Supply Streams Research Articles

Obtaining source material for cellular agriculture

Cellular Agriculture (CellAg) is an attractive concept for innovative technology with the intent to provide food and nutrition complementary to existing supply streams. The past decade has seen considerable progress in the field with advancement of cellular technology that delivers the initial building blocks for meaningful implementation. The availability of natural cell-based material that can serve as nutrient-filled source for human consumption at low cost is a critical challenge for the emerging cellular agriculture industry. Therefore, here the isolation of bovine myofibroblasts of the Black Angus breed has been pursued and accomplished together with its characterisation by using RNA sequencing and proteomics through western blotting.To transition CellAg from a concept to a game changing technology for the industry, multiple challenges need to be overcome. The field requires powerful initial material, i.e., dedicated cells that can proliferate and differentiate robustly at scale. The methodology described allows for the production of healthy cells, which have been unequivocally characterized as clonal representatives of a stable myofibroblast cell line using transcriptomics and proteomics validation. Stringent and rigorous live cell monitoring of a nascent cell line derived from healthy muscle tissue allowed for stable cell growth.In this research article, a simple and precise methodology is presented for creating a bovine myofibroblast cell line (Bov.mia). Our work puts forward a low-tech use of materials and expertise that is devoid of transgenic approaches, thus creating a reliable approach for lab-scale research.

Tellurium Enrichment in Copper Tailings: A Mineralogical and Processing Study

As the global demand for tellurium (Te) increases, it is crucial to develop efficient recovery methods that consider existing supply streams. This research combines gravity separation and froth flotation processes to enhance the recovery of Te minerals from tailings produced during the beneficiation of copper porphyry ores. Prior to processing, a systematic and comprehensive characterization study of copper tailing (CT) samples was conducted to examine the deportment of Te minerals in different mineral phases and to understand their locking and liberation behavior. Characterization techniques included inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and TESCAN’s integrated mineral analysis (TIMA). Copper tailing characterization showed that minerals with gold (Au), silver (Ag), bismuth (Bi), and Te were present in various forms, including native Au, electrum, tellurides, and sulfosalts. TIMA revealed that >90% of these minerals were primarily hosted in pyrite as less than 10 µm inclusions in the CT. TIMA also revealed that Te minerals exhibited fine-grained liberation of less than 20 μm. Moreover, TIMA results showed that >80% of mica and other silicate minerals were concentrated in size fractions < 38 μm, suggesting that desliming processes would positively impact Te enrichment. The results from the processing tests showed a Te recovery rate of ~77% and a Te enrichment ratio of 13 when using the combination of gravity separation and froth flotation at 90 g/t xanthate collector and 50 g/t glycol frother. The findings from this study show a significant potential for Te recovery from unconventional sources if appropriate physical beneficiation approaches are adopted.

Analisis Rantai Pasok Budidaya Ikan Lele Pada UMKM Easy Farm Indonesia

Indonesia's significant potential in the fisheries sector, particularly in catfish aquaculture, offers substantial opportunities for economic development and business growth. This study analyzes the catfish supply chain from Easy Farm in Bekasi, West Java, to end consumers through middlemen and restaurants. Two supply streams are examined to evaluate efficiency, identify potential improvements, and provide strategic recommendations for supply chain management. Analytical methods include performance measurement, barrier identification, and evaluation of potential efficiency enhancements. Findings indicate that collaboration with middlemen and restaurants can expand market reach but also pose challenges related to supply quality and sustainability. Recommendations include investment in infrastructure and technology, increased collaboration with supply chain partners, and the development of sustainable marketing strategies.

Characterization of liquid behavior in distributor of falling-film evaporator

Recently, the development of environmentally friendly refrigerants has emerged as a major issue in industry. Owing to the high cost of developing new refrigerants, falling-film evaporators are attracting increasing interest, given their reduced refrigerant usage compared with flooded evaporators. In falling–film evaporators, the distributor at the top of the evaporator uniformly delivers refrigerant through multiple holes over heat transfer tubes. We focus on the liquid (refrigerant) behavior in the distributor of a falling-film evaporator. To understand the underlying mechanism, we perform experiments on single hole as well as multiple holes in the distributor. For both cases, we have derived theories that predict the refrigerant height in the distributor, according to the flow rate. They show good agreement with the experimental measurements. By changing the hole diameter, number of holes, and flow rate, we quantitatively characterize parametric dependencies that determine the liquid behavior. In addition, we unveil a negative effect of the supply stream from the upper distributor that locally mitigates the outflow rate from the distributor.

