404 research outputs found
Bioenergy in the European energy transition: Integrated assessment of the long-term position of bioenergy within the context of climate targets
This thesis aims to advance the assessment of the future role of bioenergy as a climate mitigation option for the EU to mid-century. This is achieved by improving EU-level projections at a systematic level via accounting for the critical considerations within supply and demand dynamics across global and regional scales, traversing the full delivery-chain and attached emissions. To achieve this aim, the following research questions are addressed: 1. What is the projected role of bioenergy within EU decarbonisation strategies from quantitative assessment approaches, and how well do they capture 'Root-Chute' considerations? 2. To what extent could global bioenergy competition and trade constraints impact EU mitigation potential from bioenergy and vice-versa? 3. How consistent are integrated modelling assessments for bioenergy deployment with EU-level climate, energy and bioenergy-related policy targets? 4. How feasible are long-term projections for EU bioenergy deployment and mitigative potential from the perspective of logistics, scale-up, management practices and technological advancements
ESSA Identification of National (Sector) VET Qualification and Skills (Regulatory) Frameworks for Steel
Digital transformation and climate change represent the main drivers of innovation for European industry. In particular, green and digital technologies help to increase energy and resource efficiency and contribute to keeping materials in use for longer.
However, the right skills are needed to implement, operate and exploit these technologies to best effect. The ESSA project has developed a sector-driven Blueprint following a bottom-up social innovation process to address skills needs, which integrates all the relevant stakeholders (companies, training providers, research institutions, associations, social partners, policy makers, public administration, and civil society organisations). It has identified where there is need for re- and up- skilling and talent recruitment, and identified strategies for developing a highly skilled workforce, proactively addressing skills gaps, and engaging the workforce with new technological innovations. As part of the Blueprint, we offer policy recommendations to support these strategies and address the deep transformations the industry is currently experiencing.
The first policy recommendations are presented as general recommendations. Second, we offer policy recommendations at three levels in order to provide further contextualisation: European, national and regional. Third, we present some recommendations related to the specific support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
DECRYPTING THE DIVERSITY OF MICROBIOME IN AQUACULTURE
Aquaculture can play an important role in reducing the overexploitation of natural re-
sources and feeding the world’s growing population. However, the use of e.g., antibiotics in
aquaculture can favor the development of resistant bacteria and jeopardize the safety of its
products. Thus, this Ph.D. thesis aimed to contribute to the deciphering of aquaculture’s mi-
crobiome and resistome, as well as to the understanding of the role of mobile genetic elements
(MGE) in the dissemination of resistance genes in these environments. Several approaches were
used, to obtain the results that most reflect the microbiome and resistome of seabream and
bivalve mollusks from aquaculture. All microbiomes studied were very diverse, encompassing
commensal and pathogenic bacteria from seabream and bivalve mollusks (e.g.,
Aeromonas,Kocuria,
Pseudomonas and
Vibrio genera), as well as bacteria important in human medicine
(e.g.,
Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli and
Klebsiella pneumoniae). Twenty-one new se-
quence types were described in
Aeromonas spp.,
Citrobacter sp.,
Enterobacter spp.,
Shewanella
spp.,
Staphylococcus sp. and
Vibrio spp. Decreased susceptibilities to phenicols, oxytetracy-
cline, β-lactams (namely carbapenems), quinolones, glycopeptides, mupirocin, erythromycin,
and colistin were found. The resistome also revealed a great diversity of genes in all samples
studied associated with antibiotics (e.g.,
blaTEM-1B,
mecA,
sul2,
mcr-9.1), disinfectants (e.g.,formA-type), and heavy metals (e.g.,
sil) resistance. Twenty-five different genes related with
increased virulence were also detected. Thirteen new β-lactams resistance genes were identi-
fied (e.g.,
blaCTX-M-246,
blaFOX-18, and
blaOXA-958) and 35 other resistance genes, namely for antibi-
otics (e.g.,
mcr-9 and
qnrD2), heavy metals (e.g.,
emrA and
mdtE) and disinfectants (
sitABCD-
type), and virulence factors (e.g.,
astA and
hlyF) were here described for the first time associated
with aquaculture. Our results suggest that some of these resistance genes (e.g.,
erm(T)-type,qnrB19,
catA1-type,
tet(A),
dfrA-type,
aph(6)-Id,
qacE∆
1 and
merA) are being disseminated by
MGE such as plasmids, class 1 integrons, and Tn
As1. These findings not only expand our
knowledge about aquaculture’s microbiome and resistome, but also provide the necessary xiv
information to implement the most suitable measures to control antibiotic resistance in aqua-
culture environments.A aquacultura pode desempenhar um papel importante na redução da sobre-explora-
ção dos recursos naturais e no fornecimento de alimentos para a crescente população mundial.
