scholarly journals Biofuels: balancing risks and rewards

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 20120040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Thornley ◽  
Paul Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Environmental Risks ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Research And Policy

This paper describes a framework that can be used to evaluate the environmental risks and benefits associated with biofuel production. It uses the example of biodiesel produced from Argentinean soy to show how such a framework can be used to conceptualize trade-offs between different environmental, social and economic impacts of biofuel production. Results showing the greenhouse-gas savings and overall life-cycle impact of different ‘soy-biodiesel’ production methods are presented. These impacts and the significance of uncertainty in overall assessments of key parameters, such as greenhouse-gas savings, are discussed. It is shown that, even where sufficient knowledge exists to be able to quantify these impacts, the sustainability of supply of a particular biofuel is inextricably linked to values and ethical judgements. However, tailoring certification efforts to the issues that are most likely to make a significant difference to the overall sustainability could improve the effectiveness of certification efforts. The potential for a framework to guide and focus certification efforts is discussed and future research and policy priorities suggested.

scholarly journals Promoting Policy Coherence within the 2030 Agenda Framework: Externalities, Trade-Offs and Politics

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-118
Author(s):  
Alexander Brand ◽  
Mark Furness ◽  
Niels Keijzer
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Coherence ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Policy Debates ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Political Interests ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Research And Policy

The promotion of Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development is one of the 169 targets of the 2030 Agenda, and considered a key means of implementation. The 2030 Agenda, while noble and necessary to put humanity on a sustainable path, has vastly exacerbated the complexity and ambiguity of development policymaking. This article challenges two assumptions that are common in both policy discussions and associated scholarly debates: First, the technocratic belief that policy coherence is an authentically attainable objective; and second, whether efforts to improve the coherence within and across policies makes achieving the Sustainable Development Goals more likely. We unpack the conventional ‘win-win’ understanding of the policy coherence concept to illustrate that fundamentally incompatible political interests continue to shape global development, and that these cannot be managed away. We argue that heuristic, problem-driven frameworks are needed to promote coherence in settings where these fundamental inconsistencies are likely to persist. Instead of mapping synergies ex-ante, future research and policy debates should focus on navigating political trade-offs and hierarchies while confronting the longer-term goal conflicts that reproduce unsustainable policy choices.

scholarly journals The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and organic labeling on Swiss consumers’ acceptance of pork salami

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Meier ◽  
Eugenia Harms ◽  
Barbara Früh ◽  
Helena Stoffers ◽  
Giuseppe Bee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Consumer Acceptance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pufa Content ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Off Flavors ◽  
Pork Fat

AbstractPork salami with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may be unappealing for consumers as it is more prone to the development of off-flavors and a “greasy” texture. In Switzerland, a share of more than 15.5% PUFA in back fat is penalized with a payment deduction of minimally CHF 0.10 per kilogram carcass weight. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of different PUFA levels and organic labeling on Swiss consumers’ acceptance of pork salami. We conducted a sensory consumer experiment, following a two-factorial treatment structure, crossing the factor “PUFA level” (15.4% PUFA in back fat vs. 18.3% PUFA in back fat) and the factor “information on production system” (blind vs. non-organic vs. organic). Consumer acceptance was captured using a 9-point hedonic scale for overall liking and an open-ended willingness to pay question. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to comment on their sensory experience for each product in an open text question. An increased PUFA content in back fat of 18.3% vs. 15.4% did not lead to a significant difference in consumer acceptance of pork salami in either of the three information conditions, even though, as identified in the analysis of open comments, the high-PUFA salami tended to be more often perceived as “softer” and/or “more greasy”. In contrast, consumer acceptance of both the high- and low-PUFA salami was significantly higher under the “organic” than under either the “non-organic” or blind tasting conditions. Based on this study, a PUFA content in back fat of up to 18% is not expected to have a negative impact on consumer acceptance of pork salami. Therefore, and based on previous findings, we recommend to adapt the Swiss pork fat quality grading system to account for this higher acceptable PUFA limit of 18%. Future research should further explore trade-offs between sensory quality, sustainability, and healthiness while taking consumers’ heterogeneity into account.

