Search Results (1,190)

Inside the transmission group of an agricultural tractor, the efficiency of power transfer to moving parts, their lubrication, and protection from wear are guaranteed by UTTO (Universal Tractor Transmission Oil) fluids, which are also used to operate the hydraulic system. These fluids, with mineral or synthetic origin, are characterized by excellent lubricating properties, high toxicity, and low biodegradability, which makes it important to replace them with more eco-sustainable fluids, such as those based on vegetable oils that are highly biodegradable and have low toxicity. It is also important to consider EU policies on the use of such fluids in sensitive environmental applications. To this end, several experimental bio-UTTO formulations were tested at CREA to evaluate—compared to conventional fluids—their suitability for use as lubricants for transmissions and hydraulic systems through endurance tests carried out in a Fluid Test Rig (FTR) specifically developed by CREA to apply controlled and repeatable work cycles to small volumes of oil, which are characterized by high thermal and mechanical stresses. The technical performance and the main physical–chemical parameters of the fluids were continuously monitored during the work cycles. Based on these experiences, this study describes the first application of a methodological approach aimed at testing an experimental biobased UTTO on a tractor used in normal farm activity. The method was based on a former test at the FTR in which the performance of the bio-UTTO was compared to that of the conventional UTTO recommended by the tractor manufacturer. Given the good results of the FTR test, bio-UTTO was introduced in a 20-year-old medium-power tractor, replacing the mineral fluid originally supplied, for the first reliability tests during its normal use on the CREA farm. After almost 600 h of work, the technical performance and the trend of chemical–physical parameters of bio-UTTO did not undergo significant changes. No damage to the tractor materials or oil leaks was observed. The test is still ongoing, but according to the results, in line with the indications provided by the FTR test, the experimental bio-UTTO seems suitable for replacing the conventional fluid in the tractor used in this study. Full article

Oil consumption brings both energy security risks and environmental responsibilities. While traditional studies assign environmental responsibility primarily to oil producers, our research uncovers a geographical displacement of accountability: substantial oil volumes are embedded in traded goods and ultimately consumed in distant regions. Although China’s “dual control” policy regulates fossil energy use, it fails to account for the complexities of embodied oil flows. This oversight leads to imbalanced interregional responsibility allocation and resource exploitation issues. Adopting the “consumer pays” principle, this study makes methodological advances by innovatively combining multi-regional input–output (MRIO) modeling with geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) analysis. The integrated approach provides spatial–temporal resolution in tracking embodied oil flows and their drivers across China’s provinces. Key findings include (1) strong concentration of oil inflows in developed eastern and central provinces, alongside rapid growth in southwestern regions; (2) evolving temporal patterns where economic growth and distance remain persistent drivers, while green technology and urbanization emerge as growing mitigating factors; (3) spatially, northwestern regions rely heavily on external supplies due to economic growth and urbanization, southeastern areas face rising transport costs, while green technologies in coastal regions have yet to significantly curb inflows due to rebound effects. These insights provide a new analytical framework for energy policy, supporting region-specific solutions to balance development and sustainability from a consumption perspective. Full article

The production of microbial lipids through single-cell oil (SCO) technologies has gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative source of lipids for industrial applications. This development is driven by the limitations of plant-based oils, particularly their competition with food production and demand for arable land. Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus has been recognized as one of the most promising oleaginous microorganisms for efficient SCO production. To improve sustainability and economic viability, it is vital to understand the underlying metabolic mechanism of SCO production as well as needs and limitations in bioprocess engineering for the efficient utilization of carbon sources derived from diverse agricultural and industrial side streams. This review focuses on recent studies exploring the potential of SCO production through C. oleaginosus in a bioprocess context through the application of low-cost agro-industrial by-products as alternative carbon sources aiming to supply lipid raw materials for various industrial applications. C. oleaginosus can grow on different agro-industrial waste-derived substrates, including lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates, biodiesel production process side streams, chitin-based by-products, cheese whey permeates, fungal biomass hydrolysates and algal biomass hydrolysates. These substrates contain various carbon sources, such as glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, lactose, N-acetyl-glucosamine and glycerol, facilitating efficient SCO production. Additionally, the specific composition of SCO sourced from C. oleaginosus, including the presence of functional compounds like squalene and prevalent long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in its fatty acid profile, make it an ideal option to be used as a raw material in cosmetics, biofuel and food products. This comprehensive overview aims to shed light on the potential of C. oleaginosus in leveraging carbon source alternatives for sustainable SCO production for multifaceted, industrial applications of SCO. Full article

