Search Results (33)

Wine production is increasingly scrutinized for its climate impact, with energy use in wineries representing a consistent hotspot of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study quantifies the energy-related carbon footprint (CF) of wine production and assesses decarbonization pathways through renewable electricity and heat integration. Using primary metered data from two Portuguese wineries with contrasting energy profiles, one electricity-dominated and the other heat-dominated, we modeled renewable substitution scenarios and normalized results per liter and per 0.75 L bottle. In the electricity-dominated winery, baseline CF was 0.202 kg CO₂e·L⁻¹ (0.152 kg·bottle⁻¹), with 98% from electricity; full renewable substitution reduced emissions by 88.7%. In the heat-dominated winery, baseline CF reached 0.925 kg CO₂e·L⁻¹ (0.693 kg·bottle⁻¹), with 99% from thermal utilities; joint renewable electricity and solar-thermal heat reduced emissions by 92.6%. These findings confirm that the optimal mitigation strategy depends on the dominant energy carrier. The proposed framework demonstrates the technical feasibility of renewable retrofits in small and medium wineries and provides a transparent, reproducible basis for low-carbon transition planning in the wine sector. Full article

This study investigates the influences of the packaging design of not from concentrate (NFC) orange juice on consumer sensory preferences and purchase intention. We conducted a laboratory experiment with eighty-one individuals, combining physiological measurements (eye-tracking to assess attention levels) and sensory evaluation (tasting and rating their overall satisfaction with the taste). Participants evaluated different bottles featuring three design elements (transparency, color, label) but with the same juice inside. In line with the literature on the design of packaging, we show that the position of the transparency, color, and text label consistently alters consumer attention levels and sensory preferences for NFC orange juice. We believe that such findings may guide brand managers and product designers to create more appealing beverage packaging to optimize potential market success. Full article

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in the tribe Xyleborini are economically important pests of woody ornamentals, tree nuts, and fruit orchards, including pecans in the United States. Among them, the granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), is the most common species in pecan orchards in Georgia. Various traps, including ethanol-mediated Lindgren multi-funnel traps, panel traps, bottle traps, sticky cards, and ethanol-infused wooden bolts, are used in ambrosia beetle monitoring programs. Trap color and placement height are important factors that increase trap effectiveness. To improve trap effectiveness for ambrosia beetles, we conducted a color and height preference experiment under field conditions using six different colored sticky cards, including black, blue, green, red, transparent, and yellow, placing them at three different heights (15, 60, and 120 cm from ground level). The results show that red and transparent sticky cards consistently captured a higher number of ambrosia beetles, whereas yellow-colored sticky cards consistently captured a lower number of ambrosia beetles compared to all other tested colors of sticky cards. A similar trend was observed with X. crassiusculus in field and laboratory settings. Among the evaluated trap heights, more ambrosia beetles, including X. crassiusculus, were consistently captured in the sticky cards placed at a height of 60 cm from the ground surface. Additionally, we monitored natural infestations of ambrosia beetles in commercial pecan orchards in Georgia and found more damage to pecan trees near the ground surface (45 cm) compared to the upper parts. We also recorded three ambrosia beetle species, X. crassiusculus, the black stem borer, X. germanus (Blandford), and the Southeast Asian ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus amputatus (Blandford). Among them, X. crassiusculus (90.50%) was the most abundant species in the pecan orchards. Therefore, red and transparent sticky cards placed at a height of 45 to 60 cm could improve the trap efficacy and can be used for monitoring ambrosia beetles in pecan orchards. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is commonly used in beverage container manufacturing; however, its classification as a single-use plastic significantly contributes to environmental pollution. Improper disposal results in enduring contamination of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, which poses ecological and health risks. Among the disposal methods, recycling, incineration, and landfilling, only recycling promotes a circular economy by reducing reliance on landfills, alleviating emissions, and conserving fossil resources. This study employs the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to evaluate the environmental impacts of three PET bottle recycling facilities in Taiwan, considering collection, transportation, and processing in the system boundary. It also assesses the effects of raw material composition, comparing transparent, colored, and mixed PET bottles. The results indicate that facilities processing colorless PET have lower environmental damage values (16.6–18.1 mPt·kg⁻¹ of recycled flakes) than those handling colored and oil-trapped PET (25 mPt·kg⁻¹) due to higher energy demands and poly aluminum chloride usage in wastewater treatment. Granulation was identified as a significant environmental hotspot for recycled PET pellets, with a damage value of 35 mPt·kg⁻¹. Integrating renewable energy and recycled PET into PET bottle manufacturing could significantly reduce their environmental impacts. Policy recommendations include adopting renewable energies as the source energy, calibrating the use of chemicals in recycling facilities, and mandating minimum recycled content in PET products to enhance circularity. Full article