USE OF NORTHERN ECOTYPE SOYBEANS FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
SERGEY N. DEVYANIN ◽  
◽  
VLADIMIR A. MARKOV ◽  
ALEKSANDR G. LEVSHIN ◽  
TAMARA P. KOBOZEVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diesel Engine ◽  
Soybean Oil ◽  
Diesel Fuel ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Motor Fuel ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Exhaust Gases ◽  
Oil Productivity ◽  
Toxic Components

The paper presents the results of long-term research on the oil productivity and chemical composition of soybean oil of the Northern ecotype varieties in the Central Non-Black Earth Region. The authors consider its possible use for biodiesel production. Experiments on growing soybeans were carried out on the experimental fi eld of Russian State Agrarian University –Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (2008-2019) on recognized ultra-early ripening varieties of the Northern ecotype Mageva, Svetlaya, Okskaya (ripeness group 000). Tests were set and the research results were analyzed using standard approved methods. It has been shown that in conditions of high latitudes (57°N), limited thermal resources of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia (the sum of active temperatures of the growing season not exceeding 2000°С), the yield and productivity of soybeans depend on the variety and moisture supply. Over the years, the average yield of soybeans amounted to 1.94 … 2.62 t/ha, oil productivity – 388 … 544 kg/ha, oil content – 19…20%, the content of oleic and linoleic fatty acids in oil – 60%, and their output from seeds harvested – 300 kg/ha. It has been established that as soybean oil and diesel fuel have similar properties,they can be mixed by conventional methods in any proportions and form stable blends that can be stored for a long time. Experimental studies on the use of soybean oil for biodiesel production were carried out on a D-245 diesel engine (4 ChN11/12.5). The concentrations of toxic components (CO, CHx, and NOx) in the diesel exhaust gases were determined using the SAE-7532 gas analyzer. The smoke content of the exhaust gases was measured with an MK-3 Hartridge opacimeter. It has been experimentally established that the transfer of a diesel engine from diesel fuel to a blend of 80% diesel fuel and 20% lubrication oil leads to a change in the integral emissions per test cycle: nitrogen oxides in 0.81 times, carbon monoxide in 0.89 times and unburned hydrocarbons in 0.91 times, i.e. when biodiesel as used as a motor fuel in a serial diesel engine, emissions of all gaseous toxic components are reduced. The study has confi rmed the expediency of using soybeans of the Northern ecotype for biofuel production.

scholarly journals Immune function during pregnancy varies between ecologically distinct populations

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-128
Author(s):  
Carmen Hové ◽  
Benjamin C Trumble ◽  
Amy S Anderson ◽  
Jonathan Stieglitz ◽  
Hillard Kaplan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leukocyte Count ◽  
Total Leukocyte Count ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Differential Leukocyte Count ◽  
Ecological Conditions ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Immunological Changes ◽  
Fetal Antigens ◽  
Pathogen Exposure

Abstract Background and objectives Among placental mammals, females undergo immunological shifts during pregnancy to accommodate the fetus (i.e. fetal tolerance). Fetal tolerance has primarily been characterized within post-industrial populations experiencing evolutionarily novel conditions (e.g. reduced pathogen exposure), which may shape maternal response to fetal antigens. This study investigates how ecological conditions affect maternal immune status during pregnancy by comparing the direction and magnitude of immunological changes associated with each trimester among the Tsimane (a subsistence population subjected to high pathogen load) and women in the USA. Methodology Data from the Tsimane Health and Life History Project (N = 935) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 1395) were used to estimate population-specific effects of trimester on differential leukocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation. Results In both populations, pregnancy was associated with increased neutrophil prevalence, reduced lymphocyte and eosinophil count and elevated CRP. Compared to their US counterparts, pregnant Tsimane women exhibited elevated lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, fewer neutrophils and monocytes and lower CRP. Total leukocyte count remained high and unchanged among pregnant Tsimane women while pregnant US women exhibited substantially elevated counts, resulting in overlapping leukocyte prevalence among all third-trimester individuals. Conclusions and implications Our findings indicate that ecological conditions shape non-pregnant immune baselines and the magnitude of immunological shifts during pregnancy via developmental constraints and current trade-offs. Future research should investigate how such flexibility impacts maternal health and disease susceptibility, particularly the degree to which chronic pathogen exposure might dampen inflammatory response to fetal antigens. Lay Summary This study compares immunological changes associated with pregnancy between the Tsimane (an Amazonian subsistence population) and individuals in the USA. Results suggest that while pregnancy enhances non-specific defenses and dampens both antigen-specific immunity and parasite/allergy response, ecological conditions strongly influence immune baselines and the magnitude of shifts during gestation.

