Regional characterization of freshwater Use in LCA: modeling direct impacts on human health

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology that quantifies potential environmental impacts for comparative purposes in a decision-making context. While potential environmental impacts from pollutant emissions into water are characterized in LCA, impacts from water unavailability are not yet fully quantified. Water use can make the resource unavailable to other users by displacement or quality degradation. A reduction in water availability to human users can potentially affect human health. If financial resources are available, there can be adaptations that may, in turn, shift the environmental burdens to other life cycle stages and impact categories. This paper proposes a model to evaluate these potential impacts in an LCA context. It considers the water that is withdrawn and released, its quality and scarcity in order to evaluate the loss of functionality associated with water uses. Regionalized results are presented for impacts on human health for two modeling approaches regarding affected users, including or not domestic uses, and expressed in disability-adjusted life years (DALY). A consumption and quality based scarcity indicator is also proposed as a midpoint. An illustrative example is presented for the production of corrugated board with different effluents, demonstrating the importance of considering quality, process effluents and the difference between the modeling approaches.     

基于宽度回声状态网络的菜籽油加工参数自动决策方法研究

目的 实现菜籽油生产过程中加工参数的自动给定,研究基于人工神经网络的自动决策方法。方法 利用菜籽油加工过程的检测数据,建立一种宽度回声状态网络模型对加工参数与危害物的内在映射关系进行建模;在危害物含量要求下,利用此模型可实现加工过程参数的自动给定。结果 以脱臭工序为例的实验表明,所提方法能够有效利用已知变量自动计算出加工参数,宽度回声状态网络的计算精度优于其他几种典型循环神经网络模型。结论 所提方法可有效提升菜籽油加工过程危害物的自动控制水平,进而提升加工过程的科学性和规范性。     

Toward sustainable material usage: evaluating the importance of market motivated agency in modeling material flows

Increasing recycling will be a key strategy for moving toward sustainable materials usage. There are many barriers to increasing recycling, including quality issues in the scrap stream. Repeated recycling can compound this problem through the accumulation of tramp elements over time. This paper explores the importance of capturing recycler decision-making in accurately modeling accumulation and the value of technologies intended to mitigate it. A method was developed combining dynamic material flow analysis with allocation of those materials into production portfolios using blending models. Using this methodology, three scrap allocation methods were explored in the context of a case study of aluminum use: scrap pooling, pseudoclosed loop, and market-based. Results from this case analysis suggest that market-driven decisions and upgrading technologies can partially mitigate the negative impact of accumulation on scrap utilization, thereby increasing scrap use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A market-based allocation method for modeling material flows suggests a higher value for upgrading strategies compared to a pseudoclosed loop or pooling allocation method for the scenarios explored.     

“图像信息处理及复制”课程的知识体系和教学方法

图像信息处理是印刷媒体生产中不可或缺的重要环节之一,也是印刷工程及其相关专业的核心教学内容。在印刷媒体的图文信息输入、处理和记录输出的数字化进程中,颜色科学、信息论、图像描述域变换等多种重要的基础理论为课程奠定了坚实的基础,同时,该进程又涉及多种技术。将基本原理与技术有机结合,构建较为清晰的框架结构并加入较丰富的技术内容,是实现教学目标的关键。此外,在具体教学过程中,采用恰当的方法,以生动形象的形式阐述枯燥的理论知识及学生难以深入其中的技术细节,才能达到较好的教学效果,使学生掌握相关的知识和技能。本研究给出了印刷工程专业＂图像信息处理及复制＂课程的知识体系,并介绍了课程教学中所采用的一些教学方法。     

The information content of high-frequency environmental monitoring data signals pollution events in the coastal ocean

There are an increasing number of coastal ocean observing systems that deploy new technology for environmental sensing and stream these data in near-real-time to end-users (e.g., scientists and coastal managers) via the worldwide web. The temporal resolution, spatial coverage, and accessibility of these data open up new opportunities for better understanding and managing the coastal ocean, but they also present enormous challenges relative to data processing and data interpretation, particularly in cases where these data are to inform rapid management decision making. Here we demonstrate that changes in surf zone water quality at a popular beach in southern California are signaled by changes in the Fisher Information and Shannon Entropy of high frequency (1/4 min(-1)) measurements of salinity and temperature in the surf zone. These results support the hypothesis that the information content of environmental signals, such as salinity and temperature, can be used to identify changes in the water quality of the coastal ocean. More generally, the approach described here-of using information theory indices calculated from monitoring data as real-time indicators of environmental change-is quite general, and may therefore be applicable to other situations where rapid management decisions are based on high-frequency measurements of environmental parameters.     

