Efficient Technology Research Articles

Research on CO2 capture performance and reaction mechanism using newly tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) + monoethanolamine (MEA) mixed absorbent for onboard application

Large–scale CO2 emissions have raised international concerns as they lead to global temperature rise. Consequently, mitigating CO2 emissions has emerged as a central focus of interdisciplinary research. Although onboard carbon capture technology proves effective in reducing a ship's CO2 emissions, challenges persist in the form of high desorption energy consumption and low CO2 loading of the absorbents. In this study, a novel polyamine–based mixed amine system based on marine engine exhaust CO2 capture technology has been developed to reduce desorption energy consumption and enhance CO2 loading. Additionally, the reaction mechanisms of CO2 with polyamine–based mixed amine were investigated using a combination of quantum chemical calculations and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The results indicated that compared to monoethanolamine (MEA) with the same mass fraction, the CO2 loading of the new mixed absorbent tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) + MEA increased by 7 % and the desorption heat duty reduced by 18.1 %. The analytical approach results showed that in the case of 7.5 wt% TEPA + 7.5 wt% MEA solution, proton transfer was predominantly governed by TEPA, whereas MEA primarily engaged in the reaction with CO2. During desorption at 368 K, the released CO2 primarily arose from HCO3− and CO32−. These findings hold academic and practical significance for the advancement of more efficient carbon capture technologies in maritime applications.

2D/2D heterojunctions for rapid and self-cleaning removal of antibiotics via visible light-assisted peroxymonosulfate activation: Efficiency, synergistic effects, and applications

Developing eco-friendly and efficient technologies for treating antibiotic wastewater is crucial. Traditional methods face challenges in incomplete removal, high costs, and secondary pollution. Heterogeneous peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation assisted by visible light shows promise, but suitable activators remain a huge challenge. Here, we synthesized cost-effective carbon nitride/bismuth bromide oxide (CN/BiOBr) heterojunctions. Such a heterojunction achieved rapid PMS activation, achieving over 90.00% tetracycline (TC) removal only within 1 min (kobs of 2.23 min−1), surpassing previous systems by nearly 1–2 orders of magnitude and even remarkably superior to the popular single-atom catalysts. The system exhibited self-cleaning properties, maintaining activity after 8 cycles and stability across a wide pH range (3.01 to 9.03). Quenching experiments and theoretical calculations elucidated the exclusive •O2- species involvement and removal pathways. Eco-toxicity assessment and total organic carbon results confirmed simultaneous degradation, detoxification, and mineralization. This system also showed excellent resistance to environmental factors, e.g., coexisting anions, varying pH, and water sources, and demonstrated potential in coking and medical wastewater purification. This study presents a novel technique for rapidly decontaminating antibiotic wastewater through visible light-assisted PMS activation and introduces innovative bionic catalytic oxidation combining light and darkness for practical applications.

The Use of the Autotrophic Culture of Arthrospira platensis for CO2 Fixation from Biogas Combustion

The increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has a strong impact on global warming. Therefore, efficient technologies must be used to reduce CO2 emissions. One of the methods is the biofixation of CO2 by microalgae and cyanobacteria. This is now a widely described technology that can improve the economics of biomass production and reduce CO2 emissions. There are no reports on the possibility of using it to clean exhaust gases from biogas combustion. The aim of the research was to determine the possibility of using Arthrospira platensis cultures to remove CO2 from biogas combustion. The efficiency of biomass production and the effectiveness of biological CO2 fixation were evaluated. The use of exhaust gases led to a more efficient increase in cyanobacterial biomass. The growth rate in the exponential phase was 209 ± 17 mgVS/L·day, allowing a biomass concentration of 2040 ± 49 mgVS/L. However, the use of exhaust gases led to a decrease in the pH of the culture medium and a rapid decline in the Arthrospira platensis population. The cyanobacteria effectively fixed CO2, and its concentration was limited from 13 ± 1% to 1.3 ± 0.7%. There was no influence of the exhaust gases on changes in the qualitative composition of the cyanobacterial biomass. In the culture fed with exhaust gas, the A. platensis population quickly entered the death phase, which requires close monitoring. This is an important indication for potential operators of large-scale photobioreactors.

Sub-Diffraction Readout Method of High-Capacity Optical Data Storage Based on Polarization Modulation.