Modelling and performance measurement of supply streams

Modelling and performance measurement of supply streams

Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of the Sulfur Combustion Furnace in Industrial Smelter

In industrial smelters, sulfuric acid is manufactured using the elemental sulfur in a series of three-unit operations: elemental sulfur oxidation, sulfur dioxide catalytic conversion, and sulfur trioxide absorption. The sulfur oxidation, which is the basic step in this process, is generally performed under a sulfur combustion furnace that ensures the production of the process gas stream, which will be the main supply stream to the other unit operations. In this paper, a dynamic model is developed based on the fundamental mass and energy balance, including the sulfur oxidation and the dynamic flow behavior aspects within the furnace. The obtained model is simulated in the Matlab/Simulink environment and data from an industrial plant were used to validate the model. The simulation results and the plant measurement comparison showed an accuracy of 96%, with a mean absolute error of 16.12 °C and a root mean square error of 23.27 °C. Afterwards, the effect of different operating conditions and disturbance parameters on the sulfur combustion furnace performance were studied. Finally, the relationship and a correlation between the temperature and sulfur dioxide molar fraction at the outlet of the furnace were investigated for industrial use.

Maximising the valorisation of organic waste locally available via carbon-to-nitrogen ratio Supply Composite Curve shifting

Valorisation of organic waste can lead to cleaner production in the energy sector. One factor affecting the decision for organic waste valorisation to value-added products through biological processes is the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. All biological processes have preferential C/N ratios for optimum performance, while organic waste comes with a wide range of C/N ratios. The mismatch of the C/N ratio between the supply stream (organic waste) and the demand stream (biological process) can lead to suboptimal process performance and affect resource allocation. In this study, a new graphical C/N ratio Pinch Analysis approach was proposed by plotting cumulative carbon mass flowrate versus the cumulative nitrogen mass flowrate as x- and y-axes for the supply and demand sides. A series of graphical Supply Composite Curve (SCC) shifting, namely SCC right-shifting, SCC end-shifting, SCC detaching, and SCC down-shifting, were developed explicitly tackling different supply stream conditions in the hypothetical case studies while satisfying the demand streams with the aid of external supply. The external supply was determined by filling the gaps formed after the SCC was shifted to the right of the Demand Composite Curve (DCC). Specific heuristics were established to assess the range of C/N ratio for the external supply that is eligible and preferred to satisfy the demand streams. Stepwise procedures for mass flowrate allocation to mix the supply and match the demand were introduced. In this study, the demands for Case Study 1 were satisfied by 59.15% OWLA with 40.83% ES 3. For Case Study 2, the demands were satisfied by 76.19% OWLA with 23.81% ES 1. For Case Study 3, the demands were satisfied by 91.54% OWLA with 8.46% ES 1. The integration of the C/N ratio element in the Pinch-based Analysis of SCC shifting and exploring new optimisation scope can act as an advising tool for any individual, party, or organisation to optimally valorise the organic waste found within a local region. • Valorise organic waste via Pinch Analysis focusing on the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. • Introduction of heuristics to determine the eligible and preferred external supply. • Stepwise procedures for mass flowrate allocation from supply to demand. • Majority of the demand mass flowrates satisfied by organic waste locally available. • Developed methodology applicable to any bioprocesses by valorising organic wastes.

Comparison of aerodynamic characteristics for various slot diffusers

The airflow in the room or any space has a significant impact on the proper operation of the entire ventilation system. An appropriate field of air velocity flowing through the entire room allows for climate comfort. That is why it is so important proper selection as well as proper arrangement for the air-supply and air-exhaust elements in the ventilation system. This research study presents an isothermal air stream flowing from two different slot diffusers. The supply airstream was analysed at various volumetric flow rates and the velocity of the supply air stream was measured in accordance with the PN-EN 12238: 2002 standard. In order to evaluate the optimal measuring points and to create an appropriate grid, before starting the experimental measurement smoke tests were carried out which determine the scope and shape of the supply stream. All experimental measurements were performed up-to the location where the supply air stream reaches the limiting speed of 0.2 m/s. As a result of the analysis, the obtained characteristics of two types of slot diffusers were discussed and compared.

Can Public Procurement Requirements for Railway Transport Promote Economic and Social Sustainability in South Africa?