Hedeoma multiflora Benth. is an endangered aromatic and medicinal wild species native to Argentina, widely used in traditional medicine, whose cultivation represents a small and untapped sector within the agricultural industry. Current market supply relies on wild harvesting practices by rural communities, leading to population decline and genetic diversity loss through inappropriate extraction methods, including uprooting during suboptimal phenological stages. This study evaluated phenotypic and phytochemical variability in four populations of H. multiflora in the province of Córdoba to develop conservation strategies and cultivation protocols. Forty individuals were sampled from each population to analyze morphological, chemical, phenological, edaphological, and climatic variables. Significant differences were observed between populations: Tulumba had the tallest plants and largest leaves, while Bialet Massé had the highest number of internodes. Essential oil yield ranged from 1.01% to 2.10%, with Ongamira having the highest content. Phytochemical analysis revealed two chemotypes: pulegone-dominant (Bialet Massé and Río Cuarto) and menthone-dominant (Ongamira and Tulumba). Phenological patterns differed significantly, with Ongamira showing the greatest reproductive synchronization. Soil organic matter content significantly influenced morphological and chemical traits. The high variability among populations underscores the importance of preserving genetic diversity for domestication and conservation strategies. Full article

This study aimed to determine the net energy (NE) values of common energy-supplying nutrients, including starch, protein, and fat, to investigate their influence on energetic efficiency and NE partition patterns in growing pigs, and to develop prediction equations for the protein deposition (PD) and lipid deposition (LD) based on nutrient characteristics of ingredients. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, 36 growing barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, initial body weight = 28.1 ± 0.8 kg) were randomly allotted to six treatments, with six replicated pigs per treatment. The diets were formulated as follows: a corn–soybean meal basal diet (T1), and five experimental diets containing of 27% corn starch (T2), 27% tapioca starch (T3), 27% pea starch (T4), 5% soybean oil (T5), and 11.8% casein (T6), respectively. In Experiment 2, PD and LD data of 47 ingredients were collected. Subsequently, the nutrient characteristics of ingredients were used as input variables, and PD and LD were used as output variables to establish the prediction equations. Results exhibited that pigs fed the T2, T3, and T4 diets showed increased digestibility of gross energy (GE) and organic matter (OM) compared to those fed the T1 diet (p < 0.01). For various kind of starches, a greater efficiency of using metabolizable energy (ME) for net energy not deposited as protein (PD-free NE, efficiency denoted as kj) was observed when pigs were fed the T2 or T3 diets compared to the T4 diet. Moreover, the kj of soybean oil was 11% and 27% greater than that of starch and casein, respectively, while casein demonstrated 46% and 39% greater efficiency of using ME for PD (efficiency denoted as pj) compared to starch and soybean oil, respectively. Finally, the best-fitted prediction equations for PD and LD were PD = 364.36 − 18.44 × GE + 29.10 × CP − 3.79 × EE − 21.37 × ADF (R² = 0.96; RMSE = 105.15) and LD = −1503.50 + 21.58 × CP + 51.98 × EE + 26.30 × Starch + 26.81 × NDF − 23.87 × ADF (R² = 0.98; RMSE = 172.85), respectively. In summary, there are considerable differences in energetic efficiency and NE partition patterns among various nutrients. In addition, PD and LD can be predicted through nutrient characteristics of ingredients, presenting an innovative approach and methodological framework for the precision nutrition of pigs. Full article

The lubrication state of the feed system of a CNC machine tool will affect its positioning accuracy, repetition accuracy, and minimum movement amount. Insufficient or excessive lubrication will affect the accuracy. The primary objective of this study is to resolve issues related to the lubrication condition of the feed system, aiming to enhance its operational stability and accuracy. In this study, a measurement system based on images of Newton’s rings was developed. The relationship between the pattern of Newton’s rings and the oil film thickness was established based on the theoretical principle of Newton’s rings. Furthermore, fuzzy logic theory was applied to predict the oil film thickness. In the oil film thickness prediction model based on the radius of Newton’s rings, the average error is 6.5%. When the average feed rate increases by 2 m/min, the oil film thickness value decreases by 43%. Finally, the prediction model is compared with the results of an actual verification experiment. The trends in oil supply timing are consistent between the predicted and experimental results, and the relative error values are less than 10%. Therefore, this study solves the problem of insufficient or excessive oil supply in the feed system guideway, increasing the accuracy of CNC machine tools and contributing to green energy technology. Full article

