Technology Readiness Level Research Articles

Assessment of cruise ship decarbonization potential with alternative fuels based on MILP model and cabin space limitation

Alternative fuels are expected to play an increasingly crucial role in the decarbonization of the shipping industry. Previous studies have explored the possibility of ship integrated energy systems that use alternative fuels for emission reduction in a cost-efficient manner. However, the various navigation loads and strict space limitations of ships are usually overlooked when designing the ships' energy systems. To fill this gap, a two-stage optimization model is proposed for designing ship integrated energy systems that incorporate alternative fuels, which incorporates internal combustion engines, fuel cells, energy storage technologies, and other relevant equipment. The model captures the ship's volume and weight limitations for alternative fuel applications, and a large cruise ship sailing in Oceania and the Caribbean is selected as a case study. The application feasibilities of four mainstream alternative fuels, i.e., hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and natural gas, have been compared with the conventional diesel power system considering the impact of future trends of fuel cost and emission-related policies. The results indicate that more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by replacing conventional fossil fuels with alternative fuels. Meanwhile, alternative fuel applications are economically competitive when compared to conventional diesel power systems, considering the growing technology readiness level of fuel production and fuel cells. Overall, this study is expected to provide guidance for the utilization of alternative fuels for ships and to identify the optimal ship integrated energy systems solutions.

Budgetary Mechanisms for Implementing the Priorities of Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation

The need to determine the priorities of the scientific and technological development of the country and the effective financing of research and development dictates the application in practice of the ideas of the scientific budget. Based on the conducted research, the authors proposed the principles of the scientific budget, of which the most significant are: the priority of financing the most significant areas of research and development; ensuring a single targeted approach to managing the costs of RD at all stages of the life cycle of scientific research and experimental development. The procedure for developing a scientific budget, from the point of view of the authors, consists of a number of stages. In particular, it is envisaged to assign additional functionality to the Unified State Accounting Information System of RD related to the evaluation and selection of scientific topics (RD projects), as well as determining the amount of funding for work from the federal budget. The algorithm for implementing the additional functionality of the system includes a procedure for determining the compliance of the RD project with the priorities of scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation, evaluating the scientific and scientific and technical results of the project according to the criteria of the technology readiness level, as well as conducting a comparative analysis of the project under consideration with the average indicators of a sample of analog projects generated in the system automatically. The application of a methodological approach to assessing the effectiveness of the tools of the state program “Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation” in the formation of the scientific budget allows us to draw conclusions about the need to optimize, expand or reduce the list of program tools. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the program tools is carried out according to the criteria: 1) necessity; 2) sufficiency; 3) the degree of contribution to the achievement of the goal.

Intelligent Materials and Nanomaterials Improving Physical Properties and Control Oriented on Electronic Implementations

The review highlights possible research topics matching the experimental physics of matter with advances in electronics to improve the intelligent design and control of innovative smart materials. Specifically, following the European research guidelines of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), I propose different topics suitable for project proposals and research, including advances in nanomaterials, nanocomposite materials, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on electronics implementation. The paper provides a new research framework addressing the study of AI driving electronic systems and design procedures to determine the physical properties of versatile materials and to control dynamically the material’s “self-reaction” when applying external stimuli. The proposed research framework allows one to ideate new circuital solutions to be integrated in intelligent embedded systems formed of materials, algorithms and circuits. The challenge of the review is to bring together different research concepts and topics regarding innovative materials to provide a research direction for possible AI applications. The discussed research topics are classified as Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 and 2.

Panel: “novel” nuclear reactors as an alternative disposal option

Abstract. States and private industries are researching and developing reactor concepts that are not based on the current light- or heavy-water-cooled reactor technology. One important aspect of these so called novel or advanced nuclear reactor designs, both large gigawatt types and small modular reactors, is their potential for radioactive waste management. The prospects for their development and industrial use also largely depend on possible improvements to reactor safety, on the proliferation resistance of the fuel cycle and on the economics of those reactor concepts. The panelists will discuss opportunities and impediments to the implementation and use of advanced reactor concepts and their fuel cycles, as well as their use as an alternative disposal option. The discussion will be open for the audience to participate. Regarding the method, a moderated panel discussion with four panelists is planned. First, after a short introduction by the moderator, the panelists will be given the opportunity to briefly present their view on important advantages and disadvantages of new reactors as a waste disposal option for about 20 min total. The focus should be on the involved fuel cycle (partitioning and transmutation); the state of science and technology of reactors for waste management, reprocessing and fuel fabrication; the impact of reactors on the quantity and composition of nuclear waste; and the possible deployment scenarios focusing on nuclear waste management. The need to use reactors for this alternative disposal option is a controversial issue in light of differing views on the use of nuclear energy nationally and internationally. We plan to invite a heterogeneous panel with expertise in reactor-based nuclear waste management, nuclear safety and security; the state of science and technology of advanced nuclear reactors (technology readiness level); and nuclear power economics. Ideally this panel will express differing views on the use of nuclear power as the panel's goal is explicitly to engage in an interactive discussion with the audience.