Greener by design

Process simulation models and other design tools allow engineers to design, simulate, and optimize chemical processes. However, there is a critical need to incorporate green engineering into the design of these processes. This calls for extending the breadth of the design process. This paper presents an integrated framework for greener design. The framework starts the decision-making as early as the chemical and material selection stage and also includes management and planning decisions. The design goal is not restricted to profitability, but environmental and ecological objectives are also added. However, this integration poses challenging problem of discrete and continuous decisions, nonlinear models, and uncertainties. Furthermore, there are multiple and conflicting objectives to be considered. Therefore, the core of this integrated framework is the efficient algorithmic framework for multiobjective optimization under uncertainty. Two real world case studies are presented that illustrate the promise of such a framework.     

大型商场电子商务网站的设计

电子商务网站设计包括脚本设计、数据库设计、安全设计和选取建站工具等几个步骤。脚本设计主要是确定商务网站的营销主题和营销模式,并设计处理过程。数据库是商务网站的核心,它要分类保存有用的商务信息,为各类营销分析提供支持。网络安全方面,除了常用的安全防护体系之外,安全认证系统可为客户信息安全提供保证。关于建站工具目前常用NT＋IIS＋ASP方案。     

Life tables and a physiologically based model application to Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) populations

The rice moth Corcyra cephalonica is a harmful insect pest for grains stocked in storage systems. Its infestations represent a serious concern among producers, because of the non-marketability of the products affected by it and subsequent economic losses.New technologies are improving the supply chain of the stored grains, in line with the integrated pest management framework. However, a prompt control action also requires an in-depth knowledge of insect pests’ biology and their response to environmental parameters. If this information is available, it can also be translated into mathematical language. The modelling of insect pest populations is increasing in utility, particularly if the models are included in decision support systems.The aim of this work concerns two aspects of a model application and validation. Since physiologically based models require information about interactions between species and environment, C. cephalonica individuals were reared at different constant temperatures: 18, 21, 24,26, 28, 30,34 and 36 °C. This first part provided the life tables, whose data were used to estimate the parameters of the Logan, Briére, and Sharpe and De Michele development rate functions.The second part of the work concerns the application of a physiologically based model described by a first order partial differential equation. The validation of the simulations was conducted with a semi-field experimentation with three repetitions.Results showed that the life tables are well represented by the Sharpe and De Michele development rate function, and that the physiologically based model proposed is reliable in representing field populations.     

Input-dependent life-cycle inventory model of industrial wastewater-treatment processes in the chemical sector

Industrial wastewater-treatment systems need to ensure a high level of protection for the environment as a whole. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) comprehensively evaluates the environmental impacts of complex treatment systems, taking into account impacts from auxiliaries and energy consumption as well as emissions. However, the application of LCA is limited by a scarcity of wastewater-specific life-cycle inventory (LCI) data. This study presents a modular gate-to-gate inventory model for industrial wastewater purification in the chemical and related sectors. It enables the calculation of inventory parameters as a function of the wastewater composition and the technologies applied. Forthis purpose, data on energy and auxiliaries' consumption, wastewater composition, and process parameters was collected from chemical industry. On this basis, causal relationships between wastewater input, emissions, and technical inputs were identified. These causal relationships were translated into a generic inventory model. Generic and site-specific data ranges for LCI parameters are provided for the following processes: mechanical-biological treatment, high-pressure wet-air oxidation, nanofiltration, and extraction. The input- and technology-dependent process inventories help to bridge data gaps where primary data are not available. Thus, they substantially help to perform an environmental assessment of industrial wastewater purification in the chemical and associated industries, which may be used, for instance, for technology choices.     

Conventional and novel peeling methods for fruits and vegetables: A review

This review explores the effects of various peeling technologies on the peeling performance of fruits and vegetables and peeled product quality. The peeling methods include conventional peeling approaches using hot-water, steam and lye and novel peeling techniques employing infrared radiation heating, ohmic heating and power ultrasound. The working principles, technology characteristics, the major factors affecting the processing efficacy, and limitations of conventional and novel peeling approaches are identified and discussed. Infrared radiation heating, ohmic heating and ultrasound-assist peeling methods have been successfully used to the peeling of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. The novel technologies can reduce the use of lye and can improve peeling performance and peeled product quality compared to conventional peeling. The process conditions and food properties are the major determinants affecting the processing efficacy. Future research needs are proposed to scaling-up the technology and exploring other technology used for peeling.Industrial relevance: As a key operation in the fruits and vegetables processing industry, peeling not only directly affects product quality, but also influences the processing cost and the management cost of waste generated by peeling. An unsuitable peeling process may result in low peeling efficiency and quality, high water and energy consumption, and high discharge of waste liquid, leading to the decline of economic benefits and environmental issues. The current work provides important information for selecting suitable peeling methods for high quality and safe products.     

