Sustainability improvement in complex systems composed of products and services

Purpose A wide number of research efforts have been carried out over the last decades to assess and improve system sustainability. Different methods and tools are increasingly implemented in product systems; nevertheless its application to services and other systems, in which products and services are combined, is rather limited. In this work, an approach to improve the sustainability of systems composed of products and services (P + S systems) is proposed and implemented in two case studies. Methods The sustainability improvement of P + S systems is addressed integrating different methods and approaches. The flows between system approach is used to identify links between all systems involved. The life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) method is applied to simultaneously evaluate environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainability with a life cycle perspective. In addition, sustainable design principles are taken into account to propose effective improvement strategies. The systematic development of four phases is required to carry out the integration of these approaches: (i) identification of links between involved systems; (ii) sustainability assessment of the P + S system; (iii) application of sustainability strategies; and (iv) sustainability results comparison. Results and discussion Two different P + S systems are analysed. First, sustainability improvements in the service provided by a clothing boutique are proposed, taking into account that the store where the service is developed and the clothes acquired by the service provider are product systems involved in the service operation. Next, the sustainability of an itinerary exhibition is investigated. Products required for the exhibition space layout as well as the service used to transport all materials between different locations are taken into account. In each case, sustainability indicators obtained in both initial and alternative systems are compared, and variations detected due to strategies applied are analysed. Conclusions Sustainability of P + S systems is evaluated using a set of quantitative indicators, the relative incidence of each system is determined and more sustainable alternatives are projected. Thus, this research supposes an advance towards the sustainable design of complex systems composed of products and services, since effects due to the interconnection between systems are studied and criteria to carry out sustainability-oriented decision making are provided.

Selection of a heating system based on climatic conditions of Uzbekistan and on calculations of the technical and economic indicators of alternative systems: A case study of the solar greenhouse with a transformable building

This paper presents studies on the choice of a heating system based on calculations of economic efficiency and payback periods for alternative systems, a solar greenhouse with a transformable body. The purpose of the work is to carry out calculations to determine the consumption of fuel resources necessary to ensure the required amount of energy for the heating season: consumption of natural gas, solid fuel (coal) and electricity for heating a greenhouse with a transformable (adjustable) body. Analytical methods were used to determine the cost of materials and the main units of a greenhouse with a transformable (adjustable) body. Depending on the shape of the greenhouse, the total costs, economic efficiency and payback periods are determined. The research work carried out shows that, in terms of the cost of construction and consumption of materials, the developed greenhouse with transformable (adjustable) body are quite acceptable for its successful use among farmers and private households in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Calculation of economic efficiency and payback periods for greenhouses with a transformable housing allows you to choose the most acceptable heating system and technical characteristics of alternative systems acceptable for the climatic conditions of Uzbekistan.

Automated Control Systems as a Strategic Tool for Decision Making and Forecasting in a tate-Planned Economy

Introduction. In the 1960s, the USSR and the United States raced not only in the sphere of arms and space exploration, but also in various socio-economic spheres, including advanced automated management systems in the field of economics, which treated economy as a single object of management. Study objects and methods. The present research involved declassified archival documents, as well as domestic and foreign works on automated control systems (ACS). Results and discussion. The authors analyzed the fundamental goals and objectives set by the leaders of the two superpowers, focusing on the nationwide automated processing and control systems (NAPCS), their operation principles, and the reasons behind their failure. They compared NAPCS with alternative systems, e.g. ACS-70, ACS-80, the system of the Kuntsevo radio engineering plant, ARPANET, etc., as well as with modern systems that were based on the Soviet heritage. Conclusion. Apparently, the USSR won the first part of the ACS race, but the project failed, and the USA with its ARPANET (1969) became the undisputed leader. However, most contemporary Russian situation centers are based on the Soviet studies.