The big data era demands an efficient and permanent data storage technology with the capacity of PB to EB scale. Optical data storage (ODS) offers a good candidate for long-lifetime storage, as the developing far-field super-resolution nanoscale writing technology improves its capacity to the PB scale. However, methods to efficiently read out this intensive ODS data are still lacking. In this paper, we demonstrate a sub-diffraction readout method based on polarization modulation, which experimentally achieves the sub-diffraction readout on Disperse Red 13 thin film with a resolution of 500 nm, exceeding the diffraction limit by 1.2 times (NA = 0.5). Differing from conventional binary encoding, we propose a specific polarization encoding method that enhances the capacity of ODS by 1.5 times. In the simulation, our method provides an optical data storage readout resolution of 150 nm, potentially to 70 nm, equivalent to 1.1 PB in a DVD-sized disk. This sub-diffraction readout method has great potential as a powerful readout tool for next-generation optical data storage.

Optimization of the Porous Structure of Carbon Electrodes for Hybrid Supercapacitors with a Redox Electrolyte Based on Potassium Bromide

This work investigates the electrochemical behavior of hybrid supercapacitors with carbon-based electrodes of different porosity using 5M NaNO3 + 0.5M KBr electrolyte to optimize energy storage processes. Three types of carbon materials were synthesized: activated carbon from rice husk (RH) with a specific surface area of ~2300 m2/g and pore size < 1 nm, and templated carbons from magnesium citrate (MP-8) and glucose with SiO2 as a template (G7), having surface areas of 1976 and 1320 m2/g and pore sizes of 3.4 and 7 nm, respectively. The microporous structure of activated carbon (AC) obtained from RH shows limitations in the diffusion of electrolyte ions, which affects the charge-discharge kinetics. In contrast, the larger mesoporous structures of templated carbons promoted better adsorption and ion transport, significantly affecting the dynamics of redox reactions. The RH/MP-8 hybrid capacitor, combining high surface area and large pore size, demonstrated a 54% increase in specific capacitance, 128% increase in specific energy and 51% increase in energy efficiency at high current densities of 5 A/g, comparing to the symmetric RH/RH hybrid capacitor. This study highlights the critical importance of the relationship between electrode pore structure and electrolyte composition for optimizing supercapacitor performance, which provides valuable information for the development of efficient energy storage technologies.

Efficient Ethane and Propane Separation from Natural Gas Using Heterometallic Metal-Organic Frameworks with Interpenetrated Structures.

The development of efficient technology for natural gas separation in industrial processes has become imperative. In this regard, the exploration of novel and effective adsorbents has gained significant attention. One promising approach is the metal regulation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly heterometallic MOFs, which offer greater potential for gas separation due to their diverse composition. This study presents the synthesis of a series of iron- and vanadium-based heterometallic MOFs (MIL-126), featuring interpenetrated structures, and investigates their adsorption performance for methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8). Experimental results reveal that the choice of metal combinations within the MOF framework significantly influences the adsorption performance of MIL-126. Notably, heterometallic MIL-126(Fe/Ni) exhibits a stronger binding affinity for C3H8, with an impressive uptake of 177 cm3/g. The C3H8/CH4 ideal adsorbed solution theory selectivity of MIL-126(Fe/Ni) surpasses that of MIL-126(Fe) by a factor of 7, reaching a value of 853, second only to the highest reported value. Furthermore, MIL-126(Fe/Ni) exhibits remarkable potential for the recovery of pure CH4 from the equimolar C3H8/CH4 mixture, with the amount of pure CH4 approaching the maximum reported value for MOFs. Insights from isosteric heat at zero loading and Henry's coefficients indicate that the transformation of metal types leads to a change in the interaction energy between C3H8 and the framework. Furthermore, breakthrough experiments validate the effective separation capability of MIL-126(Fe/Ni) for CH4/C2H6/C3H8 mixtures. These findings underscore the remarkable potential of heterometallic MOFs in constructing a wide range of new MOFs with tailorable properties, thereby enhancing their gas separation performance.

Understanding the effect of heating rate on hydrothermal liquefaction: A comprehensive investigation from model compounds to a real food waste

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) emerges as an efficient technology for converting food waste into biocrude. Among HTL parameters, the impact of heating rate is understudied. This study systematically explores its variation (5–115 K/min) on HTL performance using actual food waste and model compounds representing its constituents. Results revealed that an increase in heating rates significantly impacts HTL performances (+63 % biocrude and −34 % solid with food waste) with short residence times, as slower heating rates imply a longer overall time and a higher kinetic advancement of the reaction. Conversely, with longer residence times, the influence of heating rates becomes negligible, as kinetics during heating times are overshadowed by those at operating temperatures. A subtle effect of heating variation at extended residence time was observed only with carbohydrates. This research emphasizes the utility of a kinetic severity factor (KSF) as a valuable tool for simultaneously considering heating rates, operating times, and temperatures.

