Heating with biomass in the United Kingdom: Lessons from New Zealand

In this study we review the current status of residential solid fuel (RSF) use in the UK and compare it with New Zealand, which has had severe wintertime air quality issues for many years that is directly attributable to domestic wood burning in heating stoves. Results showed that RSF contributed to more than 40 μg m−3 PM10 and 10 μg m−3 BC in some suburban locations of New Zealand in 2006, with significant air quality and climate impacts. Models predict RSF consumption in New Zealand to decrease slightly from 7 PJ to 6 PJ between 1990 and 2030, whereas consumption in the UK increases by a factor of 14. Emissions are highest from heating stoves and fireplaces, and their calculated contribution to radiative forcing in the UK increases by 23% between 2010 and 2030, with black carbon accounting for more than three quarters of the total warming effect. By 2030, the residential sector accounts for 44% of total BC emissions in the UK and far exceeds emissions from the traffic sector. Finally, a unique bottom-up emissions inventory was produced for both countries using the latest national survey and census data for the year 2013/14. Fuel- and technology-specific emissions factors were compared between multiple inventories including GAINS, the IPCC, the EMEP/EEA and the NAEI. In the UK, it was found that wood consumption in stoves was within 30% of the GAINS inventory, but consumption in fireplaces was substantially higher and fossil fuel consumption is more than twice the GAINS estimate. As a result, emissions were generally a factor of 2–3 higher for biomass and 2–6 higher for coal. In New Zealand, coal and lignite consumption in stoves is within 24% of the GAINS inventory estimate, but wood consumption is more than 7 times the GAINS estimate. As a result, emissions were generally a factor of 1–2 higher for coal and several times higher for wood. The results of this study indicate that emissions from residential heating stoves and fireplaces may be underestimated in climate models. Emissions are increasing rapidly in the UK which may result in severe wintertime air quality reductions, as seen in New Zealand, and contribute to climate warming unless controls are implemented such as the Ecodesign emissions limits

Acoustic detection of coronary artery stenosis: from in-vitro gel measurements: towards a low cost diagnostic device

Stenotic coronary artery disease (i.e. partial blockage of the arteries feeding the heart muscle) produces disturbed flow downstream from the blockage, interacting with the artery wall and generating low-amplitude audio-frequency vibrations. Some of this energy reaches the chest surface where it is detectable as an acoustic signature, distinct from heart sounds. We have performed in-vitro experiments on a model chest filled with a soft-tissue mimicking gel, covered with a polyurethane “skin” fitted with a variety of sensors, and within which is mounted a latex “artery” containing 3-D printed stenoses of various geometries. With this set-up, we have proved the principle that signals associated with the presence of a stenosis can be detected at the skin surface and have now developed a device consisting of an array of sensors incorporated into a stick-on chest-patch. The sensors transmit the signals wirelessly to a data capture unit from which the characteristics associated with disturbed flow can be identified. The time-domain signals are filtered, transformed to the frequency domain and the area under sections of the resulting spectra serve as the dependent (predicted) variable in a multivariable regression model where the independent variables are flow rate, frequency, stenosis geometry and sensor position. This has shown that the presence of stenosis-associated disturbed blood flow be detected, and its position and severity can also be inferred. We have now developed an improved patch and a validation trial will be carried out, initially on healthy volunteers and subsequently on patients with chest pain undergoing simultaneous diagnostic angiography

Disentangling the effects of post-entry speed of internationalization on INVs’ export performance

This paper aims to explore the under-researched topic of post-entry speed of internationalization (PSI) in the context of international new ventures (INVs). We unbundle PSI and examine its relationship with both financial and non-financial export performance, considering three related, but conceptually distinct, dimensions of PSI: internationalization intensity, spread, and geographical diversity. Building on organizational learning theory, we highlight different mechanisms that contribute to post-entry performance outcomes among INVs. Our findings from a sample of 112 INVs in New Zealand provide evidence that the three dimensions of PSI are distinct and that they have different impacts on financial and non-financial export performance. This paper contributes to the limited, yet growing body of literature on PSI by providing a deeper understanding of PSI and its constituent dimensions. In addition, this study offers new theoretical insights into how and why different dimensions of post-entry speed of internationalization can contribute to stronger export performance

Design development post contract signing in New Zealand:Client's or contractor's cost?