Non-Formaldehyde, Bio-Based Adhesives for Use in Wood-Based Panel Manufacturing Industry—A Review

There is a strong need to develop and implement appropriate alternatives to replace formaldehyde-based adhesive systems, such as phenol–formaldehyde, in the industry of wood-based panels (WBPs). This is due to the toxicity and volatility of formaldehyde and restrictions on its use associated with some formaldehyde-based adhesives. Additionally, the current pressure to reduce the dependence on polymeric materials, including adhesives, from petrochemical-based sources has led to increased interest in bio-based adhesives, which, in some cases, already provide acceptable properties to the end-product. Among the potential raw materials for good-quality, renewable-based adhesive formulations, this paper highlights tannins, lignin, and protein sources. However, regarding renewable sources, specific features must be considered, such as their lower reactivity than certain petrochemical-based sources and, therefore, higher production costs, resource availability issues, and the need for toxicological investigations on alternative systems, to compare them to conventional systems. As a result, further research is highly encouraged to develop viable formaldehyde-free adhesive systems based on renewable sources, either at the technical or economical level. Moreover, herein, we also showcase the present market of WBPs, highlighting the obstacles that the alternative and new bio-based adhesives must overcome.

Effects of Compost-Bedded Pack Barn on Circulating Cortisol and Beta-Endorphins in Dairy Cows: A Case Study

The up-to-date literature suggests that the compost-bedded pack barn housing system is capable of remarkably improving productive and reproductive performance, as well as health status and welfare, in dairy cattle. However, there is currently limited knowledge available on the endocrine and biochemical changes in animals housed in such alternative systems. Therefore, this study aimed to measure blood cortisol (COR) and beta-endorphins (BE) in 22 two-year-old primiparae Fleckvieh cows, who were randomly allotted to the following two different housing systems: CB (n = 11) and FB (n = 11). Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (T0) and every two months thereafter (T1, T2, and T3). The COR and BE were measured through an immunoenzymatic kit. With the only exception being T0, no differences were observed over time between the two groups, neither for COR nor for BE. However, the blood cortisol levels of the CB cows decreased over time, while a T1 peak was identified in the FB group. On the contrary, both the housing systems displayed numerically higher BE at T3 than at the other experimental times. Therefore, the overall data suggest that the compost-bedded pack barn did not significantly affect the studied parameters. Accordingly, cow welfare should be assessed using a wider panel of animal-based indicators.

Heterologous expression and purification of recombinant human protoporphyrinogen oxidase IX: A comparative study

Human protoporphyrinogen oxidase IX (hPPO) is an oxygen-dependent enzyme catalyzing the penultimate step in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Mutations in the enzyme are linked to variegate porphyria, an autosomal dominant metabolic disease. Here we investigated eukaryotic cells as alternative systems for heterologous expression of hPPO, as the use of a traditional bacterial-based system failed to produce several clinically relevant hPPO variants. Using bacterially-produced hPPO, we first analyzed the impact of N-terminal tags and various detergent on hPPO yield, and specific activity. Next, the established protocol was used to compare hPPO constructs heterologously expressed in mammalian HEK293T17 and insect Hi5 cells with prokaryotic overexpression. By attaching various fusion partners at the N- and C-termini of hPPO we also evaluated the influence of the size and positioning of fusion partners on expression levels, specific activity, and intracellular targeting of hPPO fusions in mammalian cells. Overall, our results suggest that while enzymatically active hPPO can be heterologously produced in eukaryotic systems, the limited availability of the intracellular FAD co-factor likely negatively influences yields of a correctly folded protein making thus the E.coli a system of choice for recombinant hPPO overproduction. At the same time, PPO overexpression in eukaryotic cells might be preferrable in cases when the effects of post-translational modifications (absent in bacteria) on target protein functions are studied.