Unveiling the contemporary progress of graphene-based nanomaterials with a particular focus on the removal of contaminants from water: a comprehensive review.

Water scarcity and pollution pose significant challenges to global environmental sustainability and public health. As these concerns intensify, the quest for innovative and efficient water treatment technologies becomes paramount. In recent years, graphene-based nanomaterials have emerged as frontrunners in this pursuit, showcasing exceptional properties that hold immense promise for addressing water contamination issues. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, exhibits extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. These inherent characteristics have led to a surge of interest in leveraging graphene derivatives, such as graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide and functionalized graphene, for water treatment applications. The ability of graphene-based nanomaterials to adsorb, catalyze, and photocatalyze contaminants makes them highly versatile in addressing diverse pollutants present in water sources. This review will delve into the synthesis methods employed for graphene-based nanomaterials and explore the structural modifications and functionalization strategies implemented to increase their pollutant removal performance in water treatment. By offering a critical analysis of existing literature and highlighting recent innovations, it will guide future research toward the rational design and optimization of graphene-based nanomaterials for water decontamination. The exploration of interdisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge technologies underscores the evolving landscape of graphene-based water treatment, fostering a path toward sustainable and scalable solutions. Overall, the authors believe that this review will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers working toward sustainable and effective solutions for water purification.

These are tenants not guinea pigs: Barriers and facilitators of retrofit in Wales, United Kingdom

Retrofitting existing homes with new energy efficient technologies is essential to reduce emissions and move towards achieving a ‘net zero’ carbon emission target. This paper reports on research that investigated the process of retrofitting new technologies in existing social rented homes in Wales, United Kingdom. It used mixed-methods consisting of pre- and post-retrofit surveys, qualitative interviews with tenants, and a documentary analysis of retrofit tenant engagement materials. Interviews and focus groups were also undertaken with a variety of professionals involved in the delivery of the new technology, including tenant liaison officers, architects, surveyors, and a civil servant.Findings reveal that many of the barriers to deploying new technologies in social rented properties were around communication and information issues. The interface between the technology and residents was a challenge as mechanisms of the new technologies operation and sensors and monitoring were not understood well and residents were kept out of the loop often through digital exclusion. Disruption to norms, the home and everyday practices were also key barriers. Facilitators to successful deployment of new technologies included good tenant engagement, demonstrating and showcasing the technology prior to deployment and actively reducing disruption to norms and practices.Social Practices Theory and Energies Culture Framework describe the findings well, especially around changes in material culture (the actual technology and hardware) and disruption to norms and social practices, which explains how the use of the technology by the residents notably changes and can disrupt their lives. These disruptions create anxiety creating further barriers which can lead to resistance to engaging with the technology. Better communication and more resident involvement and engagement are needed, allowing people ownership and some perceived control over the decision-making, deployment and changes happening to their everyday lives.Findings suggest that communications and trust in the retrofit process are crucial to the success of delivering low-carbon technologies to tenants in social housing. The technology must also be usable and understood by the tenants; exemplar demonstrator properties to help tenants see and understand the technologies are helpful to successful deployment. In conclusion, more involvement of tenants is needed when delivering low-carbon technologies to their homes to resolve further exacerbating the already noticeable inequalities.

Deep degradation of atrazine in water using co-immobilized laccase-1-hydroxybenzotriazole-Pd as composite biocatalyst

The efficient and green removal technology of refractory organics such as atrazine in water has been an important topic of research in water treatment. A novel membrane composite biocatalyst Lac-HBT-Pd/BC as prepared for the first time by co-immobilizing laccase, mediator 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT) and metal Pd on functionalized bacterial cellulose (BC) to investigate the removal of atrazine and degradation of its intermediates under mild ambient conditions. It was found that atrazine could be completely degraded in 5 h by the catalysis of Lac-HBT-Pd/BC, and the removal rate of degradation intermediates from atrazine was about 85% after continuous catalysis, which achieved deep degradation of atrazine. The effect of electrochemical activity and radical stability of the membrane composite biocatalysts loaded with Pd was investigated. The possible degradation pathways were proposed by identifying and analyzing the deep degradation products of atrazine. The Lac-HBT-Pd/BC demonstrated deep degradation of atrazine and favorable reusability as well as considerable adaptability to various water qualities. This work provides an important reference for preparing new kinds of biocatalysts to degrade refractory organic pollutants in water.