No entanto, o uso de, por exemplo, antibióticos em aquacultura pode favorecer o desenvolvi-
mento de bactérias resistentes e comprometer a segurança dos seus produtos. Assim, esta tese
de Doutoramento teve como objetivo contribuir para a decifração do microbioma e resistoma
em aquacultura, bem como compreender o papel dos elementos genéticos móveis na disse-
minação de genes de resistência nestes ambientes. Foram usadas diversas abordagens com o
intuito de obter os resultados que melhor refletem o microbioma e o resistoma das douradas
e moluscos bivalves de aquacultura. Os microbiomas estudados apresentaram uma grande
diversidade, englobando bactérias comensais e patogénicas das douradas e moluscos bivalves
(ex.: os géneros
Aeromonas,
Kocuria,
Pseudomonas e
Vibrio), assim como bactérias importan-
tes em medicina humana (ex.:
Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli e
Klebsiella pneumo-
niae). Foram descritos 21 novos
sequence type em
Aeromonas spp.,
Citrobacter sp.,
Entero-
bacter spp.,
Shewanella spp.,
Staphylococcus sp. e
Vibrio spp. Foram encontradas suscetibili-
dades diminuídas aos fenicois, oxitetraciclina, β-lactâmicos (como carbapenemes), quinolonas,
glicopéptidos, mupirocina, eritromicina e colistina. Também os resistomas revelaram uma
grande diversidade de genes associados a resistências aos antibióticos (ex.:
blaTEM-1B,
mecA,sul2,
mcr-9.1), desinfetantes (ex.:
formA-type) e metais pesados (ex.:
sil). Foram também dete-
tados 25 genes diferentes, associados a uma maior virulência. Encontram-se aqui descritos 13
novos genes de resistência aos β-lactâmicos (ex.:
blaCTX-M-246,
blaFOX-18,
blaOXA-958) e outros 35
genes de resistência, nomeadamente aos antibióticos (ex.:
mcr-9 e
qnrD2), metais pesados (ex.:emrA e
mdtE) e desinfetantes (
sitABCD-type), e fatores de virulência (ex.:
astA e
hlyF) são aqui
identificados pela primeira vez associados à aquacultura. Os nossos resultados sugerem que
alguns destes genes de resistência (como
erm(T)-type,
qnrB19,
catA1-type,
tet(A),
dfrA-type, aph(6)-Id,
qacE∆
1 e
merA) estarão a ser disseminados por elementos genéticos móveis, como
plasmídeos, integrões de classe 1 e Tn
As1. Estes estudos não só ampliam o nosso conheci-
mento sobre o microbioma e o resistoma em aquacultura, mas também providenciam a infor-
mação necessária para a implementação das medidas mais adequadas ao controlo da resis-
tência aos antibióticos em aquacultura
Regenerative Circularity for the Built Environment – A Positive Impact Framework for Urban Transitions
The detrimental impacts of human activities on social and ecological systems are increasingly evident, with cities and their inefficient built environment (BE) stock being significant contributors. Neighbourhood sustainability assessment tools (NSATs) have been developed by the BE sector for new precincts; however, many have limitations and adopt linear approaches unsuitable for complex urban areas. While the circular economy (CE) model has gained global attention, its integration into NSATs remains limited.
This thesis adopts a cross-pollination perspective, combining the CE model with regenerative design concepts. Through inductive content analysis, the 'Regenerative Circularity for the Built Environment' (RC4BE) conceptual model is proposed. Based on this model, a framework is developed to support the positive impact-based transition of existing urban precincts and neighbourhoods.
To explore current green practices, six ecological urban developments across three continents were studied. Surveys and semi-structured interviews with over 150 BE professionals examined their practices and perceptions of regenerative and circular approaches. A 2-round Delphi consultation with 31 international experts validated a set of five themes, 26 categories, and 136 criteria derived from literature and previous stages. This informed the design of a mixed performance-based and maturity model assessment framework with four different evaluation components.
