Search Results (2,369)

Driven by the need for sustainable and efficient energy systems, the optimal management of distributed generation, including photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage systems within prosumer households, is of crucial importance. This requires a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis to assess their viability. In this study, an optimization model formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming problem is proposed to evaluate the integration of battery storage systems for 10 prosumers on the radial feeder in Croatia and to quantify the benefits both from the prosumers’ perspective and that of the reduction in grid losses. The results show significant annual cost reductions for prosumers, totaling EUR 1798.78 for the observed feeder, with some achieving a net profit. Grid losses are significantly reduced by 1172.52 kWh, resulting in an annual saving of EUR 216.25 for the distribution system operator. However, under the current Croatian market conditions, the integration of battery storage systems is not profitable over the entire lifetime due to the high initial investment costs of EUR 720/kWh. The break-even analysis reveals that investment cost needs to decrease by 52.78%, or an inflation rate of 4.87% is required, to reach prosumer profitability. This highlights the current financial barriers to the widespread adoption of battery storage systems and emphasizes the need for significant cost reductions or targeted incentives. Full article

In recent years, solar energy has emerged as one of the most advanced renewable energy sources, with its production capacity steadily growing. To maximize output and efficiency, choosing the right configuration for a specific location for these installations is crucial. This study uniquely integrates detailed multi-variant fixed-tilt PV system simulations with comprehensive economic evaluation under temperate climate conditions, addressing site-specific spatial constraints and grid integration considerations that have rarely been combined in previous works. In this paper, an energy and economic efficiency analysis for a photovoltaic power plant, located in central Poland, designed in eight variants (10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30° PV module inclination angle for a south orientation and 10°, 20°, 30° for an east–west orientation) for a limited building area of approximately 300,000 m² was conducted. In PVSyst computer simulations, PVGIS-SARAH2 solar radiation data were used together with the most common data for describing the Polish local solar climate, called Typical Meteorological Year data (TMY). The most energy-efficient variants were found to be 20° S and 30° S, configurations with the highest surface production coefficient (249.49 and 272.68 kWh/m²) and unit production efficiency values (1123 and 1132 kWh/kW, respectively). These findings highlight potential efficiency gains of up to approximately 9% in surface production coefficient and financial returns exceeding 450% ROI, demonstrating significant economic benefits. In economic terms, the 15° S variant achieved the highest values of financial parameters, such as the return on investment (ROI) (453.2%), the value of the average annual share of profits in total revenues (56.93%), the shortest expected payback period (8.7 years), the value of the levelized cost of energy production (LCOE) (0.1 EUR/kWh), and one of the lowest costs of building 1 MWp of a photovoltaic farm (664,272.7 EUR/MWp). Among the tested variants of photovoltaic farms with an east–west geographical orientation, the most advantageous choice is the 10° EW arrangement. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and investors aiming to optimize photovoltaic deployment in temperate climates, supporting the broader transition to renewable energy and alignment with national energy policy goals. Full article

Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each cow produces one calf per year, maintaining a calving interval of 365 days. However, this goal is difficult to achieve, as the gestation period in beef cows lasts approximately 280 days, leaving only 80–85 days for successful conception. Traditional methods, such as visual estrus detection, are becoming increasingly unreliable due to expanding herd sizes and the subjectivity of visual observation. Additionally, silent estrus—where ovulation occurs without noticeable behavioral changes—further complicates the accurate estrous-based identification of the optimal insemination period. To enhance reproductive efficiency, advanced technologies are increasingly being integrated into cattle management. Sensor-based monitoring systems, including accelerometers, pedometers, and ruminoreticular boluses, enable the precise tracking of activity changes associated with the estrous cycle. Furthermore, infrared thermography offers a non-invasive method for detecting body temperature fluctuations, allowing for more accurate estrus identification and optimized timing of insemination. The use of these innovative technologies has the potential to significantly improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle herds and contribute to overall farm productivity and sustainability. The objective of this review is to examine advancements in smart technologies applied to beef cattle reproductive management, presenting commercially available technologies and recent scientific studies on innovative systems. The focus is on sensor-based monitoring systems and infrared thermography for optimizing reproduction. Additionally, the challenges associated with these technologies and their potential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in the beef cattle industry are discussed. Despite the benefits of advanced technologies, their implementation in cattle farms is hindered by financial and technical challenges. High initial investment costs and the complexity of data analysis may limit their adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized farms. However, the continuous development of these technologies and their adaptation to farmers’ needs may significantly contribute to more efficient and sustainable reproductive management in beef cattle production. Full article