The persistent attractions of low-tech: Challenging the efficiency paradigm of forensic technology

The promise of efficiency is a catalyst for technological development in forensic science and crime scene investigation practices. Crime scene investigators aim to locate and document every potential trace for evidence and investigate crime scenes as quickly, accurately and objectively as possible. This narrative suggests that performance leads the police to adopt new efficient technologies. But to what extent is this narrative reflective of actual practices? Through examining how crime scene investigators use existing technologies in practice, i.e. traditional or ‘low-tech’ methods and tools such as DNA detection dogs and manual documentation tools, this article shows that the use of low-tech persists even under the pressure to perform and achieve. The study finds that low-tech remains attractive as a less-restraining alternative to digital and high-tech solutions. It is also contrast to, integrated with or necessary in co-existence with high-tech for crime scene investigations practices to function. The study draws on fieldwork conducted at police stations in Norway, including interviews and participatory observation of investigations in practice, to discuss the persistent attractions of low-tech and what the implications are for research into policing and technology.

Plasmonic titanium nitride-based membranes for solar-driven domestic wastewater distillation treatment

Membrane separation processes have emerged as efficient wastewater treatment technologies due to their reduced footprint, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, ease of operation, high filtration selectivity, and compliance with end-user requirements. Especially solar-driven membrane distillation, known for its low energy requirements and high pollutant rejection rates, has gained prominence as a potential wastewater treatment process that does not need external thermal energy input for water treatment. Herein, we demonstrate plasmonic titanium nitride nanoparticle-incorporated polymeric membranes for the solar-driven membrane distillation of domestic laundry wastewater, specifically focusing on SDBS (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate) surfactant removal. Under solar illumination, the plasmonic element within the polymeric matrix enables a localized heating effect driven by photothermal conversion in the proximity of the surface of distillation membranes, thereby producing a vapor pressure enough for water distillation across the hydrophobic membranes. The fabricated photothermal mixed matrix membranes showed incremental distillation flux and derived energy efficiency with the loading of titanium nitride nanoparticles under light illumination, reaching up to 0.47 kg/m2h and 29.79 %, respectively. The rejection rate against SDBS achieved up to 99 %. We also verified that its distinctive surface photothermal heating effect is associated with enhanced plasmonic absorption, surface thermal conductivity, and improved interfacial heat transfer of the membranes in the presence of plasmonic elements. The photothermal membranes proved that the permeate produced by photothermal distillation of real laundry wastewater fulfilled all required parameters for safe use as irrigation water, demonstrating its practical feasibility and viability of solar-driven distillation for domestic wastewater treatment and reuse.

Advancements in Embedded Systems and IoT for Automatic Heavy and Light Vehicle Parking: A Comprehensive Review

This research paper comprehensively reviews automatic heavy and light vehicle parking systems, focusing on technological advancements in Embedded Systems and the Internet of Things (IoT). The escalating challenges in urban parking demand innovative solutions, and this paper assesses various literature surveys to explore the efficacy of these technologies in addressing the unique requirements of heavy and light vehicle parking. The investigation scrutinizes embedded systems as a foundational element, examining their hardware and software integrationto develop automated parking solutions. Additionally, the study explores the role of IoT in enhancing parking efficiency, leveraging sensors and communication technologies for real-time data acquisition and intelligent decision-making. Through an analysis of diverse literature surveys, this paper elucidates the strengths and limitations of different technological approaches, providing a comprehensive understanding of the state-of-the-art in automatic heavy and light vehicle parking. The synthesized insights are valuable for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to implement effective and scalable parking solutions in urban environments

Research and Application Progress of Biochar in Amelioration of Saline-Alkali Soil

