPIs) using the technique of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The decoupling analysis indicated that agricultural economy of four major food producing states was intrinsically linked with electricity consumption for agricultural purposes. While Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana were front-runners in terms of overall CAFEI scores, considerable variations were visible when individual categories were considered. Average of DEA scores indicated Goa to be the most efficient state followed by Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. A first of its kind assessment, the present study provides evidence for designing policy frameworks focused around circularity. Results also highlight the importance of developing datasets and indicators related to agri-residue management, storage and processing infrastructure as well as sustainable consumption.

A cervical cancer biorepository for pharmacogenomics research in Zimbabwe

BackgroundResearch infrastructures such as biorepositories are essential to facilitate genomics and its growing applications in health research and translational medicine in Africa. Using a cervical cancer cohort, this study describes the establishment of a biorepository consisting of biospecimens and matched phenotype data for use in genomic association analysis and pharmacogenomics research.MethodWomen aged > 18 years with a recent histologically confirmed cervical cancer diagnosis were recruited. A workflow pipeline was developed to collect, store, and analyse biospecimens comprising donor recruitment and informed consent, followed by data and biospecimen collection, nucleic acid extraction, storage of genomic DNA, genetic characterization, data integration, data analysis and data interpretation. The biospecimen and data storage infrastructure included shared -20 °C to -80 °C freezers, lockable cupboards, secured access-controlled laptop, password protected online data storage on OneDrive software. The biospecimen or data storage, transfer and sharing were compliant with the local and international biospecimen and data protection laws and policies, to ensure donor privacy, trust, and benefits for the wider community.ResultsThis initial establishment of the biorepository recruited 410 women with cervical cancer. The mean (± SD) age of the donors was 52 (± 12) years, comprising stage I (15%), stage II (44%), stage III (47%) and stage IV (6%) disease. The biorepository includes whole blood and corresponding genomic DNA from 311 (75.9%) donors, and tumour biospecimens and corresponding tumour DNA from 258 (62.9%) donors. Datasets included information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, family history, clinical information, and HPV genotype. Treatment response was followed up for 12 months, namely, treatment-induced toxicities, survival vs. mortality, and disease status, that is disease-free survival, progression or relapse, 12 months after therapy commencement.ConclusionThe current work highlights a framework for developing a cancer genomics cohort-based biorepository on a limited budget. Such a resource plays a central role in advancing genomics research towards the implementation of personalised management of cancer.

Towards Sustainable Transport: Techno-Economic Analysis of Investing in Hydrogen Buses in Public Transport in the Selected City of Poland

The production, storage, and use of hydrogen for energy purposes will become increasingly important during the energy transition. One way to use hydrogen is to apply it to power vehicles. This green technological solution affects low-emissions transport, which is beneficial and important, especially in cities. The authors of this article analyzed the use of hydrogen production infrastructure for bus propulsion in the city of Katowice (Poland). The methods, used in the study, included a greedy algorithm and cost methods, which were applied for the selection of vehicles and identification of the infrastructure for the production, storage and refueling of hydrogen, as well as to conduct the economic analysis during this term. The article presented the complexity of the techno-economic analysis of the infrastructure and its installation. The key element was the selection of the number of vehicles to the hydrogen production possibilities of an electrolyser and capabilities of the storage and charging infrastructure.

Techno-economic comparison of centralized and distributed power generation to support large-scale transport electrification in Costa Rica