Mapping the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), the globally leading oil-bearing crop and a crucial industrial commodity, is of vital importance for food security and raw material supply. However, existing remote sensing approaches for oil palm mapping present several methodological challenges including temporal resolution constraints, suboptimal feature parameterization, and limitations in age structure assessment. This study addresses these gaps by systematically optimizing temporal, spatial, and textural parameters for enhanced oil palm mapping and age structure analysis through integration of Landsat 4/5/7/8/9, Sentinel-2 multispectral, and Sentinel-1 radar data (LSMR). Analysis of oil palm distribution and dynamics in Malaysia revealed several key insights: (1) Methodological optimization: The integrated LSMR approach achieved 94% classification accuracy through optimal parameter configuration (3-month temporal interval, 3-pixel median filter, and 3 × 3 GLCM window), significantly outperforming conventional single-sensor approaches. (2) Age estimation capabilities: The adapted LandTrendr algorithm enabled precise estimation of the plantation establishment year with an RMSE of 1.14 years, effectively overcoming saturation effects that limit traditional regression-based methods. (3) Regional expansion patterns: West Malaysia exhibits continued plantation expansion, particularly in Johor and Pahang states, while East Malaysia shows significant contraction in Sarawak (3.34 × 10⁵ hectares decline from 2019–2023), with both regions now converging toward similar topographic preferences (100–120 m elevation, 6–7° slopes). (4) Age structure concerns: Analysis identified a critical “replanting gap” with 13.3% of plantations exceeding their 25-year optimal lifespan and declining proportions of young plantations (from 60% to 47%) over the past five years. These findings provide crucial insights for sustainable land management strategies, offering policymakers an evidence-based framework to balance economic productivity with environmental conservation while addressing the identified replanting gap in one of the world’s most important agricultural commodities. Full article

Oil and gas pipelines represent critical infrastructure for energy transportation and are essential for ensurin g energy security. The seismic disaster risk assessment of these pipelines is of paramount importance for safeguarding energy supplies. Traditional assessment methodologies primarily focus on the structural integrity of the pipeline body, often neglecting the impact of auxiliary structures and site-specific disaster effects. This study proposes an enhanced risk assessment methodology to address these gaps. This research systematically compiles seismic damage case studies of pipelines from major seismic zones in China. By considering the interactions between auxiliary structure types, site conditions, and forms of disasters, 15 typical operating conditions are identified, and a seismic damage case database is constructed. We develop a failure probability model that integrates geotechnical parameters, structural responses, and ground motion characteristics to assess the impact of liquefaction, site amplification, fault activity, and collapse/landslide phenomena. Utilizing Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) algorithms, this model quantifies the influence weights and coefficients of these disasters on pipeline auxiliary structures, forming a vulnerability matrix centered around Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). Additionally, a dual-vulnerability assessment framework is established, and a failure probability formula accounting for the superposition effects of multiple disasters is proposed. This study marks a significant advancement, transitioning from traditional single-pipeline evaluations to “structure-disaster-site” coupling analysis, and provides a scientific basis for pipeline seismic design, operation, and maintenance under specific environmental conditions. This work contributes to the development of quantitative and refined seismic risk assessments for oil and gas pipelines. Full article

This paper presents the results of a survey of the designed biological wastewater treatment facilities of an enterprise specializing in the production of rubber products. The aim of the study was to assess the efficiency of wastewater treatment systems under the conditions of a salvo discharge of industrial effluents that differ in composition from domestic wastewater. The analysis covered the parameters of water supply, water disposal, and wastewater characteristics at various stages of treatment. Three samples were taken: after washing the premises (WW1), at the inlet to the treatment facility (WW2), and at the outlet after treatment (WW3). Experimental assessment of the purification efficiency for key pollutants showed a high degree of removal of surfactants (91.2%), oil products (84.4%), and COD (63.4%). However, phosphorus–phosphate turned out to be significantly higher than the norm—2.32 mg/L with an acceptable level of 0.2 mg/L—which corresponds to an excess of 11.6 times. A low degree of ammonium nitrogen removal was also revealed—62%. Calculations showed a critically high ratio of COD/BOD5 = 5.1 with the recommended <2.6, which indicates a small share of biodegradable substances and the need to implement physical and chemical treatment methods. The absence of the characteristic smell of household wastewater and the presence of black inorganic sediment confirm the toxicity of emerging pollutants for activated sludge. It is concluded that the installed biological treatment system cannot cope with the salvo loads of industrial wastewater. Optimization measures are proposed: preliminary local treatment, dosed feed, and a separate treatment system. Full article