Saline-alkali land， as one of the farmland problems that seriously threatens grain yield in the 21st century， is widely distributed and has great potential for development. Biochar is a relatively efficient novel soil amendment， which can play an important role in alleviating the soil acid-base barrier， soil pollution control， carbon sequestration， and fertilizer slow release and has a great prospect in promoting sustainable agricultural development. In recent years， the research and application of biochar to improve saline-alkali soil have attracted much attention. However， due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the structural components of biochar， the improvement effect of biochar on saline-alkali soil is highly uncertain， and there is also a lack of systematic summary and in-depth discussion of the key mechanisms， which limits the further popularization and application of biochar technology in the improvement of saline-alkali soil. This study comprehensively analyzed the effects of biochar on physicochemical properties， nutrient availability， and biological characteristics of saline-alkali soil； summarized the improvement effects of biochar and modified biochar on saline-alkali soil and their effects on quality and efficiency； and elucidated the possible mechanism of biochar in the improvement of saline-alkali soil. The future research prospect of biochar was discussed in order to provide reference for further research and development of green， efficient， and accurate improvement technology of biochar in saline-alkali soil and its popularization and application.

Aqueous norfloxacin removal by novel biochar adsorbent prepared through ethanol-combined ball milling

ABSTRACT Ethanol combined-ball milling was used to modify corn-stover biochar. The adsorption performance and mechanisms of aqueous norfloxacin (NOR) onto the resulting biochar (C2H6O-BC) were evaluated. Ball-milling modulated its surface oxygen-containing functional groups and enhanced its specific surface area. The adsorption capacity of C2H6O-BC was 163 mg·g−1, and about 72% of the equilibrium adsorption capacity could be reached within 60 min. The electrostatic interaction was not the dominant mechanism when initial pH was lower than 8.00. The antagonistic effect of Cu(II) on NOR adsorption was observed. The fixed-bed column adsorption showed its potential to remove NOR and Cu(II) spontaneously. Sequential two-stage batch reaction experiment showed that it was a fast and efficient technology to remove NOR using C2H6O-BC. The adsorption mechanisms were suggested as π-π interactions, H-bonding and pore-filling. In summary, ethanol-combined ball milling in this study provided an efficient adsorbent for NOR.

Propagating eelgrass (Zostera marina) from cuttings in land–sea combination systems: a novel method to improve the sustainability of seagrass restoration

The combination of a land‐based system and natural habitat can propagate donor plants from cuttings for use in seagrass restoration projects; however, the appropriate period for land‐based cultivation is unclear. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) cuttings were cultivated under different combinations of land‐based (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks) and natural habitat cultivation for 12 weeks. We measured survivorship, growth, productivity, leaf pigmentation, and carbohydrate concentration in eelgrass. Return on investment (defined as the number of ramets of Z. marina returned through input cultivation costs in the seagrass cultivation process) analysis suggested that the optimal period of land‐based cultivation for the propagation of Z. marina is 3.1–3.8 weeks. The ramet frequency of Z. marina exposed to a combination of land‐based cultivation (3 weeks) and natural habitat cultivation (9 weeks) was 1.4 times higher than that of plants cultivated in natural habitats for 12 weeks. The promotional effect of the combination of land‐based and natural habitat cultivation on Z. marina mainly depended on the increase in chlorophyll content and the accumulation and synthesis of nonstructural carbohydrates. The soluble sugar content of Z. marina leaves exposed to a combination of land‐based cultivation (3 weeks) and natural habitat cultivation (9 weeks) was 1.5 times higher than that of plants cultivated in natural habitats for 12 weeks. These results indicated that implementation of a controlled plant cultivation system and process to acquire abundant donor plants. This can help provide valuable data for the development of efficient artificial propagation technologies for Z. marina.

Unlocking the paracetamol adsorption mechanism in graphene tridimensional-based materials: an experimental-theoretical approach

The omnipresence of emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment is indisputable. These contaminants include chemical substances not removed in traditional water and sewage treatment processes. To ensure the quality of water and healthy aquatic ecosystems, new treatment technologies and materials are essential to effectively control the presence of these contaminants in the aquatic environment. More than that, it is important to know how molecules interact with these new materials. A low-cost alternative currently available is adsorption. Despite this method being widely studied, describing the interaction mechanisms between the materials and the analytes is not usual, limiting the obtainment of more efficient materials. Thus, the objective of this work was to understand, in a theoretical-experimental way, the forms of interaction in the adsorption of the drug paracetamol, widely used worldwide, in materials based on graphene with different chemical and structural properties. For this, kinetic and isothermal experimental studies were carried out using four materials that contemplated different dimensions, pore sizes, and oxidation degrees. In theoretical studies, density functional theory (DFT) simulations were performed to cover quantum details, revealing how paracetamol interacts with different graphene structures. According to theoretical studies, binding energies, binding distances, and charge transfer between oxidized graphene and paracetamol drug are compatible with physical adsorption, strongly dependent on the type and number of functional groups on the graphene surface. These results agree with the experimental data where the highest adsorptions were observed precisely for materials containing a higher proportion of functional groups and where these groups are more available (more porous), with adsorptive capacities reaching 235.7 mg/g. Our findings contribute to scientific knowledge about using graphene structures as an adsorbent material, providing a solid basis for future studies and developing more efficient and advanced water treatment technologies.