The rapid fall of photovoltaic generation and battery storage costs can pave the way for future distributed power systems. However, transitioning from centralized to distributed systems has economic implications for different power sector stakeholders: incumbent energy firms, new distributed generation investors, and consumers. Consumers can significantly increase demand by adopting electric transport, a crucial component of decarbonization. In turn, investors and firms will need to provide the capital and operating capability to supply more power, even for self-consumption. In this paper, we develop a methodology to assess the future average price of electricity for two fundamentally different systems: one based on utility-scale projects and another based on distributed generation. We also evaluate how prices affect the financial benefits of energy sector investors and transport users that result from transport electrification. We apply the methodology to Costa Rica's transport electrification objectives, a middle-income country with vast renewable generation capacity with pledges to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. We find that the future unit costs of solar and wind generation with energy storage infrastructure affect electricity prices more than other uncertainties. In turn, prices have a high correlation with transport benefits. We also find that low discount rates produce high benefits and low electricity prices.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE OPERATION OF PUMPING SYSTEMS AND RESERVOIRS OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS WITH EMPHASIS IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Electricity costs for pumping account for the majority of operating expenses for water distribution systems. Therefore, researchers and technicians in the water sector have sought to develop techniques that minimize the consumption of electricity in these systems. The large number of elements, which can change state at any time, generates a range of possibilities that makes it difficult to determine which operational scheme is most efficient. Defining the best operating rules for pumping systems is often a complex activity. In this context, the present work presents an optimization model for water distribution systems that combines the efficient use of reservoirs with the best operational rule for activating pumping systems. Using a genetic algorithm, the developed model aims to minimize the operating costs of electrical energy in the systems. The results obtained indicated that, with a better use of the water storage infrastructure, it is possible to reduce the electricity costs of the system as a whole.

ACT-2 JCOG0911A2 AND ESTABLISHING AN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RADIOLOGICAL STUDIES FOR JCOG BRAIN TUMOR STUDY GROUP CLINICAL TRIALS

Abstract Background Radiological information is indispensable to understanding the pathology and correctly assessing the treatment response of malignant brain tumors. Clinical trials conducted outside of Japan have vigorously collected and investigated radiological images of the enrolled patients and published many significant findings, such as the RANO criteria. The authors initiated the JCOG0911A2 study, which is an ancillary analysis of JCOG0911, and established an infrastructure for collecting and analyzing raw radiological images of patients enrolled in clinical trials conducted by the JCOG brain tumor study group. JCOG0911A2 study design and infrastructure for radiological image storage: JCOG0911A2 aims to collect all radiological images related to the JCOG0911 study, conduct radiomics analysis, and complete general radiological research. Among 122 registered patients, 2532 series from 118 cases accounting for 237 GB of data were collected as of June 28, 2022. All collected data were anonymized and stored in Osirix MD with triple data backup. JCOG0911A2's treatment response assessment will be performed according to the RANO criteria. Thus, the authors developed a script in MATLAB that enables semi-automatic treatment response assessment according to the investigators' annotations on Osirix MD. Data Management The abovementioned “semi-automatic treatment response assessment script” was not necessary until up to a collection of 30 cases. However, manual management became impossible as more case data arrived, and establishing a sophisticated and systematic data management system was inevitable. The data management system developed for JCOG0911A2 is also used with minor modifications for the ongoing JCOG study. Conclusion JCOG0911A2 study established a reliable infrastructure capable of handling radiological images from patients enrolled in JCOG brain tumor study group clinical trials.

A CFD study of the effects of combined impurities, ground temperature, and topography upon the consequence distances and plume shapes generated by CO2 release from CCS pipeline failure.

In the carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure, the risk of a high-pressure buried pipeline rupture possibly leads to catastrophic accidents due to the release of tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, it is crucial to conduct an in-depth study on CO2 atmospheric dispersion when developing CO2 pipeline. In fact, the CO2 captured from diverse industrial processes may contain a variety of impurities. The combined effect of the toxicities of the multiple impurities increases the risk, which has usually been ignored by previous studies. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology is applied to investigate the influence of hazardous chemicals on CO2 stream dispersion under different meteorological, complex terrain features, and ground temperature condition. In addition, the effect of combined toxic impurities on consequence distance was also investigated comprehensively. It was found that complex conditions affected the near-surface flow field, and obstacles enhanced the lateral dispersion of CO2. Compared to 288K ground temperature, the plume area inside the 50,000 ppmv CO2 boundary decreased by 8.2%. The hazardous effects of combined toxic impurities became significant compared to a single toxic impurity. This study may furnish a viable assessment technique for the risks associated with CCS.