The rise in global supply chain pressure (GSCP) not only disturbs global sustainable development but also affects commodity prices. In this study, taking crude oil as an example, we use data from 1998 to 2024 and employ a structural VAR model to explore this effect. The empirical findings reveal that after a positive GSCP shock, crude oil prices rose immediately before the outbreak of global trade tensions in 2018. After 2018, however, prices decreased initially and then increased again about two months later. This response heterogeneity is primarily related to differences in the key drivers of GSCP between two periods. Full article

The Yangtze River Basin serves as the primary rapeseed-producing region in China, accounting for over 80% of the national output, yet it is severely impacted by waterlogging, resulting in yield reductions of 17–42.4%. This study investigated the effects of pelleting treatments on growth and waterlogging resistance in Brassica napus varieties Xiangzayou 787 and Fanmingyoutai. Conventional pelleting agents were augmented with waterlogging resistance agents, surfactants, and amino acids as growth-promoting reagents. The results demonstrated that melatonin at $5.0\times {10}^{-5}$ mol/L significantly enhanced rapeseed growth and stress resistance. Specifically, for Xiangzayou 787, root fresh weight increased by 16.9% and stem diameter by 30.6%; for Fanmingyoutai, stem diameter increased by 16.9% and leaf length by 12.3%. The freezing injury index decreased by 90.9% for Xiangzayou 787 and 50% for Fanmingyoutai. The waterlogging injury index was reduced by 43.5% for Xiangzayou 787 and 30.4% for Fanmingyoutai, with stem diameter increasing by 30.6% and 16.5% in the respective varieties. The disease index decreased by 63.2% for Xiangzayou 787 (incidence reduced to 20.5%) and up to 57.1% for Fanmingyoutai (incidence reduced to 23.3%). Under this treatment, soluble protein content in Fanmingyoutai reached 20.37%, representing a 20.37% increase relative to the control. Peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities exceeded control levels, exhibiting an initial rise followed by a decline; malondialdehyde (MDA) content gradually increased; catalase (CAT) activity and soluble protein content showed an initial increase then decrease. The increase in relative electrical conductivity was reduced by 20.8% for Xiangzayou 787 and 17.3% for Fanmingyoutai. Yield per plant increased by 10.2% for Xiangzayou 787 and 35.6% for Fanmingyoutai. The newly developed pelleting formulation integrates waterlogging resistance agents, surfactants, and amino acids, unlike traditional agents, and proves effective for both hybrid and conventional rapeseed varieties. It enhances waterlogging resistance, promotes growth, improves disease resistance, and elevates seed quality while being cost-effective and simple for production and field application. This approach significantly boosts yield and supports productivity enhancement in southern rice fields, thereby improving rapeseed output and oil supply. Full article

Amidst global climate change, carbon emissions across the edible vegetable oil supply chain are critical for sustainable development. This paper systematically reviews the existing literature, employing life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze key factors influencing carbon footprints at stages including cultivation, processing, and transportation. It reveals the differential impacts of fertilizer application, energy structures, and regional policies. Unlike previous reviews that focus on single crops or regions, this study uniquely integrates global data across major edible oils, identifying three critical gaps: methodological inconsistency (60% of studies deviate from the requirements and guidelines for LCA); data imbalance (80% concentrated on soybean/rapeseed); weak policy-technical linkage. Key findings: fertilizer emissions dominate cultivation (40–60% of total footprint), while renewable energy substitution in processing reduces emissions by 35%. Future efforts should prioritize multidisciplinary integration, enhanced data infrastructure, and policy scenario analysis to provide scientific insights for the low-carbon transformation of the global edible oil industry. Full article