Interactive mixed reality live streaming technology in manufacturing

This paper presents the first field-tested application of interactive mixed reality live streaming technology in a manufacturing setting and elaborates on its implications for practitioners and scholars. A proof-of-concept of a mixed reality live streaming device that uses 360° video calls for remote presence is developed and applied in a field test during a tool changeover at a Stanley Black & Decker factory. This study documents that interactive mixed reality live streaming for shop-floor environments has passed Technology Readiness Level 6, representing a radical new way of organizing remote shop-floor tours, inspections, audits, and training.

Wave Energy Power Take-off Validation with a Hydraulicly Actuated Rotary Dynamometer and a Bi-directional High-power DC Supply

There are many organizations working towards the commercialization of wave energy converter technologies and are advancing their designs through the technology readiness levels (TRLs). A critical step before the field deployment of prototype wave energy converters is the validation of the subsystems and components that are contained in the wave energy converter through laboratory testing and performance characterization. In 2021, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed and demonstrated a system for testing power takeoffs (PTO) with a low-speed, high-torque dynamometer and a grid-tied high-power DC power source and sink before field deployment. The hydraulic dynamometer allows for the simulation of PTO actuation from wave motion and is capable of a wide range of wave periods and heights which are represented as various speeds and torques from the dynamometer. The high-power bidirectional power supply allows for hardware in the loop and controller in the loop testing to be conducted on WEC power electronics. This presentation was made to describe the methods used by NREL research staff to test all components and sub-systems in the PTO of a novel wave energy converter before field deployment.

Ocean Energy: Markets – Currency – Impact. Dimension of & Choices in the Technology Development Space

Reflecting in the acceleration of the changes in ecological, climatological and generally planetary health, it is critical to employ those energy source as well and those energy used that are of the highest ratio of benefit to effort and deliver the most valuable and impactful, tangible contribution in service of natural commons and common societal good. Such considerations hold for all ocean energy types and especially for ocean wave energy.
 Thus, it is not only important to consider the resource that is converted into the standard form of usable energy, that is, in the form of electricity and to deliver to the most prominent marketplace, that is, the continental grid; it is equally important to consider the use, purpose and impact after converted energy.
 Reflecting on the entire value chain from marine renewable energy to a) usable energy to b) the actual use and purpose of the energy may lead to highly impactful implementations with more direct delivery of the renewable energy to the valued application. In such more direct paths from resource to impact the extracted energy and the applied energy is a mean to the purpose rather than a means to an end.
 Assessments of marine renewable energy markets other than powering the continental grid, such as Powering the Blue Economy, have been investigated and numerous research efforts are underway. However, to fully maximize the achievable impact of ocean wave energy it is critical to extend the consideration from replacing the energy source in existing applications to the enablement of highly impactful applications that are currently not existing or are not operated at the magnitude when powered by ocean waves.
 Highest effectiveness is achieved when the uniqueness of the renewable energy form matches the unique needs of the targeted application. For ocean wave energy the uniqueness lies in relative consistency, high degree of forecastability, energy density and the ubiquitous nature across the oceans. These provide a plethora of opportunities to serve markets and purposes that are directly in or based on the oceans.
 Technology development progress indicators such as Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Technology Performance Levels (TPL) are typically used to span up the technology development space and provide a framework and orientation for the desired technology development trajectories. Based on the description of the motivations above the paper and presentation with introduce and describe additional and alternative technology development indicators that directly point and guide the development towards impactful application and purpose as the desired technology development goal. 
 In order to provide a clear understanding of impact markets and the associated values, thus, their specific currency these are best served in, three impact markets are presented in detail as concrete examples. These support planetary and ocean health in different ways through carbon capture, acceleration of the deployment of all forms of marine renewable energy types and enabling the implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation. Beyond these, a dozen of others impact markets are listed to provide an overview of impact oriented markets and applications.