The findings suggest shortcomings in existing NSATs and green precincts, while experts express a desire to improve their practises. The resulting RC4BE framework provides a flexible, systemic approach that is adaptable to different contexts while also empowering various urban players. It serves as a platform for citizen-led community improvements towards positive impacts.
This thesis contributes to the development of sustainable cities by presenting a unique framework that incorporates circular and regenerative design concepts. It goes beyond traditional approaches to sustainability by emphasising neighbourhood-scale transformations and recognising the critical role of local communities. Along with environmental and economic issues, social factors as community participation and equity are considered. The framework's holistic, process-based approach recognises the interdependence of urban systems. By involving BE practitioners and stakeholders, a more inclusive, realistic implementation is ensured, boosting real-world relevance and impact
OPTIMAL DESIGN OF ENERGY COMMUNITIES Multi-objective design of multi-vector energy hubs integrated with electric mobility charging systems and acting as an energy community
The present thesis has the aim to develop a tool based on prescriptive analytics to perform the optimal design of several multi-vector energy hubs, integrated with electric mobility charging infrastructures, jointly acting as a local energy community through a posteriori multi-objective function. In Chapter 1 after having introduced the scope of the study, the justification of its relevance, and the main objectives, a brief summary of the publications of the author and his main activities during the PhD program course is reported. In Chapter 2 the energy transition is introduced, underlining the EU environmental targets by 2030 and the main energy trends which the energy sector is facing. Then the main incentive policies which are used to reach the environmental targets are reported and briefly analysed. The focus is moved on the newly introduced concepts of energy communities and collective self-consumers at the EU and at the State Member level. The preliminary implementation of the EU directives in Italy and Spain are evaluated and commented. Finally, the concept of microgrid and nanogrid is reported, as an actual and real representation of integrated energy systems characterized by multiple energy demands and different technologies. Chapter 3 recalls the concept of traditional design and compare it with optimal design. After a brief introduction on the different analytics techniques (descriptive, predictive, prescriptive) the focus is moved to the MILP (Mixed-Integer Linear Programming) problem as a tool of prescriptive analytics which can be used to perform the optimal design. Finally, a review of the state of the art of optimal design algorithms and case studies are reported and the main contributions of the present work are underlined. Chapter 4 introduces the first step towards this thesis objective. At first a deterministic mathematical model capable of performing the optimal design of a single-vector (electricity) energy hub integrated with EVs (Electric Vehicles) infrastructure is reported and applied to the case of a single-family dwelling. The considered technologies are photovoltaic, electric storage systems and charging infrastructures. Later the complexity of the model is increased, by proposing a stochastic mathematical model capable of performing the optimal design of a single-vector energy hub integrated with EVs infrastructure. The model is applied to the Mensa building of the Savona Campus of the University of Genova. Several objective functions are considered and the results are reported and commented. Chapter 5 increases the complexity of the study by introducing a deterministic mathematical model to perform the optimal design of a multi-vector energy hub. Several energy demands are considered (electricity, space heating and cooling, domestic hot water) and the portfolio of technologies is significantly expanded involving electric and thermal RES (Renewable Energy Sources), micro cogeneration units, trigeneration units, conversion units (reversible heat pumps), electric and thermal storage systems and EVs charging infrastructures. A multi-objective function is implemented. The model is applied to the entirety of the Savona Campus of the University of Genova. Chapter 6 reports the final and complete version of the developed mathematical model. This model is able to perform the optimal design of several multi-vector energy hubs, integrated with EVs charging stations, jointly acting as an energy community. The model is then applied to the Opera Pia Engineering compound of the University of Genova through the analysis of two different cases. At first a purely virtual relationship between several hubs is considered similarly to the Italian implementation of the renewable energy community concept. Later, a physical relationship between hubs is investigated similarly to the Spanish implementation of the renewable energy community configuration. Finally, Chapter 7 reports the conclusions and possible future research activities
Impact assessment of AI-enabled automation on the workplace and employment. The case of Portugal
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to lead to a wave of innovation in organiza-tional design, changes in the workplace and create disruptive effects in the employment sys-tems across the world. Moreover, the future deployment of broad-spectrum algorithms capa-ble of being used in wide areas of application (e.g., industrial robotics, software and data anal-ysis, decision-making) can lead to considerable changes in current work patterns, swiftly render many unemployed across the globe and profoundly destabilize labour relations. The impacts of AI are estimated to lead to a reduction of millions of workplaces. But qualitative research about AI and its governance is scarce. An emergent technology requires a technology assess-ment (TA) approach to understand the implications of AI in firms. Mechanisms of industrial democracy can help to adopt AI by ensuring adequate arrangements for employees and avoid-ing conflicts (mitigating negative effects, promoting reskilling, etc.).
