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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
Energy Efficiency
The importance and urgency of energy efficiency in sustainable development are increasing. Patterson [3] first proposed the concept of energy efficiency, considering that it means using fewer resources at the same output, and gave four indicators of energy efficiency measurement. According to this definition, the indicators that measure energy efficiency can be divided into economic energy efficiency and physical energy efficiency. In order to measure energy efficiency more accurately, many scholars have studied the measurement of energy efficiency. Among them, Hu and Wang [4] proposed the concept of total factor energy efficiency (TFEE), which was widely recognized.The TFEE index incorporates energy, labor, and capital into the input system to generate economic output. Energy efficiency is defined as the ratio of target energy input to actual energy input. As a total factor efficiency assessment method, DEA method can better deal with the efficiency evaluation of decision-making units under the complicated situation of multiple inputs–outputs, it has been widely used to study energy efficiency.
1.5K
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Solar Water Heating Systems
Solar water heating system (SWHS) is known as a common application of solar energy where the received radiation is changed into heat and then transferred into a circulated medium, mostly water and air. By this means, electric water heaters are substituted by SWHS to support space heating and domestic hot water (DHW).
1.3K
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Characterisation of Thunderstorms with Multiple Lightning Jumps
Several works have shown that lightning jumps are precursors of severe weather in deep-convective thunderstorms. Since 2017, the Meteorological Service of Catalonia has operationally run an algorithm that identifies lightning jumps (LJs) in real time. It has resulted in being an effective tool for nowcasting severe weather with a lead time between 15 min and 120 min in advance. This time can be of high value for managing emergencies caused by severe phenomena or heavy rains. The present research focused on the events’ analysis in which more than one lightning jump occurred, searching for those elements that differentiate single warning cases. Thunderstorms producing LJs were divided into two main categories, depending on the number of jumps triggered during the life cycle. Besides, both classes were split into two main sub-types, based on the level of the LJ that occurred. Multiple LJ thunderstorms produce more Level 2—related to severe weather—jumps than Level 1—small hail or intense precipitation—while in the case of a single LJ, the opposite behaviour occurs. In general, multiple LJ thunderstorms with at least one Level 2 jump are the more intense and have a higher vertical development. Finally, lineal and well-organised thunderstorms are the more common modes in those intenser cases.
439
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Strengthening Collaborative Food Waste Prevention in Peru
Inefficient management and handling of organic waste generated by the food service sector is a big global challenge. In addition to the negative environmental impacts of food waste, the effect of the amount of food that is wasted when it is not handled properly is even more alarming.
690
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Recent Advances in Membrane Distillation Module Configurations
Membrane Distillation (MD) is a membrane-based, temperature-driven water reclamation process. While research emphasis has been largely on membrane design, upscaling of MD has prompted advancements in energy-efficient module design and configurations. Apart from the four conventional configurations, researchers have come up with novel MD membrane module designs and configurations to improve thermal efficiency. While membrane design has been the focus of many studies, development of appropriate system configurations for optimal energy efficiency for each application has received considerable attention, and is a critical aspect in advancing MD configurations. This review assesses advancements in modified and novel MD configurations design with emphasis on the effects of upscaling and pilot scale studies. Improved MD configurations discussed in this review are the material gap MD, conductive gap MD, permeate gap MD, vacuum-enhanced AGMD/DCMD, submerged MD, flashed-feed MD, dead-end MD, and vacuum-enhanced multi-effect MD. All of these modified MD configurations are designed either to reduce the heat loss by mitigating the temperature polarization or to improve the mass transfer and permeate flux. Vacuum-enhanced MD processes and MD process with non-contact feed solution show promise at the lab-scale and must be further investigated. Hollow fiber membrane-based pilot scale modules have not yet been sufficiently explored. In addition, comparison of various configurations is prevented by a lack of standardized testing conditions. We also reflect on recent pilot scale studies, ongoing hurdles in commercialization, niche applications and energy efficiency of the MD process.
784
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Lantana camara: Browsable Species for Goats
Lantana camara is regarded as one of the most ecologically and economically destructive invasive alien plants. The spread of L. camara affects the environment and threatens livestock productivity due to its toxicity to animals (especial cattle and sheep) in most semi-arid areas of South Africa. Lantana camara is known to have high concentrations of nutrients that are beneficial to livestock, but most previous research has concentrated on its toxicity.
1.2K
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Fukushima Flora
After the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident in March 2011 much attention was focused to the biological consequences of ionizing radiation and radionuclides released in the area surrounding the nuclear plant. This unexpected mishap led to the emission of radionuclides in aerosol and gaseous forms from the power plant, which contaminated a large area, including wild forest, cities, farmlands, mountains, and the sea, causing serious problems. Large quantities of 131I, 137Cs, and 134Cs were detected in the fallout. People were evacuated but the flora continued to be affected by the radiation exposure and by the radioactive dusts’ fallout.
445
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Microelement Composition of Reindeer Meat and Adaptation
The unique nutrition of the Arctic Indigenous Peoples is associated with their increased endurance, health, and adaptability to the harsh climate. Reindeer meat, blood, and liver are the most critical elements of this traditional nutrition enriched with minerals. Reindeer consumption is a crucial factor of successful adaptation to the cold stress, as well as a component of national culture, food, and economic security and sovereignty, affecting the well-being and health of the Indigenous population in the Arctic.
434
28 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Water Land Resources Degradation Index
Natural resources are gradually coming under continuous and increasing pressure due to anthropogenic interventions and climate variabilities. The result of these pressures is reflected in the sustainability of natural resources. Significant scientific efforts during the recent years focus on mitigating the effects of these pressures and on increasing the sustainability of natural resources. Hence, there is a need to develop specific indices and indicators that will reveal the areas having the highest risks. The Water and Land Resources Degradation Index (WLDI) was developed for this purpose. WLDI consists of eleven indicators and its outcome results from the spatiotemporal performance of these indicators. The WLDI is based on the Standardized Drought Vulnerability Index (SDVI) and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Index (ESAI).
952
27 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Climate Causal Flows
Physical processes govern climate at different spatial and temporal scales. These physical processes themselves constitute the transfer or flow of energy and mass. Causality methods have been used in recent years to study the flow of energy and mass. These methods give an indication of the direction of the flow and the intensity of the transfer. Climatic causal flows refer to hypotheses about physical processes that have been discovered using causal inference methods.
833
27 Jan 2022
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