Reliability and Cost Assessment of Critical Components: Electrical generator failure of IDOM wave energy converter

It is believed that current testing procedures in the wave energy sector are not well-balanced. Most laboratory testing has been focused on functional tests (e.g. of proof of concept and performance assessment for example) disregarding other key performance measures such as reliability and survivability. A new testing procedure that reduces development time and cost, while enabling better understanding of reliability and survivability of critical components at early Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) has been proposed within the VALID project.
 
 In the context of VALID, the work in this paper relates reliability of the critical component to the cost of the whole system, i.e. the wave energy converter. There is usually a trade-off between a very reliable component (low maintenance and high unit cost) against a component with a lower lifetime, lower unit cost and higher maintenance. The loss of revenue of a component failing more time during the project lifetime shall be evaluated against different maintenance strategies and the capital expenditures of the overall system and the component of focus. For that, the LCOE or Levelised Cost of Electricity seems to be the parameter more relevant to capture all these variations. A sensitivity analysis will consider how varying failure rates, component’s cost and maintenance costs affect CAPEX, OPEX and accumulated energy production along project’s lifetime.
 
 The assessment will focus on selected critical components representative of three wave energy technologies: CorPower, IDOM and Wavepiston. The three user cases of the VALID project will guide the work, though it is the aim that results will be applicable beyond the VALID project.
 Initially, a relative quantification of the impact on the LCOE of increasing the performance and reliability of the critical component will be done. As output data comes from the experimental results, this quantification will be refined.
 VALID is a Horizon 2020 research project where fourteen partners around Europe are collaborating into developing a new hybrid testing platform and methodology for critical components. VALID aims at integrating both reliability and testing methods together with relevant data on component failures early in the design and testing process to ensure that the proposed testing procedure is built upon past experience. The focus of the present paper is to statistically relate the realibility of the critical component to the costs of whole system.

New Perspectives on Catalytic Hydrogen Production by the Reforming, Partial Oxidation and Decomposition of Methane and Biogas

The article provides a short review on catalyst-based processes for the production of hydrogen starting from methane, both of fossil origin and from sustainable processes. The three main paths of steam- and dry-reforming, partial oxidation and thermo-catalytic decomposition are briefly introduced and compared, above all with reference to the latest publications available and to new catalysts which obey the criteria of lower environmental impact and minimize the content of critical raw materials. The novel strategies based on chemical looping with CO2 utilization, membrane separation, electrical-assisted (plasma and microwave) processes, multistage reactors and catalyst patterning are also illustrated as the most promising perspective for CH4 reforming, especially on small and medium scale. Although these strategies should only be considered at a limited level of technological readiness, research on these topics, including catalyst development and process optimization, represents the crucial challenge for the scientific community.

Economic viability of two-stage biohydrogen and biomethane production from cassava stillage residue focusing on solids content and pretreatment

Biohythane (a mixture of hydrogen and methane) may play a significant role in a future decarbonised energy system. The production of biohythane can be achieved by sequential dark hydrogen fermentation and anaerobic digestion. However, the technology readiness level of biohythane can be limited by many process constraints negatively affecting its commercial feasibility. Here, a pilot experiment on fermentative hythane production from cassava stillage residue (CSR) incorporating dilute acid pretreatment and enzymolysis was undertaken. The production of hydrogen and methane was 72.0 ± 10.7 and 295.4 ± 28.5 mL/g volatile solid, respectively. Different scenarios for techno-economic analysis were developed in terms of the dried/wet form of CSR and total solids content during fermentation. Results suggested that hythane from CSR was not economically feasible with a high production cost (1.39–2.33 €/m3). There was a trade-off relationship between the increase in methane yield through pretreatment and the associated cost.

An Approach to Bridging the Gap Between the Attainment of Research Objectives and System Application

ABSTRACTThe aerospace industry has widely adopted the use of technology readiness levels (TRLs), (NASA) which describe the maturity of a technology from earliest stages of research through the operational system. In using TRLs, it has been observed that bridging the gap between research on a technology and its incorporation by engineers into a system is challenging. Nominally, the transition from TRL 4, defined as a component and/or breadboard validation in a laboratory environment, to TRL 7, defined as a system prototype demonstration in an operational environment, is a programmatic gap known as the “valley of death.” The valley of death is a schism whereby the component that incorporates the new technology fails to meet the eventual system requirements. The goal of this paper is to provide a methodology and “language” that enables the researchers and engineers to communicate more effectively to traverse this gap. The basis for this methodology is the combination of established methods for communicating progress for a program combined with the development and application of domain assessments. Domain readiness levels (DRLs), analogs of the TRLs, are specific to the domains relevant to the system of interest. Specifically, the methodology is intended to enable two‐way communication between the domain experts and the systems engineer, with the goal of effective incorporation of a technology. This paper will use an example of the approach to bridge the “valley of death” targeted on the development of a satellite composites optical support structure that must stay in focus across the temperature range of 77‐323 degrees Kelvin. In this example, the communication will use two relevant domains, materials and processes, to illustrate the methodology.