For a long time, the explanation of the various determinants of oil price fluctuations and their impact on economic activity has been based on the supply and demand mechanism. However, with various volatile changes in the international situation in recent years, such as threats to public health and an increase in regional conflicts, special attention has been paid to the geopolitical context as an additional driver of oil price fluctuations. This study examines the relationship between oil price changes and GDP growth and other macroeconomic variables from the perspective of the vulnerability of oil-importing and oil-exporting countries to unexpected oil price shocks, driven by tense geopolitical events, in three European countries (Norway, Germany, and Poland). We apply the Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) model and orthogonalized impulse response functions, based on quarterly data, in regard to two samples: the first spans 1995Q1–2019Q4 (pre-2020 sample), with relatively gradual changes in oil prices, and the second spans 1995Q1–2024Q2 (whole sample), with sudden fluctuations in oil prices due to geopolitical developments. A key finding of this research is that vulnerability to unpredictable oil price shocks related to geopolitical tensions is higher than in regard to expected gradual changes in oil prices, both in oil-importing and oil-exporting countries. Different causality patterns and stronger responses in regard to GDP growth during the period, including in regard to tense geopolitical events in comparison to the pre-2020 sample, lead to the belief that economies are not more resilient to oil price shocks as has been suggested by some studies, which referred to periods that were not driven by geopolitical events. Our research also suggests that countries implementing policies to reduce oil dependency and promote investment in alternative energy sources are better equipped to mitigate the adverse effects of oil price shocks. Full article

This study presents a detailed experimental comparison of the rotordynamic and thermal performance of automotive turbochargers supported by two distinct hydrodynamic bearing configurations: fully floating ring bearings (FFRBs) and semi-floating ring bearings (SFRBs). While both designs are widely used in commercial turbochargers, they exhibit significantly different dynamic behaviors due to differences in ring motion and fluid film interaction. A cold air-driven test rig was employed to assess vibration and temperature characteristics across a range of controlled lubricant conditions. The test matrix included oil supply pressures from 2 bar (g) to 4 bar (g) and temperatures between 30 °C and 70 °C. Rotor speeds reached up to 200 krpm (thousands of revolutions per minute), and data were collected using a high-speed data acquisition system, triaxial accelerometers, and infrared (IR) thermal imaging. Rotor vibration was characterized through waterfall and Bode plots, while jump speeds and thermal profiles were analyzed to evaluate the onset and severity of instability. The results demonstrate that the FFRB configuration is highly sensitive to oil supply parameters, exhibiting strong subsynchronous instabilities and hysteresis during acceleration–deceleration cycles. In contrast, the SFRB configuration consistently provided superior vibrational stability and reduced sensitivity to lubricant conditions. Changes in lubricant supply conditions induced a jump speed variation in floating ring bearing (FRB) turbochargers that was approximately 3.47 times larger than that experienced by semi-floating ring bearing (SFRB) turbochargers. Furthermore, IR images and oil outlet temperature data confirm that the FFRB system experiences greater heat generation and thermal gradients, consistent with higher energy dissipation through viscous shear. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of both bearing types under realistic high-speed conditions and highlights the advantages of the SFRB configuration in improving turbocharger reliability, thermal performance, and noise suppression. The findings support the application of SFRBs in high-performance automotive systems where mechanical stability and reduced frictional losses are critical. Full article

Cities serve as the primary arenas for achieving the strategic objectives of “carbon peak and carbon neutrality”. This study employed the LMDI method to systematically analyze the evolution trend of energy-related carbon emissions in Hong Kong and their influencing factors from 1980 to 2023. The main findings are as follows: (1) Hong Kong’s energy consumption structure remains dominated by coal and oil. Influenced by energy prices, significant shifts in this structure occurred across different periods. Imported electricity from mainland China, in particular, has exerted a promoting effect on the optimization of its energy consumption mix. (2) Economic output and population concentration are the primary drivers of increased carbon emissions. However, the contribution of economic growth to carbon emissions has gradually weakened in recent years due to a lack of new growth drivers. (3) Energy consumption intensity, energy consumption structure, and carbon intensity are the primary influencing factors in curbing carbon emissions. Among these, the carbon reduction impact of energy consumption intensity is the most significant. Hong Kong should continue to adopt a robust strategy for controlling total energy consumption to effectively mitigate carbon emissions. Additionally, it should remain vigilant regarding the potential implications of future energy price fluctuations. It is also essential to sustain cross-border energy cooperation, primarily based on electricity imports from the Pearl River Delta, while simultaneously expanding international and domestic supply channels for natural gas. Full article