This pilot study investigated an automated pilot plant for removing microplastics (MPs) from industrial wastewater that are generated during packaging production. MP removal is based on organosilane-induced agglomeration-fixation (clump & skim technology) followed by separation. The wastewater had high MP loads (1725 ± 377 mg/L; 673 ± 183 million particles/L) and an average COD of 7570 ± 1339 mg/L. Over 25 continuous test runs, the system achieved consistent performance, removing an average of 97.4% of MPs by mass and 99.1% by particle count, while reducing the COD by 78.8%. Projected over a year, this equates to preventing 1.7 tons of MPs and 6 tons of COD from entering the sewage system. Turbidity and photometric TSS measurements proved useful for process control. The approach supports water reuse—with water savings up to 80%—and allows recovery of agglomerates for recycling and reuse. Targeting pollutant removal upstream at the source provides multiple financial and environmental benefits, including lower overall energy demands, higher removal efficiencies, and process water reuse. This provides financial and environmental incentives for industries to implement sustainable solutions for pollutants and microplastic removal. Full article

In the context of the GCC, the adoption of integrated reporting (IR) remains limited, due in part to weak regulatory enforcement, a lack of awareness of the strategic benefits of IR, and a strong focus on short-term financial results. This limited reporting context presents a significant challenge for firms to credibly demonstrate their value to the market and attract potential investors, thus communicating long-term value. Given these limitations, this study considers how IR contributes to firm value, but also examines the mediating role that firm image (FI) plays in this relationship as a reputational construct representing stakeholder perspectives of a firm’s transparency and accountability. The research employs a quantitative methodology, analysing secondary data from corporate governance and integrated reports spanning 2017–2018 to 2022–2023. Findings indicate a positive and robust relationship between integrated reporting and the firm’s value, which was assessed using Tobin’s Q. The findings highlight the significant mediating role of firm image, illustrating how IR practices, via increased transparency, accountability, and sustainability, enhance firm value. This study provides significant insights for researchers, policymakers, and corporate managers, highlighting the strategic relevance of IR in the GCC region. The findings demonstrate that integrated reporting improves transparency, accountability, and sustainability, thereby assisting corporate managers in utilising IR to enhance firm image and facilitate value creation. Policymakers can utilise these insights to develop regulatory frameworks that promote integrated reporting practices, thereby enhancing transparency and sustainable growth within the corporate sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia often face considerable psychological and physical strain due to the complexity of caregiving. Although psychoeducation has demonstrated benefits in alleviating this burden, its provision via telenursing remains underexplored in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluated the effect of a psychoeducational program delivered via telenursing on reducing caregiver burden. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used with 60 caregivers from a tertiary mental health hospital in northern Saudi Arabia, who were divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in a structured four-week psychoeducational program via Zoom, while the control group received routine care. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS), a validated tool designed to measure the objective and subjective burden experienced by family members caring for individuals with mental illness. The FBIS was administered before and three months after the intervention. The statistical analysis included independent and paired t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The pre-intervention scores showed no significant differences, confirming baseline equivalence. The post-intervention scores showed a significant reduction in burden among the intervention group (p < 0.001), while no meaningful change occurred in the control group. Additionally, a lower burden was associated with higher education, sufficient income (i.e., the caregiver’s perception of being able to meet essential household expenses without financial strain), strong family support, and absence of caregiver illness. Conclusions: These findings suggest that psychoeducation through telenursing is an effective strategy for reducing caregiver burden and improving support accessibility, particularly for those in remote areas. Full article

In this study, we investigate the return propagation mechanism, hedging effectiveness, and portfolio performance across several common agricultural commodities, crude oil, and S&P 500 index, ranging from July 2000 to June 2024 by using a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) connectedness approach and three common multiple assets portfolio optimization strategies. The empirical results show that, the total connectedness peaked during the 2008 global financial crisis, followed by the European debt crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, while it remained relatively lower at the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the transmission mechanism, commodities and S&P 500 index exhibit distinct and dynamic characteristics as transmitters or receivers. Portfolio analysis reveals that, with exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, all three dynamic portfolios outperform the S&P 500 benchmark across major global crises. Additionally, the minimum correlation and minimum connectedness strategies are superior than transitional minimum variance method in most scenarios. Our findings have implications for policymakers in preventing systemic risk, for investors in managing portfolio risk, and for farmers and agribusiness enterprises in enhancing economic benefits. Full article

Sustainable investments in construction are essential for the development of communities and for reducing environmental impacts. This study analyzes two scenarios: rehabilitation of an existing building and construction of a new NZEB-compliant building, based on a life cycle cost–benefit analysis. The results show that both scenarios generate negative Net Present Values (NPVs) due to the social nature of the project, but the new NZEB building presents superior performance (NPV: USD –2.61 million vs. USD –3.05 million for rehabilitation) and lower operational costs (USD 1.49 million vs. USD 1.92 million over 30 years). Key financial indicators (IRR, CBR), sensitivity analysis, and discount rate variation support the conclusion that the NZEB scenario ensures greater economic resilience. This study highlights the relevance of extended LCCBA in guiding sustainable investment decisions in social infrastructure. Full article