In this research work, the probable penetration of AI in the manufacturing sector is identified to study its effects in work organization and employment in Portugal. Is the employ-ment changing alongside recent AI trends in Portugal? What are the expectable changes in work organisation due to AI-enabled automation? Are there signs of work qualification to go with AI systems implementation? Are there visions on the role of humans on the interaction with the features of industry 4.0? Does that imply new forms of human interaction with AI? These are the questions this research work will try to answer. A TA approach using mixed methods was applied to conduct statistical analyses of relevant databases, interviews with ac-ademic, industrial and social actors and exploratory scenarios of AI-based automation systems, on work organization and employment. The manufacturing industry was the chosen sector since it is the sector where most cases of AI-based automation systems are in place.
Findings suggest that, until now, it seems AI is still not able to replace most of the human skills and cognitive capacities but can replace humans on simple tasks. In the future, four different possible states may occur, according to the various initial conditions, the com-pany's motivation, their business strategy, the public policies in place and main social actors involved: Re-organisation of work; Substitution of the workforce; People at the centre and Fo-cus on Efficiency. These were the basis for our scenario outcomes.A inteligência artificial (IA) tem o potencial de levar a uma onda de inovação no desenho das organizações, nas mudanças no local de trabalho e em criar efeitos disruptivos nos sistemas de emprego em todo o mundo. Além disso, a futura implementação de algoritmos de amplo espectro, capazes de serem usados em muitas áreas de aplicação (por exemplo, robótica industrial, software e análise de dados, tomada de decisão), pode levar a mudanças consideráveis nos padrões de trabalho atuais, e rapidamente, levar ao desemprego em todo o mundo e à desestabilização profunda das relações laborais. Estima-se que os impactos da IA levem a uma redução de milhões de locais de trabalho. Mas a investigação qualitativa sobre IA é escassa. Uma tecnologia emergente requer uma abordagem de avaliação de tecnologia (AT) para entender as suas implicações. Mecanismos de democracia industrial podem ajudar a adotar a IA, garantindo condições adequadas para os trabalhadores e evitando conflitos (mitigando efeitos negativos, promovendo requalificação, etc.).
Neste trabalho de investigação identifica-se a provável penetração da IA no setor da indústria transformadora para estudar os seus efeitos na organização do trabalho e emprego em Portugal. O emprego está a mudar a par das tendências recentes da IA em Portugal? Quais são as mudanças na organização do trabalho devido à automação baseada em IA? Há indícios de qualificação do trabalho para acompanhar a implementação dos sistemas de IA? Existem visões sobre o papel do ser humano na interação com os recursos da indústria 4.0? Isso implica novas formas de interação humana com a IA? Estas são as perguntas que este trabalho de investigação tentará responder. Na abordagem de AT, foram usados métodos mistos para realizar análises estatísticas de bases de dados, entrevistas com atores do ecossistema académico, industrial e social e cenários exploratórios sobre os efeitos da adoção de sistemas de automação baseados em IA, na organização do trabalho e emprego. A indústria transformadora foi escolhida por ser onde existem a maioria de casos de aplicação de sistemas de auto-mação baseados em IA.