When considering sustainability from a socioeconomic and environmental point, the South African public transport industry was not an integral part of such planning until the last decade. Various well-intended and well-defined public procurement and environmental regulatory policies and instruments were put in place over the years, however, they appear to be failing in achieving the goals of local job creation and alleviation of unemployment. This exploratory literature review study of various public documents, regulatory instruments, and review reports aims to evaluate current knowledge pertaining to the current level of sustainable transport from a life-cycle approach, in support of overall sustainable goals in South Africa. The research set out to assess the status of public procurement in the revitalising of public rail freight transport towards identifying areas of excellence that could be used to address under-performance in other areas. The documentary analysis found various areas where the public procurement policies within South Africa, which aims to promote local participation, are facing difficulties due to lack of access to modern technology as well as inadequate skills levels to be able to partake in the ventures. In exploring South African challenges and current solutions, the article recommends a holistic and integrated approach to provide for a sustained manufacturing and service supply stream within the local railway transport environment.

The effects of supply chain diversification during the COVID-19 crisis: Evidence from Chinese manufacturers

Resilience amidst a crisis is vital to survival in the turbulent contemporary business environment. Diversifying the supply chain has been proposed as an important means to build this capability. However, there is insufficient empirical evidence demonstrating the merits of supply chain diversification during a crisis. Sampling 1434 Chinese manufacturing firms amidst the COVID-19 crisis, our two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression analyses show that firms with a diversified supply base are associated with a larger supply stream (increased abnormal inventory) and increased profitability during the COVID-19 crisis, including both the disruption and recovery periods. In addition, firms with a diversified customer base are associated with a larger demand stream (reduced abnormal inventory) during the COVID-19 crisis (both disruption and recovery periods) but show increased profitability only during the recovery period. Our study contributes to the literature on supply chain risk, disruption, diversification, and inventory management. We also discuss the practical implications of supply chain structure design in building resilience.

Barriers to the circular economy: The case of the Dutch technical and interior textiles industries

AbstractThe academic literature offers some insights about lagging progress on circular economy (CE) transition, including cultural, regulatory, market, and technical barriers. There is also an increasing body of knowledge about barriers to CE adoption that takes a macro‐level perspective across industries. However, such studies have largely neglected the industry scale. This study fills that gap by examining barriers to CE transition in the Dutch technical and interior textiles industries. Using data from 27 interviews with manufacturers and retailers, the study finds that high costs for production and marketing, along with lack of consumer interest, are among the most substantial barriers. To provide a system‐wide perspective, the study conceptualizes relationships among barriers as a chain reaction: limited knowledge of CE design options raises the difficulty and cost of delivering high‐quality circular products at the firm level, while limited availability of circular supply streams combined with the orientation of existing production systems toward linear supply chains constrain CE transition at the industry level. These findings highlight the need for intervention at levels beyond the scale of individual firms, a key implication for public policy.

Breaking new grounds for coffee

Breaking new grounds for coffee

Municipal solid waste management under Covid-19: challenges and recommendations

Covid-19 is proving to be an unprecedented disaster for human health, social contacts and the economy worldwide. It is evident that SARS-CoV-2 may spread through municipal solid waste (MSW), if collected, bagged, handled, transported or disposed of inappropriately. Under the stress placed by the current pandemic on the sanitary performance across all MSW management (MSWM) chains, this industry needs to re-examine its infrastructure resilience with respect to all processes, from waste identification, classification, collection, separation, storage, transportation, recycling, treatment and disposal. The current paper provides an overview of the severe challenges placed by Covid-19 onto MSW systems, highlighting the essential role of waste management in public health protection during the ongoing pandemic. It also discusses the measures issued by various international organisations and countries for the protection of MSWM employees (MSWEs), identifying gaps, especially for developing countries, where personal protection equipment and clear guidelines to MSWEs may not have been provided, and the general public may not be well informed. In countries with high recycling rates of MSW, the need to protect MSWEs’ health has affected the supply stream of the recycling industry. The article concludes with recommendations for the MSW industry operating under public health crisis conditions.

Micro-explosion effects in a laminar water-in fuel spray diffusion flame

In this work, we formulate a simple one-dimensional model as a framework for studying the influence of water-in-fuel emulsions on spray diffusion flames. The special contribution of these emulsions to combustion is examined via the relevant steady state equations, which are solved both analytically, when the chemical Damköhler number becomes infinitely large, and numerically when it is finite. Two possible scenarios are investigated; the first, when no micro-explosions occur. The second is when conditions are met for droplet micro-explosions to happen, an occurrence that has been independently observed. The leading order analytical solutions indicate that, as far as the fuel vapour and temperature profiles are concerned, any differences between the case of occurrence and non-occurrence of micro-explosions is fairly minor. However, the numerical solutions showed that in both scenarios the range of permissible values of supply stream mass flux for which spray diffusion flames can be established is considerably reduced by the presence of the water in the droplets. This effect is magnified greatly when micro-explosions take place, primarily due to the focused heat loss for droplet evaporation which entails as the water vapour is released and the evaporation rate of the small droplets created by the micro-explosions is enhanced.