Using waste biomass as a raw material for the combined production of electricity and heat offers corresponding energy, economic, environmental and resource efficiency benefits. The study examines both the performance of a system for combined energy production based on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) utilizing wood biomass and the market interest in its deployment within Bulgaria. Its objective is to propose a technically and economically viable solution for the recovery of waste biomass through the combined production of electricity and heat while simultaneously assessing the readiness of industrial and municipal sectors to adopt such systems. The cogeneration plant incorporates an ORC module enhanced with three additional economizers that capture residual heat from flue gases. Operating on 2 t/h of biomass, the system delivers 1156 kW of electric power and 3660 kW of thermal energy, recovering an additional 2664 kW of heat. The overall energy efficiency reaches 85%, with projected annual revenues exceeding EUR 600,000 and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over 5800 t/yr. These indicators can be achieved through optimal installation and operation. When operating at a reduced load, however, the specific fuel consumption increases and the overall efficiency of the installation decreases. The marketing survey results indicate that 75% of respondents express interest in adopting such technologies, contingent upon the availability of financial incentives. The strongest demand is observed for systems with capacities up to 1000 kW. However, significant barriers remain, including high initial investment costs and uneven access to raw materials. The findings confirm that the developed system offers a technologically robust, environmentally efficient and market-relevant solution, aligned with the goals of energy independence, sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Full article

The level of participation and performance of water user associations (WUAs) in drained and irrigated areas is influenced by many factors. This paper aims to identify the main challenges to the functioning and performance of these associations in Poland and Ukraine using the methodology of international comparative analysis. We examined legal, organizational, and financial framework of WUAs performance in Poland and Ukraine based on selected case study areas. The results of the study indicate that creation of WUAs in both countries can be assessed as beneficial for sustainable water development in general. However, it is found that the actions intended to bring benefits can actually exacerbate the problem of drought and water shortages. Research shows that the lack of complete documentation on the layout of the drainage networks plays a huge constraint factor that can lead to problems with controlling the reconstruction of drainage networks and significant deterioration of water relations. Another significant problem is the restriction of the scope of WUA activities in Poland to those types of actions subsidized by the state, while lacking financial resources for other necessary activities. Full article

Based on a comprehensive review of the current research status of ecological compensation both domestically and internationally, combined with field survey data, this study delves into the issue of multi-stakeholder participation in the ecological compensation mechanisms of the Xin’an River Basin. This research reveals that the joint participation of multiple stakeholders is crucial to achieving the goals of ecological compensation in river basins. The government plays a significant role in macro-guidance, financial support, policy guarantees, supervision, and management. It promotes the comprehensive implementation of ecological environmental protection by formulating relevant laws and regulations, guiding the public to participate in ecological conservation, and supervising and punishing pollution behaviors. The public, serving as the main force, forms strong awareness and behavioral habits of ecological protection through active participation in environmental protection, monitoring, and feedback. As participants, enterprises contribute to industrial transformation and green development by improving resource utilization efficiency, reducing pollution emissions, promoting green industries, and participating in ecological restoration projects. Scientific research institutions, as technology enablers, have effectively enhanced governance efficiency through technological research and innovation, ecosystem value accounting to provide decision-making support, and public education. Social organizations, as facilitators, have injected vitality and innovation into watershed governance by extensively mobilizing social forces and building multi-party collaboration platforms. Communities, as supporters, have transformed ecological value into economic benefits by developing characteristic industries such as eco-agriculture and eco-tourism. Based on the above findings, further recommendations are proposed to mobilize the enthusiasm of upstream communities and encourage their participation in ecological compensation, promote the market-oriented operation of ecological compensation mechanisms, strengthen cross-regional cooperation to establish joint mechanisms, enhance supervision and evaluation, and establish a sound benefit-sharing mechanism. These recommendations provide theoretical support and practical references for ecological compensation worldwide. Full article

Evaluating the renewable energy potential, such as that of solar photovoltaics (PV), is important for developing renewable energy policies. This study investigated rooftop solar PV potential in Thailand based on open-source geographic information system (GIS) building footprints, solar PV power output, and the most recent land use data (2022). GIS-based overlay analysis, buffering, fishnet modeling, and spatial join operations were applied to assess rooftop availability across various building types, taking into account PV module installation parameters and optimal panel orientation. Economic feasibility and sensitivity analyses were conducted using standard economic metrics, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), payback period, and benefit–cost ratio (BCR). The findings showed a total rooftop solar PV power generation potential of 50.32 TWh/year, equivalent to 25.5% of Thailand’s total electricity demand in 2022. The Central region contributed the highest potential (19.59 TWh/year, 38.94%), followed by the Northeastern (10.49 TWh/year, 20.84%), Eastern (8.16 TWh/year, 16.22%), Northern (8.09 TWh/year, 16.09%), and Southern regions (3.99 TWh/year, 7.92%). Both commercial and industrial sectors reflect the financial viability of rooftop PV installations and significantly contribute to the overall energy output. These results demonstrate the importance of incorporating rooftop solar PV in renewable energy policy development in regions with similar data infrastructure, particularly the availability of detailed and standardized land use data for building type classification. Full article