Evaluation of the economic and environmental sustainability of high pressure processing of foods

A comparative evaluation of the environmental/economic performance of High Pressure Processing (HPP) technology for food processing is made using Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. Thermal pasteurization (TP), in the form of indirect system (with energy recovery) and of retort process, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), are taken as benchmark during the evaluation, as traditional food processing technologies typically used to process orange juice (TP) and sliced Parma ham (MAP). Primary data on costs and consumption of HPP, TP and MAP plants were obtained from companies. Secondary data for LCA analysis was retrieved from the Ecoinvent 3.4 database and from available scientific literature.As a result of the assessment, HPP appears as more expensive than both TP processes, but turns out to have a lower environmental impact in almost all impact categories. Compared to MAP, HPP is less expensive and also has a lower impact in most of the impact categories, as MAP requires a significant amount of packaging materials and food gases. Industrial relevance: High pressure processing (HPP) is a well-known non-thermal technology, which since its introduction has had limited use, mainly due to the high cost of the electricity required for the process. Nowadays, however, new technologies in the food processing and new food product applications could make it more widely used. To correctly evaluate whether HPP technology is actually cost-effective and has low impact on the environment, detailed economic and environmental analyses have been carried out in this paper. Results are expected to enhance the use of HPP technology in industry.     

Importance of weather monitoring for agricultural decision‐making – an exploratory behavioral study for Oklahoma Mesonet

BACKGROUND

The Oklahoma Mesonet (the statewide environmental and weather monitoring network) has monitored changes in weather patterns since 1994 to provide accurate and timely mesoscale weather information to farmers and other groups. Studies are still scarce that would quantitatively assess farmers' perceptions about the value of the Oklahoma Mesonet contributions to agricultural operations, profitability of land management, and decision making. This paper aims to analyze those questions by means of an exploratory empirical study in Oklahoma for two groups of Mesonet users and non‐users.

RESULTS

Familiarity with and application of Mesonet information determines farmers' profitability assessments and decision making. Farmers' perceptions are also influenced by the degree of previous exposure to weather‐related losses. The median estimate of the economic value of Mesonet information is $1000 per year. Mesonet users perceive higher profitability from the application of Mesonet data at 7.6/10, whereas Mesonet non‐users provided an average assessment of 2.6/10.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent use of Mesonet information results in a higher assessment of the importance of Mesonet. This research provides some initial insights into farmers' perceptions about the value of Oklahoma Mesonet information, which could guide stakeholders in developing measures to better serve farmers with environmental monitoring data for improved farm decisions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Statistical modeling of global geogenic fluoride contamination in groundwaters

The use of groundwater with high fluoride concentrations poses a health threat to millions of people around the world. This study aims at providing a global overview of potentially fluoride-rich groundwaters by modeling fluoride concentration. A large database of worldwide fluoride concentrations as well as available information on related environmental factors such as soil properties, geological settings, and climatic and topographical information on a global scale have all been used in the model. The modeling approach combines geochemical knowledge with statistical methods to devise a rule-based statistical procedure, which divides the world into 8 different "process regions". For each region a separate predictive model was constructed. The end result is a global probability map of fluoride concentration in the groundwater. Comparisons of the modeled and measured data indicate that 60-70% of the fluoride variation could be explained by the models in six process regions, while in two process regions only 30% of the variation in the measured data was explained. Furthermore, the global probability map corresponded well with fluorotic areas described in the international literature. Although the probability map should not replace fluoride testing, it can give a first indication of possible contamination and thus may support the planning process of new drinking water projects.     

基于层次分析法的多指标灰靶决策模型

针对复杂工程方案设计中属性信息的不确定性,给出一种灰色系统理论的多指标灰关联决策模型．该模型利用层次分析法确定指标权重,综合考虑决策模型的正负理想方案,利用方案的优属度对决策方案进行排序．最后通过露天矿的边坡设计方案,验证了该模型的有效性．     

Integrated processing of plant-derived waste to produce value-added products based on the biorefinery concept

BackgroundPlant-derived wastes from agriculture, processing, distribution, and retail are generated in large quantities. The majority of the wastes are underutilized and may cause severe environmental problems if not properly handled. The plant-derived wastes are usually rich in lignocellulose and other valuable compounds including protein, fat, sugar, and phytochemicals. Valorization of these compounds in food waste not only reduces environmental concerns but also improves sustainability and economic competitiveness of agro-food industries.Scope and approachThis review paper first discussed different phases of the biorefinery concepts and their associated applications, and then introduced recent advances in the integrated processing of plant-derived waste for producing various value-added products. Finally, techno-economic, environmental, and social assessments along with relevant policies were introduced and discussed.Key findings and conclusionsDuring the past ten years, research attentions focused on integrated utilization of plant-derived waste to produce various products have flourished. Compared to production of a single component for food waste valorization, integrated processing of food waste via a combination of different novel technologies to produce multiple products based on a biorefinery concept has significant advantages, including full utilization of feedstocks, minimization of waste generation during processing, synergy effects of different technologies, and diversification of the revenues by covering multiple markets. With the rationale design of biorefinery processes, underutilized plant-based wastes can be valuable resources for the sustainable production of food, chemicals, and biofuels. However, detailed economic, environmental, and social analyses for the biorefinery process are still needed in the future.     