A Review on Insulation and Dielectrics for High- Temperature Superconducting Cables for Power Distribution: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

The high temperature superconducting (HTS) AC and DC cables are gradually finding their way towards commercialization due to their ability to transfer bulk electric power with negligible dielectric loss. In this context, this paper critically reviews the different aspects of HTS cables used in various applications and related accessories. The operational, lab-scale, and prototype HTS cable projects are discussed in detail. Different dielectrics, electrical insulations, superconductors, cooling systems, cryogens, and upcoming projects of HTS cables are reviewed. The underlying challenges and future directions in AC and DC cables, electric aircraft and ships, associated costs, cryogenic insulation materials, cooling technologies, superconductors, and electrical insulations of HTS cables are discussed in detail. The space charge performance of presently-used polypropylene laminated paper (PPLP) insulation and future insulation, i.e., Kapton material, is experimentally analyzed, to show the future challenges in the insulation design. The technology readiness level, market trends, and relevant test standards are explored. The research and market trends suggest that HTS cables can replace conventional transmission methods. However, their consistent growth and adaptation of HTS cables will depend on design of cryocoolers, raw material cost of superconductors, and large-scale production.

A Bridge Blueprint to Span the Chasm Between Research and Engineering — A Framework for Systems Engineering in Early‐Stage Research and Development

ABSTRACTResearchers and funding organizations often do not understand the value of systems engineering in early‐stage projects (technology readiness levels TRL 1‐5), during which systems engineering may be viewed as an unnecessary cost, and as a process heavy effort applicable only for mature technologies. This may result in a relative lack of engineering rigor and lack of understanding of innovation context which often contributes to failures in the “valley of death” between fundamental research and applied development.We argue there is more than one pathway for crossing the valley of death, and that relevant application of systems engineering implemented at an appropriate level of rigor provides a foundation for transition and use of technical innovation. This article discusses the principles and foundational elements necessary for development and use of a framework for systems engineering applicable in early‐stage research and development (ESR&D), including tailoring considerations associated with TRL and stakeholder roles. Associated framework metrics are suggested to enable evaluation and practical implementation of the framework for systems engineering innovation management at this phase of technology development.

Design of structured [formula omitted] flight controllers: Passive fault-tolerant versus observer-based structures

This article presents the structured H∞ design and validation of two types of flight controller architectures: a passive fault-tolerant controller for the longitudinal motion and an active observer-based fault-tolerant controller for the lateral-directional motion. In the first, the controller follows the conventional Stability/Control Augmentation System (SCAS) structure, and its gains are obtained in continuous-time with the hinfstruct command by considering a set of elevator Loss-Of-Efficiency (LOE) faults. For the second, the conventional Luenberger observer-based controller structure is used, and the design aims to monitor the health of the aileron and rudder actuators in addition to provide active tolerance against LOE faults. Two different discrete-time designs are obtained for the latter, one focused on control performance optimization (using also the hinfstruct command), and the other on simultaneous control and observer performance optimization (using the systune command and under a slightly relaxed control performance constraint). For the two types of architectures, unmodeled dynamics are represented by uncertain bounded time delays modeled as pure delays or first-order Padé approximations. The resulting controllers are implemented on-board JAXA’s research airplane MuPAL-α, and not only is their practicality demonstrated but also control performance is validated via Aircraft-In-the-Loop (AIL) testing under gust-free and realistic gusty conditions. This demonstration is at a Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of 7–8, resulting in a high-level of confidence in the validity of the proposed flight control structures.