Moving toward the low-carbon hydrogen economy: Experiences and key learnings from national case studies

• Hydrogen can contribute to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emission energy systems • The value chain must be assessed to identify the integration potential of hydrogen • Provides insights on challenges together with decision-support tools • Presents examples of methodologies and results in context of 5 European countries • Highlights common European drivers for the hydrogen economy The urgency to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions by 2050, as first presented by the IPCC special report on 1.5°C Global Warming, has spurred renewed interest in hydrogen, to complement electrification, for widespread decarbonization of the economy. We present reflections on estimates of future hydrogen demand, optimization of infrastructure for hydrogen production, transport and storage, development of viable business cases, and environmental impact evaluations using life cycle assessments. We highlight challenges and opportunities that are common across studies of the business cases for hydrogen in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Norway. The use of hydrogen in the industrial sector is an important driver and could incentivise large-scale hydrogen value chains. In the long-term hydrogen becomes important also for the transport sector. Hydrogen production from natural gas with capture and permanent storage of the produced CO 2 (CCS) enables large-scale hydrogen production in the intermediate future and is complementary to hydrogen from renewable power. Furthermore, timely establishment of hydrogen and CO 2 infrastructures serves as an anchor to support the deployment of carbon dioxide removal technologies, such as direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) and biohydrogen production with CCS. Significant public support is needed to ensure coordinated planning, governance, and the establishment of supportive regulatory frameworks which foster the growth of hydrogen markets.

Experimental and numerical analysis of the convective flow induced over a dry-ice bank with Particle Image Velocimetry

The utilization of carbon dioxide in new technologies opens a wide range of interesting applications which depend strictly upon heat transfer phenomena. The momentum on the deployment of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) infrastructures will potentially enlarge the diffusion of technologies for the utilization and recycling of CO2. Such applications, however, require appropriate laboratory investigations for a complete characterization of the CO2 thermo-fluid-dynamic behaviour. The safety management of carbon dioxide is important; thus, accurate modelling is needed since solidification and sublimation of dry-ice can be very challenging to predict analytically. One of the dry-ice applications is the utilisation in refrigeration cycles and in novel CO2 heat pump technologies. For this reason, knowledge about the entity of sublimating CO2 from a solid surface is crucial. This work proposes an innovative experimental setup for the measurement of temperature and convective velocity fields in the sublimating phenomenon of CO2 under atmospheric conditions by means of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The experimental results have been compared and validated with numeric CFD models.

How much will large-scale production of cell-cultured meat cost?

Cell-cultured meat has received favorable press and is being touted as a replacement for the entire livestock industry. The objective of the study was to determine what it will cost to produce cell-cultured meat in a large-scale ($60 million) production facility that produces 540,000 kg of product annually. Many of the funders behind this industry hope to reduce the environmental and land impacts of our current agricultural system. Although the initial goal is to use stem cells that must be replenished directly from animals, many firms want to develop cell lines that allow them to be independent of animals in the future. The technologies used to produce cell-cultured meat are continuously being improved, so there is still much uncertainty on what the final product will cost. Previous research has focused primarily on the cost of the cell-culture medium—a liquid or gel designed to support the growth of cells—rather than other potentially important costs. We estimate startup, production, employment, and transportation costs in addition to available cell-culture medium costs and expected output per batch to create a full-detailed enterprise budget. Cost estimates are calculated using (1) cell-cultured bioprocess information from published literature; (2) bioreactor and cold storage infrastructure information from engineers; and (3) prices and quantities of other relevant costs obtained from public and private sources. Results suggest that the cell-cultured meat industry has a long way to go before it can operate and make an acceptable return on investment. Assuming that technology will be developed to reduce the cost of the medium including growth hormone substitutes and buying ingredients in bulk, 1 kg of cell-cultured meat is estimated to cost $63/kg to produce in a large-scale facility. The three major costs of production are the cell-culture medium, bioreactors, and labor. These costs make up over 80% of the overall cost of production. • The cost to produce cell-cultured meat is projected for a large-scale plant. • Cost is projected assuming huge technological advances in the cell-culture medium. • The wholesale cost of cell-cultured meat is optimistically projected to be as low as $63/kg. • A retail price of $18 or more for a 0.14 kg hamburger will impede consumer adoption. • Cell-cultured meat may eventually be competitive as a niche product.