Autonomy Acquisition and Performance within Higher Education in Vietnam—A Road to a Sustainable Future?

The Vietnamese Government prioritizes education as a developmental investment within its socioeconomic development programs. Subsequently, Vietnam’s higher education system (HE) is experiencing substantial transformation, emphasizing autonomy, because institutions endowed with self-governance capabilities may allocate societal resources more efficiently for developmental purposes. In this paper, we measured Vietnamese universities’ total factor productivity change (TFPCH) in the autonomy context, using it as a proxy for the sustainable performance of HE institutions. We decomposed TFPCH into Technical Efficiency Change (EFFCH) and Technology Change (TECHCH) and regressed these indices with independent variables to derive their determining factors. Notably, we employed the derived intercept as a proxy for the autonomy context of Vietnam. The DEA found significant advancements in productivity and technology, indicating a positive paradigm shift within Vietnam’s higher education system. The intercepts obtained from these regressions are positive and significant, implying that the autonomous environment supports the sustainable advancement of Vietnam’s higher education system in both components of TFPCH: the catch-up ability (EFFCH) and technological improvement (TECHCH). In addition, we found that investment in vital resources (number of laboratories, research funding, or quality accreditation) improves productivity (TFPCH) via technological improvement. We also observed that private universities experienced higher performance progress than public ones. However, we did not find any significant relationships between the university scale or the location of the main campus and their performance. To further the growth of Vietnam’s higher education system, we propose that the autonomy of institutions continues to be granted.

Investigation of quality related process variables in pultrusion by correlation of numerical and experimental data with application of an inline data acquisition system

The pultrusion process is an efficient technology for the continuous production of fiber reinforced polymers. While the process is industrially established for decades, the interactions between process parameters and material quality of pultruded profiles are – despite various studies – not fully understood yet. Due to the complexity of the process and the variety of materials, it is difficult to identify generic and quality related process relationships. Based on a novel multidisciplinary approach, this paper investigates the correlation between simulation data and experimental based process- and quality data. Therefore, a pultrusion-specific epoxy resin is characterized and modelled and thermo-chemical process simulations are performed. A for pultrusion unique inline quality assurance and data acquisition system was developed, built-up and applied during the production of a rectangular, glass-fiber reinforced profile. The analyzed data involves cure variables, die pressure, temperature, pull-speed and -force, ultrasonic data, surface waviness and roughness and void content. As main result, the position of gelation at the profile’s centerline in respect to the die length was determined as important criteria to maintain a sufficient material quality. Furthermore, a correlation between the die pressure and an insufficient degree of cure was identified. No significant influences of the process parameters on the material quality could be observed as long as the process stayed in a stable process window. This indicates that no severe quality losses have to be expected at higher production rates. The methods and results developed in this work are applicable for the implementation in an automated process control in pultrusion.

The Impact of Using Renewable Energy Resources on Sustainable Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study examines the impact of renewable energy on sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2019 and analyzes the kingdom’s most essential practices in this field to achieve sustainable development. The Cobb–Douglas production function is used in this study to investigate the impact of renewable energy on sustainable development using ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation. According to the findings, renewable energy consumption has a negative but insignificant effect on GDP. Additionally, traditional energy consumption has a major negative influence on GDP. The findings also demonstrate that fixed capital formulation and technical progress have a significant positive impact on Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development. Furthermore, while the labor force has a positive impact on GDP, this effect is not statistically significant. This report provides some recommendations for Saudi government policymakers to reform the country’s energy efficiency and consumption technologies in order to reduce energy waste and satisfy the goals of sustainable development. While the labor force is recognized as having a positive influence on GDP, it is notable that this result lacks statistical significance. The suggestions of these findings are mainly applicable to Saudi policymakers, and we present recommendations to improve energy competence and utilization technologies. Specially, our suggestions are intended to reduce energy dissipation and to support the objectives of sustainable development.