Monitoring bacterial activity is essential for numerous scientific and industrial applications. However, current benchmark measurements, i.e., optical density (OD), exhibit a limited dynamic range and require transparent or translucent media. Conventional impedance spectroscopy involves direct electrode contact with the bacterial medium or biofilm, potentially perturbing the sample environment and compromising measurement fidelity. Moreover, many real-time methods rely on costly, specialized labware that limits scalability and versatility. Here, we introduce a non-contact impedance spectroscopy (NCIS) technique with customizable electrodes for off-the-shelf labware and show that the data collected from a KCl solution series agree well with the simplest electrolytic conductivity cell model solution, demonstrating the accuracy and simplicity of NCIS. As an example of bacterial activity monitoring, NCIS was performed in glass laboratory bottles and 24-well plates in which Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli cultures were inoculated into Brain Heart Infusion media, maintained at 37 °C. Comparative OD measurements acquired intermittently from the same media exhibited a strong correlation between NCIS and OD data, confirming reliability and reproducibility. The bacterial culture was verified by Raman spectroscopy assisted by machine learning. NCIS eliminates the risks of contamination and sample alteration, minimizing costs and operational complexity and providing a scalable, versatile solution for biological and chemical research. Full article

Groundwater, which constitutes 95% of the world’s freshwater resources, is widely used for drinking and domestic water supply, agricultural irrigation, energy production, bottled water production, and commercial use. In recent years, due to pressures from climate change and excessive urbanization, a noticeable decline in groundwater levels has been observed, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The corresponding changes have been analyzed using a diverse range of methodologies, including data-driven modeling techniques. Recent evidence has shown a notable acceleration in the utilization of such advanced techniques, demonstrating significant attention by the research community. Therefore, the major aim of the present study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to investigate the application and evolution of machine learning (ML) techniques in groundwater research. In this sense, studies published between 2000 and 2023 were examined in terms of scientific productivity, collaboration networks, research themes, and methods. The findings revealed that ML techniques offer high accuracy and predictive capacity, especially in water quality, water level estimation, and pollution modeling. The United States, China, and Iran stand out as leading countries emphasizing the strategic importance of ML in groundwater management. However, the outcomes demonstrated that a low level of international cooperation has led to deficiencies in solving transboundary water problems. The study aimed to encourage more widespread and effective use of ML techniques in water management and environmental planning processes and drew attention to the importance of transparent and interpretable algorithms, with the potential to yield rewarding opportunities in increasing the adoption of corresponding technologies by decision-makers. Full article

The present investigation introduces a novel approach, using As-Zn-Fe mining tailings (MT) and recycled bottle glass (cullet) to enable the manufacturing of a new glass for ornamental articles, with characteristics similar to those of soda–lime–silicate glass (SLS), and at the same time, immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from mining tailings, which cause environmental pollution with severe risks to human health. The glass used was obtained from transparent glass bottles collected from urban waste, which were later washed to remove impurities and then crushed until they reached No. 70 mesh (212 μm) level; in the case of mining tailings, the sample used comes from the ore benefit process, with 96.8% of particles below the No. 50 mesh level (300 μm). Six mixtures were made by varying the composition of the mining tailings and glass, K₂CO₃ and H₃BO₃ as fluxes were also used in constant proportion. The mixtures were melted at 1370 °C, and later, the glass samples were cast on a steel plate at room temperature. The characteristics of the glasses were studied using thermal analysis (TA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Likewise, their chemical resistance in acid and basic media and density were evaluated. The results unequivocally demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing glasses with a light green color, the increase in the content of mining tailings increased the apparent T_g from 625 to 831 °C. Glasses with 17 and 21.3% MT presented lower density values due to a better-polymerized glass structure, attributed to the increase in SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ and the decrease in alkaline oxides, which allowed for the retention of PTEs in their structure. Full article

Quality risk management, commonly known as QRM, is designed to systematically assess, control, communicate, and review potential risks at every stage of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. The preservation of consistent product quality across the entirety of the product’s life cycle is of paramount importance. The aim of this article is to formulate a best practice guide that will assist pharmaceutical manufacturers in comprehending and implementing the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q9: quality risk management principles. A widely recognized methodology for defining and monitoring risk mitigation strategies within the pharmaceutical sector is the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). ICH Q9 does not, however, offer detailed instructions for applying FMEA to real-world pharmaceutical situations. We previously provided real-world case studies that identify and mitigate risks in the early stages of the manufacturing process of sterile products, such as (1) supply chain and procurement; (2) logistics and warehousing; (3) raw material dispensing; (4) glass bottle washing and handling; (5) product filling; and (6) final product receiving and handling. The final steps of the sterile manufacturing process are the subject of the case study we present in this paper. We identify and control the risks related to (I) product sterilization; (II) product inspection, labeling, and packaging; (III) the finished product’s transfer to storage; and (IV) storing finished products in a warehouse. In order to maximize decision-making and reduce the risk of regulatory noncompliance, this case study describes a proactive strategy for the identification, management, and communication of risks associated with crucial tasks. While each organization’s products and methods are distinct, with varying tolerances for risk, certain stages and associated risks are common. Consequently, the examples provided here offer relevant insights into any pharmaceutical production environment. Managing sustainability-related risks and ensuring the transparency of pharmaceutical company operations are key tasks of success today. These risks, if not managed, will cause serious problems and a negative reputation, as well as environmental and public impact. Full article