Counterfeits: A Source of Hazards to Workers [Electrical Safety

Discusses problems associated with counterfeited products. Any products that are purchased— PPE for workers or electrical equipment for use or installation— should be checked for signs of counterfeiting. A Source of Hazards to Workers hazard to industrial workers that gets little attention is the use of counterfeit electrical equipment and safety products. There have been many recent news articles about the seizure of counterfeit products, from electronics to medical supplies; the concern is that many untested or fake products make it into the supply stream. Most of the news is about consumer goods, and certainly fake toys, electronics, and other articles can be hazardous.

(Olin Palladium Award of the Electrochemical Society) Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: Recognition of a Field of Electrochemistry for Technical Contributions Made by Outstanding Technical Teams

The Olin Palladium medal is being awarded at this ECS meeting for projects I have been involved with over the last 35 years, mostly in the field of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The great advancement of this technology over that period of time, has been the product of outstanding R,D&E work by several teams of scientists and engineers. I believe ECS is recognizing today the impressive advancements in this field of electrochemistry and, particularly, the scientists and engineers who enabled these advancements culminating in reduction to practice of 100 kW level PEFC power sources for electric vehicles (FCEVs). I feel I am receiving this award for the community of key contributors to this field of electrochemistry and I am honored to represent them here. Serving over the years as Technical Team Leader in a series of PEFC R,D&E projects, I learnt to fully recognize the interdisciplinary nature of this technology and the resulting impact on technology development. The foundations for the science and technology of polymer electrolyte fuel cells are provided by a significant number of fields , including: * Catalysis at the solid/electrolyte interface as practiced with nano-dispersed catalyst particles, * ionic and electronic conductivity of mixed conductors, * technology of ionomeric membranes and the science of the water/ionomer system, * physics and chemistry of high surface area carbons, *kinetics of multistep electrochemical processes, * modeling of complex systems involving combined physical & chemical processes, *structural materials and advanced methods of metal forming, *metal corrosion and chemical decay of ionomers and polymers and, * Analysis and design of energy conversion systems. Good control of a wider spectrum of these technical disciplines by members of a fuel cell technical team, carries great value in facilitating communication between technical staff members of different backgrounds and, in intensifying fruitful exchange. A wider “personal horizon” should indeed be assigned special weight in consideration of candidates for staff positions in such teams. My talk in this session will offer a brief survey of PEFC technology highlights over the past 35 years. Starting with the important contributions of the LANL team in the 1980s and 1990s, the development and demonstration of thin film catalyst layers with loading of <0.5mgPtcm-2 had special significance. The catalyst layer has been typically prepared by ultrasound-mixing of an ionomer dispersion and a carbon-supported Pt catalyst , forming a catalyst ink to be applied to the membrane surface. Catalyst layers so prepared indeed enabled achievement of several watts per cm2 using just ~0.5mgPtcm-2. Moving next fast forward to 2015 , a bolder target of ultra-low Pt loading for transport applications (~0.1mgPtcm-2 ) resulted in performance limitations at high current densities, apparently caused by (i) limited rate of oxygen transport through a thin film of ionomer around the catalyst particle and, (ii) catalyst surface deactivation caused by such ionomer coat. A remediation described recently, targets placing the metal catalyst nanoparticle “side-by-side” with a nano-grain or, nano-patch of the ionomer, achieving such nano-separation by using HSACs as catalyst support (GM 2016, Kofu Univ., 2016 and TUM ,2017). With this last development taking place 25 years after the first introduction of low Pt loading technology, some comments will be offered on the dynamics of PEFC science and technology development. Looking for a cost-effective alternative to the PEFC , CellEra (Israel) started in 2010 development of fuel cell technology based on hydroxide ion conducting membranes (HEMFCs) which should allow use of Pt-free electrodes. HEMFCs present some significant technical challenges, including water management and carbonation by CO2 in the air feed stream. Efforts at Cellera (now POCellTech) resulted in HEMFC performance on hydrogen and air (CO2-free) equivalent to that of a PEMFC using similar ultra-low PGM loading of <0.1 mg Pt/cm2. Consequently, advantages of the lower HEMFC stack materials cost can be now realized. A new approach (UDel,2018 ) to the removal of CO2 from the air supply stream by electrochemical pumping, will be described. An activity to be described last , started in 2015 and is devoted to direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs) with an alkaline membrane electrolyte , operating around 100°C. A team involving BNL, POCellTech and UDel, demonstrated very recently power density of 600 mW/cm2 generated by such an ammonia/oxygen cell operating near 100°C. Being a carbon-free fuel which is liquefiable at ambient temperature under relatively low pressures, liquid ammonia has been considered recently as a possible medium for storage and distribution of the hydrogen to be made from renewable resources (EPRI Report , 2019).

