20505 research outputs found
Sort by
Mapping the path to decarbonised agri‐food products: a hybrid geographic information system and life cycle inventory methodology for assessing sustainable agriculture
Get PDFThe development of a decarbonised food industry will depend on a sustainable agricultural system where embodied food product greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) can be associated with agricultural production. The method presented demonstrates how mapping agri‐production can be used to calculate regional carbon footprints so GHG emission reduction is geographically strategic. Different agronomic and husbandry outcomes are mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS's) and carbon footprints are calculated using Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) libraries. The hybridised GIS‐LCI approach reports unique insights for decarbonisation, demonstrating how farming practices can be further integrated to best deliver food security. We use the GIS‐LCI method to show; (1), geography limits crop and livestock production types; (2), agri‐product density data can be used to calculate a food system carbon footprint; and (3), GIS's can be used to focus food policy for sustainability.International Journal of Food Science & Technolog
Dataset "Aviation Product Named Entity Recognition (ApNER)"
No full textIn order to verify the proposed model, this study used the aircraft design standard documents and airworthiness standard documents published by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Electronic Federal Regulations (eCFR), as well as the open source aircraft design dataset AircraftVerse [38] as the corpus to construct a named entity recognition dataset for aviation products (ApNER)
Organizing complexity: an inductive inquiry into algorithmic routines expansion
Get PDFRoutine expansion is undertheorized—we know little about how, through the expansion of the space of possible paths, routines transition in a situation of ever-increasing complexity. Using data from 6 years of participant observation and drawing insights from recent advances in process and practice research, as well as routine dynamics studies, we propose new insights on how routines expand while remain functional. Charting the transitional phases of an algorithmic routine that is undergoing a significant expansion, we describe four major biographical moments of our algorithmic routine(s) and explicate three transitional cycles between these biographical moments that enable us to develop a theoretical model for organising increasing level of complexity in algorithmic routines expansion. We make three main contributions to the extant body of research. First, as an early and revelatory study of routines expansion, we show how through expansion and contraction mechanisms, routine participants keep the routine(s) in-balance and functional, despite the ever-increasing complexity. Second, we extend research on standardization and flexibility by showing how actors purposefully limit variations in performances through not only their background knowing but also the capability to fully detach from the routine and shift to a more analytic reflection. Third, we contribute to research on routine interdependence and integration by showing how, through the design of performance objects, a single routine splits into three interdependent routines to control the space of possible paths in routine expansion.84th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AOM 2024
Advancing fault diagnosis through ontology-based knowledge capture and application
Get PDFThis article addresses a critical gap in the field of fault diagnosis for complex systems, focusing on the development and application of an ontology-based approach to capture and utilize expert knowledge. The key objective is to enhance fault diagnosis precision and effectiveness, specifically in challenging No-Fault-Found (NFF) scenarios, by harnessing the extensive, often implicit, understanding of seasoned professionals. The study uses a comprehensive methodology that includes creating a specialized ontology called DIAGONT, which captures the expert reasoning in fault diagnosis. Field experts contribute to the development of this ontology, ensuring its relevance and applicability. Real-world case studies and controlled experiments are used to rigorously validate the ontology. The goal of these experiments is to evaluate how effective the ontology is in enhancing fault diagnosis procedures when compared to traditional methods. Our case studies focused on two complex engineering assets, a loading arm and a helicopter mission system, due to their complexity and the frequency of non-functional failure scenarios. The analysis shows that using the DIAGONT ontology leads to improved accuracy and efficiency in fault diagnosis. A structured format allowed experts to successfully capture and reuse diagnostic knowledge, resulting in a noticeable reduction in NFF scenarios. The application of ontology-based approach exhibited potential in enhancing knowledge transfer between experts and less experienced technicians, potentially resulting in long-lasting improvements in maintenance practices. The results highlight how ontology-based systems can improve fault diagnosis in complex engineering systems.High-Speed Sustainable Manufacturing Institute (HSSMI)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) by the Project “Digi-TOP” (Grant Number: EP/R032718/1)IEEE Acces
Uncertain pathways to a future safe climate