Waste recycling is critical for the development of smart cities. Local authorities are responsible for the disposal of waste plastics, but the extent of material recycling is insufficient, and much of the waste generated is incinerated. This conflicts with the trend of decarbonisation. Of particular note are the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, during and after which large quantities of waste plastics, such as plastic containers and packaging, were generated. In order to develop a sustainable smart city, we need an effective scheme where we can separate materials before they are taken to the local authorities and recyclers. In other words, if material identification can be performed at the place of disposal, the burden on recyclers can be reduced, and a smart city can be created. In this study, we developed and demonstrated smart material identification equipment for waste plastic materials made of PET, PS, PP, and PE using GaP THz and sub-THz wavelengths. As basic information, we used a GaP terahertz spectrometer to sweep frequencies from 0.5 THz to 7 THz and measure the spectrum, and the transmittance rate was measured using the sub-THz device. The sub-THz device used a specific frequency below 0.14 THz. This is a smaller, more carriable, and less expensive semiconductor electronic device than the GaP. Moreover, the sub-terahertz device used in the development of this equipment is compact, harmless to the human body, and can be used in public environments. As a result, smart equipment was developed and tested in places such as supermarkets, office entrances, and canteens. The identification of materials can facilitate material recycling. In this study, we found that measuring devices designed to identify the PET and PS components of transparent containers and packaging plastics, and the PP and PE components of PET bottle caps, could effectively identify molecular weights, demonstrating new possibilities for waste management and recycling systems in smart cities. With the ability to collect and analyse data, these devices can be powerful tools for pre-sorting. Full article

With the recent ban on the production and use of long-chain perfluorinated compounds, the development of alternative approaches to prepare liquid-repellent surfaces that avoids the use of such compounds has become an urgent issue. We have succeeded in the development of fish-mimicking hydrophilic transparent hydrogel-based films with long-lasting anti-oil adhesion properties. Such films could be prepared by simply mixing poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), nanoclay particles (NCPs), and a waterborne aminosilane (AOS) using an integral blend (IB) method. When submerged in water, these films displayed underwater superoleophobicity (advancing and receding contact angles (CAs) of diiodomethane were ~171°/~163°) with low CA hysteresis (less than 8°), because the hydrophilic nature of the films promoted the formation of a thin layer of adsorbed water on the topmost film surfaces, similar to fish scales. Furthermore, when our films were coated onto the inside of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles and pre-wetted using 80 °C hot water vapors, these film surfaces could effectively repel various oils and were able to maintain their oil-repellent properties for more than 5 weeks. These water-driven, non-perfluorinated transparent hydrogel-based films are expected to increase recycling of PET bottles for oils that are generally incinerated or landfilled. Full article

Studies on limnology are essential to reservoir management; nevertheless, few are known about the limnological features of the Andean reservoirs in Ecuador. To overcome this limitation in the information, from December 2018 to December 2019, the limnological characteristics of El Labrado and Chanlud reservoirs in the Machángara river basin (Ecuador south) were examined. Using the light/dark bottles technique, the primary productivity (PP) of phytoplankton was studied in conjunction with (1) vertical profiles of oxygen concentrations, water temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus, alkalinity, and heterotrophic bacteria; (2) Secchi disk transparency; and (3) meteorological factors such as wind force, precipitation, and water level. Data indicate that both reservoirs are polymictic, with alkaline waters, low nutrients, and low PP rates. Despite this, a principal component analysis revealed that Chanlud exhibits higher nitrogen, alkalinity, heterotrophic bacteria, and PP values. In two approaches through multiple linear regression analysis, each per reservoir, the PP was explained mainly by water temperature, depth, light, heterotrophic bacteria, and meteorological parameters. The low concentrations of nutrients and the low residency time explain the low PP values. Likewise, the altitudinal factor (i.e., both reservoirs are 3400 m above sea level) and the low human perturbations in surrounding reservoir zones play a crucial role in explaining their poor PP. Notwithstanding the low metabolic rates, clear seasonal trends were observed in both reservoirs; the lowest PP rates occurred during the cold season. To our knowledge, this is the first limnological study of high Andean reservoirs in Ecuador. These findings should be part of Andean reservoir management protocols, contributing significantly to local conservation efforts. Additionally, they could be extrapolated as a frame of reference to similar eco-hydrological systems. Full article