Os resultados sugerem que, até ao momento, que a IA não tem a capacidade de subs-tituir a maioria das competências e raciocínio humanos, mas apenas tarefas simples. No futuro, poderão ocorrer quatro situações, dependendo das condições iniciais, motivação e estratégia da empresa, das políticas e incentivos públicos existentes e do envolvimento de atores sociais: Reorganização do trabalho; Substituição da mão-de-obra; Pessoas no centro da transformação e foco na Eficiência. Estas foram a base para os nossos cenários de referência
Wheat Improvement
This open-access textbook provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide for students and practitioners wishing to access in a single volume the key disciplines and principles of wheat breeding. Wheat is a cornerstone of food security: it is the most widely grown of any crop and provides 20% of all human calories and protein. The authorship of this book includes world class researchers and breeders whose expertise spans cutting-edge academic science all the way to impacts in farmers’ fields. The book’s themes and authors were selected to provide a didactic work that considers the background to wheat improvement, current mainstream breeding approaches, and translational research and avant garde technologies that enable new breakthroughs in science to impact productivity. While the volume provides an overview for professionals interested in wheat, many of the ideas and methods presented are equally relevant to small grain cereals and crop improvement in general. The book is affordable, and because it is open access, can be readily shared and translated -- in whole or in part -- to university classes, members of breeding teams (from directors to technicians), conference participants, extension agents and farmers. Given the challenges currently faced by academia, industry and national wheat programs to produce higher crop yields --- often with less inputs and under increasingly harsher climates -- this volume is a timely addition to their toolkit
Data-driven maintenance analysis of tramway network
One of the proven applications of digitalization in public transport in recent times is the improvement of maintenance strategies using data-driven methods. A robust maintenance strategy ensures the availability of assets to perform its designated operations maximizing the owner’s revenue at minimum costs. This thesis carries out a data-driven analysis of the tram system in Gothenburg with an objective to generate insights on the current maintenance procedures and asset performance which would aid the tram operator in their journey towards digital transformation. The analysis focuses on critical fixed infrastructure assets such as track, switches and catenary and was carried out following CRISP-DM, one of the most common frameworks for data mining. The project analyzed three different data sets – monthly track switching operations, operating restrictions resulting from faulty infrastructure assets and unscheduled maintenance events and historical maintenance records of the fixed assets. Few performance indicators were measured from the switching data such as vehicle passage error rates and rate of manual switching operations. The analysis on operating restrictions focused on identifying the reasons for restriction, its duration, the occurrence of restrictions over time and the associated cost impacts. The most significant part of the analysis was carried out on the past maintenance records available as inspections and work orders. Maintenance performance indicators based on the time incurred to perform such activities were measured. The primary causes of a failure for each asset category were identified. Further, a comparative analysis of inspections done against the standard requirements was also carried out. The analysis found satisfactory performance of switching operations. Regarding track restrictions, a pattern on the number of restrictions over time was observed. The analysis of inspections and work orders pointed out underperformance by maintenance teams and evident shortcomings in data collection. The performance indicators of maintenance teams measured may be used as a benchmark for better monitoring and control. However, they should be subject to scrutiny owing to questionable data quality. Future research should explore the feasibility of employing real-time predictive analytics for maintenance in tram systems based on machine learning
Towards a Confucian CSR: Reimagining Corporate Social Responsibility from a Chinese Philosophical Perspective
Although many companies have made efforts to adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR), the notion of CSR is confined by philosophical assumptions and concepts. How then might Chinese companies express their CSR set within a Chinese culture influenced by Confucian philosophy?
This research aims to explore the possibility of a Confucian CSR model. Instead of replacing the current prevailing instrumental CSR, this Confucian CSR model intends to complement the weakness of the Western instrumental CSR model by implementing three conditions, namely, the exemplary CEO, a supportive environment, and an ethical education based on Confucian principles of benevolence (ren 仁) and righteousness (yi 義).
The construction of Confucian CSR has three steps:
Firstly, through an exploration of Confucian philosophy, this research clarifies the value system and ethical teaching of Confucian philosophy, which provides a theoretical foundation for the discussion of the Confucian corporation and its specific form of CSR.
Secondly, by comparing the differences of current CSR reports between Chinese companies and US companies, this research examines the characteristics of Chinese CSR reports and performance and finds out to what extent they are impacted by Confucian philosophy.
Finally, this research compares Confucian principles with the principles of Western instrumental CSR. Through the comparison, the people-centred and harmony-oriented Confucian CSR model is built in contrast to the profit-centred competitive CSR model.
From a practical perspective, the outline of the implementation of Confucian CSR is provided at both the national level and corporate level. In addition, this research also provides recommendations for the corresponding CSR reporting.
To conclude, based on the integration of Confucian wisdom with the worldwide development of CSR, this research may not only contribute to the CSR development in China but also can shed light on CSR development in the world
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