Low-Wage Women’s Experiences of Workplace Incivilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 193672442110147
Author(s):  
Katherine Tindell ◽  
Irene Padavic
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Bank Teller ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Service Representative ◽  
Research And Policy

Workplace incivility, also called bullying, mobbing, and harassment, is pervasive and takes a high toll on employees. This study draws on 18 in-depth interviews with women in the precarious, low-wage, service sector in jobs such as customer service representative, retail sales, food service, pharmacy technician, and bank teller. Women service workers are a particularly vulnerable group, and yet most research on workplace problems of this type focus on professional women’s experience. We find that in this sample, most incivilities came from supervisors, followed by customers and then coworkers. Among supervisors, women were the most common perpetrators, while customer and coworker perpetrators were largely men. The type of incivility varied depending on role: Disparagement was common on the part of supervisors and customers, while coworkers were far more likely to engage in sexual harassment, which was virtually nonexistent among supervisors. Consequences for targets of these incivilities included anxiety, which most had experienced, and income loss. We offer suggestions for future research and policy.

scholarly journals Public Administration and Governance for the SDGs: Navigating between Change and Stability

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5914
Author(s):  
Louis Meuleman
Keyword(s):  
Public Administration ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Governance Reform ◽  
Policy Coherence ◽  
Sector Reform ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Strategic Policy ◽  
Research And Policy

This article highlights four key reform challenges regarding the quality of public administration and governance (PAG), aimed at increasing ‘SDG-readiness’ at all levels of administration, in a nexus characterized by complexity, volatility, pluriformity and uncertainty. Based on others’ research into how EU Member States institutionalize the implementation of the SDGs, a critical review of SDG-governance approaches, as well as a review paper on the management of the SDGs, it is concluded that that four priority areas could guide research and policy development to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Firstly, to recognize that creating an effective public administration and governance is an important strategic policy area. Secondly, to begin with mission-oriented public administration and governance reform for SDG implementation, replacing the efficiency-driven public sector reform of the past decades. Thirdly, to apply culturally sensitive metagovernance to design, define and manage trade-offs and achieving synergies between SDGs and their targets. Fourthly, to start concerted efforts to improve policy coherence with a mindset beyond political, institutional, and mental ‘silos’.

scholarly journals Lipase Immobilization in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Biofuel Production

Catalysts ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 629
Author(s):  
Aniello Costantini ◽  
Valeria Califano
Keyword(s):  
Mesoporous Silica ◽  
Silica Nanoparticles ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Biofuel Production ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Lipase Immobilization ◽  
Wide Range

Lipases are ubiquitous enzymes whose physiological role is the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol into fatty acids. They are the most studied and industrially interesting enzymes, thanks to their versatility to promote a plethora of reactions on a wide range of substrates. In fact, depending on the reaction conditions, they can also catalyze synthesis reactions, such as esterification, acidolysis and transesterification. The latter is particularly important for biodiesel production. Biodiesel can be produced from animal fats or vegetable oils and is considered as a biodegradable, non-toxic and renewable energy source. The use of lipases as industrial catalysts is subordinated to their immobilization on insoluble supports, to allow multiple uses and use in continuous processes, but also to stabilize the enzyme, intrinsically prone to denaturation with consequent loss of activity. Among the materials that can be used for lipase immobilization, mesoporous silica nanoparticles represent a good choice due to the combination of thermal and mechanical stability with controlled textural characteristics. Moreover, the presence of abundant surface hydroxyl groups allows for easy chemical surface functionalization. This latter aspect has the main importance since lipases have a high affinity with hydrophobic supports. The objective of this work is to provide an overview of the recent progress of lipase immobilization in mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a focus on biodiesel production.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document