Get PDFGlobal climate change is often thought of as a steady and approximately predictable physical response to increasing forcings, which then requires commensurate adaptation. But adaptation has practical, cultural and biological limits, and climate change may pose unanticipated global hazards, sudden changes or other surprises–as may societal adaptation and mitigation responses. These poorly known factors could substantially affect the urgency of mitigation as well as adaptation decisions. We outline a strategy for better accommodating these challenges by making climate science more integrative, in order to identify and quantify known and novel physical risks including those arising from interactions with ecosystems and society. We need to do this even–or especially–when they are highly uncertain, and to explore risks and opportunities associated with mitigation and adaptation responses by engaging across disciplines. We argue that upcoming climate assessments need to be more risk-aware, and suggest ways of achieving this. These strategies improve the chances of anticipating potential surprises and identifying and communicating “safe landing” pathways that meet UN Sustainable Development Goals and guide humanity toward a better future.Earth's Futur
Floating solar power loss due to motions induced by ocean waves: an experimental study
Get PDFWhilst there is an interest in floating solar energy systems in coastal and offshore regions to utilise available sea space, they are subject to ocean waves that introduce constant momentum. Consequently, solar panels undergo periodic motions with the waves, causing a continuous change in tilt angle. The tilt angle variation is a sub-optimal process and leads to a loss of energy harnessing efficiency. To investigate this phenomenon, the present study innovatively installed a solar simulator on top of a wave tank. The solar simulator was used to generate high-strength light beams, under which, a floating solar unit was subject to periodic incident waves. Wave-induced motions to the solar system as well as the output power were measured. A systematic analysis of the results indicated that a floating solar unit can have significantly lower power output in waves, compared to its calm-water counterpart. An evident link was established between the wave-induced power loss and the wave-induced rotational movement of the panel. An empirical equation was derived which shows the power loss is predictable through the rotational amplitude. The results also highlight the importance of implementing wave attenuation technologies such as breakwaters to minimise wave-induced motions to floating solar systems. Overall, this research presents a novel experimental approach to assess the difference of floating solar power in ocean-wave versus calm-water scenarios, providing valuable insights for future solar projects on the ocean.Innovate UKL.H. acknowledges grants received from Innovate UK, United Kingdom (No. 10048187, 10079774, 10081314), the Royal Society, United Kingdom (IEC NSFC 223253, RG R2 232462) and UK Department for Transport (TRIG2023 - No. 30066).Ocean Engineerin
Assessment of the mechanical and microstructural performance of waste kraft fibre reinforced cement composite incorporating sustainable eco-friendly additives
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin as sustainable eco-friendly additives on the properties and behavior of cementitious composite boards, with a focus on mechanical strength, physical properties, and microstructural characteristics. The experimental investigation begins with the characterization of the raw materials, including limestone powder, and metakaolin, to assess their particle sizes, elemental composition, and microstructural features. Cement composite boards were fabricated using an innovatively developed lab-simulated vacuum dewatering process, by varying the proportions of limestone powder and metakaolin as partial replacements for cement, along with waste kraft fibres as reinforcement. Mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate the flexural strength and behaviour of the composite boards according to standardized procedures. A microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the effect of additives on the cementitious matrix, fibrematrix interaction, and hydration products. The findings from the experimental study reveal insights into the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin on the mechanical properties and microstructure of waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Our analysis of the results shows that adding 9% limestone powder as partial cement replacement produces a 24% and 50% enhancement in flexural strength at 7 and 28 days of hydration, while that of metakaolin as partial cement replacement was optimum at 6% with an enhancement of 4% and 36%, respectively, at 7 and 28 days of hydration. The implications of these findings for the development of sustainable cementitious composite are discussed, including the potential benefits of using limestone powder and metakaolin as supplementary cementitious materials in waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Finally, recommendations for optimizing additive proportions are also provided to enhance the understanding and application of these materials in the construction and building industries.Building
Effect of platform configurations and environmental conditions on the performance of floating solar photovoltaic structures