This paper presents a novel digital identity ecosystem built upon a hierarchical structure of Blockchain tokens, where both government-certified and uncertified tokens can coexist to represent various attributes of an individual’s identity. At the core of this system is the government, which functions as a trusted authority capable of creating entities and issuing a unique, non-replicable digital identity token for each one. Entities are the exclusive owners of their identity tokens and can attach additional tokens—such as those issued by the government, educational institutions, or financial entities—to form a verifiable, token-based digital identity tree. This model accommodates a flexible identity framework that enables decentralized yet accountable identity construction. Our contributions include the design of a digital identity system (supported by smart contracts) that enforces uniqueness through state-issued identity tokens while supporting user-driven identity formation. The model differentiates between user types and certifies tokens according to their source, enabling a scalable and extensible structure. We also analyze the economic, technical, and social feasibility of deploying this system, including a breakdown of transaction costs for key stakeholders such as governments, end-users, and institutions like universities. Considering the benefits of blockchain, implementing a digital identity ecosystem in this technology is economically viable for all involved stakeholders. Full article

This study aims to develop an optimal underwriting strategy for affordable (H1 and M1) and premium (L1 and M2) electric vehicles (EVs), balancing financial risk and sustainability commitments. The research is motivated by regulatory pressures, risk management needs, and sustainability goals, necessitating an adaptation of traditional underwriting models. The study employs a modified Delphi method with industry experts to identify key risk factors, including accident risk, repair costs, battery safety, driver behavior, and PCAF carbon impact. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine premium adjustments under different risk scenarios, categorizing EVs into four risk segments: Low-Risk, Low-Carbon (L1); Medium-Risk, Low-Carbon (M1); Medium-Risk, High-Carbon (M2); and High-Risk, High-Carbon (H1). Findings indicate that premium EVs (L1 and M2) exhibit lower volatility in underwriting costs, benefiting from advanced safety features, lower accident rates, and reduced carbon attribution penalties. Conversely, budget EVs (H1 and M1) experience higher premium fluctuations due to greater accident risks, costly repairs, and higher carbon costs under PCAF implementation. The worst-case scenario showed a 14.5% premium increase, while the best-case scenario led to a 10.5% premium reduction. The study recommends prioritizing premium EVs for insurance coverage due to their lower underwriting risks and carbon efficiency. For budget EVs, insurers should implement selective underwriting based on safety features, driver risk profiling, and energy efficiency. Additionally, incentive-based pricing such as telematics discounts, green repair incentives, and low-carbon charging rewards can mitigate financial risks and align with net-zero insurance commitments. This research provides a structured framework for insurers to optimize EV underwriting while ensuring long-term profitability and regulatory compliance. Full article

Ecosystem services—the benefits humans derive from nature—are foundational to environmental sustainability and economic well-being, with carbon sequestration and storage standing out as critical regulating services in the fight against climate change. This study presents a comprehensive financial valuation of the carbon sequestration, storage and product substitution ecosystem services provided by the Hungarian forest-based sector. Using a multi-scenario framework, four complementary valuation concepts are assessed: total carbon storage (biomass, soil, and harvested wood products), annual net sequestration, emissions avoided through material and energy substitution, and marketable carbon value under voluntary carbon market (VCM) and EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) mechanisms. Data sources include the National Forestry Database, the Hungarian Greenhouse Gas Inventory, and national estimates on substitution effects and soil carbon stocks. The total carbon stock of Hungarian forests is estimated at 1289 million tons of CO₂ eq, corresponding to a theoretical climate liability value of over EUR 64 billion. Annual sequestration is valued at approximately 380 million EUR/year, while avoided emissions contribute an additional 453 million EUR/year in mitigation benefits. A comparative analysis of two mutually exclusive crediting strategies—improved forest management projects (IFMs) avoiding final harvesting versus long-term carbon storage through the use of harvested wood products—reveals that intensified harvesting for durable wood use offers higher revenue potential (up to 90 million EUR/year) than non-harvesting IFM scenarios. These findings highlight the dual role of forests as both carbon sinks and sources of climate-smart materials and call for policy frameworks that integrate substitution benefits and long-term storage opportunities in support of effective climate and bioeconomy strategies. Full article