SPATIAL INTEGRATION AND PRICE BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS OF MAJOR POTATO WHOLESALE MARKETS IN GUJARAT

In this age of market information and intelligence, price behaviour analysis of agricultural commodities is crucial for optimizing returns of farmers and to hedge them from associated price fluctuations. Unintegrated markets are the precursors of market failures leading to discrepancies in both supply and demand. The purpose of this study is to examine market integration and price transmission mechanism under a unified testing strategy for potato in four major wholesale consumption markets of Gujarat viz. Ahmedabad, Bharuch, Rajkot, and Surat. Monthly wholesale prices (Rs/quintal) for fourteen years (2007-08 to 2020-21), yielding a total of 168 observations, were analyzed. The findings revealed the highest elasticity of price transmission between Rajkot and Surat (0.96), while the lowest between Ahmedabad and Rajkot markets (0.84). Besides, error correction model confirmed that on average 27 per cent to 44 per cent of the short-run price fluctuations in the markets get corrected within a month. Granger causality further confirmed bidirectional price influence in all the market pairs except for Ahmedabad-Rajkot pair. As significant improvements in transportation and storage infrastructure in Gujarat might have led to high price integration in the markets, the study opines the need for taking price integration advocacy to the farmers' end directly through calibrated training programmes for enabling them to take improved planting, storage and marketing decisions.

Leveraging Nutrient-Rich Traditional Foods to Improve Diets among Indigenous Populations in India: Value Chain Analysis of Finger Millet and Kionaar Leaves.

Many indigenous foods are nutrient-rich but are often underutilized even among populations at high risk of malnutrition. The aims of this study were to conduct value chain analysis of one cultivated crop (finger millet among the Munda tribe) and one wild green leafy vegetable (Koinaar leaves among the Sauria Paharia tribe) of two Indigenous communities in Jharkhand state, India and to identify entry points for interventions aimed at supporting production and consumption. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders among each tribal group and transcripts were open coded and organized based on key themes across the steps of the value chain for each food independently. Improved storage techniques and infrastructure, machinery for processing and improved cooking fuel would help reduce barriers across the finger millet supply chain related to postharvest losses, processing labor and safety concerns related to cooking. For Koinaar leaves, improving drying techniques to increase consumption across seasons and providing training and support to increase opportunities for selling leaves in local markets, where participants mentioned potential language barriers, could strengthen the supply chain. Improving extension services and focusing beyond production has potential to improve the production and consumption of both nutrient-rich crops among Indigenous communities in India.

Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka: Status and Challenges with Human Resources, Information Systems, Drugs and Laboratory Services.

A Primary Healthcare-System-Strengthening Project (PSSP) is implemented by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka, with funding support from the World Bank for providing quality care through primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We used an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess progress and challenges in human resources, drug availability, laboratory services and the health management information system (HMIS) at PMCIs. We conducted a checklist-based assessment followed by in-depth interviews of healthcare workers in one PMCI each in all nine provinces. All PMCIs had medical/nursing officers, but data entry operators (44%) and laboratory technicians (33%) were mostly not available. Existing staff were assigned additional responsibilities in PSSP, decreasing their motivation and efficiency. While 11/18 (61%) essential drugs were available in all PMCIs, buffer stocks were not maintained in >50% due to poor supply chain management and storage infrastructure. Only 6/14 (43%) essential laboratory investigations were available in >50% of PMCIs, non-availability was due to shortages of reagents/consumables and lack of sample collection-transportation system. The HMIS was installed in PMCIs but its usage was sub-optimal due to perceived lack of utility, few trained operators and poor internet connectivity. The PSSP needs to address these bottlenecks as a priority to ensure sustainability and successful scale-up.

