Energy efficiency and decarbonization for container fleet in international shipping based on IMO regulatory frameworks: A case study for South Korea

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact and potential of ship’s energy efficiency and decarbonization in Korean container shipping following the IMO regulatory framework. The IMO started implementing the EEXI (Energy Efficiency eXisting-ship Index) and CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) regulations for the existing vessels on 1 November 2022. The government of South Korea announced a national plan called “the 2030 Greenship-K initiative” to boost the shipbuilding and shipping industries. This plan describes 140 merchant vessels with green ship technologies that will be required for sustainable shipping. The Korean container fleet needs to examine the impact of the IMO regulations through eco-friendly technologies like engine power limitation, energy-saving devices, alternative maritime fuels, etc. It is necessary to select an eco-friendly technology based on the marginal abatement cost for the fleet. Five case studies are considered on which alternative is beneficial for ship decarbonization. The most favorable alternative seems to be an LNG fuel retrofit for the EEXI and CII regulations for the Korean container fleet

Microfluidic device with brain extracellular matrix promotes structural and functional maturation of human brain organoids

© 2021, The Author(s).Brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells provide a highly valuable in vitro model to recapitulate human brain development and neurological diseases. However, the current systems for brain organoid culture require further improvement for the reliable production of high-quality organoids. Here, we demonstrate two engineering elements to improve human brain organoid culture, (1) a human brain extracellular matrix to provide brain-specific cues and (2) a microfluidic device with periodic flow to improve the survival and reduce the variability of organoids. A three-dimensional culture modified with brain extracellular matrix significantly enhanced neurogenesis in developing brain organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Cortical layer development, volumetric augmentation, and electrophysiological function of human brain organoids were further improved in a reproducible manner by dynamic culture in microfluidic chamber devices. Our engineering concept of reconstituting brain-mimetic microenvironments facilitates the development of a reliable culture platform for brain organoids, enabling effective modeling and drug development for human brain diseases.11Nsciescopu