Alternative Systems and Materials for Splicing Prestressed-Precast Concrete Piles

The use of piles is a common method for establishing deep foundations for bridges where there is a top layer of weak soil. Among various types of pile and installation methods, driving prestressed-precast concrete piles (PPCP) is a durable and economical option compared with the alternatives. Also, since the method employs pile segments prefabricated in precast plants and delivered to the site for installation, it conforms to the principles of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) and provides a rapid alternative to other methods. However, often because of limitations on shipping and transportation, the length of precast prestressed pile segments that can be delivered to the bridge site has to be reduced. Also, headroom limitations for pile driving may limit the length of pile segments such that establishing adequate resistance may not be achieved with one segment. Therefore, splicing of pile segments has to be performed at the site to produce longer lengths. A study carried out as part of research activities at the Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC) at Florida International University has reviewed various types of available pile splices and attempted to build on the experiences gathered for ABC connections to introduce an alternative configuration for splicing PPCP segments. Accordingly, a variation of grouted bar splice was introduced and designed to provide PPCPs with a time-effective, economical, and labor-friendly method of splicing. The proposed connection is completely new for connecting PPCP segments. Because many of PPCPs are driven in a marine environment, the application of corrosion-resistant material at the splice system is also emphasized. The paper summarizes these investigations. The results of this study show that the newly developed systems can provide the required strength in bending, tension, and compression with smaller sizes and numbers of bars. It also makes the installation faster and easier compared with the current methods.

Humus condition and nutrients regime of leached chernozem depending on sugar beet fertilization

The aim of the study is to investigate the state of humus and nutrient regime of leached chernozem under traditional and alternative systems of sugar beet fertilization. Field, laboratory and analytical methods were used during the research. The application of straw stabilized the humus content in the upper 0-30 cm layer of leached chernozem, increasing its content compared to the control without straw by 0.08-0.12%. The highest absolute content of humus in the layer of 0-30 cm was achieved by applying 5 t/ha of straw + N50 + N100P100K100 - 3.00% with an advantage to control without fertilizers by 0.13%. The combined application of mineral fertilizers and straw provided the conditions for favorable mineral nutrition of sugar beets at the beginning of the growing season and the stability of their growth and development during the growing season. The content of nitrate nitrogen in the layer of 0-30 cm of soil under the application of 5 t/ha of straw + N50 + N100P100K100 was 23.2 mg/kg, ammonium - 14.4, mobile phosphorus - 96, mobile potassium - 109 with the advantage to control without fertilizers by 5.2, 3.5, 7.0 and 12 mg/kg of soil, respectively. The study of the influence of alternative organic-mineral fertilizer systems on soil fertility parameters is the basis for the development of sustainable sugar beet fertilizer systems in the context of climate change.

Life cycle assessment of the food waste management with a focus on the collection bag

The organic fraction (mainly food waste) is typically the most abundant of the separately collected waste streams. The research aims at investigating the influence of different types of collection bag on the environmental performances of the food waste management chain in Italy. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) between two alternative systems based on paper or bioplastic collection bags was carried out. It included the collection bags manufacturing and distribution, their use at the household, the transportation of collected food waste and its subsequent anaerobic digestion, including the valorisation of useful outputs and the management of residues. The two systems were modelled mainly with primary data related to the current management system and to tests performed on bags. The LCA was performed with two different modelling approaches applied in the environmental product declaration (EPD) system and in the product environmental footprint (PEF) studies, respectively. In the scenario representing the average conditions, higher environmental impacts are shown by the use of bioplastic bags compared to paper ones with the EPD approach (+257%/+576%). With the PEF approach, the differences between the two systems are lower (−55%/+133%). Moreover, paper bags could allow for further impact reductions assuming a decrease of the food waste collection frequency, allowed by higher weight losses and a lower generation of leachate and odour during the household storage.

Alternative Systems

The idea of precompression of the cylinder charge air is as old as the internal combustion itself. It is generally accepted that the first supercharger design in the modern sense was actually a turbocharger, patented in 1905 by the Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi (1879-1959). It comprised an axial compressor, an aftercooler and an exhaust gas turbine applied to a radial piston-cylinder engine as shown in the German patent drawings in Figure 8-1. Not surprisingly, it took him more than two decades to make the system work due to low component efficiencies, i.e., the problem that bedeviled all early gas turbine inventors due to the insufficient knowledge of aerodynamics.