The Seasonal Origins of Streamwater in Switzerland

AbstractQuantifying the relative contributions of winter versus summer precipitation to streamflow may be important for understanding water‐resource sensitivity to precipitation variability. Here we compare volume‐weighted mean δ18O values in precipitation and streamflow for 12 catchments in Switzerland, to determine whether summer or winter precipitation is overrepresented in streamflow, relative to its proportion of total precipitation. Similarities between precipitation and streamflow weighted‐mean δ18O values indicate that roughly equal fractions of summer and winter precipitation supply streams in Switzerland. These results, together with mass conservation, suggest that similar fractions of summer and winter precipitation supply evapotranspiration. These findings contrast with the assumption that because summer precipitation falls when transpiration rates and evaporative demand are high, it should be underrepresented in streamflow and overrepresented in evapotranspiration. This contrast between seasonal water‐balance variations and the partitioning of seasonal precipitation into runoff and evapotranspiration demonstrates substantial interseasonal carryover of precipitation in storages that supply evapotranspiration.

Modeling streamflow sensitivity to climate change in New York City water supply streams using a stochastic weather generator

Study regionThe New York City water supply watersheds Study focusThis study is a modeling analysis on climate change impact on streamflow using a stochastic weather generator (SWG), a hydrologic model, and downscaled future climate scenarios. Streamflow generated using synthetic time series of precipitation and air temperature from a SWG were compared to those simulated from observed historical and projected future weather. New hydrologic insights for the regionSynthetic weather was able to mimic the observed annual streamflow cycle for the six watersheds studied, including the seasonal pattern as well as magnitude and occurrence of extreme hydrologic events. Streamflow simulations using projected climate from 20 global climate models (GCM) for one of the New York City water supply watersheds indicate the potential for changes in the hydrologic regime in this region. The models indicate a shift in the timing of spring melt runoff from a distinct peak in late March and April under historical (1950–2009) conditions towards earlier in the year for mid-century (2041–2060) period. Results indicate that the region may experience an overall increase in mean streamflow in the future due to the combined effect of decreasing spring runoff peak and increasing streamflow during other seasons. More importantly, the magnitude and frequency of extreme hydrological events are projected to increase under future scenarios. These results have implications for future operation and management of the water supply.

Method of Formulating the Required Number of Vehicles for Delivery Aircrafts in Aviation Fuel

Abstract An important part of the air base logistic system is the supply sub-system. In military operations the main delivery can be focused on munitions and aviation fuel. Effective management of the supply stream and the reliability of vehicles in the air base logistic system affect the quality of operations, which can be measured by on time provisions, economic factors and the reliability of vehicles. At present the number of tankers in the air base logistic system is based on experiences.

Kinetics of vapor-phase dehydration of glycerol into acrolein on the BAO-1 heterogeneous catalyst

The vapor-phase dehydration of glycerol on the heterogeneous catalyst 0.5B2O3/γ-Al2O3 (BAO-1) was studied. The kinetic model of the process was developed based on the data obtained in a differential reactor. To evaluate the kinetic constants of the generalized mathematical models of the kinetics of vapor-phase dehydration of glycerol, we used the differential evolution method implemented in the Mathematica 5.0 program. The calculated activation energy of the target reaction of acrolein formation was 50.18 ± 0.11 kJ/mol. The adequacy of the obtained equations was assessed using the Fisher test. The optimum conditions of the vaporphase dehydration of glycerol were determined using the proposed kinetic equations (reaction temperature 330°C, glycerol concentration in the supply stream 30%, and catalyst load 0.0338 L/(gcat min). The obtained data may be used in calculations for large units for acrolein production by glycerol dehydration.