Development of a hybrid process and system model for the assessment of wellbore leakage at a geologic CO2 sequestration site

Sequestration of CO2 in geologic reservoirs is one of the promising technologies currently being explored to mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Large-scale deployment of geologic sequestration will require seals with a cumulative area amounting to hundreds of square kilometers per year and will require a large number of sequestration sites. We are developing a system-level model, CO2-PENS, that will predict the overall performance of sequestration systems while taking into account various processes associated with different parts of a sequestration operation, from the power plant to sequestration reservoirs to the accessible environment. The adaptability of CO2-PENS promotes application to a wide variety of sites, and its level of complexity can be increased as detailed site information becomes available. The model CO2-PENS utilizes a science-based-prediction approach by integrating information from process-level laboratory experiments, field experiments/observations, and process-level numerical modeling. The use of coupled process models in the system model of CO2-PENS provides insights into the emergent behavior of aggregate processes that could not be obtained by using individual process models. We illustrate the utility of the concept by incorporating geologic and wellbore data into a synthetic, depleted oil reservoir. In this sequestration scenario, we assess the fate of CO2 via wellbore release and resulting impacts of CO2 to a shallow aquifer and release to the atmosphere.     

Five elements for organizational decision-making with an environmental management system

Environmental management systems (EMSs) are growing in popularity as tools to manage corporate environmental issues. Despite widespread use, existing frameworks for EMSs may not provide organizations with the knowledge needed for decision-making. Through a synthesis of case studies and workshops, we suggest five elements for EMSs to be expanded for organizational decision-making. The five elements are process diagrams, long- and short-term goals linked to strategy, reliable information systems, risk assessment tools, and collaboration of environmental personnel across the organization. These five elements provide decision makers with relevant information linked to business strategy so that the organization can improve performance. The elements can be integrated with an existing EMS or used as a foundation for implementing one.     

Thermal process calculations using artificial neural network models

In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) models were evaluated as potential alternatives to conventional thermal process calculations methods. ANN is a computing system capable of processing information by its dynamic response to external inputs. ANNs learn from examples through iteration by adjusting the internal structure to match the pattern between input and output variables. Finite difference simulations, which are widely recognized as practical alternatives to experimental methods, were used to generate temperature profiles under thermal processing conditions for a wide range of can sizes and operating conditions. Time-temperature data so gathered were used to evaluate the heat penetration parameters, f_h, j_ch, f_c and j_cc as well as to compute process lethality and process time. These data were used for developing the ANN models. Selected Formula methods were also used to calculate the respective process times/process lethalities. The accuracy and ability of ANN models were compared with the Formula methods, both with respect to process time and process lethality computations using data from the finite difference model as the reference. Process calculation results from ANN model were comparable to, and sometimes better and more flexible than, the currently available Pham and Stumbo methods.     

The future of functional food: Emerging technologies application on prebiotics,probiotics and postbiotics

This review was the first to gather literature about the effect of emerging technologies on probiotic, prebiotic, and postbiotic products. Applying emerging technologies to probiotic products can increase probiotic survival and improve probiotic properties (cholesterol attachment, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, increase angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, and decrease systolic blood pressure). Furthermore, it can optimize the fermentation process, produce or maintain compounds of interest (bacteriocin, oligosaccharides, peptides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids), improve bioactivity (vitamin, aglycones, calcium), and sensory characteristics. Applying emerging technologies to prebiotic products did not result in prebiotic degradation. Still, it contributed to higher concentrations of bioactive compounds (citric and ascorbic acids, anthocyanin, polyphenols, flavonoids) and health properties (antioxidant activity and inhibition of ACE, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase). Emerging technologies may also be applied to obtain postbiotics with increased health effects. In this way, current studies suggest that emerging food processing technologies enhance the efficiency of probiotics and prebiotics in food. The information provided may help food industries to choose a more suitable technology to process their products and provide a basis for the most used process parameters. Furthermore, the current gaps are discussed. Emerging technologies may be used to process food products resulting in increased probiotic functionality, prebiotic stability, and higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. In addition, they can be used to obtain postbiotic products with improved health effects compared to the conventional heat treatment.