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) as a product-specific data set is a powerful tool that provides information on the origin or composition of products and increases transparency and traceability. This recycling case study accompanies the production of 2192 frisbees, which originated from collected beverage bottle caps. In total, 486.7 kg of feedstock was collected and transformed into 363.2 kg of final product with verified traceability through all process steps via a DPP, provided by the R-Cycle initiative and based on the GS1 standard. This demanded a generally agreed dataset, the availability of technical infrastructure, and additional effort in the processing steps to collect and process the data. R-Cycle offers a one-layer DPP where the data structure is lean and information is visible to everyone. This is beneficial to a variety of stakeholders in terms of transparency. However, it does not allow the sharing of sensitive information. On the one hand, the DPP has a high potential to be an enabler for customer engagement, origin verification, or as a starting point for more efficient and advanced recycling of plastics. On the other hand, the DPP involves a certain effort in data generation and handling, which must be justified by the benefits. For small, simple packaging items, the DPP may not be the perfect solution for all problems. However, with a broader societal mindset and legislative push, the DPP can become a widely used and trusted declaration tool. This can support the plastics industry in its journey towards a circular economy. Full article

In lake aquatic ecosystems, which form the material and energy base of lakes, primary production is critical. The present study addresses the characteristics of primary phytoplankton productivity and its relationship with environmental physicochemical factors in three typical zones (algae-type, transition, and grass-type) of the eutrophic Lake Taihu. Seasonal sampling was conducted, and black–white bottle oxygen measurement was used to determine the primary productivity in different water layers in the lake. The results show obvious temporal and spatial differences in the physicochemical factors and phytoplankton productivity in Lake Taihu. The water column productivity and respiration conformed to the following seasonal descending order, summer > fall > spring > winter, and the following regional descending order, algae-type zone > transition zone > grass-type zone. The seasonal proportions of primary productivity were approximately 40% in the summer, 25% in the fall, 20% in the spring, and less than 15% in the winter. The highest values of water layer productivity and respiration were mainly at a depth of 0.2 m and decreased with the water depth. The percentage of productivity at different water layers was 23% (0 m), 31% (0.2 m), 23% (0.4 m), 11% (0.6 m), 7% (0.8 m), and 5% (1 m). The optical compensation depth for Lake Taihu was about 0.8 times the transparency (SD). Spearman correlation indicated that the temperature (T) and water depth (D) had an obvious impact on productivity in all three lake zones. Multiple stepwise regression suggested that T, D, SD, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) can be used to estimate productivity in different seasons/regions. The main influencing factors on phytoplankton productivity are T, D, Chl-a, and SD in the algae-type and transition zones and T, D, and total suspended solids (TSSs) in the grass-type zone. Full article

Cross-polarization coupling between transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) whispering-gallery modes in an optical microresonator produces effects such as coupled-mode induced transparency (CMIT). The detailed analytical theory of this coupling indicates that the TE-to-TM and TM-to-TE couplings may have different strengths. Using an experimental setup centered around a hollow bottle resonator and polarization-sensitive throughput detection, that had been used in previous CMIT experiments, this asymmetry was confirmed and studied. By fitting the throughput spectra of both polarizations to the numerical output of a basic model, the asymmetry parameter defined as the ratio of the coupling amplitudes was determined from the output power in the polarization orthogonal to that of the input. The results of many experiments give a range for this ratio, roughly from 0.2 to 4, that agrees with the range predicted by the detailed theory. An analytical approximation of this ratio shows that the main reason for the asymmetry is a difference in the axial orders of the coupled modes. In some experimental cases, the orthogonal output is not well fitted by the model that assumes a single mode of each polarization, and we demonstrate that this fitting discrepancy can be the result of additional mode interactions. Full article

Generally, olive oil possesses natural protection against oxidation due to antioxidant compounds such as phenols and tocopherols. However, in the case of refined olive oil, the refining process unavoidably reduces the presence of these compounds. Considering these considerations, the objective of this study was to address the issues related to the “tightness” of the cap used for packaging oil in SALOV, aiming to extend the product’s shelf life. The oil under investigation was packaged in 250 mL transparent glass bottles, each filled with either argon or air. Subsequently, the samples were divided into three groups: one group sealed with a conventional screw cap, another covered with a special protective bag, and a third one sealed with a wax cover directly on the cap. The storage period varied, during which the atmospheric conditions were monitored daily through both destructive and non-destructive analyses. The preliminary results indicate that alternative preservation techniques, such as the use of argon, sealing wax, and protective bags, can effectively enhance the shelf life of the oil and maintain its quality (reduce oxidation, preserve phenolic compounds, and reduce the degradation of pigments). Further research and development in this area could lead to the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oils with extended shelf life and improved sensory and nutritional properties. Full article