Experimental validation of rotating detonation for rocket propulsion

Space travel requires high-powered, efficient rocket propulsion systems for controllable launch vehicles and safe planetary entry. Interplanetary travel will rely on energy-dense propellants to produce thrust via combustion as the heat generation process to convert chemical to thermal energy. In propulsion devices, combustion can occur through deflagration or detonation, each having vastly different characteristics. Deflagration is subsonic burning at effectively constant pressure and is the main means of thermal energy generation in modern rockets. Alternatively, detonation is a supersonic combustion-driven shock offering several advantages. Detonations entail compact heat release zones at elevated local pressure and temperature. Specifically, rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs) use detonation as the primary means of energy conversion, producing more useful available work compared to equivalent deflagration-based devices; detonation-based combustion is poised to radically improve rocket performance compared to today’s constant pressure engines, producing up to 10% increased thrust. This new propulsion cycle will also reduce thruster size and/or weight, lower injection pressures, and are less susceptible to engine-damaging acoustic instabilities. Here we present a collective effort to benchmark performance and standardize operability of rotating detonation rocket engines to develop the RDRE technology readiness level towards a flight demonstration. Key detonation physics unique to RDREs, driving consistency and control of chamber dynamics across the engine operating envelope, are identified and addressed to drive down the variability and stochasticity observed in previous studies. This effort demonstrates an RDRE operating consistently across multiple facilities, validating this technology’s performance as the foundation of RDRE architecture for future aerospace applications.

Hybrid Prediction-Driven High-Throughput Sustainability Screening for Advancing Waste-to-Dimethyl Ether Valorization.

Assessing the prospective climate preservation potential of novel, innovative, but immature chemical production techniques is limited by the high number of process synthesis options and the lack of reliable, high-throughput quantitative sustainability pre-screening methods. This study presents the sequential use of data-driven hybrid prediction (ANN-RSM-DOM) to streamline waste-to-dimethyl ether (DME) upcycling using a set of sustainability criteria. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are developed to generate in silico waste valorization experimental results and ex-ante model the operating space of biorefineries applying the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sewage sludge (SS). Aspen Plus process flowsheeting and ANN simulations are postprocessed using the response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability optimization method (DOM) to improve the in-depth mechanistic understanding of environmental systems and identify the most benign configurations. The hybrid prediction highlights the importance of targeted waste selection based on elemental composition and the need to design waste-specific DME synthesis to improve techno-economic and environmental performances. The developed framework reveals plant configurations with concurrent climate benefits (-1.241 and -2.128 kg CO2-eq (kg DME)-1) and low DME production costs (0.382 and 0.492 € (kg DME)-1) using OFMSW and SS feedstocks. Overall, the multi-scale explorative hybrid prediction facilitates early stage process synthesis, assists in the design of block units with nonlinear characteristics, resolves the simultaneous analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables, and enables the high-throughput sustainability screening of low technological readiness level processes.

Recycling and Reuse Strategies for Ceramic Components of Solid Oxide Cells

Fuel Cell and Hydrogen (FCH) applications will become crucial to enable the transition towards decarbonatization and meet the EU's zero net greenhouse gas emission targets to be achieved by 2050 (The European Green Deal, European Commission, 2019). As one part of novel FCH technologies, Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) can be used as fuel cells and electrolyzers, enabling a fuel-flexible and adaptable range of applications.However, the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of SOCs is currently assessed at 5–7 (H2-international, October 2022), which is lower compared to most of the technologies mentioned above. In order to achieve their market breakthrough, SOCs require scalable and cost-efficient manufacturing trails. This involves an adequate End-of-Life (EoL) material treatment, minimizing environmental impact, and avoiding landfill disposals. EoL strategies for FCH applications (including the SOC) are currently in the early stages and have not been adequately addressed. Until now, existing novel technologies and their materials are reviewed based on hazardousness, scarcity and cost. Initial considerations directly for SOC material recovery are given in two very recent publications. In these two studies, the focus was on the ceramic cell part of an SOC, aiming for the recovery of the most valuable cell fractions in a (semi-) closed loop scenario.Challenges in cell recycling arise from the diversity of structures and materials of established stack and cell designs. For industrial applications, planar stack geometry is likely to prevail, further subdivided based on the mechanical support used (fuel electrode-supported cells, FESC; electrolyte-supported cells, ESCs; metal-supported cells, MSCs). As a part of the German government-funded technology platform “H2Giga”, we are working on the re-integration of EoL FESC-type SOCs into the cell manufacturing process.The concept for FESC-recycling (Figure 1.) is based on the separation of the air-side perovskite materials (air-side electrode and contact layer) from the remaining predominant cell fraction (mechanical support, fuel electrode, electrolyte, and diffusion barrier layer).[1] Separation can be achieved by exploiting the chemical resistance of NiO and YSZ to suitable leachants such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid. In comparison, the structure of the conventional perovskites used is more vulnerable to acid corrosion. The remaining solid fraction then undergoes a re-dispersion step and is incorporated into newly manufactured substrate. The recycled substrate is characterized in terms of electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, and microstructure. Critical components (Co, La) in the separated perovskite liquid fraction are to be recovered from the solution by precipitation.The presentation will guide the audience through the concept of multi-step recovery of the predominant cell fraction Ni(O)/YSZ, and will provide insides of the experimental results, ranging from the hydrometallurgical separation of cell fractions to suitable reprocessing techniques.[1] Sarner, S., Schreiber, A., Menzler, N. H., & Guillon, O. (2022). Recycling Strategies for Solid Oxide Cells. Advanced Energy Materials, 12(35), 2201805. Figure 1