By offering fixed-price contracts for designs supplied by clients, contractors legally warrant that they can build what has been designed and do so within their fixed price. Yet detailed drawings are often issued during construction in response to contractors' requests for information on the basis that they cannot otherwise build what has been designed. Claim-entitlement decisions are often made by construction professionals (architects, engineers and quantity surveyors) without legal training in contractual interpretation, potentially varying who pays for design development after contract signing, contractors or clients. Prior studies have addressed buildability obligations relating to ground conditions and foundations. This study applies key principles of contract law to consider who should pay for instructed drawing details post contract signing under the New Zealand standard NZS 3910:2013, 'Conditions of contract for building and civil engineering construction', in terms of (a) when a variation claim may be accepted; (b) the effect of contractor involvement on design development; and (c) the effect if claimed from a building subcontractor to a consultant manager (no head contractor). A claim-entitlement flow chart and a table comparing the head contractor's and consultant construction manager's obligations provide practical guides for contract administrators. Identifying terms prone to interpretation informs contract drafters towards reducing ambiguity for contract users and therefore the potential for dispute

Enhancing off-site manufacturing through early contractor involvement (ECI) in New Zealand

Procurement strategies that enable early contractor involvement (ECI) in design may enhance off-site manufacturing (OSM) by overcoming previously identified barriers to its uptake. Involving constructors during the design stage can reduce the risk of design buildability issues, and standardising traditionally bespoke ECI processes may help overcome cultural resistance to unfamiliar OSM technology. Following literature review and using case studies, document analysis and legal doctrine, a two-stage ECI conceptual process model for New Zealand is proposed. This was tested and refined following feedback at a conference. The model comprises a first-stage pre-construction contract and a second-stage standard-form construction contract. Key process variables are considered with solutions to provide collaboration and transparency while maintaining competitive fixed pricing across the supply chain. Legal doctrine analysis is used to distinguish between design buildability obligations and design codes compliance. The model contributes towards the development of a standard form for pre-construction contracts

Characterization of seizure cigarette waste and synthesis gases generated during the gasification process for energy production

Gasification of biomass from cigarette waste (smuggled and seized) for the production of synthesis gas and energy is an environmentally sustainable option. Thus, in this study, this fuel derived from cigarette waste was characterized, using elementary, immediate, thermogravimetric and calorimetric analyses, aiming to understand the composition, optimize the gasification process and generate synthesis gas. The characterization of the biomass showed 9.6% (m/v) moisture, 65.9% (m/m) volatiles, 12.4% (m/m) fixed carbon, 12.1% (m/m) of ash and a lower heating value (LHV) of 16.7 MJ kg–1. Next, the syngas from the gasification was characterized, both on a laboratory scale and in a semi-industrial plat. The main components of syngas at both laboratory and semi-industrial scales were CO, H2 and CH4. It was also observed that on a laboratory scale, increasing the temperature from 480 to 585 °C increased the content of combustible components from 7.6 to 20.4% (v/v) and, consequently, the LHV of 2.7 to 5.8 MJ kg–1. Tests at the semi industrial plant were inconclusive due to the permeability of the Tedlar bags used to store and conserve the synthesis gas collected at the pilot plant. However, based on laboratory results, the gasification process of seized cigarettes can be a sustainable alternative for generating synthetic gases for energy purposes.FAU - Fundação de Apoio UniversitárioDissertação (Mestrado)A gaseificação de biomassa proveniente de resíduos de cigarros (contrabandeados e apreendidos) para a produção de gás de síntese e energia é uma opção ambientalmente sustentável. Assim, neste estudo foi feita a caracterização desse combustível derivado de resíduos (CDR) de cigarros, utilizando análises elementar, imediata, termogravimétrica e calorimétrica, visando conhecimento da composição, otimização do processo de gaseificação e a geração de gás de síntese. A caracterização desse CDR apresentou 9,6% (m/v) de umidade, 65,9% (m/m) de voláteis, 12,4% (m/m) de carbono fixo, 12,1% (m/m) de cinzas e um poder calorífico inferior (PCI) de 16,7 MJ kg– 1. Em seguida, foi feita a caracterização do gás proveniente da gaseificação desse CDR, tanto em escala laboratorial quanto em escala semi-industrial. Os principais componentes do gás de síntese tanto em escala laboratorial quanto em escala piloto foram CO, H2 e CH4. Também foi observado que em escala de laboratório, o aumento da temperatura de 480 para 585 °C aumentou os teores de componentes combustíveis de 7,6 para 20,4% (v/v) e, consequentemente, o PCI inferior de 2,7 para 5,8 MJ kg–1. Os testes na planta semi-industrial foram inconclusivos devido à permeabilidade dos Tedlar bags utilizados para armazenamento e conservação do gás de síntese coletado na planta piloto. Todavia, baseado nos resultados em laboratório, o processo de gaseificação de cigarros apreendidos pode ser uma alternativa sustentável de geração de gases de síntese para fins energéticos

Competition to collaboration: changing the dynamics of science

Our current approach to science has engendered excessive individual and institutional competition and complexity in funding instruments. We contend that a future science system will require a more collaborative approach that supports competition for ideas within a greater mission-led environment. We build on our experiences within the New Zealand science sector to envisage a more collaborative and open framework for delivery, which will provide long-term career opportunities and recognise the importance of vibrant universities, Crown Research Institutes and other private sector participants. A new approach will be founded on successful implementation of the National Science Challenges through a balance of science excellence, effective boards, creating best teams free of institutional constraints, a focus on delivering outcomes and benefits, sharing of data and infrastructure, and engaging with wider society