Get PDFThe growth and development of floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) power plants is a prominent topic within renewable energy technology. One reason contributing to this desired technology design concept is the possibility of land acquisition issues, whereas the usage of the ocean provides a greater technical alternative area. The objective of the research is to present an innovative design for a floating structure, focusing on investigating and comparing the seakeeping performance of several hull configurations: catamaran, trimaran, quadrimaran and pentamaran. The final computational simulation results indicate a linear negative trend in the motion response graphs, particularly in specific significant response values for heave (Global Z), roll (Global RX), and pitch (Global RY), as the hull configuration increases.The authors express their gratitude to Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember for providing research funding through the Outbound Researcher Mobility (ORM) program for the 2023/2024 period, batches 1, 2, and 3, under contract number 2432/IT2/T/HK.00.01/2023.15th International Marine Design Conference (IMDC 2024
Molecularly Imprinted Viral Protein Integrated Zn–Cu–In–Se–P Quantum Dots Superlattice for Quantitative Ratiometric Electrochemical Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Saliva
Get PDFSolution-processable colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials for the development of rapid and low-cost, next-generation quantum-sensing diagnostic systems. In this study, we report on the synthesis of multinary Zn-Cu-In-Se-P (ZCISeP) QDs and the application of the QDs-modified electrode (QDs/SPCE) as a solid superlattice transducer interface for the ratiometric electrochemical detection of the SARS-CoV-2-S1 protein in saliva. The ZCISeP QDs were synthesized through the formation of In(Zn)PSe QDs from InP QDs, followed by the incorporation of Cu cations into the crystal lattice via cation exchange processes. A viral-protein-imprinted polymer film was deposited onto the QDs/SPCE for the specific binding of SARS-CoV-2. Molecular imprinting of the virus protein was achieved using a surface imprinting electropolymerization strategy to create the MIP@QDs/SPCE nanosensor. Characterization through spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical techniques confirmed the structural properties and electronic-band state of the ZCISeP QDs. Cyclic voltammetry studies of the QDs/SPCE superlattice confirmed efficient electron transport properties and revealed an intraband gap energy state with redox peaks attributed to the Cu1+/2+ defects. Binding of SARS-CoV-2-S1 to the MIP@QDs/SPCE cavities induced a gating effect that modulated the Fe(CN)63-/4- and Cu1+/2+ redox processes at the nanosensor interface, producing dual off/on ratiometric electrical current signals. Under optimal assay conditions, the nanosensor exhibited a wide linear detection range (0.001-100 pg/mL) and a low detection limit (0.34 pg/mL, 4.6 fM) for quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2-S1 in saliva. The MIP@QDs/SPCE nanosensor demonstrated excellent selectivity against nonspecific protein targets, and the integration with a smartphone-based potentiostat confirmed the potential for point-of-care applications.O.A. and K.O.A. acknowledge financial support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) through EP/X029956/1. O.A. is also grateful to the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) through E22-7965264821 and the Royal Society through RG/R2/232243. We are also grateful to the School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, for assistance with electron microscopy and XRD analysis. O.J.A. acknowledges financial support from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) through R23-6478073709 and the Royal Society through RG/R2/232090.ACS Applied Nano Material
How bioaugmentation for pesticide removal influences the microbial community in biologically active sand filters
Get PDFRemoving pesticides from biological drinking water filters is challenging due to the difficulty in activating pesticide-degrading bacteria within the filters. Bioaugmented bacteria can alter the filter's microbiome, affecting its performance either positively or negatively, depending on the bacteria used and their interaction with native microbes. We demonstrate that adding specific bacteria strains can effectively remove recalcitrant pesticides, like metaldehyde, yielding compliance to regulatory standards for an extended period. Our experiments revealed that the Sphingobium CMET-H strain was particularly effective, consistently reducing metaldehyde concentrations to levels within regulatory compliance, significantly outperforming Acinetobacter calcoaceticus E1. This success is attributed to the superior acclimation and distribution of the Sphingobium strain within the filter bed, facilitating more efficient interactions with and degradation of the pesticide, even when present at lower population densities compared to Acinetobacter calcoaceticus E1. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that the addition of pesticide-degrading strains significantly impacts the filter's microbiome at various depths, despite these strains making up less than 1% of the total microbial community. The sequence in which these bacteria are introduced influences the system's ability to degrade pesticides effectively. This research shows the potential of carefully selected and dosed bioaugmented bacteria to improve the pesticide removal capabilities of water filtration systems, while also highlighting the dynamics between bioaugmented and native microbial communities. Further investigation into optimizing bioaugmentation strategies is suggested to enhance the resilience and efficiency of drinking water treatment systems against pesticide contamination.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (ESPRC) through their funding of a Doctoral Training Allocation Award to LP (EP/R513027/1) and from the project sponsors UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR Ltd.).Chemospher