Advancement of Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (p-SOEC) for Hydrogen Production at Idaho National Laboratory

Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (p-SOEC) is an emerging and attractive technology for hydrogen production through water electrolysis at intermediate temperatures. Economically competitive p-SOEC systems have distinct advantages over conventional oxygen-ion conducting ceramic electrochemical cells, but further technology development and widespread market acceptance will require continuous innovation of materials and structures in order to improve cell performance, enhance system lifetime and reduce cost. Herein, we report the advancement of p-SOEC with materials R&D, interface engineering, as well as cell fabrication and manufacturing in INL. We highlight how DOE support through HydroGEN accelerates move up the technology readiness level.

Ex-ante life cycle assessment of FineFuture flotation technology: case study of Grecian Magnesite

PurposeThis study aims at evaluating the environmental performance of a novel froth flotation technology in mining industry from a life cycle perspective. The technology is being developed under EU Horizon 2020 project titled “FineFuture” (FF) with the aim of saving valuable materials in fine particles that are currently wasted due to lack of technology.MethodsFF relies on chemically enhancing the physical characteristics of particles allowing it to float and concentrate.Prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) was conducted for two possible industrial applications of FF flotation technology in the case study of Grecian Magnesite (GM) which is a main magnesium oxide producer in Europe. Each application can be perceived as a standalone comparative LCA study comparing current system with future system incorporating FF technology on industrial scale.Results and discussionThe future scenarios did not decisively support FF technology in neither of the two applications from an environmental point of view. When applied to fines of < 4 mm granular size with the aim of material recovery, the future scenario performed better than the current situation only in 5 out of 16 impact categories. The main issue is the added burden of calcination phase. When the technology was tested to upgrade the existing magnesite concentrate before calcination, it introduced some gains in most of the impact categories, but the difference compared to the current situation is not very considerable. Testing improved scenarios showed a great benefit to the overall performance of the scenarios by introducing cleaner fuels and burners in calcination phase.Conclusion and recommendationsOverall, the results tend to favour applying FF technology to upgrade low quality concentrates rather than beneficiating < 4 mm fines. However, and in any case, if FF technology is to be applied, combining it with cleaner fuels and burners in calcination should be prioritized. Furthermore, it was found that improving the purity (i.e. quality) in the flotation tank output is a key factor from an environmental view. The results also showed little impact of the added electric energy demand from the new units. As any pLCA, the study has limitations mainly originating from the low technology readiness level (TRL) when data collection activities were carried out. Further studies should start from pilot-scale data and adopting more accurate upscaling approaches to calculate the impacts of a full industrial deployment of the technology.

The Role of Purchasing Decisions in Mediating the Influence of Personal Selling, Price and Product Quality on Customer Satisfaction Using MICE Services

This study aims to analyze the effect of Personal Selling Services, Price, and Product Quality on customer satisfaction using MICE services. The object of this research is all customers of PT ABC. The population in this study is PT ABC customers in Jabodetabek, and the respondents' plan will be determined by the number of samples based on the Hair formula. Sampling will be carried out by purposive sampling method, which is a sample selected based on its characteristics. The analysis technique uses Smart PLS (Partial Least Square) 3.0 analysis. Quantitative analysis methods with SEM analysis tools and Smart PLS 3.3 tools. The results of this study show that Personal Selling has a positive and significant effect on Purchasing Decisions, but price shows a significant negative effect on Purchasing Decisions , besides that Product Quality shows a positive and significant effect on Purchasing Decisions. Therefore, considering the existing market share, companies should improve purchasing decisions by paying attention to service quality and product quality through the application of attractive prices. The Technology Readiness Level of this study is Level 3. Analytic and experimental critical functions and/or proofs of concept characteristics. Active research and development begins, this includes analytical studies and empirical studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.