Advancing exposure data analytics and repositories as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020–2030

High-quality and comprehensive exposure-related data are critical for different decision contexts, including environmental and human health monitoring, and chemicals risk assessment and management. However, exposure-related data are currently scattered, frequently of unclear quality and structure, not readily accessible, and stored in various—partly overlapping—data repositories, leading to inefficient and ineffective data usage in Europe and globally. We propose strategic guidance for an integrated European exposure data production and management framework for use in science and policy, building on current and future data analysis and digitalization trends. We map the existing exposure data landscape to requirements for data analytics and repositories across European policies and regulations. We further identify needs and ways forward for improving data generation, sharing, and usage, and translate identified needs into an operational action plan for European and global advancement of exposure data for policies and regulations. Identified key areas of action are to develop consistent exposure data standards and terminology for data production and reporting, increase data transparency and availability, enhance data storage and related infrastructure, boost automation in data management, increase data integration, and advance tools for innovative data analysis. Improving and streamlining exposure data generation and uptake into science and policy is crucial for the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and European Digital Strategy, in line with EU Data policies on data management and interoperability.

Federated Learning on Tamperproof Data for PHM on Marine Vessels Using a Docker Based Infrastructure

Prognostics and health management (PHM) on systems such as vehicles and marine vessels are sometimes held back by complexities relating to data ownership and intellectual property rights. This is particularly true when multiple Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) deliver components or sub-systems to a customer while having an interest in monitoring and maintenance of said components or sub-systems. Further, the collection of PHM data from a fleet which may be non-uniform and spread across the globe with varying degrees of connectivity can be challenging from a bandwidth and cybersecurity point of view. Federated learning may address some of these challenges and open up new opportunities for how to approach PHM on a global and non-uniform fleet of components or systems. In this article, we will discuss how a Docker based infrastructure for data collection, storage and analysis in combination with a methodology for tamperproofing PHM data can be a powerful substrate for bringing trust and transparency to federated learning implementations of PHM algorithms. We also demonstrate a basic blockchain enabled federated learning experiment using the proposed Docker based infrastructure in combination with centralized data centers.

Improving PHIRI performance and scalability: working within EGI-ACE

Abstract EGI-ACE is a 30-month H2020 project (Jan 2021 - June 2023) with a mission to empower researchers from all disciplines to collaborate in data- and compute-intensive Open Science, enabled by free-at-point-of-use services that are delivered through the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). EGI-ACE delivers the EOSC Compute Platform (ECP), a federated system of compute and storage infrastructure extended with platform services to support diverse types of data processing and data analytics cases. The ECP currently includes High Throughput Compute (HTC) and Cloud Compute facilities, and will broaden its scope with High Performance Compute services later in 2022. The platform layer of the ECP provides assistance for single sign-on, transfer and federation of distributed data, interactive computing, management of large numbers of jobs, orchestration of compute clusters, AI and machine learning tasks. There are over 25 thematic services in EOSC that build on the ECP, and deliver scalable data analysis for different domains, from astrophysics, through life sciences, environmental sciences, to humanities. PHIRI participates in EGI-ACE as one of the ‘Early Adopters’ of the ECP. Under the EGI-ACE workplan PHIRI will explore reproducible population health workflows with the use of cloud computing, single-sign-on, Jupyter Notebooks and Binder services of the ECP. The tests will enable PHIRI to scale out existing data analysis notebooks to big capacity machines, to reproduce simulations and models across users, and to overall validate the technological and sustainability approaches of EGI-ACE. PHIRI will also advise the project on best ways to introduce secure processing capabilities within the ECP services.

Confronting an Ethical Matter in College and University Archives: a Shift to Lesser Access Protocols Regarding Digitized Theses as a Case Study

Ethical issues abound within the archival science landscape, accessibility matters not the least among them. These issues are further compounded by the evolving nature of records themselves, morphing from analog to digital forms or their being born-digital records. In this paper, the author will recall and reflect upon her experience of confronting an ethical quandary very early in her tenure at her present employer, a publicly-funded university. The ethical quandary in question was one related to theses written and delivered as graduation requirements across graduate programs in the university; upon deposit, they were deemed part of the College Archives. The theses’ accessibility was dramatically reduced after legacy and current theses were digitized (and later, born-digital) and due to a major pivot regarding their storage infrastructure and retrieval protocols. This extreme shift towards access reduction is one that the writer believes to be unethical in a publicly-funded institutional archives domain given the more access rather than less paradigm within the profession and which digitization typically promises.